Families Warwickshire July/August 2025

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24–26JUL

8OCT

Hellosummer!

Areyoulookingforwardtothelong schoolsummerholidays?Ordoesthe ideaofhavingtokeepthekidsoccupied forthatlengthoftimefillyouwith dread?Eitherway,we’vegotyou covered!Discoverwaystokeepthekids occupiedWITHOUTscreensinour SummerFunfeatureplusideasfroma SENteacherforfamilieswith neurodivergentchildren.

OurSummerWhat’sOnguideisbiggerandbetterthanever, packedfullofexcitingeventsandactivitiestakingplaceinJuly andAugustacrossCoventry&Warwickshire. Ifyou’relookingforsomethingwholesomeandnutritioustodo, haveyoueverbeenforaging?Getadviceonhowandwhereto startwithourhandyguide.Pluscheckoutourhealthyfood optionstobrightenupyourpicnicsthissummer.

OurparentingfeatureincludesanEarlyYearsguidetobabyplay andwehearfromtwoparentswithdifferentviewsonthe question:Isitokformychildtobebored?

InourEducationsection,learnhowyoucanimproveyourchild’s comprehensionandtakealookatoursummerreading recommendationsforallages.Plus,ifyourchildisstartingschool inSeptember,findoutwhat‘schoolreadiness’reallymeans. Finally,inthisissue,wehavesomefabulousgiveawaysincluding aStart-RiteshoesvoucherandaLittleLifeToddlerBackpack! Applyinside.Bydoingso,you’llalsoensureyoureceiveourdigital magazineandemailnewslettertosharewithfriendsandfamily withlotsmorecontentandgoodiesonoffer. Enjoythemagazine!

ClaireJones editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk 07938657719

familieswarwickshiremag familieswarwickshiremag

ConsiderfosteringwithStChristopher’s Wearealocalfosteringcharityfocusedon creatinghappyfamilies.Ourpriorityisproviding thebestcaretoyoungpeopleandsupportingyou onyourfosteringjourney. Pleasecheckoutourwebsiteforthefactsandany oneofourfreeno-obligationonlineinfoevents. FostercaringwithStChristopher’soffersyou Extensivesupportandtraining Anoncallteam24/7asneeded CompetitiveFosteringallowances

Adedicatedsocialworker Connectionwithourthriving carerscommunity

www.stchris.org.uk fostering@stchris.org.uk 08002346282/01215253738 Contactourfriendlyteamandenquiretoday Wesupportfosterfamiliesextensivelywithin theWestMidlands.

Unpluggingforsummer

Technologyisthoroughlyingrainedinallourlives,particularlythoseofourchildren.Fromanearlyage,screensareakey sourceofentertainmentandlikeitornot,highlyeffectiveatkeepingthemoccupied.

Amazingthoughtechnologycanbe,itcansometimesallgettoomuchandweneedscreendowntime.Whatajoytoactually talktoeachotheranddothingstogetherthatdon’tinvolvetextingandmessaging,tappingandswiping!

Asthesummerholidaysapproach,herearemyunpluggedgo-toactivitiesforyoutohavefunandconnectasafamilythis summer.

Gardencamping

Alltheupsidesofcamping(thefreshair,thenovelty!)minusthe communalbathroomsandforgettingtotakethetentpegs.An eveningtoastingmarshmallowsonacampfireorbarbequeand tellingstoriesbytorchlightbeatsscreensanyday(hidethemand turnoffyourrouterifnecessary).

Whatyou’llneed: Agarden.Ifyoudon’thaveone,persuadethe grandparentsorsomefriendstohost.Campinggear–buysecondhandorborrowtokeepcostsdown.

Getjamming

Tepeetime

Puttingupagarden tepeeissurprisingly simple.Placesix bamboocanes/stakes inasemi-circleabout sixtycentimetresapart andpusheacharound twocentimetresintothe ground.Gentlydrawthe topstogether,thentie withstringsoyouhave atepee-shapedframe. Fixyoursheetinplace withclothespegsand jobdone.Ablanketasagroundsheetandsomecushionswill givea‘glamping’feel.

Whatyou’llneed: String,six5ftor6ftbamboocanes(from agardencentreifyouhaven’tgotany).Anolddoublesheet, clothespegs,ablanketandsomecushions.

Water-tasticgames

Grabsomewaterpistols,soakafewkitchensponges inabucket,makewaterballoons,turnonthatgarden sprinkler(providedthereisn’tahosepipeban),herdthe kidsoutsideintheirswimwearonahotdayandawait thesoggymayhem.

Childrenwillneedsupervisionasthe jamcangetdangerouslyhotbutthis activityisbrilliantfordealingwith fruitoverloadafterforagingorvisiting apick-your-ownfarm(anothergreat screen-freeidea!).Experimentwith differentcombinationsandmore unusualflavours,suchasmelonor rhubarb.

Whatyou’llneed: Pilesoffruit, preservingsugar,alarge,sturdy saucepanorpreservingpan,sterilised jamjarswithlidsandajam-making thermometer.

Backgardenbowling‘alley’

Whoneedsexpensivebowlingalleys whenyoucanputtogetheryourown forfree?Raidtherecyclingbin(askthe neighboursiftheyhaveanytoo)andfill tenortwelveusedplasticbottleswith waterandoptionalfoodcolouringfora colour-codedpointsscheme.Placethe bottlesintheusualtriangularformation onaflatstripofground.Markstanding spotsfordifferentageplayerswitha coupleofrulersorsometape.Grab theballandawaitthosefirstshoutsof ‘Strike!’

Whatyou’llneed: Emptyplastic

Whatyou’llneed: Waterpistols,balloons,sponges, hosepipeandsprinkler;definitelyafewtowelsfor afterwards!

LiatHughesJoshiisaparentingexpertand author.Hernewbook HowtoUnplugYourChild (Summersdale)isavailablefrom www.bookshop.org

Flyakite(somewherebright,breezyandbeautiful)

Findanexposedhillorabreezybeach,runalongandletyour kitesoar!Ifyoudon’townakite,it’spossibletomakeonewith sticksorstraws,plasticbagsandstring,althoughdon’tbankonit lastingtheduration.Ifyoucanfindakite-flyingeventevenbetter –theycanbequiteaspectacle.It’ssaidthatifyoubuildaloveof natureinyourchildrenbeforetheageof12,you’llcreatealifelong passionfortheoutdoors.

Whatyou’llneed: Akite,thepark,afieldorthebeach,freeof anyoverheadwiresforthekitetocollidewith.Abreezyday(wind speedsoffivetotwentyfivemphareoptimal).

Sandsculpting

Whosaysyouhavetostick withbuildingcastlesatthe beach?Thetricktomaking sandsculptures–bethey ofanimals,letters,cars–is tomixinalotofwaterwith thesand,creatingamuddy consistency.Startoffwith morebasiccreationsand workup.Lookonlineforideasbeforeyouleaveandeven oldercynicswillbeheadingforthebeachbeforeyoucansay ‘don’tforgetthesunscreen.’

Whatyou’llneed: Atriptothebeach(orasandpitforsmaller creationsathome).Buckets(forwateraswellassand).A varietyofcups,tubs,etc,plustoolsegspade,knives,spoons, spatula.

Writecluesandriddlesaboutthelocalarea,culminatingina mysterydestinationsuchasacaféoricecreamparlour.Twoteams couldbattleitouttogettothefinalmeetingpoint.Youcoulddraft inlocalshopkeepersorneighbourswhoyouknowwelltohave clueshiddenintheirshoporfrontgardens.Thisapproachcanalso workwelltolivenupsightseeingonholidaysordaysout.

Whatyou’llneed: Theimaginationtocomeupwiththeclues! Anaccompanyingadultforeachteamifparticipantsaren’told enoughtobeoutalone.

Forbadweatherdays….

Signlanguagechallenge

Learningbasicsignlanguageis relativelyeasy,ausefullifeskilland surprisinglyappealing–especially ifyourchildlearnswithfriendsand theycanthenuseittocommunicate together.Fingerspellingisan undauntingstartingpoint–single signsforindividuallettersthatcan beusedtospelloutwords.Ifyour kidsgetintothis,theycouldprogressontolearningwholeword signs.

Whatyou’llneed: Asignlanguageguide(onlineisfine!). Semaphoreisanother,moreunusualskilliftheyenjoythis.

Old(andembarrassing)familyphotos

Digoutthoselong-neglectedsnapsfromtheatticandchallenge yourchildtofindthetopthreemostembarrassing/amusingones fromdaysofyore.Prepareformuchsniggeringatyourclothes andhairdosandcommentsofthe‘butyoulookedsooooyoung there,mum’/’youhadhairthen,dad…’variety.

