Families Suffolk Magazine: Issue 75 - Jan/Feb 24 (Print Edition)

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IN THIS ISSUE

What's On Beat the winter blues with our guide to What's On over the next two months and ideas for places to visit.

Education Supporting your child with SAT's PLUS...Top book titles to check out this year from Suffolk Libraries Issue 75: Jan/Feb 2024

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Families Suffolk: Issue 75

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Scan to Book!

Suffolk has a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world, which continues to shape the culture of the county today.

Celebrating stories of arrival, community, and contribution, ‘Arrivals’ explores historical and contemporary experiences of migration to Suffolk since the end of World War II.

Running until Sunday 14 April 2024

The Hold, Ipswich l Suitable for all l Free entry

Come along to learn more about the often untold stories of generations of migrants who have made their home in Suffolk. The ‘Arrivals’ exhibition is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

@suffolkarchives www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson

2 Families Suffolk: Issue 75

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

Urgently need more

Volunteers

CONTACT US: EDITOR: Stacey Phillips

Could you offer support and friendship to a Suffolk family?

T: 07951 946736 E: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk

Do something amazing in 2024

Design: Stacey Phillips Printed by: Buxton Press Next Issue: Mar/Apr 2024

Be a volunteer

12,000 copies of the magazine are distributed throughout Suffolk. To request copies please contact the Editor.

Join our incredible community of more than 280 volunteers and make a difference to a family in your local area. Our volunteers support Suffolk families through weekly home visits, telephone and video calls or supporting one of our regular group sessions.

Full training is provided.

Welcome Welcome to our first issue of 2024, I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year.

If you want to beat the winter blues, take a look at our 'What's On' guide for ideas for things to do and places to visit.

We have a brilliant feature on pages 9-10 from Suffolk Libraries with some great book suggestions for the year ahead. Bates, Wells & Braithwaite reflect on the past 12 months in their Family Law feature and Suffolk County Council's Public Health Team offers advice on how small changes can make a big difference to your quality of life.

For more information please visit

www.homestartinsuffolk.org | 01473 621104

Visit us in our ceramics café or pick up a paint at home kit and get creative

We also have a great Education feature with advice on supporting your child with SAT's and how sport can be a vehicle for character development and platform for profound personal growth. I hope you enjoy this new issue.

Best Wishes

Stacey Phillips

IN THIS ISSUE: Suffolk Libraries

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Family Law

12-15

Education

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9-10

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Clubs & Classes

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What's On

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4-6

GET £2£2 OFFOFF CERAMIC PAINTINGPAINTING WITH THIS ADVERT CERAMIC Please cut out and take with you when visiting.

IN THIS ISSUE

What's On

Beat the winter blues with our guide to What's On over the next two months and ideas for places to visit.

Education

Supporting your child with SAT's PLUS...Top book titles to check out this year from Suffolk Libraries Issue 75: Jan/Feb 2024

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue

To subscribe to our FREE online edition, please visit: www.bit.ly/2XolhJe. PRINT DISCLAIMER: Families Suffolk Magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Print Ltd, the distributors, franchisees and LCMB cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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We are open from Monday to Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm Closed on Wednesdays term time only Sunday 11.00am – 4.00pm Booking advisable

Open late for adult painting iday on the first Fr . of every month

Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Café, Ipswich, IP1 3DJ T. 01473 216865 E: Info@pennikkitypots.co.uk

PennikkityPots pennikkitypots.co.uk

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Families Suffolk: Issue 75

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WHAT'S ON

WHAT'S ON BEAT THE WINTER BLUES WITH OUR GUIDE TO WHAT'S ON OVER THE NEXT TWO MONTHS AND IDEAS FOR PLACES TO VISIT.

MONEY SAVING OFFERS

FAMILY SHOW LISTINGS Sing-a-Long-a Matilda The Musical Sun 28th Jan Ipswich Regent www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

Banham Zoo www.zsea.org/banham/tickets/ bz-day-ticket

Colchester Zoo

The Ministry of Science Sun 11th Feb The Apex, Bury St Edmunds www.theapex.co.uk

Dear Zoo

Enjoy a family day out for less this Winter with a range of fantastic undercover areas, delicious hot drinks and seasonal food to keep you warm as you embark on a wild adventure!

Purchase E-tickets online in advance to visit Colchester Zoo for a day between the 1st Jan – 4th Feb 24 from just £10.00 per person!

www.colchester-zoo.com

Mon 19th - Tue 20th Feb New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

Charlie Cook's Favourite Book

Africa ALive www.zsea.org/reserve/tickets/aaday-ticket Tickets to both attractions are only £12 during January 2024

OUTDOOR FUN

Tue 20th - Wed 21st Feb Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds www.theatreroyal.org

The Sooty Show – 75th Birthday Spectacular!

Wed 21st Feb | Ipswich Regent www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

The Amazing Bubble Man Wed 21st Feb The Apex, Bury St Edmunds www.theapex.co.uk

The Gruffalo's Child

Easton Farm Park

Winter at Ickworth Estate

Pound Corner, Easton, IP13 0EQ

Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5QE

Easton Farm Park will be closed throughout January but will be open 10am - 4pm during February Half Term.

They are however launching brand new Play Days at Willow Barn Cafe during the Farm Park Winter maintenance season.

With over 1800 acres of parkland, gardens and brand new all-weather path to enjoy, Ickworth is the perfect place to get back to nature and enjoy a winter walk or family bike ride. Plus Childrens Crafts are also available during February Half Term.

www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth

Go Ape | High Lodge

Phoenix Cycleworks

High Lodge Forest Centre, Downham Brandon, IP27 0AF www.goape.co.uk www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge

Bury Road, Kentford, CB8 7PZ

Hollow Trees Farm Semer, Nr Hadleigh, IP7 6HX www.hollowtrees.co.uk

www.phoenixcycleworks.co.uk

The Playground Haysborder Road, Barrow, Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5BE

www.theplaygrounduk.com

4 Families Suffolk: Issue 75

Wed 21st - Thu 22nd Feb New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

The Three Little Pigs Thu 22nd - Fri 23rd Feb Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds www.theatreroyal.org

Don't Panic! We Can Save The Planet!

Fri 23rd Feb | Quay Theatre, Sudbury www.quaysudbury.com

Frozen Jr Fri 23rd - Sat 24th Feb Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge www.seckfordtheatre.org

Bluey’s Big Play Fri 23rd - Sun 25th Feb Ipswich Regent www.ipswichtheatres.co.uk

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EDUCATION WHAT'S ON INDOOR FUN

NATIONAL CAMPIAGNS RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRD WATCH

Jump In, Ipswich

InflataNation, Ipswich

Anglia Retail Park, Ipswich, IP1 5QP

Cardinal Park, Ipswich IP1 1AX

Enjoy wall-to-wall trampolines, giant airbag, battle beam, Wipeout, tumble track and more! Whilst the soft play park includes 18 slides, interactive and sports areas, imagination world and a stage for your budding actors.

A brand new InflataNation is opening in Ipswich this January. With a totally awesome range of inflatables across the expansive indoor arena at Cardinal Park, including colossal slides, ball pit, and thrilling obstacle courses.

G www.inflatanation.com OPENIN NUARY JA /locations/ipswich/ 2024

www.gojumpin.com/adventurepark-ipswich/

The Hold 131 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LN Arrivals at The Hold, is a family friendly exhibition celebrating stories of arrival, community, and different cultures.

This exhibition explores historical and contemporary experiences of migration to Suffolk.

www.suffolkarchives.co.uk

Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Every year, hundreds of thousands of nature lovers like you take part, helping to build a picture of how garden birds are faring.

It's easy to be part of Big Garden Birdwatch. Simply choose an hour between 26 and 28 January and count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony, or in your local park. Only count birds that land.

Then tell us what you saw. Even if you saw nothing, it still counts.

For more information and to sign up visit: www.rspb.org.uk/whatshappening/big-garden-birdwatch

GET INVOLVED IN CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

Abbeygate Cinema 4 Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1LZ

www.abbeygatecinema.co.uk

Clip 'n Climb 2 Berwick Road, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich, IP3 9ST www.ipswich.clipnclimb.co.uk

Pennikkity Pots 1 Crown & Anchor Mews, Tower Ramparts, Ipswich, IP1 3DJ

CurveMotion Lark Valley Business Park, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6LJ

A quirky little ceramics painting studio and cafe that is a ‘must do’ experience based in Ipswich.

Geek Retreat Ipswich

You can also get £2 OFF ceramic painting using the advert on p3.

