EDITOR: Lesley Chambers 07863 790592
editor@familieshampshirenorth.co.uk
SALES SUPPORT: Claire Clarricoates 07812 218331 claire.clarricoates@familiespublishing.co.uk
DESIGN: Rebecca Carr rebecca@familiesmagazine.co.uk
NEXT ISSUE: JULY/AUGUST
Booking deadline: 3 June
Feature: Summer holidays
Welcome to our May/June issue! It’s lovely to be able to spend lots of time outside now that the weather is nice and there are loads of local events going on.
If you’re in a party mood, check out our parties article (see page 9), and if you’re in a summery mood, there are lots of articles that put us in mind of all the fun there is to come in the next few months (travel – page 8, summer camps – page 12 and swimming –page 13)!
Education is always high on the agenda for parents, and this time we look at both timeless (learning times tables) and modern (digital literacy) issues in education. Please get in touch if you would like to share some school news locally!
Enjoy these bright, colourful months!
You may have noticed that not everybody puts their rubbish in the bin, which often generates irritation and can lead to copycat behaviour. However, being a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem is actually really satisfying!
Over the last few months my eight-year-old daughter and I have been joining in with locally-organised litter picking sessions at the weekend. This may sound like an odd activity to do with the family, but we both find it satisfying on many levels. It’s wonderful to be part of a positive force within the community, and the group is always particularly happy to see a member of the younger generation helping out.
At the end of the session the area looks tidy, we have done some outdoor exercise and connected with other members of the community, all of which are a great mental health boost!
I found our local litter picking group on Facebook. The website www.keepbritaintidy.org may also help you get going.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, is coming to The Vyne from 16 May – 28 June, 10am-4pm. Get ready to swish, splash and squelch your way through the new sensory trail to find the bear.
The much-loved picture book and award-winning animation will be brought to life in the grounds of The Vyne through a series of interactive installations, emulating the journey undertaken by the family at the heart of the story.
Follow in the characters’ footsteps to brave the elements. Roam through swishy swashy grass, conquer thick oozy mud, brave swirling, whirling snowstorms and tiptoe through a cave in search of the bear. You can’t go over it. You can’t go under it. You’ve got to go through it!
Fantastic fun for all ages, round up your friends and family and see who will be the first one to spot the bear. The trail is included in normal admission.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/the-vyne
If you’re passionate about wine or simply curious to explore the world of vintages and varietals, the North Hampshire Wine Society offers the perfect monthly escape.
Meeting every third Monday of the month, this friendly and welcoming group gathers to taste an exciting selection of around nine wines - each thoughtfully chosen to showcase a particular region, grape or theme.
But it’s not just about the wine. Every meeting is accompanied by a sumptuous buffet, carefully curated to complement the evening’s selection. From artisan cheeses and charcuterie to fresh breads and salad accompaniments, the buffet is a highlight in its own right and ensures no-one leaves hungry.
Held at The Moose Centre, Basingstoke, the society’s events are a great way to meet like-minded people, expand your palate and enjoy a convivial evening out. Guests are always welcome and membership offers excellent value for regular attendees. Why not raise a glass and join for an evening of discovery, flavour and fun?
For more information or to reserve your place, go to www.binendum.org.uk
Start your summer with three vibrant weekends of FREE street performances for all the family at awardwinning Basingstoke Festival from Friday 19 June to Sunday 5 July 2026.
This year’s programme is packed with free street theatre that surprises, dance that dazzles, circus and aerial spectacles, live music to lift your mood, inspiring performance poetry and charming storytelling. Expect laughter, colour and unforgettable experiences for all ages as you experience the magic of outdoor arts.
The fun begins on Friday 19 June with a spectacular evening of magic, music and myth at the Festival opening parade. A joyful street party will wind its way through Basingstoke town centre ending with a brand-new show full of mischief and mayhem, the perfect start to three weekends of festival fun.
Whether you want to pack a picnic and enjoy a whole day of free entertainment or simply follow the sounds and creativity and stop by for a performance or two, mark your calendars and get ready to be a part of Basingstoke Festival as it celebrates 15 amazing years of creativity, culture and shared experiences.
Check out the full programme to start planning your festival weekends at www.BasingstokeFestival.co.uk
A newly opened school-based nursery at Overton CE Primary School has received high praise from County Councillor Juliet Henderson following her visit to the purpose-built setting.
The nursery, which welcomed its first children in September 2025, has been thoughtfully designed to provide a bright, free-flowing environment that supports young learners at every stage of their development. Large windows flood the space with natural light, while carefully planned learning areas encourage exploration, creativity and independence.
During her tour, Councillor Henderson met staff and children and observed a range of activities taking place both indoors and outdoors. The newly developed outdoor area, a standout feature of the provision, has been created to promote physical development through a balance of gross and fine motor experiences.
Speaking after her visit, Councillor Henderson said: “I very much enjoyed my visit to the Nursery – what a wonderful space! The children seemed in their element.”
The nursery is open daily from 7.30am-6.00pm and for 50 weeks a year. If you are interested in securing a place for September, please contact the school adminoffice@overton. hants.sch.uk and arrange a visit.
Open days may need pre-booking. Please check before visiting.
