My family issue 19

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Issue 19 • Summer 2014

IN THIS ISSUE: School’s Out for Summer Get Crafty Away with the Kids Inspiring Young Minds Positive About Autism and much more . . .

My Family is proud to support annakennedyonline.com

www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk

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A note from the editor

contents

Welcome to the Summer issue of My Family Magazine.

3 6 12 15 18 20 24 25 28

Kids’ Summer Fashion

30 31 34

Cool Rooms for Kids

School’s out for Summer, so we thought we’d take our inspiration from the glorious sunshine and longer days and pack this issue full of fun things to see and do all summer long. We’ve pulled together some great places to visit for tots, tweens and teens, as well as fun filled activities and a crafty project that will keep everyone smiling.

The summer holidays are one of the most important times for families to be aware of water safety, whether abroad or at a seaside location in the UK. Children's safety in the water is a major concern for parents, so we teamed up with the ASA to tell you about Learn to Swim Pathway which is running in partnership with pool operators across England and is designed to offer a little peace of mind.

There is no place more beautiful when the sun shines, than Britain!

As temperatures soar, we take a look at some great places to get away with the kids, right here on our door step in the UK. The longest school break of the year is upon us, but that doesn’t mean that learning has to stop! We’ve been working with our media partners to provide you with some entertaining ways to keep reading and maths going through the holiday as well advice from Dr Lin Day to help build a child’s self-esteem.

In fact, this issue is packed with so many great features and articles for you and your family, why not put your feet up for a few minutes, relax and enjoy the read!

Best wishes for the holidays, Karen x Karen Reddell – Editor

School’s Out for Summer Get Crafty A Summer Celebration Splash Time Inspiring Young Minds Mini Munchers Away with the Kids Family Law: Taking your child on holiday abroad

Special Needs Family Positive about Autism

The Team Hazel Alemany Designer

design@myfamilymagazine.co.uk

Petrina Kightley-Jones Kayjays Photography

Kightley.jones@googlemail.com

Jake Pullin Sales and Admin

Feature images used under license from depositphotos.com and Shutterstock.com.

Other images have been supplied by independent sources.

My Family magazine 75 Elizabeth Court • Wigston • Leicester LE18 2AF Telephone: 0116 2100911 For advertising enquiries email karen@myfamilymagazine.co.uk For subscriptions and distribution information email info@myfamilymagazine.co.uk

www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk

COMPETITION RULES Full details of competition rules are available on our website www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk. Entering a competition through the print magazine or via this website will be seen as acceptance of these rules.

DISCLAIMER The information contained in My Family magazine is not meant to replace that of a midwife, healthcare professional or GP. My Family would always recommend that you seek medical information from a qualified health professional.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/My-Familymagazine/178172092255392 Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com @MyFamilyMag

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Cool for Kids Girls’ tops, pedal pushers and jeans www.pigeonorganics.com

Boys’ twill hat, t-shirt and beach shorts www.welovefrugi.com

Ripstop shorts and Baby Applique t-shirt www.welovefrugi.com

Printed t-shirts and boys’ twill shorts www.welovefrugi.com

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Pure cotton dungarees and tee featuring Peat Pea Pure cotton Sundress and matching pants Left: Summer Playsuit in Strawberry Print www.busypeas.co.uk

Really easy sun dress with elasticated smocking top and straps www.pigeonorganics.com

Gathered top in soft single jersey www.pigeonorganics.com

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KIDS’ SUMMER FASHION

Hot Picks for the

Beach

A vibrant range of clothing, toys and books for babies from newborn to 18 months.

Bringing fashion and education together, Busy Peas introduces children to fruit and vegetables at an early age, encouraging them to read and learn to grow their special favourites!

www.jakabel.com

“PicO¬youV¬own” uniUYI¬gifX foV¬XLaX¬WpeciaP¬baby.

For more information please contact: Jayne Liston: T. 0208 748 7671

www.hollyandbeau.com

E. jayne@busypeas.co.uk

www.busy peas.co.uk

Pigeon

www.totbots.com

from

www.welovefrugi.com

www.pigeonorganics.com 5

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

Summer Fun for Toddlers, Tweens & Teens The summer holidays are here, meaning plenty of time with your children along with the challenge of keeping them entertained!

Whether you have toddlers, tweens or teenagers, here are a few places where you can take the kids to make the ‘I’m bored’ phase a thing of the past!

Places to visit with Teenagers (12-18 years old)

London Dungeons, London

Places to visit with Toddlers (18 months - 5 years old)

Places to visit with Tweens (6-11 years old)

Scares, shocks, theatre, laughs, rides, special effects and story-telling greet visitors at the London Dungeons, where 1,000 years of gory, gruesome history are retold. Jump on board the thrilling boat ride – Henry’s Wrath – where you’ll accompany Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife Anne Boleyn on her final journey along to Thames to the Tower of London. Your visit will also take you through the murky history of Guy Fawkes, the Plague Doctor, murderous barber Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper. Even the teenagers might want their parents to hold their hands! www.thedungeons.com/london

Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

Peppa Pig World & Paultons Park, Hampshire This funny little pig and all her animal friends and family have captivated preschoolers across the globe, and now children can meet her at Peppa Pig World! Based in Paultons Family Theme Park, on the edge of the New Forest, under 5s will be enthralled with the gentle rides such as Windy Castle, Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter and Daddy Pig’s Car – all aspects that feature in the show. Families can then venture into Paultons Park and enjoy the wide variety of rides for children there. The kids will be snorting with laughter all day! www.peppapigworld.co.uk

Fireball shows, castle dungeons, knight school, medieval jousting – Warwick Castle is where history is brought to life and is made to be a lot of fun! This medieval castle is packed with activities; explore the centuries-old towers and ramparts and discover the gruesome parts of history with Horrible Histories Foul Fayres – educational fun about ‘Vicious Vikings’, ‘Vile Victorians’ and the ‘Measly Middle Ages’.

Watch the Trebouchet – the world’s largest siege machine – fire up its fireballs, then admire the skill of the fighting knights in the Master of Chivalry show. www.warwick-castle.com

Underwater Street, Liverpool Any budding scientists in the family? They’ll love Underwater Street, a discovery centre for children where they can enjoy a number of scientific zones designed to spark the imagination. In the Sensory Area, they can crawl through the underground water cave, fish from a 16ft canoe, and put their hand in the feely boxes to guess what’s inside, while in The Lab they can watch an interactive science show and Battle of the Scientists, plus experiment with pulleys, magnets and electronic circuits.

You might discover you have the next Albert Einstein in your family! www.underwaterstreet.com

Bear Grylls Survival Academy, Pontneddfechan, South Wales British adventurer and television presenter of series such as Man vs. Wild and Born Survivor Bear Grylls is hoping to inspire parents and their children to learn survival and adventure techniques at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy.

A new site has recently launched in south Wales, offering a 24-hour family course. Skills taught include how to build and light a fire, how to navigate at night, the best ways to use a knife for survival, foraging for grubs and rodents, building a shelter, extreme weather survival and river crossings. Run by highly trained experts, the course is for parents and children aged 10-17 www.beargryllssurvivalacademy.com

Polka Theatre, Wimbledon Dedicated to producing and presenting work for young audiences, the Polka Theatre presents plays for children as young as six months. Each play the theatre puts on is divided into specific target age groups; there are always plenty of shows and sing-along workshops for three- to six- year olds, such as puppet opera Skitterbang Island (25 June – 16 August). Children will also enjoy the Teddy Bear Museum, on display in the theatre foyer. www.polkatheatre.com

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For more exciting ways to spend your summer visit

www.visitbritain.com

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

Summer Fun with Win

Green

Provide the perfect backdrop to all the fun your children can have at home this summer . . . whatever magical tales of make-believe they choose to explore . . . !

In today's busy world where our time becomes ever more precious and ‘family days out’ grow increasingly costly, it is perhaps more crucial than ever that we don't overlook the value of our own back garden when it comes to keeping the kids entertained this summer!

Win Green's beautiful collection of playhouses are a great ‘at home’ alternative to expensive family days out and encourage good old fashioned, creative and imaginative play … all in the safety of your own home!

Available in a variety of beautifully detailed designs, there is sure to be a theme that will set the perfect scene for their summer fun … whether your little ones choose to dream the day away playing fairies at the bottom of the garden in the beautiful Fairy Cottage, set sail for

adventure with the bright and colourful Beach House, host their own Pirates and Princesses party for friends to enjoy or create an elegant tea party with the stunning Pavilion, we’re sure that a Win Green playhouse will transform any home in to the perfect place to play this summer.

With coordinating accessories and an abundance of Bunting to add the finishing touches, Win Green products offer great imagination and unbeatable quality . . . all 100% cotton, handembroidered and appliquéd . . . detail is the key ingredient!

To browse the full range of Win Green products visit

www.wingreen.co.uk

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

Mathematical Summer Fun If you are looking for a fun way to entertain your children during the holidays, we suggest giving Mathstraks Games a try.

With three award winning new games Mathical Creatures, Monster Maths and Fairy Tables, your child is sure to enjoy the exciting characters and creatures featured in each fun filled game.

Imagination Gaming Awards, silver award winner for Best Numeracy Games – Monster Maths, is an exciting card game for children aged 5+.

Monster Maths will help your youngster practise and improve addition skills for 1 and

2 digit numbers – using simple sums, the aim of the game is to be the first player to make a monster.

Your little one is sure to love Mathical Creatures – an enjoyable, mathematical card game for children aged 7+ which uses the fun theme of myths and monsters, to teach and reinforce key numeracy skills. This much-loved game will help your child practise and improve their mental arithmetic, and improve their maths confidence through play.

Fairy Tables is an ingenious card game to help kids aged 7+ practise and learn multiplication tables.

A magical realm of fire-breathing dragons, handsome princes and beautiful princesses awaits

your child as they use their times tables knowledge in a race to place fairy tale characters in stories.

Each games contains everything you need for hours of educational fun for 2-4 players, so children can enjoy playing together and with mum and dad too.

Mathstraks Games are available from many independent toy and games shops and a variety of online retailers including Amazon.

For supplier information, check out Mathstraks Facebook page www.facebook.com/mathstraksgames

NEXT ISSUE . . .

Pick up the next issue of My Family in October or visit

www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk to view online completely free of charge!

Get ready for Christmas!

Our Autumn issue will be jam-packed with fantastic articles, fun competitions and reader discounts .

