Family Matters - Summer issue 2022

ISSUE 84 • SUMMER 2022

LET'S GET BAKING

WHAT'S ON THIS SUMMER

www.familymatters-uk.co.uk

WIN PRIZES

WELCOME Hello, and welcome to the summer edition of Family Matters!

After all the excitement of the last couple of months with the Jubilee and May Half Term, we expect you’re as ready for a rest as we are, but hopefully, you’ll have some time to enjoy yourselves over the summer. There are loads of things going on all over the region, from stage shows (both indoors and outside!), interactive exhibitions and a whole lot more! Whether you’re planning to take it easy at home or get out and about, we hope you have some fun before school starts again.

This issue features some cracking competitions, a couple of great summer recipes and plenty more to keep you occupied and don’t forget you can find more things to do on our website, familymatters-uk.co.uk The next time we catch up will be September, so to all of you moving on to a new school, good luck and to all of you returning to the same school, we’ll see you then.

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Things to do this summer

Top picks for a summer staycation

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23

Finding the right secondary school

Back to school ready

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Things to do this summer Looking for things to do this summer that won’t break the bank?

Here are some suggestions of things you can do during the summer holidays that are budget friendly, while still being fun.

Baking, cooking and moulding You could use this opportunity to keep the kids busy, create a nice treat for you all and keep them learning!

You could get them to help with the cooking for the whole family. Let them pick what they want for dinner and then assemble the ingredients together, it’s a great way for them to appreciate what goes into their food and learn more about nutrition. Or you can do some baking or make your own ice lollies. Either way, they will love tasting their creations once they’re done.

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Do a spot of back garden camping If you have a bit of outdoor space available to you, either your own or a friend or family member’s garden, why not do some camping? You don’t even need a tent, just some blankets, cushions and old sheets to make a cover.

Do a spot of crafting You don’t need to go out and buy supplies for this one either, everyday household things make great crafting equipment!

You can make bird feeders out of pinecones or use up some cardboard packaging to make houses, rockets or even musical instruments!

Visit a museum If you want to stay out of the sun for a little while, why not visit a museum? Many of our local museums offer discounted or free entry to residents and often have additional activities and events taking place over the school holidays, such as interactive displays. It’ll help break up the days and make you feel like you’ve done something without having to spend money on entry fees.

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Now’s the last chance to visit before the Zoo closes #TheZooAndYou

bristolzoo.org.uk

Save the date | Playday 2022 3rd August 2022

Taking place every year, Playday is the national day for play that is celebrated across the UK in the first week of August. This year, the theme for the day is “All to Play For — building play opportunities for all children.”

After the last few years of restrictions, Playday organisers are hoping that more people than ever will join in and celebrate the joy of playing. It is hoped that this year’s theme will highlight how important play is for everyone and that families, communities and organisations across the nation will come together to consider how to build better opportunities for all children to play.

According to the experts, playing is essential for children and is especially beneficial for

their mental and physical health. It allows them to make friends, develop relationships and have fun, while also feeling connected to their communities.

You can either host your own Playday event or join in with one of the many events taking place across the UK — visit playday.org.uk to find out more about submitting your own event or what is taking place in your area.

top picks

our

for a summer staycation

With all our, and many of the rest of the world’s, pandemic restrictions removed, you might be looking for a foreign holiday this year but if you’re looking to holiday on a budget or want to wait until the kids are a bit older before embarking on a trip too far afield, here are our suggestions for a staycation for this summer.

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CORNWALL

COTSWOLD

If you want a beach holiday, Cornwall is a great option — there are around 300 in the county!

With beaches to rival those in the Med and a host of family friendly options throughout, you can easily imagine being abroad with a visit to Cornwall. St Ives is always a popular choice, especially if you like watersports, while Padstow is ideal for those that love being in the centre of town.

For an otherworldly atmosphere, head to the Cotswolds, full of pretty villages and lots of picturesque walks, this is a good option for anyone who wants to spend their days exploring.

Bourton on the Water and Castle Combe are two of the most popular villages in the area while places like Tewkesbury Abbey and the Cotswolds Water Park provide hours of fun.

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DEVON

DORSET

As home to the UK’s first Surf Reserve, two national parks, two coastlines and a host of family-friendly attractions, Devon is a hugely diverse county with lots to amuse the whole family. From theme parks, water parks, museums and more you can’t get bored in Devon!

With the Jurassic Coast and plenty of quaint seaside towns, Dorset is a lovely place for a staycation. With plenty of traditional West Country towns and villages and some lovely seaside resorts, you can experience the best of both worlds here.

PEMBROKESHIRE

ISLE OF WIGHT

This county is in Wales which makes it another country for those of you who want to actually leave England for your holidays. Pembrokeshire is one of the most picturesque places in the UK and is full of award-winning beaches, especially at Tenby and Saundersfoot.

If you need to leave the mainland to feel like you’re on holiday, why not visit the Isle of Wight? Easily accessible from Southampton or Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight has some really lovely beaches and being so small, you don’t have to worry about spending your whole day driving to get to the fun and games! Wherever you are on the island, you can reach popular tourism destinations in around half an hour!

Will you be visiting any of these places for your summer holidays? If you have a favourite staycation destination, make sure to let us know. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter, @ukfamilymatters

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Baking can be a great family activity, especially if it’s a secret birthday project you’re working on together baking.

If you’re after an easy way to spend more time with your kids, look no further than your own kitchen. No fancy equipment or expensive memberships are required and you don’t need a military-style operation to get them to leave the house all at once. All you need is just a few simple ingredients, a mixing bowl and a spoon.

These are memories that will last — most of us will remember the first time we were asked if we wanted to ‘lick the spoon’, coated in sugary goodness, or even being covered head to toe in flour with a parent in the kitchen. So if there is an upcoming birthday on the horizon, use it as an excuse for a bit of parent-child bonding; you won’t regret it and most importantly your child won’t forget it. Not only will you have a great time creating and making a mess of the kitchen, but these recipes will have a roomful of guests seething with envy that the cake is not intended for them!

YOU WILL NEED: 100g unsalted butter, diced, plus more for greasing the tin 200g crispy puffed rice cereal 4 Mars Bars (total weight 240g), roughly chopped 350g 55% cocoa solids chocolate, chopped 1 tbsp golden syrup TO DECORATE 100g white chocolate, melted 100g 55% cocoa solids chocolate, melted An assortment of silver and coloured chocolate beans and silver dragees in several sizes 1. Butter a 23cm, square, loose-bottomed cake tin and line the base with baking parchment. Tip the rice cereal into a large mixing bowl.

MARS BAR FRIDGE CAKES

These crispy Mars Bar fridge cakes can be moulded into friendly robots to delight any young child, both to help create and as a birthday party centrepiece. Make several batches and assemble an army!

MAKES 2 ROBOTS, SERVES 12-15

2. Melt the Mars Bars, chocolate, butter and syrup in a bowl over gently simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water and stirring from time to time. Once the mixture has melted, tip it into the rice cereal and stir well until combined. Pour into the prepared tin, and press down with the back of a spoon or a palette knife to make it compact. Place in the fridge to set for at least a couple of hours, or preferably overnight.

3. When ready to make the robots, tip out the square on to a chopping board. You must cut out the heads and bodies first, then the legs and arms. The feet and necks can then be cut out from what’s left. Once you have cut out your robots, assemble the bodies with cocktail sticks.

4. Place the two different types of melted chocolate into two piping bags and decorate the robots as you wish, sticking on sweets and dragees as you do so.

BAKED POTATO BEASTS

Encourage the kids to get creative in the kitchen with these baked potato beasts. They’re delicious, healthy and super fun to make!

SERVES 1 YOU WILL NEED: 1 large baking potato A litle olive oil Sea salt A knob of butter 1 tbsp cream cheese A selection of salad vegetables, cut into pieces (red peppers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, spring onion all work well, but try whatever takes your fancy!)

1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C / Gas Mark 4.

2. Wash the potato, rub with oil and sprinkle with a little sea salt. (This will help the skin to get lovely and crispy).

3. Place the potato directly on to the oven shelf and bake for around an hour or until tender.

4. Remove the potato from the oven and cut in half, lengthways.

5. Scoop out the middles and mash them in a bowl with the butter and cream cheese.

6. Scoop the potato back into the skins and use your vegetables to create a magical beast. ukfamilymatters |

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what's on this summer 19th June – 28th August

1st July – 3rd July

GREAT HORSES FOR HEALTH EVENT

AMERICANA FEST

Horses4Health has returned after last year’s successful event.

A summer festival of music, comedy, food, and family fun throughout the spectacular grounds of the American Museum & Gardens in Bath. Featuring a top line-up of all-American comedy, and some of the biggest names in the Americana music scene.

