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Lisburn Service is ‘A1 Care’ provider! Welcome to Family Focus - your NI monthly digital magazine for families, filled with local events, parenting tips, recipes, and fun for all ages.
A1
Care
provides
high
quality
domiciliary and live-in care services tailored to individual needs. As an award-winning organisation
provider,
delivers
the
compassionate
Proudly supported by local businesses, we connect families with community highlights and helpful reads.
and person-centred care across local
Enjoy discovering something new every month, right from your screen!
Clients receive trusted support designed
communities. proudly
Their
serves
dedicated
residents
team
living
in
Lisburn, South Belfast and County Down. to help them maintain independence within the comfort of home. The
provider
offers
comprehensive
support including personal care, daily
Subscribe so you never miss an issue! Email subscriptions@edamedi a.co.uk
living
assistance
options.
Trained
medication
and
24/7
staff
management,
live-in
help
with
hydration,
meal preparation and light household cleaning. Caregivers also offer vital
Safety and high standards remain central to every service provided by A1 Care.
All
team
members
undergo
thorough training and AccessNI vetting prior to assisting clients. The company is regulated by The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority. It has also been recognised as
a
Top
20
Care
Provider
by
homecare.co.uk. Additionally, A1 Care works alongside respected partners like the Alzheimer's Society and Homecare Association. Choosing the right home care service offers families total reassurance and peace of mind. A1 Care prioritises human connection, bringing a friendly face and genuine care to every visit.
companionship and community access Supporting Local, One Ad at a Time At Family Focus, we believe in the power of community. Our local advertising partners help bring each issue to life while connecting you with trusted businesses, services and events right here at home. When you shop local, you support neighbours, families, and the heartbeat of your town. Follow Us on
to
keep
individuals
connected
and
engaged. For specialised health needs, the
team
delivers
dementia,
Alzheimer's, palliative and end-of-life care. Families can also access respite services and hospital discharge support during challenging transitions.
Interested families can visit the office at 24 Castle Street in Lisburn or
request
Support
is
a
free
readily
assessment. available
by
calling 02892 900 001 or emailing lisburn@a1care.co.uk today
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Embrace Autumn in Monaghan with the Four Seasons Seasonal Sale The Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure favourites to freshly prepared Club, Monaghan, invites you to slow classics, breakfast at the Four down, unwind, and Seasons sets the tone for a relaxed embrace the beauty of autumn with and enjoyable stay and there’s no our exclusive Autumn Seasonal need to rush your morning. Sale. Whether you’re Complimentary late check-out until planning a cosy break, a 1pm is spontaneous getaway, or simply included, giving you extra time to looking for a well-earned night make the most of your stay, or away, simply relax and ease into the the offer is designed to bring day at your own pace. comfort, value, and a little During your visit, you’ll also have indulgence to your autumn plans. full complimentary access to our As the evenings draw in and the award-winning Leisure countryside takes on its beautiful Club facilities. Take a dip in the autumn colours, there’s no pool, unwind in the sauna or steam better time to enjoy a relaxing room, or simply enjoy some escape. Guests can enjoy an time to yourself in a calm and overnight stay in the heart of welcoming environment designed Monaghan, followed by a for relaxation and wellbeing. wholesome full Irish breakfast the To make your autumn escape even next morning — the perfect way to more convenient, complimentary start the day feeling refreshed and car parking is included recharged. From locally sourced for all guests, ensuring a stress-free
arrival and departure experience. We also understand that flexibility matters when making plans. That’s why this offer includes a generous 48-hour cancellation policy (prior to 12 noon), giving you peace of mind when booking your autumn getaway. Perfectly located just minutes from Monaghan Town, the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club combines warm Irish hospitality with comfort, convenience, and great value — making it the ideal base for enjoying the season. Make this autumn one to remember. Cosy up, slow down, and enjoy a relaxing escape in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Check availability and get a quote today: www.4seasonshotel.ie | +353 (0)47 81 888 | info@4seasonshotel.ie
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Childline
Offers Crucial Support to Young People Coping with suicidal thoughts and feelings
Contact Childline FREE at 0800 1111
HAVING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS CAN BE REALLY SCARY. YOU MIGHT FEEL ALONE AND LIKE YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO KEEP GOING. BUT EVEN IF THINGS DON'T CHANGE STRAIGHT AWAY, YOU CAN START TO FEEL BETTER. AND ALL OF US HERE AT CHILDLINE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU FIND WAYS TO COPE.
