Family Matters summer edition 2023

gardening with children

SCHOOL NEWS win prizes!

The summer is finally here and we have a packed issue for you full of things to keep the kids entertained and help the parents cope! Whether you’re planning to take it easy at home this summer or head out to explore the local area or further afield, there’s plenty to do from theatre shows to fun days and a whole lot more. Whatever you do, we hope you get to have some fun before school starts again.

For some of you, this will be your last issue of Family Matters – we hope you had a great final year at school and wish you luck in what comes next – good luck, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the new challenges that secondary school brings. For the rest of you, have a good summer and we’ll see you in September! 04

Empowering our little ones 08

Helping to connect with numbers 17 Supporting children through loss 18

Delicious recipes for the summer

EMPOWERING OUR LITTLE ONES: Building confidence in children

As parents, we play a crucial role in nurturing and building our children's confidence. Instilling a strong sense of self-assurance in our little ones sets them on a path towards success and happiness. Here are some practical ways to cultivate confidence in our children.

Encouraging Exploration

Let them try new activities and experiences. Celebrate their efforts and focus on the journey, not just the outcome. Support their curiosity and allow them to make decisions (within safe boundaries, of course!).

Setting Realistic Goals

Help them set achievable goals based on their interests and abilities.

Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps.

Teach them resilience and perseverance when faced with challenges.

Praising Effort and Strengths

Recognise and praise their hard work, progress, and improvements.

Highlight their unique strengths and qualities to boost their self-esteem.

Provide specific feedback that acknowledges their achievements.

Promoting Independence

Encourage age-appropriate responsibilities.

Let them make decisions and solve problems on their own.

Be there to guide and support them, but also allow them to learn from their mistakes.

Fostering a Supportive Environment

Create a loving and inclusive atmosphere where they feel safe to express themselves. Practice open communication and active listening to understand their feelings.

Encourage positive interactions and discourage comparisons or harsh criticism.

Teaching Self-Compassion

Help them develop a kind and understanding attitude towards themselves.

Encourage them to see failures as opportunities for growth, not personal flaws. Promote self-care practices and prioritise their mental and emotional well-being.

Leading by Example

Be their role model by demonstrating confidence and self-assurance.

Show resilience, perseverance, and a growth mindset in your own endeavours. Express unwavering support and belief in their abilities through words and actions.

As parents, we hold the power to shape our children's lives in incredible ways. By implementing these strategies, we can empower our little ones to believe in themselves, face challenges with courage, and flourish in every aspect of their lives. Let's embark on this beautiful journey of building confidence in our children and watch them soar to great heights!

Low/no cost ideas for things to do this summer

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You don’t need expensive toys or trips to make the summer holidays fun! There are plenty of budget friendly things you can do over the summer holidays that won’t break the bank! Here are a couple of low/no cost ideas to help you have a memorable summer.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

If the weather isn’t playing ball or you don’t have a safe outdoor space for the kids to run around in, why not set them up a little crafting station? You don’t even need to go out and buy anything (though you can pick up craft supplies fairly cheaply from budget stores), just use everyday household items, like toilet roll tubes or things like leaves and pinecones from outside. You can make a variety of items, like houses, rockets or bird feeders!

CREATE A FORT

Whether you have a garden or not, you can easily make a fort out of blankets or cardboard or other household items (just make sure it's safe!) and let the kids hang out in their own creations. Whether they ch0ose to play at being knights or royalty or just sit in it with their game console, it will keep them entertained and you can make a game out of cleaning up afterwards.

PUT ON A PLAY

Do the kids have a favourite book or TV show? Or maybe you could get them to use their imaginations and come up with something original. Help them create some props and then let them rehearse it and perform for you later on! You can even invite friends and family.

VISIT A MUSEUM

Did you know that lots of museums offer free or discounted entry during school holidays? In Bath and North East Somerset, you can get free and discounted entry to several museums by signing up to a Discovery Card which allows local families access to attractions in the area. There are similar schemes all over the UK, so take a look at what is available and learn more about your community.

BAKING OR COOKING

Why not get the kids to help with making dinner, that way you aren’t buying anything extra and they can learn a life skill. If you have things like flour already at home, you can get them to do a bit of baking or creating their own ornaments. In the hot weather, you could get them to make their own ice lollies, moulds are available fairly cheaply at super markets and other stores, and you will only need a bit of juice and some water!

3 EASY STEPS TO HELP young children connect with numbers

TopTip! Trytoincludeyourchild’s

activitiesfavouritethingsinthe -toys,snacks, books,itemsofclothing, andsoon.

As parents we need to ensure our young children have plenty of opportunities to explore numbers in meaningful ways, both at home as well as in an educational setting. Embedding numeracy early on sets children up for long-term success in maths.

Non-profit organisations, Teach Your Monster, recently commissioned a survey which revealed that 72% of parents think that maths is the most important subject for their child to be good at, yet 40% of parents find maths intimidating.

The good news is that there are some very simple, stress-free and dare I say, fun activities that all parents can engage with daily to help our children grasp the fundamentals of numbers. Your child will enjoy them so much that they won’t even think of them as ‘doing maths’!

Numbers in action: Top tips

Here are some tips for bringing maths into your next visit to the park:

Size (big, medium, small)

Got a picnic with you? Who has the biggest sandwich?

Height (high, low, short, tall)

Point out the tallest and shortest trees.

Weight (heavy, light)

Grab a handful of stones – which one is heavier?

Speed (fast, slow)

Spot any birds? Which is flying the fastest?

Distance (near, far)

Look for people walking their dogs. Which dog is furthest away?

Order (first, second, third)

Name your top three activities to do in the park.

