So not long now till the school summer holidays and as we all know, it can be a mixed time of fun and happiness and some challenges, as everyday routines go out of the window! It’s our goal to have you covered with lots of interesting daily activities which you can find in our ‘Where to visit’ article on pages 18 to 20 and in our ‘What’s on’ guide on pages 21 and 22. We have also popped some holiday camps options in too if you need a break or to cover work and you’ll find those on page 17.
We also bring to you a raft of parenting articles including ‘Preparing to start or change school’ on page 6, ‘Cultural capital’ on page 8 and ‘Continuity of learning during the summer break’ on page 10. Also, look out for two articles which focus on additional needs; 'Making the most of summer for children with SEN' on page 15 and 'Helping your child understand their ADHD diagnosis' on page 23.
Wishing you a fabulous summer,
Summer holidays at Jump In Adventure and Trampoline Park Slough
The perfect day out for the whole family, come rain or shine! Bouncers of all ages can defy gravity on the wall-to-wall trampolines, practice their tricks into the giant airbag, or challenge their friends on the battle beam and wipeout zone.
For the little ones, the Toddler Takeover sessions provide a safe and enjoyable environment for ages 1-6. Kids aged 4+ can jump to their hearts’ content during Open Jump sessions or enjoy a cool nightclub atmosphere at their weekend Sunset Sessions. Jump In and save with a Jump In Summer Pass! Five 60-minute Open Jump sessions for the bargain Early Bird price of £39 (£45 RRP). Plus, the birthday child of any party booked in June, July or August will get a Summer Pass completely free!
Holiday clubs are also available.
www.gojumpin.com/trampoline-park-slough
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Playdate for children part of Henley Festival
Henley Festival takes place July 10-14 this year. The main show presents world-class music, comedy, art and sculpture, dining, dancing and jaw-dropping fireworks on the stunning Thames riverside and this year’s headliners include Nicole Scherzinger, Sam Ryder, Nigel Kennedy and Gladys Knight’s final ever performance.
In addition to this, the festival hosts an action-packed family day on Sunday 14 July to entertain little ones of every age and stage. The perfect family day out, Henley Festival’s Playdate 2024 offers an unmissable day of activities and performances including Jonny Awsum’s award-winning musical comedy show; Marcel Lucont’s wild interactive gameshow; Darryl Carrington’s incredible performance of everything from traditional circus skills to modern technology; Professor Twistopher’s traditional Punch and Judy; time-travelling magician Professor Strange performing mind-blowing magic and lively circus tricks on his giant tricycle; the Amazing Balloon Lady making brilliant balloon models; the juggling, dancing and entertaining duo Pemberton and Hague; international circus performer Thomas Trilby, a live Doodle Jam session with Tommy Gurr and much more. If you’re quick, you may still secure a ticket for this year. If not, it really is a beautiful festival to put on your radar for next year. www.henley-festival.co.uk/tickets
Museum has a peachy time ready for visitors this summer
Visitors to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden are in for a peachy time this summer as the leisure attraction gears up to celebrate one of Roald Dahl’s best-loved books, James and the Giant Peach (Sat July 20–Sun Sep 1).
The visitor attraction, set over two floors and featuring artefacts including Dahl’s original writing hut, has a host of activities lined up to keep families entertained Tuesdays – Sundays throughout the school summer holidays. Younger visitors can look forward to some hands-on workshops inspired by the book including science experiments, making an insect home and creating miniature gardens. There will also be daily storytelling, a themed trail around the museum and a craft room where little ones can get stuck into making their very own Cloud-Men, as featured in the book.
www.roalddahlmuseum.org
WIN a family day ticket to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden are offering one lucky reader a family day pass (2 adults and 2 children) valid for 12 months. To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous family prize, simply answer the following question: What is the name of the book which the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is celebrating this summer?
Please email your answer to editor@familiestveast.co.uk quoting ‘Roald Dahl Museum’. The closing date for entry is 30 August. T&C apply - see https://bit.ly/3XeH6Ka
The Children’s Shoe Company’s Top Tips For Fitting School Shoes
Children’s feet are continually growing, so it’s essential to have them professionally measured every 12-16 weeks.
You can check the fit of your child’s current shoes by checking the imprint of toes on the insole of the shoe - there should always be a gap between the imprint and the front of the insole.
Worried your child’s shoes aren't fitting correctly? Look out for blisters or rubbing and how your child behaves when putting on shoes - is there reluctance? Or perhaps they’re refusing to wear socks? These signs could indicate your child needs a professional shoe fitting.
It’s essential that next term’s school shoes have a supportive heel cup. This is to prevent pain and postural problems - if the heel is leaning to one side or the other, it’s time to look at new shoes.
Whether it’s velcro, laces of strap fastenings, it’s important that shoes are securely fastened to prevent scrunching toes! Look for shoes with a supportive instep (a small bump inside the shoe where the arch of the foot sits).
Materials matter, so try to find shoes crafted in breathable and water-resistant materials (such as leather or waterproof membranes) to help avert smelly feet and potential fungal infections.
Attending a professional fitting? Bring socks and remember that wearing socks with shoes will help prevent damage to your children’s feet (often caused by friction).
The Children’s Shoe Company is located in Marlow www.thechildrensshoecompany.co.uk
Realising potential through Performing Arts
When Pauline Quirke MBE and her husband Steve opened the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts in 2007, they aimed to help young people realise their full potential through a diverse spectrum of performing arts. With over 200 academies today, this ethos remains central at PQA every weekend.
“All our students have something unique to offer, and we aim to bring out the best in each of them. From the moment your child steps through our doors, we teach performing arts skills that boost confidence and creativity in a warm, welcoming environment”.
Confidence Boosting
Building confidence and developing performance skills are key reasons children join PQA. Learning and practicing performing arts in a safe, encouraging environment helps young people build self-belief. Whether it’s practicing routines or performing in front of peers, family, and friends, our students learn to try new things. We support and nurture them, allowing their confidence to blossom naturally.
During their time with PQA, students have opportunities to perform in showcases, local performances, and even in London’s West End. It’s amazing to see our students experience the thrill of performing, knowing they’ve built the skills to achieve great things on and off the stage.
An Outlet for Creativity
Creativity positively impacts mental health in many ways. It can help refocus thoughts away from worries, express oneself, release endorphins, boost self-esteem, and connect with others. Whether learning a dance routine, acting in a play, or pitching a film idea, our students use their imaginations and express themselves, fostering faith in their capabilities.
Their Film & Television module uniquely nurtures creativity. Students learn all aspects of filmmaking, from casting and script work to directing and operating cameras and sound equipment, as well as acting for the screen.
Connecting with Others
Few industries rely on teamwork as much as the performing arts. Students learn to work within a group and interact respectfully. Sharing a common goal and working collectively provides a beneficial experience. Rehearsing, performing, or filming allows young people to connect with peers who share the same passions. By working together, students form strong bonds, deepen empathy, and develop compassion for the world around them.
“At PQA, we believe performing arts can positively impact future generations. By nurturing these skills, young people benefit in all walks of life and into adulthood. We’d love to welcome your child to learn and grow with us”.
www.pqacademy.com
Preparing to start or change school
By Gail Hugman
Starting or changing school can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking business, not only for parents but also for children who pick up on the vibe at home. With planning, you can feel more confident in the way you support and celebrate your child’s milestones and transitions as they occur.
Getting your child ready to start school
Be sure to read the information pack provided by school. Teach your child to dress in their school clothes as independently as possible.
Show your child how to use cutlery for school lunches; or packed lunch boxes and wrappers.
Practise listening skills by giving instructions and asking your child to repeat them back to you.
Have fun with activities that practise fine motor skills, such as tracing or threading beads.
Explain that school is the place they will learn skills such as reading and writing, to help them in life. And make new friends to play with!
Let them know their teacher will be excited to meet them and is hoping they are kind and friendly as well. This helps your child to be more relaxed.
If your child is a little anxious, it can help to remind them where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing while they’re at school. Tell them you’ll be thinking about them and looking forward to seeing them at the end of the day.
Moving to secondary
Moving to secondary school is another big transition that many children look forward to but can find a little overwhelming when it happens. In the weeks leading up to the new term:
Remind them that no one expects them to be perfect. If they get lost during the first week, all they need to do is ask for help! Talk about what is likely to be expected of them and remind them you’re still available for help and support at home. This reassures their brain and helps their confidence.