Horse World, Delmar Hall, Keynes Farm, Staunton Lane, Whitchurch, Bristol BS14 0QL

American Museum and Gardens, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD

1st July – 3rd July DANCEWORKS 22

FARM CLUB

Act One will be a ballet inspired by Disney’s Frozen, featuring all Danceworks Ballet students. Act 2 will feature tap, modern, hip-hop, cheer and jazz students.

Join Bath City Farm’s Farm Club every Saturday morning and explore every corner of the farm.

Frome Memorial Theatre, Christchurch Street West, Frome, Somerset BA11 1EB

28th July

Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Whiteway, Bath BA2 1NW

29th july

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

JULIE MADLY DEEPLY

Folksy Theatre presents Alice in Wonderland. Join Alice as she follows a white rabbit down a rabbit hole and ends up in Wonderland where she has an adventure she will never forget.

The hills are alive with the return of this critically acclaimed off-broadway and West End hit, Julie Madly Deeply, is coming to Bath. 2-3pm.

Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset TA2 8LG

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throughout july

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Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB

29th july

30th July

RAPUNZEL

HORSE WORLD OPEN DAY

IK productions return to Glastonbury Abbey with an adaptation of Rapunzel, starts at 6.30pm at the main abbey. Tickets available online.

From 10.30am – 4pm, the Horse World open day is returning for the first time since the pandemic! Book your space online.

Glastonbury Abbey, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury BA6 9EL

Horse World, Delmar Hall, Keynes Farm, Staunton Lane, Whitchurch, Bristol BS14 0QL

dates in august SPELLBOUND PRESENTS DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above, produced by Karen Bishops.

Venue tbc

6th august

2nd august THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Join Mole, Ratty and Badger in a floor stomping, live musical retelling of this woodland adventure as they try to save Toad from big trouble. Brought to you by award winning theatre company, Calf2Cow. 7pm - 8.30pm.

Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB

27th august

GLASTONBURY ABBEY EXTRAVAGANZA

HORRIBLE HISTORIES TERRIBLE TUDORS LIVE!

Featuring headliner Paloma Faith. More information online at glastonburyabbey.com.

Glastonbury Abbey is pleased to present Horrible Histories live! We all want to meet people from history, the trouble is everyone is dead, so it's time to prepare yourselves for Terrible Tudors live on stage.

Glastonbury Abbey, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury BA6 9EL

Glastonbury Abbey, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury BA6 9EL

27th - 29th august WILD WINDER AT WESTONBIRT — CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL A new children’s book festival dedicated to nature, animals and the outdoors. Held across three days for families featuring some of the UK’s best loved children’s authors, illustrators, wildlife presenters and storytellers. Keep an eye on their website for ticket information.

Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 9QS.

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Enter now at www.familymatters-uk.co.uk

Win Prizes

Win a family ticket to Wookey Hole Wookey Hole is a magical place of caves, legends, and adventure for all ages. It’s an experience millions of years in the making with plenty to do inside and out. You’ll enjoy vintage penny arcades, museums, adventure golf, soft play zones, and so much more when you visit this summer. Not forgetting, of course, the famous, beautiful caves!

Ticket is for 2 adults and up to 3 children.

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE MILKSHAKE LIVE! AT THE OCTAGON Milkshake! Monkey is back and can’t wait to put on a spectacular NEW Show for you all, joined by some of his favourite Milkshake! friends plus two Milkshake Presenters creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen!

This brand-new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet! It’s a family show not to be missed!

TO ENTER VISIT www.familymatters-uk.co.uk/competitions, click on the Competitions button and complete the form.

It couldn’t be easier! Closing date for entries: 15th September 2022

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Puddle Ducks launches lessons at two new pools in the region Local baby and child swim school, Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath is delighted to be expanding its child-led lessons to more people by launching classes at two fantastic pools in the region.

On July 1st, baby & pre-school classes were launched at The Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham. This stunning spa pool is perfectly positioned to cater for East Bristol, Bath and the residents of Keynsham. Classes run on Friday afternoons and the pool’s location is ideally situated with excellent public transport links and on-site parking.

In September, additional classes will be launched at the private pool in the grounds of Ashwicke Hall, near Marshfields in Wiltshire. This large pool will allow for multiple lessons to run at once, increasing the swim school’s capacity – after seeing huge levels of demand for their lessons post-pandemic. Lessons will run 6 days a week in the warm watered pool – helping everyone to find a class that suits them. Lessons include Baby and PreSchool, and Swim Academy, teaching children from birth to 10 years old to love the water whilst learning to swim beautifully.

