Summer is finally here, bringing long, lazy days - perfect for a walk, relaxing in the garden with family, and enjoying the simple pleasure of doing very little. If you’re in the mood for something more active, such as a trip to the beach, a museum, a farm or a water park this issue of Families is full of inspiration. We know this season can also mean juggling childcare and work, so to make things a little easier, we’ve rounded up plenty of local events, days out, clubs, classes and workshops taking place this summer in Oxfordshire.
Have a lovely summer.
DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Oxfordshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk for a subscription form.
A GOLDEN TICKET TO THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM AND STORY CENTRE
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden has teamed up with Families Oxfordshire to offer one lucky reader a family day pass (2 adults and 2 children) to visit the attraction dedicated to one of the UK’s most celebrated authors.
The museum has a feast of activities lined up this summer with its Fantastic Foxy Summer programme from Tuesday 21 July to Wednesday 2 September. It’s a six-week celebration of Fantastic Mr Fox, packed with fantastic hands-on fun.
Visit our Facebook page @familiesoxfordshiremag to enter.
Good luck!
4. News & Views
6. What’s On
9. Summer in the Museum
10. Surviving Tantrums
11. Learning beyond the Classroom
12. Summer Reading
15. Clubs & Classes
EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk
Families Oxfordshire reaches over 40,000 readers and is available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.
Families Oxfordshire is a franchise of Families Print Ltd of 75 Lisbon Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 5HL. Families is a registered trademark of Families Print Ltd. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. The contents of Families Oxfordshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Oxfordshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but the franchise owner and Families Print Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
The Tonic Kids Range Makes Everyday Nutrition That Bit Easier
From half-eaten breakfasts to the meal they loved last Tuesday being totally rejected today, most parents know that real life doesn’t leave much room for perfect nutrition.
Even with the best intentions, it’s not always easy to make sure kids are getting everything they need throughout the day. In fact, 91% of under 18s in the UK fall short of the recommended five-a-day intake.
The Tonic Kids range has been designed to support kids from the start of the day through to bedtime with those everyday moments in mind - not perfect routines, but the real ones.
The range is now available in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide, making it easier to pick up simple, easy-to-take products as part of the weekly shop.
Kids Calm Gummies
A gentle blend of magnesium, Ashwagandha KSM-66 and lemon balm, designed for that familiar end-of-day moment when kids are tired, but still bouncing off the walls. A simple way to help bring a bit more calm and help kids unwind before bed.
Everything Tonic makes is without added sugar, artificial sweeteners or additives, keeping things straightforward and clear for parents. www.tonichealth.co.uk
UK SET FOR A SUMMER OF BUTTERFLIES
The Big Butterfly Count 2026 will take place from 17 July to 9 August inviting people across the country to help track butterfly populations. Organised by Butterfly Conservation, the event asks volunteers to spend fifteen minutes spotting and recording butterflies in gardens, parks, and countryside. The count runs for three weeks and is open to everyone, regardless of experience
Researchers rely on the Big Butterfly Count to monitor trends and spot warning signs about the environment. Butterflies respond quickly to changes in climate and habitat, so their numbers can reveal broader issues affecting wildlife. Last year’s results showed worrying declines for several species, prompting calls for more action to protect habitats.
With mounting concern over insect declines, organizers hope that even more people will take part in 2026. The data collected will go straight to scientists and conservationists working to save butterflies and the places they depend on.
More info: www.bigbutterflycount.org
Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat
This summer, libraries across the UK are inviting children to discover the connection between music and storytelling through the Summer Reading Challenge’s 2026 theme: Read to the Beat.
Running from 4 July to early September, the challenge has a new partnership with Universal Music Group UK, harnessing the appeal of music to reverse declining reading enjoyment among young people. Specially curated reading lists and activities will guide children through diverse musical genres and cultural influences, while special events and interactive digital content will explore how rhythm, melody and narrative spark creativity.
Now in its 26th year, the challenge typically engages more than half a million children annually. Children can sign up at their local library, where they’ll receive a collector’s folder and earn stickers and cards as rewards for each book - including ebooks and audiobooks - completed over the summer.
More info: www.readingagency.org.uk
Two in five UK children locked out of live music
Nearly two million UK children are missing out on live music, with cost and geography the biggest barriers, according to new research from music charity Playground Proms.
A survey of 1,000 state school children aged 7-11 found that 40% had not attended a live music event in the past year. Regional inequality is stark: 68% of London children have seen live music compared to just 43% in the North East. Among those without access, 43% cite ticket prices and 37% point to distance as the main obstacles.