Photo by luis arias on Unsplash

Here is a three-step plan for fostering a love of numbers:

1. TALK ABOUT NUMBERS

Numbers are everywhere, which means you can build all kinds of conversations around them. For instance, a trip to the local park sets the scene to talk about how long it will take to get there, if there are more swings or slides, or how many trees your child can spot. These types of questions will show your child that numbers are a vital tool for understanding the world.

2. TOUCH NUMBERS

Maths should be tactile. At meal times, get children to count the number of cutlery items as they help you set the table, or estimate how many pieces of sliced carrot they have on their plate. These types of questions will build their number sense in a hands-on way.

3. PLAY WITH NUMBERS

Encourage your child to explore numbers through play. From board games, such as Junior Monopoly to using LEGO® blocks to arrange constructions in height order, to more imaginative games like ‘What’s the time Mr Wolf?’, your child can secure the basics in maths in a way that is fun.

To support independent play, try the free online game, Teach Your Monster Number Skills, which is designed for children aged 3+ of all abilities. Set in a mathematical theme park, it’s packed full of mini games that provides kids with an exciting way to practice their number skills.

The 3 steps are simple, but when applied consistently they help children (and parents!) develop a positive relationship with numbers.

JunaidMubeenisa mathematicianturned educator,authorof MathematicalIntelligence: Whatwehavethatmachines don’t,Countdownseries winner,andexpertadvisorto non-profitchildren’sonline game,TeachYourMonster NumberSkills

(www.teachyourmonster.org/ numberskills)

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Aerospace Bristol

Journey through a century of Bristol’s aviation history at Aerospace Bristol, from the earliest powered flights to the modern day, including amazing aeroplanes, helicopters, engines, and even a space rocket!

A highlight of your visit is sure to be stepping aboard the iconic Concorde, where you can glimpse into the cockpit and walk through the passenger cabin to discover how Concorde passengers would travel in style.

Also, find out what it’s like to fly in formation with the Red Arrows aerobatics team in the Red Arrows simulator. Join them as they perform some of their most exciting manoeuvres! Visitors can add The Red Arrows Experience simulator ride to their visit for just £3 per person.

Younger visitors can enjoy their own Red Arrows simulator located in the museum café, which offers a delicious range of light meals, snacks and drinks, and a special children’s menu, served throughout the day. The café is free to enter, with no museum ticket required. This summer enjoy a packed programme of events at Aerospace Bristol, kicking off with a huge new LEGO® brick event on the 15th of July!

Supersonic Brick Day is your chance to explore 3 zones of incredible LEGO® displays and get hands-on with interactive activities - from LEGO® graffiti walls to car building, flower building, and even robot wars. Then, from the 22nd of July until the 3rd of September, join Aerospace Bristol for a summer of art! Make, draw and explore your creative side throughout the summer holidays, with an array of artistic activities that celebrate The Art of Flight.

Tickets include free return visits for a whole year so look out for Concorde 20th anniversary celebrations, as well as festive events in December.

For more information and to book, visit aerospacebristol.org.

22 JULY - 3 SEPTEMBER

Join Aerospace Bristol for a summer of art! Make, draw and explore your creative side with a packed programme of artistic activities that celebrate the art of flight.

Discover the full programme of activities: aerospacebristol.org

Tickets include free return visits for 12 months, look out for special Concorde final flight anniversary celebrations as well as festive events later this year.

Enjoy the sun safely

One thing we love about the summer is seeing the sunshine and getting the chance to enjoy a bit of warm weather, whether you’re staying home and enjoying it from your garden or the local park, or you’re heading to warmer climates, it is important to keep yourself safe.

We all know the dangers of staying in the sun too long, there’s a risk of sun stroke, sunburn or dehydration, so make sure you know the signs and stay safe this summer. Here are some ways you can enjoy the sunshine without putting yourself in danger.

Stay hydrated

The most important thing when out in the sun is to make sure you are hydrated – especially of you are planning to indulge in alcohol (we’re aiming this one at the parents of course!). Whether you’re at a picnic, just hanging out in the garden or going out for the day, make sure that you take bottles of water or squash with you and that the children know where these are at all times. It is important to make sure you hydrate regularly while out in the sun, so keep an eye out and make sure everyone is drinking enough.

Why not take reusable bottles with you so you can refill them at various points during the day? Just remember, if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated!

Suncream

The general consensus is that we should apply suncream at least 15 minutes before going outside, even if it looks cloudy. It is recommended that you use factor 30 or above and to keep topping it up according to the instructions on the label. For the kids, who are likely to be moving around more, choose something water and sweat resistant to keep them protected for longer.

Stay out of the sun

The sun is at its strongest between 10 am and 2pm, so try to keep out of the sunlight during those hours – if you can, set up some shade or provide the kids with hats to keep the sun off of them. Keep applying sun cream, stay hydrated and keep to the shade as much as possible if you do find yourself out during the hottest point of the day.

Wear glasses, a hat and sensible clothes

If you’re out and about in the sun, or driving in sunny weather, make sure to have sunglasses with you to keep your eyes safe. Encourage your children to wear glasses and a hat with a brim and avoid looking directly at the sun or reflective surfaces. UV rays can be harmful to your eyes, and many prescription glasses now also have a UV protection option, so speak to your optician.

If it’s hot, we all want to have as little clothing as possible, but the more skin you have on show, the more likely you are to get sunburn or be bitten by insects. Rather than no sleeves, instead consider wearing a thinner material with longer sleeves, to help keep you cool and protected.

Photo by Brian Garcia on Unsplash

GARDENING with children

Engaging kids in gardening not only provides a fun and educational experience but also encourages a sense of responsibility and environmental consciousness. Let's explore some of the key benefits of gardening for children along with a few top tips to get them started.

Enhances Physical and Mental Health:

Digging, planting, and watering help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Gardening also has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety in children.