Sarah Austin, owner of Puddle Ducks Bristol and Bath, comments: “We have been teaching little ones to swim in the region for over 14 years and are delighted to be able to provide more swimming lessons to more families and their children. We currently teach over 1300 children to swim each week and our expansion plans, which include launching lessons in these two pools, aim to increase that number by more than 250”!

To book or enquiry about classes visit puddleducks.com/bb or call 0117-971-7165.

CONFIDENCE, COORDINATION AND TEAM SKILLS!

promises that all participants can look forward to a healthy and fulfilling experience as they enjoy ‘fun and active games and build team play skills’.

Gareth says: “We teach coordination and communication skills in a great new sport; the sessions come with a big boost of self-esteem and give children confidence in their own ability!

“We work to very high standards and invest a huge amount into our coaching. Rugbytots coaches absolutely love their job. Classes need to be the best they can be every time, full of fun, energy and positivity, and our lead coaches have that amazing natural ability to engage with young children.”

Budding rugby stars will love the sessions in Victoria Park, Frome and Weston-super-Mare over the summer as Rugbytots returns on Sunday mornings for children from 22 months up!

There is also a great summer holiday club for 4 to 10 year olds, taking place at Frome and Weston-super-Mare, run by local Rugbytots’ organiser, Gareth Turnbull, offering a number of free sessions to children who receive benefitrelated free school meals!

The popular programme, whose students include the children of England rugby captain, Courtney Lawes,

“The most rewarding element is helping children overcome their challenges. This powerful motivator often comes up with foster children and children with special educational needs, where we see the impact of our coaching and the children’s hunger to learn. Teaching them to play as a team and celebrating all achievements is important, no matter how small they seem.”

Wales rugby legend, Sir Gareth Edwards, is a big fan and says, “learning the basics and coordination as well as playing as a team are vitally important at that young age. I wish Gareth every success with Rugbytots.”

For details on the weekly classes or holiday club, please get in touch with gareth@rugbytots.co.uk or call 07717 753322. www.rugbytots.co.uk

ITS F E N E B E H T E R A T A WH OF JOINING AN

?

B U L C L O O H C S AFTER LEARNING A NEW SKILL

Children who participate in a variety of activities are introduced to new skills and new ways of working, as well as the chance to develop new and existing skills. As children realise they are capable of doing new things, they become more confident and additional skills are always useful on future applications, should they want to go on to university or get a job.

DEVELOP INDEPENDENCE

By participating in a club, which may or may not be with their usual group of friends, children learn to thrive outside of their comfort zone and these skills are paramount to getting on in life.

GETTING OUT

If your child spends too much time in front of a TV or playing computer games, clubs can give children an opportunity to explore more varied activities, become more active and enable them to challenge themselves.

MEETING NEW PEOPLE

Joining a club will give children a comfortable place to meet new people and develop friendships with other young people with similar interests. If the club is specific to something that isn’t taught during the school day it can also widen their social groups.

KEEPS THEM OUT OF TROUBLE

If your kids are at a club, then you know exactly where they are! What could be better!

IMPROVING THEIR SELECTION PROCESSES

In addition to further education, employers and social groups also like to see well rounded applications, participating in a club will help enhance any application.

GOOD OLD FASHIONED FUN

Leaning to play an instrument, taking part in a team sport, dancing, singing or just a youth club, these are all just enjoyable things to do and the more fun you have, the better!

Obviously, this isn’t the end of the list, but it gives you an idea of how good clubs are for your child! ukfamilymatters |

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Does your child have Myopia?

Award winning lenses available now HOYA MiYOSMART lenses use cutting edge technology to help manage the development of myopia (also known as short-sightedness).

They are clinically proven to be an effective solution to slow down the progression of myopia and are as easy to wear as any pair of glasses.

Benefits of MiYOSMART

MiYOSMART lenses with D.I.M.S technology have been clinically proven within a two year clinical trial, the results showed that the level of myopia progression was reduced by an average of 60%.*

MiYOSMART is child friendly and easy to adapt to as they are just like wearing any other single vision lenses.

Visit our practice and ask a member of the team for more information.

EDWARDS OPTICIANS

2 Mansbrook House, 15 High Street, Midsomer Norton Tel: 01761 413212 • www.edwardsmidsomer.co.uk

MiYOSMART offers protection with a impact resistant material, UV protection and anti reflection coating for durability and easy cleaning.

