HelloSummer! Withthesummerholidaysonthehorizon,thisissueoffers parentsasmanyoptionsaspossibleforkeepingthekidsbusy overthelongsummerbreak.Theseincludeover100local familyeventsandactivitiesinourWhat’sOnGuideplus,ideas foradventuresifyou’replanningadayatthebeach. Summerlearninglossisrealsotokeepyourkidsmentally active,findoutaboutlearningoutsideoftheclassroom,aswell ashowtoturnsummerintoaseasonofreading.Ifyou’re lookingtoteachyourchildanewskillthissummer,trytouch typing.Thisissuchavaluablelifeskilltolearnatanyagein today’sdigitalworld.
EmilySnape,authorofMyAmazingAutisticBrainandMy AmazingADHDBrain,shareshowtohelpyourchildrecognise theirstrengths,reframechallengesandcelebratethefactthat thereisnooneelseintheworldquitelikethem.Wealsohave 10copiesofherbooktogiveaway.Enteronlineat www.familiesmag.co.uk/go
ForthosewhohaveachildstartingschoolinSeptember,we havesomefreshideasforensuringasmoothstartaswellas tipsforparentswithchildrenstartinganewschoolorsimply returningtoanewacademicyear.
Finally,wehavesomesupersummergiveawaysincluding bundlesofToyStorysofttoysworth£75each!Applyinsideand receiveoure-newsletterwithmoregiveawaysandanonline versionofthemagazinetosharewithfriendsandfamily. Enjoythemagazine!
Editor –FamiliesBirmingham &FamiliesWarwickshire
FirstAidwithBertie Wouldyourchildknow whattodoinafirstaid situation?FirstAidwith Bertieisabrandnewand excitingprogramme designedbyexpertsatSt JohnAmbulanceaimedat teachingchildrenbetween theagesof5–11basic firstaidskills.Yourchild willlearnwhatitemscan befoundinafirstaidkit, howtomakeanarmsling andlotsmore!
Forasmallmonthlygiftof £9,yourchildwillbesentfun andengagingactivitypacks, colouringpagesandstickers overthecourseofsixmonths(somebypost,otherviaemail). Alltheactivitiesaredesignedtobecompletedinthecomfortof yourownhomeandatyourchild’sownpace.Attheendof thosesixmonths,yourchildwillreceiveacutecuddlytoyof BertieBadgeralongwithacertificatetocelebratetheir achievement!
Keepyourchildbusyandentertainedthissummerwhilstalso havingthemlearnnewandpotentiallyvitalskills!
Registeredcharityno.1077265/1 www.sja.org.uk/fab
NEXTISSUE: September/October2026
BOOKINGDEADLINE: Tuesday4August2026
Greatbeachadventures ByGeorginaMaw
Assunshineandwarmerweatherarrive,it’stheperfecttimetoheadtothecoast. Beachadventuresembraceaphilosophyofplayandexplorationwhichencourages childrentolearntotakerisks.Beststill,theyareacheap,enrichingwaytoenjoy qualityfamilytimetogether.
SCAVENGERHUNT Ascavengerhuntorbeachcombingsessionisforeveryone,regardlessofage.Itis pureandsimplefun.Allyoutrulyneedisabucketandagooddoseofcuriosity. Bothsoftsandorruggedpebblesoffersimilaropportunitiesforaweandwonder. Headstraightforthestrandline,thedistincttrailofdebrisleftbythehightide,to discovernature’shiddentreasurestuckedaway!
Asyouexplore,youmightfindscuttlingcrabs,beautifulshellsandseaweedofall differentshapes,sizesandcolours.However, thegoldenruleistoleavethebeach asyoufoundit; avoidtakinganythinghomesotheecosystemstaysprotected.Toturn theadventureintoalearningexperience,takeanidentificationguideoruseaphoneto searchforwhatyouhavefound.Byidentifyingyourdiscoveries,youwilltransformcurious explorersintocoastlineexpertsinnotime.
JOURNEYSTICKS Journeysticksareafantasticwayto capturetheessenceofyourbeachwalk, turningasimplestrollintoavisualstory. Thiscreativeactivityisasecretweapon forparents;ithelpsdistractchildrenand motivateslittlelegswhentheystarttotire, transformingthewalkintoanengaging mission.
Allyouneedisapieceofdriftwoodand somenaturaltwine tiedsecurelytoone end.Asyouwanderalongtheshore, encourageyouryoungexplorerstopickup itemsofinterest:perhapsaspiralledshell, aweatheredbitofseaglassoraunique strandofdriedsugarkelp.Simplytieeach treasuretothestickusingthetwineto wraparoundit,continuingtoaddnew findsasyougo.
Onceyoureturntoyourbase,thestory tellingbegins. Withasnackandadrink inhand,usethestickasavisualmapto retellyourjourneyalongtheshore.Each attacheditemservesasamemorymarker, helpingchildrenretelltheiradventureand celebratetheircoastaldiscoveries.
TRADITIONALGAMES Traditionalgamesofferatimelessway toconnectwiththecoast,requiring absolutelynoresourcesbeyondwhat youfindscatteredalongtheshore. Byusingdriftwood,seaweed,shells andpebbles,youcantransformthe strandline’streasuresintoanatural playground.
BEACH-THEMEDNOUGHTSAND CROSSES Makethemostoftheshore’sdriftwood tomakethegridordrawthegridinto flatsand.EithercreatetheXandOusing seaweedoruseshellsversusstonesas yourplayingpieces.
KIM’SGAME Kim’sGametestsobservationand memoryskills.Gatheracollectionof beachtreasures,giveplayersamoment tomemorisetheitems,thencoverthe collectionandseewhattheycanrecall. Thiseasilyadaptstosuitanyage;for youngerchildren,startwiththreeor fourdistinctobjects.Tochallengeolder explorers,tryusingsixdifferenttypesof seaweedorsixdifferentspiralshellsto makethedistinctionsmoresubtleand removeoneitem-cantheyremember whichitemismissing?
GeorginaMaw,authorof BeachSchoolAdventure (GMC Publications,RRP£17.99),isanexperiencedbeachleader, educatorandmotherlivingonthesouthcoastofEngland. Drawingonherexpertise,shefocusesonconnecting childrentoourcoastlinestoinspirethenextgenerationof oceanstewards.Herbookisavailableonlineandfromall goodbookshops.
Cuttlefish
Serratedseaweed
MaskedCrab
Learningbeyondthe classroom ByZuzuJordan
Someoftherichestandmostmemorablelearninghappens beyondtheclassroom.Whilesomechildrenenjoythe structureofdesks,carpetsessionsandateacheratthefront, everychildgainsfromopportunitiestoexplore,move,talk, questionandexperiencetheworldaroundthem.
Furthermore,learningcertainlydoesnothavetostopwhenthe schooldayends.Whenchildrenaregiventhechancetolearn throughlife,nature,playandhands-onexperiences,theyoften developconfidence,curiosityandadeeperunderstandingof whattheyarediscovering.
Thelongsummerholidayistheperfecttimetoexperience educationanywhere.Awalktothepark,atriptothe supermarket,bakinginthekitchenorhelpingtowashthecar canallbuildvaluableskills.Whenchildrenarerelaxedand engaged,theyoftenabsorbmorethanwerealise.Theyare noticing,questioning,comparing,solvingproblemsandmaking senseoftheworldaroundthem.
Outdoorlearningisawonderfulexampleofthis.Many schoolsnowuseForestSchoolapproachestogivechildren hands-onopportunitiesinnaturalspaces. Inawoodlandor garden,childrencanidentifyplants,compareleaves,search forminibeasts,spotseasonalchangeandtalkaboutweather, habitatsandgrowth.Physicaldevelopmentissupportedthrough climbing,balancingandlifting.Languagegrowsthrough conversationandstorytelling.Mathsappearsnaturally,as childrencountsticks,sortstones,measurepuddlesornotice patternsinpetalsandbark.
Somefamiliesenjoycreating themedweeks duringtheholidays andthiscanbeabrilliantwaytoimmersechildreninatopic.