Spending time outdoors exposes children to natural sunlight, aiding in vitamin D.

Encourages Healthy Eating:

Growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs enables children to witness the journey from seed to table. Kids are more likely to eat what they have grown themselves, encouraging healthier food choices.

Nurtures Environmental Awareness:

Children learn about the importance of conserving water, reducing waste, and protecting wildlife.

Understanding the role of pollinators and the impact of pesticides fosters ecological responsibility.

Promotes Learning and Curiosity:

Gardening provides hands-on learning experiences about plant life cycles, ecosystems, and the seasons. Children develop problem-solving skills by figuring out how to care for plants and address challenges like pests or disease.

By following these top tips and engaging children in gardening activities, we can nurture their love for nature, foster curiosity, and encourage a sense of responsibility towards the environment. So, grab your shovels, put on your gardening gloves, and embark on an enriching gardening adventure with your child today!

Top Tips for Gardening with Children

Start with simple plants: Begin with easy-to-grow plants like sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, or herbs to build confidence and maintain interest.

Allocate a dedicated space: Designate a specific area or allocate pots for your child's garden, allowing them to take ownership and responsibility for their plants.

Provide child-sized tools:

Invest in age-appropriate tools like small spades, watering cans, and gloves to make gardening comfortable and safe for children.

Emphasise the importance of patience: Teach children that gardening is a gradual process and that plants need time to grow. Patience and perseverance are key qualities to develop.

Incorporate fun activities:

Introduce engaging activities like making seed bombs, building scarecrows, or creating garden art to make gardening enjoyable and exciting.

This annual event is a national day to celebrate playing in all its forms with this year’s event having the theme of Playing on a Shoe String – making every day an adventure. For 2023, Playday will focus on the every day, low or no cost play adventures that children can enjoy at home, as well as out and about.

As the Playday website explains, play doesn’t need to be expensive or involve costly toys or trips as it is often the simplest ideas that offer the most fun.

Playdays take place every year, with community events going on all over the UK. They aim to raise awareness of the benefits of play, saying it is essential for all ages and stages of childhood, helps children make sense of the world around them, allows children to make friends and cope with stress and is essential for their health and well-being.

Fancy hosting your own community play day? You can! Simply head to the website playday.org.uk to submit your events and invite other local families to join you, or find out what is happening near you. Whether you decide to go to an organised event or have your own fun at home – make sure to dedicate 2nd August to a day of play!

SUPPORTING CHILDREN through loss

As a parent, witnessing your child experience the loss of a loved one is an incredibly challenging and heart-wrenching experience. Your role as a caregiver becomes even more crucial during this time, as you strive to provide support, comfort, and guidance to your child while they navigate the complex emotions of grief.

Creating a Safe Space for Expression: It is essential to create a safe and nurturing environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their emotions. Encourage open and honest communication, allowing them to share their thoughts, fears, and memories of the loved one they have lost. Be a compassionate listener, offering a shoulder to cry on and a loving presence to hold them through their pain.

Tailoring Support to Their Age and Understanding: Children comprehend loss differently at various stages of development. It is crucial to tailor your support to their age and level of understanding. Use ageappropriate language to explain death, answering their questions honestly and gently. Provide reassurance and remind them that their feelings are valid and normal. Offer simple explanations about the permanence of death and be patient as they process this new reality.

Maintaining Routines and Stability: During times of grief, children find solace in familiar routines and a sense of stability. As a parent, strive to maintain daily routines, such as mealtimes, bedtime rituals, and school schedules. Consistency in their lives can provide a

sense of security amidst the uncertainty. However, be flexible and understanding if they need extra time or support to adjust and acknowledge that some changes may be necessary.

Nurturing Self-Care for Both You and Your Child: Grieving takes a toll on both the child and the parent. It is essential to prioritise self-care for yourself while caring for your child. Seek support from family, friends, or professional counsellors to help you navigate your own emotions. Ensure you are taking care of your physical and emotional well-being so that you can be present for your child. Encourage self-care activities for your child as well, such as engaging in hobbies or spending time in nature.

As a parent, helping your child through the loss of a loved one requires immense strength, empathy, and patience. By creating a safe space for expression, tailoring support to their understanding, maintaining routines, and prioritising self-care, you can provide the love and guidance needed to navigate the grieving process together, fostering healing and resilience.

YOU WILL NEED:

For the dough

225g flour

¼ tsp salt

½ tsp yeast

150ml warm water

1 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce

1 tbsp light olive oil

1 medium onion

1 garlic clove

400g chopped tomatoes

1 tsp sun dried tomato

paste

1 tsp sugar

½ lemon juice

For the toppings

Tomato sauce (either use the recipe or use a premade sauce)

100g mozzarella cheese

2 tomatoes

Any other toppings you might like

EASY HOME MADE PIZZA

Have you been trying to shield the kids from all the take away pizza adverts? Make your own and enjoy something that is cheaper, healthier and much more fun!

1 Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl and stir in the yeast. Make a well in the middle and pour in half the water and the oil. Mix with a fork until you have a soft dough.

2 Turn the dough out on to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, then put in a well oiled bowl, cover and leave for an hour to prove.

3 If you’re making your own tomato sauce, do this now, or if you want to use a tinned version, prepare it now. To make the sauce, heat the oil and thinly chop the onions. Fry for around 5

minutes, and then add the garlic, fry for a further minute and then add the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a simmer and cook for around 30 minutes.

4 Preheat your oven to 220°C/ Gas Mark 7.

5 When the dough is ready, put it back on the work surface and roll it out into a circle. Spread the tomato sauce over it.