* Myopia progression (SER) by 59% and axial elongation (AL) decreased by 60% compared with those wearing SV lenses.

School might be over, but the Summer Reading Challenge is just beginning and this year it is all about Gadgeteers who will be appearing both online and at your local library this summer.

The challenge is being held online and at local libraries, you just need a free membership to take part! You can choose any books you like to count towards your Summer Reading Challenge — fact, fiction, poetry, graphic novels, joke books — the choice is entirely up to you! You don’t even need to physically read the book; audio books count too!

The aim of the gadgeteers is to help you discover the amazing science and innovation behind the world around you as part of a collaboration with the Science Museum Group. Together they have come up with a special science-themed challenge to inspire your children to use their imagination and creativity this summer, featuring plenty of amazing books, cool experiments, fun activities and of course, prizes!

Find more information, visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

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Find an info pack onli

Summer Reading Challenge 2022

To find out which libraries in your area are participating and how to get involved, visit one of the following websites.

KEY INFORMATI

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The Reading Agen

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hallenge.org.uk

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The Summer Rea ding Challenge is the UK’s biggest programme for chil free reading for dren. pleasure The Challenge enc ourages children aged 4 to 11 to kee summer holidays. p reading during the At the heart of the Summer Reading Challenge is a chil their reading jour d’s ability to shape ney. Help us to spre ad the word that free and fun! reading for pleasure is

Illustrations by Julian

B&NES residents beta.bathnes.gov.uk/children-and-young-peopleslibrary-service North Somerset residents n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/libraries-leisureopen-spaces Somerset residents somerset.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-communities South Gloucestershire southglos.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries Wiltshire residents Wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-childrens-area-summerreading-challenge Bristol residents Bristol.gov.uk/libraries-archives

Presented by The Reading Agenc y.

Delivered in par tnership with libr aries.

© The Reading

ukfamilymatters |

Agency. Registered

charity number

1085443 (Engla

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DISCOVER BRILLIANCE millfieldschool.com/open-days

NEXT OPEN DAY SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER

B OYS A N D G I R L S , B OA R D I N G A N D DAY, F O R AG E S 7-1 3

Finding the right secondary school

Selecting a secondary school can be a big decision, there are so many factors to consider, sometimes even more so than picking their primary school or nursery. By the time your child reaches secondary school age, you know more about their personality and their interests, as well as their strengths, weaknesses and friendship groups. Do you choose a school that is geared towards a certain subject or one that will give your child a chance to explore new interests? Plus, you have to make sure it is convenient, is it on your commute? Is there a bus?

There is a lot to consider, which is why it is so overwhelming.

Here are a few ways you can make the whole thing easier: KNOW WHEN THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS. The deadline will depend on your local authority, generally, it tends to be around October, so the start of the new school year is a good time for anyone with a child in Year 5 to start researching prospective schools. If you’re looking at a grammar or selective school you’ll need to be even more prepared, as these often require entrance exams too.

RESEARCH LOCAL SCHOOL You’ll probably already know a bit about what schools are available in your local area, but it doesn’t hurt to research them anyway. Schools that are run by an academy are often part of a trust that includes both primary and secondary schools, meaning your child can stay within the same group. Make sure to get a list of schools in the area from your local authority and see how each one fits with your child.

ATTEND AS MANY OPEN DAYS AS POSSIBLE At the start of the new school year, secondary schools will hold a series of open days and it is important to visit as many as you can so you can get a feel for how each operates. Many schools will also give you a chance to visit during the school day, so you can observe lessons and the other students.

CHECK THE ADMISSION CRITERIA Once you have an idea of what kind of school you’d like your child to attend, you’ll need to look at what requirements there are to enrol. Some schools will require your child to sit an entrance exam, while others may have certain catchment areas and will require a certain postcode, and others, like a faith school, will depend on your denomination.

Now you hopefully have a better idea of how to narrow down the best school for you. While OFSTED reports and league tables are important, you need to consider what school your child feels comfortable with the choice.

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St Dunstan’s School GLASTONBURY

Thursday 29th September 6.30pm to 8.30pm Come along and see why everyone is talking about St Dunstan’s as a great place to go to school.