Oneweekmightbeallaboutvolcanoes.Youcouldvisita museumtogether,getthemtowritetoavolcanologist,build avolcanoathome,readrelatedbooksandcreatefactfilesor drawingsinspiredbywhattheyhavelearned.This immersive approachallowschildrentodeepdiveintoasubject and makelinksbetweenreading,writing,speaking,science,artand researchinawaythatfeelsexcitingratherthanforced.
Learningbeyondtheclassroomfeelspurposeful.Childrencan seewhytheyaredoingsomething.Readingarecipehelpsmake lunch.Countingcoinsmattersbecausetheyarebuyinganice
cream.Writingalistisimportantbecausethefamilyneedsto rememberwhattopack.Theseordinarymomentshelpchildren buildconfidencebecausethelearningisimmediate,usefuland enjoyable.
Wemustalsorememberthat lifeskillsareanimportantpart oflearning outsidetheclassroom.Howdoyoucatchabusora train?Howdoyoureadatimetable,buyaticketandknowwhen togetoff?Howdoyouplanameal,shopfortheingredients andthencookitsafely?Theseexperiencesinvolvereading, sequencing,moneyskills,problemsolvingandindependence. Theyalsohelpchildrenfeelmorecapableintheworldaround them.
Childrendonotneedexpensivedaysoutorperfectlyplanned activities.Someoftherichestlearningcomesfromsimple, everydayroutines.Gardeningteachespatience,careand lifecycles.Buildingadendevelopsteamwork,creativity andperseverance.Ajourneyonpublictransportcanspark conversationsaboutdirections,maps,numbersandthewider community.
Perhapsthemostimportantthingadultscandoisslow downandnoticethelearningalreadyhappening. Askopen questions.Wonderaloud.Givechildrentimetothink. Follow theirinterests,eveniftheyseemsmall.Whenwevaluelearning everywhere,childrenbegintoseethemselvesascapable learnerseverywheretoo.
ZuzuJordanisaMasteryforMathsSpecialistwhohastaughtprimary foreighteenyearsandisDirectorofArnettInternational.ForFREE resourcesandtips,findheronInstagram@edumate_uk
Turningsummerinto aseasonofreading ByErinMiller
Asthesummerholidaysapproach,manyparentsstartthinking abouthowtheywillkeeptheirchildrenbusy,productiveand entertained.
Somemayalsobeconcernedaboutthe‘summerslide’–the progresslostduringthesummerholidays,whichteachersreport canbearoundamonth,particularlyifchildrenarenotregularly keepingupskillssuchasreading.Forthisreason,readingshould beanessentialpartofanysummeractivityplan.
Herearesomesimpleandeffectivewaystoencouragereading overthesummer.
Inthefirstfewdaysoftheholiday, visityourlocallibrary and (re)introduceyourchildtothechildren’ssection.Trytomakethis aweeklyhabitsoitbecomesafamiliarandenjoyableroutine. Whileyou’rethere,checktoseewhetherthelibraryisrunning anysummeractivitiesforchildrensuchastheannual Summer ReadingChallenge (www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk),as thesecanbemotivatingandmakereadingfeelmoresocialand engaging.Developingthishabitearlyalsohelpschildrenfeel confidentusinglibrarieslaterinlife,whetherinschool,university orthewidercommunity.
Anothertipis settingareadingtargetwithrewards, whichcan beespeciallyhelpfulforreluctantreaders.Evenasmallincentive canbeausefulstartingpoint.Makesurethetargetisrealisticso yourchildcanachieveitandfeelasenseofpride.Thiscouldbe assimpleasreadingonechapterbookinAugustorreadingfor twentyminuteseachday.
Encouragingyourchildtoreadabookseriesisanothereasywin. Oncetheyarehookedonasetofbooks,there’snoneedtokeep searchingforwhattoreadnext.Foryoungerreaders,popular seriessuchas DiaryofaWimpyKid,TheWorstWitch or Horrid Henry canbegreatstartingpoints,whileolderchildrenmight enjoy PercyJackson,TheHungerGamestrilogy or HarryPotter.
Youcouldalsorefreshorredecorateyourchild’sbookshelfby donatingoldbooksandpickingupnewonesfromcharityshops. Thiscanbecomeafun,creativeproject,perhapsinvolving paintingorreorganisingthespace,whichhelpsmakereading feelmoreexciting.Italsokeepsyourchild’sreadingmaterial freshandengagingwithoutbeingexpensive.
Finally,trytomaintainorre-establishbedtimereadingroutines. Lightereveningscanmakebedtimemorechallenging,so keepingreadingaspartoftheroutineisevenmoreimportant.
Doaudiobookscount? yourchilddoes,notjustwhentheyarecurledupwitha book.
Takeeveryopportunitytoencouragereadingineveryday situations,whetherthat’sstreetsigns,informationboards, menus,recipes,advertsorfoodpackaging.Thesesmall momentsallhelpbuildconfidenceandfluency.
Thekeyroleforparentsistocheckunderstanding.Children canoftendecodewordsandreadthemaloudwithout fullyunderstandingwhattheyhaveread,soaskingsimple questionsanddiscussingmeaningisessential. Ifyourchildhasaninterestinanothersubject,suchas maths,considerbuyingworkbooks.Lookforproblem-solving activitiesthatincludewrittenquestions,astheseencourage themtoengagewithreadingwhiledoingsomethingthey alreadyenjoy.
Longsummercarjourneysprovideagreatopportunityto engagewithbooksinadifferentway.Whiletravelling,try listeningtoaudiobooksasafamily.Sharingtheexperience anddiscussingthestorytogethercanhaveastrongimpact onyourchild’sinterestinreading.Startingafreetrialwitha servicelikeAudibleoverthesummercanbeaneasywayto begin.
Asateacher,Iamoftenmetwithscepticismfromparents whenIsuggestaudiobooks.Whiletheymaynotsupport decodingskillsasdirectlyasreadingprint,theyarehighly valuablefordevelopingaloveofstories,whichisespecially importantforreluctantreaders.
Listeningtostoriesalsohelpsbuildvocabularyand backgroundknowledgeandstudieshaveshownthatstrong backgroundknowledgecancompensateforweakerreading ability.It’snotjustaboutsoundingoutwordsbutabout understandingandmakingmeaningfromwhatisread.
Readingabilitysupportssuccessacrossallsubjects.Bydoing theabove,youwillbehelpingensurethatyourchildisnot onlylearningtoreadbutalsoabletoreadtolearn.
Finally,listeningitselfisanimportantskillthatisoften overlooked,soaudiobookscanplayavaluableroleinyour child’soverallliteracydevelopment.
Asrecommendedon Daynurseries.co.uk,pleasevisit toseewhatourparentssay
Providingafullyinclusiveserviceforfamilieswith childrenaged6weeksto5yearsfrom7amto6.30pm
AtHighfield thewarmand welcomingenvironment ensuresthat your child’sindividualneeds areprioritised,and theirinterests nurtured.