6 Arrange the sliced mozzarella on top, followed by the tomato slices and any other toppings you would like.

7 Cook for 20 minutes.

QUICK AND EASY CHOCOLATE CAKE

Kids want cake? Not got the inclination to go to the shops? Well, even if you think you don’t, you will definitely have time to make this chocolate cake! Ready in just five minutes in the microwave and freezable – this is a great way to keep the kids entertained over the summer or to give yourself a quick treat!

YOU WILL NEED:

175g sugar

110 ml boiling water

25g cocoa powder

55ml vegetable oil

1 egg

55ml milk

175g self raising flour

1 Put the cocoa into a small bowl and pour the boiling water over the top, mix well to ensure there are no lumps and then put in the microwave for 30 seconds on high. After thirty seconds, stir again and then add the flour, sugar, milk, oil and egg and mix together.

2 Pour the batter into a microwave proof dish and cook on high for 5 minutes.

3 Push a knife through the centre of the cake, if it comes out clean, it’s cooked, if not, heat again for a further minute until it is cooked all the way through.

4 Let it cool and then enjoy with ice cream, on its own, with some decoration or freeze it and enjoy at another time!

Win Prizes

Win a copy of LOL 101: A Kid's Guide to Writing Jokes

Win a Family Day Ticket to Bowood House & Gardens

Whether you are looking to entertain the whole family or wear out the children this summer with some serious playtime in the Adventure Playground, thre is something for everyone at Bowood House & Gardens!

(2 adults + 2 children aged 12 years and under, on a date of your choice during our 2023 open season).

Packed with fun-filled illustrations, easy-to-follow exercises, and sample jokes, this humorous handbook proves that with a little elbow grease, anyone can write jokes that really make people LOL.

WIN kids swimming lessons

Do you have any children, grandchildren, nieces & nephews who would like to join the Puddle Ducks family? This summer, Puddle Ducks Bristol & Bath are celebrating 15 years since they first launched their baby and preschool classes. To mark this milestone, they are delighted to give away to one lucky reader, £90 worth of SWIMMING LESSONS AND a Puddle Ducks swimming goodie bag!

Win a ticket for up to 5 people to explore Wookey Hole

Make the most of your summer with a trip to Wookey Hole. Your experience includes the caves, a circus performance, Museum, 4D Cinema show, Adventure Golf and giant soft play.

TO ENTER VISIT www.familymatters-uk.co.uk/competitions, click on the Competitions button and complete the form. It couldn’t be easier!

IS MY CHILD ENTITLED TO free school meals?

Yes, we know, school might be about to wind down for the summer, but you will need to start thinking about getting prepared for the new term in no time at all.

For some parents, whether their child is entitled to free school meals is a big question, so here is everything you need to know.

Firstly, what is it?

Free School Meals are available for the children of people who have an income-based benefit. Depending on your circumstances, you can also qualify if you get working tax credits, but this depends on the income your credits have been worked out on and where you live in the UK, so be sure to check with your local authority if you think you might be eligible.

So, who can apply?

You can apply for free school meals of you receive any income-based benefit, such as Universal Credit, State Pension Credit, Income-related Jobseeker’s or Employment Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit. In some areas, Universal Credit has been rolled out and other forms of benefit won’t be in existence. You can check by logging into your account or by speaking to a call handler. Alternatively, your

school or local authority will be able to talk you through what you are entitled to.

How do I claim?

So, you’ve established that you’re eligible, now what? Well, firstly, free school meals are administered by local authorities, so you will need to contact them to begin your claim. Some parents may qualify for Healthy Start – this is a scheme run by the Department of Health and claims will need to be made through them. This will entitle you to coupons you can use in exchange for vitamins, milk, fruit, vegetables and formula milk. It is available to people on certain benefits who are at least ten weeks pregnant or have a child under four. Younger mums, aged 18 and under, will automatically qualify for this, but do check with the Department of Health to check whether you can claim.

Any questions about benefits, please speak to your local authority, Citizen’s Advice or go online to www.entitledto.co.uk where you can calculate which benefits you could be entitled to.

Reintroduce a routine

It’s always nice to have a break from early morning alarms and even earlier bedtimes, but towards the end of the holidays, start introducing the familiar school routine back into day to day life. It will help everyone get back into the swing of things and won’t make that first day back at school alarm so bad!

Check what they need

We all know that pencil cases break or calculators go missing over the course of a school year, so in the month leading up to term starting, make sure that the kids have everything they need for their first day, especially if they are starting a new school and might need additional equipment. It is much less stressful to gradually start preparing, rather than leaving it all to the end of the holidays.

Are you ready to head back to school?

It might feel like the summer has just begun but it will be time to head back into the classroom before you know it. Here are some top tips to get the kids ready to head back to school. It is never a bad thing to make sure you are prepared early!

Don’t let them stagnate

The holidays are for relaxing, that’s true but it can be difficult not to let the kids sit in front of a screen for the whole six weeks. They don’t have to ditch them entirely, but be sure to encourage them to stay active by setting them little projects over the summer, it could be something as simple as doing chores throughout the week or reading a book or watching a movie and then reporting back to you. Little things like this will help keep up their confidence and make sure that their classroom skills don’t drop, it is also a great way to help them not get overwhelmed when homework starts coming in again.

Get your uniform sorted in good time

No one wants to get up for their first day back or their first day ever and find that their ankles are on display because they’ve had a growth spurt. We all know that kids grow at the most inopportune moments, but don’t leave the uniform to the last minute. Most schools require you to order a uniform from their own shops or approved sellers, so make sure to check what needs replacing ahead of time, this is also a good idea if they offer payment plans, so you can spread the cost of any new items you might need.

Do you have any other tips for getting the kids ready for heading back to school after the holidays? Don’t forget to share them with us on Twitter or Facebook, you can find us at @ukfamilymatters

Choosing a Secondary School

While many of you might have children starting school for the first time, for some of you, this will be your child's last September at your current school and with the various challenges around hosting open evenings, you may be wondering what to do about viewing and choosing where they’ll be for the next stage of their academic career.

