Summer is finally here, and it’s time for fun in the sun! Most of us associate summer with rest, sunshine, a slower pace and more time with family – but for many, this time of year can bring a different kind of pressure. The school holidays, family holidays to organise, and the general juggle of childcare can quickly turn the warmer months into a full-time job. To help with all the planning we have found lots of local events, days out, clubs, classes and workshops happening this summer in Oxfordshire. We also have some great STEM-based activities you can try at home to spark children’s curiosity and creativity using everyday household items. Remember to make a little time for you too whether it’s a short walk alone, or a few moments to sit down with a cup of tea between activities, those small pockets of peace can make all the difference.
I hope you have a summer filled with laughter and unforgettable memories.
Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.
Dr John Trainer
A FAMILY TICKET FOR 4 TO MILKSHAKE LIVE!
MILKSHAKE! LIVE IS BACK WITH A BRAND-NEW SHOW!
Join your favourite Milkshake! friends on Holiday with Smurfette, Dora, Pip and Posy, Blue from Blues Clues and You!, Milo, Milkshake! Monkey plus a Milkshake! presenter for an all-new adventure! Pack your bags and jump aboard the Milkshake! train as we go on an all singing, all dancing holiday together! It’s a family show not to be missed!
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Where first steps
News & Views
Pre-school News
What's On
Discover Summer in the Park at Cambridge Science Centre
Stem Inspiration at Home
Improving your Child’s Comprehension
Clubs & Classes
EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
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Thinking About Fostering? Hear from Those Who Know
“There’s no such thing as a typical foster carer,” says Alice, a supervising social worker with Cambridgeshire County Council. “Our carers come from a range of backgrounds—what they share is compassion and a willingness to support children.”
Jeremy, who has been fostering since 2020, agrees. “People often say, ‘We’re too old to foster,’ but that’s definitely a myth. You can be single, older, working—there’s different types of fostering to suit different circumstances.”
Support is a key part of the journey. “We visit carers regularly and are always just a call away,” says Alice. “We get to know our carers and work alongside them to make sure they feel confident every step of the way.”
Jeremy adds, “The relationship with your supervising social worker is so important. It’s built on honesty and trust— we’re lucky to have Vicky, our supervising social worker. You get out of hours support, training, mentoring, and access to support groups too.”
When it comes to matching children with carers, personal preferences, household dynamics, and even pets are considered. “It’s all about finding the right fit,” says Alice. “That’s what leads to positive outcomes for everyone.”
A nurturing start: discover the new Kimbolton School Pre-School
Kimbolton are thrilled to announce the launch of their brand-new PreSchool at Kimbolton School, Cambridgeshire in January 2026, offering a warm and inspiring environment where young children can take their very first steps in education.
Situated in the beautiful grounds of the Prep School, the new PreSchool is purpose-designed to support the needs of children aged 3 and up. With a strong focus on curiosity, creativity and confidence, the carefully crafted Early Years programme blends structured learning with imaginative play, outdoor exploration, and daily opportunities to socialise and grow.
Children will benefit from the expertise of dedicated and experienced Early Years staff, all within the safe and stimulating setting of Kimbolton’s wider school community. From music and movement to storytelling, swimming lessons in our award-winning pool, phonics and forest school, every day promises new adventures and joyful learning.
The Pre-School forms the perfect foundation for a seamless transition into Reception and beyond, rooted in the values and traditions of Kimbolton School. As part of a through-school, families enjoy the reassurance of continuity and the excitement of future opportunities—from academic achievement to sport, the arts and so much more.
To find out more, please contact the Admissions Team at admissions@kimboltonschool.com or visit www.kimboltonschool. com/preschool.
“It’s the hardest thing we’ve done,” Jeremy reflects, “but also the best and most rewarding.”
Fostering isn’t one-size-fits-all—but if you’ve got the heart, there’s a place for you.
To find out more about how you could become a foster carer for your council call us on 0800 052 0078 or visit our website at www. cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2025EXPLORE THE STORY GARDEN
From 5 July to 13 September, the Summer Reading Challenge invites children across the UK to explore the ‘Story Garden.’ This year’s theme celebrates the outdoors, encouraging reading while inspiring creativity and imagination.
The challenge, designed to promote literacy and a lifelong love of books, keeps young minds engaged over the summer. Children can join by borrowing books from their local library, logging their progress, unlocking activities and earning rewards like stickers and certificates.
Organised by The Reading Agency alongside libraries, this free initiative makes reading fun for all ages and abilities. With plenty of adventures to discover, it’s a perfect way to enrich the school break.
Visit your local library to sign up and see your child grow their love for books in the Story Garden.
More info: www.readingagency.org.uk
BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT SEEKS CITIZEN SCIENTISTS
The Big Butterfly Count 2025 will take place from 18 July to 10 August across the UK.
This annual event invites the public to help monitor butterfly populations, vital indicators of biodiversity and environmental health. Organised by Butterfly Conservation, the count provides crucial data to protect species, track trends and understand the effects of climate change on wildlife.
Participants play a key role in this citizen science initiative by observing butterflies for fifteen minutes in a garden, park or outdoor space of their choice. Findings can be logged via the Big Butterfly Count’s app or website, contributing to national conservation efforts.
Join the Big Butterfly Count and help safeguard Britain’s natural environment.
More info: www.bigbutterflycount.org
Bring history to life at the Festival of Archaeology
Running from 19 July to 3 August, the Festival of Archaeology invites families across the UK to explore the wonders of the past in fun and engaging ways. With the theme ‘Archaeology and Wellbeing,’ this year’s event highlights how discovering history can inspire curiosity and support mental wellbeing.
Perfect for families with children, the festival offers countless handson activities to spark young imaginations. Kids can enjoy interactive workshops, join exciting treasure hunts and listen to captivating storytelling sessions that bring ancient tales to life. Guided site tours and digging experiences add to the adventure, making this a summer highlight for all ages.
Organised by the Council for British Archaeology, the festival is a free opportunity to connect with history, heritage - and each other. Find family-friendly events at the link below. More info: www.archaeologyuk.org
Free West End theatre tickets for kids
Kids Week returns this summer, allowing children ages 17 and under to enjoy over fifty West End shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Running from 21 July to 31 August, this initiative offers families a unique chance to experience live theatre together.
The lineup includes a variety of popular productions such as Hamilton, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, The Lion King, Matilda The Musical, Wicked and many more. Alongside the performances, Kids Week features additional activities like post-show Q&A sessions, dance workshops and musical theatre classes tailored to enhance the experience.
An added bonus is that there are no booking fees, making it even more accessible for families to take part. Purchase tickets and find a full list of participating shows and activities at the link below.
For more details, visit www.officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week
ORCHESTRAS IN EVERY SCHOOL
The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) has launched the ‘An Orchestra in Every School’ campaign, aiming to give every child and young person the chance to create live music, securing the future of the UK’s musical legacy.
The welldocumented benefits of music include lowering anxiety to improving academic performance. However, music education is under threat, with fewer schools offering Music GCSEs and A-Level entries falling by forty three percent.
To address this decline, the ABO plans to offer over one thousand live music-making experiences by the end of 2025, reaching one million young people. It is also calling on the government to ensure every child has two hours of weekly active music-making until age 16.
The campaign envisions every school in the UK having access to or creating, its own orchestra and highlights the critical role of music in education, culture and communities.
More info: www.abo.org.uk
Fun on the farm this summer with My 1st Years
We are loving these gorgeous little personalised back packs, perfect for babies and toddlers on their travels this summer from My 1st Years. Beautifully embroidered on the front and made from soft, durable cord fabric, with two handles that are easy for little hands to carry. Two adjustable straps, a zip-up main compartment and a front slip pocket make it perfectly practical for all their adventures.
Personalised Pink Bumblebee and Sage Fun on the Farm cord mini backpacks £27 each www.my1styears.com
HELP INSTIL A LOVE FOR READING WITH LOVEVERY
The Reading Skill Set from Lovevery is a refreshingly fun, screen-free way to help children build reading confidence through play. With children’s reading habits in steady decline, the Lovevery reading skill set is a refreshingly new approach to reading which can help instil a love for reading again in children.
