EEHome FTRake Me IN THIS ISSUE
Low-cost summer fun Holiday Clubs & childcare What’s On Issue 107 July/August 2022
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OPEN MORNING
Saturday 24 September, 9.30am - 12.00pm Ashville College is a leading independent day and boarding school, offering an inspiring education for boys and girls aged 2 to 18.
To find out more, join us at our Open Morning. Register via www.ashville.co.uk Green Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG2 9JP Tel: +44 (0)1423 566358 (Main Reception)
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ROLLER-SKATING FUN AT THE BEACH AT YORK DESIGNER OUTLET!
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B & R
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14TH JULY - 4TH SEPTEMBER 2022 • ROLLER-SKATING • CAROUSEL • SAND BEACH & PLAY-BOAT • ICE CREAM • BEACH CAFE’ & BAR YORK DESIGNER OUTLET - SOUTH ENTRANCE - YO 1 B E AC H C L U B . C O . U K 2 Families North Yorkshire
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CONTENTS
Hello & goodbye! The long summer holiday is nearly here, bringing with it both the prospect of holidays and fun with the family, but also, for many parents, the challenges of summer childcare arrangements and keeping the kids entertained for at least six weeks…
Contact us Laura Macaulay, editor E: editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk T: 07794 909820
Well, you can rely on us to have you covered. We have loads of low-cost summer entertainment ideas in this issue and tips on piecing together the summer childcare jigsaw. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of information about local events and activities to make the summer memorable close to home. We hate to mention the words ‘school’ at this time of year so all we will say is – September is (unfortunately) closer than you think, so keep the necessary preparations in mind. In our Education section, check out the skills you can help your school starter build over the summer before the big day.
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In this issue, we have loads of cool kids’ backpacks from Grass & Air to giveaway! Apply for these handy accessories for your child at familiesmag. co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer via email.
In this issue 4.
Childcare
Finally, it’s farewell from me...I’ve been editor for 5 years and am handing over the reins to the wonderful Carla Finlayson, who will introduce herself in the next issue for Sep/Oct. Thank you to all of our readers and online followers; I’ve absolutely loved producing this magazine. Each issue helps make family life just that little bit easier. You can trawl the internet for an age, but with Families, you just turn the page!
6.
Summer fun
Much love!
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What’s On
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Travel
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Holiday Camps
15.
Clubs & Classes
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Education
19.
Work
Laura x
March/April competition winners
Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at https://bit.ly/MArecipients Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.
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CHILDCARE
The summer holiday childcare jigsaw By Andrew Campbell For many parents, the long summer holidays can cause a massive childcare headache requiring an enormous amount of juggling and ‘piecing it together’ and involving substantial cost. If you’re facing the school holiday childcare puzzle right now, then here are some of the pieces you might be able to fit together in your jigsaw. Family care Family members, typically grandparents, are often more than happy to share the childcare burden and with this comes with the advantage of knowing your children are with someone you all trust. Your kids will benefit by learning they don’t need you all the time and will build long-lasting bonds.
for summer childcare as they take holidays too.
Other parents Teaming up with other parents by taking turns to care for each other’s children is a great way to spread the load. But this will require forward planning and organisation - so get in now. Try setting up a summer childcare WhatsApp group with the parents of your child’s friends. Private nursery Many nurseries continue as normal throughout the summer but those adjoined to schools and pre-schools usually follow school term dates. Some private nurseries will take on some younger children just for the summer holidays. Contact them to enquire. Childminders Childminders care for small groups of children of different ages in the childminder’s home. The children usually come from different families and sometimes include the childminder’s own children. If you currently use a childminder, ask about availability
THE
Nanny share A nanny share or ‘home childcarer’ is when you and another family share the costs and responsibilities of employing a nanny to look after your children in your home. Nannies can often work for two or more families, by caring for the children all at the same time or by splitting the week between them. Holiday camps and workshops Run by private providers, these can be multi-activity day camps focussing on a variety of sport and/or creative activities or single activity camps focussed on a specific sport/creative activity. Holiday workshops tend to take place for shorter more intense periods and, often organised by providers that also offer weekly term time classes, they offer a valuable opportunity to receive elite coaching and tuition. Holiday play schemes Playschemes are usually for children of primary school age. Run by schools, councils, youth clubs and community groups, they provide a range of activities and typically cost around £30 a day although this can vary widely, with subsidised prices offered for low-income households.
Ticket includes UNLIMITED funfair rides!
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Free activities for children and young people this summer holiday.