Whatyou’llneed: Apileofoldpicsoralbums. DIYspaday

Whenthere’snoqueueforthe familybathroom,letpre-teensset upa‘spa’athome.Hairandface maskscanbecreatedwithtypical kitcheningredientssuchasyoghurt, oats,banana,honey,avocadoand chocolate.Saltorsugarscrubs aresimpletoputtogethertoo. Maskandscrubrecipescanbefoundonline,whileenthusiastic experimenterscanconcocttheirownformulations.

Whatyou’llneed: Kitcheningredients,tubs/bowlsandmixing spoons.

Setupabookclub

Thisworksbestwhenyourkidsareoldenoughtoread,using booksthatappealtoallofthem.Youcanfacilitateadiscussion abouteachbookwhichisidealforparentandchildtime.Older kidscansetupaclubwithagroupoflike-mindedfriends.This couldfocusonanappropriategenre,suchassci-fiorcomedy. Don’tshyawayfrome-readersforkids–theybringtheadded benefitsofanintegrateddictionaryandtheabilitytodownload newbooksinstantly.

Whatyou’llneed: Books!

Trailabouttown

Foragingwithkids

Foragingwithkidsisoneofthemostamazingthingsyoucaneverdo.Itgets childrenexploringoutsideandengagingwithnature.Andwhat’sevenbetterthan this?Whentheygethome,theirbasketsloadedwithberriesandfruits,theycanget toworkinthekitchenmakingyummytreatswiththeliteralfruitsoftheirlabours. Foragingisfun,educationalandprovideshoursoffunforthewholefamily!

Rulesforforagingwithkids

Nevereatorletyourkidseat,something thatyoucannotidentify with100% certainty.

Woodsandforestscanhidedangers, fromriversandravines,tologpilesand countryroads,sobeactivelyawareof yoursurroundingsatalltimes!

Knowwhattodoinanemergency.Have achargedmobilephonewithyouatall timesandmakesuresomeoneknows whereyouareandatimeyou’llbeback.

Blackberries

Blackberries,thefruitofthebramble,can befoundeverywhereandareperhaps oneoftheeasiestfoodstoforage.They startappearinginAugustandremain throughSeptember.Theycanbeeaten raw,madeintosyrupsandvinegarsor

Cobnuts

Cobnuts,alsocalledfilberts,arethe nutsfoundonhazeltreesfromAugustto October.Thesesmalltreesareoftenfound inparks,gardensandwoodlands.They startoffgreenbutlaterturnbrown.They canbecrackedopenandeaten,justlikea regularhazelnut!

Whereandwhattoforage

There’sanabundanceofwildfoodalmost everywhereyoulook.Youcanfreely forage theabovegroundparts ofthefour ‘F’s(Fruit,Flowers,FoliageandFungi)on publicland(orlandyouhavearightof accessto).

So,foraginginpublicparks,gardens, woodsandforestsisfinetodo,aslong asthefruit,flowers,foliageorfungiis growingwildand NOTdeliberately planted (e.g.cropsordecorativegarden beds).

Bilberries

Bilberriesareadeliciouscloserelativeof blueberries.Theygrowonlittleshrubs inforestsandonmoorlandbetweenJuly andSeptember.Theycanbeusedjustlike blueberriesfromthesupermarket.

Raspberries

Raspberriesoftengrowinwoodlandsand forests.Likeshop-boughtcounterparts, theyarepinky-red,tartandjuicy!They appearbetweenJuneandSeptember. Theycanbeeatenraworturnedinto yummybakesanddesserts.Weespecially loveraspberryandwhitechocolate muffinsoracreamyraspberryfool!

WhereNOTtoforage

Foragingonprivatelandrequires permissionfromthelandownerfirst.It ishowever, illegaltouprootanywild plant(oneitherpublicorprivateland) withoutthelandowner’spermissionunder the Wildlife&CountrysideAct1981, so alwaysaskfirstifforagingforroots(eg burdockordandelionroots).

Elderflowersandelderberries

Elderflowersarethefrothywhiteflowers oftheblackeldertree,whichcanbefound almosteverywhere.TheyappearinJune andcanbeturnedintocordialorcovered inpancakebatterandfriedlikefritters! Theflowerslaterbecomesmallblack berries,whichcanalsobeeatenbutneed tobecookedbeforehand.Weusuallybake themintoaSeptembercrumble!

Redcurrant

Redcurrantsaretartredberries,closely relatedtoblackcurrants.Theyfrequently growinwoodlandsorroadsideverges betweenJulyandSeptember.Weoften includetheseinpiesalongsideotherfruits orasafillingfortarts.

JohnShahabeddin(aka@grizzlyjohnonInstagram)istheauthorofanewbookcalled TheGrizzlyForager’sGuidetoFamily Foraging, publishedbyHarperCollinsandavailablefromwww.bookshop.org

Engagingyour neurodivergentchild thissummer

AsaSpecialEducationalNeeds(SEN)teacherworkingwith childrenages4to7,Iknowhowchallengingitcanbeto engageneurodivergentchildren,especiallythosewithhigh sensoryneeds.I’velearnedthatwhenchildrendon’thavea waytomeetthosesensoryneeds,they’lloftenfindtheirown; liketurningonthetapandsoakingthefloor!

That’swhyI’mpassionateaboutcreatingsimple,engaging activitiesthatallowchildrentoexploretheirsenses,interactwith othersanddevelopimportantskills.Andifwe’reluckyenoughto getsomesunshine,theseideasworkbeautifullyoutdoors.

Messysensoryplay

Sensorytraysmeetchildren’ssensoryneeds.Messyplaycan modelimportantskillslikefillingandemptyingcontainersand canbeaccompaniedbyengagementwithanadult.Evenifa childisn’tengagedinitially,Ialwaysmodeltheplayandthe language:forexample,buildingasandcastleandsaying:‘Ready, steady…GO!’beforesmashingitdown.Sensoryplayalsocalms behaviour,whileencouragingfocus.Tryaddingoranges,lemons andherbstowatersochildrencan‘maketea’or‘soup.’It’sgreat fordevelopingmotorskillswithinarichsensoryexperience.

Icecubeexploration

Usingsimilaringredients-likeherbsorcitrusfruit-youcan createsensoryicecubesforchildrentoexploretemperature, textureandeventaste(ifsafe).Thecontrastfromwarmtocold waterisstimulatingbutfreezingfruitaddsanotherlayerof sensoryfeedback.Formoreablechildren,tryaddingsalttothe icecubesandwatchinghowitmelts.

Sensorytrails

Thisoutdooractivityencouragesmovementandbody awareness.Createatrailusingdifferenttextures-mud,soapy water,cerealandgrassforyourchildtowalkthroughwithbare feet.Trayshelpcontainthemessbutaren’tessential.Thegoalis toexplorecontrastandtextureinafun,physicalway.

Bubbles

Bubblesarealwaysahit!Whethergiantbubblesorfoam,they

encourageinteractionandlanguage.It’salovelywaytobuild anticipationandsupportturn-taking.Foamisalsogreatfor clapping,squeezingandgettingstuckin.

Thecuriositybox

Thisworkswellforchildrenwhostruggletoengage.Fillabox withsensorytoyslikelightsorfidgetitems.Encourageyour childtopicksomethingandoncetheystartplaying,mimictheir actions.It’samazingtoseehowitboostsconcentrationand sharedattention.Insummer,swapinnaturalresourcesfromthe gardenlikeleaves,sticksorflowers.Ifyourchildprefersaflashy lighttoy,that’sabsolutelyfine.

Outdoorcreativeplay

Simplemark-makingactivities,likepaintingafencewithwater ordrawingwithgiantchalksonthepatio,arefantastic.Ifyou haveatreeinthegarden,trytyingupfabricstripsorbells, offeringvisualandauditorystimulationasthewindmovesthem.

Acalmdenortent

Settingupatentorshadeddenoutsidewithfavouritetoysor sensoryobjectscreatesacalm,safespaceforyourchild.It’sa placetheycangotoregulateemotionsorsimplytakeabreak. Thiscouldabeagreatplaceforthecuriositybox.

Playdoughandnaturalmark-making

Playdoughisbrilliantforfinemotorskills.Addingscentslike essentialoilsprovidesadditionalsensorystimulationandusing naturalresourceslikesticks,stonesandleavestomakemarks inthedoughisacalming,repetitiveyetcreativewaytoexplore textureandshape.

AnnaHoustonisafreelancewriterspecialisinginparenting andwomen’slifestyle.

Aguidetobabyplay

Duringtheirfirstyear,babiesgrowanddevelopinwaysyou mightneverhavethoughtpossible.Byfillingtheirliveswith beneficialgamesandactivities,youcanhelpthemlearnabout theworldtheylivein,havingfunalongtheway.Herearesome enjoyableandpracticalwaystointroducedevelopmentplay withyourinfantintheirfirstyear.