For more information or to advertise your business, email karen@myfamilymagazine.co.uk or call 0116 2100911.

Deadline for bookings and artwork is 5.00pm on Friday 12th September 2014.

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

Race forwards not backwards with reading this summer!

by Liz Walker, founder of Reading Chest Research shows that many children make steady progress in their reading achievement throughout the school year and then go backwards during the long summer holidays. Children who don’t read during the summer are likely to start the next academic year with a reading level a couple of months behind those how do read. The consequences are cumulative and long lasting, often having a powerful influence on reading ability throughout school life and beyond.

Whilst summer holidays should be remembered for beaches, camping and chilling out, it is important to keep your children reading. It is up to parents to encourage children by giving them access to the right level of books once the school library has closed down and also make the most of other ‘camouflaged’ reading and learning opportunities.

If children read books which are too difficult for them, they will use all their energy decoding individual words rather than engaging with the book and enjoying it.

By reading the right level of book children will

interest stories alive. Long car journeys are a great place for a captive audience! These can either be bought as CDs or downloaded from websites such as www.audible.co.uk.

consolidate skills, feel successful and hopefully read for pleasure.

Here are a few other fun ways to keep your children reading this summer – 1

2

3

4

Get into Top Trumps – The brilliant website www.toptrumps.com reveals the ‘Top Trumps Universe’ including games and competitions. Top Trumps is becoming more and more popular in schools as it delivers a range of educational benefits through ‘camouflaged learning’. As well as being great fun, it improves literacy, numeracy and subject knowledge.

Fishing for Sounds – For younger readers, this is great fun! Using a permanent marker, write letter sounds onto cut out plastic fish or ducks and let them swim in your paddling pool. Scoop them out with a net and use the sounds to play games e.g. make words beginning with the sound / ending with the sound / invent silly rhymes etc.

Get children cooking – Everything involved in cooking is fantastic for children’s learning, from reading the recipe and weighing ingredients, to sharing cakes with friends. This can be made into a more social event with friends by recreating programmes such as ‘Come Dine with Me’ or ‘MasterChef’ with friends, where children have to read and write their own menus too.

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Bring out the board games – There never seems to be enough time to play board games during busy term times.

Make the most of rainy days with games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Articulate and Boggle which are all great for reading and vocabulary.

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Make the most of apps – Children won’t think of it as ‘reading’ but there are many brilliant educational apps available. www.apps4primaryschools.co.uk is full of educational based apps which are recommended by teachers.

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Join readingchest.co.uk – to receive regular deliveries of books at your child’s chosen reading level delivered to your door. Members also get reward charts, certificates and write book reviews online.

Not only is it fun and motivational for children, it is also convenient for working parents who might not be able to make it to the library.

For more reading advice and access to a wide range of books for young readers, visit

www.readingchest.co.uk

Listen to audio books – Audio books are a brilliant way to keep children’s

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

Visit Wistow Maze – Winner of ‘Leicestershire’s Best Visitor Attraction’ Enjoy a great day out exploring one of the country's largest maize mazes, set in 8 acres of living maize and sunflower crop. It's great exercise for mind and body!

maze also incorporates 10ft high bridges and viewing towers which give visitors stunning 3D panoramic views over the maze and the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Visit our ACTIVITY FUNYARD and test your maze solving skills on a variety of mini mazes, puzzles and table-top activities before or after visiting the giant maze. There is also a mini maze (also with hidden pictures) in our funyard, as well as our popular 6 minute mazes, rope maze, hoopla, bean bag throwing, photo panel, football shooting game, space hopper track and more, so it's entertainment for all the family whatever your age.

For further information visit

www.wistow.com For 2014 the maze is having a First World War theme and will be in the shape of a Field Cannon. The Quiz Trail provides interesting WW1 facts, and the mini maze will be highlighting animals and weapons used during the Great War. Perfect for all ages, see if you can unravel the QUIZ TRAIL, and find all 12 quiz boards hidden amongst the 3 miles of paths. The

WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN! Here’s your chance to win a family ticket for Wistow Maze. To enter simply email your name and daytime contact number to wistow@myfamilymagazine.co.uk (Closing date for entries is midnight on Friday 1st August 2014)

Playday 2014 – get involved!

Playday is the national day for play in the UK. As well as a celebration of children’s right to play Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

To celebrate Playday 2014 on Wednesday 6 August, hundreds of individuals, families and whole communities will hold celebration events across the UK as part of this year’s campaign.

We are calling on everyone to celebrate Playday and show why play is fundamental for children's enjoyment of childhood, and vital for their health, well-being and development.

In light of government cuts to play services across the country, it is more crucial than ever that we unite to stand up for play.

Supporting Playday and children’s right to play is as easy as one, two, three!

1 Hold a celebration event – Playday events range from get-togethers with friends and family to city-wide public events. Whether your celebration is big or small, what’s most important is that we collectively celebrate and support children’s right to play. There’s lots of guidance on the Playday website to get you started.

2 Get involved in an event near you – With hundreds of events happening annually across the UK, there’s bound to be one near you! You could offer your time,

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services or skills, whatever they need to help make their Playday event a success.

3 Spread the Playday word – Playday is a great opportunity to tell everyone about the importance of play for children and young people. Help spread this message by promoting Playday via social media, websites and newsletters or by distributing free campaign posters and fliers .

Find out more about how you can join in the fun at

www.playday.org.uk

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

Maths Learning Through the Holidays Our children all need a lovely summer break and it is an important opportunity for them to play, relax and try new activities away from the school environment. However, summer learning loss is a recognised and well-researched problem, especially in maths. What can we do to help our children have a fantastic holiday, without their maths skills suffering?

Whenever I’m buying only 1 or 2 items, I always encourage my children to add up the items and work out the change while they’re waiting in the queue. It’s a good life-skill to check that the amount is correct and that you have the right change.

I am certainly not an advocate of holiday worksheets and summer classes. Children do need a break and the holidays are a great opportunity for your children to learn in the ‘real world’. Here are some ideas to keep your children thinking mathematically during the 6 week break.

Bake a Cake

Go Shopping The weekly supermarket shop can be a chore with children, so keep them busy. Their challenge is to get as close as they can to the final bill.

Children try to keep a running total of the items in the trolley. If it is a very big shop, children can estimate the bill by rounding each price to the nearest 10p.

Plan a Day Trip When we plan a day out, lots of mathematical problem solving is involved, which we do without realising it. Give children a budget and time-scale for a particular day out. They have to cost the trip, plan train or bus times, organise a picnic lunch etc.

There are lots of weighing, reading scales and timing activities in baking a cake, as well as a delicious result at the end.

Plant a Garden Children love planning their own garden. Only a small patch of ground is required. Children draw a plan of their garden to scale and are given a budget to buy plants, seeds etc.

Times Tables It’s really important to regularly practise times tables skills, not just in the holidays. A quiz only takes a couple of minutes and can even be done in the car. Try questions like ‘How many legs on 3 spiders?’, ‘How many days in 4 weeks?’, ‘How many wheels on 9 cars?’. You can also buy some great times-tables games. Fairy Tables by Mathstraks Games is a fairy-tale themed strategy game to help children remember their tables.

Play a Game Loads of board games and card games are really mathematical; monopoly, yahtzee and cluedo are great favourites in our house. Card games are perfect to take on holiday as they’re small, light and you can play them anywhere. We always take a pack of top trumps and Mathical Creatures by Mathstraks Games . Younger children could take Monster Maths, also by Mathstraks, which is great for practising number bonds to 10, 20, 50 and 100.

Do some Brain-Teasers There are lots of maths puzzle or brain-teaser books available which are fun for children to do on a journey or a rainy afternoon. Sudoku is also good for older children. Younger children might enjoy maths activity cards by Usborne.

Visit a Museum Lots of museums run maths and science events during the holidays and most of them are free.

Check out your local museum and see what’s on.

For further information on Mathstraks Games products, visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/mathstraksgames or send us an email to mathstraks@hotmail.co.uk

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GET CRAFTY

Create a baby congratulations card & gift box THE CARD

TO MAKE THE CARD: INGREDIENTS LIST CARDSTOCK l Tangerine Tango cardstock 21cmx21cm and 8.5x12.5cm plus extra to punch out modern label l Whisper White cardstock 8x12 cm plus extra to stamp the animals on DESIGNER SERIES PAPER l Watercolour Wonder designer series paper 10x20.5cm INK l Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango and Daffodil Delight classic stampin’ pads l Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango and Smoky Slate stampin’ write markers STAMP SET l Zoo Baby stamp set PUNCHES l Word Window punch l Modern Label punch ACCESSORIES l Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder (or use 8x12cm piece of textured card) l Stampin’ Trimmer l Simply Scored scoring tool l Paper Snips l Sticky Strip l Stampin’ Dimensionals l Big Shot (if desired)

Step 1 Take a piece of Tangerine Tango cardstock measuring 21x21 cm and score and fold at 10.5cm Cut a piece of Watercolour Wonder designer series paper to 10x20.5cm. Then cut Tangerine Tango cardstock to 8.5x12.5cm and Whisper White cardstock to 8x12cm. If desired, emboss the Whisper White layer using the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.

Layer and stick together.

TO MAKE THE GIFT BOX: INGREDIENTS LIST

Punch a Modern Label from a scrap of Tangerine Tango and mount the ‘Congratulations’ on to that.

Step 5

PUNCHES l Word Window punch l Modern Label punch

Step 2 On an extra piece of Whisper White cardstock use the Zoo Babies stamp set to stamp two each of the following: elephants in Island Indigo, lions in Tangerine Tango and monkeys in Daffodil Delight.

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Punch out the congratulations using the Word Window punch.

Assemble the animals using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

DESIGNER SERIES PAPER l Watercolour Wonder designer series paper x 2 sheets

www.stampinup.co.uk

With Paper Snips cut out one elephant, one lion and one monkey. Then cut an extra head for the monkey and lion and an extra ear for the elephant leaving a flap to the left. Score on the flap; this will make it sit better on the elephant’s head.

Step 4

CARDSTOCK l Tangerine Tango cardstock A4 l Scrap of Whisper White cardstock big enough to stamp 4 lions and a greeting

ACCESSORIES l Mini Metallic clothespin l 1x 3/4“ scallop circle l 2x 3/8“ scallop circle

Step 3

Stamp ‘Congratulations’ using Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango and Smoky Slate pens.