To register your interest in attending, please email:

secretary@stdunstansschool.com Wells Road | Glastonbury | Somerset | BA6 9BY www.stdunstansschool.com | 01458 832943

Truth | Resilience | Ambition | Community |Kindness

Stay on TRACK

Set the alarm clock

Over the summer the kids might start to get used to sleeping in, so make sure to start introducing earlier mornings so they can acclimatise to a routine again.

You can also do the same for lunch and bedtime, it will help them transition back into the school day easier.

back to l o o h c s

Keep their minds active

Be sure to encourage the kids to stay active by setting them work projects over summer. It doesn’t have to be anything too challenging, but even getting them to read a book and report on it or getting them to reenact scenes from their favourite shows will help keep their confidence up and make sure that their writing and other classroom skills don’t drop. By getting them involved in projects or campaigns like the Summer Reading Challenge, they won’t be too overwhelmed when they suddenly start getting homework again.

ready!

Summer might have only just started, but before we know it, the new term will be upon us, and we’ll be heading back into the classroom. You might want a break from school for a bit, but don’t leave it too late to start getting prepared, it is never too early to start prepping the kids, so they are back to school ready.

Don’t leave it to the last minute

Especially when it comes to the uniform — many schools require you to order a uniform from their own shops, so make sure to check what needs replacing in plenty of time. No one wants to get up for their first day back to find that their shoes no longer fit after all! When it comes to being ready to return to school, it is much less stressful to gradually start preparing rather than leaving it all to the end of the holidays. You have six weeks to replace any old uniform, figure out a new menu for the lunchboxes and make sure they have all the stationery they need for the new term.

You can find lunchbox ideas on our website, and ideas for things to do together over the holidays in this issue.

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Not following us on social media yet? ukfamilymatters @ukfamilymatters

Give us a like Welton Primary School Nursery We are excited to announce the opening of our brand new nursery class at Welton Primary School in September 2022. The nursery class will be closely linked to the reception class, where staff will work together as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage provision, led by the EYFS Teacher.

Children are welcome from 2-4 years of age and will have the opportunity to learn through play, in our wonderful woodland environment. Our children are independent, inquisitive, happy and enjoy high quality provision in our unique and exceptional setting, both inside and out.

Open everyday 8:30am - 5:00pm Part of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Contact Welton Primary School office for more information on 01761 413131 office@weltonprimaryschool.co.uk

SPACES AVAILABLE!

sun this summer Stay safe in the

With the warmer weather, you’ll no doubt want to spend as much time outside as possible, playing in the park, going for walks and having a picnic or two. With the additional time we’re spending out in the sun, it’s important to make sure you’re protecting your skin — here are our top tips to enjoy the sun and stay safe.

BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU’RE WEARING

Yes, it's hot so we want to have as little clothing as possible, however, the more skin on show, the more likely you are to get sunburn. Long sleeves, particularly from a thin shirt, a wide brim hat and sunglasses are all helpful in preventing sun damage.

STAY OUT OF THE SUN AT THE HOTTEST TIME OF DAY

The sun is at its strongest between 10am and 2pm, so try to stay out of sunlight during those hours.

If you do have to venture out, make sure to keep shaded as much as possible and use sun cream.

SPEAKING OF ...

Apply sun cream at least 15 minutes before going outside, even if it looks a little cloudy. The type of sun cream you use makes a difference too, try to use a factor 30 or above, each time and be sure to top up according to the instructions on the label. For the kids, choose a water-resistant and sweat resistant option, so they are really protected.

spf

PROTECT YOUR EYES

Sunglasses and a hat with a brim are a great way to help keep your eyes safe. When out and about with children, encourage them to wear glasses and to avoid looking directly at the sun or any reflective surfaces, like water.

Do you have any other sun safety tips? Get in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter, @ukfamilymatters

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DIARY DATES

YOUR SUCCESSES

News and Reviews JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS AT WELTON PRIMARY SCHOOL Welton Primary school held Jubilee celebrations and invited parents in for a whole school picnic and to admire our entrants into the Jubilee show.

Children made cakes, drew portraits, created their own Queen Egglizabeth and some of the winners are pictured here. It was a fabulous day and the children carried out lots of different activities and the rain held off for the school to sing the national anthem together!

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COLEFORD PUPILS RELAUNCH CO-OP Pupils from Bishop Henderson School in Coleford were recently invited to carry out the official opening for the refurbishment of their local Co-op store.

Pupils were invited to cut the ribbon to formally declare the store open for business on 12th May. The store’s manager then presented a cheque of £150 to the school on behalf of the Radstock Cooperative Society to mark the continued success of their relationship with the local community.

FUN DAY OUT FOR EVERCREECH Pupils from Oak Class at Evercreech CofE Primary School enjoyed an end of year trip to the Bristol Aquarium and attended Zaza Bazaar for lunch. The children worked hard to fund raise to help subsidise the funding for this trip.

REPRESENTING GREAT BRITAIN Norton Hill pupil named as first junior male to represent Great Britain at European Championships.

David Knowles, a pupil at Norton Hill School, recently got the amazing news that he has been selected to represent Great Britain at the upcoming European Championships in Italy.

OFSTED RULES LOCAL SERVICES “GOOD” Children’s services in B&NES have been judged as “Good” following an OFSTED inspection. A detailed OFSTED report says children, young people and families receive a good service and that despite the challenges of Covid-19 and increasing demand, services have been strengthened since the last inspection in 2017.

Inspectors found that the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families, the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection, the experiences and progress of children in care and care leavers, and the overall effectiveness of the service, are all good.

It is David’s first junior selection. He will travel as the only junior male to qualify, an amazing feat for anyone, let alone someone who is just 15.

CONGRATULATIONS ROSIE! Congratulations go to Rosie, 12, from Paulton who was recently crowned the World Irish Dancing Champion in Germany.

Rosie started Irish dancing at the age of seven. In 2020, she entered the British Irish Dancing Champion, coming in third.

The following year, which was held over Zoom, she won and became the U12 World Champion. In 2022, Rosie finished third in the British Championships which then brought her to the World Championships in Germany.

WELLOW SCHOOL’S RESIDENTIAL IN DEVON Children in Year 4 at St Julian’s in Wellow have grown in confidence after attending a weekend residential trip at Skern Lodge in North Devon. While there they completed a range of activities including archery, kayaking, climbing and zip lining.

Speaking about the trip, Head Teacher, Ruth Noall, told local press: “The children were all incredibly brave and

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resilient and had a go at everything the weekend offered.

Year 4 had a truly amazing time filled with laughter, adventure and teamwork and returned home with lots of new memories.

“It [Skern Lodge] is a truly remarkable place to visit and we’re grateful to the instructors and staff for making us feel so welcome.”

A TRIP TO THE SEASIDE The children of St John’s Infants School celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a whole school trip to the seaside town Lyme Regis and a parade through Glastonbury High St into the Church wearing crowns they had made in school.

The trip to the seaside was a huge success and the Headteacher is planning on making it an annual event. The children were exceptionally behaved and had so much fun paddling in the sea, building sandcastles and burying the teachers’ feet.

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THE WILD PLACE PROJECT VISIT

WATER FIGHT AT BISHOP SUTTON

Willow Class pupils from Evercreech CofE Primary School had some incredible experiences and encounters with wildlife on their trip to The Wild Place Project in Bristol in line with their topic: Rainforests. The children got to see a large range of animals from all over the world in replicated habitats, learning about conservation and deforestation.

Year 6 pupils at Bishop Sutton Primary School took their SATS and celebrated with their traditional water fight!

Fingers crossed you all get the grades you wanted!

WLPS PURPLE UP Mrs Greening who leads the Westbury Leigh C of E Primary School ‘Forces Life Club’ explains, “April is the month of the Military child and to celebrate and raise awareness for children who have a parent or parents in the armed forces WLPS held a #PurpleUp day!

"Why purple? Military children have parents in all branches of the forces and purple combines all their colours.

"Why the dandelion? The plant puts down roots almost anywhere and is almost impossible to destroy, a survivor in a broad range of climates — Military children bloom everywhere the wind carries them”.

The Service children at WLPS led an assembly where they shared their feelings about being a military child. Arthur said, “Leaving old friends is harder than trying to make new ones!” and Amelia told us, “Starting a new school and making new friends is hard, it’s like starting a new life and sometimes you feel lonely.”

WOW

WOW

Leighton, aged 6, won two gold medals at a tournament, training with DES TKD. Well done!

Albie, aged 4, attended his first tournament and won a bronze medal with DES TKD – good work!

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT

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Mrs Grimsey, headteacher, said: “The children led an inspiring worship that raised the profile of our Service children, we are so proud of them, we encourage all children to flourish no matter what challenges they may face. We work to help them be confident and aspirational individuals who are ready to take their place and make their mark on the future!”

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WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT

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