Recent findings from HarperCollins & NielsenIQ reveal troubling trends:
• Only 42% of 5-7-year-olds think books are cool
• Regular reading to 0-4-year-olds has dropped from 64% in 2012 to just 41% today
• Only 29% of boys under age two are read to daily
• Just 40% of parents say reading to their child is fun
Unlike traditional phonics programs, The Reading Skill Set (£170 per part, £460 complete set) uses interactive, game-based learning to make reading genuinely enjoyable and approachable for both kids and parents. It’s an award-winning, three-part program designed to grow with your child, from first sounds all the way to chapter books. And it works! In a recent 6-week study, 98% of children improved their reading test scores by an average of 68%!
Designed for ages 4+ and supports all stages of early reading launching in July. www.lovevery.co.uk
Baby food pouches lack nutrients
An investigation into baby food pouches by BBC Panorama has found significant nutritional shortcomings across six leading brands, including Ella's Kitchen, Heinz, Piccolo, Little Freddie, Aldi and Lidl.
Laboratory testing revealed that many products were low in essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin C, with some savoury pouches containing less than 5% of an infant's daily iron requirement. Additionally, fruit pouches labelled “no added sugar” often contained high levels of free sugars, exceeding the daily recommended amount for a one-year-old.
Experts criticised the "misleading" marketing used by brands, which promotes these pouches as healthy alternatives. Health risks, including tooth decay and inadequate nutrition have raised alarm, and professionals argue that stricter regulations are needed. Public health advocates urge reforms to protect children's health and ensure marketing aligns with nutritional guidance. More info: www.bbc.co.uk
Silent, lightweight, discreet and comfortable to wear: It’s truly Magic!
Medela’s new wearable pump, Magic InBra™ is set to be a total game changer for breastfeeding mothers. Combining hospital-grade performance with exceptional comfort and seamless convenience in one superior solution: the Magic InBra™ features FluidFeel Technology™Where Science Meets Uncompromising Care
• FluidFeel Technology™: Developed through extensive lactation research, this feature creates an optimised pumping environment by allowing warm milk circulation around the nipple—a condition clinically shown to enhance milk expression.
• Advanced Sensor Technology: Smart sensor controls help to adjust the vacuum performance to the individual milk flow and to prevent leakage.
• Ultra Slim Anatomically Optimized Design: Informed by 3D scans and ultrasound studies of lactating breasts, featuring clinically validated 105° wide-angle breast shields that demonstrate significantly improved milk output and enhanced comfort.
• Scientific Performance Standards: Delivers research-based hospital performance with similar pumping pattern to Symphony®, our flagship hospital and rental, in an ultralightweight design, setting new benchmarks for efficient, gentle milk expression.
Medela | Magic InBra™
RRP: single £229 / double £369 | Available from John Lewis
What’s On
Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in
A fun nature themed outdoor parent and toddler group. The session will include crafts and fun activities exploring the outdoors. The session will be outside, so please dress for the weather. Please book in advance. Cost £5.50. Age 2+. www.nenepark.org.uk
Bing’s Birthday
WHEN: Tues 8 July at 4pm; Weds 9 July at 10am, 1pm & 4pm WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
You are invited to celebrate Bing’s very special day! Come along and join the fun with Sula, Coco, Pando, Amma and Flop with catchy new songs and heartwarming moments. It’s going to be a party you do not want to miss! Tickets from £12. Suitable for all ages. www. kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
Calling all 2 – 5 year olds! Discover life under the sea in an expert led session of stories and play. Learn about fishes and their friends. FREE. www.museums.cam.ac.uk
Vintage and Miniature Steam Weekend
WHEN: Sat 12 & Sun 13 July
WHERE: Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough Miniature railway rides, locomotives on display, fairground organ, vintage tractors, classic cars, steam services running, Wansford Garden Railway and a children’s play area at Wansford. Visit the Wansford Café for meals, refreshments and ice creams and children's picnic boxes available. Tickets from £8.00. Under 3's go free. www.nvr.org.uk
Professor Filbert’s Plant Heroes
WHEN: 17 July – 3 Sept, 10.00am – 6.00pm
WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
See if you can help Professor Filbert find the plant with tiny hooks that led to the idea for Velcro. Find out about other amazing plants which have inspired scientists. Children FREE; Adults pay entry fee. Age 5+. www.museums.cam.ac.uk
Summer Festival
SUMMER OF PLAY
WHEN: 19 July – 31 Aug, 9.30am – 5.30pm
WHERE: Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill (NT), Cambridge Get ready for an activitypacked, beach-themed Summer of Play at the Abbey with a giant sandpit, seaside arts and crafts, sports, nature zones, crazy golf, archery, puppet shows, bubble shows, workshops, and more. Fun for the whole family all summer long. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Celebrate the summer in musical style at some of Cambridge’s beautiful green open spaces! This concert series is free and open to all, taking place on selected Sunday afternoons. Perfect for family picnics and enjoying the outdoors. FREE.