41A Upper Brook Street Ipswich, IP4 1DU

www.pennikkitypots.co.uk

Create by the Bridge Project Borehamgate Precinct, Sudbury, CO10 2EG

www.thebridgeproject.co.uk

Glass & Craft Kersey Mill, Hadleigh, IP7 6DP www.glassandcraft.co.uk

www.curvemotion.uk

www.geek-retreat.uk

Kingstreet Cinema The Corn Exchange, King Street, Ipswich IP1 1DH

www.kingstreetcinema.co.uk

Yaya's House Birch Farm, Nr Hadleigh Ipswich, IP8 3NJ www.yayashouse.co.uk

From 5 to 11 February, families across the UK are encouraged to take part in Children’s Mental Health Week organised by charity Place2Be. This year’s theme is My Voice Matters.

My Voice Matters is about encouraging young people to use their voices, share what matters to them and encourage those around them to hear their voices.

Evidence shows that empowering children and young people can have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. For example, children and young people who feel that their voices are heard - and that what they say makes a difference - have higher levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem.

Find FREE resources for parents and carers and more information at: www.

childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk

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WHAT'S&ON CLUBS CLASSES

Little Kickers #MoreThanJustFootball

By Steven Hathcher, Little Kickers Ipswich

Football fun for children aged 18 months - 8 7 years.

“Learning the FUNdamentals of Football”

www.LittleKickers.co.uk facebook.com/LittleKickersUKIpswich ipswich@littlekickers.co.uk

07762 341982

At Little Kickers we have four different football classes each tailored to a different age group, from 18 months through to your child's 8th birthday.

However, we have two core beliefs that we take into every session.

Firstly, we believe in something we call “Play not Push”. It means teaching football in a fun, pressure-free environment.

We want to give children a positive introduction to sport as a whole, not just football, so they’re more likely to stay healthy and active throughout their lives.

Secondly, we believe football can be educational. Coached in the right way it can stimulate imagination and aid early development skills such as learning colours and numbers, following instructions and playing as a team.

It’s an approach that has won us numerous awards and helped us expand globally over the last 20 years. And like all our Kickers, we never stop learning. We’re continually improving and updating our classes, based on feedback and input from child health specialists as well as our network of over 2,500 coaches worldwide.

FIND OUT MORE...

If you'd like more information on our classes please visit: www.littlekickers.co.uk, email: ipswich@littlekickers.co.uk or call us on: 07762 341982. We'd be happy to help.

6 Families Suffolk: Issue 75

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CLUBSEDUCATION & CLASSES

NINE alternative sports for your child to try

By Andrew Campbell

Whether your child is bored with the usual options or simply not interested in the conventional afterschool and weekend sport activities, you might be able to entice them to get active, develop a new interest and meet other like-minded kids by considering one of these more left-field sports

1. ARCHERY can captivate children's interest with its blend of focus, precision and historical allure. It provides a sense of accomplishment as kids master the art of hitting targets with arrows. The sport encourages discipline, patience and fine motor skills, promoting mental and physical development. Archery also instills confidence, teamwork and respect for safety. Soft archery is now available as a safe and fun way to introduce the sport to young ones.

More information and local clubs at: www.startarchery.co.uk 2. CHEERLEADING is growing in popularity as an alternative sport with over eighty nine thousand involved at recreational, competitive and elite level.

Requiring a unique combination of gymnastics, dance and acrobatic stunts, it fosters physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and confidence. Competitions and events are held regularly at venues across the country and you are likely to find a club not too far away. More information at: www.ukca.org.uk 3. DISC GOLF appeals to children due to its simplicity and accessibility. With just a frisbee, kids can enjoy outdoor fun, exercise and social interaction.

It offers a sense of achievement, skill development and the opportunity to play in beautiful natural settings. Disc golf is inclusive, allowing kids of all ages and abilities to participate, making it an attractive and cost-effective choice. www.discgolfuk.uk 4. FENCING is ideal for children who struggle with team sports. Combining physical activity with mental strategy

and discipline, it also promotes agility, balance and co-ordination, all while teaching focus and quick decisionmaking. Fencing enhances selfconfidence and sportsmanship through one-on-one combat. It's safe and emphasises protective gear and rules.

Additionally, the sport encourages a sense of chivalry and respect, offering valuable life lessons alongside the physical benefits. Local clubs at: www.britishfencing.com 5. FUTSAL is an exciting, fast-paced form of football. It's played in a smaller, confined space, making it easier for kids to get involved and actively participate. The emphasis on ball control, quick passing and teamwork help develop soccer skills while encouraging social interaction.