T:01214541170 E: highfield.nursery@childbase.com
HighfieldDayNursery,3-4HighfieldRoad, Edgbaston,Birmingham,B153ED
WHAT’SON SummerFunforallthefamily AguidetoWhat’sOnintheWestMidlands
Events Tutankhamun:TheImmersive Exhibition NEC,Birmingham Until13Sep DiscoverthelegendoftheBoyKing likeneverbefore!Travelbackto ancientEgyptwith360ºvideo mapping,aseatedVRjourney,afree roamingMetaverse,authentic artefactsfromCairo,andmore.This award-winningexperiencehas dazzledaudiencesinthirteencities acrossthreecontinentsand captivatedover2.5millionvisitors. Don’tmisstheopportunityto experienceoneofthemostfascinating erasofhumanhistory. tutankhamunexperience.com /birmingham
GladiatorsExperience NEC,Birmingham Until31Aug StepintotheArena!Forthefirsttime EVER,GladiatorsfansacrosstheUK willbeabletoputtheirspeed, strengthandskillstotheultimatetest, andtakeontheiconiceventsseenon thetelevisionshow.Awayfromthe Arenathere’sevenmorefunand family-friendlyattractions.Thisisan unmissableopportunitytoliveout yourGladiatordreams! thenec.co.uk/events/gladiatorsexperience
PeppaPigSpaceAdventure NEC,Birmingham Until8Nov
BlastoffwithPeppaPigandher friendsonanout-of-this-world adventureforfamilieswithyoung children.Withhands-onplay, storytelling,andgentlesurprises throughout.Designedforpreschoolersandtoddlers,everyone welcome.Ticketsonline. Under2’sgoFREE. peppapigspaceadventure.co.uk
InflatableFamilyFunDays
OldEdwardiansRugbyClub,Solihull 4&5Jul(10:30–13:30&14:00–17:00)
Run,bounceandjumpforjoyona largevarietyofbouncycastlesand slides.Age2–12only.£10per child, payonthegate.AdultsFREEbutonly childrencanusetheinflatables!Hot andcoldrefreshmentsavailable.
MagicalManor&UnicornAcademy SellyManorMuseum,Birmingham 11Jul
ClimbtheDragon’sTowerinsearchof hiddentreasure,visitthemischievous piratescove,andfollowHanseland Gretel’smysterioustrailthrougha worldofstorybooksurprises.Plus, trainasyoungmagickeepers,learning theancientskillsofspells,wonder, andunicornlorebeforemeetinga real-lifeunicorn.Age3+.Ticketsvia Eventbrite. sellymanormuseum.org.uk
FoodFestival KingsburyWaterPark, SuttonColdfield 11Jul(11:00–16:00)
FREEfestivalwithdeliciousfood, familyfunandlivemusic.Witharound 50foodanddrinktradersfromstreet foodtosweettreats,there’s somethingforeverytastebud. cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk
ComicConMidlands NEC,Birmingham 11–12Jul
Celebrateallthingspopcultureand meetyourheroes,seeuniqueprops andsetbuilds,testyourskillsinthe retroandmoderngamingareaand watchthecosplayersstruttheirstuff onstage.Under4sFREE comicconventionmidlands.co.uk
1940sWeekend BlackCountryLivingMuseum,Dudley 11–12Jul
Immerseyourselfinthesightsand soundsofwartimeBritain,wander throughperiod-accurateshops, homes,andindustrialworkplaces, eachtellingitsownstoryoflifeduring the1940s.Auniquefamilydayout! Payforonedayandvisitfor12months forFREE.Thefundoesn’tstopthere… from19:00-22:30on11Julexperience aspectaculareveningofnostalgic entertainment.Separateticket required. bclm.com
LennyPearce:ToddlerRaveWorld TourPart2 TownHall,Birmingham 17Jul(11:00&15:30)
Aforceinfamilyentertainment captivatingaudiencesglobally,Lenny Pearcespinschildren’sfavourites, remixedintomodernhitsthatkeep kidsandparentsentertainedathis liveshows. bmusic.co.uk
SolihullSummerFest
TudorGrangePark,Solihull 18-19Jul
Theultimatefeel-goodfestivalreturns forits10thyear!Enjoyaweekendof greatmusic,art,andfood.Family ticketsavailable.Under16smust attendwithanadultandunder4sare FREE.
solihullsummerfest.co.uk
WestMidlandsFireStation OpenDays
SolihullFireStation 18Jul(11:00–15:00)
WardEndFireStation 19Jul(10:00–15:00)
AldridgeFireStation 26Jul(10:00–16:00)
Learnmoreaboutthefireservice,see fireenginesandothervehiclesup closeandmeetthecrews.FREE activitiesandfirefighter demonstrations.AgreatFREEfamilyfriendlydayout! wmfs.net/events
AMidsummerNight’sDream MartineauGardens,Birmingham 21Jul(19:00) EnjoyShakespeare’sdazzlingverse andFolksy’stwistoflivemusic, audienceinteractionandimpressive multi-rollinginthisopen-air performance!Foodanddrinkavailable topurchase.Adults£20,Children£13. Ticketsdirectfromvenueor Eventbrite. martineau-gardens.org.uk
TheHundred VariousvenuesthroughouttheUK 21Jul–16Aug FixturesatEdgbaston,Birmingham 24Jul&1,7,12Aug World-class100ballcricket,live music,concourseentertainment,food anddrinkandfamilyfriendlyactivities awaityouaseightcity-basedmen’s andwomen’steamsbattleitoutinThe Hundredcompetitionthissummer. Unmissablecricketataffordable prices. thehundred.com
KingArthurandtheHolyFail Variousvenues
Grabyourticketsfortheultimate outdoortheatreexperiencefromThe ThreeInchFoolsthissummer.Bring yourownchairs,blanketsandpicnics andenjoytheshow!
CastleBromwichHistoricGardens 21Jul(16:00) CharlecotePark 1&8Aug(19:00) PackwoodHouse 28Aug(19:00) threeinchfools.com
FestivalofSport PackingtonEstate,Meriden 24–27Jul
Don’tmissthisuniquechance totrythesportsyoulove–where familiescanlearnfromrealsporting legendsandexperienceawiderange ofphysicalactivitiestogether.Forall agesandallabilities.Plus,live entertainmentandoutdoorcinema, greatfood,wellnessmomentsand camping.Aweekendfulloffamilyfun! festivalofsportuk.com
MyFirstConcert LichfieldGarrickTheatre& Studio 25Jul(12:00) Getreadytosing,dance,laugh andcheerinamagicallivemusical adventureforyoungchildrenandtheir grown-ups!Packedwithfavourite nurseryrhymes,funcharacters, audienceinteractionandbigconcert moments.Perfectforages2–7. lichfieldgarrick.com
MidlandSportFest SuttonColdfieldRFC 25Jul(11:30–22:30)
Afamilydaylikenoother–Fullof sports,music,foodandfun!Family ColourRun,FootballTournament, StrongmanCompetition,Hybrid fitness,Livemusicstage,FREE inflatables,streetfood,bars&much more!Familyticketsavailable. eventbrite.co.uk
TheCoreOutdoor BruetonPark,Solihull Grabablanketandapicnicandbook anoutdoortheatreexperienceforthe wholefamilythissummer: TheSwordintheStone 25Jul(17:00) AsYouLikeIt 12Aug(18:00) TheTaleofPeterRabbitand BenjaminBunny 22Aug(17:00) thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
CinemaUndertheStars Thinktank,Birmingham StepintotheThinktankPlanetarium foracinema-stylescreening.Unwind andenjoyaspeciallyselectedthemed filminasettingdesignedtoinspire curiosityandwonder.
