Families Kent May/June 24 PRINT issue

Join in during Walk to School Week

A generation ago, seventy percent of us walked to school –now it’s less than half. So Walk to School Week was started to encourage more kids to get out of the car and walk to school.

Walk to School Week is held from 20 to 24 May and is organised by the UK charity Living Streets to celebrate the health and wellbeing benefits of walking.

Families will be encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or Park and Stride to see the big differences that can come from small steps - from healthier and happier children who arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn - to less congestion and fewer cars outside the school gates.

Download the Family Walk to School Kit, designed to help parents, carers and children make the walk to school work for them, by visiting www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school

Enjoy Open Farm Sunday on 9 June

Open Farm Sunday on 9 June provides a unique opportunity for families to explore real working farms and learn more about the countryside.

Managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), this annual event allows families and individuals to witness daily farm activities, engage with passionate farmers and learn about sustainable practices.

Visitors can enjoy tractor-trailer rides, farm tours, nature trails, bug hunts, and even shop at farmers’ markets. The event bridges the gap between consumers and farmers, emphasising the importance of British agriculture.

It’s an educational, community-focused day that celebrates the hard work behind our food production and offers free access to farm experiences.

Find out more at www.farmsunday.org

Would you like to try your hand at magazine publishing?

Do you think you can grow a business?

We have a fantastic opportunity for someone based in Kent, striving for flexible, home-based work which can be performed during school hours and largely outside of school holidays.

No previous editorial/magazine experience is necessary, but interested individuals should be business minded, self-motivated and energised by the idea of growing a community focused business. Ideally, some sales, media or marketing skills would be desirable, but full training will be provided.

Families Magazines have been in existence for over 30 years and is a well-respected, well-established brand with over 30 titles currently published across the UK. The Kent title has been established for 6 years and now has a loyal readership and customer base.

Interested? Email Rebecca at: editor@familieskent.co.uk with some brief introductory details and background about yourself in the first instance.

Candidates should be able to make a small equity investment.

Family fun with National Children’s Gardening Week

This summer, why not get involved in National Children’s Gardening week?

Taking place from 25 May to 2 June, in the ‘warm’ half term at the end of May means that pretty much throughout the UK, children can plant all their favourite plants with less fear of weather damage or the need for complicated protective growing.

As well as simply good outdoor fun, gardening has been shown to have many benefits to health and wellbeing including being more physically active and feeling happier and more connected with the natural world.

There are many ways to get involved with National Children’s Gardening Week from DIY activities at home, to attending an event at a local garden centre.

More info at www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk

Developing skills for good school performance

By Gail Hugman

Many parents worry about their children underachieving or not reaching the expected level by the time they leave primary school or sit 11+ exams but there is good news. By developing your child’s skills it may be easier to improve their performance than you might think.

Research has shown that to be our most effective as learners, we need to develop a specific set of skills known as executive function skills.

Don’t be put off by the name! You have all these skills. Some of you will be brilliant at them, others less so but you will not be a stranger to them.

We are all born with the potential to develop these skills over time but they are not specifically taught as part of the curriculum in school, even though they are critical for effective learning and for everything we do in life.

Where do you start? Self-control, focus and attention, organisation, memory (especially working memory), planning, time management, critical thinking, task initiation, perseverance and flexibility can all be taught.

As a basic minimum, when children go to school, they need to be able to control themselves, concentrate and listen. If any of these skills are weak, it is likely to be flagged up in the child’s school report.

Being able to boil an egg does not mean you can produce a gourmet meal! Likewise, being able to ‘sit up straight, look at the teacher and fold your arms,’ do not alone make you a good listener. Each skill - gourmet cooking AND listening - is a complex series of things we need to co-ordinate to accomplish a result.

By understanding the skills as a process, we can break down everything that needs to happen. For example, to be a good listener, we need to be able to stop what we’re doing, focus and make eye contact. This last may not be easy for children who are overwhelmed by eye contact, so use discretion.

Teaching concentration

Primary aged children need to feel the skill:

Fill the ice tray (or a glass) with water. Ask your child to carry it to the freezer (or across the kitchen) without spilling a drop. When you see they are completely concentrating, tell them ‘what you are now feeling is called concentration.’ This helps their brain recognise when they are doing it correctly.

Tell your child when they need to concentrate (eg when the teacher is talking) and ask how concentration went each day.

Proper listening also involves cognitive skills: to concentrate, wait, reflect, make connections with reference, take in and sort information and finally, to respond appropriately.

Can your child stop what they’re doing when they’re asked? If not, work on it for a week and tell them that’s the target. Take each part of the process and focus on it until they get it.

Stages to encourage skill development

Define what your child is aiming to achieve; Explain the benefits of growing that skill to your child; Explain the downside of not having the skill in life; Create opportunities for your child to get feedback on how they’re doing with it; Congratulate small successes! The feedback you give your child helps their brain to get it right and consolidate it.

Support your child’s independence by focusing on developing their core skills as they progress through primary school. Find ways to work together with your child to use everyday life for working on the growing skills.

Plan homework; time activities; organise spelling; and practise self-control.

Gail Hugman is proprietor of Lessons Alive (www.lessonsalive. com) and author of A Short and Simple Book for the Why’s, 100 Things to Learn before you’re 10, plus the soon to be published Making the Pennies Drop, which shows parents exactly how to teach key skills to their children.

Preparing the ground

In general, your child’s skills will naturally develop as they mature during the secondary education years but you can prepare the ground earlier. Here are some tips to help you:

Critical thinking: ask questions about what they’re doing and what they produce. Encourage discussion about what they think.

Task initiation: explain the need to get things done when you are teaching them time management.

Perseverance: point out ‘the bigger picture’ and the steps to keeping going.

Flexibility: demonstrate being adaptable to change.

Broadening your child’s vocabulary

By Jemma Z Smith

Vocabulary development is often something that parents mention when they approach a tuition company. Unfortunately, this area of learning does not have a ‘quick fix’ solution. Vocabulary acquirement, retention and application takes a long time.

Children need to be exposed to new vocabulary several times in several different contexts in order to fully absorb it and use it in their own writing and speaking, recognise it in a range of uses and be able to adapt it (for example, adding prefixes and suffixes) when questioned in a test environment.

Vocabulary is a vital aspect of primary education, especially for pupils preparing for entrance exams. A rich vocabulary not only enhances language skills but also serves as a key tool for academic success.

Understanding words in various contexts is fundamental for primary pupils. It allows them to grasp the meanings and usage of words, which helps to improve their comprehension skills.

Additionally, a strong vocabulary assists in spelling tasks, making children more aware of homophones and homographs, thus avoiding common pitfalls in their writing, particularly in time pressured test conditions.

For example, in some verbal reasoning papers, children may be presented with a choice of synonyms to match together: wind, reign, meander. In this example, wind (verb) and meander are synonyms but the child may read it as wind - the noun - due to its position next to a word that sounds like another type of weather but is spelt differently.

Reading with your child

Reading to your child and encouraging independent reading both play important roles in shaping vocabulary and overall academic success.

When parents read to their children, they introduce them to a rich and varied language, using texts that they may not yet have the ability themselves to read; but they can still enjoy the entertainment factor and absorb the rich vocabulary used.

Children love to feel involved in what the ‘grown ups’ are doing and this can be true quality time shared. The shared experience fosters a love for stories and language, laying the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of reading.

Encouraging children to ask questions about what they have heard, searching for similarities between other authors’ work or other characters who may be similar, again broadens their vocabulary and helps them to consider how vocabulary can be used in different contexts for a different impact.

This could also be an opportunity to use audiobooks and ageappropriate podcasts, perhaps on the way to and from school, before bedtime and at the weekends.

Having a broad vocabulary proves invaluable when preparing for entrance exams as it enables children to infer meanings and understand the overall message of a text without constantly referring to a dictionary, which although a useful skill, can break the flow of reading.

Encouraging reading for pleasure is a powerful strategy to improve and develop children’s vocabulary. Parents should emphasise the importance of reading anything and everything, from storybooks to comic books, menus during meals and signs while out and about. Such diverse reading opportunities expose children to varied language structures and expressions, contributing significantly to the expansion of their vocabulary banks.

If you can convince them to read some of the classic works of Dickens and perhaps some JRR Tolkien, that is great but all reading material can be useful.

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk

Top new children’s books from around the world

By Sarah Campbell

FOR AGES 5+

From bustling African cities to the Australian Outback via Asian high seas, these extraordinary stories will transport children around the world, broadening their horizons and inspiring empathy and understanding along the way. The following recommendations are for young readers ages 5 to 12.

Too Small Tola Makes It Count

by Atinuke

Tola may be small but she’s very determined! This collection of three connected, fun stories feature Tola’s life in bustling Lagos with her clever sister, speedy brother and bossy grandmummy. Discover how there really is no problem too big for Too Small Tola. Ages 5+.

The Last Mapmaker

by Christina Soontornvat

Follow Sai, a 12-year-old heroine who is seeking to chart her own destiny in a world of secrets. Taking off for a thrilling high-seas expedition, this is a vivid adventure set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world. Ages 8+.

One Chance Dance

by Efua Traor

Lagos is no place for a boy and a bush baby but things start to look up when young Jomi meets a crew of street kids and together they come up with a plan. A heart-warming story of friendship, wonder and dance set in lively Nigeria. Ages 8+.

Sona Sharma, Wish Me Luck

by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Jen Khatun

Sona Sharma lives in India with her busy family, where she learns about the ups and downs of family, friendship and life. A warm and gentle illustrated chapter book set in colourful India, packed with empathy and humour. Ages 5+.

Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear Trang

by Trang Nguyen & Jeet Zdung

Written by scientist and environmental activist Trang Nguyen, this inspirational graphic novel is based on a true story about a young conservationist who overcomes the odds to save a sun bear in Vietnam. Ages 8+.

The Boy Who Saved a Bear

by Nizrana Farook

A boy and a big, hairy bear meet, become friends and have the adventure of their lives, thwarting the plans of some very dangerous thieves. Young animal lovers will be gripped by this adventure set in a fictional Sri Lanka. Another brilliant escapade from the author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant. Ages 8+.

The

Midnighters

by Hana Tooke, illustrated by Ayesha I. Rubio

A ghostly tale about two friends, one murder mystery and a world of intrigue. I love the mysterious, richly gothicinspired European setting of this entertaining and magical adventure. Find out what it takes to find the courage to be extraordinary. Ages 5+.

The Song Walker

by Zillah Bethel

A girl is found wandering through the Australian outback with mismatched shoes and a violin case. This great adventure with a twist is an extraordinary, spiritual story of friendship, discovery and courage. Ages 8+.

Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind

by Misa Sugiura

Momo just wants an ordinary life but she is half human, half Shinto goddess and evil spirits are threatening to escape and destroy humanity. A thrilling Japanese-inspired fantasy adventure full of action, adventure and even a talking fox. Ages 9+.

Sarah Campbell is co-founder of Parrot Street Book Club (www.parrotstreet.com), an online children’s bookshop offering a handpicked collection of high-quality children’s chapter books, plus an award-winning monthly book subscription for

5 to 14.

ages

Better outcomes for children with ADHD and autism in Kent

A Kent-based therapy team say their own ADHD, autism and dyslexia brings a fresh approach to the way they work with neurodivergent young people. Foundations Child Therapy includes professionals who are neurodivergent themselves. Following on from Neurodiversity Month in April, they believe it is the perfect time to think again about what support is offered and how to help families get the special educational support they need.

A year ago, Kent County Council was formally told by Ofsted to improve Special Educational Needs provision in schools. The council admits that demand for specialist provision and places has continued to grow, suggesting the system is not currently working as well as it could to get the best outcomes for pupils.

The Foundations team believe offering support before, during and after diagnosis to both children and their families gives the best outcomes. Director and Senior Clinical Psychologist Dr Diana Goldsmith says: “Foundations is a collective of different neurodiversities. That makes a huge difference in our approach. Our own life experience allows us to have compassion and understanding to work alongside the families who come to us. Often times when the school mentions difficulties, what neurodiverse children need more than anything is to understand how their unique brain style works for them. We get that on a deeply personal level.”

Foundations can help

Foundations, based in Tonbridge, is an award-winning service which offers support to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families to explore and help with a range of emotional, relational and psychological difficulties, including ADHD and Autism Assessment, Adult Autism Assessment, Anxiety and Stress and Parental Support.

Three of their neurodivergent team members tell us about how their personal experiences support their work with neurodivergent children and families.

Abby Lloyd is autistic. A specialist SEN teacher she is a parent to three neurodivergent teens. She told us, “When my daughter was diagnosed with autism at the age of 10, I knew then that there was a genetic component and I did a lot of research about autism in girls. I’m a teacher and I was finding teaching very overwhelming.

When I got my diagnosis, for me, it was a really late awakening which led to reanalysing my whole life.”

Bex Cole has ADHD and offers drawing and talking therapy to young people. “As a kid, as often happens with ADHD, I presented as bright and sociable but I also have dyscalculia and was struggling a lot. When I look back at my teenage years, I can now see I suffered with anxiety. The work that I do here with children who probably are ADHD, I see anxiety is a huge symptom. I enjoy supporting the well-being of individuals through creativity and am fully aware of the positive effect that creative activity can have on a child’s development.”

Dr Diana Goldsmith is dyslexic and is the Director and Senior Psychologist at Foundations. “I probably always knew I was dyslexic, I was in my thirties by the time I was diagnosed. It was only doing my PhD and people saying, ‘Why are you taking so much time writing reports?’ Then I was like, okay, now I need a diagnosis in order to protect myself.”

“At Foundations, what’s really important is that we all have different experiences but we work together to understand them. Every mind is so different and if we can come to it as a collective we’re more able to understand what’s happening. It is these types of huge life experience that allows us to have compassion and understanding for the young people who come to see us.”

For more information about Foundations, call 0744 3735 733, email info@foundationschildtherapy.com or visit www.foundationschildtherapy.co.uk

Hot water burns like fire

By Jenni Dunman

Did you know that hot water burns like fire? According to the British Burn Association, more than seven thousand children were burned or scalded in 2022 alone in England and Wales. This figure doesn’t include the thousands seen and discharged in A&E. These are the children who were so badly injured they had to be admitted to a Specialist Burns Unit.

Most accidents that cause burns and scalds to babies and children involve hot water. So let’s take a look at the risks within the home.

Hot drinks

Hot drink burns are all too common but easily preventable with these simple rules:

Keep hot drinks out of reach of young children. Place them at the back of the kitchen surface and never on a tablecloth or teatowel that a small child might reach and pull down; Never carry a hot drink whilst carrying a baby; Never pass a hot drink over the heads of children.

Hot water bottles

Hot water bottles can be dangerous and cause burns if they are not cared for or used safely. Rubber deteriorates over time so old hot water bottles can burst or leak and cause serious burns. Check for signs of wear and tear regularly. Look for the flower symbol, which indicates exactly when it was made and don’t use if it’s more than two years old. Never fill a hot water bottle with boiling water.

Top items for your home

First Aid Kit

Digital thermometer. The NHS recommends under-arm thermometers for under 5s.

Ice pack. A top tip for when you’re at home is to pop a bag of marshmallows into a plastic food bag and freeze for an instant ice pack. Remember, never put ice directly on the skin; always wrap it in a tea towel before applying the cold compress.

Liquid paracetamol. Don’t forget that you can give your little one pain relief if they hurt themselves in an accident. It’s not just for when they have a fever and are unwell.

Alcohol-free wipes. Use to clean wounds before dressing them.

A red flannel. When a child hurts themselves it can be scary to see lots of blood. Having something red to help mop it up can help disguise the severity of more nasty cuts.

It may also be useful to keep a basic first aid manual or instruction booklet with your First Aid kit.

Saucepan and kettle spills

It is important that children are not left alone around hot cooking surfaces; keep them out of the kitchen when cooking or preparing food and hot drinks. Always use the back burners on the hob when you can, turning handles in and keeping kettles and their cords out of reach of little hands.

Baths and showers

Hot water can pose a real danger. Bath and shower water can cause such bad burns that children need years of treatment and may be scarred for life. It only takes one second to get a deep burn in hot water when the water temperature is at 70°C. Always run cold water before hot and test the temperature with the back of your hand. Never leave a child alone in the bath, even for a second.

Jenni Dunman is CEO of Daisy First Aid (www.daisyfirstaid. com) which is an expert in baby and child First Aid. She’s a regular speaker at The Baby Show (www.thebabyshow.co.uk) which returns to NEC Birmingham 10-12 May, Manchester Central 7-9 June and Olympia London 25-27 October.

What to do if your child gets burned

It is important to act immediately if your child gets burned from any source. The most common sources of burns in the home are hot water and perhaps less predictably, picking up hair straighteners. Here are the steps to follow:

REMOVE any loose clothing or jewellery. Don’t remove anything that is stuck to the skin.

COOL the burn by holding it under cool (not freezing) running water for twenty minutes.

CALL for help by dialling 111 for advice or 999 in an emergency.

COVER the burn using cling film to keep it clean and get it checked by a medical professional. You can buy special burns creams and burns bandages from most pharmacies in the UK.

Finally: consider signing up to a baby and child First Aid course. This will give you practical skills which can make all the difference in an emergency. It’s the qualification you hope you’ll never need.

Birthday traditions

By Tamsin Ryan

The lovely thing about birthday traditions is that they don’t have to be big and expensive to be really fun and meaningful. They’re all about creating lasting memories and providing the perfect opportunity for a family photo, captured every year to see your family grow and change.

In our household, we have a ‘birthday book’ for our daughter. Every year we fill out a new page with what makes her special; from her favourite food or toy, to what she wants to be when she grows up. It’s going to make a lovely book to look back on in years to come! She also opens her presents first thing in the morning, before we’ve even got out of bed. Later, we’ll eat out with wider family members, at the favourite ‘fancy’ restaurant that we always go to for birthday celebrations.

Another great bonus of family traditions is that they can potentially replace the need for an all-singing, all-dancing birthday party. Sometimes quality time with the ones we love is more than enough and parties can take a back seat.

Here are a few fun ideas for you:

Add decorations and leave their presents at the end of your child’s bed, while they sleep. A lovely surprise when they wake!

Write your child a letter every year for their birthday, for a lovely keepsake when they are older. Or they could write something each year for a time capsule of their letters and drawings.

Write little post-it notes for the birthday child and hide them round their room, the house, in their school bag and their lunchbox.

Ask the birthday child to donate a toy of theirs to charity before they receive any new gifts. It’s a lovely way for them to acknowledge how lucky they are to receive gifts on their birthday and also clears some space to accommodate any new gifts.

Prepare a fantastic birthday breakfast feast, such as piles of pancakes covered in fruit, syrup and cream. Or maybe just start the day the best way - with birthday cake!

Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Gifting the birthday child with these is a lovely way to celebrate a birthday in a more grounded way.

Plan a scavenger hunt around the house and garden and ask the birthday child to solve clues in order to hunt down their gifts.

Offer a ‘yes’ day, where you agree to all requests from the birthday child. You may want to have a few ‘safety’ caveats for this day, to ensure certain requests are out of bounds.

Send their birthday card in the post, even if you are all at home; it’s always fun to receive mail.

It’s time for summer camps

By Ellie Malt

I once spent a freakishly hot week in the summer holidays learning to sail near the Isle of Wight. As a tween, I was dazzled by the teenaged sailing instructors who seemed endlessly cool. I’m not saying my sailing skills were Olympian but it felt like a modern version of Swallows and Amazons. The sense of freedom and adventure was amazing. My point? Any programme run with experience and enthusiasm can be more than just a childcare solution.

Holiday camps can be daunting and my children enjoy them more if they go with a friend. Perhaps the pandemic made them cautious? Having asked around, it seems they are not the only ones.

Jenny, a mother of a 7 and 9-year-old told me: ‘My kids weren’t interested in going at all but three hours at a tennis camp turned out to be a good first step.’ Half-day camps are a great introduction to camp life.

It’s also important to think carefully before automatically sending siblings to the same camp. ‘Choose carefully!’ warned Maggie, who has two girls with very different interests. ‘I sent both of mine off to the same sports camp. At the end of the first day, one came home on top of the world, the other refused to go back.’

If it is your child’s first time at a summer camp, you can ease their worries by choosing something that really dovetails nicely with their hobbies and personality.

If you think a tech camp might hit the mark, try something with a more specialist focus on robotics, coding and inventions. Next Thing Education run programmes across the UK led

by professional creators, inventors and tech enthusiasts. The children learn creative, technical and logical skills. See www.nextthing.education for details.

For outdoorsy kids, summer is the perfect opportunity to immerse them in the most inspiring local scenery.

Do you live near a woodland? Forest Schools are ideal for nature loving kids, encouraging play alongside learning bushcraft skills, all in a natural setting. You can find your nearest by looking on the database of the Forest School Association which ensures site leaders have Forest School L3 qualifications or equivalent. Visit www.forestschoolassociation.org for details.

If you are heading to the coast for a holiday or even a short break and your child can swim and enjoys being in the water, a surf school is a good option to consider. Surfing England (www.surfingengland.org) has a list of more than fifty accredited surf schools and coaches. They’ve also created the Grom Squad programme for kids to learn about protecting the environment and sea safety.

Ellie is a mum of two daughters, living in Surrey.

Budget-friendly options

If your child is under 11-years-old, you may qualify for a Tax-Free Childcare account (which you can set up on the Government Gateway website). The government contributes £2 for every £8 you put into the account. To spend the money on a summer camp you will need your unique reference number from your account.

Many camps still accept childcare vouchers. The schemes are closed to new applicants but are still valid if you joined on or before 4 October 2018.

The Summer Camps Trust (www.summercampstrust.org) charity aims to make residential summer camp as normal for UK children as it is for kids in the US. Offering access to kids from all backgrounds, their Tryout camps offer reduced rates for first timers.

The Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) is a government-funded holiday camp programme offering free places to any child who is eligible for free school meals. Head to your local authority website and search for HAF. Note that each area has a different name for its HAF funded programmes.

Learning to swim

Learning to swim is the only physical activity which can save your life.

In recognition of this, all schools must provide swimming lessons in Key Stage 1 or 2 (ages 5 to 11), as a statutory sport within the Physical Education (PE) curriculum.

In particular, pupils should be taught to perform safe selfrescue in different water-based situations; swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of AT LEAST 25 metres and use a range of strokes effectively, for example, front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke.

However, Swim England recommends that your child doesn’t give up on regular private swimming lessons once they start swimming with school as these are crucial to their continued development and ultimately safety.

The aim of school swimming and water safety lessons during PE are to teach your child to be safe in and around water, with the emphasis on water safety.

At private lessons, your child will be taught more in-depth skills and techniques than they will at school. Regular private lessons progress way past the minimum national curriculum requirements and your child continues their aquatic education towards an active and healthy future.

What will my child learn during school swimming?

As well as learning to swim the basic strokes, your child will learn how to be safe around different water environments eg beaches, lakes, canals. Your child will be taught how the skills they learn in their swimming lessons can be used in an emergency situation.

Your role

As a parent, guardian or carer you play a vital role in encouraging your child to swim and learn about water safety, survival and lifesaving. You can help your child grow their water confidence through enjoying fun family swimming sessions together and also talking about water safety know-how.

Make sure your child has everything they need to take part in their swimming lessons and also find out what their current attainment level is and what they should be achieving.

Packing a swimming kit

Swimwear. Check school guidelines on the swimwear permitted. Towels. Two can be good!

Swimming cap. Keeps long hair out of the face and reduces ‘drag’ to make swimming easier.

Goggles. Ideally pupils need to experience swimming without goggles; if your child falls into a lake they won’t have goggles and may panic. If you think your child needs to wear goggles, discuss with their school.

Toiletries. Pack shampoo, conditioner, shower gel etc to wash off pool chemicals.

Hairbrush/Comb. Hair clips/bands are useful if swimming without a cap.

Locker coins. If lockers will be used, ask whether they require coins or a token.

Water. In a pool, children won’t notice how much they sweat. Give them a water bottle, remind them to keep it poolside and take regular sips.

Snack. Depending on school rules, a small snack like a banana for after their lesson will help replace energy.

Jewellery. This should ideally be removed for safety.

If you are in a Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

You have an important role to play. Children who don’t learn to swim at school often never learn at all. In your regular meetings, you can encourage and support your school to sign up to the Charter and take swimming and water safety seriously, as well as making sure it stays on the agenda.

Do you home school your children?

According to latest BBC figures, home-schooling in the UK has increased forty percent in the past three years. Parents who home school must ensure their children receive provide a broad and balanced, full-time education from age 5. Whilst you don’t have to follow the national curriculum, you will almost certainly want your child to learn to swim to its required standards.

Swim England recommends your child completes the Swim England School Swimming and Water Safety Charter, to be competent and confident in all water environments and proficient in all the swimming strokes.

This will ensure they can swim the minimum required twenty five metres by the time they would normally leave primary school.

Swim England also suggests enrolling them on regular lessons that follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme, as well as participating in water safety campaigns such as Swim Safe.

Talk to your local lesson providers about the potential for taking part in bespoke school swimming lessons.

For further information, visit www.swimming.org

Play ‘n Grow Childcare

Play ‘n Grow Childcare offers a range of childcare options for ages 0 to 11. They offer nursery care at the Angel Centre (ages 0-5) and a Holiday Club for ages 2-11 at Bishop Chavasse.

For more information email Sarah at playngrowchildcare@gmail.com www.playngrowchildcare.co.uk

What's On Your family guide to

Mon to Fri, Term Time Only

Stay & Play

FlipOut Ashford, TN24 8DH www.flipout.co.uk

Enjoy spending time with your little ones in dedicated toddler areas. Two parents can assist free of charge. From 10am to 3pm. Under 5’s only. £7.50 for adult & one child.

Every Tue

Stay & Play

Sunshine Children’s Centre, Maidstone, ME15 6TL www.facebook.com/maidstone childrenscentres

Sensory activities, outdoor play, messy play, crafts and more. 9.3011am. Ages 0-5. FREE.

Every Tue & Sat Dedicated SEN Session Flipout Ashford, TN24 8DH www.flipout.co.uk

A dedicated session for the SEN. The disco lights and music are turned down to create a relaxing atmosphere. Staff focus on creating a calming and attentive atmosphere, perfect for individuals with additional needs. Tue 2-4pm, Sat 9-10am. All ages. £8.50.

Every Wed

Playground Creative Play

Ashford Gateway Plus, TN23 1AS www.kent.gov.uk

FREE weekly sessions for children aged 0-24 months in libraries and early years settings across Kent. Led by a team of brilliant artists and musicians, you and your child can share creative play. Booking is essential. Call 03000 41 31 31.

Every Fri

Baby Rhymetime

Ashford Gateway Plus, TN23 1AS www.kent.gov.uk

Popular rhymes and songs for babies, toddlers and their parents or carers. 10-10.20am.

Every Sat

Love Your Local Market

Bligh’s Meadow Shopping Centre, Sevenoaks TN13 1DA www.blighsmeadow.com

Offering a range of local goods from beads to art and crafts stalls, 9am-4pm.

Weekly Baby Rhymetime Libraries across Kent www.kent.gov.uk

A FREE, fun and noisy way for under 3s to develop a love of language and learning. Each session lasts 20 minutes and includes nursery rhymes and action songs.

Exhibition, activity trails and local history this half-term

Explore St John’s Church and grounds in Hildenborough from 27 May to 1 June, as they celebrate 180 years since opening their doors.

There is a FREE ‘Church and Community History Exhibition’ open during May half-term with stands from local organisations. There will be activities and trails for children and plenty to interest grownups too. Learn about life over the last 180 years, find out about the people of the parish and help to imagine what the next 180 years may look like! The café will be open each day with yummy treats and light refreshments.

Taking place at St John’s Church, Hildenborough, TN11 9HR from 10am–2pm. Lots of FREE parking on-site available. www.stjohnshildenborough.co.uk/whats-on

Weekly Storytime

Libraries across Kent www.kent.gov.uk

Listening to stories is a great way to develop and encourage young children to read books. Come and join a storytime sessions. Ages 3-4.

Weekly Playground Creative Play

Libraries across Kent www.kent.gov.uk

Playground is an exciting programme of creative play sessions for young children and their families. Led by a team of artists and musicians, young children can share Baby Playground (0 to 18 months) and Family Playground (under 5 years).

Ongoing

Trainmaster

Venues across Kent www.trainmaster.co.uk

Train lovers come and visit for an hour of play. Refreshments available. See online for details.

Ongoing

Gruffalo Party Trail

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ www.forestryengland.uk

The interactive family trail features party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures. 9am8pm. Ages 3-9.

Until 25 Mar

Toddler Mondays

Knole, Sevenoaks, TN15 0RP www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Enjoy a fun morning at Knole with babyccino coffee mornings and storytime in the bookshop. Babyccino coffee morning 10am12pm Storytime in the bookshop 11-11.30am. FREE but normal admission applies. Under 5s.

Selected dates in May & Jun

Horrible Histories Terrible Thames Boat Tour

www.terriblethames.com

Horrible Histories proudly presents its wicked river tour of the Terrible Thames. Take a dive with Horrible Histories into the stories of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd, in this history of the Thames with the nasty bits left in!

Sat 4 to Mon 6 May

Percy’s World Trip – Japan!

The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens, Birchington, CT7 0BH

www.powell-cottonmuseum.org

In 1891 Percy Powell-Cotton visited Japan as part of his big world trip. Whilst there he bought many beautiful ‘souvenirs’, some of which are on display in the museum. Discover the Japanese collection and the beautiful gardens, showing the prettiest signs of spring. 11am-4pm.

Sat 4 to Mon 6 May

May Day Weekend

Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Celebrate May Day at Hever Castle & Gardens with a weekend of fun family activities and traditional May Day customs. 11am-4pm.

Sat 4 to Mon 6 May

Weald of Kent Country Craft Show

Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DH

www.thecraftshows.co.uk/ wealdofkent2024

Artisan shopping, delicious food, workshops, entertainment, craft demonstrations, children’s rides with a feel-good atmosphere. 10am-5pm.

Sat 11 May

The Great British Dog Walk Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT

www.hearingdogs.org.uk

There will be waggy tails and wet noses in abundance when hundreds of dog walkers gather to raise money for national charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The walk, supported by Specsavers Audiologists, is one of 13 similar events to be held in picturesque locations across the UK. By taking part in either the 3km or 5km sponsored dog walk, people will be helping to train more incredible hearing dogs to alert partners to life-saving and important sounds and help them reconnect with life. Tickets are £12 in advance for adults and are available online, or £15 on the day. Children under 16 go FREE. A free dog bandana is included with every adult ticket.

The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens,

Thu 16 to Sun 19 May

Spring Craft Fair Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Over the four days you will be able to discover around 140 exhibitors from the UK’s finest designer makers and contemporary artists at this craft fair based in the heart of the Kentish countryside. Admission applies. 9.30am-5.30pm.

Sat 18 & Sun 19 May

Faversham Artisan Crafts and Gift Market

The Alexander Centre, Faversham, ME13 8NZ

www.thealex.org.uk

A selection of the best of Kent’s craft and gift products, including jewellery, homeware, artwork, photography, candles, soaps, clothing, beauty, food and more. 10am-3pm. FREE.

Sun 19 May

Horrible Histories

Orchard West Theatre, Dartford DA1 1BX

www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So Horrible Histories is back in 2024 with revolting rulers and mad monarchs from Britain’s barmy past! 1.30pm & 4.30pm.

Wed 22 to Sat 25 May

The Boy at the Back Of The Class

The Marlow Theatre, Canterbury CT1 2AS www.marlowetheatre.com

Told from a child’s perspective, The Boy At The Back Of The Class highlights the power of friendship and kindness. 10.30am, 2pm, 7pm. Ages 7+.

Sat 25 to Mon 27 May

The Queen’s Joust Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL

www.leeds-castle.com

Join Leeds Castle for a bank holiday of exhilarating displays of combat and action, elegant and unusual equestrian, medieval living and feasting. 1pm & 3.30pm each day. Included with general admission. Other 15th Century trades and activities including blacksmithing forge, medieval food and drink, coin-minting, tailors workshop, weaving and spinning.

Sat 25 to Mon 27 May

WWII Weekend

Dover Castle, Castle Hill, Dover, CT16 1HU

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Embrace the atmosphere and action of the 1940s as the celebrated WWII Weekend returns for another bank holiday spectacular. 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, so enjoy an incredible event and commemorate the year 1944. Book online and save 15%. 10am-4pm.

Sat 25 to Fri 31 May

Spring Holiday Trail & Crafts: The Mole and The Mushroom Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG

www.penshurstplace.com

Follow the story of the Mole and the Mushroom on a storyboard walk through the Woodland Trail, before heading to The Old Coach House to have a go at some woodlandthemed crafts! 10am-5pm.

Enjoy American SpeedFest at Brands Hatch this June

American SpeedFest 11 powered by Lucas Oil arrives at Brands Hatch for two days of supercharged entertainment on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June. NASCAR, live music and car displays will all form part of this spectacular event and it’s a great weekend for all the family with FREE entry for kids under the age of 13!

Race action will be headlined by the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series with support action from the Pickup Truck Racing Championship, Legends Cars and retro V8s. There will be special demonstrations and parades too.

The off-track show is massive including the dedicated SpeedFest Country presented by CountryLine music festival. Headliners Ward Thomas and Alyssa Bonagura top the bill with access included for all ticket holders. Further off-track attractions will include American car displays, an expanded Live Action Arena headlined by monster truck shows, Victory Lane podium celebrations and much more.

Discounted advance tickets are available at www.speedfest.co.uk

Sat 25 May to Sun 2 Jun

Art Week

Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Unleash your artistic side during May half term. Become an artist for the day and depict the Castle or gardens in any style or take part in a free art challenge. Vote for your favourite artwork depicted by members of Hever Castle staff and look out for pieces of art around the grounds. 10.30am-6pm.

Sat 25 May to Sun 2 Jun

Half-Term Trail Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks TN14 6BA

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Discover the secrets of fossils, dinosaurs and geology as we mark 60 years since geologist Charles Boise intrusted Emmetts Garden to the National Trust. Dig up fossils, search for prehistoric treasures and follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs. 10am to 4.30pm. Trail £3 and includes a prize.

Sat 25 May to Sun 2 Jun

Half-Term Trail: The Scotney Story Book

Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 8JN

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Enjoy a story-book celebration with this summer half-term trail. Pick up a trail sheet from Visitor Entrance and see if you can work out which traditional storybook and fairy tale characters are hiding in the garden. Who will you find? Complete the sheet, solve the puzzle to uncover the final missing character and claim a small reward from the shop. 10am-5pm. Admission applies.

Sat 25 May to Sun 2 Jun

Teddy Bears Picnic

Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, TN15 0NT

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Come and enjoy the annual Teddy Bear displays and on Sunday 2nd June, bring your Teddy Bears and enjoy a picnic whilst you listen to the Biggin Hill Band on the North Lawn. Performance begins at 11.30am and 12.45pm. FREE but admission applies. 10am-5pm.

Sat 25 May to Sun 2 Jun

The Scotney Story Book

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful garden with an old ruined castle at its centre. So beautiful in fact, that traditional storybook and fairy tale characters decided to pop in for a visit. Keep your eyes open for your favourites - from Little Red Riding Hood to Rapunze, tick them off your list as you go. Uncover the final missing character to claim a small reward from the shop. £3 with admission. Ages 4-10.

Sat 25 May to Sun 16 Jun

Half Term D-Day Garden Trail

Chartwell, Westerham, TN16 1PS

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

This free trail will take you around the Chartwell Gardens where you learn more about how D-Day unfolded. Discover how many boats were involved in D-Day, learn about RAF planes and discover the secret code British soldiers used to identify themselves. FREE but admission applies. 10am-4pm.

Mon 27 May

Paws in the Garden

Reuthe’s – The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks, TN15 OHB

www.reuthes.com

Dog show and family fun day including live music, Alpaca meet and greet, demonstrations, sellers and more. 10am-4pm. FREE. Book tickets online.

Mon 27 May to Sat 1 Jun Family Half-Term Exhibition & Activities

St John’s Church, Hildenborough, TN11 9HR

www.stjohnshildenborough.co.uk/ whats-on

Church and Community History Exhibition, plus children’s activities and a family trail. 10am-2pm. Parking available. FREE.

Tue 28 & Wed 29 May

Orchard Activity: Bee Safari Brogdale Collections, Faversham, ME13 8XZ

www.brogdalecollections.org

Go on a Bee Safari Hunt! Search and identify different types of pollinators and learn more about the many Bee varieties. 10am–12pm, 1–3pm. Book online.

Tues 28 May to Sun 2 Jun

Kids Rule! Dover Castle, Castle Hill, Dover, CT16 1HU www.english-heritage.org.uk

There’s lots to see and do at Dover Castle this May half-term. Discover the story of Dunkirk in the interactive Secret Wartime Tunnels and meet characters in the recreated medieval Great Tower. Book online and save 15%. 10am5pm. All ages.

Wed 29 May to Sat 1 Jun

TWODS - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Show

Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Experience the magic of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a sensational musical that will leave you spellbound! Join Joseph on his extraordinary journey, filled with dazzling costumes, infectious music and breathtaking dance numbers. With its unforgettable songs like ‘Any Dream Will Do’ and ‘Go, Go, Go Joseph’, this show is a must-see for theatre enthusiasts of all ages. 2pm & 7pm. BSL signed performance Thu 30 May, 7pm.

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Jun

Glorious Gardens Weekend

Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, TN11 8DG

www.penshurstplace.com

Celebrate the formal gardens and natural nature spaces in a weekend full of activities and fun for the whole family. There will be a range of guests including The Kent Wildlife Trust, Ambleford Forest School and The Kent Guild of Spinners, Dyers and Weavers plus lots more! There’s plenty to do for children and adults of all ages. 10am-5pm.

Sat 1 & 15 Jun

Faversham Artisan Crafts and Gift Market

The Alexander Centre, Faversham, ME13 8NZ

www.thealex.org.uk

A selection of the best of Kent’s craft and gift products, including jewellery, homeware, artwork, photography, candles, soaps, clothing, beauty, food and more. 10am-3pm. FREE.

Thu 6 to Sun 9 Jun

Madagascar

The Musical Orchard West Theatre, Dartford DA1 1BX

www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Join all of your favourite crack-alackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. 7pm, 11am, 5pm.

Sat 8 & Sun 9 Jun

American SpeedFest Brands Hatch, Sevenoaks, TN15 6FS

www.speedfest.co.uk

The biggest and best celebration of American-fuelled motoring, music and racing this side of the atlantic. Book online in advance to save. Kimds under 13 are FREE.

Sun 9 Jun

The National Fruit Collection Brogdale Farm, Brogdale Road, Kent, ME13 8XZ

www.farmsunday.org

Part of Open Farm Sunday. Enjoy FREE entry for a family-friendly agricultural adventure including a day of tractor and walking tours. Explore the orchards, learn how fruit cultivation has changed and how the orchards are maintained and cared for throughout the year. 10am-3pm.

Sun 9 Jun

Open Farm Sunday at Frogholt Farm Folkestone, CT18 8AT

www.farmsunday.org

There will be a handful of animals that can be seen, from Romney ewes with lambs to our rare native breed Toggenburg goats with kids, pigs, Dexter cattle and alpacas. There will be a sheep shearing demonstration, along with a number of local craft, food and drink stalls available. Entry is £5 per adult £2 per child and under 3s FREE. 10am-3pm.

Sun 9 Jun

Shoreham Village School Fete

Shoreham, TN14 7SN

Come along to Shoreham Village School Fete and enjoy plenty of activities and entertainment as well as food trucks and stall. Plus, there is a Gladiator dual, fun factory and classic fete games. Adults £2, children FREE, 12-4pm.

Sun 16 Jun

An Afternoon with Dad

Kent Life Maidstone, ME14 3AU

www.kentlife.org.uk

Dads are truly special and what better way to show them how much we appreciate them than by treating them to an afternoon of delicious snacks, a refreshing pint and a fun-filled day for the whole family! 10am-5pm. Pre-book online.

Sat 15 to Sun 16 Jun

Father’s Day Weekend

Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Show your dad just how much you love him with a wonderful family day out to for the Cars at the Castle event. 10.30am-6pm.

Sat 15 to Sun 16 Jun

Bricktacular Adventures

The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens, Birchington, CT7 0BH

www.powell-cottonmuseum.org Enjoy a free-flow workshop featuring LEGO® Bricks! Build with thousands of bricks and there will also be speed building challenges, LEGO® Duplo for the younger builders and create LEGO® Dot mosaics. Ticket includes museum and gardens access between 10am–5pm. Adult £9, concession £8.50, child £8, Infants (ages 0-3) Free. Pre-booking online advised.

Thu 20 to Fri 21 Jun

Cirque: The Greatest Show Orchard West Theatre, Dartford DA1 1BX

www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Welcome to Cirque: the awardwinning, smash-hit circus musical that is fun for all the family. Let us take you on a truly wondrous journey as a monochrome life, bursts joyously into kaleidoscopic colour. 7.30pm.

Sat 22 Jun

Family Fun Day

Reuthe’s – The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks, TN15 OHB

www.reuthes.com

A family fun day featuring a woodland trail, Alpaca meet and greet, live music, reptiles, market stalls, children’s activities, games and more. 12-5pm. Pre-book tickets online.

Sat 22 to Sun 23 Jun

Hever’s Home Front

Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Step back in time to wartime Britain at Hever’s Home Front at this 1940s event. Experience the sights and smells of the time with authentic cooking along with displays of military vehicles. Browse stalls selling vintage wares and refreshments. Step into the shoes of those during the time by dressing up in period costume and finish off your outfit with a trip to a 1940s hair salon. Included with admission. 10.30am-6pm.

Sun 23 Jun

Cirque: The Greatest Show Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LU

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

It’s time to step into the light. Escape with us for a night like no other, where we take you into a world where the very best of musical theatre showstoppers meets jaw-dropping circus spectacular. 2pm.

Sat 29 to Sun 30 Jun

Museum Movie Magic

The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens, Birchington, CT7 0BH

www.powell-cottonmuseum.org/ event/museum-movie-magic

Discover vintage films from the archive, tread the museum walk of fame, create your own movie poster and play movie-themed games. Members are FREE, Adult £4, concession £3.50, Child: £3, Infants (ages 0-3) FREE.

Family camping across the UK

There’s something very special about a camping trip, especially if it’s with your family. Making memories that will last a lifetime and perhaps sparking a love of the outdoors from an early age. Once you’ve got your gear together, camping can also be a cost effective way to get away from home for a few days on an adventure.

We asked our friends at The Outdoor Guide (www.theoutdoorguide.co.uk) for some of their favourite camping and glamping (camping with all the bells and whistles, including a proper bed) sites that you and your family may want to try.

Love2Stay, Shropshire

What’s not to love about your stay here? It’s a luxury touring, caravan and glamping site that offers families everything they could want and more. Whether you and the kids want to go swimming, kayaking, complete an assault course or try your hand at archery, this is the place for you!

Love2Stay, Mid-Wales

In the heart of the rolling Welsh hills and overlooking the Severn Valley, there’s enough to do here to keep all the family busy! There’s a fantastic adventure play area for the children whilst adults can relax in the spa or hot tub.

Charmill Cottage Campsite, West Sussex

Nestled on the edge of the South Downs National Park, this is a little gem of a campsite that you’ll want to visit again and again. Next to the campsite is Wild Heart Hill - a beautiful wooded hillside to explore and play on (look out for the rope swings hidden amongst the trees). It’s also a short drive away from the beaches of Worthing and Littlehampton.

Orcarber Farm, Yorkshire Dales

This is a family run site near the village of Austwick with its country pub, local shop and playing fields with tennis, bowls, football, basketball and a playground – perfect for getting active and enjoying a family break.

Castlerigg Hall, Lake District

This is a campsite with a view and a half. Situated near the wonderful market town of Keswick, the site overlooks Derwentwater and is a walkers’ paradise. On your doorstep are the likes of Blencathra, Skiddaw and Catbells if you’re looking for a challenge or for a smaller fell, Latrigg is wheelchair and pushchair friendly.

Loch Ness Shores Club Site, Scotland

In the heart of the Highlands and with views over Loch Ness, this is a simply stunning location. It’s the perfect place to explore the surrounding countryside or perhaps while away an hour or two looking out for the elusive Nessie!

Sennen Cove Club Site, Cornwall

Located on a cliff top overlooking the Atlantic, this is where you’ll get a good dose of sea air. The nearby coastline offers secluded coves and sandy beaches where little ones can run free. This campsite is perfectly situated to explore Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount and St Ives.

Verwood Club Site, Dorset

Whether you’re looking to explore the miles of sandy beaches across Bournemouth and Poole or go and explore the New Forest National Park, this is the perfect base. There’s also a great children’s playground on site and your dog is welcome too.

To find out more about all these campsites and more, visit www.theoutdoorguide.co.uk/stay/camping-glamping