Packed with sport, art, fun and food, there’s something for everyone Everyone in North Yorkshire from Reception to Year 11 can join in, with FREE places available for children and young people eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals. Discover what’s on offer at
feastfamilies.org.uk SCAN ME
NORTH YORKSHIRE TOGETHER Familiesonline.co.uk
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SUMMER FUN
Enjoying the great outdoors By Ed Bassett The school shoes have been kicked under the bed until September, the weather’s looking promising and there’s the great outdoors to explore as a family. A recent study found that taking part in nature-based activities leads to improved mood, less anxiety and positive emotions, so let’s get out there!
Kayaking
Camping
Kayaking is an exhilarating activity for families with children who are confident in water. It’s also a very versatile activity, given that you can kayak on almost any body of water, including lakes, rivers, streams or even the sea.
Camping makes the most of longer days and even a weekend spent immersed in nature is a breath of fresh air and healthy, wholesome fun for all ages. Look up at night and marvel at the free light show on offer from various constellations, stars and planets.
Tuition and guided trips are widely available throughout the country for first timers.
You’ll enjoy the slower pace, a greater connection both with nature and your family and be ready to return home feeling calmer, less anxious and less irritable.
Gardening Gardens are great spaces to explore sensory development. By encouraging children to feel and understand the texture of soil, actively listen out for birds (and next door’s dog) and smell the flowers, you will improve their sensory awareness and recognition. Better still, if you engage children in growing their own food, they naturally have a keener interest in eating it, encouraging healthy eating habits from a young age. Even city kids can watch and wonder at plants growing on a windowsill. Cress, salad leaves and tomato plants are very simple to grow and don’t require any outdoor space at all.
Forest bathing Forest bathing is about being calm and quiet among trees, observing the natural environment while breathing deeply, in order to de-stress and boost wellbeing. This meditative practice can be beneficial both for adults and children. Find a quiet spot and start breathing deeply. Try hugging a tree. Deep breathwork balances blood pressure, boosts energy levels, improves sleep, strengthens respiratory function, supports healthy functioning of the immune system and relieves stress. Encourage children to observe out loud what they can see, hear and smell around them and how it makes them feel.
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Scavenger hunts A scavenger hunt adds an extra layer of interaction and incentive to any walk. Set out with a list of specific animals, bugs, flowers and trees to find and challenge the kids to find the natural treasures along the way. For younger children, ask them to spot different colours - such as looking out for red leaves, ladybirds or birds’ feathers.
Foraging Nettles, elderflowers, blackberries, cherries, chestnuts and apples can all be found in woods and forests at various points throughout the summer and early autumn and can be safely foraged for all types of cooking, baking and jam-making. The Woodland Trust has a handy guide for what’s in season in the UK for those wanting to try their hand at foraging. (https://bit.ly/WoodlandTrustForage) Remember, while foraging in public spaces and footpaths is perfectly legal, if you’re on private land you will need the permission of the landowner. Ed Bassett is Head of Wanderlust at Camptoo. To book a campervan for your next road trip, visit www.camptoo.co.uk
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SUMMER FUN
Three’s a crowd! By Tori JP Entertaining three boys of different ages (12, 6 and 3) can be a challenge. I’m not a particularly crafty mum and therefore I like to get out with the kids as much as possible. Over the years, we’ve been to many indoor and outdoor venues, so I’ve learned a fair amount about what works for all three of them. Days out that have gone well for us tend to have certain elements in common: there’s somewhere to run around (burning off some energy first!), their interest is sparked and, of course, it’s suitable for a range of ages. Here are my favourite venue types for great days out for all ages:
and many have activities during school holidays too.
A nature trail can tick every box
The Science Museum in London or the The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester are obvious examples. If you can, look for somewhere that also has an outdoor area so you can tick the physical activity box.