EarlyMan(PG) 25Jul
JurassicWorld(12) 25Jul
TheLandBeforeTime(U) 15Aug
Godzilla(12) 15Aug
TheGoodDinosaur(PG) 29Aug
TheLandThatTimeForgot(PG) 29Aug birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank DozeunderDippy HerbertArtGallery&Museum Coventry 25-26Jul(18:30–09:00) Experienceasleepoverunlike anythingyou‘Ever-Saur’!Stay overnightinthemuseum,snoozing underthefeetofa26-foot Diplodocus!Anighttorememberfor alldinosaurloving6-11yearoldsand theirgrown-ups.AddasplashatThe Waveforjust£5perperson. dippyincoventry.co.uk
TheLivingHistoryUKFestival2026 MiddletonHall&Gardens,Tamworth 25–26Jul(11:00-16:00) Immersiveweekendeventbringing togetherhistoricalreenactors,military displays,vintagevehicles,live demonstrations,andengagingtalks forvisitorsofallages. middleton-hall.co.uk
RootsFamilyFunFestival LavenderHallPark,BalsallCommon 1Aug(13:00–17:00) FREEfestivalhostedbyTheGaia RootsFoundationtoraisefundsto helpsupportchildren,teensand adultsmentalhealthandwellbeing. Bringthewholefamilyalongfora vibrantcelebrationpackedwithlive musicanddancing,wellness experiences,familyentertainment, deliciousfood,localcraftsand handmadegiftsandthechanceto relaxandconnectwiththe community. instagram.com/p/DZIgwCuNx8m
OpenAirCinemaNight DudleyCastle,Dudley 7Aug
TheGoonies(PG) 19:30
Getreadyforanightoflaughsand thrillsasTheGooniestakeoverthe stunningDudleyCastleforan unforgettableopen-airscreening.Hot foodandlicensedbar,butpicnics welcomeandbringachair/blanket! dudleyzoo.org.uk
CamperCallingMusicFestival RagleyHall,Warwickshire 28-30Aug
LuntRomanFestival LuntRomanFort,Coventry 8&9Aug(10:00–16:00)
SeetheuniqueRomanFortress broughttolifeinthisannualeventfor allages.Livegladiatorialactionshows, livinghistoryvillage,roman marketplace,birdsofpreydisplays, archerystand,familybattleandpalace ofsanctuary.Foodvendorsonsiteor bringapicnic. luntromanfort.org
TheCircusSpectacularWorkshop fromCircusMash MidlandsArtsCentre 14&15Aug
Stepintoafun,highenergycircus workshopwhereeveryonecanjoinin, exploreandshine,noexperience needed!Enjoywelcominggroup games,handsoncircusskillslike juggling,platespinning,diabolo, balanceandaerial,plusinspiring performancesfromthefacilitators. Age5+. macbirmingham.co.uk
OutdoorCinema WolverhamptonRacecourse 28Aug
Beauty&TheBeast(PG) 16:30
MammaMiaTheMovie(12) 20:00 Grabyourticketstotheultimate outdoorcinemaexperiencethis summer.Bringyourownchairs,picnics, popcornandenjoythefilm! cinemaoutdoor.co.uk
DogMan:TheMusical WolverhamptonGrandTheatre 28&29Aug
Hilariousnewmusicalbasedonthe worldwidebestsellingbookseriesfrom DavPilkey,thecreatorofCaptain UnderpantsandCatKidComicClub. Withtheheadofadogandthebodyof apoliceman,DogManlovestofight crimebutcanhesavethecitywhilst tryinghisbesttobeagoodboy? grandtheatre.co.uk
NileRogers&Chic,PrimalScream, Five,JamesMorrisonandShedSeven topthebillatthisyear’sultimate family-friendlymusicfestival.Withan impressiveline-upofmanymoretop artists,livemusic,woodlandactivities, wateractivitiesonthelake,carnival field,foodtradersandachanceto explorethehouseandgardens–there’ssomethingforeveryone. 3nightscampingandNEWfor2026, Daytickets. campercalling.com
BirminghamWeekender BirminghamHippodromeandBullring 29–31Aug
FREEamazingperformances, fantasticalinstallations,popup experiencesandnewcommissions fromahostofregional,nationaland internationalcompaniesspreads acrossthecityonstreets,insquares andshoppingcentresandinthesky abovethecitythisbankholiday weekend.
birminghamweekender.com
MoseleyFolkandArtFestival MoseleyPark,Birmingham 4–6Sep
Immersivefamily-friendlyfestival celebratingtheverybestof contemporaryfolkmusic,artsand crafts.Activitiesforallages.Children under12FREEwithpayingadult. moseleyfolk.co.uk
WolfRunJunior Offchurch,LeamingtonSpa 13Sep
Childrenover7andteenagerscan getatasteoftheactionandenjoy wildrunningandobstaclesat WolfRunJunior.3kcoursewith optionalsecondlap! Bookingdeadline2Sept (12:00) thewolfrun.com
OutdoorFun BirminghamBotanicalGardens
Edgbaston
TheGardenshavesomethingforall agestoenjoy,including7,000plants,4 VictorianGlasshouses,manydifferent children’strailsforjust£1.50eachand aplayground. birminghambotanical gardens.org.uk
MartineauGardens
Birmingham 2.5acresoforganicallymanaged landscapetoexploreincludinga naturetrail,formalgardenand children’s‘shipwreck’playarea. martineau-gardens.org.uk
SuttonParkNatureReserve
SuttonColdfield
Visitoneofthelargesturbanparksin Europe.Withplaygrounds,restaurants, sailing,bikeridingandkiteflying, there’ssomethingforthewholefamily! birmingham.gov.uk/suttonpark
WalsallArboretum
TownCentre,Walsall
Accessiblewalkways,boatinglakeand lakesidecafé,tenniscourtsandacres ofopenplayingfieldstoexplore.Plus, achildren’splayareawithskatepark andFREE Splashpad (Open 11:00–17:00 weekends,schoolholidaysand bankholidays.Weekdaysduringterm time 11:00–15:00until31Aug). go.wasall.gov.uk
WinterbourneHouseandGarden
Birmingham
Edwardianhistorichouseand botanicalgardenwithplentyof activitiesavailableallyearroundfor children.Children’sgarden,familytrail, TeaRoom,giftshopandsecond-hand bookshop. FlightoftheBumblebee Trail (1Aug–13Sep) FREEself-guided children’strailage6+. winterbourne.org.uk
Ackers
Adventure
Birmingham
Whatwillyournextfamilyadventure be?ChoosefromSnowsports(Ski, Tube,SnowboardorToboggan)or Adventurousactivities(Archery,Axe throwing,Climb,Zipwire,Fan descender,Canoe,Kayak,Bellboat, BushcraftorDiskgolf).Birthday Parties,HolidaySchemesandNEW SummerAdventure360Week. ackers-adventure.co.uk
AdventureGolf FourAshesGolfCentre Solihull 18holesoffunpackedadventuregolf withcascadingwaterfalls,rocky routesandapossibleholeinone-it’s funforallthefamily!Bookonlineor turnupandplay. fourashesgolfcentre.co.uk /adventure-golf-course-midlands AirHopAdventure&Trampoline Park
Birmingham Theultimateplayexperienceforall ages!OpenJump,AfterSchoolAntics andUnlimitedJumps,Toddler& FamilyTakeover,SEN&Weekend SunsetSessions.Plusthebounciest partiesintown! airhop.co.uk
CliffLakes Tamworth
TheUltimatewatersportsdestination! HometotheUK’sbiggestAquaPark. Withanextensiverangeofinflatable slides,climbingwallsandtrampolines over5parks.PlusSUPandcoldwater swimming. clifflakes.co.uk
GoApe
CannockChase(Staffordshire),Wyre Forest(Kidderminster),Coombe Abbey(Coventry)
Forthrill-seekingadultsandfunseekingchildrenexperiencethebest ofhighropeantics,forestsegways, netadventures,ziptrekadventure,axe throwingandmini-LandRovers. Activitiesvarybylocation. goape.co.uk
JuniorParkrun
Variouslocations
AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold). EverySundayat9:00.Childrenmust beabletocompletethecourse withoutanadult. parkrun.com
NPFBassetsPoleAdventurePark
SuttonColdfield
Perfectforactive,adventurouskids andfamilies.Paintball,LaserTag, Archery,Bushcraft,QuadTrekking, JungleEscape,Gelballandmuch more.Alldesignedforchildren,age restrictionsapply.Birthdayparty packagesforchildrenaged5andover. npfbassettspole.com
RockUp
Birmingham
Enjoysomehealthy,action-packedfun inasafeenvironment.Climbingwalls (age4+),toddlerclimbandplay(upto 5’s),verticalchallenges,highropes (minheightrequirements)plussoft playfor0-5’s.Alsoavailableforgroup bookings,schoolsandparties. rock-up.co.uk
TheWave Coventry
Grabyourgogglesandenjoyafamily dayoutatoneoftheUK’sawardwinningindoorwaterparksinthe heartofCoventryCityCentre! thewavecoventry.com
WHAT’SON SummerSessions
Touchwood,Solihull
Selecteddates18Jul–31Aug
SummerHolidays FREEeventsspeciallydesignedfor youngerchildrenandfamiliesfrom bubbleperformersandprincesspop showstodramaworkshops,artsand craftssessionsandchildren’sDJ parties.Plus,Touchwood’sUrban Beachisopendailyduringthe schoolholidaysforfamilyfun! (weatherpermitting). touchwoodsolihull.co.uk
TheArtofRemembrance NationalMemorialArboretum, Staffordshire 18Jul–30Aug
Gatherthefamilyanddiscoverwhy artissoimportanttoremembrance thissummer.FromWorkshop WednesdaystoBeaming–Family TheatrePerformances(Wed,Fri& Sun),StonesofMemoryandSongs toSoundsandStoriesavailabledaily. ActivitiesareFREEbutsomerequire booking.Don’tmisstheFREEStick ManOutdoorTrail. thenma.org.uk
WildBricks
DudleyZoo&Castle,Dudley 18Jul–31Aug
Aspectaculartrailoflife-sized endangeredanimals,allbuiltfrom thousandsoftoybricks.Discoverthe incrediblesculpturesaroundthe zoo’spathways,alongside140 amazingrealanimalspecies. Bookbefore17Julfor 30%off. dudleyzoo.org.uk
CountryParks
Selecteddates20Jul–28Aug
Learnnewskills,connectwithnature andenjoysomefamilyfunthis summerat RytonPoolsCountry Park,KingsburyWaterpark, HartshillHayesCountryPark& BurtonDassettHills. FromPond DippingtoPopbottlerockets, NaturalArttoDens,hammocksand CampfireS/moresplusmuch,much more.Findyourperfectactivity onlineandmakememoriesoutdoors thissummer.Age3–12s. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk /activities
SummerFun–RobinHoodandhis MerryFriends
SevenValleyRailway
Selecteddates21Jul–27Aug (Tue–Thu)
Stepbackintimetothegoldenage oftravelwithbothsteamanddiesel hauledtrainsthissummer.On selecteddates,familiescanwatcha livetheatreproductionofRobin Hood,featuringplayfulpanto moments,largerthanlifepuppets, andplentyofaudienceinteractionat TheEngineHouse,Highley. svr.co.uk
WildWednesdays:Animal Handling
BirminghamBotanicalGardens, Edgbaston 22&29Jul,5,12,19&26Aug (11:00&14:00)
Engagewithnatureinahands-on waywhileenjoyingtheGardens. Teachyourlittleonesabouthowto handleandlookafteraselectionof fury(orscaly)friendsinthese interactiveandexcitingsessionswith liveanimals!
birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
SchoolHolidaysDaysOut
StatfoldCountryPark,Tamworth 22Jul–31Aug(Wed–Sun)
Allaboardforunlimitedfamilyfun thissummerwithaSteamInto SummerPass!Realsteamengine, Toby’sBarnsoftplay,railwayand vintagefairgroundmuseums,mini golf,woodlandwalks,outdoorplay parks,artsandcraftactivitiesand more.Plus,exclusivediscountson selectedevents. statfold.com
SamuelJohnson
BirthplaceMuseumLichfield 23&30Jul,6,13,20&27Aug (11:00–13:00)
SummerFunFamilyCraftActivity Hands-onfamilycraftactivity.£2per child,accompanyingadultsFREE. Drop-inswelcome.FREEentrytothe museumwithmorefunactivities includingquillpenwriting,colouring andcostumestotryon. samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk
FREEDinosaurFridays
ResortsWorld,Birmingham 24Jul–28Aug
Stompintothesummerholidayswith FREEdinosaur-themedactivitiesfor kidstoenjoyeveryFriday.Meeta toweringT-Rex,amighty Stegosaurus,adorablebabydinos andmore!Enjoyrangertraining, Jurassicstory-time,comedyactsand adinopicturehuntaroundthe building.Seewebsitefor details/datesofspecificactivities. resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk
SummerHolidaysIceSkating PlanetIce,Solihull Skateforfun,learntoskate(3dayor 5daycoursesstarting 27Jul)orbook apartythissummer. Plus, DiscoSkate! (24&31Jul,7,14, 21&28Aug) 2for1whenyoubook online.Iceskatingfunforallthe family.SavewithanIceCard Membership. planet-ice.co.uk
DinoSeason Thinktank,Birmingham There’slotsofdinosauradventures tobehadovertheschoolholidaysat themuseum. DinosaurJunkModelling withTatVision (selectedWednesdays) DinoSTORYtime (selectedThursdays)
JurassicEncounters:Zoolab DinosaurShow (28Jul&27Aug) ProfessorsEgg‘nEgg (12Aug) birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank MedievalSummer CastleBromwichHistoricGardens KnightsSchool 28,29Jul&4,5,8,18,20,25&27Aug (11:00-12:00)
FREEoutdoorfamilysessionsfor childrenaged5-12.Trainasa Knight,learnthecodeofchivalry, practiceyourswordsskillsand designyourowncoatofarmour! Spaceislimitedsobookingrequired. HistoryAdventuresWeekend 8&9Aug
Joinexpertinteractivehistorybuffs HistoryAdventuresandMedieval musicians,MerrieNoyseforadayof hands-onhistory.KnightSchool, MedievalDanceandCastleSiege shows,lawngamesalldayand wanderingtroubadours. KidsgoFREE! castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk
Theatre BirminghamHippodrome
Birmingham
MatildaTheMusical Wed1Jul–Sun2Aug
Agerecommendation:6+ MrsDoubtfireTheMusical Thu13Aug–Sat19Sep
Agerecommendation:6+ birminghamhippodrome.com
CrescentTheatre
Birmingham
Funforlittleones–AUKTribute toMsRachel Fri4Sep crescent-theatre.co.uk
RoyalSuttonColdfield
TownHall
SuttonColdfield
TaylorFever Fri24Jul suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com
TheAlexandraTheatre
Birmingham
TheKarateKid-TheMusical Tue21–Sat25Jul atgtickets.com
TheCoreTheatre
Solihull DinosaurAdventureLive:Danger onT-RexMountain Tue28Jul thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
SummerSpecialEvents MonkeyForest,Trentham Aswellasthemonkeysthere’s excitingeventstohelpmakeyour dayoutevenmoreexciting: CircusinaBoxPerformers (1&2Aug)
AnimalTaleswithFern&Fables (8,9,29&30Aug)
TheGrandCavalcadeStorytelling (15&16Aug)
Allincludedinadmission. monkey-forest.com
SellyManorSummer:GoNutsfor Nature SellyManorMuseum,Birmingham 14–23Aug
Explorethewildoutdoorsin workshopsandactivitiesforchildren aged3–12.Craftactivitiesand familyfriendlytrailincludedinentry price.MuseumTeamledWorkshops additionalchargeandbooking essential. sellymanormuseum.org.uk
SummerFunattheMuseum BirminghamMuseum&ArtGallery, Birmingham Creativecraftsandhandsonfun duringtheschoolholidays. ArtClub (Mondays,Wednesdaysand Fridays)
WhatWeMakeHere (selectedSaturdays)
MyFirstMuseumTour–Summer (TuesdaysandThursdays) MuseumentryFREE,workshopsand toursbookableforsmallcharge. birminghammuseums.org.uk /birmingham-museum-and-art-gallery LichfieldMaizeMaze Lichfield Exploretheamazingmaizemazes, walkthroughthesunfloweravenues andPYOsunflowers.Enjoygarden games,countrysidefunandfreshair thissummer.Perfectforlittle explorers!Ticketsonline. lichfieldmaizemaze.co.uk
TownHall
Birmingham
TotoTheNinjaCatandtheGreat SnakeEscape Sat15&Sun16Aug Agerecommendation:5+ Blippi:BeLikeBlippiTour Sun6Sep bmusic.co.uk
SummerReading Challenge WestMidlandsLibraries OROnline 4Jul-Sep
ReadtotheBeatthissummerwith the2026SummerReading Challenge.Thethemeinspires childrentoexploretheconnection betweenstoriesandsongsand discoverhowreadingandmusic bothigniteimaginationand creativity.TakepartforFREEatyour locallibraryoronline.Collect rewardsforyourreadingand improveyourskillsandconfidence overthesummerholidays. Encouragingchildrenage4–11to enjoythebenefitsofreadingforfun. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Museums&History BirminghamMuseum&ArtGallery
Birmingham VisittheiconicRoundRoom, IndustrialGallery,BridgeGallery, Tearoomandmuseumshop,plusa newfamilygallery,WildCityand PixelStudio.OpenWed-Sun termtime (10:00–17:00) and7daysa weekinschoolholidays.FREEentry. birminghammuseums.org.uk/birmi ngham-museum-and-art-gallery
BlackCountryLivingMuseum
Dudley Gobackintimeandexplore26acres ofcarefullyreconstructedshops, housesandindustrialareasthat representtheBlackCountry’s fascinatingstory. bclm.com
BritishMotorMuseum
Gaydon
Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsand understandhowacarworks. Funforallthefamily!
