News & Views

Talk, Sing & Play to Build Brains

Almost two thirds of parents are unaware that back and forth interaction with their child from birth can help their babies’ social, emotional and cognitive development.

A survey of more than 2,000 parents and expectant parents by the NSPCC found that 62% were unaware that moments playing, singing or telling stories can be brainbuilding ones. NSPCC research has found some parents struggle with ideas about how to interact with their young child beyond eye contact and cuddling, especially in the early months when they do not receive obvious feedback from their babies.

In response, the charity is launching a campaign, ‘Look, Say, Sing, Play,’ to encourage new parents to use everyday scenarios to have more two-way interactions with their babies. Going to the shops, having a bath, going to bed – whatever you and your baby are doing can be turned into a back-and-forth.

Parents can sign up to get weekly brain building tips that are fun and age appropriate. More info: www.nspcc.org.uk

Discover Your Confidence at Stagecoach Wimborne!

Stagecoach have been educating children for 30 years, and its high standards, quality of teaching and student inclusion are the upmost priority. Stagecoach instill creative courage for life, giving students have the chance to make friends and have fun in an educational and stimulating atmosphere.

Stagecoach Wimborne offer free visiting professional workshops and each term, parents are invited to watch their children in action; either a performance in a theatre, a demonstration of classwork or an event in the local community.

Contact Emily at wimborne@ stagecoach.co.uk or phone 01202 238810 to join our FREE Discovery Workshop and a FREE Two Week Trial!

Space Chase! Summer Reading Challenge 2019

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday.

Children’s reading can decline during the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure. This year the challenge will focus on the theme ‘Space Chase’ - an outof-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

The Challenge will launch in libraries on Saturday 13 July 2019 in England and Wales.

For competitions, book recommendations and special online badges and rewards, visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Cycle Safety Courses for Kids

Bikeability is about giving people the skills to cycle on today’s roads.

Level 1 & 2 Course: Level 1 teaches trainees to control and master a bike in a playground area, developing basic cycle control skills. Level 2 equips trainees with the skills to cycle on local roads, developing safe cycling skills

and understanding of the road and traffic environment.

Level 3 Course: For children who have completed Level 2 and are an experienced, confident cyclist. It provides the skills to tackle a wide variety of traffic conditions, many different road layouts and challenging traffic scenarios.

Find out more about BCP Council’s holiday courses, visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ bikeability or call 01202 454636 to book.

Safety Wristbands

Easy2name’s new safety wristbands will help you find your child if they wander off on a day out and can also be used as medical alert.

Contact details such as a mobile number and important medical information can be written on the outside. Or you can use the internationally

recognised term ‘ICE’ (In Case of Emergency) on your wristband. These silicone wristbands are waterproof and tear proof and are ideal for outings, school trips and family holidays. Suggested children’s sizes are 14cm for ages 2-4, 16cm for ages 5-8 and 18cm for ages 9 and above.