Families Suffolk July/Aug 2022 Print Issue

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IN THIS ISSUE

Summer in Suffolk Don't miss our What's On guide full of ideas for great family days out, including this years Summer in Suffolk Museums programme

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Issue 66: July/August 2022

Families Suffolk: Issue 66 1 familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER

HOLIDAY CLUBS Fun for everyone!

WHEN

Our activities support the learning of children aged 4–12, while keeping them happy, healthy and engaged.

PRICE

Whether its painting, football training or Lego creations, there’s always something exciting to be a part of!

25th July to 2nd September 8.30am - 3.30pm (Standard Day) £14 per day 8.30am - 4.30pm (Extended Day) £18 per day

WHERE

Ipswich and Lowestoft

Free funded HAF places are available to pupil premium recipients, please contact 01473 353194 to learn more.

Supported by Ipswich School of Dancing and Total Football.

Book online now at www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk We believe in youth 2

Families Suffolk: Issue‘Inspire’ 66 is the trading name of Inspire Suffolk Limited. Registered office address: Inspire Suffolk Ltd, Lindbergh Road, Ipswich, IP3 9QX. Registered in England and Wales: 04881803. Registered charity: England & Wales 1101519

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

CONTACT US: EDITOR: Stacey Phillips T: 07951 946736 E: editor@familiessuffolk.co.uk Design: Stacey Phillips Printed by: Buxton Press Next Issue: Sept/Oct 2022 12,000 copies of the magazine are distributed throughout Suffolk. To request copies please contact the Editor.

Welcome Welcome to our new summer edition. We have put together a fantastic 'Summer in Suffolk' feature to help you and your family plan the summer holidays. Everything from Afternoon Tea at the Suffolk Food Hall to summer workshops with Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Climbing, Cafe & Soft Play Book Online www.clipnclimbipswich.com

The brilliant Summer in Suffolk Musems programme is also back this year, with a fresh batch of events, activities and workshops. We would like to thank our freinds at the Association for Suffolk Museums for providing a helpful pull out guide on pages 10-11.

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

Plus... Suffolk County Council's Public Health Service has provided some very useful information on taking asthma seriously, and common triggers for children.

I hope you have a great summer.

Stacey Phillips

IN THIS ISSUE: FR

Summer in Suffolk:

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Everything you need to help plan your summer.

14-15 Clubs & Classes 16-17 Family Health & Wellbeing 18

Family Law

19

Education

IN THIS ISSUE

Summer in Suffolk

Don't miss our What's On guide full of ideas for great family days out, including this years Summer in Suffolk Museums programm e

familiesonline.co.uk Issue 66: July/August

2022

familiesonlin Families Suffolk: Issue 66 1 e.co.uk

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.

£2 OFF CERAMIC PAINTING We are open from Monday to Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm Closed on Wednesdays term time only Sunday 11.00am – 4.00pm Booking advisable

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

PennikkityPots pennikkitypots.co.uk

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Summer in in Suffolk Summer Suffolk

Let us hel

CHILDREN'S AFTERNOON TEA

PARTY IN THE PARK

FELIXSTOWE CARNIVAL

Belle Vue Park, Sudbury Sunday 17th July Don't miss this FREE, family-friendly extravaganza www.sudburytowncouncil.co.uk/ partyinthepark

Felixstowe Fri 22nd - Sun 24th July Grand Procession, live music and a Fireworks Spectacular. www.visitfelixstowe.org.uk/ whats-on/felixstowe-carnival

Suffolk Food Hall, Ipswich Being served throughout the Summer Holidays!

Now the kids can enjoy their own Afternoon Tea too this summer. This is a smaller version of their popular adult Afternoon Tea, served with either a hot chocolate or juice. www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk/ Book-a-table

We’re now serving

Children's afternoon tea

Now the kids can enjoy their own Afternoon Tea, a smaller version of our popular adult Afternoon Tea. Served with either a hot chocolate or juice.

book via www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk/book-a-table

FAMILY FUN FEST

THE RELUCTANT DRAGON

WILD WEST SUMMER FUN

TRAINMASTER SUFFOLK

Trinity Park, Ipswich Sat 23rd - Sun 24th July Family festival fun day celebrating the best local entertainment.