GETTING SUPPORT It’s really important to speak to someone if you feel suicidal or you’re worried you'll harm yourself. You can call 0800 1111 to talk to a Childline counsellor at any time. They're there to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If it’s an emergency or you need help straight away, call 999. STAYING SAFE Taking drugs or drinking alcohol makes it hard to think clearly and make good decisions. Alcohol is also a depressant which make suicidal feelings even worse. If you have any drugs, flush them away. If you have anything that could harm you, get rid of it. It also helps to be with someone instead of being on your own. MAKING A SAFETY PLAN It's a great idea to create a safety plan that you can use whenever you're struggling to cope. It can include: things you can distract yourself with ways to stay safe safe places you can go things that help you calm down or relax who you can talk to, like a Childline counsellor or safe adult. You can write your own safety plan or use our mental health first aid kit to help you.
TALKING TO SOMEONE Talking to someone about how you feel is a really important part of getting help. It means you don’t have to deal with everything on your own. But it’s not always easy to do. Describing how you feel can feel really scary. Try our tips to make it easier to talk: plan and prepare what you want to say write down what you want to say and practise saying it think about the main things you want to get out of talking to someone ask yourself if you want advice, or if you just want to say how you’re feeling try talking when the person isn’t busy or about to rush off.
Spooky family fun awaits across County Down this Halloween Get out in nature with our frightful Fernery trail this Halloween! Strange sightings at Mount Stewart have been becomes more frequent as we approach Halloween, do you dare seek them out?
Families looking for frightfully good fun this October half-term will find plenty to enjoy across: County Down's National Trust properties. At Rowallane Garden, Rowallawson runs from 25 October to 1 November packed with music, mystery and occasional adventures. Young visitors can dance the day away at the Baby Banishes Disco and kids' rave, solve a vampire mystery in the Walled Garden.
Meanwhile, Castle Ward becomes Castle Weird, offering a packed programme of eerie entertainment. Budding detectives can test their skills at a murder mystery night, while families can discover the fascinating and slightly creepy world of Mary Ward and her famous "reepy, crawly" creations from 24 October to 1 November. Before Halloween arrives, visitors can also enjoy the acclaimed Royal Geographical Society, Earth Photo Exhibition, at Castle Ward this September.
Over at Mount Stewart or Mount Strange as its been called recently, unusual sightings have been reported as Halloween approaches. Visitors can follow the enchanting Magic Ink Pot trail through the House, where spooky stories are available from October 1 November.
Autumn & Halloween in County Down National Trust
Rowallane Garden
Three spooky days out, this half term. Members free, normal admission applies.
Rowallaween kicks off on 25 October to 1 November, with plenty of activities & spooky family fun. Get your dancing shoes on for the Baby Banishes Disco and the Rowallaween kids rave! Unlock the clues in the walled garden and solve the vampire mystery.
Mount Stewart
Castle Ward
Do you dare enter the Frightful Fernery this Halloween? Strange sightings at Mount Stewart have become more frequent as we approach Halloween. Explore the Magic Ink Pot trail in the House, dressed for spooky season. Are you ready for a fun-filled night? Join us from 24 October to 1 November!
Join us as Castle Ward turns into Castle Weird this Autumn. Sherer your detective skills with our mystery night! Get on the trail of one of Castle Ward's most interesting people Mary and discover her creepy crawly creations 24 October to 1 Nov. Don't miss the royal Geographic Society, Earth Exhibition this September.
Plan your Halloween half term www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland
@National Trust 2026. Registered charity no: 205844.