1-4weeks

Dancetogether

Dancingwithyournewbornwillhelptostrengthentheir emotionaldevelopmentwhilepromotingadeeperbondwith you.Addsoothingmusicandtheywillrelaxintoyourarmswhile youswayandrockthemaroundtheroom:thinkdreamyfolk ormaybesomeballads.Ifyourgo-toinvolvespunchiermusic, considerRockabyeBaby’scollectionofrock,popandhip-hop songsconvertedtosweet,soothing,tinklinglullabiesforbabies andchildren.Holdingyourbabyclosewillmakethemfeelsafe andprotectedintheirnewenvironmentandwillalsoencourage thereleaseofoxytocin,thelovehormone.

1-3months

Soundsaroundthehouse

Giveyourbabyasoundtourofyourhouse,allowingthemto takeineverydaynoisesasyouexplainthem.Turnontaps,the showerandthehairdryerandseehowtheyrespond.Pressthe buttonsonthemicrowavetomakeabeep,closecupboardsand doorsgently,turnkeysinlocks,knockatthedoorandringthe doorbell.Makingtheconnectionbetweenpeopleandsoundsis anearlylessonforyourbabyincauseandeffectanditwillhelp tofurthertheircognitivedevelopment.Tryintroducingbabytoa newsoundeverydaytohelpthemlearnmoreabouttheworld they’relivingin.

3-6months

Blowraspberries

Learninghowtocontroltheirtongueandlipsisanimportant precursortospeech.Blowingraspberriesissimpleand entertaining-stickoutyourtongue,tightenyourlipsaroundit andblow!Nowwaitforyourbabytorespondastheylearnto taketurnsandcommunicatebackandforth.Theywilllikelystart offpuckeringtheirlipstogetherandblowingtocreatequitealot oftinyspitbubblesbeforeeventuallystickingouttheirtongue andcopyingyou.

Tummyraspberries

Whenyourbabyislyingontheirchangingmatandbefore youdressthem,pressyourlipstotheirtummyandblow airontoittomakeafunnynoise.Theywilllikelyloveboth theticklingsensationandthesillynoiseandthisinturn willencouragethemtomaketheirownraspberrysounds,a precursortobabbling,whichleadstotalking.

6-9months Picturethis

Theimportanceofbooksandreadingtoyourbaby’s developmentcan’tbeoverstatedandatthisstageintheirlife, theywillreallybenefitfrompicturebooks.Theseareaformof visualartandareyourbaby’sfirstexperienceofthiscreative world.Youngbabiesdonotunderstandwords,sotheyabsorb informationinvisualformanduseittolearnaboutthingsthey don’tyetknowthenamesfor.Pointatthepicturesandsaywhat theyaretohelpyourbabymaketheconnectionbetweenthe imageandtheword.Readinghelpsyourchildmakestridesin theirspeechandlanguagedevelopment.Withpicturebooks theyareconstantlylearningabouttheworldandyouareinturn feedingtheirimagination.

9–12months

Chasethebaby

Thejury’soutonexactlywhybabiesenjoybeingchasedbut theygenuinelydo!It’sbeensuggestedthatevolutionisinvolved andthatplayingchasesimulatespredator-preyrelationships, whichhelpstobuildnaturalsurvivalskills.

Thenthere’stheso-called‘thrillofthechase’andanewsenseof autonomyasonceyourbabycancrawl,theyhavemorecontrol overtheirbodyandcanmovefromoneplacetoanother.Babies alsoexpectyoutocatchthem,whichtheylookforwardto because,ofcourse,youaretheireverything.

Thisactivitywillhelptostrengthentheirarm,leg,coreandneck muscles,whilebuildingtheirsocialawarenessandsenseoftrust inyou.

IsItokayformychild tobebored?

SO,quickquestion-do youthinkit’sokaytojust letyourkidsbebored sometimes?

Inaworldfullofactivities, appsandendless entertainment,boredomis rareandourchildrenjust aren’tusedtothatfeeling.

It’snowonderwefind ourselveswondering‘whatshouldIdo?’whenachildsays:‘I’m bored.’

There’smorethanonewaytocrackthisnutsoweaskedtwo mumstosharetheirthoughts.

‘Honestly,Ithinkboredomcanbebrilliant’ Sophie,mumofadaughter

IknowitsoundsabitharshbutIactuallythinkit’sreallygoodfor kidstobeboredsometimesandIhavetostopmyselffrom jumpinginwithideas.Itrytoremindmyself:okay,thisisher chancetoworksomethingout.It’snotalwayseasy-there’soften abitofgrumblingandcomplaining-butfairlysoon,she’llstart makingupagame,buildingsomedenordiggingoutatoyshe forgotsheloved.TobehonestIthinkit’sinthesetotally undirectedmomentsthattherealcreativityhappens.Theyteach herthatshedoesn’tneedconstantentertainmentorsomeone elsetofixeverythingforher.Plus,it’sgoodforherbraintoslow downandjust...be.Lifeisn’talwaysfast-pacedandexcitingandI wanthertobeokaywiththattoo.Igenuinelybelieveboredom canbuildresilienceandindependence;thingsshe’sgoingtoneed asshegrowsup.Itcanbeabitpainfultolistentothemoaningat first,butintheend,italwaysseemstoleadtosomethinggoodifI justholdmynerve.Ireckonit’sworthitforthecreativityand independencethatemerge.

‘I’dratherstepinbeforeboredomturnsintoameltdown’ Laura,mumoftwo

Whenmylittleboysayshe’sbored,Itakeitasabitofawarning flag!Igetwhereothermumsarecomingfrominnotsteppingin butforme,whenmysonsayshe’sbored,itfeelslikeabitofacry forhelp.Idon’tmeanIjumpupandhandhimaniPadstraight awaybutIdothinkit’smyjobtoguidehimalittleandhelphim learntoworkitout.ChildhoodgoesbysofastandIwanthimto spenditexploring,learningandfindingwhatheloves,notjust sittingaroundfeelingstuck.IhavetriedleavinghimbutifIleave himtoolongwithoutanydirection,hetendstogetfrustratedor endsuppickingfightswithhissister.Instead,Itrytogivehima fewoptions:‘DoyouwanttobuildaLegocityorcomeandhelp meinthekitchen?’Nothingamazing,justasuggestiontogethim movingagain.Iseeitasteachinghimhowtomanagedowntime positively,ratherthanhopinghe’llfigureitoutallonhisown. Especiallywithallthedistractionskidsfacetoday,Ithinkthey sometimesneedalittlehelpwithlearninghowtousetheirfree timewell.It’snotaboutmicromanagingthem;it’saboutbeing presentenoughtokeepboredomfromturningintosomething negative.Forme,it’sallaboutbalance:abitofspaceandabitof support.

Waystobusttheboredomrut Sometimeskidsjustneedalittlesparktogetgoing. Hereareafeweasypromptstotry:

• Createasimple‘boredomjar’ withactivityideas theycanpickfrom.

• Startaminiartchallenge -getthemtodrawtheir dreamhouseorinventanewanimal.

• Buildacosyreadingden withblanketsandpillows.

• Offeran‘inventsomething’challenge withrandom craftsupplies.

WHAT’SON

Events Summerfunforallthefamily

WarwickshireLavenderFarm Bubbenhall 20Jun–4Aug

Wed–Sun,10:00–16:00 Don’tmissthechanceforsome beautifulfamilyphotosatthefarm. Takeapicnicorenjoy refreshmentsatTheLavender Café(OpeneverySat10:0016:00)Atreatforallthesenses. EntranceFeepayableongate. Ticketedevents: Grouptalks (Thu andSat,11:00), LiveMusic Evenings(18&19Jul). warwickshirelavender.com

TheWizardofOz BennHall,Rugby 3–5Jul(19:30)

Stepintoaworldofwonderasthis unforgettablefamilyadventureis broughttolifeonstagewithheart, humourandiconicsongs. uk.patronbase.com /_BennHall/Productions GodivaFestival

WarMemorialPark,Coventry 4-6Jul

Threedaysofgreatmusicand familyentertainment.Marc Almond,CleanBandit&Ocean ColourSceneheadlinewith specialguestsandlocaltalent. Additionalactivitiesand performancesdesignedfor familiesonSunday. godivafestival.com

Barker’sFunFair PumpRoomGardens, LeamingtonSpa 10-20Jul

Rollup,Rollup!TheFairisbackin town.OpenMon– Fri17:00–21:30, Saturday13:00–22:00and Sunday13:00–18:00.Funforall thefamilythissummer. warwickdc.gov.uk/events

TheBigButterflyCount Nationwide 18Jul–10Aug

Takepartinthebiggestsurveyof butterfliesandmothsintheworld thissummer!It’ssimple,quick, youcandoitanywhereandit contributestovitalresearchto assesshowmuchhelpnature needs.DownloadtheFREEbig butterflycountappandbutterfly IDchart,pickaplacetocount, watchandrecordfor15minutes andlogyourresults. bigbutterflycount.butterflyconservation.org

MuseuminthePark

StNicholasPark,Warwick 22Jul(10:00–15:00)

Headdowntotheparkforadayof FREEcraftactivitiesandgarden gamestoengagefamilieswith localheritage. warwickdc.gov.uk/events

TalesfromtheLighthouse MacreadyTheatre,Rugby 24Jul(Agerecommendation5+) Prepareyourselfforamusical voyagefullofstories,songsand thesea.Withtraditionalmusic, originalsongsandspellbinding puppetry,thisistheperfectshow forfamiliescaptivatedbymyths, magic,musicandfolklore. ticketsource.co.uk /rugby-arts

WarwickFolkFestival CastlePark,WarwickandWarwick TownCentre 24-27Jul

Familyfriendlyfestivalshowcasing thebestoftraditionaland contemporaryfolkmusic,singing, dancing,food,family entertainment andworkshops. www.warwickfolkfestival.co.uk

Inflatable5K

UniversityofWarwick,Coventry 26Jul(09:00–14:30)

Getreadytojump,bounce,slide andswingthroughtheworld’s biggestandcraziestInflatable5K

ObstacleCourse!Forchildrenage 5–15withanaccompanying adult.Familyticketsavailable. ukrunningevents.co.uk

ArtinthePark JephsonGardens &MillGardens,LeamingtonSpa 2-3Aug(10:00–18:00) FREEweekendfestival showcasingthebestartists, theatreanddanceperformers, musiciansandcraftspeoplein WarwickshireandtheMidlands. Liveentertainment,food,drink anddemonstrationsplusover36 FREEworkshops. artinpark.co.uk

DearZooLIVE!

BedworthCivicHall 5-6Aug (Agerecommendation2+)

Afamilytheatreadventurebased onthebelovedchildren’sbookby RodCampbell.Discoverwhatthe Zoohassent,fromacheeky monkeytoaperfectpuppy–broughttolifewithmagical puppets,musicandaudience participation. ticketsource.co.uk/bedworthcivic-hall/dear-zoo-live /e-xzqbmz

SuperheroSpectacular Waterside,Stratford-upon-Avon 5-7Aug(10:00–17:00)

Findyourfavouriteheroesfrom theDCandMarvelUniverseson Watersidethissummer!FREE entertainmentforallagesplus LiveDJ,InternationalStreetfood andArtisanMarket. lsdpromotions.com /stratford-upon-avon-1

NationalPlayDay ComptonVerney 6Aug(10:30–16:00) CelebrateNationalPlayDaywith FREEindoorandoutdooractivities andworkshopsforchildrenwith validdayticketormembership. WorkshopsincludeAmber’sPlay Party,KinetonRAFSTEM,Artist PlayDayandCharacterCreations andtheStudioHardie’sPlay WagonLaunch. comptonverney.org.uk

LuntRomanFestival LuntRomanFort,Coventry 9&10Aug(10:00–16:00) SeetheuniqueRomanFortress broughttolifeinthisannualevent forallages.Livegladiatorialaction shows,LivingHistoryVillage, RomanMarketplace,Archery stand,BagradasDragon,Family BattleandPalaceofSanctuary. Foodvendorsonsiteorbringa picnic.Bookonline. luntromanfort.org

LeamingtonSummerFest Parade,LeamingtonSpa 10Aug(10:00–17:00)

Giantmarket,mini-pop-upbeach withbucketsandspadesforkids toplaywith,deliciousfood,drinks andtreatstalls,seathemed activitiesandentertainmentand muchmore!FREEentry. cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk DozeunderDippy HerbertArtGallery&Museum Coventry 16Aug(18:30–09:00)

Experienceasleepoverunlike anythingyou‘Ever-Saur’!Stay overnightinthemuseum, snoozingunderthefeetofa 26-footDiplodocus!Anightto rememberforalldinosaurloving 6-11yearoldsandtheirgrown-ups. dippyincoventry.co.uk

CamperCallingMusicFestival RagleyHall,Warwickshire 22–25Aug

CleanBanditandRazorlighttop thebillatthisyear’sultimate family-friendlymusicfestival.With animpressiveline-upoftop artists,livemusic,woodland activities,carnivalfieldtowellness andrelaxationarea–there’s somethingforeveryone.Full weekendcampingticketsonly. campercalling.com

RuralOlympicsFamilyFunDay

DraycoteWater,Rugby 26Aug(11:00–15:00)

Testyourskillsandspeedonthe rural-themedobstaclecourse,and competeforthefastesttimeofthe daytowinanawesomeprize! FREEentry.Parkingchargesapply. stwater.co.uk/our-visitorsites/draycote-water

CoventryPuppetFestival BelgradeTheatre,Coventry 26Aug(11:00–15:00)

Celebrate100yearsofBritish Puppetrywiththisfamily-friendly festival.Liveperformances,handsonworkshops,talks,andvariety actsshowcasingthemagic, history,andhumourofBritish puppetry.FromclassicslikeSooty andZippy,tonewerfaceslike HackerTDogandArthurLager, there’ssomethingforeveryone. Paidbookable,FREEbookable andFREEdrop-inshows, workshops&activities.Timetable online. belgrade.co.uk/events /coventry-puppet-festival

WolfRunJunior Offchurch,LeamingtonSpa 14Sep

Childrenover7andteenagerscan getatasteoftheactionandenjoy wildrunningandobstaclesatWolf RunJunior.3kcoursewithoptional secondlap! thewolfrun.com

AckersAdventure

Birmingham

Getinvolvedwiththeactionat Ackers,includinglearntoski lessons(4+),tubingor tobogganing,discgolf,sessionsfor homeschoolersandmore. BirthdayPartiesandHoliday Schemeavailable. ackers-adventure.co.uk

AdventureGolf

Stonebridge

18holesofoutdooradventuregolf withuniqueobstacleslike waterfallsandsandtrapsand woodlandfriendswhomayhelp(or hinder)you!Open09:00–21:00 daily.Partypackagesavailable. Funforallthefamily! stonebridgeadventuregolf.co.uk GoApe

Coventry

Thebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandmini-LandRoversat CoombeAbbeyforthrill-seeking adultsandfun-seekingchildren. Bookonline. goape.co.uk

GetActive

AirHopTrampolinePark Warwick

Theultimateplayexperienceforall ages!OpenJump,UnlimitedAfter SchoolJumps,Toddler&Family Takeover,SENSessionsandNEW Classic90Party.Bookthe bounciestpartiesintown.Jump andsavewithaSummerPass. SunsetSessions Lightson,musicup!EveryFriday andSaturdayevening,AirHop transformsintotheultimate trampoliningparty.Thinkdisco lights,groovytunes,electric atmosphereplustonsofdifferent attractionstochoosefrom.Bounce acrossaseaoftrampolinestothe latestdancehits,challengeyour friendsontheirinteractive attractions,orgrabapizzainthe cafeafterworkingupanappetite! It’sasessionyoudon’twantto miss.Ticketsarelimited–book now! airhop.co.uk

DON’T MISS!

CapturethemagicofHarryPotter™ inconcertatWarwickCastleLive.

Sunday31August,WarwickCastle

Experienceyourfavouritewizardalloveragainwiththe musicofalivesymphonyorchestraandthemagicofHarry Potter™soaringacrossthebigscreeninhigh-definition.

Relivethefilmthatstarteditall.Watchthewandchoose thewizard,atrollrunamokandmagicmirrorsinhighdefinitionwhilealiveorchestraperformsJohnWilliams’ iconicscore.Don’tmissthisonce-in-a-lifetimeeventas Harry,Ron,Hermioneandallyourfavouritecharacters returntothescreenandenchanttheworldalloveragain. Specialfamilypackagesavailable.Formoreinformation andtobuyticketsvisit www.rg.live/events/harry-potter-in-concert

JuniorParkrun Stratford-uponAvon,Leamington,Rugby, Coventry AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly 2Keventforjuniors(4-14yearsold) EverySundayat9:00.Children mustbeabletocompletethe coursewithoutanadult. parkrun.com

MrKarting Warwick Junior&FamilyArriveandDrive KartingplusChildren’sKarting parties.Perfectforcompetitive kidsaged8+(andtheirgrownups!)Open7daysaweek. mrkarting.co.uk

SpotOnWake Henley-in-Arden TheUltimatewatersports destination!With3custom designedlakes,trywakeboarding orSUP(6+)ortheAquaJungle (8+). spotonwake.co.uk

TheWave Coventry Grabyourgogglesandenjoya familydayoutatoneoftheUK’s award-winningindoorwaterparks intheheartofCoventryCity Centre! thewavecoventry.com WarwickSportClimbingCentre WarwickUniversity Schoolagechildrenandadultscan tryclimbingorboulderingin Coventry.JuniorPay&Play, InstructorledsessionsplusKids Parties. warwick.ac.uk/services/sport/ climbing/junior

DaysOut

AllThingsWild Honeybourne Interactwithfascinatinganimals, learnfromexpertkeepers,enjoya rideontheDinoTrainandexplore thewonderfulworldofDinosaurs. allthingswild.co.uk

AstleyBookFarm Bedworth Thelargestsecond-handbookshop intheMidlands.Browsebooksfor thewholefamilythengrabadrink andsnackintheCoffeeShop& Yurtandrelax. astleybookfarm.com

HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily. Comerainorshinethere’splentyto dowithindoorandoutdoor attractionsandentertainmentfor allthefamily. hattonworld.com /adventure-world

RedwingsHorseSanctuary Oxhill Hometo80rescuedhorses,ponies anddonkeys.Café/giftshop.FREE entryandparking,donations appreciated,adoptionswelcomed. Bookingrequired. redwings.org.uk

TwycrossZoo Atherstone

Withover100animals,TheGruffalo DiscoveryLand,animal experiences,naturereserves,soft playandmuchmore!Payforaday andvisitFREEfor12months.

NEWhabitat,CloseEncounters: TheWorldofReptilesandSnakes, nowopen! twycrosszoo.org

Couldyoudeliverourmagazinein andaroundCoventry,Rugby,Leamington, Kenilworth,Warwick,Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham,SolihullandSuttonColdfield?

Ifso,pleasecontactuson07938657719 oreditor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

WHAT’SON

SummerReadingChallenge

Coventry&WarwickshireLibraries 21Jun–30Sep

Getreadytogetreadingthis summer.Setyourreadinggoal, exploretheStoryGarden collectionforinspirationandread anythingyoulike!Encouraging childrenage4–11toenjoythe benefitsofreadingforpleasure. Signup,readbooks,earnrewards. Takepartonlineoratyourlocal library. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Susanna’sHome,Shakespeare’s NewPlace

Stratford-upon-Avon 13,20&27Jul(12:00–16:00)

SundaysatNewPlace FREEhandsonfamilyholiday activitieshostedbydifferent femaleartistsandpractitionersin thegardensofShakespeare’s daughter’shome,creatingartistic responsestotheWomenWho MadeShakespeare.Frompoetry writingandcircusskillstoscreen printingandcalligraphy,create somethingspecialthissummer. Seewebsiteformoredates. Includedinadmissionprice. shakespeare.org.uk /visit/whats-on

AnneHathaway’sCottage Stratford-upon-Avon 16&23Jul(11:00–15:00)

NurtureinNatureWorkshops FREEmakeandtakefamily activityperfectforchildren4+ (accompaniedbyanadult)using upcycledmaterialsandthings foundinAnne’sGarden.Rain Gauges(16Jul)andOrigamiPlant Pots(23Jul).Seewebsiteformore dates.Includedinadmissionprice. shakespeare.org.uk/visit/whatson

PlanetIce Coventry

18Jul–8Sep

SummerHolidaysIceSkating Skateforfun,learntoskate(3day or5daycourses),sub-zerodisco skateeveryFridaynightorbooka party.Iceskatingfunforallthe family.Doublediscountson selecteddatesandholidaysforIce CardMembers. planet-ice.co.uk

SummerHolidayFun!

RoyalShakespeareTheatreand SwanGardens

Stratford-upon-Avon 18Jul–13Sep

FREEPlayfulSummerTrail

Playyourwaythroughthegardens andallthewaytoShakespeare’s imaginedItalywiththisoutdoor trailinspiredbytheworldofThe TwoGentlemenofVerona(80 minuteSummerShakespeare show,perfectforfamilies).Thetrail looksatthemesoflove,friendship, youthandrisktakingacrossseven stations.Nobookingrequired. rsc.org.uk/events

MaryArden’sFarm Stratford-upon-Avon 19&26Jul,16&23Aug (11:00–15:00)

FREECommunityOpenDays

ExplorethefarmforFREEon selectedSaturdaysacrossthe summer.GuidedtoursofPalmer’s Farmhouse,seethecollectionof heritagebreedanimalsand witnesssometraditionalcraftsin action.Takeapicnicandwear appropriatefootwearforall weathers.Nobookingrequired. shakespeare.org.uk/visit /whats-on

ComptonVerney NrWarwick 19Jul–31Aug

ComptonVerneyQuestby BrothersMcLeod CallingallknightsofCompton VerneyCastle!Jointhequestto helpKnightSir.LouisandWizard Pearlininanadventurearoundthe houseandgroundsthissummer. Createyourownvillainsand monsters,solvepuzzles,findclues anddiscoveranddrawyourown magicitem.£4.50withdayticket ormembership. comptonverney.org.uk

RytonPoolsCountryPark Ryton-on-Dunsmore,Coventry 19Jul–31Aug(08:00–20:00) Pickupyourchildren’sholidaytrail fromtheVisitorsCentreforjust£2 persheetandfollowasurfaced pathroutearoundthepark.Treats forallentrants.Oncepurchased, youcancompleteanytimeduring theWarwickshireschoolholidays. VisitorCentreopeninghours09:45 –16:00.Parkingchargesapply. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk

HerbertArtGallery&Museum Coventry 26Jul–30Aug

HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick 19Jul–1Sep

TheGreatSummerAdventure Getreadyforadventurethis summer!NEWFoamParty,Maize MazeandStoryTimewithSnorty andmuch,muchmore!Saveupto 77%withanUnlimitedGreat SummerAdventureMultiPass, availableonline.PlusNEWParty Packages. hattonworld.com

KenilworthCastle Kenilworth 19Jul–31Aug(10:00–17:00) SummerofFun&Games

Enjoyfamilyfun,gamesandfresh airinthegroundsofKenilworth CastleandElizabethanGarden thissummer,fromsoftplayand minigolftoarcheryandden building! Bookonlineandsave15%. english-heritage.org.uk RugbyArtGallery&Museum RugbyTownCentre 19Jul–1Sep

Creativecreatures

Delveintothefascinatingworldof allthingsgreatandsmallinan excitingsummerprogrammeto coincidewiththefamilyfriendly summerexhibition.Low-cost, accessibleworkshopsandart adventures,perfectforchildrenup to12years.PlusFREEthemed scavengerhunteveryschool holiday. agm.co.uk/holidayfun

StratfordButterflyFarm Stratford-upon-Avon 19Jul–1Sep Experiencethemagic,walkamong thebutterflies,andhelpthe ButterflyFarmtocontinuetheir missionofeducation, conservation,andinspiration. Throughoutthesummerholidays, therewillbecompetitions, butterflylifecycle,mini-beast,and beetlemaniademonstrations. Bookonline. butterflyfarm.co.uk

LegoBricks&Creative SuperheroesCrafts Thissummer,letyourimagination soarwithcraftactivitiesinspired bytheplayfulandcolourfulworlds ofJasonWilsher-Mills’Adventure of254exhibitionandtheBrick Dinosinstallation.Dailydrop-in activities.£2.50perchild,under3’s FREE. theherbert.org

CoventryTransportMuseum Coventry 31Jul–30Aug

Thu&Sat(11:00-15:30) PressPlayWorkshop PressPlaythisSummerandjoin theTinker|Make|Playworkshops foraplayfulbreakfilledwith games,opportunitiestoexplore andcreatewithahugevarietyof resources.Dropin.Includedwith admission. transport-museum.com

DraycoteWater Rugby 1–31Aug(10:00–16:00) FREETreasureHuntTrail Ahoy,adventurers!Collectyour treasuretrailsheetfromthe VisitorsCentreandtestyourfact huntingskillsaroundthesite. Oncecomplete,popintheboxto enteraprizedrawforawholehost ofgoodies!Questionsaimedat 8-12yearoldsbutcanworkforany agewithsupport.Bringa pen/pencil! stwater.co.uk/our-visitorsites/draycote-water

WarwickCastle Warwick Until31Aug

WarsoftheRosesLIVE! TheUK’sultimatejousting experiencereturns!Getreadyto chooseyoursideasthestoryis broughttolifethroughstunning equestrianstunts,worldclass joustingandafearlessfinale!Plus, liveshows,eventsand extraordinaryentertainmentforall thefamilyincludingtheLegendof theTrebuchet,TheFalconer’s QuestandtheRealmofZog. warwick-castle.com

BrandonMarshNatureReserve Coventry Mon&Wed (10:00–11:00&11:15–12:15) HolidayEvents

Themedworkshopsforprimary agedchildrenrunthroughoutthe schoolholidays.Frompond dippingandbrilliantbirdstoden buildingandwickedwoodlands. £6perchildplusoneFREE accompanyingadultadmissionto BrandonMarsh.Fulldetailsonline. warwickshirewildlifetrust .org.uk/events

TwycrossZoo

Atherstone

CloseEncounters:TheWorldof ReptilesandSnakes Comefacetofacewithanexciting NEWhabitat,homeforoverten awe-inspiringspecies,including someoftheworld’smost endangeredreptilesandinsects. Getcloser-than-evertosomeof thezoo’scold-bloodedcreatures, includinganimpressive3mlong boaconstrictor.IncludedinZoo admission. twycrosszoo.org

OutdoorFun Theatre

BrandonMarshNatureReserve

Coventry

Greatforscenicpools,reedbeds, grasslandandwoodlandoraspot ofbirdwatching.Withregular NatureTotssessionsforpreschoolchildren,WildlifeWatch afterschoolclubs,plusactivity sessionsduringschoolholidays. warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

ComptonVerney

NrWarwick

Stunningparklandandlake,and woodlandadventureplayground. Award-winningartgallery, restaurantandgiftshop.Family activities.ClosedMondaysexcept BankHolidays. comptonverney.org.uk

CoombeAbbeyCountryPark

Coventry

With500acresofbeautiful gardens,woodland,lakeside walks,andbirdhides,there’s plentytoexplore.Withgreat outdoorplayareas,acaféanda varietyofactivitiesfrompotteryto ponddipping,plusregularevents intheparkandattheHotel,it’sa greatplaceforafamilytrip,a scenicstrollorabikeride. coombeabbey.com

CountryParks

Warwickshire

Warwickshirecountryparksoffera diverseportfolioofgreenspaces withfivecountryparksandthree greenwayscoveringover1,200 acresforfamiliestoenjoy.Enjoya summerwalk,abikerideormake adayofitwithfamilyandfriends. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk

DraycoteWater Rugby

Whetheryou’relookingforwalks, cycling,birdwatching,water sports,fishingoragreatchildren’s outdoorplayarea,there’s everythingyouneedforagreat dayoutforthewholefamily.

DraycoteWaterisa240-hectare reservoirandcountryparkopen from7:30–16:30dailywithacafe andonsitepaidparking. stwater.co.uk/our-visitorsites/draycote-water

FoundryWood

LeamingtonSpa

Anurbancommunitywoodlandin theheartofLeamingtonSpaand Warwick.Learnaboutwoodland habitats,wildlifeconservation, traditionalwoodlandcrafts,and more.Regulareventsforfamilies andwellbeingeventsforadults throughouttheyear.Seewebsite fordetailsandbooking. foundrywood.co.uk

HeartofEnglandForest Warwickshire

Abeautifulpartoftheworld,rich inhistoryandlegends,rolling greencountryside,rivers,and busymarkettow.Covering7,000 acreswith58milesofpublicand permissivefootpaths–an adventureintheforestawaitsyour familythissummer!WildTribe HolidayClubsforchildren4-11. heartofenglandforest.org

HillCloseGardens

Warwick

RareVictorianGardenstoexplore withChildren’strailandspecial eventsandworkshopsthroughout theyear.Plus,specialchildren’s gardenwithmudkitchenwhere kidscanplant,water,weedand harvestfruitandvegetables,sogo preparedtogetstuckin!Open Wed–Sat11:00–16:00.

TeddyBearsPicnic 14Aug hillclosegardens.com

NationalTrust Warwickshire

Getoutdoorswiththefamilyand exploreatourlocalNationalTrust properties:BaddesleyClinton; CoughtonCourt;Packwood House;CharlecotePark;Upon HouseandGardensand FarnboroughHall.Seeindividual websitesfordetailsofsummer activitiesateachvenue. nationaltrust.org.uk

WINaFamilySeasonTicket toStratfordButterflyFarm

Tocelebrate40yearssincetheStratford-upon-AvonButterfly Farmfirstopenedtheirgatestheyaregivingoneluckyfamilythe chancetowinanAnnualFamilySeasonTicket. Experiencethemagicandbeautyoftropicalbutterfliesatoneof theUK’smostbelovednatureattractions. TofindoutmoreaboutStratfordButterflyFarmvisit www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

Closingdate: 15Aug2025

FamilySeasonTicketforeither1adult and3childrenor2adultsand2children. Validfor12months.

ToenteruseQRcode.

T&Cs: bit.ly/4l0JKeW m n

BelgradeTheatre

Coventry

TheKoalawhocould Thu24–Sat26Jul Agerecommendation:2+ belgrade.co.uk

TheAlbanyTheatre

Coventry

Annie Thu3–Sat5Jul MastersoftheVerse Wed30Jul–Sun3Aug

Cats

Thu7–Sat9Aug albanytheatre.co.uk

RoyalShakespeare Company

Stratford-upon-Avon

TheTwoGentlemenofVerona Mon4–Sun31Aug rsc.org.uk

RoyalSpaCentre LeamingtonSpa

DinosaursAdventureLive presentsTheBigJurassicStorm Mon28Jul

FlowersandFriendship

Bracelets Thu31Jul royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

Museums&History

BritishMotorMuseum

Gaydon

Exploreover400Britishclassic cars,takepartinthemedtrails, experiencetouchscreenexhibits andunderstandhowacarworks. Funforallthefamily! britishmotormuseum.co.uk

CoventryPoliceMuseum

CoventryCouncilHouse,Coventry CityCentre

OpenThu&Fri(10:00–14:00)

Learnaboutpolicingthroughthe years,uniforms,confiscated artifactsandcrimesthathave neverbeensolvedfromretired policeofficersandvolunteers. museum.westmidlands.police.uk/explore/cove ntry-police-museum

CoventryTransportMuseum

Coventry

Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthow Coventrychangedtheworld throughtransport. transport-museum.com

HerbertArtGalleryandMuseum

Coventry

Theperfectplacetodelveinto Coventry’shistoryandengage withartandculture.PLUSvisit DippytheDiplodocusfromthe NaturalHistoryMuseum. theherbert.org

LuntRomanFort NrCoventry ExploretheuniqueRoman Fortress,takinginthesitesofthe ramparts,thegranarybuildingand theworld’sonlyknowngyrus! Specialeventsoverthesummer: SplendidSunhats 22-31Jul FlutteringFans 5–14Aug MarvellousMoneybags 12-21Aug luntromanfort.org

MADMuseum

Stratford-upon-Avon

Interactwithanimpressive collectionofeccentricand ingeniousartworks,contraptions andmachinesattheUK’sonly MechanicalArtvenue.Booking requiredinschoolholidays. themadmuseum.co.uk

MidlandAirMuseum Baginton,NrCoventry Experiencetheworldofaviation withover45aircraftondisplay, Vulcanguidedtourandsit-in Meteorcockpit.TeaRoomand FREEparking. midlandairmuseum.co.uk

ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust

Stratford-upon-Avon

Discoverthefascinatingstories behindtheworld’sgreatest storytelleracrosshisfamily homes. shakespeare.org.uk

Shakespeare’sSchoolroom& Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Visitthe600-year-oldbuilding whereWilliamShakespearesatin the1570sandwrotehisfirstworks andexperienceTudorschoollife, dress,artandstories. shakespearesschoolroom.org

St.Mary’sGuildhall/ TalesofTea Coventry Visitthishistoricalgeminthe heartoftheCity.Discoverits700 yearoldhistorythenvisitTalesof Teainthestunningvaulted Undercroftforrefreshements. stmarysguildhall.co.uk

Isyourchild ready forschool?

IfyouareaparentofachildstartingschoolinSeptember,you maybewonderinghowreadyornottheyareforthisnew challenge.Sowethoughtittimelytoaskourfriendsat LearningJournals(www.learningjournals.co.uk)totellus what‘schoolreadiness’reallymeans.

Whatis‘schoolreadiness’?

Therearemultipleinterpretationsof‘schoolreadiness.’Herewe explorethedefinitionoftheearlyyearsfoundationstage(EYFS): ‘Thebroadrangeofknowledgeandskillsthatprovidetheright foundationforgoodfutureprogressthroughschoolandlife.’

StatutoryFrameworkfortheEYFS,2014

Sotheabovedefinitionreferstochildrenaroundtheageof5 whoareabouttostartformaleducation,i e primaryschoolin theUK.Somewillrefertothisstageaskindergarten.

Schoolreadinesscanbebrokendownintomultiple characteristics.Understandingwhereachildisatintermsof thesecharacteristicswilldeterminehow‘schoolready’theyare.

Someofthesecharacteristicscanbedifficultforchildren toachieve.Theimportantthingisthatparents,carersand practitionersareawareofanydifficultiesandcanthenputsteps inplacetoprovidetherightlevelofassistance.

Self-regulation

Thisrelatestotheabilitytoobtain,maintainandchange emotion,behaviour,attentionandactivitylevelsinlinewitha certaintaskorsituation.Inotherwords,howachildcanadapt tovarioussituations,beitplayingoutsideorlearninginsidethe classroom.

Sensoryprocessing

Sensoryprocessingisaformofstimulationthatoccursin variousenvironments,aswellasinone’sownbodythat influencesattentionandlearning.Thiswouldaffectthingslike howachildmightsit,holdapencilandlistentoothers.

Receptivelanguage(understanding)

Thisisasimpleonetograsp.Essentially,receptivelanguage referstohowchildrenunderstandwhattheyhear.Theyneedto beabletounderstandquestionsinordertorespondaccordingly.

Expressivelanguage(talking)

Expressivelanguagelinkswithreceptivelanguage.Aswellas understanding,yourchildwillneedtobeabletocommunicate withotherstogetthemostoutoftheireducation.Inother words,it’sanessentialpartofschoolreadiness.

Articulation

Articulationisquitesimilartotheprevioustwocharacteristics.It referstohowachildpronouncesindividualsoundsinwords.

Executivefunctioning

Executivefunctioningrelatestoahigherorderofreasoning andthinkingskills.Forexample,achildwhohasaprettygood ideaofwhattheyneedtopacktotaketoschool(e g completed homework).

Emotionaldevelopment/regulation

Likeself-regulation,emotionaldevelopmentisallabouthow achildperceivesandrespondstotheiremotions.Childrengo throughawaveofemotionsatayoungage,soit’simportantfor themtounderstandwhythey’refeelingthewaytheyareand howtoprocesstheirfeelingsappropriatelyatschool.

Socialskills

Achild’sabilitytoengageinreciprocalinteractionswithothers, eitherverballyornon-verbally.Schoolissocial,meaningchildren willneedtobepreparedtospeakwithteachers,fellowchildren andothers,withoutworry.

Planning/sequencing

Whenitcomestoschoolreadiness,planningandsequencing arekey.Afterall,howachildperformsamulti-steptaskor activitywilldeterminehoweffectivetheyareatdeveloping integralskillsthatwillhelpthemlaterinlife.

Youcandownloadaschoolreadinesschecklistatthelinkat thebottomofthispage.

From5Julyto13September,theSummerReading ChallengeinviteschildrenacrosstheUKtoexplorethe ‘StoryGarden.’Thisyear’sthemecelebratestheoutdoors, encouragingreadingwhileinspiringcreativityand imagination.

TheChallenge,designedtopromoteliteracyandalifelonglove ofbooks,keepsyoungmindsengagedoverthesummer. Childrencanjoinbyborrowingbooksfromtheirlocallibrary, loggingtheirprogress,unlockingactivitiesandearning rewardslikestickersandcertificates.

Organisedby TheReadingAgency alongsidelibraries,this freeinitiativemakesreadingfunforallagesandabilities.With plentyofadventurestodiscover,it’saperfectwaytoenrich theschoolbreak.Visityourlocallibrarytosignupandsee yourchildgrowtheirloveforbooksintheStoryGarden. www.readingagency.org.uk

Problemswithschoolreadiness

Youcantellyourchildhasproblemswithschoolreadiness whenthey:

•Geteasilyfrustratedorareirritablewhenaskedtodo something.

•Relyonyouorotheradultstogetdressedorgotothetoilet.

•Struggletofollowinstructionsand/orretainfocus.

•Aresociallyimmature(i.e.unabletoshare,don’tinteract wellwithotherchildren).

•Havepoorreceptiveskills(i.e.can’tarticulate).

•Don’tunderstandconsequencesforactions.

•Resistnewactivitiesorthechancetolearnnewskills.

Todiscoverhowtohelpyourchildwithschool readiness,visitwww.bit.ly/schready

Summerreadingchoices

Lookingforthebestnewbooksforyourfamilyreadingthissummer?There’snothingbetterthansharingstories-andthere’sa bookoutthereforeveryone!Hereareourtoppicks.

AGoodNight’sSleepby EmmaChichesterClark (HarperCollins)

Ages3-5

Wittystorytelling,stunning illustrationsandplayfulanimal characterscometogetherin thisgorgeousnewpicture book.It’sthemiddleofthe nightandMaudiewouldreally likeagoodnight’ssleep. Headingtoherlovelyhouse inthewoodsforawellearnedrest,shefindssome unexpectedvisitorsinthe way…

WildMagic:Legendofthe BlackLionbyAbi Bello (Simon&Schuster)

Ages5-8

Thefirstinathrillingnew seriesofillustratedchapter books,thisstorytakesreaders onawildlifeadventure toEthiopia,wheretwins MishaandZiggyputtheir extraordinaryanimalpowers tothetest.Mishacanspeak toanimalsandZiggycan shapeshiftintothembutwhen thelegendaryBlackLiongoes missing,cantheykeepthe wholejunglesafefromharm?

There’saGorillaatthe DoorbyClareHelenWelsh, illustratedbySamCaldwell (LittleTiger)

Ages3-5

Packedwithfun,characterful illustrations,thislaugh-outloudstorycelebratesthejoyof differenceandbelongingina blended-familyenvironment. Daphne’smumandstepdad arethrowingafamilyparty. It’sgoingtobesoboring.But whenagorillaknocksonthe door,arhinorollsinanda kangaroopopsup,thispartyis goingtogetwild!

SolvingCrimesisNOTMy SuperpowerbyNathan Lessore (LittleTiger)

Ages5-8

Mysteryandadventure combineinastoryabout beingextraordinary.Everyone elseinSara’shometownhas beengrantedextraspecial powersbyamysterious treasure–butnotSara.She can’tevenlevitateasquirrel! Whentheschoolfootball trophyisstolen,itfallsto Saratofinditandmaybe,just maybe,shewilldiscoverher superskillsintheprocess.

BeastieBros:TheCabbage JuiceCrimebyDavid O’Connell (Scholastic)

Ages5-8

Thishighlyillustratedchapter bookisperfectforyoungeror reluctantreaders.Minibeast bestiesDash,afireflyand Dribble,asnail,mustfoila mastercriminalplotinvolving acrystalworm,ancient custard,astolenRoboslugand somedastardlydungbeetles. Riotouslygoodfun,thiswill haveyoungreaderslaughing outloud.

MyDogbyOliviaWake (HarperCollins)

Ages8-12

Thisisastoryaboutan extraordinaryfriendship.When RhysmovestoLondontolive withhisestranged ad,he decidestokeepsecretthelost blackLabradorhehas adopted–butlookingaftera secretdogisanythingbut easy!Toldwithheartand empathy,Rhys’sstoryis perfectforreadingtogetheras afamily.

Mart Moose:FirstClass MischiefbyClairePowell (Walker)

Ages5-8

MeetMart Moose!Aquirky character,funillustrations, humour,adventureandheart combineinaperfectpackage fornewlyindependent readers.It’sMarty’sfirstday onthejobasPostmouseand he’sreadytogo.Butthings takeatrickyturnwhenhegets lostinWhiskerWarrenand needsrescuingbyadoolally rabbitnamedNibbles.Who knewpostagecouldbeso perilous!

DeepDarkbyZohraNabi (Simon&Schuster)

Ages8-12

Withchildrenbeingsnatched offthestreetsofLondon, CassiaThorneandher friendssetouttoinvestigate andrescuethembeforeit’s toolate.Theinspiringlead character,magic,mysteryand adventurewillhaveyouonthe edgeofyourseats!

SarahCampbellisco-founderofParrotStreetBookClub(www.parrotstreet.com),anonlinechildren’sbookshopfor ages5-14offeringahandpickedcollectionofhigh-qualitychildren’schapterbooks,plusanaward-winningmonthlybook subscription.

Improvingyourchild’scomprehension

Readingisoneofthemostvaluableskillsachildcandevelop butit’snotjustaboutbeingabletosoundoutwordsorfinish abook-it’saboutunderstandingit.Inference,askilloften spokenaboutbyteachers,meansbeingabletoworkout whatacharacteristhinking,theirreasoningbehinddecisions andwhattheymightdonext.Tohelpchildrengobeyondthe basics,acreativeapproachencouragesthatall-important understanding.

WhenmeetingwithparentsItrytoemphasisethebenefit ofgoingbeyondasking:‘Didyoulikethebook?’Whatother questionsencourageyourchildtorevealhowmuchtheyhave understood?

Firstly,timingisimportant. Don’twaituntilyouhavefinished readingthebooktoaskquestions;makethempartofyour readingroutine.Askbeforeyouread:‘whatmightthecharacter donext?’,then,inthemiddle:‘whydoyouthinkthecharacter madethatchoice?’and‘whatwouldyoudointheirshoes?’ Then:‘didtheendingofthischaptersurpriseyou?’

Secondly,encourageyourchildtoaskyouthesequestions too. Whilstwemightalllongforourchildtoleaveusinpeaceto actuallyjustreadthebooktothem,theirquestionsprovidethe chanceforustomodelinferencetothem.Iftheyarenotasking questions,tryexplainingthebooktothem(attheirlevel)andsay outloudwhatyouhopemighthappennext.

Thirdly,youdon’thavetorestrictthequestionstofiction books. Ifyourchildisreadingaposteraskthemwhatitisabout. Pretendtobetoobusytoreadsomeinstructionsandhaveyour childsummarisethemorask:‘whatnewfactdidyoulearn?’ or‘wouldyourecommendthistosomeoneinterestedin...?’

Relatablequestionsfor differentbooktypes

Bookscanbegreatstartingplacesfordiscussionsaround bullying,technology,motivationetc.Askingtherightkindof questionscantransformreadingfromasoloactivityintoa powerfuldiscussionaboutvalues

Herearesomeexamples,basedonbooktypes:

Fiction. Whatwouldyouhavedonedifferentlytosolvethe problem?Whydidthecharacterchoosetodothis?Howwould youfeelifyouwerethecharacter?

Non-Fiction.Wouldthisbeabookthatyouwouldsharewith yourfriends?Wouldthisbookbeusefulforaschoolproject? Whyorwhynot?Canyouexplainwhatyoureadtosomeone who’sneverheardofthistopic?

GraphicNovels. Howdothepictureshelpyouunderstandthe story?Whatemotionsdothecharactersshowthroughtheir expressions?Isthestorytolddifferentlyfromaregularbook? Thesequestionsbuild,prediction,empathyandanalysis-key partsofstrongcomprehension.

encouragechildrentothink criticallyandreflectonwhatthey’veread.

Thetypeofbookmatterstoo. Humorousstoriesaregreatfor pickingapartlanguageandtone.Questionssuchas:‘whyisthis funny?’or‘canyoudrawthischaracter?’canhelpchildrentosee whyanauthorhasdescribedasceneinacertainway.Adventure booksareperfectfordiscussingcause,effectandcharacters’ motivations.Bytailoringquestionstothegenre,youhelp childrenengagemoredeeplyanddevelopmoresophisticated readingskills.

Comprehensionisalifelongskill anddevelopingitdoesn’t havetobeachore.Byaskingthoughtfulquestionsand tailoringconversationstoreadingmaterial,parentscanturn comprehensionintosomethingmeaningful,enjoyableand confidence-building.

JemmaZSmithisDirectorofTheEducationHotel. Forfurtheradvice,visitwww.educationhotel.co.uk

Techtoolsandbooksto supportcomprehension

Thedigitalworldisn’ttheenemyofreading;itcanactually supportit.

Siteslike Bookopolis (www.bookopolis.com)allowyoung readerstologbooks,writereviewsanddiscovertitlesbased onwhatotherslikethemarereading.Thesetoolsnotonly makereadingmorefunbutencouragekidstoreflectonwhat they’veread.

Toppsta (www.toppsta.com)isagreatUK-basedresource wherechildrenandparentscanleavereviewsandbrowse age-appropriatesuggestions.Forteens, Goodreads (www.goodreads.com)and #BookTok onTikTokarepopular platformswheretheycanfollowauthors,createreadinglists andevenengagewithonlinebookclubs.

Ifyou’relookingforsurefirereads,somemust-havesinclude TheWorstWitch seriesor DogMan forages6–8, TheBoyAt theBackoftheClass,PercyJackson or TheExplorer for9-12s andYAfavouriteslike OneofUsisLying forteens.Pairingthe rightbookwiththerightchildcanoftenbethefirststepto capturingtheirinterestandgettingthemtalking.

IndependentSchools Coventry&Warwickshire

ArnoldLodge LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18)

PrepandJuniorSchools

BablakePrePrep

T:01926778050 www.arnoldlodge.com

BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13)

T:01788810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk

TheKingsleySchool LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18)

T:01926421368 www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk

Coventry

T:02476271285 www.bablake.com

BablakeJunior

Coventry T:02473271248 www.bablake.com

CrackleyHallSchooland LittleCrackersNursery Kenilworth T:01926514444 www.crackleyhall.co.uk

SummerReading Challenge2025

ExploretheStoryGarden

From5Julyto13September,theSummerReading ChallengeinviteschildrenacrosstheUKtoexplorethe ‘StoryGarden.’Thisyear’sthemecelebratestheoutdoors, encouragingreadingwhileinspiringcreativityand imagination.

TheChallenge,designedtopromoteliteracyandalifelonglove ofbooks,keepsyoungmindsengagedoverthesummer. Childrencanjoinbyborrowingbooksfromtheirlocallibrary, loggingtheirprogress,unlockingactivitiesandearning rewardslikestickersandcertificates.

Organisedby TheReadingAgency alongsidelibraries,this freeinitiativemakesreadingfunforallagesandabilities.With plentyofadventurestodiscover,it’saperfectwaytoenrich theschoolbreak.Visityourlocallibrarytosignupandsee yourchildgrowtheirloveforbooksintheStoryGarden. www.readingagency.org.uk

CrescentSchool

Rugby T:01788521595 www.crescentschool.co.uk

KingHenryVIIIPre-Prep Coventry

T:02476271190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk

KingHenryVIIIJunior Coventry T:02476271160 www.kinghenrys.co.uk

StratfordPreparatorySchool

Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789297993 www.stratfordprep.co.uk

TheCroftPreparatorySchool Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789293795 www.croftschool.co.uk

WarwickJuniorSchool

Warwick T:01926776418 www.warwickschool.org

OpenEvening:Fri4Jul 16:30–18:00

WarwickPreparatorySchool

Warwick T:01926491545 www.warwickprep.com

SeniorSchools

BablakeSenior Coventry

T:02473271248 www.bablake.com

KingHenryVIIISenior Coventry T:02473271190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk

King’sHigh

Warwick T:01926494485 www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk

OpenEvening:Fri4Jul 16:30–19:30

PrincethorpeCollege Rugby T:01926634201 www.princethorpe.co.uk

WarwickSeniorSchool

Warwick T:01926776400 www.warwickschool.org

OpenEvening:Fri4Jul 17:45–20:00

Registerforopen eventsonline

Healthysummer foodoptions

GardenPartyQuesadillas (egg-free,gluten-free,nut-free,

soy-free)

Eventhetoughestlittleveggiecriticsinthehousewillfallin lovewiththeseooey-gooeyquesadillas!

Thereissomethingmagicalthathappenstoveggieswhen youroastthem,theybecomesweetwiththecaramelised sugarsthatnaturallyoccurinthevegetables.Soft,easy-to-eat roastedvegetables,yummycheeseandacreamy,proteinpackedbeanspreadmakethesequesadillasawell-rounded (andfun)lunch(orlunchbox)ideaforanydayoftheweek.

Makes4to6quesadillas(dependingonthesizeofthe tortillas;olderchildrenwilleatoneortwo tortillaswhileyoungerchildrenwilleathalf ofatortilla).

Asthereisquitealonglistofingredients, wehaveputtheseandthemethodfor GardenPartyQuesadillasonline.Justvisit www.bit.ly/recipegpqorscantheQRcode!

Five-ingredientfast-prep chickennuggets (dairy-free,gluten-free,nut-freeand soy-free)

Isitreallythissimpletomakechickennuggets?Mygoalin developingthisrecipewastogetyouawayfromboxedor baggedfrozennuggetswithmile-longlistsofingredientsand Icanpromisethesecrispynuggetswillnotdisappoint.Witha shortingredientlistandafiveminuteprep,you’dneverknow thesenuggetsarebakedinsteadoffriedwiththeircrispy exterior,juicyinteriorandamazingflavour!

Chickennuggetswilllastthreedaysintherefrigerator.Tofreeze thecookedchickennuggets,coolthemcompletelyandfreezein afreezer-safebagforuptothreemonths.Youcanputthechicken nuggetsintolunchboxesfrozenandtheywillthawbylunchtime.

Thisrecipealsodoublesperfectly-justusetwobakingsheets. Doublingwillhelpwithhavingenoughleftoversfromdinnerto stashinyourfreezerfortomorrow’slunchorapicnic.

Servethenuggetswithyourkids’favouritedippingsauce,suchas ketchuporhoneymustard.

Makesabout28(1-inch[2.5-cm])chickennuggets

1cup(55g)gluten-freepankobreadcrumbs 1tspseasalt

1largeegg

Theserecipes featurein TheLittle LunchboxCookbook byReneeKohleyand arereprintedwith permissionofPage StreetPublishingCo. 2020.

Photocredit:Becky Winkler.

1lb(450g)boneless,skinlesschickenbreasts Avocadooroliveoilspray,asneeded

Preheattheovento425°F(218°C).Linealargebakingsheetwitha siliconebakingmatorunbleachedparchmentpaper.

Putthebreadcrumbsandseasaltinagallonzip-topbagand shaketocombinethem.Inasmallbowl,whisktheegg.Setaside thebreadcrumbsandegg.

Lightlypatthechickendryandcutitinto1-inch(2.5-cm)pieces. Transferthechickentothebowlwiththeeggandstirtocombine, sothateverypieceofchickeniscoatedinegg.

Putthecoatedchickenpiecesintothebagof breadcrumbs.Closethebagandshakeit tocoatthechickeninthecrumbs.Place thebreadedchickennuggetsonthe preparedbakingsheet.

Spraythenuggetswiththeoilspray. Bakethemfortwentyminutes,untilthey aregoldenbrownontop.

Placethecookednuggetsonawirerackto cool.

Tip: Ifyourkids like shoneymustardtodip, implystirupa2:1ratio ofmustardtorawhoney foraneasy,fundipping sauce!

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