The findings also reveal a significant instrument access gap, with 29% of children unable to practise on any instrument at home or school.
In response, Playground Proms has announced its largest UK tour, set to reach 63,000 primary school children across 15 areas this year, bringing free classical music workshops directly into state school playgrounds.
More info: www.playgroundproms.net
Bring history to life at the Festival of Archaeology
Running from 18 July to 2 August, the Festival of Archaeology invites families across the UK to explore the wonders of the past in fun and engaging ways.
With the theme ‘Archaeology and Nature,’ this year’s events will highlight the way archaeology and nature are interconnected revealing how humans have lived with, shaped, and been shaped by the environment around them.
Perfect for families with children, the festival offers countless hands-on activities to spark young imaginations. Kids can enjoy interactive workshops, join exciting treasure hunts and listen to captivating storytelling sessions that bring ancient tales to life. Guided site tours and digging experiences add to the adventure, making this a summer highlight for all ages.
Organised by the Council for British Archaeology, the festival is a free opportunity to connect with history, heritage - and each other. Find family-friendly events at the link below.
More info: www.archaeologyuk.org
FREE WEST END THEATRE TICKETS FOR KIDS
Kids Week returns this summer, allowing children under age 17 to enjoy participating West End shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Running from 20 July to 31 August, this initiative offers families a unique chance to experience live theatre together.
Alongside the performances, Kids Week features additional activities like post-show Q&A sessions, dance workshops and musical theatre classes tailored to enhance the experience.
As an added bonus, each adult paying full price can also purchase up to two additional children’s tickets at half price, making it even more accessible for families to take part. Purchase tickets and find a full list of participating shows and activities at the link below.
More at: www.officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week
New UK Guidelines Advise Strict Limits on Screen Time for Young Children
The UK government has issued its first evidence-backed guidance on screen time for young children, recommending that those under five should be limited to just one hour a day. For children under two, the advice is even stricter: they should not be watching screens alone at all.
Parents are encouraged to avoid fast-paced videos and, where possible, use screens together with their children. The guidance also suggests “screen swaps,” like replacing screens with story time or simple games during meals.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the advice takes a precautionary approach, as the impact of screens on young children is still not fully understood. The guidance will be updated as more research becomes available.
More info: www.gov.uk/government/news
Parents to lose automatic right to home educate under new law
Parents in England could lose the automatic right to home educate their children under changes included in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently in its final parliamentary stages.
Every local authority will be required to maintain a mandatory register of children not in school, and parents will lose the right to home educate if a child protection investigation or plan is in place.
The move aims to close a loophole that campaigners say has allowed vulnerable children to fall through the safeguarding net. Currently, parents can withdraw children from school without notifying authorities, making it difficult to monitor those at risk.
Local authorities will also gain stronger powers to issue school attendance orders.
Home educating families have raised concerns about an erosion of parental rights, though the government insists the measures are focused on child protection.
PHONES TO BE BANNED IN SCHOOLS BY LAW IN ENGLAND UNDER GOVERNMENT PLANS
Schools in England will soon be legally required to ban mobile phones under government plans. The Department for Education (DfE) already advises against phone use, but headteachers have been able to ignore this guidance. An amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will make following the ban a legal duty.
Teachers have long warned that smartphones distract pupils and can worsen issues like bullying. A DfE spokesperson said, “Mobile phones have no place in schools, and most already prohibit them.” This amendment gives legal weight to existing rules.
Government data shows 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools restrict phone use. Supporters say a statutory ban will provide clear guidance for headteachers and ease parental disputes over phone policies. Education leaders caution that extra funding may be needed, especially to install secure phone storage systems to keep devices safe during school hours.
FIRST AID WITH BERTIE
Would your child know what to do in a first aid situation? First Aid with Bertie is a brand new and exciting programme designed by experts at St John Ambulance aimed at teaching children between the ages of 511 basic first aid skills. Your child will learn what items can be found in a first aid kit, how to make an arm sling and lots more!
For a small monthly gift of £9, your child will be sent fun and engaging activity packs, colouring pages and stickers over the course of six months (some by post, other via email). All the activities are designed to be completed in the comfort of your own home and at your child’s own pace. At the end of those six months, your child will receive a cute cuddly toy of Bertie Badger along with a certificate to celebrate their achievement!
Keep your child busy and entertained this summer whilst also having them learn new and potentially vital skills!
Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in
Oxfordshire
Adventure Play with Pip and Posy
WHEN: Open daily, 10.15am - 3.15pm
WHERE: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Join Pip and Posy in the hidden world of Adventure Play! Mini explorers of all ages can create their own exciting stories. Explore the amazing network of tunnels, bridges, cargo nets and hidden chambers. Entry permitted in conjunction with an Annual Pass or a Palace & Play pass. www.blenheimpalace.com
Family Days Out
WHEN: Open daily, 10.00am - 5.00pm
WHERE: Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley
Children and their families are encouraged to enjoy the magic of the gardens and explore nature in new ways. Children’s trails are open during the school holidays. Adult £9.00; 16 and under go free.
www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
SUMMER FAMILY DAYS
WHEN: Every Saturday
LITTLE EXPLORERS
WHEN: July - August
WHERE: High Lodge Farm, Abingdon
Little Explorers is a new weekly outdoor stay-and-play for toddlers and pre-schoolers at High Lodge Farm. Features nature-inspired activities, mud kitchens, water play, crafts and stories. Morning sessions include free entry for adults, and coffee & cake are available. www.highlodgefarm.com
Discovery Days
WHEN: Every weekend, 2 July - 10 Sept
WHERE: Didcot Railway Centre
Unearth almost two centuries of railway history at this 21-acre living museum. Trains will not be running, meaning there’s the chance to get up close. Under 3s go free. Prices from £8.50.
www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
Summer Orienteering Butterfly Trail
WHEN: 11 July - 6 Sept, 10.00am - 5.30pm
WHERE: Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley
Follow a trail map and compass to find butterflies throughout the gardens, marking them with stickers. Receive a summer prize at the shop afterwards. Tickets: £5.25 per child. No booking necessary. www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Flubber, Rubber and Slime
WHEN: Sat 18 July, 10.00am - 4.30pm
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre Go gooey for slime this summer! For plastic free July, investigate the chemistry of this sticky substance, experiment and produce natural polymers from milk and get stuck in with slime. Entry: £15 per club ticket. Age 5 - 9 years. www.scienceoxford.com
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington
See what’s hot and what’s not at the Curious Camera, test flying UAPs at the Air Table, and take the Scarf Shooter challenge! Create your own animated adventures at the Animate Science station, and spot wildlife on nature trails with an Explorer Pack. £8.50 per person. Age 3+. www.scienceoxford.com
Let’s Draw Together
WHEN: Sat 18 July, 11.00am11.45am or 2.30pm-3.15pm
WHERE: Western Art Print Room, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
View a unique selection of works inspired by the ‘In Bloom: How Plants Changed Our World’ exhibition and take part in a drawing activity. For children and adults who enjoy calm, quiet activities that keep them focused. Tickets free, but booking essential. Age 8+. www.ashmolean.org
Steam Days
WHEN: 4 July - 6 Sept, most Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
WHERE: Didcot Railway Centre
Steam trains will be operating on at least one of the Centre’s two demonstration lines, meaning visitors can take unlimited rides. Tickets £8.50+. Under 3s go free. www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
Festival of Archaeology 2026
WHEN: Sat 18 July, 11.00am4.00pm, drop-in
WHERE: Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Join this year’s free family festival for hands-on gallery activities exploring how people used plants in the past. Enjoy plant-inspired crafts, storytelling, live demonstrations, weaving, botanical pen-making, archaeological poo excavation and historic scents, and more. Free event—no booking required.
Have a go at handling some museum objects at this drop-in session. Visitors are welcome to touch and feel objects ranging from Saxon finds to Fisher-Price phones!
www.museumofoxford.org
Spread the Joy: Marmalade Stitching
WHEN: Thurs 23 July, 11.00am - 3.30pm
WHERE: Museum of Oxford
Learn about Sarah Cooper’s 1874 marmalade recipe in Oxford, then stitch marmalade-inspired designs on hessian using yarn and pipe cleaners. Workshops led by Kate Castleden. Tickets £3 per child. Age 5 - 11 years.