Fitness and Fun at Comber Leisure Centre Comber Leisure Centre provides a vital hub for community health, sport and family entertainment.
The facility welcomes over 110,000 visitors every year, with modern indoor and outdoor amenities tailored for all ages. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the impressive gym equipped with cardiovascular equipment, resistance machines, free weights and a functional cube for bodyweight training. A specialized hand bike and other adaptable equipment, ensure accessible workouts for individuals with physical disabilities. Serious lifters can utilize a separate Conditioning Gym, designed specifically for advanced strength and muscle building. The gym also houses an interactive private training space – FITT Pod. Over 30 weekly exercise classes take place in the centre, from Group Cycle and Kettlebells to Pilates and Chair Aerobics. After a workout, visitors can unwind in the Health Suite, complete with a sauna, steam room and experience shower. Membership inclusive of all these facilities starts from just £21.45 a month. Younger visitors are equally well catered for in the centre's vibrant soft play facility. Designed for toddlers up to ten-year-olds, the adventure space features slides, a biff-bash forest, climbers, a ball juggler, a log ramp and roller squeezes. The soft play area operates casually throughout the week and serves as a popular venue for children's birthday parties and special events. Beyond the gym and play zones, the centre houses a versatile sports hall alongside outdoor all-weather facilities. These include a covered dome with four tennis courts and a floodlit astro turf pitch used by local sports groups. Dedicated party rooms and complete disabled accessibility throughout make Comber Leisure Centre an essential local resource.
BABY AND INFANT LOSS AWARENESS WEEK ROSIE’S STORY
“Rosie is infused in our family, and she always will be. She was my first baby and the one who made me a mum.”
For Kaitlin Stothard and her family, Rosie remains part of everyday life. Born prematurely at 34 weeks on 3 September 2022, after a 20-week scan revealed congenital diaphragmatic hernia, Rosie lived for just 15 days. She received care at hospitals in Northern Ireland and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. At home in Bangor, keepsakes—including framed prints of Rosie’s hands and feet—help keep her memory close. Each year, the family celebrates her birthday and visits her tree in the Forget Me Not woodland at Billy Neill Country Park. After returning home, Kaitlin found support through bereavement midwives at the Ulster Hospital and its Forget Me Not Focus Group. The group brings bereaved parents together, holds remembrance events and supports the hospital’s maternity bereavement suite. Kaitlin later shared Rosie’s story with other families. “You don’t need to say the right things,” she says. “You just need to listen.” Her son Sonny knows Rosie as his big sister and is beginning to say her name. By sharing their experience, Kaitlin hopes to open conversations and help other families feel less alone. For information about the Forget Me Not Focus Group, email Jacqueline.Dorrian@setrust.hscni.net.
Twenty children from across Northern Ireland enjoyed a magical trip to Disneyland Paris, creating unforgettable memories with their families. The NICLT trip was made possible by the charity’s supporters and the dedicated team who helped make the experience safe and accessible. Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust receives no government or national funding and relies on donations to continue its work. For more information or to support the charity, please visit: https://nichildrentolapland.com
ALL ABOARD! MEET HORNBY'S VERY FIRST MINI CONDUCTOR Hornby has named seven-year-old Leo Kelly, from County Down, Northern Ireland, as its first-ever Mini Conductor after a search for young rail enthusiasts. Young fans across the UK were invited to submit videos explaining their passion for trains and why they deserved the role. Entries arrived from across the country, but Leo won the judges over with his enthusiasm, earning a day on the railway. A devoted Hornby enthusiast, Leo traded the train set at home for an adventure aboard an LNER service. Working alongside the crew, he helped check tickets and welcomed passengers, toured the driver’s cab and made an announcement over the tannoy. His mother, Stephanie, said Leo was thrilled to be selected and that seeing his love of trains become a real-life experience was incredible. Competition judge Brenda, of @raynaandaidensworld, congratulated Leo and praised the excitement and passion shown by entrants. For many children, a love of railways begins at home. Hornby Playtrains introduces model railways with what families need to build a layout and invent adventures. From living-room tracks to a real railway, Leo’s story shows where a young enthusiast’s journey can begin. Families can explore Hornby Playtrains and start their own adventure.