Stick the animals on to the Whisper White card; the elephant on the bottom, the lion in the middle and then the monkey on top. Add the greeting.

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GET CRAFTY Step 6

THE GIFT BOX

Stamp ‘a gift for baby’ using pens as before and cut out with Word Window punch. Using Tangerine Tango punch out a 23/8“ Scallop Circle and a Modern Label. Layer together as shown.

Step 4

Step 1 Take a piece of Tangerine Tango card and score at 5.5cm on all 4 sides and fold along all score lines With the short side of the card towards you cut along each score line until you reach the 5.5cm line going across.

Put 2 lines of sticky strip around the bottom and top edges of the box. Line up the bottom of the box with the bottom of the paper and, removing the backing from the sticky strip as you go, roll the box on to the paper. Press down firmly from the inside of the box to ensure that the paper is stuck securely. Just before you get to the end remove the sticky strip from the side of the paper so that you can attach the pieces together.

Step 7 Stick a lion tag opposite each other on the front and back of the box and fasten together with a peg. Add the ‘gift for baby’ label to the front.

Cut away a triangle from each side of the flap to make a tab.

Step 5 Step 2 Stick the flaps to the inside with sticky strip, assemble into a box to form the base of the gift bag.

Stamp 4 more lions from the Zoo Babies set using Tangerine Tango. Cut 2 out using the 13/4” scallop circle punch and cut out the heads from the other 2 using the snips. Layer together as before.

Step 3 Take 2 full sheets of Watercolour Wonder designer series paper and stick carefully together to make one large piece.

Fold over 1cm at top and 2 cm at bottom of the long sides to form a contrasting edge.

Stick in place with sticky strip. Lay face down on the table and put a line of sticky strip down the right edge of the paper.

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GET CRAFTY

Would you like to set up your own flexible, home-based business?

If so, have you heard about Stampin’ Up!?

Here are just a few great reasons to become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator:

Stampin’ Up! is a direct sales company offering an exclusive line of decorative rubber stamps and beautiful accessories, for greeting cards, craft projects and scrapbooking, which can be bought through a network of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.

Meet new people!

Stampin’ Up! demonstrators work with customers and hostesses to give great parties that introduce new people to Stampin’ Up!

Be independent!

Each demonstrator can tailor her Stampin’ Up! business to fit in with her life

Enjoy plenty of support!

Demonstrators enjoy constant support from their fellow demonstrators and Stampin’ Up!, making their work easier, more creative, and … an absolute blast!

Earn supplementary income!

Stampin’ Up! demonstrators make money from doing something they love!

With the launch of the 2014/15 annual catalogue, it’s a perfect time to begin your creative journey and potential new business venture!

To become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator visit our website

www.stampinup.co.uk or call our free phone support line on 0808 234 4765

@stampinupuk • Facebook.com/stampinupuk

Crafty Little Tweens

Create a Cuddle!

Tweens are cool, funky, cute and inquisitive! But anyone who has tried to buy for a tween will know how tricky it can be!

Inspiring children to get creative with colour has just become easier with the arrival of Eggnogg’s NEW ‘Create a Cuddly…’ colour-in tea towel toy.

If you want to challenge, inspire and entertain the tween in your life, check out Gifts for Tweens – a fantastic online store that offers a choice of creative, fun and unique toys and gifts for children between the ages of 6-12 years old, otherwise known as the Tween age!

Whether your tween enjoys crafting, sewing, science, baking, nature or wants to try something new, you will find an exceptional range of gifts, toys, clothes and accessories that encourage kids to have fun, be active and use their imagination At Gifts for Tweens you will find favourite brands including Seedling, Pippin Jewellery Sets, Cupcakes & Cartwheels, to name but a few. Gifts for Tweens is not only a great place to shop, you’ll find fun activities for tweens and a tween blog – for more information visit:

www.giftsfortweens.co.uk 14 myfamily

Children can go colour-in crazy and create their very own cuddly masterpiece in the form of a toy ‘Fergal’ (frog) or ‘Colin’ (dog).

This unique project is certain to keep imaginations flowing from start to finish.

In four simple steps, the unique colour-in tea towel transforms into a cute cuddly toy: simply colour-in, cut-out, sew together, and fill… voila, the toys are all set for some exciting role-play adventures!

Price: £11.99 RRP / Available from:

www.eggnogg.co.uk

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A SUMMER CELEBRATION

Party Time: Tips for holding the perfect child’s party at home There is always so much to do when you are arranging a child’s party and the key to throwing your child the perfect birthday bash at home is organisation!

Here are a few things that you can do to make sure that your child’s party is a fun and memorable event for everyone.

Choose a theme Ask your child what theme they would like as they may already have a great idea of their own.

If they are short of ideas take inspiration from their favourite book, film or TV show. Some popular party themes are pirates, princesses, fairies, super-hero, Disney, Peppa Pig etc.

Sometimes all it takes is one little spark of imagination to inspire a theme for the perfect party. Win Green’s range of themed children’s playhouses could be just the spark of imagination you were waiting for! Beautifully hand-embroidered, these cotton playhouses have something to offer all childhood fantasies – visit www.wingreen.co.uk

Book the entertainment You may want to book a professional children’s entertainer, magician, disco or bouncy castle for the party. There’s sure to be a number of local companies supplying this type of service but it’s a good idea to ask friends for recommendations.

If you don’t want to use a party entertainer, you will need to put together some fun activities and games to keep everyone amused. You could use tried and tested party games like pass the parcel, musical statues and blind man’s bluff or tailor games to the theme of the party eg. put on a treasure hunt for a pirates party.

To keep the laughter flowing check out fun games and treasure hunts at www.blackbirdgameslimited.com or www.created4kids.co.uk.

The guest list Ask your child who they want to invite and write a guest list (including cousins, family friends, neighbourhood children and friends from playgroup or school).

Around 15 children is a good number to invite, as it is enough to make the party fun without being too overwhelming.

Helping Hands It’s worth having a few pairs of extra hands at the party so ask friends, family and other mums and dads if they can help out.

Send out the invitations Buy or make invitations that match the theme of the party. On the invitation write the date and time and where the party will be, also let guests know if they need to dress to suit the theme or if they need bring a swimsuit, wear suncream and hats etc.

Set the date Decide when to host the party –check that the party doesn’t clash with any commitments that you have made – you don’t want to double book yourself!

Time the party earlier in the day for under 5’s to avoid children getting tired and irritable – a couple of hours should be sufficient, you don’t need to put on entertainment all day.

Plan the party for a time that won’t clash with annual holidays and other events that could prevent children from coming.

Let guests know if you are supplying food and ask parents to let you know if their children have any special dietary requirements or if they have food/drink allergies.

Give plenty of notice – hand the invitations out a month before the party if possible. Include an rsvp and ask parents to respond by a specified date.

You can’t invite everyone, so try not to hand the invitations out in front of children who haven’t been invited as this might make them feel sad and left out.

Buy or make the decorations Buy table cloths, party plates, napkins, piñatas, party bags, favors and decorations to match the party theme – you’ll usually find all the party supplies that you need at a good party shop or from online party suppliers. Alternatively you can make your own; your little one will love getting involved.

Party food and drink Firstly you’ll need a birthday cake – cupcakes and cake pops are also a popular choice for children’s parties too. You will also need party food but keep it simple as children can be put off if the food is too fancy.

Finger food such as sandwiches, pizza, fruit, biscuits and crisps are usually favourite but you could offer hotdogs, fish fingers or hamburgers instead (remember to include meat free options for vegetarians).

Make sure that children have access to plenty of drinks especially if it is a hot day – for younger children avoid fizzy drinks and serve squash, bottles of cooled water, fruit juice and milkshakes instead.

If parents are attending cater for them too.

Party Safety Ensure that the party is appropriate for the age of the children attending. Don’t leave children alone and make sure that you have enough helpers for the number of children that you have invited – when children are very young encourage the parents to stay.

Before parents leave their child take contact numbers and make sure that you know who will be collecting the child. Never let a child leave the party with someone that you don’t know or on their own.

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A SUMMER CELEBRATION

Choosing a Great Gift for a Child We are a nation in love with technology and that includes our kids too. Flashing lights and fast-paced game play captivates kids and it can be difficult to drag them away from their favourite electronic device.

Of course these products have their place in our homes but most parents agree that we don’t want our kids glued to the latest device 24/7.

In an era where it is common for kids to own an iPad, blackberry, PlayStation, Xbox or all of the above, it is important to stimulate their imaginations in other ways every now and again.

But it can be difficult to find an alternative gift that competes with their favourite computer game – so, how do you choose a gift that will be loved as much as their favourite electronic device?

Before you hit the highstreet, do your research.

With a world of fabulous gift ideas at your fingertips, the internet is a great place to start.

Rather than heading straight for the big high street names, it is worth checking out smaller, independent retail sites too. There are some great online boutiques that stock unusual items that you can’t buy on the highstreet.

Consider age, ability and personality. Take into account their favourite colour, special interests, a favourite author and the latest trends with kids around the same age.

Decide what kind of gift you would like to give – a keepsake, personalised gift, smart new clothes or a game, puzzle or toy that will entertain, engage and inspire them for years to come.

If you have children of a similar age, you could ask them what they think the recipient would like.

If you’re still not sure, discretely ask the child’s parent what they might like – they may even have a wish list for you to choose from.

Gifts for Tweens offer a choice of creative, fun and unique toys and gifts for tweenagers between the ages of 6-12 years old.

10% Discount

to all readers with code MF10

At Gifts for Tweens you will find favourite brands including Seedling, Little Experience, Ridleys by Wild & Wolf, X-ray Anatomy sets by Revell, Pippin Jewellery Sets, Spiegelburg, and Cupcakes & Cartwheels, to name but a few.

For exceptional gifts, toys, clothes and accessories that encourage tweens to have fun, be active and use their imagination, visit our website . . .

www.thelittlebritishcompany.co.uk 16 myfamily

www.giftsfortweens.co.uk

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A SUMMER CELEBRATION

Cuddly Organic Teddy Bears from Shetland

Uradale Bears are the new addition to the clan and are available in 6 Heritage colours made from natural plant dyes. The bears are fully traceable back to the actual field on which the wool was grown, Uradale Croft, in the Shetland Islands.

The Shetland Teddy Bear Company® is a small, award winning family business, making an adorable collection of traditional jointed heirloom teddy bears in the remote Shetland Islands.