www.cambridgebid.co.uk
Summer at the Museums
WHEN: 24 July - 31 Aug
WHERE: 25 venues across Cambridgeshire
There is plenty to keep the whole family busy this summer with over 25 museum venues to explore across Cambridgeshire. All sorts of fun is there to be had, including nature trails, creative arts and crafts workshops, handson science and technology, and more! Make sure you do not miss any of their great school holiday events - sign up to their newsletter today!
www.museums.cam.ac.uk/ theme/summer
Holiday Bushcraft
WHEN: 28 July - 1 Aug, 8.30am – 4.00pm
WHERE: Wandlebury Country Park, Cambridge
Experienced instructors from Wild Thyme & Embers will inspire children with their knowledge of surviving in the wild. Bushcraft technique to include shelter building, knots and rope work, plant and tree recognition, seasonal woodcrafts, fire lighting techniques, woodland games and more. Cost £48 per child/day. Age 5 – 12 years. www.cambridgeppf.org
WHEN: 19 July - 31 Aug, 9am-5pm WHERE: Audley End Railway, Saffron Walden
Are you ready for a very, very exciting family adventure this summer? Audley End Miniature Railway’s brand-new Summer Festival promises to be bursting with fun, joy and unforgettable moments. Activities include face painting, forest bathing, den building, art work, funky mirrors, and more! www.audley-end-railway.co.uk
Skylark Maize Maze Funyard
WHEN: 24 July – 7 Sept
WHERE: Skylark, March
Explore the giant, 13-acre sized, themed Maize Maze. After conquering the maze enjoy a whole range of fantastic activities such as testing your aim on the amazing Pesky Pigeon tractor ride, pig racing or racing around on the go-karts! There is also den building, a large jumping pillow, zip wire and so much more!
Tickets from £14.
www.skylark-events.co.uk/
TEDDY BEARS PICNIC
WHEN: Weds 30 July
WHERE: Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough
Join Reginald the Bear at NVR’s Teddy Bears Picnic – bring your own teddy along for the fun! All day travel on the trains, entertainment and party games, platform games and stalls, Wansford and Overton cafés and gift shop available. Tickets from £6.00. There will be themed Family Days running at NVR every Wednesday from 30 July –3 Sept. www.nvr.org.uk
Image by James Dobson
Pond Dipping
WHEN: 30 July, 7, 12, 20 & 28 Aug, 12pm – 3pm, drop in WHERE: Lynch Lake Pond Dipping Platform, Ferry Meadows, Peterborough
Spend some time pond dipping and identifying the creatures you find. There may be a wait on the day due to the number of people attending. Donations welcome. Suitable for all ages. www.nenepark.org.uk
The Wind in the Willows
WHEN: Thurs 31 July, 3.00pm
WHERE: Milton Country Park, Cambridge
A TOAD-ally terrific treat!
This classic tale promises plenty of energy, heaps of interaction, stunning costumes, catchy songs and larger-than-life characters. So, pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad in their battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels! Tickets £0.00 - £14.50. Age 4+. www.immersiontheatre.co.uk/ willows
MILKSHAKE LIVE
WHEN: Sat 2 Aug, 12.00pm & 3.30pm
WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
Milkshake Live is back with a brand new show! Pack your bags and join your favourite Milkshake friends on holiday. Jump aboard the Milkshake train and go on an all-singing, all-dancing trip together, full of song and laughter!
WHEN: 2 & 16 Aug, opens 12.05pm – last race 5.00pm WHERE: July Course of Newmarket Racecourse
Fun for all the family! Feel the excitement as you watch the thrilling horseracing action and soak up the lively atmosphere. There will be a face painter and bouncy castle in the Garden Enclosure for their younger racegoers. From £16, Under 18s go free. www.thejockeyclub. co.uk/newmarket
Sunflower
Spectacular
WHEN: 7 – 29 Aug
WHERE: Skylark, March
Explore the field, enjoy the beautiful sunflowers, delight in a delicious BBQ, all whilst listening to live music! The perfect place to get that Instagram picture of your dreams just as the sun is setting. Sunflowers will be available for purchase to create a fabulous display at home. www.skylark-events.co.uk
Dinosaur Day
WHEN: Sat 9 Aug, Gates open 11.55am - Last race 4.50pm
WHERE: July Course of Newmarket Racecourse
An awesome, ROAR-some day out! Newmarket invites you to fantastic afternoon of racing and Jurassic themed entertainment for all the family. Europe's largest walking T-Rex, Zeus, will be returning with all of his dinosaur friends. Tickets from £23. Under 18s go free. www.thejockeyclub. co.uk/newmarket
Flower Crowns
WHEN: Tues 26 Aug, 10.00am - 1.00pm
WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Garden Room
Celebrate summer by making a crown of flowers! Your little ones will use all kinds of leaves, flowers and grasses to create amazing crowns they can wear all day long while exploring the Botanic Garden. Drop-in to join the fun. Adults pay entry fee. Children go free. Age 5+. www.museums.cam.ac.uk
Skylark Maize Maze Torchnights
WHEN: 28 - 30 Aug, 7pm - 10pm
WHERE: Skylark, March
Experience the Maize Maze with a spooky twist! A family event to be held in the darkness of the night – so bring your torches. There will be plenty of yummy BBQ food, plus hot and cold drinks too. Allow 2 hours to complete the maze. £8 entry, under-2s go free. www.skylark-events.co.uk
Summer Fun at the Science Centre
WHEN: July - Aug
WHERE: Cambridge Science Centre
This summer, the Centre is celebrating its first full year at the Trinity centre! There will be exciting shows, fascinating lab experiments and engaging handson exhibits. A vibrant, summerlong programme. www.cambridgesciencecentre. org
Summer Fun at the Zoo
WHEN: Open daily, 10am - 5pm
WHERE: Hamerton Zoo Park, Nr Sawtry
At Hamerton Zoo Park there are a range of things to keep you busy. As well as visiting the wonderful animals you can try the 'K-T Express' railroad train, two play areas, covered picnic areas and gardens, the Stroll-a-Safari –allowing you to get up close and feed the domestic animals, and more. Special events: Tiger Day 26 July; Cheetah Day 16 August. Adult £19.99; Child £15.99; Under 3s go free www.hamertonzoopark.com
Nature Trails
WHEN: Open daily 10am - 4pm
WHERE: Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton
This reserve is a lovely place to enjoy nature, made up of lakes, meadows and woodland rich in wildlife. You’ll find guided, accessible trails and a friendly visitor centre to get tea, coffee and summer ice creams. www.paxton-pits.org.uk
Undercover Play Park
WHEN: Open every Sat & Sun WHERE: Worzals Farm Shop, Garden Centre and Restaurant, Wisbech
The fun doesn’t stop at Worzals whatever the weather! Their brand-new undercover play park is perfect for little adventurers to run wild, come rain or shine! Packed with exciting features to spark the little ones’ imaginations and burn off energy. For age 1–12 years. www.worzals.com
Image by John Hoy
DISCOVER SUMMER IN THE PARK AT CAMBRIDGE SCIENCE CENTRE
Looking for something fun, inspiring and hands-on to do with the family this summer? Come and explore Summer in the Park at Cambridge Science Centre.
Running throughout the summer holidays, this exciting new programme brings a different local business into the spotlight each week, offering interactive activities and eyeopening experiences for all ages. In partnership with Form the Future, the
Centre is working with some of the region’s most innovative companies to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how they are shaping the world around us. From engineering to life sciences, cutting-edge technology to sustainable design, every week will offer something new to discover.
Visitors aged 7 and up can roll up their sleeves and get stuck into hands-on experiments, creative challenges and
interactive exhibits, all hosted by the people working in these fascinating industries.
Teenagers can also meet professionals and learn about career pathways through special masterclasses.
“We want to give families and young people a real sense of what’s possible,” says Rebecca Porter, CEO at Cambridge Science Centre. “Summer in the Park is about sparking curiosity and showing how the things we learn about in science and technology are shaping our everyday lives.”
With different activities on offer each week, there’s every reason to visit more than once. Join us this summer and be part of something inspiring! www.cambridgesciencecentre.org
STEMspiration at home
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) forms the building blocks of innovation and discovery and isn’t just for school. Here are five fabulous STEM-based activities you can try at home to spark your kids’ curiosity and creativity. They all use everyday household items. Remember, safety is of the utmost importance and these activities require adult supervision.
CONSTRUCT A TOWER
WHAT YOU NEED: anything you have around the home. We tried with spaghetti, marshmallows and string.
CHALLENGE: build the biggest and/or the most extravagant tower, being creative as you like. We built an electricity pylon with sugar laces as power lines.
WHAT KIDS WILL LEARN: an understanding about different materials and their properties and how forces such as gravity, temperature and load impact building structures. It’s a great problem-solving activity.
MILK PLASTIC
WHAT YOU NEED: 250ml of milk, white vinegar, a sieve and a bowl. Optional food colouring.
CHALLENGE: heat the milk until it’s steaming. Add food colouring if you’re using it. Then add 1.5 tablespoons of white vinegar and stir until lumps begin to form. Leave the mix to cool, then sieve over a bowl, retaining the lumpy mixture. Squeeze out as much water as possible and shape. Once ready, leave it to dry for twenty four hours.
WHAT KIDS WILL LEARN: explore how different materials and chemicals interact and the impact of heat on them. You can also add lemon juice to the milk instead of vinegar, to create buttermilk which is great for baking scones.
INVISIBLE INK MESSAGES
WHAT YOU NEED: half a lemon, paper and a thin paintbrush or cotton bud.
CHALLENGE: squeeze half a lemon into a small bowl. Use the paintbrush or cotton bud to write your message or picture with the lemon juice. Leave for around an hour to dry. Use a heat source such a hair dryer to heat the paper and reveal the message.
Make the activity more enjoyable by designing a treasure map and let the children enjoy finding it.
WHAT KIDS WILL LEARN: it may seem like magic to children but it’s simple chemistry. Lemon juice is an acid but also contains water and sugar. It’s normally clear in colour so we don’t see it but when it is heated, the sugars in the lemon have a chemical reaction and turn brown.
BUBBLE SOCK
WHAT YOU NEED: a large plastic bottle (1.75l to 2l), a sock, washing up liquid and some water.
CHALLENGE: cut your plastic bottle three quarters of the way down, leaving just the spout and around ten centimetres of the bottle. Pull an old sock onto the cut end of the bottle, leaving just the mouthpiece clear of material. The toe section of the sock should be tight against the cut end.
Fill a small basin with some water and add some washing-up liquid - 6:1 ratio should be adequate. Soak the end of the sock in the bubble mix, remove from the basin and blow through the mouthpiece. Watch your bubble sock appear.
WHAT KIDS WILL LEARN: when we mix liquids and materials together, it changes the way they behave. The bubble solution is a liquid but when it’s blown through the sock, its properties change and it becomes a gas.
RACETRACK
WHAT YOU NEED: an old cardboard box, some scissors, pens and some toy cars.
CHALLENGE: take your old cardboard boxes and cut a long straight run and paint or draw on some lanes. Children also love to decorate them! It can be as long or as short as you want. Prop up the cardboard at one end and let the kids race their cars to the bottom.
For an added dimension, you can also draw a target on the ground with circles depicting a different score. Every time the car rolls into the target, the children need to log the number and total up the score at the end to win. WHAT THEY WILL LEARN: children will be using basic physics in this activity with forces such as speed and motion. Ask the children to observe the impact of different inclines in the slope and why certain car shapes perform better. If the children are competitive, you can also keep track score using basic addition and multiplication.
With thanks to National Grid (www.nationalgrid.com) for this article.
Improving your child’s comprehension
Reading is one of the most valuable skills a child can develop but it’s not just about being able to sound out words or finish a book - it’s about understanding it. Inference, a skill often spoken about by teachers, means being able to work out what a character is thinking, their reasoning behind decisions and what they might do next. To help children go beyond the basics, a creative approach encourages that all-important understanding.
When meeting with parents I try to emphasise the benefit of going beyond asking: ‘Did you like the book?’ What other questions encourage your child to reveal how much they have understood?
Firstly, timing is important. Don’t wait until you have finished reading the book to ask questions; make them part of your reading routine. Ask before you read: ‘what might the character do next?’, then, in the middle: ‘why do you think the character made that choice?’ and ‘what would you do in their shoes?’ Then: ‘did the ending of this chapter surprise you?’
Secondly, encourage your child to ask you these questions too. Whilst we might all long for our child to leave us in peace to actually just read the book to them, their questions provide the chance for you to model inference to them. If they are not asking, try explaining the book to them (at their level) and say out loud what you hope might happen next.
Thirdly, you don’t have to restrict the questions to fiction books. If your child is reading a poster on the Tube ask them what it is about. Pretend to be too busy to read some instructions and have your child summarise them or ask: ‘what new fact did you learn?’ or ‘would you recommend this to someone interested in...?’ These open-ended questions
By Jemma Z Smith
encourage children to think critically and reflect on what they’ve read.
The type of book matters too. Humorous stories are great for picking apart language and tone. Questions such as: ‘why is this funny?’ or ‘can you draw this character?’ can help children to see why an author has described a scene in a certain way. Adventure books are perfect for discussing cause, effect and characters’ motivations. By tailoring questions to the genre, you help children engage more deeply and develop more sophisticated reading skills.
Comprehension is a lifelong skill and developing it doesn’t have to be a chore. By asking thoughtful questions and tailoring conversations to reading material, parents can turn comprehension into something meaningful, enjoyable and confidencebuilding.
Tech tools and books to support comprehension
The digital world isn’t the enemy of reading; it can actually support it. Sites like Bookopolis (www.bookopolis.com) allow young readers to log books, write reviews and discover titles based on what others like them are reading. These tools not only make reading more fun but encourage kids to reflect on what they've read.
Toppsta (www.toppsta.com) is a great UKbased resource where children and parents can leave reviews and browse age-appropriate suggestions. For teens, Goodreads (www. goodreads.com) and #BookTok on TikTok are popular platforms where they can follow authors, create reading lists and even engage with online book clubs.
If you're looking for surefire reads, some must-haves include The Worst Witch series or Dog Man for ages 6–8, The Boy At the Back of the Class, Percy Jackson or The Explorer for 9-12s and young adult favourites like One of Us is Lying for teens. Pairing the right book with the right child can often be the first step to capturing their interest and getting them talking.
Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk
RELATABLE QUESTIONS FOR DIFFERENT BOOK TYPES
Books can be great starting places for discussions around bullying, technology, motivation etc. Asking the right kind of questions can transform reading from a solo activity into a powerful discussion about values Here are some examples, based on book types:
Fiction. What would you have done differently to solve the problem? Why did the character choose to do this? How would you feel if you were the character?
Non-Fiction. Would this be a book that you would share with your friends? Would this book be useful for a school project? Why or why not? Can you explain what you read to someone who’s never heard of this topic?
Graphic Novels. How do the pictures help you understand the story? What emotions do the characters show through their expressions? Is the story told differently from a regular book?
These questions build, prediction, empathy and analysis - key parts of strong comprehension.
Summer Tennis Camp
WHEN: 7 July-29 Aug, 9.30am - 11.30am for age 4-6 years; 9.30am - 4.30pm for age 7-18 years
WHERE: Mike’s Tennis Academy, Trinity Old Field, Cambridge A hugely popular tennis holiday camp for juniors. These fun and instructive camps take the players through a variety of shots and include great learning games and match play. Players get certificates, win prizes and trophies. www.mikestennis.com
Cambridge
Musical Theatre Workshops with Stagecoach
WHEN:Best of Broadway: 28 Jul - 1 Aug, 10.00am-4.00pm
West End Rocks: 4 - 8 Aug, 10.00am-4.00pm
The Wicked West End: 11 – 15 Aug, 10.00am-4.00pm
WHERE: Coleridge Campus, Stagecoach Performing Arts
Stagecoach is offering three one-week musical theatre courses this summer holiday based on exciting themes. They will learn and rehearse a piece to perform for family and friends on the final afternoon. No previous experience is necessary, only energy and plenty of enthusiasm! £240. Age 7 - 15 years. www.stagecoach.co.uk
CAMBRIDGE UNITED'S SOCCER SCHOOL
WHEN: 28 July - 29 Aug, 9.00am - 4.00pm
WHERE: Chesterton, Cambridgeshire
This summer school engages players in activities including, football quizzes, football World 11 teams and more!
Skill of the Day focuses on specific football skills including 1v1, running with the ball, striking the ball and others to enhance player development. Top performers will be invited for trials in the RDC or GDC program. Cost £25 a day Age 5 – 12 years. www.cambridgeunited.com/soccer-schools
Kids Club Summer Holiday Playscheme
WHEN: 21 July – 2 Sept
WHERE: Cambridge, Cottenham, Great Shelford, Great Cambourne Fully supervised care throughout the school holidays where children may participate in arts and crafts, play games, read or chat amongst themselves in a safe and secure environment. Each week has a theme and the activities and outings are based around that theme. Age 4 - 11 years. www.cambridgekidsclub.com
Official RYA training centre that welcomes people 8 years +, with large selection of boats and equipment available. Juniors£120; Adults - £145 07736 670570 (evenings only) www.paxtonlakes.org.uk
BETTER SWIM SCHOOL
WHEN: Weeks commencing 28th July, 11 Aug, 18 Aug
WHERE: The Hive, Ely Short swimming lesson courses at The Hive are specially tailored to your child’s age and where they are on their journey, whether they’re learning how to swim or simply building confidence in the pool. Teachers are in the water with beginners in all lessons. Flexible, affordable and accessible for everyone! www.better.org.uk/leisurecentre/ely/the-hive
SUMMER ACTIVITY CAMPS
WHEN: 28 July – 29 Aug, 9.00am – 3.00pm
WHERE: The Outdoors Project, Royston Outdoor play, whatever the weather! Being silly, having fun, making new friends and learning some new skills is all included. Every day is different. There are specific activities in small groups throughout the day including games, communicating, making, playing and creating memories in a non-competitive environment. Cost from £37.50. Children of Y1 – Y6 welcome. www.theoutdoorsproject.co.uk
Please mention Families Cambridgeshire Magazine when booking Clubs & Classes
GIRLGUIDING AND SCOUTS
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: Locations around Cambridgeshire
The Girlguiding and Scouts organisations offer a safe space in which your child can make friends, build confidence, get outdoors, and learn new skills such as first aid and computer programming. Let them discover who they want to be through fun, action-packed programmes. Age 4 to adult. www.girlguiding-anglia.org.uk www.cambridgeshirescouts. org.uk
THE PERSE SWIMMING LESSONS
WHEN: July-Aug
WHERE: The Perse Sports Centre, Cambridge
During the summer holidays, The Perse Sports Centre offers family swim sessions, ideal for all ages to enjoy swimming together. Crash swimming courses provide intensive lessons to boost children’s water confidence and skills. Learn to Climb sessions are also available, introducing children and beginners to climbing in a safe, supportive setting. sportscentre.perse.co.uk/
Razzamataz Cambridge
WHEN: Saturdays
WHERE: Impington Village College
Join the Razzamataz family to experience a range of styles from classic West End musical theatre to street dance and pop singing. There are always lots of opportunities to perform, from local theatres and festivals to London’s West End stage. Book a FREE taster session. Age 2 – 18 years. www.razzamataz.co.uk/school/43/Cambridge
Looking for an exciting and unique birthday party?
Our Cambridge climbing parties are perfect for active fun!
sportscentre.perse.co.uk/birthday-parties/
Skaters Roller Rink, Wisbech
WHEN: Venue open daily; Lessons on Saturdays
WHERE: Wisbech
Lessons are offered to all abilities, from the complete beginner to the more advanced skater. There is a maximum of 6 students per instructor. A trial lesson is offered for just £10, so you can try the lessons to see if they are for you, before signing up to 6 weeks of lessons for only £55. Advance booking for lessons is essential. Age 5+. www.skaterswisbech.co.uk
BOOST YOUR CHILD’S SWIMMING THIS HOLIDAY
Weekday holiday courses are the perfect power-up for regular swimmers or a great taster to Better Swim School swimming lessons.
Speak to a member of staff or scan the QR code to find out more.