Four NI Schools Face Setback as Integrated Status Applications DENIED Four primary schools— Ballyhenry, Downshire, Killowen (Coleraine), and Larne and Inver— have expressed their disappointment after the Education Minister refused their applications to become Integrated schools. This news came on the first day of the new academic year, overshadowing what should have been a day of excitement and fresh beginnings for pupils and families. These schools had patiently waited between 18 months and two years for a decision after their communities voted in favour of Integrated status through democratic parental ballots. Throughout this time, they continued to promote respect, diversity, and community cohesion, embedding a positive integrated ethos in daily school life.
The Minister’s refusal was based on a new 2026 interpretation requiring “reasonable numbers” of Catholic and Protestant pupils for Integrated schools. This rule was introduced after the schools had already submitted their comprehensive plans, leaving the schools feeling unfairly blocked despite their commitment to integration. Principals from each school spoke out, highlighting their dedication to fostering inclusive, welcoming environments where every child belongs, regardless of faith or background. Ballyhenry’s Principal, Lynn Knocker, reflected on the years of hard work put in by pupils, staff, and families in pursuit of this goal. The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) criticized the decision, emphasizing that Integrated Education is about much more
than just pupil numbers. It promotes respect, inclusion, and meaningful interaction among children from different faiths and cultures. Despite the setback, all four schools remain committed to their vision of inclusive education, a determination echoed by Killowen’s Principal, Arlene Moon, who affirmed their ongoing journey towards a bright, shared future. The IEF pledges to continue supporting these schools and their communities as they work towards building diverse and welcoming learning environments for all children.
SERC invites primary schools to join free engineering programme Primary schools are invited to join We Can Engineer It: Foundations, a free engineering programme launched in September 2026. Led by South Eastern Regional College (SERC) and funded by the James Kane Foundation, the two-year initiative aims to bring hands-on STEM experiences to every primary school in the region. Schools can choose between two approaches. An engineering educator can train teachers to deliver lessons, or co-deliver lessons while colleagues observe and learn. Every participating school will receive an engineering lesson pack, including equipment for activities aligned with the Northern Ireland curriculum. The programme is designed to build STEM expertise in schools. Trained teachers will be encouraged to share their skills with colleagues, while SERC-trained STEM Ambassadors from industry and education will provide guidance and inspiration. These partnerships will help keep learning connected to industry and technological developments. Training, lesson kits and support will be provided free of charge. The initiative will conclude with a celebratory week of workshops and engineering challenges, bringing pupils, teachers and ambassadors together to collaborate and explore partnerships. Schools
interested
in
participating
can
WeCanEngineerIt@serc.ac.uk. Through the initiative, SERC and the James Kane Foundation aim to equip primary schools to inspire the next generation of engineers.
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SPOOKY HALLOWEEN RECIPES
Creamy Pumpkin Soup A warming, family-friendly bowl of autumn comfort for spooky evenings. INGREDIENTS 1 small pumpkin, peeled and cubed 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves 750ml vegetable stock 100ml cream or coconut milk 1 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper METHOD 1. Soften the onion and garlic in a little oil. 2. Add pumpkin, stock and paprika; simmer for 20 minutes. 3. Blend until smooth, stir in the cream, and season. 4. Serve warm with toasted seeds and a swirl of cream.
Perfect with wheaten bread and a little Halloween magic!