Futsal's reduced physical demand and emphasis on fun make it an attractive choice, fostering a love for the sport from an early age. More information at: www.englandfootball.com 6. PADEL TENNIS is an enticing sport for children due to its accessibility and engaging nature. It's usually played in doubles on a smaller court enclosed by mesh or glass walls, making it easy for kids to keep the ball in play.

Padel combines elements of tennis and squash, emphasising hand-eye coordination, strategy and teamwork.

Its social and active aspects make it a fun and appealing sport for children.

More information and local clubs at: www.lta.org.uk 7. PARKOUR (or Freerunning) harnesses kids’ instinctive love of jumping

and throwing themselves around.

It enhances strength, agility and spatial awareness, instilling selfconfidence. It’s an athletic discipline which focusses on moving through urban environments using acrobatic techniques like vaulting, climbing and jumping. But it’s also popular at indoor settings such as leisure centres, gym clubs and trampoline parks. More information at: www.parkour.uk 8. PICKLEBALL is a racquet sport that combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It's played on a smaller court with a low net. Pickleball is attractive to children because it's easy to learn, offers immediate success, and doesn't require much physical strength. It fosters hand-eye coordination, social interaction, and physical activity.

The sport's adaptability and inclusive nature make it an appealing choice for children of various ages and skill levels. There are over two hundred and seventy pickleball courts in Britain.

More information and local clubs www.pickleballengland.org 9. STREET DANCING is a freestyle dance form that emerged from urban culture and is great for a child who loves to get down and boogie but is not attracted to traditional dance styles. Whilst fantastic for encouraging self-expression, creativity and selfconfidence, it also promotes physical fitness and flexibility while teaching rhythm and coordination. More information about a local Street Dance school is available at: www.cdcstreetdance.co.uk

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TOP TITLES TO CHECK OUT

8 Families Suffolk: Issue 75

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FROM SUFFOLK LIBRARIES! Looking for a great book? Here are some brilliant children's books that your children will love.

Available free of charge from your local library!

PICTURE BOOKS

GRAPHIC NOVELS

HEART OF A GIANT BY HOLLIE HUGHES PENGUIN HUDDLE BY ROSS MONTGOMERY THE GOAT AND THE STOAT AND THE BOAT

BY EM LYNAS AND MATT HUNT A DINOSAUR + UNICORN + ROBOT ADVENTURE

BY SARAH COYLE AND ADAM WALKER-PARKER THE EYEBROWS OF DOOM

BY STEVE SMALLMAN AND MIGUEL ORDÓÑEZ MAVIS THE BRAVEST BY LU FRASER

HEIST AND SEEK BY JOHN PATRICK GREEN LET THE FUR FLY! BY NADIA SHIREEN FOR YOUR SPIES ONLY BY MO O’HARA BUMBLE & SNUG AND THE SHY GHOST

BY MARK BRADLEY LUNA AND THE TREASURE OF TLALOC

BY JOE TODD STANTON OOF! RIGHT IN THE PUDDINGS BY JAMIE SMART

JUNIOR NON-FICTION DO YOU LOVE OCEANS? BY MATT ROBERTSON THE FROZEN WORLDS

BY JASON BITTEL AND CLAIRE MCELFATRICK KAY’S INCREDIBLE INVENTIONS BY ADAM KAY A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ASTRONAUT AND MARS AND THE DISTANT STARS

BY MIKE BARFIELD AND JESS BRADLEY ANIMAL FACTOPIA BY JULIE BEER LIFESIZE BABY ANIMALS BY SOPHY HENN

JUNIOR FICTION THE SWIFTS BY BETH LINCOLN THE BOY WHO MADE MONSTERS

BY JENNY PEARSON AND KATIE KEAR BODY IN THE BLITZ BY ROBIN STEVENS READ AND SCREAM AND REPEAT: THIRTEEN SPINE - TINGLING TALES

BY JENNIFER KILLICK PEANUT JONES AND THE TWELVE PORTALS

BY ROB BIDDULPH PERIL ON THE ATLANTIC BY A.M. HOWELL IMPOSSIBLE CREATURES BY KATHERINE RUNDELL

Check out these titles in your local library or visit us online for more suggestions! www.suffolklibraries.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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LOOKING BACK AT DEVELOPMENTS IN FAMILY LAW IN 2023 As our first article of 2024, Bates Wells & Braithwaite Managing Partner Denise Head looks back on the last twelve months and comments on some of the changes and advances, as well as disappointments, in Family Law. It has also been a very exciting year for the team and we would like to share some of our good news.