Tell them that if they’re not sure of something, asking questions is okay, providing they’re polite.
Explain that it’s fine to feel excited and a little bit anxious. Ask them if there’s anything they’re worried about. Aim to suggest reassuring and practical solutions to even their smallest worries, which are quite normal when starting a new phase.
Finally, relax! Your child will feel more confident if you are proud of who they are and delighted with the progress they are making.
Returning to school
It helps to prepare for returning to school after the long summer holidays.
A week before school starts in September, tell your child it’s time to get their brain ready to learn again, which means getting used to school bedtimes! It also usually means getting up earlier than in the holiday. Start to limit screen time that can distract their brain and make concentration at school more difficult. Put together a homework kit and decide when and where homework will be done (allowing for after school clubs).
Getting organised and putting a few things in place before the new school year will make for an easier start in September!
Gail Hugman is proprietor of Lessons Alive (www.lessonsalive. com) and author of A Short and Simple Book for the Why’s, 100 Things to Learn before you’re 10, plus the recently published Making the Pennies Drop, which shows parents exactly how to teach key skills to children.
Homework preparation
Planning for homework before school starts helps set expectations. First, decide where the homework will be done and ask your child what they think would help them to be organised.
Prepare a homework kit in a box or drawer. This can save valuable minutes in a busy evening. It helps your child focus on their assignments rather than spend time searching for a pencil! Work on it together and put them in charge of making a checklist. Ask them to make sure everything goes back when they’ve finished and let you know if things wear out or get lost and need to be replaced.
Older children may be given a small budget for essential equipment which encourages responsibility and organisation.
Useful items include: a timer – helps brains to stay focused; pen; pencils; colouring pencils; eraser; pencil sharpener; ruler; dictionary; glue stick; scissors; protractor; Post-its; paper; counters; spelling practice sheets; dice; string; hole punch; paper clips; plastic pockets for work; stress or juggling balls; craft materials; water; background calming music (optional!)
Our fun-filled holiday camps at Claires Court are run by fully trained and experienced staff from the safe confines of our Juniors site, the perfect leafy and spacious setting for fun and adventure.
Archery, den building, sports, arts and crafts and kayaking all available from £38* a day. Open to all children from Year 1 to Year 8 with some activities age dependent.
*Prices range per activity Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House is a thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys and girls aged 2-11 years.
With high academic standards, high calibre staff and excellent pastoral care, Upton House children blossom and have a zest for life, continually learning and developing their abilities, interests and talents. We pride ourselves on developing confident and happy children with a love of learning.
Upton House School
Based in the heart of Windsor, Upton House is a thriving Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School for boys and girls aged 2-11 years.
a zest for life, continually learning and developing their abilities, interests and talents. We believe that self-esteem and happiness are paramount to each child’s success, and we pride ourselves on developing confident and happy children with a love of learning.
Our enhanced curriculum is rich with
With high academic standards, high calibre staff and excellent pastoral care, Upton House children blossom and have a zest for life,
01753 862610 or email registrar@uptonhouse.org.uk
Cultural capital: what it is and why it matters
By Erin Miller
The term ‘cultural capital’ entered the social consciousness in 1979, when Pierre Bourdieu introduced the concept in his book Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste. Broadly speaking, it refers to the knowledge, skills and experiences that are valued by a society.
It is thought that those who gain and harness this type of knowledge are more likely to have a social advantage. Take a child who is regularly taken to libraries, museums and sports games, with further cross-cultural experiences through travel. It completely follows that this child is likely to excel further in their education and enjoy more social mobility than a child who is not offered these experiences.
Cultural capital is sometimes thought of as the background knowledge to understanding a culture. For example, a passage in your child’s English test might mention that food has been ‘sautéed.’ A child who has had the benefit of eating in restaurants using this descriptor may well understand the term, whereas another child who has not had these experiences will not. This gives the first child a reading advantage.
Latin words are another obvious example. A child who has had some training in Latin might come to automatically understand Latin phrases in our everyday lives eg the Invictus Games or phrases such as ‘quid pro quo.’
Now don’t worry, I’m really not about to suggest that you start taking your child to Michelin starred restaurants and enrol
them in an immersive Latin course this summer! However, it is valuable to think about how you can equip your child with the type of knowledge, skills and experiences that can help them both in school (reading especially) and in their life beyond. In fact, research has proven that background knowledge compensates for a weaker reading ability, so any opportunities to bolster your child’s background knowledge are beneficial.
Some people are concerned that attempts to teach cultural capitalism might lead to expressions of cultural elitism and it is certainly a reasonable concern. However, providing broad based knowledge and experiences are not exclusive to a single culture and your child should certainly not be getting the impression that one culture is superior to another.
In conclusion, it is definitely worth considering how to support your child’s background knowledge, in the form of cultural capital.
Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
Summer experiences that build cultural capital
The summer holidays give you time to line up some culturally rich activities for your kids. It’s great to capitalise on your local area and look for low-cost activities.
Check out whether your nearest museums are hosting events for children over summer. Why not visit the museum anyway to soak up some local history? We often take local places of historical significance or interest for granted but this summer you could spend longer there and seek to learn a bit more together.
Local libraries may also be running events for kids over the summer. Or deep dive into one of your child’s interests and borrow a stack of non-fiction books on the subject. Galleries and exhibitions may also be popping up in your local area: have a look at what’s on in July and August.
Cultural capital is not and should not be limited to a single culture, so do try to go beyond British culture. Are there any local opportunities to experience forms of art from other cultures?
child is lefthanded, should I be worried?
By Usha Patel
Recently at a new student screening appointment, a mother disclosed that her child writes with her left hand and uses the computer mouse and scissors with her right hand. These were the only anomalies for her left-handed daughter. It made me consider how parents might feel perplexed about navigating this world of mixed dominance.
Can children use both hands? Does it matter?
We should not alter how a child develops their hand preference. However, as a guideline, they should be discouraged from using both hands for the same activity. So, writing with one hand and using scissors and a computer mouse with the other is acceptable. But they should NOT switch between hands and become confused beyond year two (age seven) of school.
We inhabit a right-hand dominant world, in which those with a dominant left hand are at a distinct disadvantage. While upper body strength should be equal, fine motor skills are specialised.
Children need both hands equally when hanging off monkey bars or rock climbing. If one arm was significantly stronger than the other, they would risk losing grip and falling.
As adults, we adapt to using both hands for fine motor activities such as typing or holding a phone to our ear and writing with the other hand. But children need to master writing with one hand before making such adaptations.
What happens if my child is left-handed?
Accept that this is their hand of preference. Understand that a left-handed person would typically draw shapes anticlockwise and a right-handed person clockwise. The dominant hand leads the direction. The left-handed person wants to move left and the right, to the right.
Remind your child by placing the equipment, ie pencil, paintbrush or scissors, in the preferred hand. If they don’t have a single-hand preference, you need to guide them to what they prefer because the choices are difficult and very confusing.
Anchoring directionality
Regardless of which hand your child uses, it would be best if you anchored directionality. This helps them to understand their right from their left with ease. Here are some shortcuts you can try. Put a red (R) thread on a child’s hand if they write with their right hand and a lemon (L) colour thread on the left if they write with their left hand. This way, they can remind themselves of their own dominant writing hand. Importantly they can recognise and say which hand is which.
There are specially printed table mats to help children place their cutlery correctly and help them learn which to use for a knife and fork.
Draw an infinity sign (the number eight drawn on its side) on a whiteboard or piece of paper and have them trace it, working towards drawing it themselves. Drawing/tracing the infinity shape helps children navigate from left to right and cross the middle line.
Once a child can anchor left and right by themselves, they have the skills to talk about navigating themselves spatially. They can understand the instructions the bathroom is on the right; the kitchen is on the left. This is so very important not just for spatial orientation but for understanding prepositions.
Before a child can understand left, right, top, bottom, they must experience it in their own bodies.
Usha Patel is a Neurocognitive Therapist with more than eighteen years’ experience. She works with diagnosed and undiagnosed children. More info at www.ravivpracticelondon. co.uk
Continuity of learning during the summer break
By Zuzu Jordan
School summer holidays offer families a chance to spend time together and get some much deserved respite. However, no one wants learning to seep away or become stagnant.
‘Brushing away the cobwebs’ after the summer holidays can take some time in September; indeed, children can be mistaken as having regressed. We all want our children to hit the ground running as soon as they return. Happily, this is achievable in the lead up to the new school year. Try some of these techniques to help with learning continuity:
Expanding children’s vocabulary is incredibly important to their writing and reading comprehension. When on holiday or just going on day trips, think about the new words you are exposing them to. Equally, playing games at home such as Scrabble and Heads Up can be educational.
Make sure books are a part of every day. Whenever you read to your child or let them listen to an audio book they form the sense of a beginning, middle and end of a story. Sign up for the free Summer Reading Challenge at your local library which rewards children for their efforts. Make time to chat about what your children are reading; it will raise their engagement and comprehension levels.
Utilise educational apps to help children practise skills and enhance their learning.
Practise literacy skills by writing a post card on holiday, emails or even letters to friends and family, journaling, blogging and
entering writing competitions.
Set projects such as raising awareness on environmental issues or charity fundraising. This can encompass a range of skills including literacy and numeracy.
Teach skills that help your child to navigate through life. For example: touch typing, reading bus or train timetables, cooking a meal, map reading, planning an event, packing for a trip and First Aid.
Physical activities are essential and more appealing in the summer when the weather is kinder to us. Set goals like learning to ride a bike or swimming a length of a pool.
Relaxing on routines is important but remember that routines in the weeks leading up to returning to school help with the transition in going back.
Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find her on Instagram at edumate_uk
Goal setting
Goal setting is essential in giving your child direction and motivation. Setting meaningful goals can raise self-esteem, encourage developmental growth and aid in giving them a deeper belief in themselves. The more you involve your child in the actual setting of the goals, the more invested they will be.
All goals must be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time based. For example: learn a specific times table by the end of the month.
Not all goals need to be academic; some can be physical or relating to a life skill. For example, being able to tie their own shoe laces or learning to ride a bike. Creating SMART targets will help you direct your support and resources, giving you a clear roadmap for success.
Discuss what challenges they may face and what strategies they will need to draw upon to overcome them. You can break down the goals into smaller steps so they feel manageable. Don’t forget when a goal is achieved, it is important to celebrate and reflect on the process.
This month at Families, Rachel Bailey talks to Tom Percival whose latest novel The Wrong Shoes published in hardback in May, with a donation from every copy sold going to the National Literacy Trust.
Ruby Finds a Worry became an important book in our house post covid when my children were struggling with anxieties and I think books can be great conversation starters. How important do you think reading is and was reading a big part of your childhood?
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of reading. You want to understand yourself better? Reading helps. You want to develop your intelligence and critical thinking? Reading helps. You want to develop empathy? Reading helps. I’m sure you get the idea!
in the town that I lived in, classes and workshops were put on at subsidised rates, so these things were more accessible, even to families with less money. The situation now is much worse. Support has been eroded and children from financially insecure families run the risk of sinking under the weight of the pressures that they face. The fact that foodbanks need to exist is a clear indicator that poverty is a lasting problem that requires a concerted, top-down, cross-party commitment to resolve.
from every sale of The Wrong Shoes goes to supporting their reading hubs in areas of severe deprivation and I’m running free events at some of these hubs this year. My publisher, Simon & Schuster, is also donating a huge range of books to the hubs to suit all ages and reading tastes.
As well as writing and illustrating your own stories, you’ve illustrated books for other authors including the covers for the Skulduggery Pleasant series. Which do you prefer – writing or illustrating?
Reading was a HUGE part of my childhood. I read a lot of books from my local library, my Mum read a lot of books to me, I talked about books with my friends and imagined more scenarios for my favourite characters. To be honest, I kind of imagined that Will Stanton (From Susan Cooper’s The Dark Is Rising) was friends with me!
A few years ago, I read a document called ‘We Can Solve Poverty’ by a charity called The Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which outlined the steps that need to be taken to change this situation and made it clear that with sufficient will (and crucially, financial investment) it CAN be done. That document was another part of what inspired me to write this book.
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At the moment, I’d have to say writing. I just love the way that you can have a whole world exist purely inside your head as you write a book.
The Wrong Shoes is available in hardback priced £12.99.
*Research commissioned by the National Literacy Trust. Book ownership in 2023
Your latest novel explores the pressure put on children living in a family that is under financial strain. Like your Big Bright Feelings series, the message is an important one. What inspired you to write Will’s story?
It’s a shocking statistic that almost a million children in the UK don’t own a book of their own.* The National Literacy Trust is a fantastic charity that is doing its best to change that. How are you involved with the trust?
Please CHECK ALL INFORMATION IS CORRECT especially dates, telephone numbers and addresses
Thames Valley East
Families have two copies of Tom’s new book to giveaway!
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My family didn’t have much money growing up and we lived in a caravan for years, so I grew up with a clear understanding of how the shape of a child’s life can be governed by their family’s financial circumstances. Will’s story is a contemporary one that focuses on the situation facing millions of children in the UK right now.
In the 1980’s and 90’s there was just a LOT more support. I received a grant to go to university, there was a robust and supportive youth-care provision
I’ve been involved with the NLT for years; it started off with their Premier League Reading Stars programme. Although my own football skills are DECIDEDLY lacking and I probably should have been assigned to their ‘Sunday League, Pub-Team Reading Stars’ scheme. What I love about the NLT is that they are a hugely proactive organisation and actively seek out areas with large numbers of premature births so they can do intervention work to help these toddlers improve their verbal communication skills, leading to improved literacy as they grow older and therefore improved outcomes. I’m incredibly proud to partner with them. £1
We are an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding ’ nursery providing high quality day care for children from three months to five years. Set within bright, modern Windsor Leisure Centre, our setting includes a large toddler room, pre-school room, a new snuggly baby room, and spacious outdoor garden.
For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question below and email your answer to: editor@familiestveast.co.uk
What is the title of Tom’s new book?
A The Wrong Shoes
B One Left Shoe
C The Red Shoes
Closing date for entries is 1 Sept 2024.
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We CAN save the planet
By James Campbell
Most of us want to live in a way that’s kinder to the planet, kids especially. While researching my climate-change book for children, I met absolute piles of students in primary school assemblies. Lots of them were worried about climate change but unsure how to turn that eco-anxiety into eco-action.
Thankfully, there is a lot we can do - right now. The summer holidays are a great time to develop planet-saving habits for the rest of the year. Or for a lifetime, if you stick at it! Try these:
Write to someone in power
You’re never too young to have your voice heard. Suggest your kids write to your MP about their climate concerns, urging them to get involved with key issues which worry your child. Local MPs will hopefully respond - particularly if your child argues their case without being rude or including photos of them with devil horns drawn on them!
Shop sustainably
Fast fashion is an ecological nightmare. A brand new pair of jeans takes 1,800 gallons of water to make; equivalent to four months’ worth of baths for one child! If your kids need summer clothes, head to charity shops, second-hand clothes fairs or swap with other parents. Find unique clothes and feel satisfied that no resources were used in your purchases.
A letter for the future
Make a game-plan for positive environmental action. Ask your child to write a letter to their future selves about how the world is now, how they’d like it to be and the impact they plan to make.
Try some new planet-friendly meals
Animal farming is a massive contributor to carbon emissions. So, recruit your kids as your kitchen helpers. Pick out and cook as many plant-based recipes as possible as a team. Make it an adventure for the whole family, exploring new flavours and turning leftovers into new dishes. Wasting food also wastes the resources that went into growing and transporting it.
Rethink your toilet situation
Our sewage systems are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of waste we produce. Much of it gets flushed into rivers, where it causes algal blooms and chokes ecosystems. One solution is to cut down on our loo-flushing. Get your family to subscribe to ‘If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.’ Better yet, read up on ‘humanure’ and join the movement!
Start composting
When food waste is packed in plastic and sent to landfill, it doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to rot properly, generating huge amounts of methane. By starting up a compost heap together you can turn your vegetable peelings, eggshells, dead leaves and grass clippings into lovely soil instead.
Windowsill herb garden
Industrial farming and foodshipping both take a huge toll on the environment. We can all be a little more sustainable by growing food at home. Start small this summer with an indoor herb garden. Plants like basil, coriander, mint, parsley, thyme and rosemary thrive on sunny windowsills and are easy for kids to grow.