WHEATEN BREAD INGREDIENTS 8oz Self-Raising Flour 8oz Wholemeal flour 1 tsp Baking powder 1 Level tsp Bread soda 1 tsp fine salt 1 egg 250g natural yogurt 9oz Milk 1 heaped tablespoon brown sugar Rolled oats f to sprinkle on the top
METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 190c : to Bake 1 large loaf for 30mins then reduce temp to 180c for a further 30-32mins 2. Sieve Self-raising flour, Baking Powder, Bread Soda and salt into a bowl 3. Add in the Wholemeal Flour 4. Mix the egg, yoghurt and milk together in a jug, slowly add the wet ingredients in 5. Mix well to combine, oil loaf tin and place the mix into the tin
Your Autumn Escape Begins at The Four Seasons, Carlingford Escape into the golden hues of autumn with a luxurious overnight retreat (or longer) at the 4star Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford. The Four Seasons Hotel boasts cloud-soft beds guaranteed to get your day off to a great start with a wide range of fresh breakfast options. Enjoy Fine Dining and Crafted House Cocktails in the Lough Lounge Bar & Restaurant, a relaxing space with striking views overlooking the Cooley Mountains. The hotel's leisure facilities include an 18m swimming pool, unwind in the sauna and steam room, soothe your muscles in the jacuzzi, or try the recovery ice bath for an invigorating refresh. The extensive Leeture Club also features a children's pool, modern gym with cardio machines and free weights. Nestled between the Cooley Mountains and the Carlingford Lough, just a short stroll from medieval Carlingford village, and only 1-hour from Dublin and Belfast, it's an ideal base for golfing, horse riding and hill walking, boutique shopping and the Carlingford to Omeath Greenway.
As Autumn descends, the Carlingford Lough Greenway transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of gold, amber, and deep crimson. Stretching from King John's Castle and the marina all the way towards Newry, this newly paved walking and cycling route offers crisp air and stunning autumnal views, making it a seasonal favourite for all.
Just 6.2km down the path in Omeath, cozy, welcoming cafés invite you to step inside out of the autumn breeze for a well-deserved break and a steaming drink. Located right at the heart of it all, the newly renovated Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is the perfect base for an autumn getaway that balances outdoorsy adventure with pure relaxation.
Phone: +353 42 935 3530
Website: 4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie
Email: info@fshc.ie
CHRISTMAS MARKETS Dundonald Christmas Market Moat Park Wednesday 2nd December 4-8pm Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market The Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort Friday 11th December 3pm-9pm th Saturday 12 December 11am-6pm Carryduff Christmas Market Lidl car park Wednesday 16th December 4pm-8pm
w o e l l e a n H w r e y N Spooky season is here
WELCOME TO NEWRY EST. 1144
Frightful fun at Newry Halloween Twilight Market Newry’s Halloween Twilight Market returns to Newry Variety Market on Saturday 31 October 2026, from 5pm to 10pm, promising a free, familyfriendly evening of spooky entertainment. Hosted by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the market will become a Halloween wonderland, with live music, artisan stalls, street food, sweet treats and activities. Children can enjoy spooky arts and crafts, Halloween games, face painting and potion-making, while walkabout characters and surprises add to the atmosphere. A family disco will keep the party going, with prizes for the best fancy-dress costumes and spot prizes handed out. The Just Adam Band will provide live entertainment, and visitors can browse crafts, gifts and produce. Food traders will serve a range of refreshments, while a licensed bar will offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Council Chairperson Councillor Glyn Hanna said the market had become a popular highlight of the Halloween programme, bringing families and visitors together while supporting local traders and performers. The market forms part of Newry’s Halloween celebrations, featuring a selfguided Pumpkin Trail, children’s film screenings, face painting and activities hosted by local businesses and attractions in partnership with Newry BID. Visitors are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. For more information, go to www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/Halloween.
Belvoir Theatre to Host Panto Spectacular this Christmas! Christmas brings a much loved tradition with Cinderella: The Pantomime. The show runs from 16 December 2026 until 3 January 2027 at Belvoir Studio Theatre, with a choice of matinee and evening performances throughout the festive period. Written by Alan P. Frayn, each performance offers a world of magic and family fun with this timeless tale, with of course the glamour of a royal ball, a sprinkle of magic and plenty of dreams coming true. Bringing together a stellar cast and crew of talented amateurs and professionals, the audience will be treated to sterling performances with fantastic live music, stunning sets and dazzling costumes. Belvoir has produced traditional family pantomimes for over fifty years! Located in the Belvoir estate, the venue seats up to 200 people and this year's Panto is a mustsee for all the family. Over 200 shows have been staged in more than five decades. Productions range from classic comedies and West End musicals to searing dramas. For more details of this and other performances scheduled for Winter 2026, tickets and information are available at www.belvoirplayers.org. Did you know? Last year's Panto SOLD OUT for the entire run of 21 performances, so it's wise to book early or you may miss out!
