Families North Yorkshire Nov/Dec 2022 - Digital

We have everything you’ll need for a perfect family Christmas in this issue, including the best Advent Calendars on offer, gifts for teachers for under £10, hacks to make everything go smoothly, green ideas and a green gift guide, DIY decorations for the kids to make and lots more. Plus if you fancy a festive UK family city break – which could double as a giftbuying opportunity – then investigate some of the cities that put on the best show in the lead up to the big day.

Meanwhile, life ticks on. If your child starts school in September 2023, it’s time to choose schools to put on your application and we have tips and advice for you.

Finally, in this issue, we have Christmas gifts and tonnes of Weebles to giveaway! Apply for these adorable wiggly, wobbly mini-toys at familiesmag. co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

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Registration open

Girls explore

BE AN ENERGY VAMPIRE!

ENERGY SAVING

Reasons to teach black British history

By Ilhan Rayen Awed

The parents’ guide to primary school

By Gabrielle Nash

Black

the case

made

READ

Free activities

for

children and young people this Christmas holiday.

Packed with sport, art, fun and food, there’s something for everyone

Everyone in North Yorkshire from Reception to Year 11 can join in, with FREE places available for children and young people eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals.

Discover what’s on offer at feastfamilies.org.uk

Best board games for learning

It’s a great time to snuggle up inside with a board game. If you’re thinking of adding to your collection, here are some options that particularly enhance children’s learning.

Feed the Woozle

Fosters self-regulation in a fun & silly way. Ages 3-6. £19.99

Life on Earth memory and matching game Great for encouraging focussed attention. Ages 3+. £17.99

Spot it Junior!

Children learn to suppress their first impulse. Ages 4. £14.39

Zingo Bingo Develops language skills & self-regulation. Ages 4+. £17

Melissa and Doug

Suspend Junior Encourages planning, decision making & fine motor skills. Ages 4+. £21.99

Sequence for Kids

Involves taking turns, planning & prioritising. Enhances short term memory. Ages 4-7. £30.25

Carcassone

Develops planning, working memory, taking turns & prioritising. Ages 7+. £36.99.

Kingdomino

Develops spatial awareness, decision making, executive functioning & gameplay. Ages 8+. £22.35

Rat-a-tat Cat

Practises maths, memory skills, risk-taking, taking turns, counting & critical thinking. Age 6+. £12.49

Choosing the right primary school

By Gabrielle Nash

If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school applications. Exciting times!

Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important. Depending on where you live you might have just one, two or maybe three schools to apply to. Or there may be numerous schools if you live in a city. So how do you go about knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child?

The catchment area

School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally be based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice.

You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which

you’re not in the catchment area. You don’t want to waste one of your choices.

Practicalities are very important too. Is the location of the school convenient?

READ MORE

A Magical Christmas at Harewood!

Fill a festive day at Harewood this winter. The stunning gardens and grounds are full of unique play spaces, hidden corners to explore, and importantly for parents and grandparents, lots of places for delicious food and drink! In the House, discover Long Live the Christmas Tree!...

READ MORE

Top Advent Calendar Picks

Get greener this Christmas

Christmas trees

Don’t use artificial trees – they aren’t recyclable and will end up in landfill.

Hire a Christmas tree from a garden centre or plant nursery.

Buy a pot grown tree and plant it in the garden in January. Use it next year!

Recycle real trees. Check arrangements with your council.

Eco alternatives

Use reusable, fabric crackers. Wrap gifts with recycled paper or fabric.

Go for a real, fresh wreath made with seasonal, natural foliage.

Buy a reusable Advent Calendar. Fill with your own gifts.

Make your own decorations.

Pot grown tree care

Christmas dinner

Plan meals in advance, taking account of visitors, so you don’t buy more food than you need. Seal and freeze all the leftovers that you can.

Give unused food away to friends, family or neighbours. Eat less meat and try vegan versions of Christmas classics.

Christmas gifts

Consider second hand or refurbished items eg bikes, tech. Try giving experiences such as theatre tickets or days out instead of gifts.

Buy reusable items like refillable water bottles and beeswax wraps.

Buy consumables like food and toiletries as gifts.

Christmas leftovers

Learn the difference between potted trees and container grown trees, which ones have the best chance of survival and how to care for them.

Four of Jamie’s tasty leftover recipes including turkey stew with leek & smoky bacon biscuit dumplings, bubble & squeak, smoky veggie chilli & hodgepodge pie.

Eco Christmas gift guide

Spread a bit of festive joy by being good to your family and the planet. These gifts for kids and

everyone’s day without costing the earth.

Nature

British wildlife with eco-packaged worksheets

nature prints. £20 per month.

