Families Suffolk Magazine: Issue 65 - May/June 22 DIGITAL EDITION

FREE

IN THIS ISSUE

Education Summer fun Kids’ parties Travel

Win a family holiday at an Away Resort!

Magazine

May/June 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

SEE INSIDE

Familiesonline.co.uk May/June 1

Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!

Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Perfect company for your child’s adventures APPLY HERE

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

Magazine

2 May/June

*while stocks last T&Cs apply Familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

Welcome

In this issue

So much to look forward to in May and June, including two bank holidays, one of them extralong! Yippee!

5

What’s On

15

The Big Hoot

Warm sunny days are on the horizon so start planning some family adventures in your local area and exploring the great outdoors again.

22 Kids’ parties

If you are looking at planning a break but want something that will truly be family-friendly, check out our ‘tried and tested’ suggestions.

28 Garden Toys

25 Win a holiday 26 Summer food 29 Adventures outdoors

31 Health & Wellbeing If you have a little one who starts school in September, now is also the time to start thinking 34 Education about preparation. Find advice and resources in our Education section.

Finally, in this issue, we have lots of giveaways, including a family holiday and cuddly Care Bear companions for your child to fall in love.

Don’t forget to apply!

Get in touch

Competition winners from our January/February issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list here.

Smoby Flextreme Discovery Sets to giveaway!

Turn your child’s imagination around!

5 available

Worth £34.99 each

APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

T&Cs apply

May/June 3

Do you have any photos like this?

Share your Royal memories with us.

This June we’re celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by creating Jubilee scrapbooks in each of our nine Suffolk branches.

You can be part of it by sharing your memories of Royal visits and Jubilee street parties from days gone by.

Join the celebrations here: suffolkbuildingsociety.co.uk/platinum-jubilee

4 May/June

0330 123 0723 Familiesonline.co.uk suffolkbuildingsociety.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

What's On - Our top pick of local family days Out

TAKE MY LEAD

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG

THE HADLEIGH SHOW

WHERE: Woolverstone Hall, Ipswich, IP9 1AZ WHEN: Sun 15th May from 10am www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk

WHERE: Red Rose Chain, The Avenue Theatre, Ipswich, IP2 9AF WHEN: Sat 21st May | 10.30am & 1.30pm www.redrosechain.com

WHERE: Holbecks Park, Hadleigh, IP7 5PE WHEN: Sat 21st May www.hadleighshow.co.uk

WOOLPIT STEAM 2022

THE BIG PICNIC

RSPCA SPRING FAMILY FUN DAY

WHERE: Warren Farm, Haughley New Street, Haughley, Stowmarket, IP14 3JX WHEN: Sat 28th - Sun 29th May www.woolpit-steam.org.uk

WHERE: The New Wolsey Theatre Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS WHEN: Sat 28th May www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

WHERE: RSPCA, 2 Mill Lane, Martlesham, Ipswich, IP12 4PD WHEN: Sun 29th May www.rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk/ family-fun-day-returns

THE SUFFOLK SHOW

KIDS RULE AT FRAMLINGHAM CASTLE

WHERE: The Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, IP3 8UH WHEN: Tue 31st May - Wed 1st June www.suffolkshow.co.uk

WHERE: Church Street, Framlingham, IP13 9BP WHEN: Tue 31st May - Sun 5th June. www.english-heritage.org.uk/framlingham

LEESTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL WHERE: Melford Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9AA WHEN: Fri 3rd - Sat 4th June www.leestock.org

TOTFEST, SUFFOLK QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE IPSWICH CELEBRATIONS WHERE: Various Locations in Ipswich WHEN: Thu 2nd - Sun 5th June

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NEARLY FESTIVAL WHERE: Abbey Gardens, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1LS WHEN: Sat 11th - Sun 12th June. www.nearlyfestival.com/burystedmunds

WHERE: Rowley Mile Racecourse, Cambridge Road, Newmarket, CB8 0TF WHEN: Sun 12th June www.totfestfestival.com/totfest-suffolk

May/June 5

WHAT’S ON

Making Memories Visit us in our ceramics cafe or pick up a paint at home kit and get creative. * Booking advisable * Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Cafe, Ipswich, IP1 3DJ T. 01473 216865 E: Info@pennikkitypots.co.uk

www.pennikkitypots.co.uk 6 May/June

PennikkityPots

Get £2 off with this advert Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

2022 04 Families Congo Swim Eat.qxp_130mm h x 90mm w 07/04/2022 1

THE BEST FAMILY DAY OUT EVER! 6TH - 7TH AUGUST TRINITY PARK 2022

Little

Adventurers Day Out

at Ufford Park Woodbridge

A great day out with the children. Enjoy a round on Congo Rapids, a main meal from the children’s menu & a swim.

ONLY

Family packages available 1 adult, 2 children

£15 per child

(4 - 12 years old)

£45*

* Terms & conditions apply. Food is not included for an adult.

Parents must accompany under 12’s at all times.

t 01394 386871 w www.uffordpark.co.uk

Motor Show Events.com Familiesonline.co.uk

Yarmouth Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1QW

May/June 7

g

WOMEN DON’T DO SUCH THINGS: EXHIBITION AND LOW SENSORY DAY EXHIBITION 4 February - 19 June at The Hold. Free entry.

Walk in the footsteps of Suffolk women past and present who have led change in their communities, careers and countries throughout history. Explore the pioneering work of activists, doctors, archaeologists, pilots and many more moving and poignant stories of Suffolk women breaking down barriers.

LOW SENSORY DAY

Sunday 12 June, 10am - 4pm at The Hold. Free entry.

A day of low sensory experiences themed around our exhibition suitable for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

ART IN THE ARCHIVES: LOWESTOFT

Sat 14 May and Sat 11 June, 10.30am - 12.30pm.

Join our free monthly Saturday art club at Lowestoft Archives.

Each session explore a different aspect of local history, then get inspired to design, create or make something of your own. Ages 8 - 14 years. Free.

LET’S GET CRAFTY: PLATINUM JUBILEE

Wed 1 June, 10.30am - 12.30pm.

Come along for a range of family fun crafts inspired by The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at both Lowestoft Archives, and Bury St Edmunds Archives. Ages 5-11. Free.

If you are in the Ipswich area then don’t forget to come and say hi to us at the Suffolk Show in the Platinum Years exhibition!

ESCAPE ROOMS: MARGARET CATCHPOLE

Sat 11 and Sun 12 June, 10am - 4pm.

Join Ipswich legend Margaret Catchpole at The Hold and make your escape from Ipswich County Gaol. Solve the puzzles and collect the tools you need to make your way to freedom.

There are two different rooms available: one family friendly and one aimed at adults.

Ages 8+ for family room. £10 per person, £8 concession. Min 2 people, max 6 in a group.

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

8 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON AT SUFFOLK MUSEUMS MAY / JUNE 2022

Bawdsey Radar Museum “A place of intrigue for all the family” Exciting opportunities await families visiting the museum with some fantastic interactive displays demonstrating how radar worked. A virtual reality experience is also currently being developed which will be available at the museum later in the year.

www.bawdseyradar.org.uk

BUNGAY STREET MARKET Bungay Market | Sun 15th May

www.bungaymuseum.co.uk AVIATION ART & MODEL DISPLAY Norfolk & Suffolk Aviation Museum | Sun 22nd May

www.aviationmuseum.net EATM @ 50 East Anglian Transport Museum | Sun 29th May

www.eatransportmuseum.co.uk WOOF! THE GREAT LANDGUARD FORT CORGI CHALLENGE Landguard Ford | 28-29th May, 1st June & 5th June

www.landguard.com CRAFT MORNING

Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum | Tue 31st May

www.woodbridgetidemill.org.uk FESTIVAL OF THE SEA CELEBRATIONS

To find out what’s on near you check out our events calendar at: www.suffolkmuseums.org Familiesonline.co.uk

Landguard Ford & Felixstowe Museum Sat 18th - Sun 19th June

www.landguard.com May/June 9

10 May/June

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May/June 11

Football fun for children aged 18 months - 7 years.

“Learning the FUNdamentals of Football”

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

12 May/June

07762 341982

Familiesonline.co.uk

After School Climbing Club

For children aged 5 - 11 years

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday afternoons 1 hour sessions

Climbing levels from bronze through to platinum

For more information or to register your place, visit our After School Club page online!

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 13

e v o l r e m m Su

Learn to read, write &

! s e s r u Co

music with

25 July 10am-1.30pm: £30 1-5 August 10am-1pm: £99

Fun-packed one or five day beginners music workshop using electronic keyboards.

Perfect for the 4-8 year old beginner musician!

Burlington Baptist Church, London Road IP1 2EZ

www.funkymonkey.info 01732 457 100 14 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

Presenting partners:

A Wild in Art event brought to Ipswich by St Elizabeth Hospice

SPECIAL FEATURE - ADVERTORIAL Following Pigs Gone Wild 2016 and Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019, St Elizabeth Hospice will be hosting the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 art trail this summer.

The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, which is being hosted by the hospice in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, will see 50 ornately decorated owl sculptures scattered throughout Suffolk’s county town from 19 June until 3 September.

“We cannot wait to join with the community and enjoy the fantastic artwork the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 will bring to the town this summer,” said Celia Joseph, community relationships fundraising manager at St Elizabeth Hospice.

“The trail is a great opportunity for the hospice to show gratitude to the community, who have been amazing with their continued support, during the period of uncertainty we have lived through over the past two years.”

Looking at the success of previous trails, which have raised awareness and funds for the charity, the St Elizabeth Hospice team is confident the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 will provide a boost to the hospice, local businesses and the wider community.

In 2019, accompanying fundraising activities and subsequent statue auction for Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk generated more than £260,000 for the hospice.

While Pigs Gone Wild 2016 raised over £200,000 for the charity and brought an extra £1 million to Ipswich’s economy through increased visits and spending, as 250,000 people completed the trail.

About St Elizabeth Hospice St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent Suffolk charity, which every year delivers care to over 3,000 patients and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, who are living with a progressive or lifelimiting illness.

These services cost £12.9m to facilitate each year, with the charity raising 70% of funds via revenue streams and the generosity of the community through support of its retail shops and fundraising activities.

For more details visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk

For more details visit: www.thebighoot.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 15

Launching the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, will be the Hoot Hike. A sponsored family-friendly 5k walk, taking place on Sunday 19 June.

Hoot Hike to Launch Summer of Creativity

The Hoot Hike will begin in Christchurch Park, where the event village will be located for registration, craft activities and stallholders. From here, participants will then complete a 5km trail around Ipswich, featuring a number of the town’s landmarks and a large selection of sculptures from this year’s trail.

Joanne Rodger, events and challenges manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the Hoot Hike, which will signal the start of the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022!

“We look forward to joining with supporters and trail fans, to make the occasion, exploring the route around Ipswich and catching a first glimpse of some of the sculptures, all while raising vital funds for the St Elizabeth Hospice.”

Tickets cost £5 and participants are encouraged to raise additional funds for the hospice, as part of the hike, through sponsorship.

Register today - www.bit.ly/HootHike

Sunday 19 June 2022

HOOT HIKE 5K Fundraising Walk

For more details visit: www.thebighoot.co.uk

16 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

WIN

this Hoot!

See bottom of the page

The Hoots and the artists behind them Nocturne by Loïs Cordelia

A Hoot to Suffolk by Angie Ashford

The second Big Hoot to be revealed was ‘Nocturne’. Created

by Ipswich-based artist Loïs Cordelia, Nocturne showcases iconic sights of Ipswich at night.

With the announcement of the Big Hoot, in May 2021, also came the revealing of the first fully completed sculpture, ‘A Hoot to Suffolk’, by Angie Ashford.

“Ipswich is my hometown and I know people may think otherwise, but in terms of beauty, I think it is an amazing place and at night even more so,” explained Loïs, who has also designed statues for Pigs Gone Wild 2016 and Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019.

Angie’s design for A Hoot to Suffolk features the oxlip, a flower synonymous with Suffolk, entwined among scenes from around the county, encapsulating the beauty of the area where the hospice provides support throughout the community.

“I love walking round Ipswich at night and seeing the iridescent glow from flood lit buildings, which is why I have used shimmering and metallic paints for Nocturne’s design.

“To have an event in Ipswich which promotes people getting outside, exploring the town, supporting local businesses, interacting with art and supporting such a vital local charity, in St Elizabeth Hospice, is a brilliant thing and I look forward to the launch later this year.”

WIN a Big Hoot!

Fans of St Elizabeth Hospice’s Wild in Art sculpture trails are in for a treat, as the hospice has launched a raffle for entrants to be in with a chance of winning a Big Hoot sculpture.

As part of the Lucky Ticket raffle, which is open until 16 September, supporters can enter to be in with a chance of winning the Big Hoot statue, ‘Nocturne’, which has been designed by Ipswich artist, Loïs Cordelia.

Familiesonline.co.uk

“I was keen for my design to focus on Suffolk, especially after the difficult period brought by Covid-19, it was important to celebrate the positives around us,” explained Angie, who also designed the popular Elmer Travel Trunk which featured in Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019.

“With the oxlip being the flower of Suffolk it was an ideal choice, and its stalks and leaves neatly link the many icons of Suffolk on the Big Hoot, including Framlingham Castle, the Suffolk Punch and Christchurch Mansion.”

Featuring a design showcasing Ipswich landmarks at night, Nocturne was revealed to the public as part of the Welcome Back Ipswich weekend (11-13 March), which saw St Elizabeth Hospice and Ipswich Borough Council host the St Elizabeth Hospice Art Trail Reunion.

LUCKY TICKET

RAFFLE

To enter the Lucky Ticket raffle visit:

www.bit.ly/BigHootLuckyTicket May/June 17

Bildeston Primary School

The Little Hoot community and education programme is running alongside the Big Hoot and has seen many schools and youth groups in Suffolk signing up to be inspired and get creative as part of the art trail.

By joining the learning programme, each group has pledged to raise a minimum of £695 for the hospice, while they have also received a blank ‘Little Hoot’ sculpture to decorate, and a resource pack linked to the curriculum to help teachers stimulate young minds.

All the Little Hoots will come together at the Suffolk Show on the 31st May and 1st June for the pupils and their families to be able to see under one roof and admire the great work and creativity, before they will be displayed throughout the summer in shop windows of independent retailers across Ipswich for everyone to see.

Get Involved!

Volunteering allows you to make new friends, work in a team, gain new experiences and enjoy a sense of purpose, whilst having fun too!

The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 needs volunteers to carry out a range of roles, including help with moving sculptures, ticket collecting at events, marshalling, and cleaning sculptures, to name but a few!

To get in touch, email: volunteer@stelizabethhospice.org.uk

Hoot Dates for Your Diary

Swoop over to social media:

31 May – 1 June

@IpswichArtTrail

Little Hoots fly to the Suffolk Show

19 June Hoot Hike launches the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022

19 June – 3 September Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 brings colour and creativity to the town

11 – 12 September Big Hoot Farewell Weekend

15 September 18 May/June

Auction of our Big Hoots

#TheBigHoot www.thebighoot.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

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

For you and your family 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

• Residential property

• Pension agreements & entitlements

• Houses, property & neighbours

• Family mediation

• Contentious wills & probate

• Commercial legal advice for owner-managed & family businesses

• Children & social care • 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

Familiesonline.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

May/June 19

FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day gift suggestions

Is it sometimes difficult to know what to buy for dad? Here are our top picks.

Dad’s Shed Slate Sign

Handcrafted natural slate sign to mark out dad’s territory. £12.99

Docking Station Help dad keep all his things together – stylishly! £27.90

Supercar Driving Day

Get day in a race car!

Circuits UK-wide. From £39

Peppa Pig: My Burgon & Ball Billionaire Gardening Gloves Shortbread Truffles Daddy Board Book

These quality gloves are For dads with a sweet great for dads with green tooth - a little decadence. fingers. £17.99 £16

Bread Baking Club Gift Subscription

Your dad could be star baker with this 3-month gift subscription. £36 20 May/June

100 Things to Do with Dad Scratch Off Bucket List Poster 100 activities! £10.99

Something for dad to read with your little one. £4.49

Personalised Socks with your Child’s Drawing

Celebrate Father’s Day and your child’s artwork. £20 Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer camps checklist

To help you book a summer camp or workshop and get your child ready.

What to wear

For cool weather, warm comfortable clothes including a jacket/coat and jumper/hoodie.

For sunny weather, suitable clothes and sun hat. Apply sun cream once before your child leaves the house.

Comfortable footwear.

General questions

What to take

Swimming costume and towel.

An apron or shirt for creative activities.

Refillable water bottle Packed lunch and snacks, if needed.

Rucksack (to carry everything).

Sun cream, if required.

Childcare questions

How many children are there on a camp?

What age group will my child be in?

Can my child be in the same group as their friend/sibling?

Do I need to provide lunch and snacks?

Do you provide sun cream?

Are you registered with Ofsted?

Questions about booking and costs

Get the best out of family life!

Is wraparound care available?

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Do you accept childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare?

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Can I make changes to my booking? What is the last date for changes?

Can I pay in instalments?

If there’s wraparound care, how much is it?

Will I pay extra if I’m delayed in collecting my child?

Are all activities included in the cost?

Will my child have a key worker?

IN THIS ISSUE

Activities Tips/Advice Days Out familiesonline.c o.uk

May/June 21

KIDS’ PARTIES

Party bag fillers

Want to avoid plastic tat but stuck for alternatives? Try these out for size.

Decopatch Mini Animal Kits

Make a cute animal mache shape with these gorgeous kits. £7.30

Colour-in Splat T-shirts

Doubles as a party activity! Wash and colour-in again. From £9.95

Sweetie Jewellery Activity Kit

Smiggle Party Colour Art Jar

Hello Bee Craft Kits

Pre-filled Thank You Party Cone

Make yummy jewellery & a craft jewellery box. £12.99

Art kit with rainbow markers, colouring sheets & graphite pencil. £9.20

Designed for children 3+, perfect for keeping little hands busy.

From £8

Colourful paper cones full of treats and including thank you note. £3.75

The Curious Caterpillar PreFilled Bags

Mini Sunflowers Growing Kit

Craft & Crumb Bake Kit Party Bags

Large variety of pre-filled bags for girls and boys.

From £1.90 22 May/June

Easy to grow mini sunflowers. Includes seeds, compost and activity sleeve. £6

Make, bake and decorate cookies and biscuits with these kits. From £4.50 Familiesonline.co.uk

ADVENTURES AT HOME

Adventures at home

I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.

Garden music festival

Go without electricity

Dig out your tent, drag out your blankets and cushions, power up the radio and set up camp. Spend the day listening to music in the comfort of your own garden. Homemade ribbon wristbands and VIP lanyards allow unlimited access to the snack cupboard, fruity mocktails and ultimately, the lavatory without needing to queue!

Challenging the family to go without electricity is great fun. It encourages you to get creative with your time and introduces the broader topic of eco-living: which small changes can be made at home? Activities for the day might include painting, poetry, games, bird watching, cooking over an open flame and sleeping outside.

Stargazing

Garden fete

Our favourite way to stargaze is in an old inflatable pool, patched with duct tape and filled with duvets! It keeps the chill out whilst we snuggle down and watch for the first star to appear amidst the myths and legends.

Village fetes are often a washout but you can schedule yours in when there’s glorious sunshine!

String up your bunting, bake some scones, set up a raffle and a lucky dip (from old goody bag items), provide an (unplugged) microphone for announcements, hold a pet show, even set up a Pimms’ tent (no judgement here).

Look out for the Big Bear, the Pegasus and Draco the dragon.

Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 23

ADVENTURES AT HOME

Adventures at home

I’m a big fan of planning fun-filled family adventures at home. Here’s some of our favourites from my book Adventures at Home, available here.

Mini Olympics

Wildlife hunting

Our garden Olympics is an annual favourite. Open the games with a (tissue paper) Olympic flame and homemade hanging flags, followed by competitive rounds of egg and spoon, sack races, hula hooping, bean bag throwing and swing ball. Keep score on a chalkboard and finish with salt dough medals award ceremony.

Find out who you share your garden with, using a nature guide to help with identification.

Encourage some new residents with a log pile house for insects, feeders for birds, a compost heap for worms, upturned pots for frogs and a colourful flowerbed for bees and butterflies. Keep an illustrated journal of what you see.

Family heritage

Reading nook

Ask relatives about their own adventures, jotting them down as you go. If the weather is rubbish, this is the perfect excuse to scour old family albums full of photos of when they were young.

A reading nook is a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon.

Set up a den or a tepee, make it cosy inside and fill a basket with books.

And if the weather is kind, ask them to take you around their old haunts.

24 May/June

Make the most of little ones curled up in your lap for story time. Or even write your own story together.

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GIVEAWAYS

Win a family holiday with Away Resorts!

Win a three or four night stay for a family of up to six people at an Away Resort of your choice.

Welcome to the world of Away Resorts! Experience one of its fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast. Fall in love with a new type of holiday - where your accommodation is off-the-scale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. A holiday to create ‘remember when we did that?’ moments that will last a lifetime.

Explore the New Forest, Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes or Boston West in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex, Barmouth Bay in Wales, Mill Rythe on Hayling Island or Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight.

APPLY HERE by 18 June 2022. T&Cs apply.

Smoby Flextreme Discovery Sets to giveaway!

Turn your child’s imagination around!

Apply for a FREE Bean Plush 22cm Care Bear* Care and share with Care Bears Bean Plush!

Worth £34.99 each 5 available

APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

APPLY HERE T&Cs apply

Magazine

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

May/June 25

FOOD

Cooling summer treats Get the kids involved in making these perfect treats for hot summer days.

Club tropicana ice cream cake

Watermelon & strawberry slushies

Vegan orange lollies

Easy strawberry ice cream

Quick banana ice cream

Fruity ice-lolly pens

Nutty caramel & choc sundaes

Frozen banana lollies

Raspberry lemonade slushies

26 May/June

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TRAVEL

Vacation staycations It’s not always easy to know whether the holiday destination you’ve found online is truly family-friendly. Families asked the experts at Tested

by Tots for their tested and rated recommendations for your next break.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, New Forest

Excellent facilities, and service. Activities for all.

Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire

Charming and family-run On-site facilities.

Cherry Tree Farm Camping, North Devon

Sandylands Holiday Park, Ayrshire

Drayton Cottage, Isle of Wight Home from home, walk to beach, relaxing, secure garden, BBQ.

Forest Holidays, North Yorkshire

Beautiful cabins, peaceful, beach nearby.

Forest activities.

Ham Bottom, Somerset

Holiday Inn Kenilworth, Warwick

Park Plaza London Riverbank

Beautiful yet cosy.

Excellent facilities.

Self-catering lodges, with trampoline, slide, and climbing frame.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Great value & location to explore local attractions.

300m from beach, surf gear hire, food truck & more.

Features the capital’s first hotel room designed by families for families.

May/June 27

TOYS

It’s time to play outside!

If you’re looking for some entertaining garden activities for the summer, here are our recommendations.

Target Ball Game

Soft Archery Set

Wheelbarrow Set

Family garden game with giant inflatable Velcro target. All ages. £19.99

Soft, safe and durable, this set is great way for kids to discover a new hobby. Ages 8+. £39.99

Let budding gardeners develop their own green world. Ages 3+. £12

My First Giant Bubble Kit

Family Paddling Pool

Garden Tumble Tower

Youngsters will love these eco-friendly giant wooden wands.

Ages 3+. £21

Big enough for families to chill out together.

Ages 6+. £75

Great backyard game builds a tower over 3ft.

Ages 5+. £35.99

Ladybird Wheely Bug Ride-On

Wavy Kids Slide

Sandpit Picnic Table with Lid

Suitable for decking and driveways. Easy to ride!

Ages 1-3. £67.50 28 May/June

Outdoor classic offers a fast slide and 5.8ft of fun.

Ages 3+. £54.99

Keeps up to four children entertained for hours.

Ages 3+. £79.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

ADVENTURES OUTDOORS

Family adventures outdoors We asked our friends the Meek family for some top picks from their book 100 Family Adventures. Here’s what they have come up with.

Sleep on a beach

Eat nettle soup

Build a bridge

Be lulled to sleep by the sound of crashing waves.

Surprisingly fresh and light!

Kids love the excitement of building a natural structure.

Go on a scooter safari

Venture behind a waterfall Connect to the power and awe of a waterfall.

Make a rope swing

Put some ‘natural’ back into the outdoor play experience.

Go on a forest night walk

Go coasteering

Don’t go with the flow

Borrow some extra scooters explore the local area.

Children will love the excitement of the forest at night.

Familiesonline.co.uk

A nature trail along a rocky coast. Scrambling, swimming and rock hopping.

Head ‘off piste’ - follow a stream in reverse!

May/June 29

Bringing ideas to reality

www.whitleymorgan.co.uk 01284 335562 | enquiries@whitleymorgan.co.uk 30 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

Healthy 5 to 11 year olds are being offered the COVID-19 vaccine and this will take place outside of school, in vaccination centres, pharmacies, GP surgeries and walk-in centres.

Parents of 5 to 11 year olds will receive a letter from the NHS with further information and you can book your appointment.

Find a walk-in site and find more information at

sneevaccine.org.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 31

Summer Safety Now that it’s getting warmer, why not do this helpful quiz from CAPT on how to keep kids safe while playing in the garden at:

Trampolines

Read the instructions

Read the instructions and all the warnings displayed. These will include warnings such as the maximum weight of the user, that adult supervision is required and that no somersaults should be done on the trampoline. One warning that will be displayed, which we know is a difficult one, is that trampolines should only be used by one person at a time. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), 60% of trampoline injuries occur when more than one person is using the trampoline at a time.

Water Safety Young children

Did you know that the majority of

can be fascinated

accidents happen when two or more

by water, and

people are on the trampoline?

swimming is great

Collisions when 2 or more people are bouncing can cause head injuries, or the lightest child to fall off.

for a child's health and fitness.

It's important to read and follow the instructions, and ensure your trampoline complies with the appropriate standards for domestic trampolines.

Buying advice When buying a trampoline, look for a model with safety pads and check that they cover the frame, hooks and springs. Also consider a trampoline with safety netting to help prevent the user from falling off the trampoline. The enclosure entrance

Here are some tips to make sure that their time in the water is fun and safe.

Babies and small children can drown in just a few centimetres of water. Children should be supervised in the water at all times.

For more guidance, visit: www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/projects/child-friendly

32 May/June

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FAMILY HEALTH & WELLBEING

Rise in childhood hepatitis According to UK Health Officials there have been a growing number of hepatitis cases reported with children in the UK since the start of this year

What is hepatitis?

It's a broad term used to describe inflammation of the liver.

Usually the result of a viral infection, it can also be caused by exposure to some chemicals, drinking too much alcohol, drugs and certain genetic disorders.

There are five main types of hepatitis caused by specific viruses - known as A, B, C, D and E - but none of those appear to have caused the liver inflammation seen in these children so far.

Some types of hepatitis can pass without any serious problems, while others can be long-lasting.

Hepatitis in children: Signs to look out for • muscle and joint pain • a high temperature • feeling and being sick • feeling unusually tired all the time • a general sense of feeling unwell • loss of appetite • tummy pain • dark urine • pale, grey-coloured poo • itchy skin • yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)

For more information visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/hepatitis/ Familiesonline.co.uk

May/June 33

EDUCATION

School readiness checklist

Download our checklist and help your child get ready to go to school.

Talk the skills through with your child and explain why they are important at school. Show them that once they can master a skill, they can colour in the smiley face!

Then help them practise.

Colour in the

I am ready fo

happy face wh

I can....

Colour in th when you ca e face n do this

( (

Recognise m y name

r school!

en you can do ready to go! these things and you’ll be

( (

(

Get dressed

( (

(

Do up my co at/ cardigan

(

Put on my sh

( (

oes

( (

(

Go to the to ilet by myself

( (

(

Take my clo thes off

(

Open my sn

( ( (

Share with ot her children

( (

(

Wash my ha I’ve been to nds after and before I the toilet eat

(

( (

Eat with a kn ife and fork

(

( (

ack box

34 May/June

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR CHILD HERE

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Starting school in September?

Wondering how your child will manage school lunches?

Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day

Lessons to learn before you’re 10

By Gail Hugman

Teaching young children to make good use of their working memory, exercise self-control and get organised will really help them develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

Try these fun starter activities to set your child off on the right path.

READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk

For an amazing, adventure-filled summer...

Apply for a Map of Wonders!

10 available

Magazine

APPLY HERE

T&Cs apply

May/June 35

Where every pupil creates their own story.

With our ambitious learning culture, a focus on every individual and a breadth and blend of opportunities, we help our pupils discover and develop their talents to create their own life-story.

Our size, structure and ethos mean that our entire focus is on understanding, guiding and inspiring each child individually – so they can find their own voice, their confidence, self-belief and aspiration, discover their own talents, challenge themselves and reach their full potential.

We are academics, actors, musicians, expeditioners, sports people, innovators, scientists, decision makers, artists, fun lovers, nurturers and thought provokers. Often we are many things within one.

But, we are all individual with our own story.

To arrange a private visit, call 01728 723789 , email admissions@framlinghamcollege.co.uk or visit our website framlinghamcollege.co.uk .

36 May/June

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Host students for half terms and holidays

Full training given

Extra income EDUCATION

Welcome a Student into your Home

Welcome a Student into your Home Full training given Extra income

Host students for half terms and holidays Host students for half terms and holidays

Full training given

Extra income

Contact us today to find out more about becoming a host family with Alpha Gurdians

Contact us today todaytotofind findout out Contact us more about becoming becominga ahost host more about Contactwith us today to find out family Alpha Guardians family with Alpha Guardians

more about becoming a host family with Guardians Contact usAlpha today to find out

01473 559015E: E:hello@alphaguardians.co.uk hello@alphaguardians.co.uk W: T: T: 01473 559015 W:alphaguardians.co.uk alphaguardians.co.uk

more about becoming a host family with Alpha Guardians

T: 01473 559015 E: hello@alphaguardians.co.uk W: alphaguardians.co.uk

T: 01473 559015 E: hello@alphaguardians.co.uk W: alphaguardians.co.uk

ONE_WEEK

FREE TRIAL 1 MAY - 31 MAY

Kumon delivers proven academic success. Our expert Instructors will develop your child’s confidence and help them thrive at school.

Book your Free Trial today!

Ipswich Central Study Centre AT HOME | IN CENTRE | ONLINE

For research findings on Kumon study, please visit kumon.co.uk. Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary.

Participating centres only. Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.

Familiesonline.co.uk

01473 614665 kumon.co.uk May/June 37

EDUCATION

Starting school resources

If you have a little one starting school in September, now is a good time to start gently preparing them for the big day.

Get Ready for School Activity Pack

Fun, wipe clean books in smart carry case. £9.70

Going to School

A great Usborne picture book introducing the school experience. £4.99

Teach Your Monster to Read

Fun, engaging game that practises essential reading skills. FREE 38 May/June

Phonics Play

Website with phonics information, games and activities. FREE

My First Day at School Game

BBC Bitesize interactive game explaining what school may be like. FREE

Bud’s Number Game

Educational game to get your child started with numbers. FREE

Preparing Your Child for Starting School

Top tips booklet to help children with transition.

FREE

Teachers

Pupils explain what a teacher does and how to behave in class. FREE

Starting Primary School

Everything you need to get prepared, from home to classroom. FREE Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Times tables learning resources It really is true that multiplication tables are the bedrock of maths learning. Get your child up to speed with the following resources.

Math Songs by NUMBEROCK

Numberjacks Times Table App

Times Tables Flashcards

Learn times tables by singing about them!

FREE

Times table activities based on the CBeebies show. FREE

Rapid recall practice in the 1-12 times tables.

Ages 8-11. £6.99

Colour-coded Multiplication Square

The Times Table Adventure

Times Tables Heroes Board Game

Visual aid which helps spot patterns and learn tables. FREE

Times Tables Wall Chart Download and stick up where they’ll be seen often. FREE

Familiesonline.co.uk

Ideal for children who like video games like Minecraft. FREE

10 Minutes A Day Times Tables

Book featuring 10 minute games and tests.

Maximum fun, maximum effect. £14.99

Fun multiplication board game to prepare for Year 4 tables check. £11.75

Number Rumbler Card Game A family card game which practises times tables. £7.99

May/June 39

We take happiness seriously At St Joseph’s we support the intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional growth of every pupil Children who thrive are the happiest of all 40 May/June

Prep School Open Morning Saturday 14 May To register please visit stjos.co.uk or email admissions@stjos.co.uk

Book a Family Tour For a personal tour of our Prep School, please contact our admissions team on 01473 694576, or email admissions@stjos.co.uk Independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2–18. Nursery open all year round

stjos.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk