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IN THIS ISSUE
Education Summer fun Giveaways Father’s Day Travel
Win a family holiday at an Away Resort! Magazine
May/June 2022
Familiesonline.co.uk
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2 May/June
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CONTENTS
In this issue
Welcome
4 10 12 Warm sunny days are on the horizon so start 15 planning some family adventures in your local 16 area and exploring the great outdoors again. 18 If you have a little one who starts school in September, now is also the time to start thinking 20 about preparation. Find advice and resources in 21 our Education section. 22 So much to look forward to in May and June, including two bank holidays, one of them extralong! Yippee!
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. Plus a family ticket to Diggerland. Don’t forget to apply!
Laura x
Education Father’s Day gifts Summer camps Kids’ parties Adventures at home Giveaways! Travel Summer food Garden toys 23 Events
Get in touch Competition winners from our January/February issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list here.
EXCEPTIONAL CHILDCARE FOR 0-5'S Children's Corner Nursery NOW OPEN in Harrogate
Come and say hello! We're filling up fast so book a show around today Call 01423 802332 The Annexe, Central House, Harrogate HG3 1UG Familiesonline.co.uk
harrogate@childrenscornerchildcare.co.uk 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
( (
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Get dressed
( (
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Do up my co at/ cardigan
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Put on my sh
( (
oes
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Go to the to ilet by myself
( (
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Take my clo thes off
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Open my sn
( ( (
Share with ot her children
( (
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Wash my ha I’ve been to nds after and before I the toilet eat
(
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Eat with a kn ife and fork
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ack box
4 May/June
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR CHILD HERE
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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
For an amazing, adventure-filled summer... Apply for a Map of Wonders!
Our bespoke curriculum encourages
10 available
Girls explore their imaginations, ask questions, experiment, take risks & draw their own conclusions.
Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk
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AN EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION FOR GIRLS AGE 3-18
mountschoolyork.co.uk 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
EDUCATION
Meet Dan Machin, Principal at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate What inspired you to teach and later to become a Head? I originally studied towards a Management degree at university but in my first and second year I lived with a student teacher and the stories she came home from school with inspired me to do the same myself. We used to have a house rule when she came home that we could only speak to her once she was ready to speak to us, such are the demands of doing your teacher training, so she could never understand why I decided this was something that I wanted to do myself! Even at that early stage though, you could see what she was gaining personally from working with young people and despite the challenges, how much fun it was. In terms of becoming a Principal, going right back to my degree days I have always enjoyed leadership and management and this role allows me to play my part in supporting so many staff and students to achieve what they want to achieve – it is a fantastic job and I’d encourage more staff in schools to do the same. What do you enjoy most about being Queen Ethelburga’s Head Teacher? I enjoy working with people and seeing them develop, whether with their education or careers, has to be the most satisfying part of the role. Queen Ethelburga’s has such an aspirational group of students and staff, with such a diverse range of 8 May/June
Meet
Head the
Sponsored feature
interests and skills, that every day brings new experiences and a lot of fun. What do you think is the hardest part of education today for pupils? Students take their education incredibly seriously and at times they can over-face themselves when managing their own expectations and the demands that come with this; our key job is to support their wellbeing and ensure they have a good balance of commitments. That said, when I consider schools twenty to thirty years ago, I really admire students today in terms of their approach to learning and their planning for the future. The challenge is convincing them to be less humble and to realise how remarkable they are! How do you get the pupils to give back to the community? Students at Queen Ethelburga’s (and nationally) have a good Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
understanding of the world around them and a strong moral compass in terms of social awareness. Our work is less about getting them to give back to the community and more about helping them to decide who to support next! What is something about you that nobody knows? My hobbies include a keen interest in cars, motor racing and football!
Queen Ethelburga’s is a day and boarding school situated to the east of Harrogate and North of York in the Thorpe Underwood Estate. The school offers all students a vast array of opportunities, enabling them to pursue their particular interests and aspirations. At Queen Ethelburga’s, they have four individual schools, with their own heads and staff teams, small enough to maintain a family atmosphere. Chapter House caters for children aged 3 months to 10 years. King’s Magna caters for children aged 10 to 14 years. The Faculty and the College cater for children aged 14 - 19 years.
FIND OUT MORE
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
May/June 9
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 10 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
Pock School_Families mag Open Morning June (180x130mm) AW.pdf
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We will be producing a Mini Musical based on the musical film ‘Encanto’. Students will have the opportunity to explore commercial, musical theatre styles of dance and Pop singing. The five days will also be jam-packed with crafts, props, set design and much more! All in a safe and secure environment with fully DBS checked teachers. The week will finish with a short presentation for friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Join us at Razzamataz York for our amazing Summer School!
Mobile 07969859895 Familiesonline.co.uk
Hollie Pickup Principal/Owner Razzamataz Theatre School Office Address 8 Houghton Lane, Sancton, York YO43 4QU
york@razzamataz.co.uk May/June 11
SUMMER CAMPS
Summer camps questions 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?