Check your local National Trusts, arboretums and country parks. We loved hunting for the Gruffalo at Queenswood Country Park in Herefordshire and exploring the deep dark wood at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. An activity farm The National Forest Adventure Farm in Burton on Trent was described by my husband as one of the most successful days out we’ve had as a family. The kids absolutely LOVED the potato digging event. This type of venue can also be great for wet weather days as there will often be an indoor play area and inside activities to enjoy. For a summer day, try your local fruit picking farm for guaranteed edible fun. An interactive science museum These are generally really engaging for children of different ages
An outdoor adventure centre Something like the Habberley Trail in Kidderminster is ‘days out with the kids’ gold. Think a two mile long obstacle course with obstacles generally suitable for kids of all ages. Places like The Crocky Trail in Cheshire and Nets Adventure at Moors Valley in Dorset are also great. You also can’t beat an adventure playground or splash pad! Don’t forget to factor in naps, snacks, spare socks and hats, porta-potties and any other contingencies you might need for a successful day out. It’s also sensible to check out parking, pushchair friendliness, baby change, available deals or discount codes in advance. As with most things, good preparation is key. Find more from Tori JP on Instagram @girlaboutbirmingham
SUMMER at HAREWOOD Days out, festivals and acres of play
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With beautiful grounds, outdoor play spaces, a fascinating exhibition and vibrant events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Harewood. Harewood, north Leeds, LS17 9LG
Pre-book at harewood.org
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SUMMER FUN
Low-cost summer fun
Educational
Out and about
Visit a museum. There are world-renowned museums in cities across the UK that offer free access to exhibitions year-round. To find a museum near you, visit www.visitbritain.com
Cinema deals. Odeon cinema and Cineworld will be running kids screenings all summer, with tickets priced from £3.25. www.odeon.co.uk and www.cineworld.co.uk
Festival of Archaeology. The Council for British Archaeology has teamed up with hundreds of museums to organise more than one thousand archaeology-related events and activities all over the country. www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk
Hop on board the train. Taking the train to visit somewhere new is an adventure in itself. And it doesn’t need to cost the earth if you buy a Family and Friends Railcard. www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk
Take the summer reading challenge. The challenge, aimed at children ages 4 to 11 years, is to read six or more library books over the summer. There are stickers and other rewards available from the library. Sometimes free and always inexpensive, a local library membership will really encourage your children to dive into books, audiobooks and more. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk 50 things to do before you’re 11¾. Get your kids closer to nature with The National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to undertake during the summer, from watching the sunset to creating some wild art. Many can be done at home and in your garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50-things-to-do
Visit a pet store. Kids will enjoy seeing all the furry pets for sale including hamsters, rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs and fish. Pet stores often run animal handling sessions and other free activities during the holidays. Find My Pet Pals workshops at www.petsathome.com Pick your own berries. Take your young ones to a pick-yourown farm to gather a heap of juicy strawberries or raspberries. Of course, they will do plenty of eating too but, hey, it’s fruit! Drive-in cinema. The perfect retroactivity for a balmy summer night or afternoon, why not head to an outdoor cinema? With outdoor or drive-in cinema popping up in various places throughout the UK, you might catch a family favourite or retro classic.
Toddlers
Home-based
Little fence painters. If you want less mess but just as much fun, simply give your toddler a bucket of water and a large brush or roller and let them ‘paint’ the garden fence.
Movie day. Draw the curtains, dim the lights and create a cinema experience in your living room. Get some popcorn and sweets on the go and enjoy your favourite family movies.
Chalk pavement painting. Arm your toddler with some chalks. Big chunky ones are good but any chalks will do. Then let them draw and decorate the driveway or pavement.
Host a dance party. Invite around some of your kids’ friends, put together a new playlist and let them dance till they drop. All you’ll have to do is provide drinks and snacks!
Instant ice paints. Mix paint with water, add a lolly stick and freeze in an ice cube tray to make these incredible ice paints. They melt as your toddler paints with them and they can play around with patterns and blend the colours. You’ll want them to do this outdoors, of course!
Draw outside. An outdoor blackboard will encourage all sorts of games and creativity. All you need is a piece of board, ideally marine plywood, cut to the size you require and some blackboard paint. Keep chalks in a waterproof box, ready for artistic inspiration.
Hula hoop obstacle course. Place hula hoops in a row along the garden. Challenge your little one to jump from one hoop to the next – forwards and backwards!
DIY drum set. Give them pots, pans and some cooking spoons to make their very own DIY drumset. They can clang and bang about as long as they like.
Nature sticky bracelets. Pop masking tape or thick duct tape round your toddler’s wrist, with the sticky side outwards. On a walk in the park (or in the garden) ask them to find leaves, seeds and flowers to stick to their bracelets.
Cook dinner on the campfire. Campfires are a great way to encourage children to learn essential outdoor skills. Even cooking on a campfire or barbeque in your garden can feel like a summer adventure.