MellowMondaysRelaxedHours 6Jul&3Aug (15:00–17:00) britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryTransportMuseum
Coventry
Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthowCoventry changedtheworldthrough transport. FamilyPlayZone (self-led crafts).Opendaily 10:00–16:30. transport-museum.com
DudleyMuseumattheArchives
Dudley Filledwithfantasticfossilsand guaranteedfun,enjoyawholehost ofdisplaysincludinggeology, dinosaurs,historicfindsfromDudley Castle,localheroes,glassand artworkeveryThu,Fri andSat.FREEentry. dudley.gov.uk
LapworthMuseum ofGeology
UniversityofBirmingham
Goandseethefinestandmost extensivecollectionsoffossils, mineralsandrocksintheMidlands. Excitingfamilyactivities,educational talks,toursandarts&crafts activities.
birmingham.ac.uk/culturalattractions/lapworth-museum-of-geology
MidlandAirMuseum
Baginton,NrCoventry
Experiencetheworldofaviationwith over45aircraftondisplay,Vulcan guidedtourandsit-inMeteor cockpit.TeaRoomandFREE parking. midlandairmuseum.co.uk
RoyalAirForceMuseum
Cosford
Fullfamilydayout,whateverthe weather!Exploretheskiesand uncovertheimmensehistoryofthe RAF.SitinaSpitfire,interactiveVR experiences,simulatorsand4D Theatre,plusaviation-themed playground.FREEentry. rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands
TamworthCastle
Tamworth
Standingtallforalmost1,000years, there'ssomethingtosparkevery child'simaginationatTamworth Castle.Withhands-onactivitiesthat bringhistorytolife,it'sthekindof learningthatdoesn'tfeellike learningatall!BluePeterBadge attraction. tamworthcastle.co.uk
SellyManorMuseum
Birmingham
Explorearangeofdifferentmuseums includingHadenHillHouseMuseum andHadenOldHall,Wednesbury MuseumandArtGallery,OakHouse Museum–WestBromwich, BromwichHallMuseum,Galton ValleyPumpingStationandBishop AsburyCottage.MostlyFREEtovisit. Seasonalactivities. sellymanormuseum.org.uk
LuntRomanFort
NrCoventry
ExploretheuniqueRomanFortress, takinginthesitesoftheramparts, thegranarybuildingandtheworld’s onlyknowngyrus!Openselected SchoolHolidays. luntromanfort.org
WarwickshireCountyCricketClub MuseumEdgbaston,Birmingham Matchdays(10:00–17:00) Themuseumchroniclesthehistory oftheclubanditsplayersandis FREEtovisit.Nomatchticket required. edgbaston.com
WestMidlandsPoliceMuseum Birmingham Wed–Sat(10:00–16:00) Learnabouttwocenturiesofpolicing history.Experienceanauthentic Victorianlock-up,hearabout pioneeringindividuals,interactive displays,dressupinpoliceuniforms andtakeyourownmugshot! museum.west-midlands.police.uk
DaysOut AshEndHouseChildren’sFarm Tamworth Hands-onfamily-friendlyfarm.Entry includesanimalfeed,tractor-trailer ride,pony-sit-onandlotsofanimal interaction.Outdoorplayareas available.Greatforchildrenparties! ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk BirminghamWildlife ConservationPark Edgbaston OpenMon–Sun(10:00-16:00) Hometoauniquecollectionofanimals fromacrosstheworld.Therearered pandas,lemurs,reptiles,meerkats, otters,birds,wallabiesandacollection ofmonkeys. birmingham.gov.uk/conservationpark BurntwoodAlpaca&AnimalFarm Burntwood OpenMon–Sun(10:00-16:00) Fun-filleddayoutonthefarmforallthe family!Hands-onanimalexperiences, playareaandbouncingpillow, seasonaleventsandchildren’sbirthday partypackages.Bookonline. burntwoodalpacas.co.uk
CadburyWorld
Birmingham
Enjoyadaychoc-fulloffunand discoverthestoryofhowCadbury Chocolateismade.Interactivefactory tourwithdemos,excitingrides,meet Cadburycharacters,outdoorplayarea andcafé.
cadburyworld.co.uk
CannonHillPark Birmingham
There’ssomuchtodoforfamilieshere. WithaFunParkpackedwithgames andridesfortoddlersto10yearolds,a LandTrain,MiniGolf,SwanPedal Boats,sportsfacilitiesandaTeaRoom. cannonhillpark.co.uk
DiscoverDudley
Dudley
VisittheheartoftheBlackCountry withsomuchtoseeanddointhe boroughfromfamousvisitor attractions,historicbuildings,beautiful naturereservesandparks.There’s somethingforallthefamily! discoverdudley.org.uk
DraytonManor
Tamworth
Thrillsandadventureforallthefamily toenjoy.TicketsincludeThomasLand, a15-acrezoo,aVikingsareaand nauticallythemedAdventureCove. draytonmanor.co.uk
DudleyZoo&Castle
Dudley Hometoalargecollectionof endangeredspeciesaswellasbeing thesiteofan11thcenturycastle-an importantgeologicalsite. dudleyzoo.org.uk
HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily. Comerainorshinethere’splentytodo withindoorandoutdoorattractions andentertainmentforallthefamily. hattonworld.com
LEGOLANDDiscoveryCentre
Birmingham
Getcreativeandhavefunwithyour favouriteLEGOcharactersinMiniland, the4Dcinema,theKingdomQuest Ride,LEGOCitySoftplayandsomuch more. legolanddiscoverycentre.com
MonkeyForest
Trentham
Seenatureupclosewith140 fascinatingBarbarymacaquestowatch anddiscover.Plus,aplayareafor childrentoexploreandreplicate variousprimatebehaviour.Funand educational. monkey-forest.com
NationalSeaLifeCentre
Birmingham
VisittheAquariumwiththeUKsonly 360-degreeoceantunnelandover60 displaysoffreshwaterandmarinelife. QuieterSENDsessionsfirstSunof everymonth. visitsealife.com/birmingham
NationalTrust
BirminghamandWestMidlands EnjoysummeratourlocalNational Trustproperties:BirminghamBackto Backs,Roundhouse,WightwickManor andGardens,ClentHills&MoseleyOld Hall.Eachpropertyhasitsownunique familyactivitiessowhynotvisitthem all.Seeindividualwebsitesfordetails ofholidayactivitiesandprices. nationaltrust.org.uk
SnowDome Tamworth
HavefunallyearroundattheIndoor SnowCentre.Withrealsnowforskiing, snowboardingandsnowfunactivities liketobogganingandsnowplay.Plus, iceskating,swimmingandseasonal events. snowdome.co.uk
StatfoldCountryPark
Tamworth
Everythingyouneedforafunfamily dayout!Steamtrain,Toby’sBarnsoft play,world-renownedlocomotive museum,shop,café,vintagecarousel ride,colouringstation,outdoorgames andplaypark. statfold.com
ThinkTank
Birmingham
Fourfloorsoffuntoexplore,bursting withmorethan200hands-onhightechdisplaysalongsidehistorical collectionsandnaturalscience specimens.Funandeducational! Autismfriendlysessions. birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank TwycrossZoo
Atherstone
Withover100incredibleanimals,The GruffaloDiscoveryLand,Wet'n'Wild SplashPark,hands-onanimal experiences,naturereservesand indoorsoftplay,there’ssomethingfor allages.PayforadayandvisitFREE for12months–perfectforrepeatfamily adventures. twycrosszoo.org
WestMidlandsSafariPark
Bewdley
Four-miledrive-throughsafariwith over100differentspeciesthroughout thepark.Plus,themeparkand dinosaurexhibit.Stayovernightina LuxurySafariLodge.FREEreturnvisit within6months. wmsp.co.uk
Celebratingyour child’samazing autisticbrain ByEmilySnape
Weallwantourchildrentofeelgoodaboutwhotheyarebut forautisticchildren,thatconfidencedoesn’talwayscome easily.Onewaywecansupportthatisbyunderstanding autismandthemanyamazingstrengthsitbrings.