By purchasing from The Shetland Teddy Bear Company® you will be helping to sustain and preserve a way of life lived by the crofters and crafters of these islands for generations.

The Shetland Teddy Bear Company® produces the only organic Teddy Bears in the world which are made using 100% Organic Shetland wool!

The charming little family of Teddy Bears are handmade from 100% Organic Shetland Wool, which is grown, spun, woven and knitted on the island. Each cuddly bear wears either a chunky hand knitted scarf, lace scarf or shawl. They are made entirely by hand and each bear comes with a certificate, hand signed by the artist.

To find your perfect Teddy Bear companion or a fabulous keepsake gift for a loved one, visit:

www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShetlandTeddyBearCo or follow www.facebook.com/shetlandteddybears on Facebook

Personalised Gifts

by Win Green Beautifully hand-embroidered and appliquéd, Win Green’s 100% cotton playhouses have all the ingredients required to create lasting memories of imagination and make-believe … and what better way to add that special touch to an already unique and beautiful gift than by personalising with their name to create a wonderful keepsake.

To browse Win Green’s products visit

www.wingreen.co.uk

Get the Ball Rolling with Quercetti Fox Wall Clock A hand-made, hand-printed children’s fox wall clock.

While this fox’s whiskers will charm our youngest customers, we think this clock will prove stylish enough for grown-ups too.

Dimensions: 20cm diameter.

Available at

Quercetti, the Italian born brand that has been manufacturing inspiring toys for over 60 years, is thrilled to introduce their infamous marble runs to the UK. Building a marble run has been a favourite playtime for generations and now little ones across the nation can enjoy these fabulous sets from this multi award winning brand.

Suitable for ages 4 + • RRP: Starting at £14

www.thelittlebritishcompany.co.uk

Available at

10% discount with code MF10

www.amazon.co.uk

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SPLASH TIME

Ensure your children ‘Swim Safe’ in the water this summer Drowning is the third highest cause of accidental death in children in the UK. Around 400 people accidentally drown in the UK every year with thousands more having near drowning experiences, many resulting in life changing injuries.

The summer holidays are one of the most important times for families to be aware of water safety, whether abroad or at a seaside location in the UK. Research by the national governing body of swimming, the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) shows that one in 10 parents say their child only swims on holiday, yet for the most part, they will have no awareness of the dangers of open water. Each year, children account for around two-thirds of incidents RNLI lifeguards respond to on some of the UK’s busiest beaches.

Children's safety in the water is a major concern for parents, and the ASA operates a Learn to Swim Pathway in partnership with pool operators across England that’s designed to offer a little peace of mind.

As part of this some operators will also offer Safety and Survival Awards. Covering survival knowledge, awareness of dangers and vital lifesaving information, this range of four awards is a must for any parent to consider for their child.

The Safety and Survival Awards offer children an insight into water safety to ensure they know how to react if they find themselves in difficulty by testing them in real-life situations.

The awards follow the British Gas ASA Learn to Swim Pathway, created by the water safety experts at the ASA. And for families who are planning to visit Bude, Bournemouth or South Shields this summer, 714 year olds will have the opportunity to take part in Swim Safe a FREE beach and water safety course from the experts at the ASA. Recent research by the ASA revealed that many children may be missing out on the joys of swimming in the sea, because their parents are worried they are not confident enough in the water. The study saw less than a third of parents say they are completely happy to let their children swim in the sea, while one in five won’t let their children into the waves at all because they feel it’s too dangerous. Nearly a third of parents say that they will only let their children swim in the sea if they go with them.

Although many children learn to swim the basic 25 metres set out in the national curriculum through school swimming lessons in their local pool, open water situations have their own set of dangers and challenges which cannot necessarily be recreated during lessons. The Swim Safe initiative offers young swimmers the chance to learn about beach safety through a 10 minute talk with RNLI lifeguards, followed by 30 minutes of in-water tuition with ASA qualified swimming teachers.

Jon Glenn, Head of Learn to Swim at the ASA said, “Each year the ASA helps 600,000 children learn to swim through British Gas ASA Learn to Swim Pathway, one of the most successful grassroots porgrammes in British Sport. Not only is swimming one of the easiest and safest forms of exercise for children of all abilities, it is a vital life saving skill that every child should learn for their own safety. We appreciate that parents have lots of demands on their time but I’d urge them to put learning to swim high on their priority list for their children this summer.”

Swim Safe is open to both local children and those holidaying, 8,000 children are expected to go through the programme this summer across the three Swim Safe sites.

Interested in ensuring your child is safer in the water? Visit www.swimming.org/go/getstarted and look for free advice, tips or use our FREE Poolfinder search for a local pool operating ASA Learn to Swim Lessons.

Alternatively if you are in South Shields, Bournemouth or Bude this summer look out for our FREE Swim Safe courses (www.swimming.org/go/parents/swimsafe/).

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SPLASH TIME

Sun, Fun and Safety from Jakabel

blasters they have it all, with loads of exciting toys to choose from. For fun and safety in the sun we highly recommend Jakabel this summer!

Whether you are planning a holiday abroad or are just going to the seaside for the weekend, you will need to give your kids some protection from the sun this summer.

Jakabel specialises in UV50+ Sun protective swimwear which blocks out 97.5% of the harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun – available in sizes 0-13 years plus an adult range as well, including the ‘burka-surfa’ swim suits. Jakabel even takes care of babies with an exclusive Baby UV romper and gorgeous swim nappy designs to keep those little accidents from creeping out!

The colourful designs in Jakabel’s ranges mean kids love to wear them! “We don’t make black wetsuits,” says managing director Jo Shephard, “as kids prefer a bit more pizazz when they are out and about.”

If you are heading for the pool,

Jakabel’s exclusive Swimsafe floatsuit is the only ‘learn to swim’ aid which does not tip over in the water, so kids can swim freely and easily and parents can relax while watching over them.

“I can’t believe how quickly their confidence grew over a two-week holiday,” said Liz from Windsor after her two boys had a fantastic time in Portugal wearing Jakabel floatsuits!

To find out more, visit

www.jakabel.com Telephone: 0208 7152385 Mobile: 07957 541406 or email: info@jakabel.com.

For swimming games/toys or accessories, look no further as there is fun for all the family too! From water bouncing balls to water

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INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS

Raising Children’s Self-esteem

by Dr. Lin Day, Founder of Baby Sensory

Self-esteem is the feeling that children have when they believe in their abilities and talents, and when they feel loved, valued and accepted by other people.

Self-esteem is extremely important to the happiness and wellbeing of children. It gives them the power to believe in themselves, the confidence to make new friends and the emotional strength to deal with stress and frustration. When their self-esteem is high, they will learn and do more.

The development of self-esteem begins at birth. It is strongly influenced by a nurturing attachment to a sensitive and responsive parent. When babies feel loved and wanted, they are more able to face the challenges of the world when they become toddlers.

Positive relationships with siblings, friends, caregivers and teachers can help children form a healthy self-image. However, parents play the major role in the development of self-esteem. If children feel good about themselves, and how their parents perceive them, their self-esteem will shine.

Helping your child to develop strong selfesteem is one of the most important things that you can do as a parent.

Here's how you can help:

1

Talk to your child, ask questions, make eye contact and use plenty of body language and touch.

2

Spend quality time with your child. A few minutes of undivided attention every now and then will make your child feel special.

3

Encourage, admire and value your child’s interests and opinions, even if they differ from yours.

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4

Don’t expect your child to excel at things just because you did. This can be a tough call if your expectations are high.

10

Avoid criticism that takes the form of ridicule or shame. Help your child make light of things that do not work out as planned.

5

Recognise and appreciate your child’s talents and build on them. This will boost your child’s self-esteem and carry over into other endeavours.

11

6

Be generous with praise when your child does something well or attempts to succeed. This could be anything from getting dressed in the morning, to playing sports or telling a story.

Keep a close eye on your child’s friends. If your child feels intimidated or bullied, this can shake confidence and lower selfworth.

12

7

Involve your child in household chores and responsibilities. This will help your child feel valued and important.

Ensure that your home is childfriendly and welcoming. Seeing your child happy will be well worth the effort of tidying up the mess at the end of the day.

8

Frame your child’s artwork, badges and trophies. Seeing them on display will give your child a lift when their self-esteem falters.

9

Avoid making comparisons with other children. Your child is unique and will develop at his or her own pace.

Even if you become short on patience and encouragement at times, a predominant pattern of nurturing and caring is what really counts. However, if you are experiencing problems that affect your ability to parent effectively, get help from a professional. It can help to talk to someone who can offer support and encouragement to both you and your child.

Dr. Lin Day PhD Dip. Ed. BSc. PGCE. M. Philo.uk

www.babysensory.com

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INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS

Overcoming First Day Fears Your child's first day at a new school, nursery or playgroup is a big step, but there are things that you can do to prepare them. It is important not to dismiss your child's fears – things that seem obvious or silly to an adult, can seem daunting to a pre-schooler.

Your child may be anxious about what to expect on the first day at school. If so, one way of helping them is to talk through their fears: l explain where they'll be going, what they'll be doing and for how long l answer questions and reduce their fears by asking what they think the school might be like l emphasise the things they may enjoy doing l tell them who will be there to meet them at the end of the day If your child has a good idea of what school is going to be like and have already experienced learning activities at home and in other settings, they're less likely to find the experience stressful. l playing games, role-playing and reading at home can help l read books together about starting school l use your child's favourite toys to role-play going to school l encourage structured activities like painting and drawing, which involve sitting down for short periods of time

In the weeks before, visit the school with your child so they become familiar with the building and surroundings – most schools have arrangements to support your child's transition into school. Give a sense of control to your child by letting them choose things they need for school like pens, school bags or uniforms.

Established since 1997, Ladybird Day Nursery provides a friendly stimulating and safe environment where children enjoy challenging activities that stretch their imaginations and help develop a range of new skills.

Registered with Ofsted Early Years – all staff hold appropriate childcare qualifications.

The nursery also benefits from a large, secure garden and CCTV. Situated next to Edgbaston county cricket ground, opposite Cannon Hill Park, Ladybird Day Nursery offers flexible childcare for up to 29 children from 0-8 years of age – including school holidays and teacher training days.

3

Open Monday - Friday, 7.00am until 6.30pm (excluding bank holidays)

Telephone: 0121 440 5706

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Is your child aged 5-14?

Maths & English tuition centres

Over 90 nationwide!

What is Explore Learning?

Explore Learning provides tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. Children become members and attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

At Explore Learning, our tutors get to know each child make academic progress and enjoy learning.

Why choose Explore for your child? t Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. t Adapts to the individual needs of your child. t Ofsted registered so you can use Childcare Vouchers to pay for membership. t Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. t An environment that children enjoy learning in.

Free trial session - book today!

To book a trial with your nearest centre call

01483 447410 or visit

www.explorelearning.co.uk

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MINI MUNCHERS

INTRODUCING

Meet Busy Peas, a brand that revolves around an adorable range of clothing, toys and books for babies, toddlers and infants.

Introducing the Plan the Perfect Picnic new Baby-Led Weaning bible

Picnics are a great British tradition and a good way for you and your family to eat a healthy meal together.

When stocking up for your picnic, start with foods that contain carbohydrates (carbs), as these are an important source of energy. This includes breads, pasta and potatoes. – wholegrain or wholemeal varieties where possible.

The roots of this business lie in the garden – bringing fun fashion and education together, Busy Peas designs introduce children to fruit and vegetables at an early age, encouraging them to read and learn to grow their special favourites!

The Busy Peas product ranges introduces little ones to healthy food options with five cute fruit and vegetable characters – Peat Pea, Tom Tomato, Carry Carrot, Stewart Strawberry and Gene Aubergine.

Next, think about including protein, which is not only filling but helps to promote growth and repair in our bodies. Protein can come from lean meat in sandwiches, such as turkey or chicken breast, as well as from beans and pulses in salads.

A picnic is a great chance for the whole family to hit their 5 A DAY fruit and veg target.

Try a multicoloured salad with peppers, tomato, cucumber, carrot and lettuce.

Swap sugary and high-calorie treats, such as chocolate and cakes, for a fruit salad. Also, why not pack a piece of fruit for each member of the family to eat while on the move?

Don't forget to include plenty to drink.

Avoid sugary fizzy drinks and opt for water or 100% fruit juice without added sugar – this also counts towards your 5 A DAY, but it only counts as one portion no matter how much you drink. Fruit juice can be high in sugar, so look out for the ones without added sugar.

Playpod presents the adorable fruit and vegetable characters as a range of entertaining and educational books and toys. Each toddler toy has a cheeky personality, while the toddler books involve the child in the adventures of their favourite Busy Peas character.

BabyPod is a vibrant range of clothing for babies from newborn to 18 months, which includes colourful all-in-one baby grows, sleepsuits, bodysuits, comfy daywear, bibs, hats and booties, all made in the softest cotton.

Children will love the Busy Peas Luxury Collection containing an all-in-one with matching accessories, toy and a delightful story – it is sure to make the perfect gift for every little boy and girl!

All products are available to purchase on line at

www.busypeas.co.uk 24 myfamily

A new Baby-Led Weaning book for the parenting market has hit the shelves, offering, for the first time, a month-on-month handbook taking the uncertainty out of weaning.

Baby Led Weaning Step by Step has been written by Kent based registered Nutritionist and mother of two, Julie Clark.

Her eminently practical handbook is enhanced by the inclusion of a diary, with photographs, documenting the progress of her own daughter Rosie learning to self-feed on healthy, nutritious home cooked food.

In her book Julie also offers advice on how to cope on holiday with weaning and teething, as well as describing what her own mother and mother-in-law think about weaning the Baby Led way.

Julie joins Baby-Led Weaning experts, Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett in publishing a book around the principles of BLW and admires the work that Rapley and Murkett have done in helping parents around the world learn how to best apply the process to their families.

‘Baby Led Weaning Step by Step’ (£10.99 RRP) is available to buy online from Amazon and in all good book shops For further information visit

www.springnutrition.co.uk

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AWAY WITH THE KIDS

Discover Britain’s gorgeous coastlines Pick up fossils by the sea in Dorset, look out over the cliff-tops on the South West Coastal Path, or stroll along the tranquil beaches of the North Norfolk Coast. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some sailing or rock-climbing, or just relax with a picnic in the dunes of Camber Sands . . .

North Norfolk Coast, England Mile upon mile of sandy beaches extend along the North Norfolk coast. Once a hotbed of smuggling, you’ll discover plenty of romantic tales and secluded coves here.

The coast is dotted with Victorian towns, cosy seaside villages, nature reserves and there’s even a steam railway. This is the place to come to experience the 19th-century elegance of Britain’s original beach resort towns.

Treat yourself to freshly caught crab on Cromer’s Victorian pier, see the famous striped cliffs of Hunstanton, then visit Wells-next-theSea, part of the largest nature reserve in England and Wales.

The Gower, Wales The Gower Peninsula was the first location to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK. It doesn’t take long to see why: unspoiled beaches that stretch for miles, dramatic limestone cliffs and lush green meadows make this a breathtakingly beautiful region. Be sure to explore the town of Mumbles, famous for its small independent shops and cafes.

Explore the whitewashed villages of the Lizard Peninsula, marvel at the natural rock formation of Durdle Door in Dorset, or treat yourself to some seaside fun in buzzing coastal cities like Plymouth and Bournemouth.

Camber Sands, East Sussex, England Grab that bucket and spade: Camber Sands, on the Sussex coast, is just the place to build a sand castle and play in the sea. Its glorious vista of golden sand stretches on for miles – in fact there’s so much of it that Camber Sands has actually been used for desert scenes in a number of films.

Kids will love playing on the sand dunes here, you can fly kites, enjoy a relaxing stroll, or go windsurfing if you fancy getting wet. Then you can stop by the nearby village of Camber for dinner, or have a barbecue on the dunes – (just be sure to get permission from Rother Council first).

Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, England

South West Coast Path, DorsetCornwall-Devon, England Stretching for 630 miles, the South West Coast Path takes in some of Britain’s most magnificent coastlines. It extends all the way from Dorset down and around the tip of Cornwall, and back up to the golden beaches of the North Devon Coast, and the lush green expanse of Exmoor just south of the sea.

One of the most atmospheric places in Britain, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic spot than Tintagel. High above the crashing waves on a North Cornwall cliff top, this ruined medieval castle is said to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur himself.

Visit Merlin’s Cave nearby, take in the spectacular views over the sea and enjoy walks along this dramatic stretch of coast.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales Running for 186 miles, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path takes you through a rich assortment of different landscapes along Wales’ west coast, from limestone cliffs to red sandstone bays and lush, glacial valleys.

It’s a walker’s paradise, but you don’t have to walk the full length of it. There’s a Coastal Bus Service that will shuttle you between picturesque little towns and villages where you can stop and explore, or settle down for some lunch.

The Isles of Scotland Some of Britain’s most magnificent coastlines are to be found on the Isles of Scotland. The landscapes vary enormously: Jura, famous for its whisky, is wild and mountainous, while on Gigha you’ll find the lush Achamore Gardens and white sandy beaches. Try a spot of island hopping, and see what you discover.

www.visitbritain.com

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AWAY WITH THE KIDS

Eco Friendly Camping on

A Child Friendly Holiday

Situated just off the Essex coastline, around 10 miles from Colchester, you will find the unique and largely undiscovered holiday haven, Mersea Island.

A warm welcome awaits you at Fox Valley Cottages, located in the beautiful countryside of south east Cornwall. The sweet little cluster of 11 self-catering cottages and apartments offers the perfect base for families to explore this wonderful part of the world.

Mersea Island

The properties on the complex cater for 2 – 6 guests and are comfortably furnished and well equipped. Out in the garden there is a terrace furnished with sun loungers, plenty of garden furniture and a barbeque for those evenings when you fancy cooking alfresco.

One of Britain’s best-kept secrets, this tiny island is just five miles by two miles and has twelve miles of coastline.

Located in a peaceful, rural setting, in the southeast of the island you will find Fen Farm Caravan and Camping Site. This small yet wellappointed campsite offers its guests a warm and friendly welcome. Owned by The Lord family since 1918, the site caters for tents, trailer tents, touring caravans and motor homes of any size and boasts award winning loos, a laundry and shower block with solar powered water heating.

Recognised for the work done to protect the environment in and around the campsite with the

in Cornwall

David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award, Fen Farm is a popular destination for those wanting an eco-retreat.

A great place to escape the distractions of everyday life, the sites proximity to the Essex marshes provides a unique and tranquil atmosphere. At Fen Farm kids can enjoy themselves without having to switch anything on or boot up! There are play areas with swings, seesaws and climbing frames, plus plenty of wide-open space to explore.

For more information visit www.fenfarm.co.uk or telephone 01206 383275

If you fancy a splash about with the kids, pop on down to the pool room to take a swim or simply enjoy relaxing in the Sauna and Spa. In the Games room you will find a Pool Table, Table Tennis and Table Football plus an area to keep younger children entertained.

For further information visit www.foxvalleycottages.co.uk email foxvalleycottages@btconnect.com or telephone: 01726 870115

Things to see and do . . .

Things to see and do . . .

Fen Farm Camping and Caravan Site is within walking distance of a wonderful south facing beach. In West Mersea you will find shops, cafes, a museum and restaurants, many of which sell the famous

You are never far away from the water in South East Cornwall, there are boat trips to suit everybody, from a ferry ride cross the Looe River to cruises up the River Tamar and many of the coastal villages offer fishing trips.

Mersea Native oysters. Take to the water for a spot of sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing or try crabbing – you haven't been to Mersea properly until you have been crabbing in the creek!!

Cudmore Grove Country Park is very close by and the renowned Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve is just 6 miles away. Abberton Reservoir with its abundance of water birds is also well worth the 10 minute drive.

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Kids can let off steam at the outdoor play area where they are free to run around, kick a ball or play cricket – there is a trampoline and a Jungle Jim with swings and a slide. Little ones will love Fox Valley’s furry residents, Dec the guinea pig and Tufty & Chestnut the rabbits, plus a number of chicken and ducks, who are looking forward to meeting them too!

Cornwall’s Gardens are known around the world for the diverse collections of plants. The Eden Project may be the most well known, but places like Heligan, Trevarno, Trebah and Mt Edgcumbe should not be missed, especially in the spring when rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas burst into flower.

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AWAY WITH THE KIDS

Ecofriendly Holidays Protect the environment and choose sustainable, energy saving trip options in Britain that will offset your carbon footprint.