Plan a green summer getaway
How about holidaying as sustainably as possible? Taking public transport to your destination as opposed to flying is a start. Once there, choose to walk or bike everywhere. Seek out sustainable places to stay, like B & Bs or campsites. Opt for restaurants specialising in locally-sourced, not-shipped-overfrom-halfway-across-the-world ingredients. Pack plastic-free sunscreen. Whatever you do, see if there’s an eco-friendlier way!
James Campbell is author of Don’t Panic, We CAN Save The Planet (available from www.bookshop.org), a hilarious, lighthearted look at the problems facing planet Earth, perfect for educating and comforting children who are worried about climate change.
Making the most of summer for children with SEN
By Sarah Billingham
We can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to create picture perfect, memory-making summer holidays for our children. In reality, it can be a real struggle to meet our SEN children’s needs throughout the holidays.
The school holidays bring a lot of change to the usual routine which can be unsettling for children with SEN. It is important to create a sense of predictability and structure so that your child is able to relax and enjoy the fun activities you have planned and you both enjoy the summer break. Try these tips for a calmer and fun summer:
Start by talking about what will stay the same so that your child is reassured by the familiar. Emphasise the constants that will remain in place such as having their usual breakfast cereal, access to favourite toys and the comfort of more time with you. Preserve some of your regular routine to provide anchors such as maintaining the morning and bedtime routines.
Use visual aids to help your child to see what is coming up. A weekly visual calendar can work well, particularly when it is simple and repetitive, incorporating daily routines and special activities. Create the calendar together, giving your child some choices about which meals and activities to include, building a sense of ownership.
Sometimes less is more. We can fall into the trap of over scheduling and trying to pack in lots of new and fun experiences for our children but this can lead to overwhelm.
SEN-friendly days out
Day trips are a wonderful way to open up our children’s learning and life experiences. With pre-planning and a few resources, you can make the outings more accessible and enjoyable.
Apply for an Access Card. The card acts as a form of ID and uses symbols to easily communicate the support that may be needed. The card often highlights the need for an essential companion/carer and a number of attractions accept these cards and provide a free carer’s ticket.
Get a sunflower lanyard. These lanyards are intended to indicate to staff at airports and attractions that there is a hidden disability or SEN so that they can allow more time and space for your group or offer assistance, such as reduced queuing where they can. The lanyards are getting increased recognition by the wider public too.
Many theatres offer relaxed performances where shows are adapted to provide an easier environment for those with additional needs. Similarly, a number of museums have designated quieter sessions.
Plan regular pit stops and sensory breaks. Plan regular opportunities for your child to have calm chill-out time. Outdoor time, solitary play, time in a cosy den, sensory play or even an extended, relaxing bath can really help your child to reset.
Prioritise connection. When your child feels connected to you, this helps them to feel ready to try new things.
Remember that you set the climate. School holidays can be exhausting for parents. Set realistic expectations for yourself, plan decompression time and maintain your self-care routines to allow you to recharge. Embrace the imperfections and remember that a calmer parent contributes to a calmer household.
Sarah Billingham is the proprietor of Confident Kids (www.confidentkids.co) which equips parents, carers and practitioners with expert SEN knowledge and practical tools through training, coaching and group programmes. You can check out her podcast at www.bit.ly/conkidspodcast
Active family adventures
By Andrew Campbell
The long summer school holidays give us time to try new and exciting experiences and have active family adventures. Fabulous for connecting and bonding! If you’ve ever felt you should get out more, consider these options.
Orienteering: a thrilling adventure for children Orienteering resembles a cross-country race where alongside running or walking, you are also navigating a course.
You’ll learn or improve map-reading skills by deciphering symbols and plotting the route. Orienteering also requires compass skills, including the main directions, magnetic north and how to navigate using this important tool. Both skills enhance kids’ spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities. Plus the experience allows children to compete against themselves and you, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie!
Solving navigation problems becomes an exciting quest. Which route leads to the next control point? Decision-making and critical thinking come into play, exercising brain and body. It’s a mental challenge combined with physical activity.
From urban parks to rural landscapes, orienteering unveils the UK’s beauty. Outdoors you can all breathe fresh air, explore woodlands and discover hidden corners. You can all become explorers, uncovering new vistas. Not only that but castles, forests and ancient ruins become checkpoints merging history with adventure.
To start: some National Trust properties have permanent orienteering courses; also British Orienteering holds introductory and family events. Visit www.britishorienteering.org.uk/familes
Fossil Hunting: an expedition back in time
Fossil hunting isn’t just a pastime; it’s a gateway to ancient worlds. Beaches, cliffs and quarries all hold secrets hidden for millions of years. Summer is an ideal time for families to grab their magnifying glasses and head out on an expedition.
There are so many skills involved in fossil hunting. Firstly, it’s a science lesson in action. Children learn about geology, paleontology and Earth’s history while sifting through rocks and sands and picking out tiny fossils sharpens fine-motor skills. It’s a fascinating treasure hunt among pebbles and stones.
Fossil hunting teaches caution. Kids handle tools near cliffs and coastlines, learning risk assessment. Encourage your kids to sort and order the various fossils by shape and size, improving cognitive skills, as well as reading about their finds. Researching will add depth to their discoveries.
There are hundreds of great places in the UK to go fossil hunting including the Jurassic Coast, Redcar in North Yorkshire, Herne Bay in Kent and West Runton in Norfolk.
The UK Association of Fossil Hunters holds family-friendly field trips across the country. Find yours at www.ukafh.com
Focus, paddle, splash and sail
Archery can captivate children’s interest with its blend of focus, precision and historical allure. As a family, it’s a great bonding experience; whether at a local range or in the garden, hitting the mark will be a shared victory. Soft archery is now available as a safe and fun introduction for young ones. Find local approved clubs and centres at www.startarchery.co.uk
Coasteering combines rock climbing, scrambling, jumping and swimming along the rugged coastal sea. With wetsuits and helmets, kids from as young as age 8 can participate with the family in creating exhilarating memories together.
Sailing offers families the chance to embark on a maritime adventure, beginning with lightweight boats that effortlessly skim across lakes, rivers and water parks. Children as young as age 7 can have a go. www.bit.ly/PaddlingUK
Canoeing offers the chance to paddle through serene lakes, winding rivers and scenic canals on a truly family-friendly water adventure. www.bit.ly/PaddlingUK
Summer camps
If you are still after a camp for your child, we take another look at some of the options on offer locally. We can’t guarantee spaces on them as they do book up quickly, but it’s worth a try.
Bray Lake Watersports are offering their ever-popular school holiday activities again this year. With a variety of 5 day courses running weekdays from 9.30am-5pm your child can learn to kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard, dinghy sail and windsurf. They can work towards one sport or gain essential skills in a variety of sports. Courses are suitable for ages 8–14 and prices include wetsuits, buoyancy aids and all 5 day courses include relevant RYA and Paddle UK log-books and certificates. 5 day courses: £395. info@braylake.com 01628 638860 www.braylake.com
Claires Court Holiday Club in Maidenhead provides age-specific groups with a dedicated multi-activity programme from sports to coding, bushcraft to kayaking. Children get to experience challenging, but age-appropriate activities. The club is open to all children from Year 1 to Year 8 (although do note that some activites are age dependent). Run by Claires Court staff and qualified playworkers, the Holiday Club is run from the safe confines of Claires Court Juniors site, the perfect leafy and spacious setting for fun and adventure. www.clairescourt.com/holiday-club/ how-to-book
Fun Fest Eton and Fun Fest Marlow give children a choice about how they spend their holidays. They have access to over 40 different activities including: Mission Impossible, Sports Action, LEGO Creations, Pottery, Beauty School, Crafty Creations, Harry Potter Experience, Football, other sports and more. Fun Fest Eton is based at Eton End School and Fun Fest Marlow is based at Holy Trinity C of E Primary School. Both venues are Ofsted registered for children from 3 to 12 years old and are run by experienced childcare professionals. www.fun-fest.co.uk/marlow www.fun-fest.co.uk/etonview
Heathfield School in Ascot has been running its own summer activities camp for over 30 years. New in 2024 are Heathfield’s ‘Academy’ options which include: Performing arts, modern dance, water sports, tennis, golf, art – fashion, textile design and illustration, horse riding and multi activities. Girls who attend the performing arts academy, put on a show for their families at the end of their course. Lunch and snacks are provided. Early drop off breakfast and late stay options are available for day girls as well as weekly boarding or a minimum of 3 nights boarding per week. Boarders enjoy a fun evening programme with the International Summer School girls. Camps run Monday to Friday; from Mon July 15 to Fri August 9. summerschool@heathfieldschool.net www.heathfieldsummerschool.co.uk
Go for Jump In, Slough, if you would like your children to visit the bounciest holiday club around! Their Ofsted registered
Holiday Clubs are packed with exciting activities, the chance to make new friends and ultimate bouncing fun. www.gojumpin.com/trampoline-parkslough
Monkey Music has been running award winning classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers for over 30 years. As well as term-time classes, they run workshops in the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays. Classes and workshops can be booked via www.linktr.ee/ monkeymusicmaidenheadwindsor For the latest news, follow them on www.instagram.com/ monkeymusicmaidenheadwindsor www.facebook.com/ monkeymusicmaidenheadwindsor
Learn the exciting new sport of Padel tennis this August at the Padel Hub in Slough. The kids' padel tennis camps are being held at this new state of the art facility. Secondary school sessions are Tuesday afternoons and junior sessions are Thursday mornings. With racket hire and snacks included, kids will have fun and burn off energy in the indoor courts. Parents can drop off kids with DBSchecked staff or relax in the café with WiFi. It's the perfect way for kids to learn a new sport and stay active. Visit www.padelhub.uk to book your spot.
Stagecoach where your children can make new friends, learn new skills and gain confidence in term-time classes for 4-18 year olds. During the holidays they also run one-week holiday workshops which focus on singing, dancing and acting skills which
end in a performance for friends and family. For availability, age groups, dates and more information visit your local Stagecoach website: www.stagecoach.co.uk/maidenhead www.stagecoach.co.uk/windsor (covers Langley too) www.stagecoach.co.uk/ascot www.stagecoach.co.uk/bracknellnorth www.stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow www.stagecoach.co.uk/highwycombe
Ultimate Activity Camps welcome children aged 4-14, Monday to Friday from 8am-6pm, providing a full day of thrilling adventure. Their Ofsted-regulated camps guarantee parents’ peace of mind, knowing their children will have a fantastic and well-cared-for experience. From sports and survival camps to art and tech adventures, there's something for every imagination. Picture scoring the winning goal, creating art masterpieces, or coding your own game. Their dedicated staff prioritise safety, creating a supportive environment where kids grow, learn, and form lifelong bonds. Adventures, challenges and memories abound, all with rigorous safety protocols in place. Ultimate Activity Camps go beyond fun; they inspire personal growth through teamwork, problemsolving and leadership. Dive into a world of non-stop excitement, laughter, and personal development at Ultimate Activity Camps. Local venues include LVS, Ascot and St Bernard’s Prep, Slough. www.ultimateactivity.co.uk
Details correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change.
Where to visit summer 2024
The Summer holidays can feel like a long time to fill, so for those days when we are not working or have children attending holiday camps, we all need a good go to list of things to do. As well as including our pick of the best ideas to entertain locally, we’ve looked a bit further afield too, but this is by no means an exhaustive list!
Don't forget to say you saw these listed in
Please do remember to check online for up-to-date information and in most cases it’s advisable to book.
If you want to get close to nature, plan a cycle or walk or have a picnic with the children without the worry of too much traffic, the following are all great suggestions for a day out:
Black Park, Denham Country Park and Langley Park all offer adventure playgrounds and plenty of space to run around in or climb trees, as well as cafes for refreshments.
https://countryparks.buckscc.gov.uk
Boyn Grove Park Punt Hill SL6 6JD boasts a playground as well as easy access to a library and is also home to the Norden Farm Community Kite Festival. Join in the kite flying fun, food stalls, ice cream, live performances at this annual event on Sunday September 1 from 12-4pm. Make your own kite at Norden Farm workshop on a date beforehand or bring your own! (See What’s On for workshop sessions).
Broomhall recreation ground, Sunningdale, Ascot SL5 0QS, has a toddler friendly play area as well as more adventurous play equipment.
Clewer Memorial recreation ground, Dedworth SL4 5AZ, is known to most as the ‘Pirate Park’. The large pirate ship in the sand is the main draw but the park also has the traditional play equipment.
Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst RG10 0TH. Much like Black Park, there is a scenic walk round the lake, woodland to explore and an impressive adventure playground. www.dinton-pastures.co.uk
Dorney Reach, Reachers retreat, Meadow Way SL6 0DR hosts a play park, caged multisports area and zip wire.
Pinewood Activity Centre, Wokingham RG40 3AQ. Wooden adventure park, play area for young children, woodland walks with carved woodland creatures to spot, exercise area, pond with dipping platform, picnic spaces and miniature train rides at certain times. www.wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk/ pinewood-centre
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Richmond TW9 3AE. Visit the Children’s Garden specifically designed for ages 2-12. Based in a natural setting the size of 40 tennis courts, children can explore all the things plants need to grow. www.kew.org/kew-gardens/families
Savill Garden, Beautiful grounds and great adventure playpark for children. www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk
Stoner Park, Henley-upon-Thames RG9 6HF. Based at Stonor is Tumblestone Hollow - a lovely wooden kid’s adventure play park. www.stonor.com
Wargrave recreation ground and BMX track, RG10 8BJ. Enclosed playground great for the under 8s. Zip wire and climbing wall outside fenced area and BMX track in the field close by - great for bikes and scooters.
Wellington Country Park beautifully rural yet easily accessible, a great place to spend your summer holiday for a fun-filled day. All of the Summer events at Welly Park are included in your admission fee. Perfect for children up to the age of 8 years www.wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk
Windsor Great Park, wander through the deer park, visit the 100 foot Totem Pole at Virginia Water lake, or clamber over the rocks by the copper horse at the top of The Long Walk. www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk
Braywick Leisure Centre, SL6 1BN. Set on the edge of Braywick nature reserve, offers the perfect place for a family swim. www.leisurefocus.org.uk/our-centres
Cassiobury Park, Watford, WD18 7LG. Worth a visit though parking can be tricky. This hosts a splash pad, miniature railway and play park. www.watford.gov.uk/cassioburypark
California Country Park, Off Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, RG40 4HT. This large paddling pool is usually opened up for the summer holiday period (needs to be booked) and playpark has two distinct spaces – the Sensory Garden and the Wild Wood – as well as swings, hammocks and
a large trampoline. www.wokinghamcountryside.co.uk
Coral Reef Waterworld, Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, RG12 7JQ. Thrilling waterslides, an erupting volcano, pirate ship and more. www.everyoneactive.com/centre/coralreef-waterworld
Guildford Lido, Stoke Road, Guildford, GU1 1HB is 50m in length and has four acres of landscaped gardens surrounding the water. Bring a picnic and spend the day. Outdoor concerts, barbecues and other events are held regularly during the summer. www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/ centres/guildford-lido
Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre, Park Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 1JS. Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre has a 25m outdoor pool, with a smaller outdoor pool for kids next to it. www.everyoneactive.com/centre/hemelhempstead-leisure-centre
Hillingdon Lido, Gatting Way, Uxbridge UB8 1ES is a 50m, Grade 2 listed outdoor lido with a heated children’s splash pool. Open until October, advanced booking is required. www.better.org.uk/leisurecentre/london/hillingdon/hillingdonsports-lc/outdoor-lido
Jocks Lane Park, Off Binfield Rd, Bracknell RG12 2BH has a splash pad that’s perfect for younger children as well as a play area, miniature golf, tennis and basketball courts.
Liquid Leisure Windsor SL3 9HY, Fancy some water sports? Here you’ll find boat and cable wakeboarding, water skiing, slalom and kneeboarding. www.liquidleisure.com
Locks Ride, Forest Road, Winkfield Row RG42 7NJ boasts a large open children’s beach themed play area together with a water splash area and a selection of outdoor gym equipment. There is normally a splashpad in operation from 11am–1pm and 3–5 pm in the summer months.