Astheparentofaneurodivergentchildmyself,I’veseenjusthow powerfulitcanbewhenwebegintounderstandandcelebrate howtheirbrainswork.Thosemomentswheresomethingsmall canfeeloverwhelmingbutalsothe incrediblefocus,honesty andcreativity thatcomewithit.Bynoticingbothsides,wecan helpourchildrendothesame.
Yourchildmightnoticetinydetailsthatothersmiss.Theymight haveabrilliantmemory,adeeppassionforthethingstheylove orawonderfullycreativewayofthinking.Theymightbefullof energy,honesty,curiosityorkindness.Thesearenotsmallthings -theyarerealstrengths.Butchildrendon’talwaysseethisin themselves,especiallyifthey’reoftenhearingaboutwhatthey findtricky.That’swhereyoucanreallyhelp.
Trytospotandgentlynameyourchild’sstrengthsineveryday moments.Youmightsay:‘Ilovehowyounoticedthat’or‘You workedsohardonthat,yourbrainisamazing.’Suchrepeated smallcommentshelpyourchildbegintorecognisetheirown abilities.
Itcanalsohelpto reframechallenges. Achildwhofeels overwhelmedbynoisemightalsohaveaverysensitiveand awarebrain.Achildwhotalksalotabouttheirfavouritetopic mighthaveafantasticabilitytolearnandshareinformation.
Seeingthestrengths withinthechallenges Sometimesthethingsourchildrenfindhardestareclosely linkedtotheirstrengths.
Achildwhofeelsoverwhelmedinbusyornoisyplacesmay haveabrainthattakesinlotsofinformationatonce.Thatcan feelchallengingbutitalsomeanstheynoticethingsothers mightmiss.Achildwhofindssocialsituationsconfusing mayalsobethoughtful,honestandobservant.Achildwho prefersroutinemaybewonderfullyorganisedandfeelsafein structure.
Reframingthesemomentsdoesn’tmeanignoringchallenges. Itmeanshelpingyourchildunderstandthemselvesinakinder, morebalancedway.
Thewordsweusereallymatter.Insteadof‘toosensitive’you mightsay:‘Yourbrainnoticeslotsofthings.’Insteadof:‘You talktoomuchaboutthat’youcouldsay:‘Youhavesucha stronginterest-that’samazing.’ Overtime,yourchildbeginstoseethemselvesdifferently-not as‘toomuch’or‘notenough’butassomeonewiththeirown uniquewayofthinkingandbeing.
Byshiftingthewaywetalkaboutthesemoments,wehelpour childrenseethefullpicture.
Encourageyourchildtofollowwhattheylove. Theirinterests arewhereconfidencegrowsandwheretheyfeelmost themselves.Invitethemtoreflectonwhattheyenjoyandwhat they’regoodat.Simplequestionslike:‘Whatmadeyoufeel proudtoday?’canbuildself-awarenessovertime.
Youcanalsomodelself-acceptancebycelebratingdifferences ineverydaylife.Readbookstogetherthatshowdiverseminds, talkopenlyaboutfeelingsandhighlightrolemodelswhothinkin uniqueways.Inviteyourchildtoteachyouabouttheirinterests soyoushareaconnection.Mostimportantly, remindyourchildoften: thereisnooneelse intheworldquitelikethem. Whentheybegin toseethatforthemselves,itcanchange everything.
EmilySnapeistheauthorof MyAmazing AutisticBrainandMyAmazingADHDBrain (Summersdale).Sheispassionateabout helpingchildrenunderstandandcelebrate howtheirbrainswork.
Simplewaystohelpyour childseetheirstrengths Helpingyourchildrecognisetheirstrengthscanhappen throughsmall,everydaymoments.
Noticeandnameyourchild’sstrengthsineverydaysituations; CreateaMyStrengthsspaceathomewithdrawings,photos ornotes;
Shareyourownstrengthsandchallengestonormalise differences; Keepencouragementgentleandconsistent; Overtime,yourchildbeginstobelievethesethingsabout themselvesandbuildsastrongersenseofconfidence.
Didyouknow?
Autisticbrainsactuallyprocesstheworldwitharichnessof observationandsensorydetailthatmanyneurotypicalpeople missentirely.Thisintense,sometimeshyper-focuseddepthof attentionistherootofmanyautisticstrengths.
Touchtypingfor children ByZuzuJordan
Intoday’sworld,digitalskillsarenolongeroptional.From schoolworktoeverydaycommunication,childrenare expectedtousetechnologywithincreasingconfidence. Developingasolidunderstandingofakeyboard,including wherelettersareandhowtousethemefficiently,isbecoming justasimportantashandwriting.
Touchtyping,theabilitytotypewithoutlookingatthekeys,isa valuableskillthatsupportsthis.Byfocusingontheirideasrather thansearchingforletters, childrenworkmorefluently andwith greaterindependence.Thisskillcanmakearealdifferenceto bothconfidenceandonlineperformance.
InEngland,theYear4 MultiplicationTablesCheck iscompleted onadevice, highlightinghowearlychildrenareexpectedto engagewithtechnologyinanassessmentcontext.Aschildren movethroughschool,theyincreasinglycreateextendedpieces ofwriting,completeonlinetasksandcarryoutresearch,allof whichrequirebasictypingproficiency.
Forsomechildrenwithspecialeducationalneedsand disabilities,touchtypingcanbeparticularlypowerful.Asan alternativeforthosewhofindhandwritingdifficultortiring,touch typingcanalloweasierandmoreconfidentexpression.
Therearesimplewaysparentscansupportthisathome.Show childrenthatthe‘F’and‘J’keyshavesmall,raisedbumps,these are guidesfortheindexfingers andhelpthemfindthehome positionwithoutlooking.Encouragechildrentokeeptheir fingersrestingonthehomerowandpractiselittleandoften ratherthanforlongperiods.
IndependentSchools PrepandJunior Schools
EdgbastonHighSchool forGirlsPre-Prep&Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham
T:01214545831
edgbastonhigh.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat19Sep
09:30–12:00
HallfieldSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham
T:01214541496
hallfieldschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat26Sep 09:15–12:00
HighclareSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Erdington,Birmingham
T:01213737400
highclareschool.co.uk
NorfolkHouseSchool
Birmingham T:01214547021
norfolkhouseschool.co.uk
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham
T:01214404103
prioryschool.net
St.George’sSchoolPrep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 sgse.co.uk
TheBlueCoatSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham
T:01214106800
thebluecoatschool.com
OpenMorning:Sat19Sep 09:00
WestHouseSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham
T:01214404097 westhouseprep.com
Turningpracticeintogamescanmakeabigdifferenceand therearehelpfultoolsavailable.Colour-codedkeyboardsfrom companiessuchasQwerkey(Instagram@qwerkeyuk)support childreninlearningthelayoutmoreeasily.Alsolookonlinefor funandengagingkeyboardgamesandactivities.