Sleeping under the stars is one of the greenest choices available and Britain is peppered with good-quality campsites, many of which have taken steps to become even more ecofriendly. Want to stay under canvas but still have home comforts?

Then choose ‘glamping’ or go one step further and renounce modernday gadgets during your holiday. Eco Retreats in central Wales provides yurts, private bathroom facilities – but absolutely no electricity or wi-fi.

Instead, guests can appreciate the nature of the surrounding Dyfi Forest, and the 1,300-acre organic farm on which the site lies.

Complementing the stunning scenery is holistic therapy offered at the retreat– including twilight meditation. www.ecoretreats.co.uk

Conservation vacations

An eco-friendly break at

Blackthorn Gate

Set in 230 acres of open farmland on the border of North Yorkshire and the Tees Valley, Blackthorn Gate Luxury Lodges are the perfect destination for couples and families who are looking actively reduce their impact on the environment, without compromising on their holiday enjoyment.

The eco-friendly pine lodges offer excellent self-catering accommodation with fully fitted kitchen, a comfortable living room with a dining area, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, second bedroom, separate bathroom and a sauna. Two storey lodges ‘Skylark’ and ‘Lapwing’ sleep five people, and have a large wet room shower area suitable for wheelchair users – single storey ‘Curlew’ and ‘Chaffinch’ sleep up to four people.

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the rugged beauty of the area – there are five wildlife ponds and all lodges have fabulous views of Roseberry Topping. Enjoy exclusive fishing access to the farm’s three fully stocked ponds or take a wander around the farm looking out for wildlife, then relax in your private sauna, play pool or table tennis in the games room or just unwind on your veranda with a drink and a bite to eat.

Safeguard the future of the planet, meet new people and learn something new on a conservation holiday in Britain. The National Trust, for example, offers working holidays to travellers from the EU, where participants get to preserve the environment and British heritage. The holidays range from cleaning the spectacular beaches around the coastline to learning how to handle historic collections, archive material or put a historic house to bed at the end of the season, through to learning traditional skills such as hedge-laying, coppicing woodland, developing green wood work skills or making cider.

Getting Around Keep your carbon footprint to the minimum and leave the car behind, exploring Britain’s beautiful countryside, cities and towns by train, bus or bike! By using a BritRail GB, Scotland or London Pass you can take unlimited train travel, save money and save the environment Cycling enthusiasts can easily explore their destination on two wheels; check out the National Cycle Network that covers 14,000 miles across the UK. www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/national-cyclenetwork

For more information visit www.visitbritain.com

For more information visit www.blackthorngate.co.uk

Things to see and do . . .

Delve into the rich history of the area’s stately homes and gardens or explore 500 square miles of stunning heather moorland, woodland, dales and coastline the North Yorkshire Moors National Park has to offer.

Experience the thrill of a full size steam locomotive, or the power of a diesel engine on a nostalgic journey through spectacular countryside on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. You can even fit in some retail therapy – shopping in York or The Metro Centre is less than an hour away.

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FAMILY WELLBEING

My Family and the Law:

Taking your child on holiday abroad As My Family Magazine’s official media partner for legal topics, we aim to provide you with guidance as to your rights and your obligations under various laws.

If both parents have parental responsibility and there are no court orders in place regarding the children then neither parent can take a child on holiday outside England & Wales without the written consent of the other parent.

Nikki Lynch

Wendy Armstrong

What if there is a Residence Order in place in relation to the child?

In this edition we meet Nikki Lynch and Wendy Armstrong, both members within our specialist family law team. If your question is not listed, don’t worry, simply contact us and we will be happy to advise you.

We would suggest that you provide them with details of the dates of your holiday, where you are going, where you will be staying and your travel arrangements. Try and give your expartner as much notice as possible and obtain their consent before you book your holiday.

Do I need my ex-partners permission to take our children on holiday?

Where a Court Order is in place, which gives one parent residence of the child, then that parent can take the child on holiday abroad for up to 28 days without the consent of any other person with parental responsibility. Even if you have a residence order, it is still a good idea to give the other parent plenty of notice of your holiday, particularly if it will mean them missing their usual contact with the children and try and agree arrangements to allow them contact either side of the holiday.

What if my ex-partner does not consent?

What about getting passports for my children?

In the absence of consent, it is possible for an application to be submitted to the Court for an order under the Children Act. This is known as a specific issue order and the application would need to include details of the intended trip, why it is necessary or in the best interests of the children and what steps you have taken to obtain the other parents consent.

If you have parental responsibility for the children, then you can give permission for the passport and sign the passport application form.

We would suggest that you take advice from a lawyer as to whether you have parental responsibility for your children, but in brief mothers automatically have parental responsibility and fathers will have parental responsibility if they were married to the mother, or if the child was born after 1st December 2003 and they are named on the birth certificate. Although one parent can apply for a passport for their child, it is always a good idea to let the other parent know that you are making the application and reach an agreement as to who will look after the passports.

If you and your partner are separated, then in some circumstances you will need the agreement of your ex-partner to take your children on holiday ‘outside of the jurisdiction’.

The jurisdiction means England & Wales and therefore if you wish to travel to Scotland, Ireland or anywhere abroad, then the following rule applies.

What information should I give my ex-partner?

Do I need a lawyer?

If you can discuss the arrangements with your ex-partner and obtain their consent, then there should be no need to get lawyers involved.

However, if you want to know more about the law or if your ex-partner won’t provide their consent, then please contact Bakerlaw for a FREE initial appointment, so we can provide you with detailed legal advice.

If you require further advice please contact BakerLaw on 01252 733 770 for a free initial consultation.

Please note: The information provided in this guide is correct at the time of publication and by necessity, brief. It should not be deemed, by any reader, as full legal advice and should not be relied upon.

28 myfamily

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COOL KIDS’ ROOMS

Stylish Rooms for Little Ones from Nubie Create a nursery space that’s safe, comfortable and equally as stylish with the delightful collection of furniture and baby accessories from online children’s boutique, Nubie.co.uk.

A one-stop shop for all things modern for little ones, Nubie holds a passion for providing parents with an eclectic collection of high quality products that perfectly complement today’s up-to-date interior style.

Brimming with a treasure trove of super chic designs from leading children’s designers, styles range from cribs and cots, toddler beds, to décor accessories and outdoor buys.

Sourced from around the world, the cool and contemporary range features an array of modern essentials from nursing chairs and changing tables to cots and design-savvy homewares to suit any mother’s style.

Choose key furniture pieces from designled brand Oeuf of New York that include a chic mix of minimalist changing table and dresser combos as well as sleek Scandinavian style cribs, skillfully crafted using sustainable wood and non-toxic finishes. Sleek yet practical, the inspiring furniture range is beautifully complemented by a gorgeous selection of baby accessories and uber-cool bedding designs that range from bold robot prints to geometrics in muted pastel hues.

Enter Voucher code MYFAMILY at checkout for 10% off your first order.

www.nubie.co.uk

www.nubie.co.uk My Lovely Little Jewellery Box

With this gorgeous craft kit from Seedling little ones can create their very own place to store your little treasures and trinkets!

Encouraging creativity and imagination this is a fun gift ideal for every little girls room. This Seedling Kit contains: Fabric Jewellery Box, Jewellery Tray, Fabric Paint, Glitter Glue, Rhinestones & Instructions Recommended for Ages 5+ years. RRP £40.00 from

www.kindtoys.co.uk

The Little Green Sheep’s Natural Twist Mattress

Children are sure to love these inflatable animal space hoppers by Happy Hopperz!

And the great news is – they’ve just introduced a new XL version suitable for older children too. Happy Hopperz are a lot of fun, and make great seats for kids too! RRP £44.99. Available from:

Sleep is so important in the early years, a good mattress really is worth investing in.

The Little Green Sheep’s 100% natural Twist mattress has one firm flat side for babies, and then flips over to provide toddlers and children with the supple springy support they need. Not only is it very clever it’s an investment too! From £145.

www.happyhopperz.co.uk

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Happy Hopperz

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SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY

Specialist Learning & Support Henshaws College provides programmes of learning and support for students aged 16 to 25 with a wide range of disabilities.

Our education, care and therapy teams specialise in working with students with sensory impairments, autistic spectrum conditions, physical disabilities, moderate to severe learning difficulties and healthcare needs.

Students follow an individual study programme designed around their needs.

Programmes include compulsory modules plus a range of flexible modules to develop their independence, employability, communication and health and wellbeing.

Technology and innovation Henshaws College is an award winning Centre for IT, recognised by Ofsted and Natspec (the Association of National Specialist Colleges) for our outstanding work with assistive technologies. Our sector-leading team are actively developing innovative resources to support our students and others across the country.

ACCESS: Technology is a collection of free resources which we’ve created to allow learners with disabilities and learning difficulties independent, safe use of mainstream technologies. This suite of web applications includes an image and video search, independent feedback tool, text-tospeech player and access to personal email accounts.

Our students are now using the site to give them greater choice and control over their

leisure time. You can try these resources out at www.accesstechnology.org.uk.

Visit Us We’re always happy to welcome families to visit and see what life is really like at Henshaws. You can either book onto one of our regular Open Days, or contact us to arrange a visit at a time that suits you.

Call 01423 886451 or email admissions@henshaws.ac.uk

www.henshaws.ac.uk

Our son is growing up, “becoming much more confident and independent when he comes home.

Parent

”

Personalised learning and support at Henshaws College Henshaws College provides programmes of learning and support for young people with a wide range of disabilities and additional support needs. Our specialist staff and facilities will help your child to develop skills and independence to prepare for their future. l l l l l

Study programmes focus on independence, employability & personal development Nationally recognised excellence in IT and Assistive Technology Education, Care and Therapies work together to support learners First class Residential, Sports and Media facilities Day and residential placements available

For more information call 01423 886451 or email admissions@henshaws.ac.uk

www.henshaws.ac.uk Registered charity no. 221888

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SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY

Charity launches new guide to help parents navigate the changes to special educational needs provision

The Cool Ice Box Company specializes in Medical Travel Cases and coolers which hold the temperature between 2–8 degrees, length of time from 5 to 48 hours with no power depending on the model you chose.

FAMILIES who support children with special educational needs will welcome Dyslexia Action’s new easy-to-read guide.