Northcroft Lido is part of Northcroft Leisure Centre, Northcroft Lane, Newbury, RG14 1RS. It's open to children and adults alike, with plenty of room for playing as well as doing lengths. There is also a smaller children's pool right next to it and grassy areas to lounge in. www.everyoneactive.com/centre
Ruislip Lido, Reservoir Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TY. Build sandcastles, hunt for buried treasures, or splash in Ruislip Lido Splash Pad. Also, miniature railway and woodland park walks. www.ruisliplido.com
Runnymede Pleasure Grounds, Windsor Road, Egham, TW20 0AE. These grounds include an enclosed play area and
PLAY PARKS/COUNTRY PARKS
SPLASH PARKS & WATER FUN
children’s amusements. Situated next to the Thames, it’s ideal for a picnic and a wander along the river. The paddling pool is usually open in the summer holidays.
Stoke Park (Paddling pool), Stoke Road Guildford, GU1 1ET. Located next to Guildford Lido, the paddling pool here is worth mentioning for its size alone. There's plenty of room for toddlers and younger children to play, is free to visit, with public toilets, a model boating lake, playground, crazy golf and ornamental gardens. www.guildford.gov.uk
Thames Lido, Napier Road, Reading, RG1 8FR. Here they have brought luxury to Lido! It’s a 25m long, heated year-round, and children are only allowed in for one session a day. There is a tapas bar on the poolside. www.thameslido.com
Wycombe Lido, The Rye (off Bassetsbury Lane), High Wycombe, HP11 1QX. This historical Lido has been fully refurbished with a heated outdoor main pool, heated outdoor children's pool plus grass and terraced sunbathing areas. www.fusionlifestyle.com/centres/wycombe-rye-lido
4 Kingdoms adventure park and family farm, Thatcham RG19 8JY www.4-kingdoms.co.uk
Animal Rangers, Holyport. Hands on experiences. Follow them on Facebook. www.animalrangers.co.uk
BCA Zoo, Burchetts Green SL6 6QR www.zoo.bca.ac.uk
Beale Park wildlife park and gardens, Lower Basildon, RG8 9NW. www.bealepark.org.uk
Bekonscot model village, Beaconsfield HP9 2PL. www.bekonscot.co.uk
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock OX20 1PP. Explore the grounds and enjoy the adventure play area. Clamber up rocks, cross bridges, hop over stepping stones, discover hidden chambers, whizz down zip lines and slither down slides as well as water play to enjoy. Look out for a new annual ‘Palace and Play Pass’, which gives families unlimited access to all areas of Blenheim, including the Palace, Park and Gardens and its Adventure Play area. This also includes key events for the year. www.blenheimpalace.com
Cliveden National Trust, Taplow, Maidenhead SL1 8NS. Explore the extensive woodlands, wander down to the river or enjoy the grounds. There are plenty of great National Trust places to visit within an hour’s drive. Basildon Park, Grey’s
Court, Hughenden, Stowe, The Vyne and Waddesdon are all favourites with us. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
Hitcham Farm, Burnham SL1 7AE offers a selection of ice cream flavours made with the milk from their own cows. Follow them on Facebook @HItchamDairy
Hobbledown Heath adventure farm park and zoo, Horton Lane, Epsom KT19 8PT www.hobbledown.com
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort SL4 4AY. New for 2024 as well as the Adventure golf (separate charge applies), is the Minifigure Speedway, the world’s first LEGO® themed duelling rollercoaster that not only races forward but also races in reverse. Plus, you can now book a stay at the LEGOLAND® Woodland Village. Pre booking advised. www.legoland.co.uk
Maidenhead Mini Golf, SL6 1BN 18 holes of Dinosaur themed mini golf. Located at Braywick Park in Maidenhead. Don’t forget to visit the dessert house on the way out. www.maidenheadminigolf.co.uk
Odds Farm Park, HP10 0LX. Plenty of amazing outdoor adventures to be had and rare breed animals to meet! Look out for their ’Summer Sizzler’ celebration running from July 24 to Sept 3 and enjoy festivities, outdoor games, tractor rides, the H2Odds water play and an all-important ice-cream! Visitors will also be able to take advantage of the Summer Sizzler Pass, which gives guests unlimited access to the farm park every single day of the summer celebration for just £34.95. www.oddsfarm.co.uk
The Padel Hub, Slough, SL2 5DT. Enjoy playing Padel tennis, one of the World's fastest growing sports, in state-of-the-art indoor courts with social areas, where you can enjoy the thrill of the game yearround, rain or shine. Pay and play available through their website. www.padelhub.uk
This summer, the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden celebrates one of Roald Dahl’s best-loved books, James and the Giant Peach from Saturday July 20–Sunday September 1 (Tue-Sun). The attraction features artefacts including Dahl’s original writing hut plus a raft of workshops inspired by the book! See our What’s On section for some of their lovely events and check out page 4 for the chance to win tickets! www.roalddahlmuseum.org
The Lookout Discovery Centre, Bracknell, RG12 7QW. Science exhibition for kids of all ages. Also, an extensive outdoor playground. www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisureservices/look-out-discovery-centre
The Story Museum, Oxford OX1 1BP. We have listed many of their great events in our What’s On pages, but in particular look out for the city-wide celebration of Alice in Wonderland: Alice’s Day on July 6. This year’s theme is Fabulous Monster and Curious Creatures: look out for a giant Alice, a giant Jabberwocky and compete in a Caucus Race where all are winners! It’s also half price entry all day at The Story Museum. Additionally look out for A Dragon’s Tale, a magical family puppet show which is being shown on August 13. There is also a ‘Here Be Dragons’ theme running from August 12-16 with lots of creative workshops and a theatre show: A Dragon’s Tale (you can book individual days or all five). www.storymuseum.org.uk
Windsor Castle, SL4 1NJ. Advantage Card holders are given a 50% discount on tickets (plus 1 child under the age of 17 goes FREE, per paying adult). www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
Windsor Duck Tours, 32 Thames Street SL4 1PS. www.windsorducktours.co.uk
Extreme Motion, Alexandra Gardens Windsor SL4 5HZ. Mini Golf, Cycle hire, Bungee Trampoline, Rock Climbing Wall, Sky Trail High Ropes Course, Zorbing Balls, Bungee Trampoline. www.extrememotionwindsor.co.uk
Go Ape, Black Park SL3 6DS. Treetop Adventure, Nets, Segways, Zip Lines and High Ropes. Great Park to explore before or after too. www.goape.co.uk
Snow Centre www.thesnowcentre.com
INDOOR VENUES
Big on Bouncing, Unit 1, Kelpatrick Road Burnham SL1 6BW. Clean, safe bouncing fun with a great cafe on site too. Book soft play sessions through the website. www.bigonbouncing.co.uk
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Peter, HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk
Jump In trampoline park, Slough SL1 4LE. Book sessions online www.gojumpin.com/ locations/trampoline-park-slough
Jump In, Slough
The Story Museum
Odds Farm Park
WHERE TO VISIT
Moss End Garden Village, near Bracknell RG42 6EJ. Feathers and fur falconry centre, Top of the Pots pottery painting and on-site café Robyn’s Nest. www.mossendgardenvillage.co.uk
Lakeside Soft Play, Liquid Leisure Windsor, Horton Road, Datchet, SL3 9HY, is perfect for toddlers to have a run around and there is a great cafe too. www.lakesidesoftplaydatchet.co.uk
Legoland adventure golf, Windsor SL4 4AY Indoor golf with 4 themed courses to master you can add it to your day at the park or just visit without entering the rest of the resort. Book online for discounted tickets. www.legoland.co.uk
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead SL6 4PF. Always has a great programme of events for all ages including Kite making workshops, art and craft sessions, storytelling, circus week, theatre week and much more. Also look out for the production of ‘Jack and the Beans Talk’ in August. Check website for up-to-date listings. www.norden.farm
Odeon Luxe, Maidenhead, SL6 1DY www.odeon.co.uk
The River and Rowing Museum, Henley, RG9 1BF. https://rrm.co.uk
The Wycombe Swan, HP11 2XE Look out for ‘Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out’ and ‘Sleeping Beauty’ in ballet this summer. www.wycombeswan.co.uk
Visit a local library. The 2024 Summer Reading Challenge is Marvellous Makers. From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, this year’s theme is all about creativity and has been developed in
partnership with leading arts charity Create. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour, Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR. www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Art of the Brick 152 Brick Lane E1 6RU features 90+ LEGO® sculptures made up of over a million bricks and a ‘Play and Build’ area so you can explore your creativity. www.theartofthebrickexpo.com/london