Trybuildingtypingintoeverydaylife; whetherashoppinglist, ashortmessagetoafamilymemberorasimplediaryentry abouttheirday.Challengeyourchildtotypewithoutlookingat thekeyboardorbeattheirowntime.Keepingitpracticaland meaningfulhelpschildrenseethepurposebehindtheskill.
Touchtypingdoesnotneedtofeellikeaformallesson.Withthe rightsupportandaplayfulapproach,childrencandevelopaskill thatwillbenefitthemacrosssubjectsandthroughouttheirlives.
ZuzuJordanisaMasteryforMathsSpecialistwhohas taughtprimaryforeighteenyearsandisDirectorofArnett International.ForFREEresourcesandtips,findheron Instagram@edumate_uk
Birmingham,Solihull&SuttonColdfield
EversfieldPrepSchool
Solihull T:01217050354 eversfield.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat3Oct
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 solsch.org.uk
OpenMorning:Sat26Sep
TheShrubberySchool
SuttonColdfield T:01213511582 shrubberyschool.com
SeniorSchools
EdgbastonHighSchoolfor GirlsSenior
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831
edgbastonhigh.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat19Sep 09:30–12:00
HallfieldSchoolSeniors
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496
hallfieldschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat26Sep 09:15–12:00
HighclareSchoolSeniors
Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400 highclareschool.co.uk
KingEdward’sSchool
Birmingham
T:01214721672 kes.org.uk
OpenEve:Thu10Sep 17:00–19:30
KingEdwardVIHighSchool forGirls
Birmingham T:01214721834 kehs.org.uk
OpenEve:Thu17Sep 17:00–19:30
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103 prioryschool.net
St.George’sSchoolSenior
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 sgse.co.uk
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 solsch.org.uk
OpenMorning:Sat19Sep
Registerforopen eventsonline
Freshwaysto preparekidsfor September ByEllieMalt
Whetheryourchildisstartingschoolfortheveryfirsttime ormovingsomewherenew,preparationisn’taboutgetting everythingperfect,it’sabouthelpingthemfeelsecure.
Adviceaboutuniforms,routinesandpackedlunchesisfamiliar; however,therearesomelessobviouswaysparentscanhelp theirchildrenfeelreadyforchange.
Startingschoolforthefirsttime
Practise‘micro-independence’
Ratherthanfocusingonlyonbigmilestoneslikeusingthetoilet orwritingtheirname,buildindependenceinsmall,everyday ways.Encourageyourchildtoopensnackpackets,putontheir owncoatoraskforhelpfromanotheradult.Thesetinyvictories makeabigdifferenceinaclassroom.
Talkaboutfeelingsinadvance(notjustfun)
Insteadofonlyemphasisingexcitement,gentlyintroducethe ideathatit’sokaytofeelnervous,shyorevenabitcross.Giving childrenlanguagefortheseemotionshelpsthemcopewhen theyarise.
Createa‘goodbyeritual’
Ritualcanbeapowerfultoolinhelpingchildrenfeelsecure atthestartoftheday.Apredictableroutinesuchasaspecial phrase,aquickhug,ahigh-fiveorawaveatthewindowhelps createaclearandreassuringtransitionbetweenhomeand school.Thekeyisconsistency,soyourchildcanrelyonit.Over
Startinganewschoolyear Evenwhenchildrenarereturningtothesameschoolthere arethechallengesofnewteachers,classrooms,subjects andfriendshipstobefaced.Helpthemsettlebackin smoothly:
Resetroutinesgradually. Don’twaituntilthenightbefore termstarts.Beginadjustingbedtimes,mealtimesandmorning routinesatleastaweekinadvance. Reflectbeforeyoureset. Haveachataboutlastyear-what theyenjoyed,whattheyfoundtrickyandwhatthey’rehoping forthisyear.Thishelpschildrenfeelheardandmoreincontrol. Smallrefreshes. Asmall‘back-to-schoolrefresh’-likeanew pencilcaseorreorganisedworkspace-canfeelmotivating. Normalisewobbles. Evenconfidentchildrencanfeelunsettled atthestartofterm.Remindthemthatit’snormaltoneedtime toadjust,especiallywithnewteachersorclassmates. Reconnectsocially. Ifpossible,arrangeameet-upwithfriends beforeschoolstarts.Gettingbackinthegroovewithfriends canmakeallthedifferencetodayone.
time,thissmallmomentofconnectionbuildsemotionalsecurity andcansignificantlyreduceseparationanxiety.
Buildstaminafortheschoolday
Schoolistiring.Intheweeksbeforeterm,graduallyintroduce longerperiodsofactivityfollowedbyrest,mirroringtherhythm ofaschoolday.Thishelpsavoidoverwhelminthosefirstfew weeks.
Usestoriestorehearsescenarios
Usebooksandroleplaygamestoexploresituationslikemaking friends,askingtogotothetoiletorwhathappensifsomething goeswrong.Childrenabsorbthesescriptsnaturallythroughplay.
Movingtoanewschool
Focusoncontinuity
Helpyourchildidentifywhatwillstaythesame-theirinterests, favouritehobbies,familyroutines.Thisreinforcestheideathat schoolisjustonepartoftheirlifeandnotthebeallandendall, makingthetransitionfeellesslikeacompleteupheaval.
Maketheunfamiliarfeelfamiliar
Walkordrivetheroutetoschoolaspracticeandlookatphotos ofitonline.Evensmalldetailslikeknowingwherethetoilets arecanreducefirst-dayanxiety.It’stemptingtotellchildren everythingatoncebuttoomuchdetailcanincreaseanxiety. Offerinformationinsmall,manageablechunksandanswer questionsastheycome.
Encourage‘bridgefriendships’
Ifyourchildknowsevenonepersonatthenewschool,help nurturethatconnectionoverthesummer.Evenifthatfriendship doesn’tlastbeyondthefirstfewweeks,itcanbereallyhelpful incalmingthosenervesinthebuilduptostartingattheschool andduringthosefirstfewdaysofterm.
Makeaminibreaktimeplan
Keepexpectationssmallbyputtinginplacethe JustOne plan: smileatoneperson,talktoonenewpersonandlearnonenew name.Encourageyourchildtolookoutforgamesthatareeasy tojoin,suchasfootballortag,whichnaturallywelcomenew players.Thesesimplestrategiesgivechildrenasenseofcontrol andmakebreaktimesfeelfarlessdaunting.
Beforetermstarts,helpyourchildpractiseaneasy‘firsthello’ suchas:‘CanIjoinin?’or‘Whatareyouplaying?’sotheyhave somewordsreadytofallbackon.
Findyourtribe
Joiningclubscanmakeamassivedifferencewhenchildrenstart anewschool.It’softeneasiertomakenewfriendsoutsidethe classroominanenvironmentthat’smoreabouthavingfunthan sittingstillandlisteningtotheteacher.
Activitieswithotherkidswhohavesimilarinterestscreatea senseofbelonging.Ultimately,itcanhelpchildrensettlemore quickly,bymakingthemfeelcomfortableandconnected.
EllieiswriterandmotheroftwogirlslivinginSurrey.
FREE EVENTS FAMILY BEACH OURSUMMERSESSIONSARESPECIALLYDESIGNEDFORYOUNGER CHILDREN&FAMILIES,ALONGSIDEOURURBANBEACHFUN
DJ MARK WITHMUSIC, GAMES&PRIZES
K-POP PARTY SHOW BUBBLES SHOW DJBOOTH BEACHTHEME PRESENTS PAINTING&SHELL BRACELETMAKING
WED29TH JULY WED12TH AUGUST WED26TH AUGUST
DINOSAUR SHOW *Ticketscanbepurchased fromTheCoreTheatre.
TUE28THJULY
VINCEVINYL&THE “WHEELSOFSTEEL” MOBILEDISCO &CABARET PLUSMORE EXCITING EVENTSTOBE CONFIRMED THEBEACHISOPEN EVERYDAYBETWEEN 18THJULY&31STAUGUST WEATHERPERMITTING
WED22NDJULY WED5THAUGUST WED19THAUGUST