West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village Tuesday 26th July - 2pm & 6.30pm Theatre in the Park - An enchanting tale of a poetry-loving dragon and

Easton Farm Park Mon 1st - Fri 29th August Dont miss the Wild West themed extravaganza throughout August.

Sudbury: Thu 4th August Bury St Edmunds: Thu 18th August A must for any train loving child!

Children can play with train track,

www.trinityparkevents.co.uk/ events-diary/family-fun-fest

his friendship with a little boy. www.weststow.org/whats-on

Plus the Bank Holiday Hoedown www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

ride on trains and more! www.suffolk.trainmaster.co.uk

FUNKY MONKEY KEYBOARD CLASSES SUMMER WORKSHOPS

KNIGHTS TOURNAMENT

When: Monday 25th July 10am-1.30pm Where: Burlington Baptist Church Cost: £30/£20 sibling discount

Framlingham Castle Sat 6th - Sun 7th August Go back in time and get closer to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/places/framlingham-castle

This one day workshop is a perfect opportunity for children to try out the electronic keyboard and make music the fun way!

Children learn in small groups how to begin to read and write music, learn the technique of the electronic keyboard and play some famous tunes, all with expert teachers and our unique scheme. It's a wonderful, relaxed introduction to practical and theoretical music, and with games, quizzes and art activities all based around music, you'll be amazed how much they can learn with us whilst having lots of fun!

All equipment and workbook supplied.

www.funkymonkey.info 4

THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds Tuesday 9th & Tue 16th August Join Peter Rabbit and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures in this enchanting adaptation of the much loved Beatrix Potter classic. www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk

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FESTIVAL OF WHEELS Trinity Park, Ipswich Sat 6th - Sun 7th August One of the best all action family motoring weekends on the show calendar, Festival of Wheels is one not to be missed!!! Visit for the Day or stay over for the most amazing 4-day camping spectacle of speed, family entertainment, amazing vehicles, live stunt shows, shopping, live music, artisan food and drink and a whole lot more. www.motorshowevents.com familiesonline.co.uk

Take the stressthe out of stress the Summer out Holidays our helpful What's On guide... lp you take ofwiththis summer!

SUMMER HOLIDAY PLANNING WITH PENNIKITY POTS

PIRATES AT THE PAVILION Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe Thu 25th - Fri 26th August Prepare for Scallywags and Seadogs in this sensational summer pantomime. www.thelittleboxoffice.com/ spapavilion

FIREMAN SAM The Apex, Bury St Edmunds Wed 31st August Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in this action-packed show! www.theapex.co.uk/whats-on

EAST ANGLIAN STORYTELLING FESTIVAL The Food Museum, Stowmarket Fri 26th- Sun 28th August Daytime sessions are suitable for families and will engage and entertain children. www.foodmuseum.org.uk

SUMMER IN SUFFOLK MUSEUMS Various dates and locations See the full programme of events available for families this summer on pages 10 - 11. www.suffolkmuseums.org

Celebrating 21 years of expertise in the art of ceramic painting this quirky little business has established itself as a ‘must do’ experience when visiting Ipswich. Whether you’re celebrating a new life with first footprints, marking a special occasion, creating a bespoke gift or just getting messy memory making this is the place to go.

Don’t worry if you haven’t painted pottery before as it is suitable for everyone from tiny tots to tricky teens and it’s not just for the kids! The friendly staff will guide you through the process, all you have to do is sit back, relax and get creative. Open 7 days a week during the school holidays (closed Wednesdays term time). We recommend avoiding disappointment by calling to pre-book your table.

Prices start from £5 plus a £3 studio fee per painter to cover your time in the studio, glazing and firing and don’t forget our readers discount voucher. Items will be ready for collection one week later or a postal service is also available. Plus, there is a great little on-site café too, including outdoor seating, which you can enjoy without having to paint.

www.pennikitypots.co.uk

What activities are on offer within the HAF programme?

There are a range of activities available for children & young people to access from traditional sports camps, adventure activity camps, dance, football, arts & crafts, boxing, youth activities, and family cooking sessions.

The Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) programme is back for Summer, offering more activities, more places to the children of Suffolk to take part in enriching activities.

The HAF programme offers free places to children and young people of school age (reception to year 11), who are eligible for means tested free school meals to be able to access enriching activities and healthy food during the Easter, Summer & Christmas Holiday periods.

How do I find out more about HAF? You may receive information from your child’s school, advertised by activity providers locally and there will be further information available by following Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme | Community Directory (suffolk.gov.uk) or search Suffolk Infolink HAF

Where and when is HAF taking place?

There will be venues across Suffolk offering access to HAF activity from Ipswich to Newmarket, Lowestoft to Haverhill and Stowmarket to Sudbury with other venues in between.

The next HAF activities will be taking place during the Summer holiday period between 25th July - 2nd September 2022.

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Julian is a Mermaid © 2018 Jessica Love Zog © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, 2010 (Alison Green Books)

MARVELLOUS AND MISCHIEVOUS: LITERATURE’S YOUNG REBELS EXHIBITION: 15 JULY - 25 SEPTEMBER

On tour from the British Library this interactive, family friendly exhibition showcases some of your favourite rebellious characters from children’s books.

Featuring over 50 books, manuscripts and original artwork, the exhibition includes the characters Tracy Beaker, Pippi Longstocking, Jane Eyre, Dirty Bertie, and Matilda. Image: © Nadia Shireen, 2019 - Jonathan Cape, Penguin Random House Children’s Books

JOIN US FOR ACTIVITIES AT THE HOLD...

ART IN THE ARCHIVES: LOWESTOFT

Sat 9 July, 10.30am - 12.30pm.

Join us for a range of family crafts and activities inspired by a variety of beloved children’s classics and our exhibition ‘Marvellous and Mischievous’. Suitable for children 4 - 11 and 8 -13, check specific dates for age appropriateness. Ticketed event, £4 per child.

CINEMA CLUB

Sun 31 July and Sun 21 August.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (PG) Sun 31 July, all ages. 143 minutes.

Charlotte’s Web (U), Sun 21 August, all ages. 97 minutes.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Free admission.

Tickets are available for advance booking or on the door.

CHILDREN’S LUNCHBOXES

Available during summer holidays.

Lunchboxes are £4.50 or £4 each when purchased with event tickets booked in advance.

These include: a classic sandwich, juice carton, fresh fruit and small lentil crisps or popcorn. Meat, veggie and vegan options are available. Please present proof of purchase at the café counter on collection.

@suffolkarchives l www.suffolkarchives.co.uk/whatson

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WHAT'S ON THE BEST FAMILY DAY OUT EVER! 6TH - 7TH AUGUST TRINITY PARK 2022

Motor Show Events.com

Expires 31st Aug 2022.

suffolklibraries.co.uk/src

Illustrations ©Julian Beresford 2022

Pop in to your local library to sign-up and receive your starter pack.

We’re now serving

Children's afternoon tea

Now the kids can enjoy their own Afternoon Tea, a smaller version of our popular adult Afternoon Tea. Served with either a hot chocolate or juice.

book via www.suffolkfoodhall.co.uk/book-a-table familiesonline.co.uk

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SECRET SAXON RIDDLES AND RUNES TRAIL

23RD JULY – 31ST AUGUST 2022 Ipswich Museum ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

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FAMILY FUN DAY

FROM 15TH JULY The Food Museum foodmuseum.org.uk

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SUMMER HOLIDAY TRAIL

24TH JULY 2022 Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum mslr.org.uk

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suffolkarchives.co.uk

27TH JULY 2022 Christchurch Mansion ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

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MYTHICAL MANSION BEASTS 28TH JULY 2022 Christchurch Mansion ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

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28 MIDDY ANNIVERSARY DAY

THE RELUCTANT DRAGON

26TH JULY 2022 | 2.00PM & 6.30PM West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village weststow.org

31ST JULY 2022 Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum mslr.org.uk

PARTY AT THE PALACE

THEATRICAL CATS

CINEMA CLUB: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

National Horseracing Museum nhrm.co.uk

Ipswich Museum ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk

22ND JULY – 31ST AUGUST 2022 Landguard Fort landguard.com

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23RD JULY 2022 | 11AM – 3PM

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26TH JULY 2022

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NORFOLK & SUFFOLK NARROW GAUGE MODELLERS DAY

DINING WITH HEROES

26TH JULY – 27TH JULY 2022 Suffolk Archives

DECORATIVE DOGS

24TH JULY 2022 | 10AM – 4PM Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum aviationmuseum.net

LET’S GET CRAFTY: MARVELLOUS AND MISCHIEVOUS

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31ST JULY 2022

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Suffolk Archives suffolkarchives.co.uk

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AWFUL AUNTIE

2 AUGUST 2022 | 2.00PM & 6.30PM West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village weststow.org

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7TH AUGUST 2022 | 10AM-4PM Norfolk & Suffolk

07

11

14TH AUGUST 2022 Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum mslr.org.uk

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DISCOVERY AFTERNOONS FOR CHILDREN

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 AUGUST 2022 Aldeburgh Museum aldeburghmuseum.org.uk

RIDE A FIRE ENGINE DAY

29TH AUGUST 2022 Ipswich Transport Museum ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk

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SUMMER STORYTELLING ON MOOT GREEN

VINTAGE BUS DAY 7TH AUGUST 2022 Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum mslr.org.uk

11TH AUGUST 2022 Suffolk Archives suffolkarchives.co.uk

STEAM PUNK DAY

RAFA AND VETERANS DAY Aviation Museum aviationmuseum.net

STORYTELLING: MISCHIEF AND MYSTERY IN MOOMIN VALLEY

29 BRICK BUILT EXHIBITION

17TH – 19TH AUGUST 2022 | 1-4PM Aldeburgh Museum aldeburghmuseum.org.uk

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ENDS 30TH SEPTEMBER 2022 Moyse’s Hall Museum moyseshall.org

EAST ANGLIAN STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

SUMMER CRAFT MORNING 8TH AUGUST 2022

Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum woodbridgetidemill.org.uk

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26TH – 28TH AUGUST 2022 10AM-5PM The Food Museum foodmuseum.org.uk

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LONG MELFORD RAILWAY DAY

THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT AND BENJAMIN BUNNY

9TH AUGUST 2022 | 2.00PM & 6.30PM West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village weststow.org

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28TH AUGUST 2022 Long Melford Museum & Heritage Centre www.facebook.com/ groups/631431174122988/

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WHAT'S ON SUMMER IN SUFFOLK

Our Top 20 Low-cost summer fun ideas Educational

Water Fun

1. Visit a museum There are some brilliant museums here in Suffolk, and this summer they are offering some great family days out. For more information visit: www.suffolkmuseums.org

8. Sponge water bombs

See p10-11

So easy to make. Just cut sponges into strips and tie them together in the middle with string in order to make fun water soakers, perfect for little hands.

2. Take the summer reading challenge The Summer Reading Challenge is open to all children aged 4-11. The challenge is to read six books over the school holidays. This year's theme is Gadgeteers and will focus on scientific innovation and creative thinking. The friendly staff and volunteers at Suffolk Libraries will help children find books and get them started on their reading adventure. For each of the six books they read, they can collect a prize from the library. If they complete the challenge, they'll also receive a special certificate! www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/src

3. 50 things to do before you're 11¾ Get your kids closer to nature with The National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to undertake during the summer, from watching the sunset to creating some wild art. Many can be done at home and in your garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50-things-to-do

Crafty Capers 4. Paint some rocks Find some smooth and fairly flat rocks and paint them in vivid summer designs.

They’ll brighten up the garden, or you can use them as paperweights.

5. Flower Pressing

9. Flower soup Give your child a basket and pick lots of flowers and petals.

Then fill a bowl or tray with water. Let them pop their flowers or petals in, one at a time to see if they will sink or float.

10. Petal potions Ask your child to gather leaves, seeds, petals and grass.

Then give them a pestle and mortar to grind their leaves and petals in. Give them a jug of water and little jars so that they can make petal perfume or potions.

11. Pouring fun Fill a paddling pool or large tub with water and add a selection of pouring jugs, ladles and funnels. Add some food colouring to make it extra fun.

Out and About 12. Cinema deals Odeon cinema and Cineworld will be running kids screenings all summer, with tickets priced from £3.25. www.odeon.co.uk & www.cineworld.co.uk

13. Hop on board the train Taking the train to visit somewhere new is an adventure in itself. And it doesn’t need to cost the earth if you buy a Family and Friends Railcard. www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk

14. The Big Hoot Owl Trail

Flower pressing is a great way to preserve and study flowers. Once the kids have pressed their flowers, they can make them into greetings cards or bookmarks.

St Elizabeth Hospice have put on a spectacular free public art event for all the family this summer. You can see 50 magnificent Big Hoots plus Little Hoots placed around Ipswich. This is a fun, family-friendly trail of discovery for everyone to enjoy whilst exploring the town. For more information visit: www.thebighoot.co.uk

6. Make a sundial Teach your kids how people used to tell the time before clocks and watches were invented. All you need is a compass to pinpoint north. Then put a stick in the ground and watch the shadow change position as the sun moves.

7. Leaf and petal nature kebabs Give your child a kebab stick and tell them to find leaves and petals to poke on the sticks to make a nature kebab.

12

15. Pick your own berries Take your young ones to a pick-your-own farm to gather a heap of juicy strawberries or raspberries. Of course, they will do plenty of eating too but, hey, it’s fruit!

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SUMMER IN WHAT'S SUFFOLK ON

Enjoy a PGL family adventure holiday!

Continued...

Outdoors 16. Join in National Play Day National Play Day takes place across the country on 1 August. Children and families have the chance to play at hundreds of community events, from mass adventures in woodlands to street parties with games.

Find your nearest ones at: www.playday.org.uk

17. Go fly a kite!

They’re cheap and easy to buy or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them. www.thekitesociety.org.uk

18. Go for a bike ride Cycling is a great way to reconnect with nature and get off the beaten track. Take a ride on a local cycle path or if you're a bit more ambitious, why not take a family backpacking trip somewhere local.

19. Find the Gruffalo If you love Julia Donaldson, there are themed walks based on her books up and down the country to take the family to visit. Find out more details on these trails at: www.forestryengland.uk/gruffalo

20. Woodland adventure Explore your nearest woodland and enjoy adventure play areas, natural play, off-road cycling and lots of space to create dens. Find your local wood or forest at: www.forestryengland.uk

Step out of the day-to-day and into a family adventure on an all-inclusive holiday with PGL. Let loose and get lost together on an exciting, actionpacked adventure that turns the family back into a team.

Whether you’re conquering the kayaks, hanging out on the high ropes or zooming down zipwires, there are plenty of goose-pimpling adventures to dive into whilst your family enjoys a PGL holiday. You’ll be amazed by what you can all achieve when you tackle the fun challenges on offer.

Don’t miss out on PGL’s final summer sale and the chance to give your family the break they will always remember.

What’s more, you can save up to 50% off when you book a family adventure holiday or kids adventure camp this summer!

Visit https://pgl.co.uk/familymag to find out more and to book.

Step out of the day-to-day and into a family adventure.

Offer valid until 17/07/22. T’s & C’s apply. Visit pgl.co.uk/familymag for details.

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WHAT'S&ON CLUBS CLASSES Learn to read, write &

love

music with

£20 off first term fees!

Summer Music Workshop: 25 July 10am-1.30pm Sept weekly classes on Saturdays, FREE TRIAL

The Benefits of Summer Camps and Workshops

By Andrew Campbell

The long summer holiday break is a great opportunity for children to take part in organised activities, play schemes, workshops or day camps either on a daily or weekly basis. Here’s our guide to some of the benefits to children participating in summer camps and workshops.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Fun-packed, edcuational, unique group music lessons using electronic keyboards.

Perfect for the 4-13 year old beginner musician!

Burlington Baptist Church, London Road IP1 2EZ

Much of a child’s time at school is spent sitting behind a desk so spending the day running around, swimming, hiking, or playing sport gives children a great chance to get moving.

DEVELOP TALENTS AND SKILLS At some camps, children may be given the opportunity to learn skills and take part in activities they have not encountered before. Learning archery, painting or tennis may help children discover talents and interests they didn’t know they had.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE Discovering these new talents and developing new skills will, in turn, help children to grow in confidence and self-esteem.

www.funkymonkey.info 01732 457 100

LEARNING SOCIAL SKILLS Engaging with children from different schools, different areas and ultimately different backgrounds, is a great way to build social skills and to make new friends.

DEVELOPING INDEPENDENCE Sometimes giving children the freedom to make decisions and plan their own time is a fantastic way for them to learn to be independent.

LEAVING TECHNOLOGY BEHIND As fantastic as it is that we live in a world filled with TVs, mobile phones, lap tops and other devices, it is always great to encourage children to get outside for a good oldfashioned kick about and run around.

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS Climbing trees, changing a bike wheel, or building an outdoor camp can help ensure your child does not miss out on the learning benefits to be gained from the great outdoors and enjoy adventures they would not otherwise experience.

OFFERING ROLE MODELS

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 14

07762 341982

Often the instructors on summer camps provide a rare opportunity for a child to interact with an adult who is not part of the family unit or teacher.

PLAYING! At summer camps children have the chance to just be children, away from the pressures of school, social media and the commercial world.

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CLUBS & CLASSES

A love of performing can develop key skills for life.

W

hether it be diving into their dressing up box or stepping onto the stage, performing is important to children and young people, and the benefits of this can often go unnoticed. Performing arts can teach children and young people key skills that can be used in everyday life.

CREATIVITY Children are naturally imaginative, and pretend play and make believe comes easily to them. Imaginative play can enable a child’s social and emotional development, helping them to form new ideas and develop resourcefulness.

PROBLEM SOLVING The ability to solve problems creatively within the safety of a performing arts environment can be transferred to everyday life when dealing with a variety of issues. If children feel comfortable exploring and dealing with problems in a nonlinear way, this makes them more confident overall.

EMPATHY Performance is a classic form of storytelling, not only for entertainment but for sharing tales and ideas. Performing in character can help children appreciate another person’s point of view. To accurately portray a character, we need to be able to step into their shoes, understand their situation and what has brought them to that situation. If a child understands a character in this way, they can apply this to everyday life, helping them to react to friends and adults and develop their social skills.

LISTENING The ability to listen is an important skill, especially when a child is in a new setting with new routines and expectations.

During performing arts classes children take direction from their teachers and peers. This encourages them to be receptive to others’ ideas and work collaboratively.

CONFIDENCE BUILDING Some children are never happier than putting on a show for their family and friends, but for some standing up in front an audience can be daunting. Performing arts are hugely beneficial to children’s confidence levels. Learning new skills, rehearsing, and performing in a safe space, with the support of expert teachers and encouragement of their peers, can prepare children to deal with situations in which they feel anxious.

At PQA we believe that our three core modules, Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & Television, offer our students the very best mix of both performance based and technical training as well as providing them with skills for life to help them grow into well-rounded individuals.

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TAKE ASTHMA SERIOUSLY Asthma is a common condition but it should be taken seriously.

A

sthma is a common condition among children. It affects 1 in 11 children in UK. It can appear at any age, but the symptoms often start during childhood. At the moment there’s no cure for asthma, but with the right treatment it can usually be controlled easily. It is a common myth that a child will outgrow their asthma. In fact, 95% of children with persistent asthma still have symptoms into adulthood.

Visit www.beatasthma.co.uk to find resources for families, young people and schools, including videos, quizzes and written information, which can help to keep your child’s asthma under control.

One of the best ways to keep on track of your child’s asthma is to use an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan is filled in with the child’s GP or asthma nurse and is personal to your child. It is a record of your child’s usual asthma medications, triggers and tells you what to do if your child’s symptoms are getting worse. A sample asthma plan can be found on the Asthma UK website: www.asthma.org.uk Parents should ensure that their child has an asthma plan, and that this is reviewed and kept up to date during their child’s asthma appointments. Parents should also make sure to share their child’s asthma plan with their child’s school or nursery.

COMMON TRIGGERS OF ASTHMA Asthma attacks can be brought on by a number of triggers, including things in the environment that make symptoms worse. They don’t cause asthma, but if your child already has it, they can make the symptoms worse. Common asthma triggers include:

• ALLERGIES - if your child is allergic to something, their allergy could trigger their asthma symptoms. Common things that cause an allergic reaction are certain foods, pollen, mould, house dust mites, pets.

• IRRITANTS - These are things that irritate the airways when they are breathed in, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution and car fumes. A major cause of severe asthma is cigarette smoke, this includes both first and second hand smoking.

• EXERCISE - Regular exercise is important for good health and you should encourage your child to be active. Some children may find that physical activity makes their asthma worse, particularly in cold weather. If that happens, they should have a rest, take their reliever inhaler and wait until they feel better before starting again. If exercise is a trigger for your child, they can use their reliever before exercising.

• COLDS AND FLU - These infections of the airways are common triggers.

• STRESS AND STRONG EMOTIONS - Symptoms get worse at times of stress and strong emotions. Children and teenagers experience stronger emotions than adults, and these may act as an asthma trigger. This is less likely to happen if your child’s asthma is well controlled.

• WEATHER - cold weather can bring on asthma as well as very hot weather, damp weather and thunderstorms.

Never ignore worsening symptoms, for example coughing at night or using the reliever inhaler more than 2 or 3 times a week.

The symptoms of an asthma attack can take 6 to 48 hours to become serious. Spotting and treating them early could help avoid a serious attack and admission to hospital.

Read more at: www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/adviceservices/children/take-asthma-seriously 16

Families Suffolk: Issue 66

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Families Suffolk: Issue 66

17

PENSIONS - THE FORGOTTEN ASSET. Bates, Wells & Braithwaite Family Law specialist, Denise Head explores why being more aware of your spouse’s pension is important.

W

ith the advent of “no-fault” divorce, you would be forgiven for thinking that break-ups had become simpler.

The divorce process is indeed benefiting from a more modern approach but, the fact remains, that the whole business of taking a couple’s assets, accumulated as a family but now having to be unpicked and reapportioned in a fair manner, can be anything but simple.

What are the matrimonial assets? Of course, we immediately think of the family home. For most families this is the single biggest lifetime expenditure and if the marriage has been lengthy and there is sufficient time for a mortgage to be paid off, our home is probably worth more than we ever dreamed.

However, as we live longer, change jobs more frequently and are encouraged by the Government with mandatory workplace pensions and tax incentives to pay more into

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

Our services include: FAMILY LAW:

RESOLVING DISPUTES:

PRIVATE CLIENT SERVICES:

• Divorce & separation

• Personal injury

• Wills, trusts & probate

• Financial & property issues

• Clinical negligence

• Residential property

• Pension agreements & entitlements

• Houses, property & neighbours

• Family mediation

• Contentious wills & probate

• Commercial legal advice for owner-managed & family businesses

• 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

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

29 Lower Brook Street Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1AQ

www.bates-wells.co.uk

18

During divorce proceedings, the options for dealing with pensions are: 1. Pension sharing – as it sounds, the value of the combined pension pot is shared.

The first and third options, are most popular for couples looking for a “clean break”; a severing of all financial ties arising from the marriage. All require a pension sharing order as part of the final financial arrangements and which acts as a binding financial settlement and is issued by the Family Court.

Providing legal advice when you need it most

• Civil partnerships

Pensions form part of the marital pot. However, because of the complexity surrounding pension arrangements and valuations, at a time when splitting couples are usually preoccupied with getting through the immediate future rather than far-off retirement, pensions can be overlooked, especially if you are not receiving the correct advice.

3. Pension offsetting – the claim one spouse might have against the other’s pension is offset against, say, another asset such as the house or perhaps additional cash payment.

For you and your family

• Pre-nuptial/living together agreements

The challenge for a divorce lawyer lies in the fact that it is rare for both parties to have accrued comparable pension pots.

Recent research by the University of Manchester found that one partner holds at least 90 per cent of the pension wealth for about 50 per cent of couples. So, it is not surprising that the same investigation also concluded that divorced women in their sixties, living alone, had only 30 per cent of the pension wealth of divorced men in the same age group. The importance of this is that divorcing couples should consider not only their current housing and income, but also their future income positions – that is, from collective pension resources.

2. Pension attachment – this is a similar arrangement to maintenance payments whereby some of one spouse’s pension will be paid directly to the other.

& BRAITHWAITE

• Children & social care

our pension pots, many more of us are approaching retirement age having accumulated significant pension sums.

If a couple splits without such an order, there is real danger that it cannot be revisited. What happens if the spouse with the pension dies? Pensions cannot be divided without a court order and, if already divorced, the former spouse may not get anything if not a named beneficiary as dictated by the deceased’s “expression of wishes” form, since they are no longer a widow/widower. A co-operative relationship and trust post separation is to be commended but does not replace the protection from proper legal advice and a formal court order.

Having an awareness of your spouse’s pension can be as important as understanding other marital financial commitments. It is crucial to share this information and also ensure that any pensions “expression of wishes” form (and your Will, for that matter) is kept up to date so that your family’s future is safeguarded.

Families Suffolk: Issue 66

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Preparing for school

By Emma Lewry

No sooner has summer arrived than we are starting to talk about ‘starting school’ or ‘back to school’ preparation. Uniforms line the shop rails tempting us to think about being organised and ready for school.

If you’re ready to think ahead, here are some top tips for preparation.

I

f your child is starting school this year it can feel like a huge event with lots of pressure and often comparison between parents about how ready their children are. Try not to compare; each child is unique and individual in their strengths and in the areas with which they need support. Teachers are ready for this and they know how to support lots of different children in a class. In fact, the uniqueness of each child is often what they love best about the job!

When you start to think about preparing your child to begin school there are some key skills which are beneficial to practise and develop.

I’m not talking about academic things; your child doesn’t need to be able to read the alphabet or do the two times table. The three skills I recommend are building CONFIDENCE, COMMUNICATION and INDEPENDENCE. You can do these through play and fun at home, giving lots of opportunities for your little ones to try new things and offering plenty of praise and encouragement.

Talking to your child and reading books about school opens up lots of valuable communication too.

If your child is heading back to school and moving up a year group, many of the starting school ideas apply.

At all ages, schools want children to be working on developing those confidence, communication and independence. It can be helpful to offer emotional support in the lead up to back to school, especially if your child is moving to a new school. Talk about

what will be different but also what will be the same, discussing what will stay the same too. These constants support many childrens’ need for things to feel safe and familiar. What if your child isn’t keen on talking? Looking at pictures, reading stories and roleplaying school are all great ways to initiate conversation over the summer.

UNIFORM TOP TIPS...

Independence Building independence is important for children of all ages. Children who are independently motivated to play, complete tasks and try new things will often excel at school across the age ranges. Here are two ideas to try before school starts: Give your child ownership over one meal that they can plan and prepare for the family, with appropriate support for their age. It could be a simple breakfast that they get to choose and make or a more complex dinner. Any activity like this means they are getting a feel for completing a task and the pride they feel will boost their desire to try other independent tasks.

Don’t rush in to help them when they are struggling. Sit on your hands, count to fifty or do something to distract yourself while giving them the opportunity to struggle a little with a task. This goes for anything - from simply playing alone to working out a new craft. Children who are more exposed to the need to persevere are more likely to have the ability to be independent.

Good luck with the start to school!

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Be careful to check the school uniform list and stick to the items and colours listed. Schools are generally strict about their uniform and as it’s expensive, it’s not worth having to re-buy items if they are wrong.

Make a shoe fitting appointment now for the week before school starts. If it’s possible to book in with a shop local to you, this is a great idea and will ensure you don’t get left in a shoe panic two days before the start of term! You might feel happy to buy trainers in advance but buying school shoes is best left as late as possible to avoid an expensive trip at half term if your child’s feet suddenly grow!

Check out the school website and social media pages if they have them. Many schools or their PTA (parent and teacher associations) will run second hand uniform sales which can be a great way to pick up some bargain items. It’s also good for the planet to reuse and re-love as much clothing as possible.

Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, headteacher and mother of two. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk) which guides families through starting school with courses, groups and a school starters planner.

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20 Families Suffolk: Issue 66

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