But first, let’s look at the law...

“No fault divorce” reform: The law actually changed back in April 2022 but it was such a seismic reform that it is worth noting how it has settled in the 18 months of its influence.

Essentially, “no fault divorce” means that couples go through divorce proceedings without apportioning blame. A slight surge in numbers of divorces was recorded; most likely because couples were waiting to benefit from the promised enhanced simplicity of the process. Generally, “no fault” has been positively received, and it remains encouraging that the HM Courts & Tribunal Service reported that “nearly one in four applications for divorce are made jointly, meaning more families are able to divorce amicably as a direct result of our reforms.”

BATES WELLS S O L I C I T O R S

For you and your family

And now for some of our good news...

Providing legal advice when you need it most

Our services include: FAMILY LAW:

RESOLVING DISPUTES:

PRIVATE CLIENT SERVICES:

• Divorce & separation

• Personal injury

• Wills, trusts & probate

• Financial & property issues

• Clinical negligence

• Powers of attorney

• Pension agreements & entitlements

• Houses, property & neighbours

• Residential property

• Family mediation

• Contentious wills & probate

• Pre-nuptial/living together agreements • Civil partnerships

• Contract disputes • Consumer affairs/ faulty goods & service

• Same sex relationships FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Denise Head Partner/Solicitor & Mediator T 01473 219282 E denise.head@bates-wells.co.uk

29 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1AQ

Cohabitation reform: Progress has not been made in this area with calls to extend legal protections to unmarried couples and their children being repeatedly rejected by the Government.

England is out of sync with modern relationships. The myth of the “common-law” spouse continues to thrive leaving naïve partners vulnerable and often dangerously dependent. Given that 51% of children were born to unmarried parents in 2021, 2024 must surely be the year that we see this family structure better protected by the law in the event of a relationship breakdown.

Public Law Outline (PLO): The PLO sets out the duties of local authorities when taking a case to court and asking for a Care Order to take a child into care or for a Supervision Order.

The relaunch in January 2023 , positively reflects the family justice system’s drive to cut the number and length of care proceedings; hopefully down towards 26 weeks over the next couple of years.

& BRAITHWAITE

• Children & social care

Minimum Age for Marriage: The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 came into force in February 2023, taking the minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18 years of age, even if there is parental consent. The reform has been welcomed as a means of protecting vulnerable young people and cracking down on forced marriages.

Christopher Mason Head of Dispute Resolution T 01473 295524 E christopher.mason@bates-wells.co.uk

www.bates-wells.co.uk

Legal directory success: There are two key guides to the legal profession which carry out annual research in the sector: the Legal 500 and Chambers UK. The findings are based on submissions made by the participating firms, supported by referee and peer group feedback. This is the first year that we have made a submission for the Family practice, and we are delighted that we have gone straight into the ranking tables.

New partner: We congratulate Zoe Southgate, who heads up our Private Client team, on her promotion to partner. Zoe has over 20 years’ experience in providing advice and assistance with wills, probate, inheritance tax planning, administering estates, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters.

Team growth: We welcomed four paralegals to the firm over the summer months: Mariana Lopes and Lily Hardy joined our busy residential property team; Francesca Capon is focussing on dispute resolution; Emily Walsh is working with Zoe on wills and probate.

A happy new year from all the team at Bates Wells & Braithwaite in Ipswich.

10 Families Suffolk: Issue 75

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Small changes can make a big difference

T

he festive period can be a wonderful time of

Suffolk County Council have teamed up with

year, but it can often result in us all eating

DrinkCoach, inviting you to take a simple test

and drinking a little more than usual, and despite

to better understand your current drinking

all the “New Year, New You” noise, getting into a

habits, access to free online coaching and

healthy and balanced routine can be challenging.

discover small changes which could help

Most of us know that drinking too much alcohol

improve your quality of life.

can have a negative impact on our health and

Take the alcohol test today and start taking

wellbeing, but you don’t have to be dancing on

steps that future you (and the kids) may thank

tables, forgetting the night before or nursing a

you for!

raging headache the morning after drinking for it to be causing a negative effect!