Make every journey a safe one with these simple road safety tips. FOR DRIVERS
THE BASICS
• Choose the Right Car Seat – And Fit It Properly
• Stop, look and listen before crossing
• Give Yourself Extra Time
• Use crossings whenever possible
• Park Smart – Not Just Close
• Be bright and be seen after dark
• Always Obey the Lollipop Person
• Wear a helmet when cycling or scooting
• Ditch the Distractions
• Stay off phones and headphones when crossing
• Teach Your Child the Basics • Respect the School Zone • By following these simple tips, you’re helping to protect not just your own children, but every child in your community.
LOOK OUT. SLOW DOWN. GET HOME SAFE.
‘R’ plate requirements From 1 October 2026, newly qualified drivers enrolled in the GDL scheme, must display an ‘R’ plate for a period of two years after passing their test, which will be split into: initial six months post-test - includes agerelated passenger and night-time restrictions, indicated by a plate with a blue ‘R’ on a white background remaining 18 months post-test - identified by a plate with a white ‘R’ on a blue background Graduated licensing removes the 45mph speed restriction for learners and newly qualified drivers. The scheme "does not impose any speed restrictions on newly qualified drivers". For drivers on the new scheme, the R plate no longer means a lower speed limit; it means the passenger rule and a longer probation.
Fabulous Festive Flavours from Glastry Farm Ice Cream Glastry Farm Ice Cream is bringing festive flavour to Christmas tables with three seasonal creations: Poached Pear & Mulberry Wine, Christmas Pudding and Dunville Whiskey, made with Echlinville Distillery. Available in five-litre tubs for hospitality venues and one-litre packs in local farm shops and stores, the flavours offer for festive menus and family gatherings. Glastry’s range has earned Great Taste Awards, and its Vanilla Bean ice cream was recently served at Ireland’s food awards ceremony at Dublin’s Mansion House. For lighter choices, the farm offers lactose-free, low-fat, lower-sugar sorbets with high fruit content, including Acai Berry, Mango & Passion Fruit and Raspberry Ruffle. Poached Pear & Mulberry Wine is also available as a seasonal sorbet. Based in Glastry, the producer attributes its products to local milk, a pedigree herd, modern equipment and skilled staff. Glastry Farm thanks its customers for supporting local food as it develops new flavours for 2027.
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LIDL FUN RECIPES WITH THE WITH THE KIDS KIDS
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Birds
250 g dark chocolate (melted in microwave) 400 g strawberries 24 white chocolate chips 12 pumpkin seeds (for the beak) Pretzel sticks (optional could be used as tree branch)
Strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C and pumpkin seeds a source of plant-based fibre. You’ll be glad that this sweet tweet will fly off the plate! 1. Set a tray aside with parchment paper and have a tiny paint brush to hand. 2. Hold the strawberries by the stems and dip them into the melted dark chocolate, covering the tops and sides. 3. Once dipped, place them onto the tray. 4. Now add two white chocolate chips for eyes, paint on the pupils with dark chocolate and a pumpkin seed on each to make the beak.
Dare them to munch their way through a caterpillar and transform into veggie lovers! And if you want to make your caterpillar plant-based, why not replace the chicken with falafels? 1. Preheat 180c, bake baguettes for 8mins, cool and slice horizontally. 2. Spread hummus onto the bottom halves of the baguettes, then drape 3 slices of chicken onto each one. Top the chicken with 2 tomato slices (8 slices in total). 3. Place the 4 baguettes halves onto a board or plate, creating a wave like shape in the form of a caterpillar body. 4. To make the caterpillar face, use the remaining tomato slices. Lay each slice onto the end of your caterpillar body. Halve one of the tiny pepper slices, and use them for the antennae on top of the tomato face. Use the remaining sliced peppers as clouds and 2 slices of cucumber for the eyes. 5. To create the feet, use the halved and sliced cucumbers. Lay them under the bottom side of the baguettes – put 3 feet under each baguette half. 6. Pick your caterpillar and top with the upper, plain half of the baguette and enjoy.