Battersea Power Station Chimney Lift takes you to the top of the North West chimney for unrivalled 360-degree views of London’s skyline https://lift109.co.uk Plus eat and shop (albeit high end) and don’t forget to check out Prospect Park playground SW11 8BJ. www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk
Frameless 6 Marble Arch W1H 7AP Multi-sensory digital art experience www.frameless.com
IFS Cloud Cable Car Book a One-way or round-trip ticket from the Royal Docks or Greenwich Peninsula. https://tfl.gov.uk
Monopoly life sized 213-215 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7PS www.monopolylifesized.com
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk
The Paddington Bear™ Experience London County Hall SE1 7GP is an allnew interactive experience for all ages. Numerous themed rooms to explore,
interactive games and a very special Windsor Gardens street party. www.paddingtonbearexperience.com
Postal Museum WC1X 0DA. Take part in holiday activities, ride on Mail Rail and stay and play in Sorted! Postal Play Space. www.postalmuseum.org/visit-us/families
Science Museum Exhibition Rd, South Kensington SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks 12 Lewis Cubitt Square N1C 4DY immersive voyage telling the story of the Apollo missions. www.lightroom.uk/whats-on/themoonwalkers
The Twist Museum 248 Oxford Street W1C 1DH. Home of illusions. www.twistmuseum.com
Tootbus Kids Tour London bus tour for families. Departing from Charles II Street, London SW1Y 4QN. www.tootbus.com https://bit.ly/45NciBN
The Tower of London EC3N 4AB. Check out the Gunpowder plot immersive experience running Thursday-Sunday. Tickets are bought separately and don’t include a visit to the Tower itself. www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london
The War of The Worlds Immersive Experience EC3A 2BJ. Experience a real Martian invasion in London with VR bringing 24 interactive scenes to life. Ages 10+. www.thewaroftheworldsimmersive.com
Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
What's On Your family guide to
Ongoing
Throughout July and August
The Paddington Bear™ Experience London County Hall, Belvedere Road, Southbank SE1 7GP
Multi sensory interactive adventure for all ages. www.paddingtonbearexperience.com
Monday July 1 to September 29
Boat Hire
Dinton Pastures Activity Centre, Sandford Lane, Hurst RG10 0SU
Pedalos, Kayaks, Paddleboards and Canoes (see website for availability over the summer period). https://booking.wokingham.gov.uk/boat-hire
July
Monday 1 and Monday July 15
Mini Mondays
Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB
Theme: Taking Time Out
Don’t forget to book car parking ticket 10am-12pm. 2-5 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org
Tuesday July 2 to Sunday July 7
Henley Royal Regatta
White Hill, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2LY Historic Rowing Event. Stroll down the towpath for free or buy enclosure tickets www.hrr.co.uk
Saturday July 6
Alice’s Day: Fabulous Monsters and Curious Creatures Across Oxford.
Alice’s Day offers a variety of arts activities for children across Oxford.
Meet the Dodo at the Museum of Natural History; enjoy family activities at the Treacle Well at Binsey, or join the Hatter's tea party at the Oxford Botanic Garden. Plus, it's half price entry all day at The Story Museum. www.storymuseum.org.uk
Tuesday July 9
Creative Writing Inspired by Nature Woolley Firs, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ All Day £25. www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Friday July 12 and Saturday July 13
FI.FEST Music Festival Forest Green Road, Fifield SL6 2LJ www.fifest.co.uk
Saturday July 13
Young & Teen Rangers
Woolley Firs, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ Young Rangers 8-11 years; 10am-12pm Teen Rangers 11-17 years; 1-3pm £7 plus booking fee. www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Saturday July 13
Suitcase Stories: The Enormous Turnip
The Story Museum, Oxford OX1 1BP Ages 2+. www.storymuseum.org.uk
Sunday July 14
Playdate at Henley Festival
White Hill, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2LY www.henley-festival.co.uk
Sunday July 14
All Hands on Deck
Iver Environment Centre, Iver SL0 0EB
Volunteering day, bring a packed lunch. 14+ years (under 16s must be accompanied) 10am-2pm www.iverenvironmentcentre.org
Tuesday July 16
Butterflies Walk and Talk for Adults
Woolley Firs, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ 11.30am to 1.30pm. £20. www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Friday July 19
Nature Tots
Woolley Firs, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ Preschool fun outdoors 10am. £7 plus booking fee. www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Saturday July 20
Story Time and Crafts
Wycombe Museum, High Wycombe HP13 6PX Part of the Chair Festival. 11-12pm www.wycombemuseum.org.uk
Saturday July 20
David Gibb’s Family Jukebox
The Story Museum, Oxford OX1 1BP Ages 2+. www.storymuseum.org.uk
Sunday July 21
Mum2Mum Market
Old Windsor Memorial Hall, SL4 2RN Buy & sell pre-loved goods. 12-2pm. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk/m2mmwindsor
Tuesday 23 and Wednesday July 24
A Garden Fit For A Peach
Roald Dahl Museum, HP16 0AL
Make your own model garden out of natural materials inspired by James and The Giant Peach. £4 extra to museum fee. www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Tuesday July 23
Home Education Day
Woolley Firs, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ
£8 plus booking fee. Family activities take around 2.5 hours. Arrive between 10am and 12pm.
www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Wednesday July 24 to Tuesday
September 3
Summer Sizzler
Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX
Festivities, outdoor games, tractor rides and H2Odds water play! Summer Sizzler pass available for £34.95. www.oddsfarm.co.uk
Thursday 25 and Friday 26 July
Bugs and Critters with Jungle Juniors
Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Get up close to reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. £4 extra to museum fee. www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Saturday July 27
Comic Club
The Story Museum Oxford OX1 1BP Age 8-11 years. www.storymuseum.org.uk
Saturday July 27
Dragon Shadow Puppetry
The Story Museum Oxford OX1 1BP Age 7+ years. www.storymuseum.org.uk
Saturday July 27 to Sunday September 1
Summer Knights
Windsor Castle, Pug Yard Learning Centre FREE with entry to the castle. Closed Tue, Wed. www.rct.uk/whatson
Monday July 29 to Friday August 2
Wild Week
Iver Environment Centre, Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB 7-11 years 10am to 4pm daily www.iverenvironmentcentre.org
Tuesday July 30
Terrific Tuesday- Toys of the Past Chiltern Open Air Museum, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB 11-5pm - children’s activities www.coam.org.uk
Please email editor@familiestveast.co.uk with any events. Event times and dates do change, please try and check that an event is still going ahead before you head out.
Tuesday July 30 to Friday August 2
Circus Week
Norden Farm, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF
Learn to walk on stilts, ride a unicycle, walk the tightrope and perform on a trapeze! 10-4pm. £200 (advantage card £180). www.norden.farm
Tuesday July 30, Wednesday 14, Thursday August 29
Peachy Under 5s Day
Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Drop in, messy play, storytelling and more. Free with museum entry fee. www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Wednesday July 31 and Thursday August 1 Buzzy Bees and Beautiful Butterflies Trail & Workshop
Woolley Firs, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ Ages 4-11 years. 10am to 2pm. £8. Bring a picnic. www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Wednesday July 31 and Tuesday August 6 If (Film)
Norden Farm, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF
A young girl discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends. www.norden.farm
Wednesday July 31 to Friday August 2
James’ Squifling Science
Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Hands on science session inspired by James and the Giant Peach. £4 extra to museum fee. Age 5 and over. www.roalddahlmuseum.org
August
Thursday August 1
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Film)
Norden Farm, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF www.norden.farm
Friday August 2
The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA 2.30pm www.southhillpark.org.uk
Saturday 3 and Saturday August 17
LEGO Master Builders Club
The Story Museum 42 Pembroke St, Oxford OX1 1BP Age 5+ years. www.storymuseum.org.uk
Saturday August 3 to Saturday August 31
Kite Making Workshops (for the Kite Festival on Sept 1) Nicholson Centre, Aug 3 (10.30-2pm) £5 per kite.