Crosfields School
Shinfield Road, Reading, RG2 9BL 0118 987 1810
crosfields.com
Wednesday 6 May, 9:15am: Nursery stay and play
Wednesday 13 May, 9:15am: Reception taster
Thursday 4 June, 9am: Year 7 experience day (Wonderful Wizards theme)
Thursday 11 June, 9am: Year 7 experience day (Wonderful Wizards theme)
Leighton Park School
Shinfield Road, Reading, RG2 7ED 0118 987 9608
leightonpark.com
Friday 1 May, 9am: Open morning
St Neot’s Preparatory School
St Neot’s Road, Eversley, Hook, RG27 0PN 0118 973 2118
stneotsprep.co.uk
Thursday 7 and Friday 22 May, Wednesday 3 and Wednesday 10 June, 9am: Coffee with the Head
Wellesley Preparatory School
Stratfield Turgis, Hook, RG27 0AR 01256 882707
wellesleyprepschool.co.uk
Friday 22 May: Whole school open morning
Are you looking for a school where your child can thrive inside and out?
Set in 100 acres of countryside in Hook, Hampshire, Wellesley is an independent co-educational day school for children aged 2 to 13. Meet staff and pupils, explore the classrooms and outdoor learning spaces and discover a school where 40% of learning takes place outdoors.
From music and languages to drama, PE and ICT, children enjoy a broad and engaging curriculum from the very start. Wellesley pupils leave at 13 with firm friendships, fond memories, and a strong foundation for their next steps, supported by links with leading senior schools.
Why not join Wellesley Prep’s free weekly playgroup on Fridays, 9.30–11am, for children aged 2–4?
Come along to the school’s Open Morning on Friday 22 May from 9.15am–11am. To book your place at the Open Morning, playgroup, or arrange a private visit, call 01256 882 707 or visit www.wellesleyprepschool.co.uk
At Park View Primary School, the Cook with Me course is a four-week programme where parents and children come together to cook simple recipes and enjoy time together. Led by the school’s Family Support Worker, the sessions provide a welcoming space for families to learn new skills while having fun.
Each week, families follow an easy recipe card and work together to weigh ingredients, measure quantities and prepare a different dish. Children enjoy getting involved in the cooking process while parents support them step by step. Cooking together is a great way to strengthen the bond between parent and child. It also helps children build confidence, develop practical skills and become more interested in food.
By the end of the four weeks, families leave with new recipes, new skills and special memories of cooking together. www.parkviewprimary.hants.sch.uk
By Zuzu Jordan
In an age of AI, calculators and voice assistants, it is easy to question whether children still need to memorise times tables. After all, technology can provide an instant answer. However, fluency in multiplication remains one of the most important foundations in mathematics. When children know their times tables automatically, they free up brainpower for reasoning, problem-solving and tackling more complex concepts such as fractions, division and algebra.
In England, children begin exploring multiplication in Key Stage 1 through grouping, sharing and repeated addition. By Year 2, they learn the two, five and ten times tables. In Year 3 and Year 4, they extend this knowledge to all tables up to twelve x twelve, with the national Multiplication Tables Check taken at the end of Year 4. Schools now combine conceptual understanding with recall practice, using arrays (visual models organising objects into equal rows and columns to represent multiplication equations), practical resources and pattern spotting, alongside short, regular retrieval exercises.
Even with AI, instant recall matters. A child who quickly knows that 6 × 8 = 48 can focus on solving a multi-step problem instead of getting stuck at the first calculation. Technology should enhance learning, not replace core knowledge.
One of the most effective ways to support learning is to match practice to your child’s preferred way of learning.
For those who prefer to listen and learn, rhythm and repetition are powerful. Multiplication songs, chants and short rhymes can make facts stick. Creating a simple poem for tricky tables or setting facts to a familiar tune can transform learning into something memorable. Voice assistants such as Alexa or similar devices can also be used to fire quick questions for a fun, quizstyle challenge.
For those who like to learn by doing, try times tables snap cards, scavenger hunts where children shoot a Nerf dart at the correct answer or stick multiplication questions on the stairs so they solve one on each step. Jumping to the correct answer written in chalk outside or building arrays with Lego can also reinforce understanding through action.
For those who are drawn to colour and layout, use coloured multiplication charts, highlight patterns and encourage children
to notice number relationships. For example, all multiples of five end in zero or five and the digits in the nine times table follow a clear pattern. Seeing these connections reduces the need to memorise each fact separately.
AI can also be a creative ally. Parents can use AI tools to generate personalised resources that reflect a child’s interests. For a football fan, create times tables cards featuring their favourite team colours or badge alongside multiplication facts. For a child who loves animals or space, design themed quizzes or printable posters. Personal relevance increases engagement.
Whatever the method, short and frequent practice is key. Five focused minutes each day is more effective than a long weekly session. Isolate tricky tables for a few days before mixing them back in.
Encourage children to explain how they know an answer, not just say it.
Most importantly, keep it positive. Confidence builds fluency. Times tables are not about racing against a machine; they are about equipping children with mental tools that will support them throughout their education. In a world shaped by AI, foundational knowledge is what enables children to use technology thoughtfully and independently.
Zuzu is a Mastery for Maths Specialist who has taught primary for eighteen years and is Director of Arnett International. For FREE resources and tips, find her on Instagram @edumate_uk
A well-stocked times table homework grab bag should include quick, practical resources that make learning easy and engaging.
Add a set of flashcards, a small, laminated multiplication chart and a whiteboard with pen for quick practice. Include times table snap cards or simple dice for multiplication games.
A printed list of key facts for focus tables is helpful, along with coloured pens for highlighting patterns.
Finally, add a small reward chart to celebrate effort and consistent progress.
By Erin Miller
In an era where banning children from smartphones is becoming increasingly normalised, the idea of actively promoting digital literacy at home can seem counterintuitive. However, digital literacy is about far more than simply knowing how to operate a device. It goes beyond technical skills to encompass the ability to engage with digital technologies safely, critically and thoughtfully. This includes knowing how to find and evaluate information online, communicate effectively in digital spaces, protect personal data and privacy and recognise risks such as misinformation, manipulation and harmful content.
Just as parents and schools teach children how to stay safe in the physical world, they must also teach them how to think critically about what they see in order to stay safe in the digital world.
Getting your child to think critically. To help children begin evaluating online information critically, teach them how to:
Check the source. Show your child how to find who created the content and whether it comes from a trusted organisation, a qualified expert or an unknown account. Teach them to look for an About page and to be wary of anonymous profiles.
Tell fact from opinion. Help them look for evidence such as facts, data or reliable links. Explain the difference between evidence and personal belief.
Recognise emotional manipulation. Teach them to notice when content triggers strong emotions like fear, anger or excitement and encourage them to pause before reacting or sharing.
Here are some practical tips.
Names. Show your child how to choose usernames that do not include their real name, birthday, school or location. Personal details in photos. Teach them to check images for clues like school logos, street signs, house numbers, car number plates or landmarks before posting photos.
Turn off location sharing. Show them where location settings are on their device and in apps and teach them to keep location services off unless there is a reason to use them. Limit who can contact them. Teach them how to set accounts to private, restrict messaging to friends only and avoid accepting requests or messages from people they don’t know. Use passwords properly. Teach them how to create strong passwords, avoid reusing the same password across apps and understand why passwords should never be shared. Check app permissions. Teach them to review what an app needs to work, eg camera, microphone, contacts, photos –and tell them to turn off anything the app doesn’t require.
Question headlines. Show them that headlines are often exaggerated and that they should read beyond the title.
Check the date. Teach them how to spot outdated content that is reshared as if it were new.
Cross-check information. Encourage them to look for the same story on other reputable sites and to be cautious if only one unfamiliar source is reporting it.
Have open conversations at home
It is unrealistic to pretend technology will not play a major role in your child’s world. Talk about it: ask your children what they enjoy online and what they find challenging. By building trust it’s more likely they will seek support if something goes wrong.
It is also important to discuss how algorithms work. Help children understand that their devices are tracking their behaviour and using that information to shape what they see.
Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
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By Andrew Campbell
Travelling during the school summer holidays can get expensive, especially if you have a big family. Luckily there are plenty of apps to help you save money, whether you’re going overseas or planning a more modest road trip in the UK.
Everyone knows about Airbnb, TripAdvisor and Uber but there are loads of other brilliant travel apps worth downloading. Best of all, they’re free to use so get them before your next trip.
AirHelp (Apple App Store; Google Play)
Flying can be stressful if flights are delayed, cancelled or overbooked. AirHelp checks if you’re owed compensation for flight issues, including lost or damaged luggage. Just upload your boarding pass and see if you’re eligible for up to £350 per passenger (EU rules).
JustPark (Apple App Store; Google Play)
A UK-based app that lets users find, reserve and pay for parking spaces in advance. It connects drivers with private driveways, commercial car parks and on-street parking. The app provides real-time availability, pricing and directions, helping users save time and often money. JustPark operates across the UK and in some European cities.
Includes Peppa’s Laugh & Learn Laptop
Peppa’s Laugh & Learn Alphaphonics
Count With Peppa
Peppa’s Phonic Alphabet
A UK-focused app that helps drivers find the cheapest fuel near their location. Users can compare petrol, diesel and premium fuel prices at thousands of stations nationwide. The app provides upto-date pricing, map views and directions to the selected station. PetrolPrices also allows users to receive alerts when prices drop in their area, helping save on fuel costs.
HotelTonight (Apple App Store; Google Play)
Ideal for booking last-minute hotel accommodation. Users can search for hotels, compare prices and access exclusive discounts on unsold rooms. Filters allow sorting by price, location, rating or amenities. Listings include ratings, reviews and photos. The app is available in the UK and major cities across Europe, Asia and North America. Payment and booking happen within the app, with customer support for reservations.
Rome2rio (Apple App Store; Google Play)
A comprehensive travel planning app and website that helps users find the best ways to get from one place to another, anywhere in the world. It compares flights, trains, buses, ferries and driving routes, showing estimated times and costs for each option. The app includes maps, booking links and detailed connections, making multi-modal journeys easy to plan.
Hiyacar (Apple App Store; Google Play)
A UK-based peer-to-peer car sharing app that connects drivers with local car owners for short-term rentals, much like Airbnb for accommodation. Users can search for nearby vehicles, book instantly and unlock cars using the app’s keyless technology. Insurance is included for every rental and the platform covers many UK cities. It’s a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional car hire companies.
Citymapper (Apple App Store; Google Play)
Save money by using public transport efficiently. Citymapper is a public transport app that helps users plan journeys in cities around the world. It provides real-time information on buses, trains, trams, subways, walking, cycling and ride-hailing options. The app compares routes, shows travel times and disruptions and offers step-by-step navigation. Citymapper covers major cities in the UK, Europe, North America and other regions.
Answer Peppa’s questions about letters, numbers, shapes, musical instruments, colours and her family and friends
Includes music and songs from the shows and a wide variety of fun activities
Use QR code or apply at
WiFi Map (Apple App Store; Google Play)
Whether you’re travelling at home or abroad, using your phone without WiFi can rack up hefty roaming charges. That’s where WiFi Finder comes in. This app helps you locate free WiFi hotspots across Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Even if your phone plan doesn’t hit you with roaming fees, it’s still incredibly useful - you’ll know exactly where you can connect your tablet or laptop without paying a penny.
By Jodie Herron
Planning a children’s birthday party is all about creating a fun, exciting atmosphere and the right decorations can completely change the look and feel of a room. Whether your child loves colourful characters, sporty set-ups or a bit of sparkle, there are so many creative options to choose from. Here are some ideas.
For children who love magic and musicals, a Wicked-inspired theme brings a touch of drama and sparkle. Go for deep green and pink colour schemes, glittery stars and whimsical props to create an enchanted party setting. With themed tableware and decorations like broomsticks and witch hats, you can design a scene that feels theatrical and imaginative; perfect for games and fantasy fun! WICKED
One of the sweetest trending party themes lately is Hello Kitty. Adorable decorations like Hello Kitty foil or printed latex balloons, colourful banners and matching tableware create a cute, co-ordinated setup. Featuring her classic design (including her iconic bow!), along with her equally adorable friends, the decorations for this theme deliver a fun, cute feel that’s perfect for birthday celebrations.
For sports fans, a footballthemed party creates instant excitement. Use green table runners to mimic a pitch, add football banners and cluster balloons in team colours for a stadium feel. Scatter football confetti across tables and include matching plates and cups to complete the look. This theme works indoors or outdoors and pairs perfectly with simple games like penalty shootouts or target challenges to keep the fun active.
HARRY STYLES/ DISCO THEME
Combine pop star flair with retro disco style for a party full of music and movement. Think sequins, metallic fringes, disco balls and bold colour splashes to transform your space into a mini dance floor. Star-shaped balloons and shimmering banners add glamour, while neon accents keep the vibe playful. This theme works brilliantly with a party playlist, Harry Styles cutout and simple dance games, encouraging guests to show off their moves and celebrate in sparkling style.
A Paw Patrol-themed party is always a hit, especially with a brand-new movie arriving later this year. Complement the theme by featuring favourite pups like Chase, Marshall and Skye on hanging decorations, banners and more. For a brilliant focal point among matching balloons and cardboard cut outs? Try a Paw Patrol piñata.
For a tropical twist, Stitch decorations bring playful island vibes to any birthday. Bright colours, Hawaiian-style garlands, palm leaves and bold banners set the scene. Consider creating a themed backdrop with floral details and character cut-outs for a fun photo area. Co-ordinated plates, cups and balloons tie everything together and you can use small themed favours to complete the look. This theme works especially well for summer parties but can bring sunshine to indoor celebrations all year round.
A princess and fairy tale theme instantly transforms any space into a magical kingdom. Soft pastel colours, gold accents and plenty of sparkle create a dreamy atmosphere. Castle backdrops, crown-shaped balloons and glittery banners make eye-catching decorations, while themed plates and cups tie everything together. Add tulle table skirts, star confetti and a throne-style chair for the birthday child to create a perfect photo spot. Wand or tiara party favours double as fun accessories and keepsakes, making this a theme full of enchantment.
For all these decorations, accessories and many more, visit www.partyrama.co.uk
Gaming-themed decor is a favourite for older kids. Pixel-style banners, bright colour blocking and LED string lights can create an immersive atmosphere inspired by popular video games. Add controller-printed tableware or character posters to complete the setup. You can even feature a leaderboard-style photo backdrop or host a mini tournament to tie decorations and activities together.
By Alicia Eaton
Most parents spend a lot of time thinking about what their children eat and far less time thinking about how they talk about it. Yet the words we use around food often shape a child’s relationship with eating far more powerfully than the food itself.
Children don’t just learn about food from what’s on their plate. They absorb the surrounding emotional tone, meaning and messages long before they understand nutrition. Over time, those messages quietly influence how they feel about food and how they listen to their own bodies.
Much of the language we use around food is inherited. Phrases such as ‘finish everything on your plate,’ ‘that’s a treat’ or ‘you can have pudding if you eat your dinner.’ They’re often said automatically, in busy family moments, with good intentions.
But language has an impact. Children’s developing minds are designed to absorb everything in their environment - not just language and manners but beliefs, fears, behaviours and emotional responses. So they don’t just hear our words, they internalise our attitudes as blueprints for life. Many adults who struggle with weight and relationships with food can pinpoint episodes in their childhood that left a mark and persistently contribute to the problem.
Which means that if we joke about our weight, skip meals, obsess over calories or equate food with guilt or control, we’re teaching those same scripts to our children, even if we never say them out loud.
Growing up in an environment where food is repeatedly linked to behaviour, reward, comfort or control, children can start to lose touch with their own internal signals. Hunger becomes something to override, negotiate or ignore. Fullness becomes something to push past and eating becomes driven by habit, emotion or expectation.
Labels matter too. Calling a child ‘fussy,’ ‘greedy’ or ‘difficult at mealtimes’ can quickly become part of how they see themselves. Children are remarkably quick to live up to labels, even when they don’t truly fit.
This is what we’re having today – tomorrow will be different; Let’s see how that tastes; I can see you’re starting to enjoy tasting new foods now; Let’s listen to our tummies and stop when we’re full; You can eat what your body needs for now; Some foods are ‘everyday’ foods; Sweet, sugary foods are what we eat ‘sometimes;’ Different foods do different jobs.
Another common issue is pressure. Even gentle pressure: ‘just one more bite,’ ‘eat it for mummy,’ ‘you liked it yesterday’ can interfere with appetite awareness. Children become less able to tune into what their body is telling them. This can lead to power struggles at the table, anxiety around food or eating that feels disconnected from genuine hunger.
What helps instead is neutrality. Neutral language keeps food emotionally calm. It separates eating from behaviour and removes moral judgement from meals. This doesn’t mean being permissive or giving up structure - quite the opposite. Children thrive on predictability. Knowing when meals and snacks will happen helps them relax and trust that food is reliably available, without needing to negotiate or graze constantly.
Neutral language also supports curiosity. Instead of persuading or labelling, parents can describe, observe and invite reflection: ‘how does your tummy feel?’ or ‘does that taste how you expected?’
A healthy relationship with food isn’t created through rules or restriction but through the unconscious messages we pass on when we shop, cook, sit and eat round the family dinner table.
Today’s families face challenges that previous generations never had to navigate. With ultra-processed foods dominating the supermarket shelves and diet talk reaching our children at ever younger ages, it’s going to be even more important that the conversations we have at home foster healthy eating habits for life.
Alicia Eaton (www.aliciaeaton.co.uk) is a Harley Street-based behaviour change psychotherapist and the author of Mind How Your Kids Eat, which explores how everyday habits and language shape children’s long-term relationship with food.
There’s a good boy or girl; Finish everything on your plate; Just try…; One more bite; Open your mouth: here comes the aeroplane/steam train; Eat it for me; You liked it yesterday; You never eat your vegetables; No dessert until you’ve eaten your dinner; You can have pudding if…; No snacks until you behave; Stop asking for snacks – you’re always hungry.
By Chloe Farahar
Stimming - rocking, hand-flapping, humming, spinning or any other repetitive movement or sound - is not a behaviour to be eliminated. It is, for many autistic people, a vital and meaningful part of how we experience, regulate and communicate.
What stimming actually is
Research by Kapp et al., (2019), based directly on autistic people’s own accounts, found that stimming helps with regulating emotions, coping with sensory overload, selfexpression, communication and pleasure. The same research found that attempts to suppress stimming - particularly through behavioural interventions - were associated with increased distress, anxiety and a damaged sense of self.
Stimming is also a form of language. As autistic researcher and advocate Julia Bascom (2012) writes, stimming can express what words cannot: joy, comfort, connection, overwhelm. Within the autistic community, it is understood and respected as communication.
NHS guidance now explicitly recognises self-stimulatory behaviour as a form of sensory seeking that ‘may be communicative to express feelings or can be calming’ and does not frame stimming as a behaviour to be reduced.
What about harmful stimming?
Most stimming is regulatory, communicative and deeply personal. The appropriate response to a child rocking, flapping or humming is to make space for it - not to redirect, limit or ‘treat’ it.
However, some autistic people do engage in stims that cause physical harm – such as head-banging, skin-picking to the point of injury or self-biting. These are clinically distinct from regulatory stimming and emerging autistic-led research is beginning to map this distinction carefully (Marsden et al., 2025; Farahar & Sanderson, forthcoming).
Evidence tells us that harmful stimming is almost always a sign of unmet need and unaddressed distress; it’s important to then understand what is causing this distress.
That means:
Adjusting the sensory environment - reducing noise, light, unpredictability and sensory overload.
Adjusting the social environment - including the behaviour and expectations of the people around the autistic person.
Improving communication access - so the person has meaningful ways to express pain, overwhelm or need before distress reaches a crisis point.
Listening to the autistic person - or where spoken or otherwise verbal communication is limited, to advocates who know them well.
This is the SPELL framework: Structure, Positive approaches, Empathy, Low arousal and Links - an approach developed with the autistic community and a far more ethical foundation than any approach focused on behaviour management alone.
The people in the room are part of the environment
This point is worth dwelling on, because it is often the hardest to sit with.
Environment + autistic person = outcome – Dr Luke Beardon
When an autistic person is distressed and when harmful behaviours emerge, the question must always be: what in this environment, including the people in it, is contributing to this?
Demands that feel unreasonable. Communication that is unclear or unpredictable. Sensory conditions that are painful. Expectations of masking (suppressing autistic behaviours to appear more neurotypical) that, over time, are associated with significant mental health harms including suicidality (Hull et al., 2019).
The research is consistent: when autistic people are in environments that understand and accommodate them and when they are not asked to perform neurotypically, distress reduces and with it, the frequency of harmful behaviours (Kapp et al., 2019; Marsden et al., 2025).
A message to families
If your autistic child stims, they are not broken and the stim does not need to be fixed.
If the stim is joyful – if they are flapping because they are excited, rocking because it is calming, humming because it helps them think – celebrate it.
If the stim is causing physical harm, ask yourself: what is my child trying to tell me? What in their world is too much right now? What do they need that they are not getting? The correct professional to support with this might be an occupational therapist, who will look at the environment and its effect on your young person. The answers will come from listening, deeply, without judgement, to the autistic person in front of you.
Chloe Farahar holds a doctorate in Social Psychology and publishes on autistic identity and experience, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience as an autistic person to her work.
Some members of the autistic community have expressed complaint that the above article in our March/April issue suggests that stimming is a problem that should be reduced or unlearned.
Chloe Farahar holds a doctorate and publishes on autistic identity and experience as well as serving as Project Manager for Learning Disability and Autism at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust.
Chloe clarifies that current evidence does not support that stimming is a problem that should be reduced or unlearned. Instead, stimming services vital regulatory, communicating and emotional functions for autistic people. (Kapp et al., 2019). Attempts to eliminate stimming, without addressing the distress that drives harmful forms, could risk psychological harm.
Families would like to thank Chloe for her clarification and extend an apology to any members of the autistic community that may have been concerned or upset by this article.
By Tanni Haas
You’ve found a great camp for your kids, signed them up and are getting them ready for all the fun ahead. But what should you pack for them every day? Drawing on my own experiences as a seasoned parent of day campers, I’ve compiled the following list of things.
Bag
Buy a lightweight yet durable and roomy bag pack, made of fabric or nylon. It’s useful if it has many compartments, so that you can put different items in different places, including an outside pocket for the water bottle.
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
If they’re spending much or all of the day outside, shades and a hat will keep them cool and comfortable. Teach your kids how to apply sunscreen properly without getting it in their eyes, ears or mouth. Apply it in the morning before they leave for camp and encourage them to reapply during the day.
Food and snacks
Pack one or two sandwiches and some healthy snacks in case they get hungry before and/or after lunch. Put all the food in a thermal bag so that it stays cool and fresh all day.
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Let’s face it: kids get dirty, especially if they’re spending a lot of time outside. Pack some hand sanitiser and wet wipes and instruct them on how to use them properly and frequently.
Plastic or Ziploc bags
Pack a couple of plastic bags or, even better, Ziploc bags - great for any wet items like swimsuits or towels.
Prescription medication
If your kids are young, give the camp organisers any prescription medication they need. Older kids may be happy to carry the medication themselves.
Swimming gear
Many day camps include trips to the pool or other ‘wet’ activities. Always have swimming gear packed.
Water bottle
Pack a reusable water bottle, ideally in an easily accessible compartment. Put the bottle in the freezer overnight so that it stays cool.
Hoody or light rain jacket
It can get chilly – and, of course, it may rain. Pack a lightweight windbreaker or a hoody, depending on the weather forecast.
… and a little surprise
Put a little surprise item (a favourite snack or an I-love-you note) in a place where you know your kids will look, like in their lunch box. It’ll put a smile on their faces and ensure they have a great day.
Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences and Disorders at The City University of New York.
Universal free breakfast clubs are expanding across England. Another 500 schools joined the scheme in April meaning more than 1,250 schools are now offering free morning meals, benefiting an estimated 300,000 children.
The government says a further 1,500 schools will join in September, bringing the total to around 2,750 and extending provision to roughly 680,000 children by the autumn.
The expansion of free breakfast clubs aims to reduce stigma around targeted support, giving children a calmer start to the day and saving families up to £450 a year through reduced morning costs.
Andover, Basingstoke, Bramley, Fleet or Hartley Wintney
To book visit perform.org.uk/try
Early evaluations point to benefits for attendance, behaviour and attainment.
As the scheme rolls out in May, campaigners say the priority is ensuring schools have the staff, space and funding to scale up without compromising quality.
By Dr Meredith Elkins
According to Sport England, less than half of children meet the recommended sixty minutes of daily activity recommended by the Chief Medical Officer, highlighting the need to build movement habits in children from an early age.
Options for organised sport are limited before the age of 5 with the National Curriculum for PE setting basic skills expectations (running, throwing, catching) between 5 and 7 years. Yet swimming is accessible from infancy, filling that gap and establishing lifelong, healthy habits early.
Swimming is the perfect activity for all children, from infancy onwards. Experts agree that swimming improves cognitive functioning and water confidence, strengthens key muscle groups, supports better co-ordination, sleep and appetite and all the while boosts bonding between parents and children.
Yet if swimming is the ideal activity for young children, why can only twenty seven percent of Year 1 and 2 children swim twenty five metres unaided?
What is stopping parents signing up to classes?
Time pressures, travel, childcare and lost work hours are key obstacles. With the average UK working week at more than forty hours plus commutes, finding time is tough.
Cost is another big barrier. Lesson fees, childcare for siblings, kit expectations and cancellation fees - especially when illness strikes - add up quickly, according to many parents on forums like Mumsnet.
Then there’s availability. A recent Total Fitness survey of over two thousand UK adults found that one third of parents struggle to find pre-school swimming lessons and suitable facilities for their children.
Dean Zweck at Total Fitness says: ‘Fitting swimming into a busy schedule can feel hard but building water confidence early lays the foundation for lifelong fitness and wellbeing. Checking out classes early helps set children up for a positive relationship with movement for life.’
Swimming for life
Swimming helps children stay active, social and confident and offers a valuable screen-free alternative for later years. Campaigns like National Learn to Swim Day and #LoveSwimming are useful to remind busy parents that helping little ones dive into swimming early is one of the best gifts you can give them. It is also the only sport which could one day save your child’s life.
Many swimming schools provide free assessments and baby swim programmes often have expert-run programmes in warmer water, designed to build confidence gradually, both for little ones and their parents.
With thanks to Total Fitness (www.totalfitness.co.uk) for this article. Total Fitness runs health clubs across the country, offering free swimming assessments and Family Pool Passes.
Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes
Confidence-building drama classes for ages 4-7s and 7-12s in Andover, Bsingstoke, Bramley, Fleet and Hartley Wintney.
A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and co-ordination.
At Vivace Music School, they turn curiosity into joyful learning with playful, movement-based classes – try a FREE class and see for yourself!
From babies to school-age children, every session is packed with singing, games, sensory play and real instruments— igniting imagination while building essential music skills. Classes are active, engaging, and rooted in the renowned Kodály approach, helping children discover their voices, develop confidence, and fall in love with learning through music.
Led by expert teachers, the curriculum supports your child from birth to senior school—nurturing creativity and musicality every step of the way. There are entry level classes for ages 0-7, and children can join at any point during the term. Older kids? Kids with SEN? Email to find out more!
Try Vivace Music School for FREE in Fleet, Farnham or Yateley! Book at www.vivacemusicschool.co.uk/book or email info@ vivacemusicschool.co.uk
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.
Until 30 May
Blossom at Mottisfont, Romsey
celebrate the arrival of a new season with blossom tree appreciation, blossom inspired poetry, spotter trails and more. 10am-5pm nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont
Until 30 May
Dotty the Dodo’s Spring Fact Trail at Curtis Museum, Basingstoke
Join our friend Dotty the Dodo as they hunt for all the best facts from the natural world! 10am-4:30pm hampshireculture.org.uk
2-3 May
The Cat in the Hat at The Haymarket, Basingstoke
Experience the mischief with the celebrated stage adaptation of Dr Seuss’ The Cat in The Hat. The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children, plus stay around once the show is finished and meet the Cat in the Hat afterwards! anvilarts.org.uk
2-4 May
May Bank Holiday at Finkley Down Farm, Andover
Celebrate the May Bank Holiday with farm-tastic hands-on animal activities and adventure play. finkleydownfarm.co.uk
2 May-28 June
‘I Spot a Cow’ Family Trail at Hinton Ampner, Alresford
Join in with this fun-filled family trail and explore the gardens to find all of the farm animals. They’ve also left lots of fun games for you to do along the way! 10am-4pm nationaltrust.org.uk/hintonampner
3 May
Model Train Rides at Viables Craft Centre, Basingstoke
Public miniature train rides at Viables, run by Basingstoke and District Model Engineering Society. 11am-4pm basingstoke-dmes.co.uk
8-10 May
Outdoor Cinema at Milestones Museum, Basingstoke
There is something very exciting about watching a movie under the open sky, in a unique setting, surrounded by dozens of people enjoying doing exactly the same thing. Expect a fun, friendly film experience with a big screen and a mix of classic movie magic. hampshireculture.org.uk
9 May Whitchurch Folk Festival at Whitchurch Silk Mill
A celebration of spring with a day full of music, dance, and community spirit. As the streets come alive with blossoms, bunting and Morris bells, visitors can enjoy an array of folk-inspired experiences at the Mill – from live performances and interactive workshops to familyfriendly activities and artisan crafts. 10:30am-5pm whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk
9 May Flyaway Katie at Phoenix Arts Centre, Bordon
The show is bursting with colour, movement and surprises, with puppets acting the story. Aimed at 2–7-year-olds, the show lasts 35 minutes, followed by a 15-minute stay-and-play meet the puppets session. 11am phoenixarts.co.uk
Where will your curiosity take you this half-term?
Winchester Science Centre is where science comes to life! Weekends and school holidays are the perfect time to visit to enjoy a full day of discovery with the family. Explore two floors of hands on interactive exhibits, be wowed by explosive live science shows and travel through space in the Planetarium. This May half term, there’s even more to look forward with the K POP Silent Disco, where music and dancing take over for a fun filled family experience. Make memories at The Big Family Sleepover, an unforgettable overnight adventure packed with activities, discovery and excitement after hours. Book your tickets in advance and save 20%. Under 3s FREE. www.winchestersciencecentre.org
9 and 10 May
Family Fun Mornings at Hollywood Bowl, Basingstoke Enjoy amily-friendly activities alongside your game of bowling, including colouring activities for little ones, treasure hunts around the centre and stickers and balloons to take home. 10am-12pm hollywoodbowl.co.uk
10 May
Basingstoke Festival of Transport at War Memorial Park, Basingstoke
As in previous years, there will be a huge range of vehicles on static display, including classic, vintage, commercial, fire engines and military trucks. There will also be a variety of specialist car clubs, trade stalls and catering outlets. 11am-4pm rotary-ribi.org
10 May Nature Day at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens, Selborne
This is a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with nature and learn about conservation efforts in a fun and engaging environment. Activities are suitable for all ages, including guided nature walks and nature-inspired crafts. 10:30am-4:30pm gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
15 May
Discovering the Bats and Moths of Selborne at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens, Selborne This event will include outdoor activity including short walks in the relative dark so please come
dressed appropriately for the weather and time of year with sturdy footwear and bring a torch. A warm drink and biscuits will be available during the evening. 8:30pm-10pm gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
16 May-28 June
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at The Vyne, Basingstoke
The award-winning animation, based on the much-loved picture book, will be brought to life through a series of interactive installations. Get ready to swish, splash and squelch your way through this new sensory trail as you search for the bear. 10am-4pm nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne
23 May
Hampshire’s World Music Mosaic:
A West Legacy Workshop Day
The West Legacy Workshop Day is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of rhythm and culture! Feel the heat of Samba and West African Drumming, groove to Steel Pans, discover the power of Taiko, experience the tranquillity of Gamelan, and explore sound with Music Technology. 9:30am phoenixarts.co.uk
23 May
Hamza Yassin: My Life Behind The Lens at The Anvil, Basingstoke
Hamza shares behind-thescenes tales from his epic filming expeditions across the globe. Packed with breath-taking footage, fascinating insights, charming personal stories and a deep passion
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Nature Day at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens in Selborne, Hampshire, on Sunday 10 May.
This perfect and affordable family day out invites visitors to connect with nature through guided walks, handson crafts and activities from conservation groups, while exploring the historic house and beautiful gardens in a fun, engaging setting for all ages.
Children go FREE! Go to www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk for more information.
for nature, he invites audiences of all ages to reconnect with the wild world around them. 2pm anvilarts.org.uk
23-31 May
May Half Term at Finkley Down Farm, Andover
Make the most of the May half term with farm-tastic fun and special live kids’ shows. finkleydownfarm.co.uk
23-31 May
Angola’s Birthday Bash at the Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover
Alongside three daily flying displays, activities and trails around the Trust, enjoy special changes to the Wings of Africa flying display where Angola has a starring role, specials in Feathers Restaurant, daily competitions to win Secretary Bird prizes and more! 10am-5:30pm hawk-conservancy.org
25-29 May
Animal Farm Week at Wellington Country Park, Riseley
Get ready for a week full of animal talks and interactive farm-themed activities! Meet the experts during a Meet the Farmer Q&A, step into the shoes of a vet with roleplay workshops and get stuck in with a mucking out activity. 9:30am-4:30pm wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk
28 May
K-Pop Silent Disco at Winchester Science Centre
Choose your music channel and dance under colourful lights inspired by the global K-Pop scene. With great music, glow party vibes, and fun for all ages, it’s the perfect family night out. 5pm/6:30pm winchestersciencecentre.org
29 May
The Big Family Sleepover at Winchester Science Centre
This is a unique overnight experience, combining exciting, facilitated activities with free exploration across the Centre. With hands-on exhibits to spectacular live shows, this is a night packed with discovery, adventure and outof-this-world fun! 6pm-8:30am winchestersciencecentre.org
30 May
Ministry of Science Live at The Haymarket, Basingstoke
Direct from London’s West End, the UK’s favourite scientists are back and more explosive than ever! Join the show’s presenters as they dive deep into the world of science and look at how it shapes modern day life with a few loud bangs along the way! 1pm/4:30pm anvilarts.org.uk
30 May
The Three Little Pigs 2026 at The Lights, Andover
Following the huge success of ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’, Lost The Plot Theatrical hit the road with another family classic. It’s time to get blown away in this brand-new musical adventure of The Three Little Pigs! 11:30am thelights.org.uk
31 May Fireman Sam Live! at The Haymarket, Basingstoke Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to
a real pirate treasure, he goes exploring deep into the caves. With clues, pirate songs and plenty of swashbuckling adventure, Fireman Sam’s new live show is perfect for all budding pirates! 12:30pm/3:30pm anvilarts.org.uk
6 June
The Shed Turns 5! at The Shed, Bordon
A full day of fun, free activities, live music and fantastic food. Expect a lively, feel-good atmosphere with entertainment for all ages, plenty to keep the little ones smiling and, of course, delicious food and drink from wonderful traders. 12pm-4pm theshedwb.com
6-7 June
The Cheese & Chilli Festival at North Walls Recreation Ground, Winchester
Enjoy a fun-filled experience of delicious cheese and fiery chilli tastings as well as magic shows, funfair rides, live music and interactive games. cheeseandchillifestival.com
7 June Model Train Rides at Viables Craft Centre, Basingstoke
Public miniature train rides at Viables, run by Basingstoke and District Model Engineering Society. 11am-4pm basingstoke-dmes.co.uk
12 June
Boxed In at Phoenix Arts Centre, Bordon
A playful and thought-provoking journey about feeling left out, not because you’ve done something wrong, but because the world doesn’t always play fair. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever felt a bit confused, a bit left out, or a bit boxed in. 11am phoenixarts.co.uk
13 and 14 June
Plants Fair at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens, Selborne
This is a great family event, perfect for Father’s Day with familyfriendly activities in a stunning setting. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore and purchase rare plants, get expert gardening advice and enjoy a fantastic day out! 10:30am-4:30pm gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk
19-21 June
Flower Festival at Whitchurch Silk Mill
Floral arrangements from local florists, makers and craftspeople will adorn the three floors of the Mill over this three-day event. The back lawn will display pom poms made by local children, and there will be a floral archway to admire too! 10:30am-5pm whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk
19 June-5 July
Basingstoke Festival at various venues including Basingtoke town centre
Celebrate 15 years of creativity, culture and shared experiences at Basingstoke’s award-winning free outdoor arts festival. Discover a fantastic programme of outdoor arts including circus, dance. music, storytelling and street theatre. basingstokefestival.co.uk
20 June The Tale of the Loneliest Whale at Phoenix Arts Centre, Bordon
An exciting deep-sea adventure packed with beautiful puppets, hilarious sea creatures, original songs and lots of audience interaction! The Tale of the Loneliest Whale is a magical, interactive show that celebrates friendship, difference and the beauty of being yourself. 11am/2pm phoenixarts.co.uk
21 June
Father’s Day at Finkley Down Farm, Andover
For a fabulous day out with the kids this Father’s Day visit farm-tastic Finkley full of family fun! finkleydownfarm.co.uk
27 June
Doll’s House Day at Alton Assembly Rooms
There will be dolls houses large and small for children to play with along with various activities for them to enjoy. Dementia-friendly Alton will
be offering handmade and preloved items for sale. 10am-4pm altonassemblyrooms.com
21-23 Aug
The British Motor Show, Farnborough The Greatest Show on Wheels is back, bigger and more exciting than ever and this year Kids Go Free with a paying adult! The British Motor Show 2026 brings you an incredible mix of jaw-dropping cars, thrilling live action, hands-on experiences, and family fun from start to finish. Expect brand-new zones and features, including The Showroom, The Grid, an expanded Ride & Drive, and Festival Fields. Dive into car culture at Lowered & Loud, inspire young minds in the Discovery Garage, and marvel at dream machines in the Supercar Paddock. Suitable for all ages, Kids go free with a paying adult. thebritishmotorshow.live
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is coming to The Vyne this summer. Get ready to swish, scramble and squelch your way through the new family trail in the grounds, based on the much-loved picture book.