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SUMMER FUN
Low-cost summer fun
Something different
Outdoors
Enjoy a wild swim. When it’s warm, it doesn’t get much better than taking a dip in the sea, lake or river. If you live in a big city, don’t be put off! You’ll be surprised how many wild swimming spots are nearby. www.wildswimming.co.uk
Join in National Play Day. National Play Day takes place across the country on 1 August. Children and families have the chance to play at hundreds of community events, from mass adventures in woodlands to street parties with games. Find your nearest ones at www.playday.org.uk
Let’s fish! The Canal and River Trust is running free fishing taster sessions over the holidays, with professional angling coaches on hand to teach the basics. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Go geocaching. This is a real outdoor treasure hunting game that uses an app. You navigate to a set of GPS coordinates and try to find the treasure at that location. www.geocaching.com Borrow a doggy. Join Borrow My Doggy to let your kids bond with a dog that need some love while their owners are out at work. It’s a great way to get the kids walking in the school holidays. www.borrowmydoggy.com Free tennis coaching and court usage. You can net free tennis sessions or coaching as part of Big Tennis Weekends, organised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), at venues across Britain. www.lta.org.uk
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Go fly a kite! They’re cheap and easy to buy or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them. www.thekitesociety.org.uk Go for a bike ride. Cycling is a great way to reconnect with nature and get off the beaten track. Take a ride on a local cycle path or if you’re a bit more ambitious, why not take a family bikepacking trip somewhere a bit further afield? Find the Gruffalo. If your kids love Julia Donaldson, there are themed walks based on her books up and down the country to take the family to visit. Find out more details on these trails at www.forestryengland.uk/gruffalo Woodland adventure. Explore your nearest woodland and enjoy adventure play areas, natural play, off-road cycling and lots of space to create dens. Find your local wood or forest at www.forestryengland.uk
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Sarah & Duck © Karrot Entertainment. Distributed by BBC Studios. © Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday is brought to you under licence from BBC Studios.
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WHAT’S ON If you’re looking for places to visit and things to keep the kids entertained this summertime, then our What’s On guide is packed full of ideas for places to take the kids, whatever the weather, local festivals, events and shows. Ongoing Jorvik Viking Centre, York With an updated ride experience and state-of-the art galleries showcasing our unique collection of 1,000-year-old artefacts, visit JORVIK Viking Centre to discover York’s fascinating Viking legacy. Travel around 10th century York, experiencing what it was like living in the city. The sights, sounds and even the smells of the Viking Age are brought vividly back to life as you journey back 1,000 years. www.jorvikvikingcentre. co.uk Ongoing Temple Newsam, Leeds Meet friendly animals at Home Farm, wander through historic house interiors and take in beautiful and vast surroundings in the grounds of Temple Newsam. www.museumsandgalleries. leeds.gov.uk/temple-newsam Ongoing Wildlife World, Lotherton, Leeds Wildlife World is the perfect place for all the family! Enjoy a family day out in an Edwardian country estate, hall, and wildlife park within expansive grounds on the outskirts of Leeds. With a range of playgrounds, a café and plenty of seating areas for picnics, it’s the place to be this summer! www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov. uk/lotherton Ongoing Harewood House, Leeds 120 acres of gardens and grounds, a huge Adventure Playground, Bird Garden + Farm Experience, a new treehouse and lots of hidden corners are waiting to be explored at Harewood this summer! Regular visitors should get a Harewood Family Membership for great value visits all summer long. www.harewood.org Ongoing Dalby Forest, Malton With so many different corners to explore, no two visits to Dalby Forest will ever be the same! 13 walking trails, 6 cycling trails, 4 running trails, visitor centre, shop, 2 play areas, Go Ape, Café, bike shop & hire, activity centre, dogs welcome. www.forestryengland.uk/dalby-forest ‘till end of season Spillman’s Farm, Thirsk PYO season is back! Come and visit our family run farm for PYO and enjoy delicious soft fruits. Farm shop, café and kids’ fun zone including bouncy castle, crazy golf, giant slides, garden games and more. www.spilmans.co.uk 10 Families North Yorkshire
23 Jun – 5 Sept Stockeld Park, Wetherby One of Europe’s largest indoor play centres ‘Playhive’ is coming to Yorkshire this summer! There’s no place like it! Come and enjoy a Superhero summer at Stockeld. You can meet Batman too! Tickets need to be booked online. www.stockeldpark.co.uk 10 Jul York Proms, Museum Gardens A rousing picnic concert in the heart of medieval York! Great singers, the Yorkshire Festival orchestra, fireworks, and a picnic in the beautiful museum gardens. 12 – 15 Jul The Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate Returning with plenty of favourites including cookery demos in the Food Hall, national and regional livestock competitions and an exciting Main Ring attraction. 14 Jul – 4 Sep YO1 Beach Club & Roller Rink, Designer Outlet, York