Choosing a secondary school is important and this is the time of year that you really need to start thinking about the options and getting your applications in. When it comes to finding the best school for your child, there are a lot of factors involved, including what is on offer in your area, what entry requirements there are and what sort of environment best suits you and your child. To help lighten the load, we’ve put together a quick checklist to make it as stress free as possible.

Make a list of the schools in your area

Schools have a catchment area, so you’ll need to see what schools cater for your postcode as a starting point. There are always options to apply for schools outside your area if you have a strong case or if your local schools are full, but local authorities and school trusts will offer places to the students within their catchment area first.

Check the application deadlines

Every school will have its own deadline for applications and these will be publicised locally in newspapers and online, if you’re not sure or you can’t find the info anywhere, you can always check with the school themselves. The majority of secondary schools have a deadline of October for those that are in their last year in primary school, so it might be an idea to start your search in Year 5, especially if you’re interested in a grammar school or other selective school which will have certain entry requirements.

Are there any entry requirements?

Some schools will have entry requirements in place for prospective pupils. Religious schools for instance will need you to be an active member of their church while others may have an entrance exam. When looking at what schools are in the area, make sure to check what will be expected of you when making your shortlist.

Keep an open mind

While you might have a certain school in mind, it might not be the best fit for your child. Normally we would recommend visiting as many of the local schools as possible on their open days or asking to attend a tour while school is in session, but with the various changes that have taken place, this isn’t going to be possible at all schools. Many schools are instead offering virtual tours, so make sure to book onto as many of those as you can and to treat them like a physical school tour. Because you won’t physically be able to look around, it’s important to keep an open mind.

HOW TO CHOOSE the right childcare

For some of us the summer holidays are just a great way to spend time with the kids, for others, it is a stressful time of trying to find child care, rearranging shifts and rushing around. Not to mention the guilt of having to go to work in the first place.

Whatever you’re looking for, here is a run down of different options, so you can choose what works best for you and your family.

CHILDMINDERS

Childminders are trained professionals who will often look after a group of children, usually in their own home. They are DBS checked and have undertaken training courses, including first aid and will often hold child care qualifications. In England, childminders are inspected regularly and will offer the same Early Years care as nurseries.

Some childminders will take on children from birth, so your child can get used to a person and feel safe and comfortable around them. Others will have a set age limit and some will have a range of ages in their care at any one time, but they will be in smaller groups than at nursery.

In summary, with a childminder:

You can be sure of smaller numbers, so more one on one time for your child.

Your child can spend many years with the same person, which builds up a strong relationship.

Siblings can be looked after together.

The services can be tailored to fit around you and your children.

There is the option to have care before and after school, as well as during the holidays – however, some childminders are self employed, so there may be a charge for care during the holidays in addition to the usual costs.

Depending on the childminder, there might be government funded places for children of a certain age.

Because many childminders are self employed, you will need back up if they are ever ill or go on holiday.

NANNIES

Nannies are professional carers who look after children, either at their home or at yours. Some are employed by a family and will live with them, receiving a wage, plus free board. If you are hiring a live in nanny, you may require them to have certain qualifications, but there is no requirement for nannies generally to be inspected or registered and there isn’t a legal limit on how many children they can watch at a time.

Nannies can be a great option for busy families who want their children to be able to come home and enjoy a familiar environment and for anyone who needs to ensure childcare at short notice. They are also useful for families with more than one child, as, like a childminder, the siblings can be looked after together.

So, with a nanny:

Your child can be looked after in your own home. You have a say on how they look after the children, when and for how long, especially if you are their employer.

You won’t need to take time off if your child is ill as your nanny will be available.

However, you will need to find backup child care if your nanny is on holiday or ill themselves and often, as their employer, you are responsible for their pay and things like holiday entitlement.

Nannies will often do school runs and some even do household chores while the children are at school, depending on their contract.

With a nanny, your child will be at home under their care, so won’t have as much chance to make friends and be around other children – but this can be a great thing if your child has additional needs and needs more one to one care.

AU PAIRS

Au pairs are much like nannies in the sense that they will live with you and provide childcare in return for somewhere to live. Many of them are students or are taking a gap year and the majority of them are European, coming to Britain to learn more about the culture and the language. They don’t need any child care experience or qualifications and you aren’t required to pay them a wage, but many people do.

Au pairs are a great option for anyone who requires a nanny but doesn’t have the budget for someone to work for them. Au pairs can also be a great way to help your children to learn a new language or to understand more about the wider world and like a nanny, au pairs can help around the house and ferry kids to and from school.

With an au pair:

You have someone available at all times, though you will need to find cover if they are unwell.

It is a flexible option and can really enrich a home, however, some people find it intrusive to have someone there all the time.

Au pairs are temporary and will often do 6 or 9 months at a time before returning home – this can be disruptive for your children but can also be a great way to trail out whether this type of care will work for you.

HOLIDAY CLUBS

If you only need help during school holidays, take a look at any local holiday clubs. These clubs don’t run during term time and provide care for children usually of primary school age, though some will take children up to 13.

These clubs are often provided by an education organisation, charity or council and are often held in a community venue, like a school or local theatre and provide a variety of activities for the kids to enjoy while there, as well as arranging outings and trips depending on the size of the group. Holiday clubs are a great way for kids to have fun and make friends during the holiday, while also giving you peace of mind that they are being looked after and aren’t getting into any trouble. They can however get expensive, especially if you have more than one child, or there are extra activities that they want to do.

Holiday clubs:

Are at set times, which can be difficult to fit in around your work schedule.

Can be tailored to your child’s interest, for example, there might be a football holiday club which will focus on playing and training or drama, where they will work towards an end of summer performance.