The charity’s online document ‘How to…Navigate the changes in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision’ has been produced to help parents and carers understand the changes that are expected to be introduced from September 2014.

The current draft ‘SEN and Disability Code of Practice: 0-25 years’ highlights the new requirements that schools and colleges will have a duty to follow and what this means for children with special educational needs and those with disabilities. The Code relates to the Children and Families Act (2014) and is expected to be passed by both houses of parliament this month, to become law.

Dyslexia Action’s new Special Educational Needs and Disability Guide talks of the expected changes, which include: l Improved co-operation between councils and health services l New Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans for 0 to 25-year-olds l A Local Offer that will need to be published by each local authority, showing the support available to all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in the area.

A helpful tick sheet is included in the Guide on what to expect from a Local Offer and what parents could expect to see from a school which offers ‘good quality’ provision in dyslexia.

You can now travel anywhere with your medication!

Also helpfully explained is the criteria for when a child or young person with Specific Learning Difficulties, including dyslexia, may be eligible for an Education, Health and Care Plan: ‘If your child has a substantial and long-term impairment which has an adverse effect on their ability to learn then they are entitled to an Education, Health and Care Plan under the Equality Act 2010’.

Any existing Special Educational Needs Statement is likely to be replaced with a Plan at your child's next transitional point – for example: when moving from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 or from primary to secondary.

From our Small Nomad Travel Case which is ideal for carrying insulin pens to our Nomad Medium Travel Case suitable for Eye drops, Humira and Insulin to our Nomad Rigid Travel Case for longer periods of cooling to the popular 8L Medical Cooler suitable for carrying bigger quantities of medication – this has an internal probe and external temperature display as has the 18L and the larger 28L Nomad Medical Cooler or trolley coolers for carrying volumes of medication, vaccines and samples at stable temperature.

Other useful contact details for organisations that can offer helpful advice and/or support for parents and carers of children with Specific Learning Difficulties can also be found in the Guide.

Dyslexia Action parents, whose children have been supported by its specialist teachers, are already welcoming the information. David Neal, from Bristol, likened the new guide to ‘gold dust’.

Dyslexia Action is a national charity that has been taking action to change the lives of those with dyslexia and literacy difficulties for over 40 years. To access the guide visit:

www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk

We also supply micro multi powered units which work off battery, mains or car charger for independent travellers and professionals that need to carry supply medication.

We aim to have a product to suit your requirements and purse.

Please look at our comprehensive website

www.coolicebox.com for further information or email us at info@coolicebox.com requesting a call back at a time to suit you and we will happily talk you through our products.

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SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY

Travel Safely with

Crelling Harnesses If you have a disability or are travelling with a loved one with special needs, we’re sure you’ll agree that it is important to have equipment that makes the journey and your holiday as enjoyable, safe and comfortable as possible.

Crelling Harnesses is a friendly family based company offering a full range of seatbelts and harnesses for children and adults with special needs. All of Crelling’s belts and harnesses are designed to provide postural support or in the case of learning difficulties and challenging behaviour a certain degree of restraint.

Knowing that there are some purchases in life that you don’t make lightly and to ensure your full peace of mind, Crelling Harnesses are OFT Approved and carry the CE marking. They are a member of The British Healthcare Trades Association, as well as being an approved supplier of Britax products.

Crelling are happy to advise and help you choose the correct product for your needs.

They offer extensive range of products from simple belts to full harnesses for use on all aspects of special needs equipment including vehicle seats, aircraft seats, wheelchairs, stairlifts and bathing & shower seats. They also make a range of walking reins designed to help and control children and adults with challenging behaviour or learning difficulties when out walking.

MD8L Nomad Medical Cooler: one of our most popular Medical Travel Coolers for people that have to carry a quantity of medication.

TCM: Hard backed medium sized zip up personal insulin pen pack carrier TCSDUO: Hard backed zip up personal insulin pen pack carrier TCDUO - JKY-A: super little multi powered medical cooler.

These products keep medication between 2-8 degrees C when you are out and about and travelling.

For more details see www.coolicebox.com

Bibbleplus+ b a n d a n a

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Bibble Plus+ Bandana Bibs are the functional and stylish solution for older children, teenagers and adults who have difficulties with drooling and dribbling.

Bibble Plus+ are available in 3 sizes and come in a range of colours and designs to suit every taste and enhance any outfit.

Receive 10% off your 1st order.

For more information Telephone 01253 852298, email info@crelling.com or visit

www.crelling.com

Enter code: FAMILY10 at the checkout to receive your discount

www.bibbleplus.co.uk myfamily 33

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POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM

Autism’s GOT TALENT!

by My Family Editor, Karen Reddell

A great night was had by all at this years Autism’s Got Talent, as celebrity presenters David and Carrie Grant, Britain’s Got Talent’s ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, Dr Pam Spurr, The Voice finalist Jordan Lee Davies, The Apprentice candidate Jason Leech and Pineapple’s Debbie Moore OBE joined organiser Anna Kennedy OBE to present a unique celebration of people with autism.

Street dances from Hillingdon Manor School’s AWA Crew and Radlett School’s Apollo, busted a move or two, and dancers from Pineapple Performing Arts School’s tribute to Michael Jackson was amazing. And, not to be outdone by the other performances, super bendy gymnast Caitlin Churcher, wowed us with an energetic gymnastic performance.

But Autism’s Got Talent isn’t just about singing and dancing! Anna Kennedy Online’s patron Jo Redman, gave an emotional and brave account of life with autism – the good and the bad – and how it helped her to take the kickboxing World Champion title three times!

An extract from The Trip – the story of a teacher, who takes a class of autistic teenagers on an ill-fated day trip to London, which is produced and performed by a group from West London Community College – had us in fits of giggles.

Produced by the team at autism charity Anna Kennedy Online and Pineapple Performing Arts School, Autism’s Got Talent showcases the amazing talents of performers on the spectrum.

A refreshing change from other talent shows, Autism’s Got Talent is not a competition and everyone comes away a winner!

Joshua Beckford, an exceptional 8 year old boy with Aspergers Syndrome who wants to be a neuro-surgeon specialising in Genetics when he’s old enough; showed us the magical workings of the human body with an informative and sometimes comical power point presentation.

There were outstanding vocal performances by Jordan Statham and Oscar Bell, Lucy Clapham, Alice Jordan and Leo Williams, Megan Landry, Joseph Ferris and Ryan Wiggins. Returning act Callum Abbiss got the crowd going and raised the roof with a cover of The Killers – Mr Brightside and little powerhouse Emma Lowry – belted out a cover of Clown by Emeli Sande.

Autism Campaigner Anna Kennedy took to the stage with dance partner Michael John French and Tap for Fun in a breathtaking tap performance to Bang Bang, before leading all the evenings performers on stage for the finale.

Way too soon, the show was over!

Artist, Jake Chodosh was joined on stage by Elton John, David Bowie, Nelson Mandela and many more stars portrayed in works of art created by Jake; whose autism makes his artistic interpretations just that little bit more interesting.

Raising the tempo for the evening percussionists, Bernadetta Ticchi and Gianni Maestrucci, and soloist Alfie Anderson demonstrated their impressive drumming – while clarinettist Matthew Scott, soothed us with a classical piece of music.

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Autism’s Got Talent is a ground-breaking production that has now firmly placed itself as My Family Magazine’s MUST SEE show of the year. We were treated to performances by acts from around the world – and oh boy, they keep us entertained!

If you missed it check out the highlights on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxGevHbLiK0 With Autism’s Got Talent 2015 already being planned, Anna Kennedy is urging performers to get involved. Email lisa.robins@thevines.org.uk to find out how you or someone you know can be part of next year’s show.

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POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM

Autism Care and Support provided by Autism Anglia Autism Anglia is an independent charity which provides vital care and support to children, adults and families affected by autism in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Offering a range of services from a specialist Residential School for 3-19 years through to Adult Services; the autism specific environments created by Autism Anglia are all tailored to meet the individual needs of the people they support.

“I feel so lucky that my son is at a school that try with all their might to help him, if one thing doesn’t work you try another – he has made amazing progress over the year” says a mother praising the staff at Doucecroft School.

Further to this, Autism Anglia run a Family Support service which offers advice and guidance to families and individuals affected by autism plus awareness training to professionals.

They also produce the highly effective Autism Alert Card, in conjunction with the local Police, which is an invaluable tool when it comes to explaining about autism to the emergency services and members of the public.

Autism Anglia has helped thousands of children, adults and families to deal with the news of an autism diagnosis, and has helped them to discover methods of support and the tools to help them enjoy and live life to the full.

“Without your service I am sure that my family wouldn’t be a whole unit any more. Just keep going as you are – you all do a wonderful job”

To discover a wealth of information from Autism Anglia visit

www.autism-anglia.org.uk or call 01206 577678.

How a Father’s Love Sparked a Movement No Greatness Without Goodness is the inspiring story of how Randy Lewis, as Senior Vice President of Walgreens in the US, changed the lives of thousands of people with disabilities, not only in America, but here in the UK as well.

After watching the world through the eyes of his own autistic child, Austin, Randy was determined to use his position and influence as a corporate executive of Walgreens in the US to create a workplace where people with disabilities could not just succeed, but thrive. What followed was years of campaigning to garner company support to make the initiative successful.

The result was two productivity leading distribution centres employing 35% people with disabilities. The initiative is now being rolled out nationwide in Walgreens retail stores across America and is changing the lives of thousands. The Walgreens success serves as a model for other employers in the U.S. and abroad including P&G, Marks & Spencer and Boots.

Stockist: www.eden.co.uk

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POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM

Join us for

Wear It For Autism 2014

After the huge success of Wear It For Autism in 2013 Anna Kennedy Online were inundated with requests to do it all again! We are happy to announce that the date is set for Monday 6th October 2014 – make sure it’s in your diary!

This year we are excited to be supported by Pineapple Performing Arts School, Models of Diversity and celebrity presenters including Arlene Phillips CBE, Kirk Norcross, Abz, Keith Mason, Dr Pam Spurr, Amy Willerton, Steve King, Jason Leech and many more.

Many tears were shed through this process since many of the nominations were heart wrenching and inspirational. Winners will be announced very soon on our website: www.annakennedy.com

Wear It For Autism is pampering mums, dads, children and carers – who either have autism themselves or care for those living with the condition. Our judges Steven Smith, Angel Sinclair, Dr Pam Spurr, Maggie Paterson, Sam Tomlin and Fiona Shepherd have now selected their winners from each category.