Hungry Caterpillar
4 Rowan Hill petits pains baguettes (part baked) 12 slicesBirchwood roast chicken 3 scarlet tomatoes (sliced into 9 slices) 0.5 pots Meadow Fresh hummus 1 funsize small cucumber (halved and sliced) 1 funsize orange pepper (sliced)
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New Official SEAG Practice Papers 3 and 4 Now Available Free SEAG has released two new official practice papers
in
English
and
Irish,
following
requests from parents and teachers. Like Papers 1 and 2, they follow the SEAG Entrance
Assessment
format
and
specification and are free to download. Papers 3 and 4 are based largely on questions from the 2025 SEAG Entrance Assessment. More than 90% of their questions are drawn from that assessment, including the same comprehension
passages.
Each
paper
reflects its standard and level of difficulty. Look for the GL Assessment logo on the front and back pages to confirm the papers are official. Each paper also includes a unique answer sheet.
The revised Parents’ Guide, updated in September 2026, provides answer keys for all eight practice papers. Download English and Irish papers, answer sheets and the Parents’ Guide from SEAG’s website: https://seagni.co.uk/guidance/practicematerials The materials are for personal, educational, non-commercial practice only. They must not be reproduced, adapted, distributed or used in commercial tutoring materials or services without prior written permission from GL Assessment.
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Subway’s ‘Kids Eat Free’ Returns this Autumn
Subway’s popular Kids Eat Free offer returns for October half-term, giving families a tasty, affordable treat during the school break. At participating restaurants across the NI, customers can get one free Kids Pack with the purchase of any Footlong Sub. Each pack includes a freshly made, customizable four-inch mini-Sub, a snack and a drink—ideal for hungry young adventurers on the go. The offer runs during half-term break 24–30 October. Kirstey Elston, EMEA Senior Marketing Director at Subway®, said: “We’re delighted to bring back Kids Eat Free this autumn. As the seasons change, we want to give families an easy way to enjoy freshly prepared food together at great value this half term.”
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Applying for preschool places for September 2027: what families need to know The Education Authority (EA) has announced changes to preschool admissions for the 2027–28 school year. Funded pre-school is optional and provides one year of early education. Parents can apply by listing preferred settings in order. The Socially Disadvantaged Circumstances (SDC) criterion will apply only to families receiving Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance. By law, settings must prioritise eligible children in their final pre-school year. Target-age children should apply in Stage One by the deadline; there will be no late-application period. Children applying in their penultimate pre-school year and children classed as late deferrals after postponing P1 entry can apply only in Stage Two. Admissions criteria are due to be published on 9 December 2026. Stage One: Applications open at noon on 6 January 2027 and close at noon on 20 January. Outcomes are due 18 March. Stage Two: From 18 March, the EA will publish settings with funded places remaining. Penultimate-year applicants may apply only to statutory nursery schools or units; target-age and late-deferral applicants may apply to any listed setting. Applications close at 4pm on 12 May, with outcomes due 11 June 2027.
Further information will be shared by the EA. www.eani.org.uk/admissions
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Autism NI is inviting runners of all abilities to take part in
its
virtual
Participants
12
Runs
complete
12
of
Christmas
runs
during
challenge. December,
choosing their own distances—from 1K to 10K. The challenge aims to raise £10,000 for Autism NI’s Helpline and parent and carer support courses, which
Lace Up this December with Autism NI’s ’12 Runs of Christmas’ Challenge
help families throughout the busy festive season. Entry is free, and participants are encouraged to raise £80 each to support local autism services. CDE Group is sponsoring the fundraising packs. For details or to request a pack, visit autismni.org or email events@autismni.org.