www.museumofoxford.org
Flower Power Prints
WHEN: Sat 25 July
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre
Join a flower-power summer workshop and explore the amazing colours and shapes of nature in bloom. Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt for materials, create colour changing tea using lemon and baking soda and make plant prints with Hapa Zome, the Japanese art of printing. Entry: £15 per club ticket. Age 5 - 9 years. www.scienceoxford.com
Festival of Archaeology
Shaped by Nature
WHEN: Mon 27 July, 11.00am1.00pm, drop-in
WHERE: Museum of Oxford
Discover how nature inspired the objects of the past through object handling and creative archaeology inspired crafts as a part of the Council of British Archaeology’s Festival of Archaeology. £1.50 per child. www.museumofoxford.org
Please mention Families Oxfordshire when booking events
Summer Pond Dipping
WHEN: Sat 8 Aug, 10.00am - 4.30pm
WHERE: Science Oxford Centre
Go pond-dipping and grass sweeping this summer and discover an amazing aquatic eco-system living in and around the water! Catch and identify creatures and learn about life cycles, and find out how the food chain works. Entry: £15 per club ticket. Age 5 - 9 years. www.scienceoxford.com
Peter Rabbit’s Musical Adventures
WHEN: 8, 9, 15, 16 Aug, 1.00pm - 1.45pm
WHERE: Amphitheatre, Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley. Follow Peter Rabbit on a magical garden journey with storytelling accompanied by Haydn’s string quartet music. This delightful family show introduces children to classical music through a timeless tale. www. waterperrygardens.co.uk
Awesome Animals Village Trail
WHEN: Tues 11 & Tues 18 Aug, 11.45am and 2.15pm
WHERE: The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire
Take a guided walk to discover the animals of Roald Dahl’s stories. Look out for fictional pheasants, fox’s tunnels and a lion or two - all brought to life with some storytelling from Dahl’s books.
£5 per person in addition to Museum entry. Age 6+ www.roalddahlmuseum.org
Dinosaurs Are Forever
WHEN: 11 Aug - 1 Nov, 10.00am - 5.30pm
WHERE: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
A major new exhibition by artist Jay Jay Burridge displaying five enormous sculptures of Megalosaurus, the first dinosaur ever scientifically named. Built from advanced modern materials, the sculptures reimagine dinosaurs through a contemporary lens. www.blenheimpalace.com
Family Days every Saturday
Fun at the Fair: Family Crafting
WHEN: Thurs 20 Aug, 11.00am - 3.00pm, drop-in
WHERE: Museum of Oxford Families are invited to get creative together, inspired by Oxford’s St Giles Fair, making colourful artworks influenced by its sights, sounds, and long-standing traditions. Tickets £2 per child. Age 5 - 11 years.
www.museumofoxford.org
Treasure Island
WHEN: Sat 1 Aug, 5.00pm - 6.30pm
WHERE: Amphitheatre, Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley
Quantum Theatre present a swashbuckling new adaptation of this classic pirate tale. Join Long John Silver and his motley crew in this action-packed adventure for the whole family. www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Visit Britain’s first public museum, home to half a million years of human history and creativity, from ancient Egyptian mummies to modern art, and much more.
INSPIRING MINDS Since 1683
FREE ENTRY
Open daily 10am – 5pm
ashmolean.org
Summer in the Museums
Discover Oxfordshire’s rich history and treasures in museums and libraries across the county this summer, with plenty of free events to keep children learning and entertained.
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
SUMMER FAMILY FRIDAYS
WHEN: Every Friday from 24 July - 28 August, 11.00am – 3.00pm
Explore the Ashmolean through making, building, and creating. Set off on a gallery adventure to discover extraordinary objects, gather inspiration, sketch your favourites, and hunt for colours and patterns. Bring your ideas to life through hands on making. Design miniature homes, create your own artworks, and experiment with different materials.
Each Friday features a new creative activity inspired by the Ashmolean’s remarkable collection, inviting children and adults alike to look closely, think imaginatively, and make something together.
Egg, Nest, Beak, Song, Feather, Flight, Migration: these are the seven wonders of birds. Explore our relationship with the creatures of the air through art, stories and creative writing. No booking required – just drop in! FREE EVENT. visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Museum of Natural History, Oxford
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SUNDAYS
WHEN: Every Sunday, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Nature-themed activities, crafts and familyfriendly trails every Sunday afternoon. FREE EVENT.
A LITTLE LOOK AT… ARMOURED ANIMALS
WHEN: Monday 13 July, 10.15am – 10.45am
A 30-minute event which features storytelling, specimen handling and a guided tour around the Museum led by a member of staff to find forest animals on display. FREE EVENT.
RELAXED MORNING OPENING
WHEN: Friday 21 August, 9.00am - 10.00am
The Museum of Natural History, Pitt Rivers and History of Science museums are open one hour early to welcome visitors who may struggle in the museums at busier times. FREE EVENT. www.oumnh.ox.ac.uk
Museum of Oxford
PAPER SOUNDS: MUSIC INSPIRED CRAFTING
WHEN: Thursday 6 August, 11.00am –3.00pm, drop-in
From college choirs to rock bands, Oxford has a history of amazing music. Take the sounds of Oxford as your muse to craft paper creations of Oxford’s musical past. Age 5 – 11 years.
FUN AT THE FAIR: FAMILY CRAFTING
WHEN: Thursday 20 August, 11.00am –3.00pm
Step right up and get creative together! Families are invited to be inspired by the sights, sounds, and longstanding traditions of Oxford’s St Giles Fair by making your own colourful creations. Tickets: £2.00 per child. Age 5 – 11 years. www.museumofoxford.org
History of Science Museum
HOW DOES IT WORK
When: 27th & 28th June 12.00-4.00pm Get hands-on with real objects
The team will show you ingenious scientific devices — so you can get hands-on and experience how they worked in practice. Plus Spot the Animal to Mission: Morse Code, discover a world of stories, puzzles and treasures with the Family Scavenger Hunt trails. FREE EVENT
ALICE’S WONDERLAND ADVENTURES
When: Saturday 4 July | 10.30-12.30pm
Help Alice find the White Rabbit in a fun gallery-based game. Get the answer right at each museum object to move your figure on the board game and unlock the next question. Find the white rabbit and get a sticker! FREE EVENT www.hsm.ox.ac.uk
Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford
FAMILY ACTIVITY CORNER
WHEN: On Saturdays: 4 & 11 July
WHERE: Clore Balcony (first floor of museum) Join in the family-friendly activities! Pick up a trail, get creative with a craft, find books to explore and more!
Please note: All children taking part must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided.
FREE drop-in activities led by Museum volunteers.
www.prm.ox.ac.uk
Surviving Tantrums
If you are a parent of little ones it’s likely that you may have to deal with the occasional or even daily tantrum. There is actually quite a lot you can do to prevent / reduce them. Here are some strategies that worked for me.
HAVE PREDICTABLE ROUTINES
Little kids love routine, it makes them feel safe and secure, keep it simple, for example: breakfast, play, time outdoors, more play, story time, lunch, nap, pick up siblings from school, park, home, play, tea, wind down time bath, book, bed.
You get the idea.
Of course there will be days that are different, but now you’ve got a tiny human you will most likely totally understand why your friends who were Mums before you, used to be so precious about protecting nap time, ‘Sorry can’t meet you at that time, little Billy / Sophie / Charlie will be asleep.
DISTRACT
‘No you can’t have another biscuit, ooh quick look there’s a rabbit in the garden’ (no rabbit? then go outside and look for one!)
This one is really useful when your child is very young, they are usually easily distracted, requires quick thinking though!
Try not to use the word ‘no’ too often though, being told no all the time is very frustrating, and may lead to more tantrums.
TUNE IN TO YOUR CHILD
Spend as much quality time with your child as you can. Not only will you be meeting a very important need, but it will help you to really tune into your child, and to understand what makes them tick. Children’s more difficult behaviours will often improve when a parent simply spends more time with them.
LOOK AFTER YOU
Children are little sponges, they will soak up the emotions of the adults around them. How you feel can have an effect on how your child feels and therefore on their behaviour. If Mummy or Daddy is stressed, depressed, anxious, or angry it can be impossible for children to understand what is going on,
they are only just learning about their own emotions.
Looking after yourself is not a luxury, it’s vital. If you are not ok parenting is much harder, so never be afraid to ask for help.
TRIED ALL THIS AND YOUR CHILD STILL HAS A TANTRUM?
Stay calm, don’t try to reason with your child once the storm has hit, your child can’t hear you. If you feel stressed about the situation, step away for a few minutes, but always be sure to reconnect with your child with a cuddle when they have calmed down.
Jane Rogers is founder of The Cambridge Parent Coach. She is experienced in running a number of highly regarded parenting courses, and writes and runs her own workshops for parents. Jane is passionate about Positive Parenting and her aim is to share the ethos and ideas of this style of parenting in a way that is simple to understand, and easy to put into practice. Jane’s two parent workbooks: ‘How to Encourage Good Behaviour so You Can Enjoy You Children’ and ‘How to Use Positive Discipline to Improve Your Child’s Behaviour’ are available on Amazon.
Open Day 3 October 2026, 10am-1pm
Sixth Form Senior School
SIGN UP NOW
Learning beyond the classroom
Some of the richest and most memorable learning happens beyond the classroom. While some children enjoy the structure of desks, carpet sessions and a teacher at the front, every child gains from opportunities to explore, move, talk, question and experience the world around them. Furthermore, learning certainly does not have to stop when the school day ends. When children are given the chance to learn through life, nature, play and hands-on experiences, they often develop confidence, curiosity and a deeper understanding of what they are discovering.
The long summer holiday is the perfect time to experience education anywhere. A walk to the park, a trip to the supermarket, baking in the kitchen or helping to wash the car can all build valuable skills. When children are relaxed and engaged, they often absorb more than we realise. They are noticing, questioning, comparing, solving problems and making sense of the world around them.
Outdoor learning is a wonderful example of this. Many schools now use Forest School approaches to give children hands-on opportunities in natural spaces. In a woodland or garden, children can identify plants, compare leaves, search for minibeasts, spot seasonal change and talk about weather, habitats and growth. Physical development is supported through climbing, balancing and lifting. Language grows through conversation and storytelling. Maths appears naturally, as children count sticks, sort stones, measure puddles or notice patterns in petals and bark.
Some families enjoy creating themed weeks during the holidays and this can be a brilliant way to immerse children in a topic. One week might be all about volcanoes. You could visit
a museum together, get them to write to a volcanologist, build a volcano at home, read related books and create fact files or drawings inspired by what they have learned. This immersive approach allows children to deep dive into a subject and make links between reading, writing, speaking, science, art and research in a way that feels exciting rather than forced.
Learning beyond the classroom feels purposeful. Children can see why they are doing something. Reading a recipe helps make lunch. Counting coins matters because they are buying an ice cream. Writing a list is important because the family needs to remember what to pack. These ordinary moments help children build confidence because the learning is immediate, useful and enjoyable.
We must also remember that life skills are an important part of learning outside the
By Zuzu Jordan
classroom. How do you catch a bus or a train? How do you read a timetable, buy a ticket and know when to get off? How do you plan a meal, shop for the ingredients and then cook it safely? These experiences involve reading, sequencing, money skills, problem solving and independence. They also help children feel more capable in the world around them.
Children do not need expensive days out or perfectly planned activities. Some of the richest learning comes from simple, everyday routines. Gardening teaches patience, care and life cycles. Building a den develops teamwork, creativity and perseverance. A journey on public transport can spark conversations about directions, maps, numbers and the wider community.
Perhaps the most important thing adults can do is slow down and notice the learning already happening. Ask open questions. Wonder aloud. Give children time to think. Follow their interests, even if they seem small. When we value learning everywhere, children begin to see themselves as capable learners everywhere too.
Zuzu Jordan 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
Themed weeks
Themed weeks can turn a child’s interest into a real learning adventure.
One week might focus on minibeasts, space or oceans. Families can visit a museum, borrow books, create artwork, ask questions online or build something linked to the topic at home.
A themed week encourages children to explore one idea in depth and make links across reading, writing, science, art and discussion. Because the learning feels connected and exciting, children often stay curious for longer and remember far more of what they discover.
Life skills
Life skills offer some of the most valuable learning opportunities of all. Catching a bus or train teaches children how to read timetables, plan journeys and solve problems. Preparing dinner involves choosing a meal, writing a shopping list, comparing prices and cooking safely. These tasks build independence, confidence and resilience while also strengthening reading, maths and communication.
When children are included in everyday routines, they begin to understand how the world works and feel more capable within it. That is powerful learning beyond the classroom.
Turning summer into a season of reading
As the summer holidays approach, many parents start thinking about how they will keep their children busy, productive and entertained. Some may also be concerned about the ‘summer slide’ - the progress lost during the summer holidays, which teachers report can be around a month, particularly if children are not regularly keeping up skills such as reading. For this reason, reading should be an essential part of any summer activity plan.
HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE WAYS TO ENCOURAGE READING OVER THE SUMMER.
In the first few days of the holiday, visit your local library and (re)introduce your child to the children’s section. Try to make this a weekly habit so it becomes a familiar and enjoyable routine. While you’re there, check to see whether the library is running any summer activities for children such as the annual Summer Reading Challenge (www. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk), as these can be motivating and make reading feel more social and engaging. Developing this habit early also helps children feel confident using libraries later in life, whether in school, university or the wider community. Another tip is setting a reading target with rewards, which can be especially helpful for reluctant readers. Even a small incentive can be a useful starting point. Make sure the target is realistic so your child can achieve it and feel a sense of pride. This could be as simple as
reading one chapter book in August or reading for twenty minutes each day.
Encouraging your child to read a book series is another easy win. Once they are hooked on a set of books, there’s no need to keep searching for what to read next. For younger readers, popular series such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Worst Witch or Horrid Henry can be great starting points, while older children might enjoy Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games trilogy or Harry Potter.
You could also refresh or redecorate your child’s bookshelf by donating old books and picking up new ones from charity shops. This can become a fun, creative project, perhaps involving painting or reorganising the space, which helps make reading feel more exciting. It also keeps your child’s reading material fresh and engaging without being expensive. Finally, try to maintain or re-establish bedtime reading routines. Lighter evenings can make bedtime more challenging, so keeping reading as part of the routine is even more important.
LEARNING TO READ OR READING TO LEARN?
Reading isn’t just about learning to read; it’s about reading to learn. It’s useful to recognise and exploit all the reading your child does, not just when they are curled around a book. Take every opportunity to encourage reading in everyday situations, whether that’s street signs, information boards, menus, adverts or food packaging. These small
By Erin Miller
moments all help build confidence and fluency. The key role for parents is to check understanding. Children can often decode words and read them aloud without fully understanding what they have read, so asking simple questions and discussing meaning is essential.
If your child has an interest in another subject, such as maths, consider buying workbooks. Look for problem-solving activities that include written questions, as these encourage them to engage with reading while doing something they already enjoy. Reading ability supports success across all subjects. By doing the above, you will be helping ensure that your child is not only learning to read, but also able to read to learn. Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
DO AUDIOBOOKS COUNT?
Long summer car journeys provide a great opportunity to engage with books in a different way. While travelling, try listening to audiobooks as a family. Sharing the experience and discussing the story together can have a strong impact on your child’s interest in reading. Starting a free trial with a service like Audible over the summer can be an easy way to begin.
As a teacher, I am often met with scepticism from parents when I suggest audiobooks. While they may not support decoding skills as directly as reading print, they are highly valuable for developing a love of stories, which is especially important for reluctant readers.
Listening to stories also helps build vocabulary and background knowledge and studies have shown that strong background knowledge can compensate for weaker reading ability. It’s not just about sounding out words but about understanding and making meaning from what is read.
Finally, listening itself is an important skill that is often overlooked, so audiobooks can play a valuable role in your child’s overall literacy development.
What’s On Things to
do this Summer - drama, music & sport something for everyone
in Oxfordshire
MASTER BUILDERS
CLUB: Happy Holidays
Lego Activity Event
WHEN & WHERE: Thurs 30
July – Sonning Common Village Hall, 9.30am – 11.30am, Thurs 6 Aug – Cholsey Pavilion, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Bon Voyage, Adios, Auf Wiedersehen … After a busy year, Master Builder has packed his bag and is off on his summer vacation! Join us on this around the world adventure to a colourful island paradise with plenty of sunshine powered surprises and fun along the way. £22 per child. Suitable for LEGO® fans aged 5+. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk
Just Camps
OXFORDSHIRE TENNIS CAMPS
WHEN: Mon 20 July - Fri 21 Aug
WHERE: Oxfordshire Tennis, Goring Tennis Club, GoringOn-Thames; Cranford School, Moulsford, St Andrew’s Prep School, Reading Oxfordshire Tennis Camps provide children with a tennis experience they will love. Children learn new skills and develop their game in a fun and secure environment. £18.50+ per half day. Age 4 - 14. www.oxfordshiretennis.co.uk
WHEN: Summer holidays WHERE: Banbury, Burford and Bicester Award winning holiday camps for children offered during every school half term and for 6 full weeks over the summer holidays. Activities include nerf wars, splat, athletics, catch the flag, and more. www.justcamps.co.uk/our-programmes
IGNITE SPORT’S HOLIDAY CAMP
WHEN: Summer holidays
WHERE: Oxford City FC ground, Marston Ignite Sports offer a fun, safe and energy packed summer holiday camp. Activities include Football-Frenzy, Art Smash, Game Tech, Girls Only Game Tech, Dance Fusion, Girls Only Football, Sparks, Multisport Camp, Hoops Football, and more. Age 4 - 16. www.ignitesportuk.com
MASTER BUILDERS
CLUB: Wingardium Lego osa Lego Activity Event
WHEN & WHERE: Mon 27 July –Madley Park Hall, Witney, 10.00am – 12.00pm. Weds 5 Aug – The Heights Primary, Caversham, 9.30am – 11.30am. Weds 12 Aug – Badgemore Primary, Henley, 9.30am – 11.30am Wands at the ready… the Ministry of Magic needs our help. Last seen in Diagon Alley, the disappearance of Harry Potter has everyone in a muddle. Join us on our adventure to Hogwarts for a game of Brick itch and plenty of spellbinding fun. £22 per child. Suitable for LEGO® fans aged 5+. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk
MASTER BUILDERS
CLUB: OGEL Deep Space Detectives Lego Activity Event
WHEN & WHERE: Mon 10 Aug –Madley Park Hall, Witney, 10.00am – 12.00pm Weds 26 Aug – Sonning Common Village Hall, 9.30am – 11.30am Tues 1 Sept – Woodcote Village Hall, 9.30am – 11.30am With their Moon Mission behind them, the Artemis Crew have been tasked with a new investigation. Rumours of a mystery OGEL rock buried beneath the lunar surface has led them to take on a new adventure. The Team must crack cosmic clues and outsmart alien lifeform for this quest to be hailed a success. £22 per child.
Suitable for LEGO® fans aged 5+. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk
•
Oxford Wakeboard & Ski Club: Kids Camp
WHEN: Summer holidays, Wednesdays - Fridays
WHERE: Wallingford
Have fun learning a new skill on the water and making friends. Sessions are run by British Water Ski qualified drivers.
All equipment provided. £300 pw. Age 8 - 16 years.
WHERE: Florence Park Community Centre, Oxford. NEW Afterschool club - Fun, structured dance, drama and singing sessions. Designed to boost confidence, teamwork, creativity and wellbeing. This term’s theme: Exploring Bravery through the Lion King and K-Pop. FREE taster sessions are available. 50% sibling discount. £32 per month. Age 4 - 6 years. Book now via oxford@razzamataz.co.uk www.razzamataz.co.uk
Piano Lessons
WHEN: Daily
WHERE: Central Oxford
Mathnasium STEAM Summer Programme
WHEN: July-Aug, every Tues & Thurs, 4.00pm-6.00pm WHERE: Mathnasium Learning Centres, Summertown, North Oxford
An 8-week maths package including: 4.00pm-5.00pm: Core Maths Session
5.00pm-6.00pm: Fun Maths Games
+1 extra session (1 hour) booked flexibly during opening hours. Students attend 5 hours per week, booked as a 6-week package. FREE assessment. No enrolment fee. Cost: £600. Sibling discount: £50. Age 6 - 16 years. 01865 655968 www.mathnasium.co.uk/northoxford
RAZZAMATAZ
SUMMER
SCHOOL
2026
WHEN: 18 - 22 Aug
WHERE: Barton Park Primary School
Five days of fun, games, and performing a mini-show inspired by ‘The Land of Oz’ (ages 4 - 8) or ‘Legally Blonde’ (ages 9 - 18, culminating in a free familyfriendly showcase.
Times: Age 4 - 8 years, 10.00am - 1.00pm; Age 9 - 18 years, 10.00am - 4.00pm
Price: Age 4 - 8 years, £120; Age 9 - 18 years, £200 (50% sibling discounts available)
Book now via oxford@razzamataz.co.uk www.razzamataz.co.uk/ school/51/Oxford
Christine Hartzler Woodruff is a qualified Level 2 Suzuki piano teacher. She is a member of the British Suzuki Music Association, where she is a Level 3 teacher trainee, and the European Piano Teachers Association. She is DBScertified and has Safeguarding training. For more information email Christine at hello@jerichosuzuki.co.uk, www.jerichosuzuki.co.uk
The Oxford Boat Adventure: Summer Holiday Camps
WHEN: 3-5, 6-7, 10-12, and 13-14 Aug - 2 and 3 DAY ADVENTURELittle Explorers (ages 4-7) £175 & £260
3-7 and 10-14 Aug - 5 DAY ADVENTURE - Adventurers (ages 7-13) £430
WHERE: Queenford Farm Holiday Camps, Wallingford
These camps offer children outdoor adventure across lakes and woodland, with playful activities that build confidence, encourage exploration and create memorable days in nature. Team missions will require shared responsibility and good communication. A mix of hands-on land and water-based pursuits designed to challenge and inspire. www. theoxfordboatadventure. co.uk/holidaycamps
MATHNASIUM SUMMER FLEXIBLE MATHS PACKAGE
WHEN: July-Aug
WHERE: Mathnasium Learning Centres, Summertown, North Oxford
15 Session Summer Flexible Maths Package. Perfect for families looking for scheduling flexibility or planning ahead. Use any time before 30 August 2026. Attend any time during regular opening hours
Includes 15 one-hour sessions. FREE assessment. No enrolment fee.
Cost: £600. Sibling discount: £50. Age 6 - 16 years. 01865 655968 www.mathnasium.co.uk/northoxford