VISIT:

The festive period aside, once the children are in bed after a long day of juggling tantrums, homework, clubs and their exuberant social calendars, sometimes we can feel like we deserve a drink, or two, but are you noticing you are feeling ‘not on the ball’, low, anxious and more tired than usual?

Like Healthy Suffolk on Facebook for future updates and follow #SmallChangesSuffolk for advice and information that could support you to achieve a healthy balance throughout 2024.

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Families Suffolk: Issue 75

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EDUCATION

Supporting your child with SATs

By Jemma Z Smith By the end of their last academic year at primary school, children are usually very settled and are experiencing the privilege of being the oldest in the school. Then comes talk of SATs (Statutory Assessment Tests) which will happen in May. As a parent, it's only natural to be concerned about your child's academic progress and wellbeing. The key to helping your child succeed is to provide them with the right support, encouragement and a stress-free environment.

The Key Stage 2 SATs are standardised tests in the UK for children in their final year of primary school. These assessments check their understanding of key areas in core subjects (mathematics, reading comprehension and spelling, punctuation and grammar). The purpose of these tests is to measure school performance and to assess your child's progress.

You might wonder whether it is necessary for your child to be impacted in a process partly designed to evaluate school performance. There are several reasons for this: first and foremost, the overall quality of education provided by a school significantly impacts your child's learning experience.

Moreover, SATs results can offer valuable insights into areas where the school might need to improve, benefiting both current and future students. Understanding the importance of SATs also gives you the opportunity to advocate for your child's success and make their transition to secondary education as smooth as possible.

Children should not be sitting mock SATs exams constantly in school as they can feel demoralising or stressful. However, they do need to see and experience a formal testing situation before the actual SATs exams, particularly if they have not been in one before. This can help to reduce the anxiety of the unknown.

At home, have open and honest conversations with your child about SATs. Explain that these tests are not about passing or failing but about measuring their growth and understanding their areas of strength and improvement. Setting up a structured daily routine that includes time for homework, study and relaxation can also help.

The KS2 SATs can be a source of anxiety both for parents and children but the right approach can help everyone navigate this period with confidence. The key is to reassure your child that you believe in their abilities and you are there to help them succeed. Remember, the most important thing is that your child tries their best.

WHAT DO SATS TESTS CONSIST OF? Reading comprehension. This includes one paper with at least three texts to read and comprehension questions. The texts will be a mixture of fiction and non-fiction and can include poetry.

Spelling, punctuation and grammar (often abbreviated to SPaG or GPaS). This consists of two papers, one with twenty words to spell and one with questions focussed around grammar and punctuation. Students will be asked questions such as ‘identify the expanded noun phrase in this sentence.’

If your child knows the technical names for the grammar that we use in everyday speaking and writing, they will find this test much less daunting.

Mathematics. These papers assess arithmetic knowledge and problem-solving skills. There are usually three papers set over two days of SATs week. If your child has been able to consolidate their arithmetic knowledge, this will stand them in good stead for the subsequent two problem-solving and reasoning papers.

2024 KS2 SATs will start on Monday 13 May. Read more all about them and see past papers at : www.sats-papers. co.uk/2024-sats-papers/ ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit: www.educationhotel.co.uk

Does my child need a tutor for SATs?

A tutor can provide your child with valuable additional support. Unlike the 11+ or entrance exams for independent schools, SATs tests are not competitive and students are not ranked comparatively between each other. They test only what has been taught in the National Curriculum throughout your child’s time at primary school. This means that there is a very clear structure to what your child will need to have been taught prior to taking the exams in May. Remember to check with your child’s school earlier in the school year to see whether your child qualifies for additional reading support if they have a reading issue.

A tutor can focus on specific areas tailored to your child’s needs and boost their confidence as they prepare for their SATs. Tutors with experience in helping children prepare for SATs can make the learning experience purposeful, engaging and effective rather than ‘teaching to a test’ This might include plugging gaps from previous years to help a child take the next step to success.

12 Families Suffolk: Issue 75

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Where every pupil

flourishes

At Framlingham College we celebrate every individual.

Our size, structure and ethos mean that our entire focus is on understanding, guiding and inspiring each child individually – so they can find their self-belief, discover their own talents and challenge themselves to achieve more than they thought possible.