New Driver NI prepares young people for Northern Ireland’s new licensing system More than 100 post-primary schools across Northern Ireland are set to take part in the New Driver NI programme for the 2026/27 academic year, bringing road-safety education to around 32,000 young people. The programme launches as Northern Ireland introduces its new Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, which phases learning and driving experience to improve safety, particularly among 17- to 23-yearolds. Lessons will explain the new arrangements and explore issues including speeding, distraction, drinkand drug-driving, seatbelt use and peer pressure. CRASH Services has renewed its sponsorship for a 14th year. Marketing Director Paula Mahoney said the company’s experience supporting people after collisions showed why prevention and road-safety education matter. She said safe driving involves understanding risks and taking responsibility for protecting everyone on the road. The programme also highlights the role passengers can play. Under the message “Passengers: Find your voice”, young people are encouraged to wear seatbelts, avoid distracting drivers and speak up when they feel unsafe. Davy Jackson, chair of Road Safe NI, which runs the programme, said it aims to promote honest conversations and help students make safer choices. He noted that everyday actions, such as checking a phone or travelling with someone who has been drinking, can have serious consequences. The programme is also supported by ab&c insurance, JMK Solicitors, UsedCars NI and local Policing and Community Safety Partnerships.
www.newdriverni.com
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MATERNITY SELF REFERRAL MADE EASIER WITH NEW FEATURE IN MY CARE APP Pregnant women can now take their first step towards accessing Maternity care directly through the MyCare app, making it easier to begin their maternity journey. South Eastern Trust Lead Digital Midwife, Karen Gray explained how a woman can now self-refer into Maternity Services using the existing My Care app. Over 25 per cent of people living in the South Eastern Trust area, have already signed up to the My Care app, which provides patients with secure access to their Health and Social Care information, including appointments, some test results and letters. Around a quarter of the population in the South Eastern Trust area has already signed up to the app, helping people take a more active role in managing their health and wellbeing. Karen said, “Once you have decided which Trust you want to have your baby in, you can complete the self-referral form in My Care. As soon as the selfreferral form is complete, that information will then be received by the appropriate Maternity Team. “This is very much a convenient way for a woman to access their Maternity Team and receive their booking appointment. The information is right there, at their fingertips on their phone and is a standardised, simple process for them to complete.”
r t L o o p cal p u S We mpoSm oo aertk PSrh The Power of the Local Pound
BENEFITS: BOOSTING THE REGIONAL ECONOMY
When you buy from an independent retailer, a significantly higher percentage of your money stays within the local economy
UNMATCHED QUALITY AND EXPERTISE
A local cheesemonger or florist takes deep pride in their craft, offering personal recommendations and tailored service
PRESERVING COMMUNITY IDENTITY
Independent shops give our towns their unique character and charm
Every time you choose a high street shop over a massive online retailer, you vote for the kind of community you want to live in. By spending locally, we preserve our town centres and secure a resilient future for everyone.
A STRONG START THAT LASTS A LIFETIME Nursery and pre-primary care offer children much more than an introduction to letters and numbers. Good early education can nurture confidence, language, curiosity and the social skills that support learning for years to come. Research suggests that high-quality early childhood education can have lasting benefits, particularly for children facing disadvantage. Warm, responsive care and well-trained, consistent staff are especially important. The Study of Early Education and Development followed 3,930 children and families. It found that children who spent more hours in care between ages two and four showed stronger cognitive and social-emotional development. These benefits were seen across family backgrounds.
Early education can support later learning, too. Some studies found that children who attended early-years provision were nearly eight months ahead in literacy and numeracy. Positive relationships and early emotional support can also help children build friendships and feel ready for school. The best settings work in partnership with families. They listen to parents, share routines and encourage independence, wellbeing and purposeful play. Choose a nursery where staff know your child and help them feel safe, curious and confident. A strong start can make the move to school less daunting—and much more exciting.