They are a good option for parents who only need holiday cover, however the age limits and costs might make them inaccessible for some.

CRECHE

A creche typically looks after children for a few hours at a time on an “as and when” basis. They can be found in places like gyms and some businesses offer them to employees. They’re often a cheap option and are flexible, as you won’t need to pre-book a space for your child, however, you can only leave them for a set time.

Creches are a good option if you have appointments or need to run errands and don’t have any other child care options and can offer a stimulating environment for your children to play in. However, not all of them are regulated or inspected and you can’t use any child care benefits to cover the cost.

Creches:

Good option for short term childcare when you have errands to run.

They are often cheaper or sometimes even free.

Sessions are usually limited and space is on a first come, first serve basis but will allow your children to socialise with others.

If you’re looking for more information on local childcare options, make sure to speak to your council for a list of registered childminders or any holiday clubs they may be running. Your child’s school will also be able to give advice on nannies and other child care options.

Do you have any suggestions for childcare options or want to offer support for other working parents? You can catch up each other by visiting our Twitter or Facebook, @ukfamilymatters

News and Reviews

SOMERSET SCHOOLS CELEBRATE ARTS AND WELLBEING

A fantastic event was held on Wednesday, 19th April to celebrate the end of a project in Somerset schools, supporting wellbeing through creativity.

The event, held in Millfield School in Street, marked the conclusion of the School’s Wellbeing and Arts Project and showcased examples of the inspirational work that has taken place within schools through the artists-in-residence project. Artworks displayed included sculptures, collages and reflective written pieces.

Launched specifically to help children and young people process their experiences of the Covid 19 pandemic, which had a negative effect on the wellbeing of so many, the School’s Wellbeing and Arts Project has supported schools in their journey to adopt a whole school approach to mental health through creative arts and making use of the Somerset Wellbeing

READY, SET, READ!

The annual Summer Reading Challenge returns with a new theme of Ready, Set Read! Delivered in partnership with national children’s charity, the Youth Sport Trust and public libraries, this year’s Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep children’s minds and bodies active over the summer break. Children from across B&NES are challenged to get reading over the summer holidays, from July to September. By taking part in the free challenge, children will be able to join a superstar team and navigate a fictional summer obstacle course brought to life with illustrations by children’s illustrator, Loretta Schauer. The Youth Sport Trust has developed fun family activity cards, which alongside the official 2023 Summer Reading Challenge book lists will aim to keep imaginations moving over the school holidays. Head to summerreadingchallenge.org.uk to find out more.

Framework. The Framework features the ‘Pillars of Wellbeing’, which represent key areas that support resilience and positive mental health. Schools based their creative projects on one of these pillars – Belonging, Relationships, and Lifestyles. This project saw a commissioning of six local creative and artistic organisations who worked directly with 51 schools as artists in residence. They collaborated with art organisations Emerald Ant CIC, Fuse Performance: Somerset Outdoor Arts, LIFEbeat, SPAEDA (supported by sen.se), Somerset Art Works and Somerset Film on a range of creative arts, including performance, song production, felting, outdoor wall murals, sculpting, animation, photography and more. The work will be shown off in a celebratory e-zine.

Somerset Council staff and schools also took part in a creative session to inspire teaching practices and explore practical ways of embedding creativity into a whole school culture. In addition, 45 schools were provided with funding towards a wellbeing and creative arts project developed within their setting. These schools were able to apply for funding up to a maximum of £1,000 per school.

SPORTS WEEK AT WELTON

To kick off the summer term, the children at Welton Primary participated in Sports Week. The aim of the week was to get the children active, have fun and introduce them to new sports. The days kicked off with a whole school wake and shake session and, over the course of the week, children had the opportunity to play volleyball, learn archery and tri-golf skills, as well as take part in a sponsored obstacle course to raise money for Cancer Research. The sun shone all week and it was great to see all our children trying something new and having fun!

Pupils in Swallows Class at Bishop Sutton Primary School had a busy week towards the end of last term. The week started with a violin performance in front of the parents, followed by a day learning about the Arctic! They even got to chat to a real-life Arctic explorer who has sailed around the Arctic three times!

EARTH DAY AT MIDSOMER NORTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Midsomer Norton Primary School (MSNP) celebrated Earth Day on Monday 24th April 2023.

All the children wore green to represent plants and new life in nature. We were asked to bring in seeds or plants to support our Eco-Schools Action Plan. We are creating a ‘no-mow’ tranquil area with all the seeds contributed by the school's pupils - the peaceful spot will grow freely and encourage bees and butterflies. As a school we are concentrating on maximising the biodiversity of our grounds and keeping the area litter free. All the classes took part in art based activities, making a pledge to our planet and we had an Eco assembly by Ms Biss.

It’s essential to protect our planet and invest in our future because if we don’t take action now we will lose 50% of the world’s species which will contribute to the collapse of the world’s food chain.

WELTON’S EASTER ART COMPETITION

Congratulations to everyone who entered Welton Primary School’s Easter Art Competition. The winners were:

Reception – Maria, Logan & Dylan

Y1 – Ruby, Leo & Finley

Y2 – Tarrin, Tilley & Ember

Y3 – Gracie, Amber & Elsie

Y4 – Jack, Lauren & Cleo-Rose

Y5 – Betsey, Lyra & Ameia

Y6 – Ava, Hollie & Syd

HIGH LITTLETON PUPIL HEADS TO TWICKENHAM

High Littleton pupil Evie, who plays rugby with the Chew Valley U-10 team, went to Twickenham with her team mates to play a game. Well done Evie!

This web-based resource provides a huge range of parenting support, activities, resources and information, as well as a full list of Ofsted registered childcare.

For those of you with a child or young person with additional needs, check out Rainbow Resource, our SEND Local Offer; this provides children and young people (aged up to 25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families with information to help you find the right help and support.

Live Well B&NES also has a dedicated section for young people, a wide range of Cost-of-Living resources and information and support and signposting for adults needing care or support. There’s something for everyone!

Find out more: https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk

Follow us on: www.facebook.com/livewellbathnes www.instagram.com/Youth_Info_Bathnes

ST MARY’S HOST LAUNCH OF BEAT THE STREET

On Wednesday, 17th May, Intelligent Health launched their interactive game called Beat the Street at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Writhlington.

Beat the Street is a game which encourages physical activity in local communities and Intelligent Health have been busy installing Beat Boxes around the Somer Valley. These act as checkpoints where you can pick up points. If you visit two of these checkpoints within an hour, you will pick up twenty points, with extra points awarded for any other checkpoints you reach afterwards. There are 47 of these checkpoints across the Somer Valley, located in Timsbury, Peasedown St John, Paulton, Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Writhlington. Players are encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or wheel their way through the area to collect points. Points then convert into prizes.

At the event, Intelligent Health gave a short presentation about the game, before taking everyone on a demonstration to test it out. During the presentation, local councillor, Cllr Warren said: “Anything we can do to increase enthusiasm for walking and cycling improves the environment and air pollution levels. Plus, we’re supporting local, there are prizes to be won during the event with goodies coming from local businesses.”

The game is new to the Somer Valley but has been running for almost ten years elsewhere in the UK.

PURPLE UP!

April is the month of the military child, Mrs Greening who leads the Westbury Leigh C of E Primary School’s WLPS Troopers explains: “We celebrate Purple Up! Day to raise awareness for children who have a parent or parents in the armed forces.” Aaliyah explained: “We use purple as the colour of Military children as they have parents in all branches of the forces and purple is the colour when you combine all the forces colours together. The dandelion is used as it’s a strong flower that can bloom and flourish wherever it lands.”

WLPS Troopers are a group of children who all have a military connection. They meet regularly to support each other through activities and sharing experiences. The group led an assembly where they shared their feelings about being a military child. Ava said that: “Sometimes being a military child can be hard because you have to move a lot; houses and schools. When we had to move school we had to make new friends, which was ok, but it was sad to leave my old friends. My Dad had to leave a lot and it was hard but when he came home it was so exciting to see him. This group helps me because we can share things and support each other.” Aaliyah shared that: “Being a military child is very exciting since I get to learn lots of interesting things, like learning about tanks. However, sometimes it can be negative. This is because I have had move schools twice and move houses four times which meant that I left all my friends behind. When I was born my Dad went to Afghanistan. It was hard for all my family while he was away. “

INVENTION CONVENTION

As part of a recent whole school science week, children from all classes across the school took part in an Invention Convention. Here are some of the fantastic inventions produced by members of the school. Ideas ranged from a seed planting machine to an ipad controlled robot that cleans the house.

Mrs Grimsey, Headteacher said: “The our children led a thought provoking and inspiring worship that raised the profile of our service children, we are so very proud of them. We encourage all children to flourish no matter what challenges

they may face. We work to help them be confident, unique and aspirational individuals who are ready to step forward and make their mark on the future!”

DECARBONISATION MAKEOVER AT WOOKEY PRIMARY NOW COMPLETE

Work to make Wookey Primary School near Wells more energy efficient and environmentally friendly has now completed, as the school becomes the latest local authority building to receive a ‘decarbonisation makeover’.

Pupils and staff at Wookey Primary can soon look forward to reaping the benefits of savings made on energy bills; money which can instead be channelled into more educational resources.

To enable new levels of energy efficiency and lower the building’s carbon output, Somerset Council have carried out a number of upgrades. The school has kissed goodbye to its old oil-fuelled boiler, which has been replaced by a modern air source heat pump. Rooftop solar technology has been installed, along with new radiators, windows, doors and upgraded insulation – saving 13.2 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

Having successfully bid for £4.1 million from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) and committing a further £5.6 million into the initiative itself, Somerset Council has now completed decarbonisation works on several of its buildings. The project at Wookey Primary is a neat example of the process the money is funding. A site visit and feasibility study informs a decarbonisation report; the data from which allows the Council to understand and prioritise the parts of the estate most in need of decarbonisation work.

PRESIDENTIAL MEETING FOR JAMES!

Andrew Marsh, Headteacher of Wookey Primary School, added: “Despite a huge amount of external work, we are pleased that the character of our old school buildings has not been lost. The work was carried out sympathetically and with minimum disruption to the children’s learning.

“As well as teaching our children about sustainable energy, at a time when school budgets are under incredible pressure, we are hopeful that this project will lead to savings that can be passed on to our children.”

WELL DONE RILEY!

Congratulations to Riley, a pupil at High Littleton Primary School who has raised £1320 for the Little Princess Trust! Well done Riley!

James from Yr 1 at Chandag Infant School met American President Joe Biden while on a family holiday to Ireland over the Easter break! He even made it onto the local news!

IT’S ALL A BUZZ AT NORTON HILL PRIMARY

Lessons have been a hive of activity at Norton Hill Primary School in Midsomer Norton recently. Children have been learning about bees as part of their recent focus on nature and the environment, with several different activities and workshops taking place across the year groups.

Children from Reception, Y1 and Y2 enjoyed a talk from beekeepers, bee farmers, bee rescuers and a seasonal bee inspector, who all came in to talk about the importance of bees and the work that goes into rescuing and caring for bees.

Norton Hill Primary School is a STEM school and as such, really focuses on natural science. The visit from the experts has inspired the children to continue their bee related learning and research in the classroom, including studying an example of honeycomb.