Bringing a taste of the seaside to York Designer Outlet, with a roller-skating rink, a vintage carousel and funfair game stall, a café, a sandy beach and even a boat for kids to play in. The Beach Café will serve freshly cooked food including burgers, sausages, pizza and everybody’s beach favourite – fish and chips – as well as vegan and kids’ options. The fully licensed bar will offer a range of refreshing drinks, including coffees, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks as well as zero alcohol alternatives. Milkshakes, coke floats and delicious Yorvale ice creams in a range of flavours will be available from the traditional beach hut. The YO1 Beach Club & Roller Rink can provide the perfect solution for an original and exciting celebration - for children, under18s and adults alike. Open from 9.30am until 7pm daily. Admission is free, with tickets required for roller-skating (skates included) priced at £9.75 for adults and £8.75 for children (aged 16 and under). www.yo1beachclub.co.uk
15 Jul – 4 Sep Great Ryedale Maze, Sherburn, Malton
A great day out in the heart of the countryside for adults, teenagers and children, with two mazes, an actionpacked Vintage Funfair, Football Darts and a Big Top with live entertainment for families. There will also be a range of hot and cold food and drinks to cater for all tastes, served from the fully licensed Cabin Café. The larger of the two mazes comprises nine acres of maize plants – that’s 55,000 seeds – and over two miles of paths to challenge the navigation skills, as well as a series of clues to test the powers of deduction. For younger adventurers there’s the two-acre MiniMaze, themed on the dinosaurs that used to roam Yorkshire millions of years ago. This year the entry ticket includes unlimited rides at the Vintage Funfair, as well as access to both mazes and the Big Top entertainment. Visitors can ride a motorbike or chariot as many times as they like aboard the 1936 Speedway or spend as long as they like racing around the Brooklands Dodgems from 1937, spinning on the 1930s Chair-o-Plane, and for the adventurous, hirling at speed on the 1950s Twister and 1960s Octopus. There will be picnic tables and benches around the fairground and inside the Big Top. www.greatryedalemaze.com 16 Jul - 15 Sep York Maze
York Maze is celebrating 20 a-maze-ing years this year since it first opened in 2002. Home to the largest Maize Maze in Europe, York Maze now boasts over 20 amazing rides, shows and attractions including the Crowmania tractor & trailer ride packed with animatronic & theatrical surprises! New attractions for 2022 include the Musical Maze, the Cornula 1 experience and the new Stage Show. York Maze have teamed up with LEGO for this year’s giant maize maze celebrating 90 years of play. Find all the LEGO minifigures hidden in the maze and you could win a prize. Booking online. Tickets will not be available on the gate. www.yorkmaze.co.uk23 -24 Jul Familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON 23 Jul - 4 Sep RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate Explore the wonders of the natural world on a scavenger hunt around the gardens and try something new with exciting hands-on workshops and crafts to bring everyone closer to nature. Go on a garden safari with a daily self-guided trail. There are plenty more reasons to get outside too, with everything from mindful moments to hands-on crafts and workshops for the whole family. · Take a walk on the wild side with the Garden Detectives · Join Nature House for outdoor workshops · Wellbeing Wednesdays: take time out for story yoga · Try to catch a giant bubble with Paris Bubbles · Have a go at the ukulele, learn orienteering skills or get moving with dance sessions 24 Jul Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival, Skipton It’s back! Once again, we are taking over Funkirk Farm, Skipton to bring you a foodie fun filled weekend you will never forget. Special guests include the Hairy Bikers and James Martin. 24 Jul Malton Museum Roman Festival, Malton Held at the Roman Fort on Orchard Fields, there will be live action demos in our
arena from experimental archaeologists Equistry and battle sequences from Magister Militum, a re-enactment group who will have a large Roman Legionary encampment. Mosaic making, wax tablet drawing, 2 archaeology activities and dressing up as a Roman Soldier or a Roman Britain. Malton Museum will also have its own ‘mini museum’. 29 – 31 Jul Deershed Festival, Topcliffe A family friendly festival with music, comedy, cinema, food, art, workshops, literature, sports and so much more for all of the family to enjoy. Camping or day tickets available online. 7 Aug Rolls Royce Rally, Harewood House The Rolls Royce Rally brings together some of the UK’s most prized motor cars and their proud owners, and 2022 marks the 42nd year that the rally has been held at Harewood. Why not take some time out, enjoy a picnic or ice cream on the North Front with the iconic House as your backdrop, and join us for a quintessentially English family day out! 19 – 20 Aug Stockeld Rox! Feel the magic of the music at Stockeld Park’s fun filled family tribute festival. There’s something for all the family and with the brand new Stockeld Bopz
Cool backpacks for cool kids!
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entertainment and the amazing tribute act line up, you won’t be able to stop dancing and singing the whole evening long! All ticket holders get free access to the Adventure Park from 3.30pm – 6pm to enjoy the park before the event. 30 -31 Aug Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday York Theatre Royal
Join Sarah and her best friend Duck as they plan the ultimate circus soiree to help Scarf Lady celebrate her birthday. With entertainment lined up from a whole host of your favourite friends, including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella, the party is ready to go! Let’s just hope the weather holds out…Bursting with all the charm from the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies show, Sarah and Duck’s enchanting world is brought to life by the team behind The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Twirlywoos Live. Packed full of puppetry, storytelling and music, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday promises to be a celebration for the whole family!
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TRAVEL
Your family holiday countdown By Ellie Malt Okay, take a deep breath, hold it, now focus on this happy thought: the summer holidays are coming! The prospect of a carefree, sun-drenched release from routine has never seemed quite so inviting. If you’ve booked a getaway it’s time to stop procrastinating and dig out those dusty suitcases. Packing clothes is the easy bit but what about the rest? Here’s our four step plan to help you keep calm and get ready: Step one: check the swim kits For the children, swimming is probably going to be their ‘favouritist bit.’ (Mine is sitting down, anywhere, with a drink in my hand). As children grow (ridiculously fast in my opinion), the right kit can encourage their independence. What fitted last year is unlikely to work again this year. For babies, swim nappies are a no-brainer but consider buoyancy aids, sun hats, UV suits, floating toys and beach shoes. For children beginning to swim independently, a small life jacket could boost confidence in deeper waters, without embarrassing arm bands. Meanwhile, back in the shallow end, underwater toys and goggles will keep kids occupied for hours. For tweens, a boogie board, wet suit, mask and snorkel are more likely to buy you some peace. Many of these items only last for one holiday so it’s worth checking charity shops. Step two: don’t forget essential equipment, allergies and medicines No one wants to waste a precious day of their holiday hunting down a pharmacy and then describing the problem with GCSE-
French and sign language! Step three: plan ahead for quality sleep Yes, adapting to new surroundings IS part of growing up but when your child’s bedtime routine is essential to a happy holiday, have nightlights, blackout blinds and ear plugs on standby. Small travel clocks can help your child know when to stay in bed when they wake up early in a strange bedroom. Who knows, you might even get a lie in. Step four: get mobile! Travel buggies are lighter and suited to aeroplanes and pavements. Fat-wheeled buggies or carriers are better for rough terrain. A sling is a faff-free solution for short walks. Finally, if any part of your journey is by road, remember the car seat. However you travel, distractions will help. Plan ahead and pack some age-appropriate activities to minimise ‘are we nearly there yet?’ syndrome. Ellie is a writer and mum to two daughters living in Surrey.
Sustainable Summer
23 July – 4 Sept 22
Go green this summer! Join us for different themes each week including fashion, animals, nature and more. bit.ly/LothertonSummer
lotherton.leeds.gov.uk
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HOLIDAY CAMPS
Camp QE Camp QE is back with a bang for 2022 with themed, multiactivity day camps across the school holiday. Based at the home of leading independent school Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, Camp QE offers the complete package for parents looking at childcare over the school holiday periods. The Camp QE 2022 dates: Jurassic Week 25 – 29 July Commonwealth Games 1 – 5 August Blast from the Past 8 – 12 August Big Cities 15 – 19 August Halloween 24 – 28 October Christmas 19 – 21 December For ages 5–13 yrs and the price for a week is £250 per child or £55 per day, with sibling discount available. A four day week is £200 per child. The camp runs 9am-4pm and free wraparound care is available from 8am–5.30pm. Included is a hot lunch and snacks. Every day is different and combines a selection of outdoor sports and games, indoor sports and activities, arts and crafts. Outdoor activities include: football, rugby, tennis, rock climbing, scavenger hunts and skating, our indoor activities include: basketball, dodgeball, table tennis, baking and tie-dying t-shirts. Visit qe.org or email campqe@qe.org to book your place.
Total Sports It’s our 15th year of running holiday clubs and our permanent staff team teach in over 40 schools throughout the region. Our name certainly suggests we are based around sports, however, we are so much more than this. Our Holiday Club programme is called Total Energy, and the name fits the bill. Programmes are carefully designed to ensure the children are kept active and engaged in innovative activities all day long. Sessions are a mixture of arts, crafts, games, sports & some extra special days using our WOW equipment. Parachute games, face paints, Capture the Flag, dodgeball, water pistols, inflatable assault courses, party games, archery, team challenges, junk modelling… you name it, we’ve got it! Days include at least 5 different high energy activities, that are age specific and based on years of experience. Our camps are nearly always full, which is testament to the programme and knowing full time staff are at the core of everything Total Sports do. Camps run from 8-5:30 each day across a growing number of venues throughout Yorkshire. Childcare vouchers are accepted and we have flexible booking options, from a single day to full weeks. Visit www.totalsportslimited.co.uk or call on 03444 14 14 13 14 Families North Yorkshire
The Little Gym JOIN US FOR A SUMMER OF ADVENTURES 24TH JULY - 5TH SEPTEMBER! Check out our fun-packed schedule this Summer! As well as our popular Ofsted registered camps, we also have practise times AND classes so there’s something for everyone! **Practise times & Tumble and Tea sessions are FREE to all members, however, spaces are limited so please contact us to book! **Camps are open to both members and non-members! **Camp offers - Buy 5 camps, and receive the 6th (cheapest) for free! To find out more about our camps, classes and practise times, head to our website below. SUMMER CLASS PASS (4 MONTHS - 6 YEARS) If you can only attend during the summer, we have the answer! Buy our unlimited summer class pass! 6 weeks of classes for just £62 - no membership required! Attend as many classes as you like each week! Visit york.thelittlegym.co.uk or harrogate.thelittlegym.co.uk to book your place.
FEAST A RANGE of summer holiday clubs have been organised across North Yorkshire to enable children to learn new skills, socialise and access healthy food. All children and young people across North Yorkshire can get involved in a range of sessions and there are free places and a free lunch for children and young people on benefits-related Free School Meals. The FEAST programme will see activity sessions and event days taking place in each North Yorkshire district over the holiday season. They include outdoor adventures and bug hunts, archery, athletics, dance workshops, woodland crafts and many more activities. FEAST is delivered by North Yorkshire Together, a partnership between Rural Arts, North Yorkshire Sport and North Yorkshire Youth. FEAST stands for ‘food, entertainment, arts and sport together’. The North Yorkshire Together website contains online resources and inspiration for activities all families can enjoy over the holidays, as well as a directory of holiday clubs taking place in the county. Visit www.feastfamilies.org.uk to find out more! Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
A love of performing can develop key skills for life Whether it be diving into their dressing up box or stepping onto the stage, performing is important to children and young people, and the benefits of this can often go unnoticed. Performing arts can teach children and young people key skills that can be used in everyday life. Creativity Children are naturally imaginative, and pretend play and make believe comes easily to them. Imaginative play can enable a child’s social and emotional development, helping them to form new ideas and develop resourcefulness. Problem solving The ability to solve problems creatively within the safety of a performing arts environment can be transferred to everyday life when dealing with a variety of issues. If children feel comfortable exploring and dealing with problems in a nonlinear way, this makes them more confident overall. Empathy Performance is a classic form of storytelling, not only for entertainment but for sharing tales and ideas. Performing in character can help children appreciate another person’s point of view. To accurately portray a character, we need to be able to step into their shoes, understand their situation and what has brought them to that situation. If a child understands a character in this way, they can apply this to everyday life, helping them to react to friends and adults and develop their social skills. Listening The ability to listen is an important skill, especially when a child is in a new setting with new routines and expectations. During performing arts classes children take direction from their teachers and peers. This encourages them to be receptive to others’ ideas and work collaboratively. Confidence Building Some children are never happier than putting on a show for their family and friends, but for some standing up in front of an audience can be daunting. Performing arts are hugely beneficial to children’s confidence levels. Learning new skills, rehearsing, and performing in a safe space, with the support of expert teachers and encouragement of their peers, can prepare children to deal with situations in which they feel anxious. At PQA we believe that our three core modules, Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & Television, offer our students the very best mix of both performance based and technical training as well as providing them with skills for life to help them grow into well-rounded individuals.
Reading Chest, online Keep up the reading at home this summer with the help of www.readingchest.co.uk – a through the post book rental for children learning to read. Membership starts from £9.95 a month, which will give you a regular supply of books tailored to your child’s tastes and reading level. Each delivery comes with a pre-paid return envelope, so after finished reading, just pop the books into your local post box and wait for some more to arrive. Join www.readingchest.co.uk with discount code FAMYORK to get £5 off first month’s membership.
