Families Thames Valley West May/June 2022 digital magazine

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Thames Valley West

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

In this issue

Welcome

4 8 11 Warm sunny days are on the horizon so start 12 planning some family adventures in your local 14 area and exploring the great outdoors again.

15 If you are looking at planning a break but want 16 something that will truly be family-friendly, check out our ‘tried and tested’ suggestions.

17 18 If you have a little one who starts school in September, now is also the time to start thinking 19 So much to look forward to in May and June, including two bank holidays, one of them extralong! Yippee!

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!

Education Summer camps Father’s Day gifts Adventures at home Kids’ parties Win a holiday Summer food Travel Garden toys Adventures outdoors

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!

Worth £34.99 each 5 available

APPLY HERE Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

T&Cs apply

May/June 3

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

(

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ack box

4 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 5

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 6 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 7

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

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?

Questions about booking and costs

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?

8 May/June

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

Are you registered with Ofsted?

Will my child have a key worker?

Do you accept childcare vouchers or tax-free childcare?

Is wraparound care available?

YOUR LOCAL WILL WRITERS & ESTATE PLANNERS. DON’T HAVE A WILL? Ensure that your family is fully protected with a professional Will from Templar Estate Planning. We will do the heavy lifting to put in place everything you require.

From guardianship to maximising their inheritance, we can make sure your children’s future is secure.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATON We offer a free no obligation consultation, at a time and place of your convenience. We will work at your pace and always take the time to answer your questions.

WILLS

0118 948 4381 info@templarestateplanning.co.uk www.templarestateplanning.co.uk

POWER OF ATTORNEY

TRUSTS Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER CAMPS

Fun-filled adventures with Camp Beaumont With the school holidays just around the corner and the dilemma of childcare approaching, Camp Beaumont, the UK’s most experienced day camp provider, is on hand to provide your child with a fun-filled adventure at over 40 locations across London and the South-East.

There are over 50 activities available, from Aqua Olympics to Movie Maker to Superhero Academy, and each activity programme is tailored by age group, including a nursery-style Playtime Programme for 3-4 year olds, a unique Magic Programme for 5-7 year olds, a thrilling Active Programme for 8-11 year olds and an exclusive club-style Teens Programme for 12-16 year olds.

Camp Beaumont’s award-winning multi-activity adventure camps take place every school holiday, including May half-term and summer.

To book, click HERE or call 01604 851 0000.

Inspiring school holiday adventures your child won’t want to miss BOOK NOW

USE CODE

FAMILY

SAVE 10%

www.campbeaumont.co.uk or call 01603 851000 Families Magazine Advert Summer (180x130).indd Familiesonline.co.uk

1

05/04/2022 23:25 May/June

9

SUMMER

Perform’s Peter Pan summer courses Try some free weekly fun this summer term

Inspire your child’s imagination this summer with a unique drama, dance and singing holiday course. In July or August, children ages 4 to 10 years can fly away to Neverland with Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and friends on an unforgettable confidence-building adventure.

With a sprinkle of Perform fairy dust, a team of skilled actors, musicians and dancers will ensure your child enjoys every minute as they work towards a show-stopping performance to delight family and friends.

‘Freyja got so much out of those three days; it’s given her a lot of confidence in her ability to join in, make new friends and perform songs and dances. We were so proud of her.’ Emma Robinson (parent) Courses take place from 1 to 5 August at Wokingham Methodist Church Hall, Wokingham, RG40 1XS Find more information and book HERE. 10 May/June

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children ages 4 to 7 and 7 to 12 run throughout the summer term and are specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and co-ordination.

Families readers receive a special £40 discount when booking before 31 May, just quote TVW310522. Book a FREE trial at one of the following venues HERE. Twyford Youth Centre, Twyford, RG10 9JA St. John The Evangelist, Newbury, RG14 7PY St. Andrew’s Hall, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7AW The Cornerstone Community Centre, Wokingham, RG40 1UE Winnersh Community Centre, Sindlesham, Wokingham, RG40 1XS The Crowthorne Methodist Church Hall, Crowthorne, RG45 6LT St. Nicolas Church Hall, Earley, Reading, RG6 7JN Goring Village Hall, Goring-onThames, RG8 9AG Henley Town Hall, Elizabeth Hall, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2AQ Familiesonline.co.uk

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 Familiesonline.co.uk

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 May/June 11

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.

12 May/June

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

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 13

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 14 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

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 15

SUMMER 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

16 May/June

Familiesonline.co.uk

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 17

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 18 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 19