KIDS ART CLASSES
CAMPS
3-12 YEARS
BOOK NOW harrogate.thelittlegym.co.uk leeds.thelittlegym.co.uk york.thelittlegym.co.uk
ONLINE OR IN PERSON IN YORK
TERM TIME CLASSES & HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS SIGN UP NOW
For kids ages 6-16 Adult beginner classes available too /BlankCanvasArtClub 07773 819 603 blankcanvasartclub@gmail.com blankcanvas.art.club 12 May/June
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SUMMER CAMPS
Heaps of fun at The Little Gym We were invited to experience one of the half day holiday camps for children aged 5 - 12 at the Little Gym, York. Read on to find out how we got on and what holiday camps at the Little Gyms are about. The Little Gym itself is a wonderfully bright, clean and The Little Gym, York, Harrogate spacious arena covered in soft and Leeds, offers the perfect flooring and filled with specialist solution to the ever recurring gymnastics equipment, usable problem of what to do with the by children of all ages. Qualified kids during the school holidays if instructors support your child when parents are working. Camps were needed or to step away if their available throughout the Easter confidence is such that they can holidays and are also on offer demonstrate a skill alone. during May 1/2 term and over the summer holidays. There are plenty What we really liked was the of options available, making it quite balance created between free play easy to suit parents’ needs and and instructor led activities. There keep the kids smiling and happy at was also the option to take some the same time! Choose from 3, 4, time out of the gym and build new 7 or 7.5 hours of Ofsted registered friendships whilst doing crafts. camps with a breakfast and lunch option available too. Inclusivity was clearly evident with children of all ages from 5 Themed sessions change -12 and all abilities being made to each week with games and feel welcome and supported. A gymnastics on offer, all provided showcase session at the end of by the qualified and experienced the day worked well to encourage instructors. Our boys attended children to demonstrate a new skill the Vaulting Workshop where they’d learned or perfected whilst they got to develop new skills parents were watching on outside such as a squat-on-vault and a of the gym area. front handspring vault. Other workshops catered for children Everyone from children to adults aged 3-8 with themes such as are made to feel welcome and staff Dinosaur Adventure and Search are not only friendly and cheery, for the Rainbow, they cater for but genuinely interested in each children of all ages helping them individual child, which was a to engage in, learn and develop delight to see. new gymnastics’ skills whilst also FIND OUT MORE building their confidence. 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
CLUBS AND CLASSES
Razzamataz, York
Blank Canvas Art Club, York Blank Canvas Art Club, York & online
Razzamataz York is proud to put the welfare of its students at the heart of everything it does. Each child will receive first class tuition in a range of styles from classic West End musical theatre to funky street dance and pop singing. FIND OUT MORE
The Little Gym, York Harrogate & Leeds The Little Gym For every stage of your child’s development – from 4 months to 12 years – The Little Gym offers a diverse line up of classes, camps and parties filled with movement, music, learning and laughter. Your little ones will make friends, reach developmental milestones and build self-confidence while having Serious Fun. FIND OUT MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
Do your kids love Art? Well, join the club! We have online & in person afterschool classes for kids aged 5-18 (& adults too) offering imaginative, fun twoway tuition in small classes. We teach fine art skills and techniques with a varied termly curriculum of topics. FIND OUT MORE
Little Stars Swimming, Selby Little Stars Swimming Where fun learning in water begins. We are dedicated to giving you and your child the best swimming experience. Our small team of experienced STA instructors are qualified to teach babies through to adults and those with additional needs. The warm quiet 5mx10m pools ensure a wonderful place to learn and develop technique. FIND OUT MORE May/June 15
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. 16 May/June
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.
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. Familiesonline.co.uk
Make the most of little ones curled up in your lap for story time. Or even write your own story together. May/June 17
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.
Win a family ticket to Diggerland! Win a complimentary ticket to either Diggerland Durham or Diggerland Castleford. Digglerand is the ultimate Adventure UK Theme Park Experience... where children and adults alike can ride, drive and operate REAL diggers, dumpers and other full size construction machinery. There are indoor and outdoor play areas too, so younger visitors can let off steam while their parents can just sit back, relax and watch the fun...or join in! Parks are aimed at children between 4 and 14 years of age, but all are welcome. APPLY HERE by 27 May 2022. T&Cs apply.
18 May/June
Familiesonline.co.uk
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
Familiesonline.co.uk
May/June 19
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. 20 May/June
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.
Familiesonline.co.uk
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 Familiesonline.co.uk
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 May/June 21
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. 22 May/June
A nature trail along a rocky coast. Scrambling, swimming and rock hopping.
Head ‘off piste’ - follow a stream in reverse!
Familiesonline.co.uk
EVENTS
The Magic Hatter is bringing his award-winning entertainment to the streets, with his NEW Wizard Walk of York “Magic, mystery, comedy and excitement plus a dash of York’s history…the ingredients for a truly unforgettable experience for all the family!” Public tours are running on selected evenings, starting from the bottom of The Shambles opposite The Golden Fleece. Pre-booking required. Private tours are available for birthdays, school groups, brownies, cubs and more. A wonderfully whimsical tour that wizard fans will go Potty for! Wizard Wand Kits are also available, subject to availability. A handcrafted wand and instructions for seven tricks that young witches and wizards can learn at home. Plus a FREE printable certificate! FIND OUT MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
11 - 24 Jun York Festival of Ideas, York York Festival of Ideas promises to spark children’s imaginations with lots of FREE and fun handson activities. Explore the moon, watch as York scientists dissect a zombie, get your hands dirty (literally!) as you measure how well trees take up carbon, and join us for a chocolate tasting. Come along to our Discovery Zone and Festival Family Fun Afternoon for some crafty, puzzling, scientific and historical fun - interact with robots, learn about food and climate change, immerse yourself in early prehistory, explore the brain in virtual reality, and more! Don’t miss acclaimed children’s author Michael Morpurgo as he returns to the Festival for a special evening of live music, poetry and storytelling in celebration of the natural world, taking place in the stunning atmosphere of York Minster. FIND OUT MORE May/June 23