Barekind

Bright and colourful

filler helps save

animal

£7.50

Kabode Alphabet children’s bedding

Fun collection of 100% certified organic cotton bedding makes learning fun. £44.95

Play Kits

Sustainable

Bake at Home

Home-delivered.

ready-made

&

DIY lip tint or

Design all-natural lip tints or cheek balms with gorgeous ingredients.

£19.99

Target

Made from at least 70% recycled wool plus preloved, recycled fibres.

Halo

Insulated, compact,

handbag

pocket-friendly.

on the move.

Cashmere fingerless gloves

Super-cosy,

made from discarded

Gifts for teachers for under a tenner

Realised the kids break up soon and you haven’t chosen something for them to give as a gift? Here are some ideas that won’t break the budget.

The Body Shop

‘Create

Own’

Fill the pouch with a selection of Body Shop goodies. £3

‘Epic things to teach’

Add photos and teacher’s name for personalisation. £4.99

Personalised

Apple-shaped bracelet with personalised message. £1.99

Terrific Teacher glasses case

Stylish gift for a teacher who wears glasses. £2.99

Jamie Oliver’s

Christmas pudding gift jar

Just buy the ingredients and the kids can make this themselves.

Milk chocolate trophy

Award your teacher with a chocolate trophy. £10.

One4all gift card

Can be used with 130+ brands in store and online. £10

Personalised resin coaster

Handmade resin teacher coaster with a name of your choice. £8.99

Personalised mug

Remind them they’re the best teacher on the planet! £9.99

The Mum Collective

Peach Tree Picnics

Where luxury meets maternity and nursing clothes. Whether you’re pregnant with your first baby or feeding your fifth, The Mum Collective loungewear pieces are the only one’s you’ll need. We know during your pregnancy and after birth, you want to feel comfortable but also stylish. Our award-winning collections are designed to do just that. Hang out at home with your little one or head out for coffee with your friends, no matter where you wear yours, The Mum Collective is here to help make you feel a little more...you. www.themumcollective.co.uk

Focused on delivering the best local & UK artisan produce in our handmade picnics, sharing platters and yummy extras. Perfect for Family Gatherings, Christenings, Birthdays, Race Days, Open Air Concerts, Sporting Events, Date Nights/ Days - the list is endless!

Visit us at www.peachtreepicnics.co.uk to see all the wonderful products and celebrations we cater for. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Catherine. @peach. tree.picnics

Festive family city breaks

Our friends at Tested by Tots have identified some of the best family friendly cities to explore with your little ones this Christmas.

Durham

A beautiful, picturesque city & a great Christmas Festival from 2-4 December.

Winchester Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas Market is inspired by German Christmas markets further afield.

Norwich

Home to the most anticipated Christmas attraction in the UK - The Tunnel of Light!

Nottingham Festive markets from retro style to a sparkling Winter Wonderland!

Exeter Ice rink, Winter Wonderland, carol concerts, pantomimes. Exeter truly embraces Christmas!

Kidderminster Santa Trains to Arley take families to see their favourite characters in pantomime.

Glasgow

Festivals, pantos and children’s classic concerts such as The Night Before Christmas.

Cardiff

Fantastic Christmas festival with incredible shows at Cardiff Castle.

Belfast

Light shows, displays, markets and a Georgian experience. This city goes big!

Christmas treats to make with the kids

Christmas gingerbread people

Christmas pudding Malteser cake

Have some fun in the kitchen with a classic gingerbread recipe your kids will love to make. Decorate your people using dried fruits, nuts and coconut for a healthier treat that tastes fantastic. The kids will particularly enjoy making their little people truly personal.

This sneaky cake is a bit of a trickster! It looks like a Christmas pudding but is, in fact, a delicious chocolate cake covered in Maltesers. Kids will love tricking others with this cake and, of course, they will also love the taste of this chocolate extravaganza!

Christmas cookie houses

Gingerbread houses are a Christmas tradition but these little cookie houses are so much easier to assemble and just as fun.

Use different biscuits and decorative items to give each cookie house a unique, fun look. The kids can even make a small Christmas town of their own.

Christmas hacks for parents

Keeping presents hidden

In the loft – assuming your child can’t access it or wouldn’t think to look there!

In the car boot – this is a winner if you can’t access it from the back seats.

Inside luggage – zip presents into a suitcase.

Another house – leaving with friends or family will thwart the most ardent snooper!

Laundry basket – kids are unlikely to go digging through dirty laundry so stash some wrapped presents at the bottom.

In the run up

Ignore the hype – don’t compare your family to every trend on social media.

Love your lists – getting things down on paper definitely helps you stay sane.

Delegate – don’t do everything. Ask for help and get everyone involved.

Drop high stress rituals –families thrive on traditions but choose the ones most important to you.

Stick to routines - your child will find it reassuring. Avoid back to back socialising and travel – try to arrange some visits after Christmas.

Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

Measure the height of your room before you choose a tree.

Nordmann Fir is a great choice as it does not drop its glossy dark needles and has a good shape.

Place in a stand with a well of water in the base.

Check daily and top up the water when the level drops.

Choose a cool place, away from radiators and fires.

Don’t let your tree dry out.

On the day

Not all at once - spread out gift-opening to keep Christmas morning manageable.

Turn present-giving into a game – everyone takes turns and must try to guess what it is before opening.

Avoid present chaos - wrap everyone’s Christmas gifts in different paper so you can recognise them.

Prioritise presence over presents – remember Christmas is really about time with your family.

Avoid overload – kids can get over stimulated so give them time to play quietly or rest.

Award-winning Yorkshire’s Winter

Wonderland makes a welcome return

The Ice Factor – the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink at 975 sq. m – will once again have a 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree as its centrepiece. Surrounded by illuminated trees, log cabins, the rink side cafe and a viewing platform, this magical setting makes for the perfect festive experience for all ages. Sessions start from 9.30am, with the last session at 8.30pm.

The vintage funfair features rides from the golden era of fairgrounds. Speed and thrills await on the 1936 Speedway, the 1937 Brooklands Dodgems or the stunning 1930s Chair-o-Plane. Muffin the Mule and Hush Hush the train will delight children, as will the games stalls offering prizes galore.

Christmas would not be the same without a visit to Santa and his elves. Visitors can follow the path

through the snowy enchanted woodland to find his cosy log cabin and collect a special gift (additional cost – book separately).

Overlooking the ice rink is The Chalet, a cosy alpine-themed, après-skate café and an ideal spot to warm up after a session on the ice or to watch the skaters glide past. Mulled wine, the best hot chocolate in town, hot dogs, toasties and sweet treats will be available to purchase, and private parties can also be arranged. Open 18th Nov8th Jan. yorkshireswinterwonderland.com

More Christmas gift ideas

Hot Wheels Car Plate by Munchy Play

My Self-Esteem Journal & My Worry Journal

Rev-up mealtimes with the official Hot Wheels™ Car Plate. Race cars around the Hot Wheels™ track, pull stunts and dodge obstacles past the finish line. Designed by a mum, the colourful blue and orange plate makes a fun gift for kids (ages 3+), fussy eaters, and car fans. £16.50.

Girls Support Girls

Girls Support Girls is a small but mighty book bursting with kick-ass quotes, uplifting statements and awesome affirmations – a celebration of female strength and solidarity. There’s nothing more powerful than a strong woman –except for two strong women supporting each other! £6.99.

Two new activity journals inspired by the numberone best-selling children’s mental health title You’re a Star by Poppy O’Neill. Books contain cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help children aged 7+ grow in confidence. £7.99 each.

The Book for Badass Women

The Book for Badass Women is a sassy little book filled with empowering tips and quotes. What is a badass woman? Whatever the heck she wants to be!

Dive head first into advice on strengthening your selfconfidence, going after your goals and empowering other women. £9.99

Clubs & Classes

Baby Swimmers, York, Harrogate, Pocklington & Leeds

Fun swimming classes for your little ones from 6 weeks upwards. With a structured awards programme you can see your babies & children progress to confident swimmers. Baby Swimmers cater for babies and children of all ages. www.babyswimmers.co.uk

Blank Canvas Art Club, York

Do your kids love Art? Well, join the club! We have online & in person afterschool classes for kids aged 5-18 (& adults too) offering imaginative, fun twoway tuition in small classes. We teach fine art skills and techniques with a varied termly curriculum of topics. Contact blankcanvasartclub@gmail.com

Emily Frances Swimming, Selby

Dedicated to offering you the best swimming experience possible through our unique swimming lessons. We offer inclusive swimming lessons for all ages and abilities available Sunday to Friday at two different locations in the Selby area: Cawood Park and Willow Lodge Pool in Bubwith. www.emilyfrances.co.uk

Panda’s Playtime, York

Music & sensory group for Under 5s based in Heworth & Dunnington. Sessions are full of action songs, nursery rhymes, sensory play, puppets, instruments & lots of props. A new theme each week keeps children excited about the sessions & makes them fun, enjoyable & unique. www.pandasplaytime.co.uk

Jorvik Swim Academy, York

Lessons are for 3+ through Jorvik Swim Academy. Fully qualified teachers, supported by in-water assistants. We follow the Swim England Learn-toswim programme & have a high staff to child ratio. Lessons are on Sundays at Archbishop Holgate’s School. www.jorvikswimacademy.co.uk

Feast, York

FEAST brings the fun to the school holidays, offering loads of different activities for everyone to take part in. All children and young people across North Yorkshire can get involved in a range of sessions, with free places and a free lunch for those on benefits-related Free School Meals. There is so much to choose from – come and take a look at what’s on! Click here to find out more