Fashion Stylist Lewis Duncan Weedon has kindly agreed to style our winners with clothing from the Wish Want Wear Designer Clothing Collection. To celebrate and thank them for everything that they do, they will be treated to a top-to-toe makeover before they take centrestage in the super-stylish fashion event at Le Chinois Restaurant and Bar, London’s Millenium Hotel, Knightsbridge.

The woman behind the event Anna Kennedy OBE said “The idea behind Wear It For Autism was to spoil those who usually never get a chance to treat – or even think of themselves. Living with autism can be challenging and extremely demanding so we wanted to create a special event, which would be fun for all involved’’.

Tickets for the show are on sale now priced at £15 each with discount for group bookings – all ticket holders will receive FREE goody bags!

Sponsors for this year are Living Autism, Miglio Jewellery, Models of Diversity and Wish Want Wear Designer Clothing Collection.

For a ticket order form or to find out how to become a sponsor email

lisa.robins@thevines.org.uk 36 myfamily

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POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM

15th Birthday Celebration for

HILLINGDON MANOR SCHOOL Hillingdon Manor School first opened its doors to 19 pupils in September 1999 as a specialist primary school for children with an autistic spectrum condition. Now in its 15th year, it is the largest school for children with autism, in the UK & Europe – providing specialist independent day education for children between 3 and a half, and 19 years of age.

The school was founded by autism campaigner Anna Kennedy OBE, who re-mortgaged her own house so she could set up a school for autistic children, after her two autistic sons were turned away from mainstream education.

Today, Hillingdon Manor School provides 150 autistic children a safe, structured education and a brighter future.

In October the school will be holding a 15th birthday celebration including music, dance and birthday cake of course! The event will be attended by staff, pupils and their families plus some special friends including Sir John Randal, who has shown his support for the school for a number of years.

Over the years there has been much to celebrate with former pupils making the successful transition in to college, including Anna’s youngest son Angelo who now attends West London Community College.

Anna says, ‘When I was told by the authorities that Patrick (now 24) and Angelo (now 21) were the only children in our area with autism, I felt completely isolated and alone. It was only when I bumped into another parent one day and recognised the symptoms in her child, that I realised I wasn’t alone. Together, we started a support group in my home.’

The group grew rapidly and was soon attended by 275 families. When Angelo and Patrick were later turned away by 25 mainstream schools, Anna resorted to converting her garage into a classroom. After hearing about a local school that was scheduled to be demolished, Anna and her husband Sean put together a feasibility study to show how it could be converted into a school for autistic children – since there was such a need in the area.

About the school Hillingdon Manor School provides effective, specialist education and support to pupils with an autistic spectrum condition and their families, enabling pupils to achieve their full potential in education and life outside school.

Located over three sites in Uxbridge, Yiewsley Grange for primary and The Manor and The Lawns for secondary education; the school offers a unique mix of education and support to pupils within a wide spectrum of needs and abilities. Personalised teaching and learning within an autistic specific environment allows pupils’ individual needs to be addressed completely and their capabilities fully realised.

Pupils from the school have showed everyone how talented they are – performing at Autism’s Got Talent and appearing in a unique dance DVD for children with autism Step in the Right Direction which was produced by Anna Kennedy Online and Pineapple Performing Arts School.

Ofsted recently reported ‘The quality of curriculum is good, including provision for the Early Years Foundation Stage, which leads to good outcomes’ Hillingdon Manor School is now part of the Hillcrest family, an independently owned and run social enterprise organisation catering for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, plus residential care and community support across the south of England to adults with learning disabilities.

For more information about admissions, open days and events, contact: Hillingdon Manor School (Primary) Yiewsley Grange • High Street Yiewsley UB7 7QP Telephone: 01895 420315 Hillingdon Manor School (Secondary) The Manor and The Lawns • Harlington Road • Hillingdon UB8 3HD Telephone: 01895 813679 Or visit:

www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk

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POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM

The Old Vicarage: Supported Care building Independent Lives Located in a leafy road, ten minutes walk from Uxbridge town centre, The Old Vicarage is an eight bedroom residential home which offers assisted living specifically for adults with an autistic spectrum condition or Asperger syndrome.

Residents have access to a well-equipped, modern kitchen which encourages as much independence as is possible. Leading off the kitchen is a spacious dining room, which is currently used as a breakfast area.

The Old Vicarage has a comfortable homely feel, with many of the rooms retaining their original features. Four communal rooms are located on the ground floor with modern leather couches and the latest high-tech gadgets.

The quality staff team, recognise resident’s needs and understand their diagnosis, enabling them to provide service users with an individual needs led care package. Staff regularly access and liaise with relevant healthcare professionals and constantly review the service to provide the best level of care.

A bright and airy conservatory looks out onto, and provides access to, a large enclosed garden, where residents can take a private moment or make the most of the outdoor space. A social hub, the large conservatory is also the dining area in the summer months and the location for regular house meetings, attended by both residents and staff.

Learning Financial Independence At some point during our childhood, we learn that once the money in our piggy bank has gone – it really has GONE! This is a lesson that ALL children go through but for some children such as those on the Autistic Spectrum there can be some difficulties.

Understanding where money comes from and the ‘acceptance’ of things that can’t be seen is just not that easy.

with parental controls and web and mobile apps that focus on earning, saving and spending responsibly. It’s been designed specifically for children and their parents. It’s incredibly easy to use, it’s visual, it’s safe and it’s empowering.

Anna Kennedy Online have partnered with goHenry as we believe it is a great solution for young people with Autism and Asperger’s to gain confidence and independence with managing their money under the guidance of their parents. For parents it helps to make your life a little easier by giving you the ability to easily manage all your children’s money automatically, all in one place.

Wouldn’t it be great if learning to manage money could be done in a way that is CLEAR and EASY to understand, that aids in saving through the use of targets and enables parents to oversee from a distance, while letting the child feel fully in control of their money? Well, guess what – we only went and found a great company called goHenry who do JUST that!

Visit www.gohenry.co.uk/ako as they’re providing AKO families with a great offer: signup and get £10 free pocket money plus goHenry will donate £10 to AKO on behalf of your family.

Think of goHenry as an online family bank account that combines a goHenry cash card

Simply use the Promo Code ‘AKGH14’ to benefit from this great offer.

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Service users are supported to access and investigate new ideas, activities and experiences, whilst as independently as possible, are encouraged to increase their skill base in all areas of their life.

For more information about available vacancies at The Old Vicarage visit www.autismconsultants.org or telephone: 01895 454710

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POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM BASTON HOUSE SCHOOL CASE STUDY

Rachelle despaired of finding the right school for her son until she discovered Baston House Rachelle lives in Lewisham with her three children, the eldest of whom, Raeshaun, is twelve years old.

Sink or Swim?

When choosing a school for a child there are many things to take into account, but for a parent with a child on the autistic spectrum the decisions can be much more difficult. Whilst some children with the condition may flourish in a mainstream setting, others will struggle and some may fall between the two categories. This was the situation in which Rachelle found herself with her son, Raeshaun.

“We decided to send Raeshaun to a mainstream primary school and for the first few years we had no major problems,” she says. “Although he had some speech delay and a short attention span, the small and fairly informal environment suited him well and we were happy with the decision.”

“It was only as he got older that things started to get more difficult as the school was not used to handling autistic children and they suggested

we look for a place elsewhere. However, we persevered and he was able to stay there until the end.”

Grey cloud of despair It was a secondary level that Rachelle began to realise that something would have to change. “I was still convinced that Raeshaun would be fine in the mainstream as long as he had appropriate one-to-one support like any child with learning difficulties, but school after school turned us down. I did hours of research trying to find an answer, but had no help from anywhere and it was like a big grey cloud was hanging over me.”

Enough is enough Eventually, Rachelle found a school which would accept Raeshaun and was assured that his needs would be fully met in terms of extra help and support. “I was told that he would have a dedicated TA at all times but it soon became

clear that this wasn’t happening,” she says.

“When I was allowed to meet her I could see that she didn’t have the specialist knowledge to deal with Raeshaun and he obviously wasn’t coping well. Then he started taking time off school, through illness or just because he didn’t want to go and it was only when I spoke to the parents of another child that I discovered he was being bullied. That was enough for me.”

Fitting in at last Rachelle approached Baston House which agreed to offer Raeshaun a place. “We went to visit and loved the warm welcome and the fact that they understood exactly what we needed.”

Having completed a three-day trial period at Baston,Raeshaun pleaded to be allowed to go there. “He liked it straightaway and felt that he fitted in,” says Rachelle. “The school was brilliant and managed the transfer very quickly so there was minimal disruption, and for the first time in many months I felt able to relax.”

Small steps, big progress Although Raeshaun has only been at Baston for a few weeks, family and friends have noted a marked difference in him. “There has been a dramatic change,” explains Rachelle. “He used to go to school because he had to, now he actively enjoys it. He understands his lessons whereas before he often shut himself off and he is taking a real interest in what he is learning. At home he is much happier, sleeps better and is more affectionate, so the move to Baston has had a very positive effect on us all.”

Lifting the pressure Raeshaun has some catching up to do but Rachelle is confident that with his new interest in his lessons and the gentle approach of his teachers, he will do well. “He is not put under too much pressure and they won’t push him too far until they have assessed his capabilities and I’m happy with that. Now that he is more comfortable in his school environment his selfesteem is increasing under a less intense system and my stress levels have decreased, too!”

To learn more about Baston House visit

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Baston House School • Bromley Specialist independent day facility for children diagnosed with autism aged between 5 & 16 years l A centre of excellence in education and development l Local Authority referrals welcome l Admissions now being taken for Primary and Secondary School For admissions and information about upcoming events call 020 8462 1010 or visit www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk Baston House School Baston Road • Hayes • Bromley • Kent BR2 7AB

Hillingdon Manor The largest school for children with autism, in the UK & Europe l Specialist independent day education for children aged between 3 and 19. l Local Authority referrals accepted. l Access to the National Curriculum.

For more information about admissions, open days and events, contact: Hillingdon Manor School (Primary) Yiewsley Grange • High Street • Yiewsley UB7 7QP Tel: 01895 420315 Hillingdon Manor School (Secondary) The Manor and The Lawns Harlington Road • Hillingdon UB8 3HD Tel: 01895 813679 Or visit www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk