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 ByLiatHughesJoshi
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 ByJohnShahabeddin
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 ByAnnaHouston
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 ByEmilyKearns
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? ByEllieMalt
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 BySarahCampbell
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 ByJemmaZSmith
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
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Healthysummer foodoptions ByReneeKohley
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!