GOING GREEN AT MSNP

All the children at Midsomer Norton Primary School wore green recently to represent plants and new life in nature.

They were asked to bring in seeds or plants to support the school’s Eco Schools Action Plan. They are creating a ‘no-mow’ tranquil area with all the seeds contributed by the school’s pupils – the peaceful spot will grow freely and encourage bees and butterflies.

As a school, they are concentrating on maximising the biodiversity of the grounds and keeping the area litter free.

All the classes took part in art based activities and enjoyed an assembly on the Eco Schools Action Plan.

HEALTHY EATING WEEK

Westbury Leigh Church of England Primary School have been learning about the importance of healthy eating for Healthy Schools week. They embraced the theme of ‘everyone together’ by devising their own menu with favourite family dishes from across the world showcasing the many cultures within the amazing school.

Mrs Debbie Grimsey, headteacher, explained: “Food is an inspiring vehicle for learning and is incorporated into the curriculum in many subjects. Children get to prepare their own food in DT and learn how their bodies process food in Science – they love learning about this and are passionate about helping to conserve our planet as well as staying healthy.”

EARTH DAY AT ST JOHN’S

To recognise Earth Day, which took place at the end of April, St John’s Church of England Primary School in Midsomer Norton dedicated a whole day to undertake a project learning about the planet and how we can look after it for future generations.

Each year group focused on a different climate zone, ranging from the Arctic to more tropical regions. The children explored the different threats that various parts of the world are currently facing and how they can make a difference locally. Pupils in Year 4 considered the various ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint at home and at school, while Year 1 looked at the benefits of wind power.

This year’s Earth Day theme was Invest in our Planet, which inspired the school council to organise and host a cake sale on Earth Day in order to raise enough money to adopt an endangered animal through WWF. They raised a total of £102, which will be enough to cover two years of sponsorship for amur leopards, of which there are only 120 left in the wild. The money will go towards conserving their habitat in China.

WELTON PRIMARY AT DANCE UMBRELLA

Everyone at Welton Primary School would like to say a huge well done to all the children who performed at the Forum in Bath at the end of March. It was clear to see that they all worked incredibly hard to learn the routine. A big thank you to Mrs Blackmore and all who helped transport and chaperone children on the night.

Children in Year 1/2 helped Mrs Plows, the Love Leigh Diner Catering Manager, to develop an original menu for the week. Mrs Plows explains: “I really enjoy working directly with the children, listening to their ideas. Encouraging interest in healthy eating is essential and is so important as it helps children maintain concentration and energy levels as well as supporting children’s growth and development for the future. All our meals are made here at school from local produce and suppliers.”

Ms Anna Stevenson, who organised the week with Mrs Helen Plows said: “We really try to promote healthy lifestyles as part of our PSHE curriculum so it is great when our catering team are able to support this and inspire children to eat things they might not normally come across. Certainly the children in our school were really proud to share their culture as part of this.”

WELTON PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARN FROM INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

In early June, Welton Primary School in Midsomer Norton welcomed some visitors from the SAI International School in India. The pupils flew over for a 10 day visit to the UK, where they spent time at a variety of schools. The programme has been running since 2019, and Welton Primary School has been welcoming visitors from India ever since.

The day of the visit began with a shared assembly, where pupils from SAI hosted a presentation about their history and culture, before pupils from both schools caught up on a joint project, Grandparents Know Best, which allowed them to share recipes and stories from their grandparents.

Speaking to reporters, Welton Primary School’s headteacher,

ST JOHN’S MAKES CHANGES FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Over the Easter holidays, St John’s Church of England Primary School in Midsomer Norton had solar panels installed as part of the school’s drive to promote sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint.

In total, 93 solar panels have been installed which will cater towards 28.4% of the school’s annual energy needs. Furthermore, energy that is not used during school hours is being exported back to the grid to be used elsewhere. In addition to this vital switch towards renewable energy, the school community at St John’s has become increasingly active in reducing energy consumption. They use the Energy Sparks website to monitor their weekly consumption and have created a system to identify where they can make changes.

RADSTOCK PUPILS PERFORM AT WELLS CATHEDRAL

said: “Special days like this are brilliant for our children. We’ve been able to exercise and demonstrate some of our core values of uniqueness, collaboration and respect which has been a wonderful opportunity for us all.

“Even though we are all so different and unique, this has really highlighted how we are all similar as well. We’ve been learning in the assembly about our different cultures and cuisines, but the children spent their lunchtime having conversations about Covid, pets and the climate and are able to really relate to one another.

“I love learning about how other schools are run and what they do differently to us, so it’s a good opportunity for us as teachers to learn from others as well.”

TRINITY CHURCH SCHOOL AWARDED FUNDING FROM LOCAL DRAGONS

At the beginning of the year, Mr Pollock and Mrs Jones, teachers at Trinity Church School in Radstock, applied to the Radstock and Westfield Big Local’s Dragon’s for £500 funding to help buy trees, plants and other items for their new pond area.

They were given the chance to pitch to the Dragons in April alongside 14 other local groups for a share of the funding available.

On the night, Mr Pollock and Mrs Jones were joined by a group of Year 2 pupils who stole the show! They got the £500 they had asked for and will now be purchasing pond plants, a new hose and trees and plants for the new wild flower meadow at the front of the school.

Two hundred children from across Somerset, including pupils at schools in Radstock, headed to Wells Cathedral for a musical adventure in space.

Pupils from primary schools visited the cathedral where they performed Stardust, a musical, set in space, supported by Bristol Ensemble and performers from Wells Cathedral School, conducted by Pete Harrison, Voices for Life Choir, and narrated by The Archers’ John Telfer. The concert was attended by dignitaries including the Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset, the High Sherriff of Somerset, the Mayor of Wells and the Mayor of Glastonbury.