Find out more about Reception entry for 2024 PREP SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Friday 08 March 2024 10:00 – 13:00 familiesonline.co.uk

Families Suffolk: Issue 75 admissions@framlinghamcollege.co.uk | 01728 685331 | framlinghamcollege.co.uk/openmornings

13

EDUCATION

FREE

Sci-Fest at Colchester ENTRY Royal Grammar School Saturday 16th March, 10am – 4pm

Colchester Royal Grammar School

Sci-Fest 2024 Saturday 16th March 10am - 4pm Free entry - no booking required.

Families welcome, fun interactive activities.

6 Lexden Road, CO3 3ND

A T-Rex, a planetarium, rockets, dissections, fossils and VR experiences were just some of the many activities that wowed visitors to Colchester Royal Grammar School’s Sci-Fest 2023.

In excess of 3,000 visitors explored the wonders of science across the school’s site via a wide range of family-friendly activities, both free and ticketed, that were run by CRGS students and external providers.

In 2024, Sci-Fest will once again inspire visitors. There will be puzzle rooms, an Escape Room, a Forensics Lab, exploding experiments and dissections, and multiple Virtual Reality experiences. The Planetarium tent will return, as will Ed’s Mini Monsters offering the chance for visitors to touch and look up close at various mini beasts. Smoothie Bikes will enable visitors to pedal hard to make delicious, healthy drinks, and representatives from Colchester Zoo will inspire and inform.

There may even be some dinosaur visitors!

We look forward to welcoming visitors to Sci-Fest 2024 on Saturday 16th March, 10am – 4pm at Colchester Royal Grammar School, 6 Lexden Road, Colchester, CO3 3ND.

Premium activities will incur a small charge. Refreshments available.

For more information about Colchester Royal Grammar School, visit: www.crgs.co.uk

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes deliver proven academic success.

Research shows Kumon students are over a year ahead of the national average in maths at the end of primary school.*

Ipswich Central Study Centre 01473614665

kumon.co.uk Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating centres only.

Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability. *For research findings on Kumon study, please visit kumon.co.uk.

14 Families Suffolk: Issue 75

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EDUCATION EDUCATION

SPORT: a vehicle for character development and platform for profound personal growth.

By Fred Wenham, Director of Sport (Prep and Transition) at St Josephs College, Ipswich

Fred Wenham

One would seldom find a medium, so well integrated into the life of a child, and that could have such an impact on their evolution. Every young person is a canvas for success; very often one which has far greater potential than they believe. But rather than aiming to create an Olympian of tomorrow, our scoreboard of success should be, I believe, heavily focused around the development of character and of the physical and emotional wellbeing of children. Sport is merely a tool to achieve this.

Research published recently by the Youth Sport Trust in conjunction with HMC Schools supports exactly that.

It states that participation in sport is a significant predictor of self-belief and mental toughness. The paper also reported that greater sports participation in school is directly associated with higher levels of wellbeing.

Every sports coach has the desire to develop ability, but it is not the

technical ability that we should focus on solely. While this should certainly play a large part in the journey, it is really the development of character that should underpin practice. The ability to communicate, deal with challenge and adversity, work with others and believe in one’s own strengths whilst being aware of areas for improvement are fundamental. We need children to recognise success but reflect on potential avenues for personal development.

As sporting practitioners working with young people at such a vital time in their lives, we should appreciate the unique position we hold, coming to work every day with the opportunity to inspire the next generation, add value to and nurture these fantastic young people.

programme that acts as the foundation for an all-through school of sporting excellence. This broad, balanced sports programme is delivered in our exceptional facilities, encouraging a lasting love of sport for a healthy and happier life.

We aim to deliver a programme that allows players to participate and persevere, whilst providing a platform to perform. We believe that no student has a sporting ambition too great and we aim to foster and support the highest of goals for our young people.

My mission is to raise awareness and develop responsibility, providing the knowledge and confidence for pupils to make good decisions in life and on the pitch, and I’m incredibly lucky to have the chance to do so.

We have a collective ambition for sporting excellence and engagement radiating across students and staff alike at St Joseph’s College. A particular focus is the creation of a thriving sports

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Families Suffolk: Issue 75

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Thursday 1 February nd a e m Co ! e r o l p Ex for s e i t i Activ 0s 1 r e d Un

9am-12pm

Drop in between 9am-12pm, to find out more please visit stjos.co.uk or email admissions@stjos.co.uk St Joseph’s College, Belstead Road, Ipswich, IP2 9DR, 01473694576 16 Families Suffolk: Issue 75

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