A be A ch trip to e nniscrone w A s medicine for the soul

Enniscrone is a gem in the crown of the West of Ireland. Its rugged beauty and stunning beach makes it the perfect place to visit with family.

With the weather being a bit hit and miss this month we thought we would book a couple of nights in the Ocean Sands Hotel in the Co Sligo town.

The journey from Belfast takes approximately three and a half hours but as we have small children a few pit stops were needed for nappy changes and food breaks.

A good place to stop in Enniskillen as it marks the half way point of the journey and there are plenty of eateries around to grab something quick.

We arrived in Enniscrone around 4pm on 12th July and were welcomed by the lovely staff in the hotel who were more than accommodating in making sure we had all we needed in the room for the children.

First port of call was the beach which is literally a stone throw from the back entrance of Ocean Sands. We didn’t have our swim gear with us but dipping our toes in the Atlantic and building sandcastles made for the perfect start to our mini holiday. After getting cleaned up we went to the restaurant for dinner which has stunning views of the beach. The menu catered for all tastes and the children were delighted with their cheeseburger and goujon meals.

I opted for Korean chicken wings and fish and chips which were both beautiful and well presented.

The hotel has a kids play room on the beach floor along with a spa which we were able to make use of. I had a wonderful facial with Majella while the kids played in the playroom adjacent to the spa.

The spa is the perfect

Find out what help your family may be entitled to

While we are still enjoying the summer holidays, parents are already planning for back to school, including buying new school uniforms and other supplies.

It is an expensive time for families, but there may be help available with back to school costs.

School meals

The Education Authority oversees the free school meals scheme for primary and secondary school pupils. Eligibility depends on parents receiving specific benefits and, in some cases, on household income. Assistance is also available for children with a statement of special educational needs and specific dietary requirements.

School uniforms

The Education Authority also oversees the school uniform grant. Eligibility criteria is similar to the free school meals scheme. The school uniform grant has remained the same for the academic year 2023/24. Eligible households remain entitled to a grant of between £42.90 and £93.60, per school-aged child, per academic year.

Transport costs to school

The Education Authority is required to provide transport to and from school for any pupils who meet specific criteria. Support is made available where there is no suitable school within a legal walking or qualifying distance from the pupil’s home, or where the pupil has not secured a place in an appropriate school within that distance. A child with additional educational needs or disabilities may also receive assistance with transport.

How to apply

Free school meals and school uniform grant applications can be made online. Once submitted the application can take around four weeks to process.

Home to school transport assistance applications can also now be made online. The

Education Authority website provides an online Eligibility Checker to help parents find out if their child will qualify, prior to completing the formal application.

For further information on free school meals, school uniform grants and home to school transport, including how to apply, visit the Education Authority website: www. eani.org.uk/financial-help.

Cost of childcare

Many families still require ‘wraparound’ childcare during school term-time. Now is the time to find out what financial support is available - most working families are entitled to help with their registered childcare costs, whether through Tax Credits, Childcare Vouchers, Universal Credit or Tax-Free Childcare. Personalised advice and guidance haven for escaping the busyness of life with a hot tub, day beds, a steam room and many treatments to choose from. The bedrooms were comfortable and spacious, which is needed when travelling with three children.

Employers For Childcare’s Family Benefits Advice Service provides free, impartial and confidential advice to parents on the financial support their family is entitled to and can help families work out if they are eligible for support with back to school costs. Freephone 0800 028 3008 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.

The following day we travelled to Ballina, which is a 15 minute drive away, to take part in a Treasure Hunt at Belleeks Wood. While we were there the Salmon Festival was on so we also enjoyed the very popular

Heritage Day. The town is transported back in time and everyone dresses up in their olden day clothing which was fantastic to see. We spent two nights at the Ocean Sands Hotel and made memories that will last a lifetime.