Norden Farm Night Market Aug 3 (6pm-9pm) £5 per kite
Maidenhead Library Aug 10 (10.30am-2pm) £5 per kite
Norden Farm Aug 16, Aug 17 and Aug 31 (2pm and 3.30pm) £6 per kite www.norden.farm
Saturday 3 and Sunday August 4
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe HP11 2XE www.trafalgartickets.com/wycombe-swantheatre
Monday 5 to Friday August 9
Story Explorers: Story Olympics
The Story Museum Oxford OX1 1BP Age 8-12 years. Book individual days or all 5. www.storymuseum.org.uk
Tuesday 6 to Friday August 9
Peachy Clay Pots
Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Make your own Peachy Clay Pot! £4 extra to museum fee. www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Tuesday Aug 6
Terrific Tuesday- Nature Craft & Clay Modelling Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB 11-5pm - children’s activities www.coam.org.uk
Tuesday 6 and Wednesday August 7
Pizza and Pond Dipping
Iver Environment Centre, Iver SL0 0EB Don’t forget to book car parking ticket 5-7.30pm. 3-11 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org
Tuesday 6 to Thursday August 8
Teen Wild Week
Iver Environment Centre, Iver SL0 0EB 11-16 years 10am to 4pm daily with a chance to spend the night on the last day www.iverenvironmentcentre.org
Friday August 9 and Monday August 12
Pond Dipping for Dragons
Woolley Firs, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ Ages 5 to 12 years. £8. 10.30am to 12.30pm www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk
Monday August 12
Mini Mondays
Iver Environment Centre, Iver SL0 0EB
Theme: What’s in our Allotments?
See what’s growing, play in the mud kitchen and make your own mini pizza. Don’t forget to book car parking ticket. 10am-12pm. 2-5 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org
Monday 12 to Friday August 16
Story Explorers: Here Be Dragons
The Story Museum Oxford OX1 1BP Age 8-12 years. Book individual days or all 5. www.storymuseum.org.uk
Tuesday August 13
A Dragon’s Tale
The Story Museum Oxford OX1 1BP Age 4+ years. www.storymuseum.org.uk
Tuesday 13, Thursday 15 and Friday August 16
Pop-Up Peachy Landscapes
Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Create a 3D landscape inspired by James and the Giant Peach. £4 extra to museum fee. Age 5 and over. www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Tuesday August 13 to Friday August 16
Theatre Week
Norden Farm, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF Make a film in 4 days. 10-4pm. £160 (advantage card £145). www.norden.farm
Tuesday 13 and Thursday August 15
Family Fun Days
Iver Environment Centre, Iver SL0 0EB
10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm. 5-11 yrs
www.iverenvironmentcentre.org
Saturday August 16
Summertime Live Windsor Racecourse, SL4 5JJ www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk
Saturday August 16
The Railway Children
South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA 4.30pm www.southhillpark.org.uk
Monday 19 and Tuesday August 20
Family Fun Days
Iver Environment Centre, Iver SL0 0EB 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm. 5-11 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org
Friday August 23 and Monday August 30
We're Going On A (Micro) Bear Hunt! Woolley Firs, Maidenhead SL6 3LJ Day camp for ages 8 to 12 years (9.20am to 3pm) £35. Bring lunch. www.bbowt.org.uk/events
Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 and Friday August 30
Jumbly Junk Insect Homes
Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden HP16 0AL
Make a new home for James’ insects, once they’ve moved out of the peach! £4 extra to museum fee. Ages 5+. www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Wednesday 28 to Saturday August 31
The Adams Family Theatre Royal Windsor, SL4 1PS www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
Thursday 29 and Friday August 30
Family Fun Days
Iver Environment Centre, Iver SL0 0EB 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm. 5-11 yrs www.iverenvironmentcentre.org
Upcoming
Sunday September 1
Kite Workshops
Norden Farm, Maidenhead, SL6 4PF Sessions 11.30-1pm and 2pm to 3.30pm £3.50 per person attending. Drop-in, make a kite and fly it at the festival below! www.norden.farm
Sunday September 1
Norden Farm / Community Kite Festival Boyn Grove Park, Punt Hill, SL6 6JE 12-4pm www.norden.farm Jurgens Centre 91 Harvest Road, Englefield Green, Surrey For further information, contact Nikhil Dally 01932 363624
MUSIC CLASSES FOR THE 2s TO 8s Tuesday afternoons & Saturday mornings
Helping your child understand their ADHD diagnosis
By Emily Snape
Before my son was diagnosed with ADHD, I was worried that after his assessment, having ‘a label’ could negatively impact his self-esteem. But in fact, a lot of things became easier once we both began to understand what having ADHD meant for him and for me as his parent.
The more I understood neurodiversity, by reading about it, talking to other parents, listening to podcasts and watching seminars, the more I began to get to grips with how I could support him. His diagnosis helped me work with his school on ways they could help and most importantly, how he, himself, could develop skills to navigate emotional regulation and impulsive behaviour.
Having ADHD can be an amazing asset and everyone with ADHD can thrive. With neurodiversity comes creativity, empathy, kindness, energy, focus, a wonderful way to think about things from different angles and much more.
A good time to bring up the subject of ADHD with your child is when you all feel calm and not in a rush. Remind your child that they are incredible.
Focus on the strengths and skills they have so they can feel positive about having ADHD. Be open to their questions even when you don’t have all the answers straight away. Reassure them that there are lots of skills they can build and that you’re there to support them every step of the way.
Your greatest gift as a parent is your unconditional love. Your patience and kindness will help them feel safe to tell you what they find hard or worry about. Explain that many other people with ADHD have discovered things that help them and see if they are up for exploring new techniques. For example, they might like to have a box of fidget toys at school they can access if they are feeling anxious or distracted. Or some children love the feeling of a weighted blanket at bedtime to calm their nervous system.
One of the most difficult challenges people with ADHD can face is emotional self-regulation. If your child is having a meltdown, the first step is to try to find your own inner calm.
CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY CLUB
Focus on taking a deep breath to lower your heart rate. Help de-escalate the situation by using a confident, compassionate voice. Suggest they count to twenty, move to a quiet space or do star jumps: whatever they find most helpful. Distraction from the distress can be really productive.
Once your child is less worked up, ask them to label their emotion and rate its severity from one to ten. If they find this tricky at first, ask if they feel frustrated or angry, for example. This will help them to recognise their emotional state and how it makes them feel. This can be a useful skill when they are overwhelmed. Once they are calm, you can discuss inappropriate behaviour and role play or explore better ways to deal with a situation or their feelings.
Celebrate your child’s ADHD and their uniqueness and know that you are doing a great job as a parent. It’s impossible to always get things right but you are learning every day how to grow together and flourish.
Emily Snape is a children’s author and illustrator living in London. Her newest book My Amazing ADHD Brain is a beautifully illustrated, positive picture book exploring ADHD for kids aged 4+ (Vie, £6.99).
Make crispy KitKat Ice Cream Cake
Crispy, creamy, chocolatey and decadent - words can’t describe this perfectly dreamy KitKat Ice Cream Cake contributed by multi-award-winning food, parenting and lifestyle writer, Emily Leary at A Mummy Too (www.amummytoo.co.uk).
This recipe is so simple, it can whipped up in minutes and popped back in the freezer, ready to bring out as the dessert that gets everyone talking.
Makes 8 slices, prep time 15 minutes, freezing time 8 hours
Ingredients
290g (10.2oz) KitKat bars (may vary by container dimensions)
1 litre vanilla ice cream
100g (3.5oz) Magic shell chocolate sauce - the kind that sets on ice cream
Preparation
Equipment
2lb (900ml) nonstick loaf tin (wide enough to fit the KitKats)
Clingfilm (plastic wrap)
Silicone spatula
Double line the container with cling film, leaving overhang to cover the top of the cake. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a bowl and leave at room temperature for about 10 minutes so it’s pliable but not melted.
Step 1
Arrange a layer of KitKats along the bottom of the container, face down (this will be the top when you turn the cake out)
Step 5
Add a final layer of KitKats.
2
Top with half the ice cream.
Step 6
Cover and place in the freezer overnight until solid.
3
Arrange another layer of KitKats.
Step 7
Remove from the container, unwrap and place on a board. Drizzle with the magic chocolate sauce and allow to set - this should only take a couple of minutes.
Step 4
Add the rest of the ice cream.
Step 8
Cut into slices with a sharp knife to serve. Make sure to serve straight away to ensure it’s still frozen when it reaches the table!