Jorvik Swim Academy, York Lessons are for 3+ through Jorvik Swim Academy. Lessons are taken by fully qualified teachers, supported by in-water assistants, many of whom are themselves current or past competitive swimmers. It’s fair to say we’re all passionate about swimming and its benefits! We follow the Swim England Learn-to-swim programme and have a high staff to child ratio, meaning that even nervous beginners are fully supported. Most importantly, the kids have fun whilst learning to swim. Lessons are held on Sundays at Archbishop Holgate’s School. Club training sessions are on weekday evenings. www.jorvikswimacademy.co.uk; www.teamjorvik.co.uk
Razzamataz, York
Razzamataz York is proud to put the welfare of its students at the heart of everything it does. Each child will receive first class tuition in a range of styles from classic West End musical theatre to funky street dance and pop singing. www.york.razzamataz.co.uk
Panda’s Playtime, York Panda’s Playtime - music & sensory group for Under 5s based in Heworth & Dunnington. Sessions are full of action songs, nursery rhymes, sensory play, puppets, instruments & lots of props. A new theme each week keeps children excited about the sessions & makes them fun, enjoyable & unique. Through music, sensory & dancing, our classes encourage motor skills, communication & language skills, brain development, imagination & social interaction. The music in our classes is a natural way to learn rhyming & counting. Classes are a fantastic way to support the bond with your child, have fun & create a happy & positive feeling. www.pandasplaytime.co.uk E: Rachel@Pandasplaytime.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
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REVIEWS
A marvelously magical birthday with the Wizard Walk of York When I heard that the Magic Hatter, one of our family’s favourite entertainers, was embarking on a new adventure, I simply couldn’t wait to hear all about it and better still experience it! Readers may already know the Magic Hatter as the wonderfully entertaining party provider or from the many magic shows he’s performed at Piglet’s Adventure Park. Others might have seen his fabulously festive Christmas show. You will not be disappointed with the Hatter’s new venture at all! The Wizard Walk of York offers regular public tours on evenings and weekends and more frequently in the school holidays. Starting from the Shambles, the walk takes visitors on a tour of York’s alleys and snickleways in search of magical creatures. You can expect comedy, magic, mystery, excitement and more wizard puns than you can shake a wand at! Developed by Magic Hatter Entertainments, entertainer Dan Wood (The Magic Hatter) decided to branch out and try something new, after lockdowns put his shows and other live events on hold. “I was used to performing for hundreds of people at a time at places like Piglets Adventure Farm and Murton Park. Suddenly all that stopped due to the pandemic, and so I took it as an opportunity to develop something new and openair that will hopefully appeal to both locals and tourists.” As the Wizard of York offers private tours for groups, for birthdays, (as well as other occasions), we decided it would be the perfect option for our son’s 8th birthday. And it most certainly was! Our son is a big fan of Harry Potter, so we opted for a magic/ Harry Potter theme for his birthday and the Wizard Walk of York fitted just perfectly with that. Especially, as the walk starts just
down from the shops selling Harry Potter items and of course, the Shambles itself inspired Diagon Alley, so there was no better place! After we had all assembled, the anticipation of the arrival of the Wizard was building! There was no missing him, but he did indeed seem to appear from nowhere and from the first encounter to the last, he engaged with every child at the party and made a special fuss of the birthday boy! He got a chocolate Harry Potter frog and to be involved in some of the awesome magic tricks! There was time at the end of the tour for photos with the Wizard too. All of the children were so enthralled throughout, it was a joy to see their laughter and smiles and to hear their gasps at the many magic tricks performed by the Wizard. ‘How did he do that?’ could be heard from the grown ups and not just the kids! I can see how the public tour would be the perfect option for a fun family evening in the beautful city of York. And we would highly recommend booking the Wizard for an unusual, spell-binding private birthday party tour! Rather than send the kids home with party bags filled with small plastic tat, we opted to buy the kids a Wizard Wand Kit, provided by the Wizard at the start of the tour. This meant that the kids could join in with the magic, using their wands throughout the tour. A nice touch we thought. The wand also comes with instructions for seven tricks that young witches and wizards can learn at home and a free printable certificate. To check availability and to book online visit www.wizardwalkofyork.com or email Dan at info@wizardwalkofyork.com
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Families North Yorkshire 17
EDUCATION
Preparing for school By Emma Lewry No sooner has summer arrived than we are starting to talk about ‘starting school’ or ‘back to school’ preparation. Uniforms line the shop rails tempting us to think about being organised and ready for school. If you’re already thinking ahead, here are some top tips for preparation. If your child is starting school this year it can feel like a huge event with lots of pressure. You may be aware of parents swapping notes about how ready their children are to start school. Try not to compare your child with others; each child is unique and individual in their strengths and in the areas with which they need support. Teachers are ready for this and they know how to support lots of different children in a class. In fact, the uniqueness of each child is often what they love best about the job! When you start to think about preparing your child to begin school there are some key skills which are beneficial to practise and develop. I’m not talking about academic things; your child doesn’t need to be able to read the alphabet or do the two times table. The three skills I recommend are building CONFIDENCE, COMMUNICATION and INDEPENDENCE. These skills can be developed through play and fun at home, giving lots of opportunities for your little ones to try new things and offering plenty of praise and encouragement. Talking to your child and reading books about school opens up lots of valuable communication too.
schools want children to be working on developing those confidence, communication and independence. It can be helpful to offer additional emotional support in the lead up to going back to school, especially if your child is moving to a new school. Talk about what will be different but also what will be the same. These constants support many children’s need for things to feel safe and familiar. What if your child isn’t keen on talking? Looking at pictures, reading stories and role-playing school are all great ways to initiate conversation over the summer. Good luck with starting and going back to school! Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, headteacher and mother of two. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk) which guides families through starting school with courses, groups and a school starters planner.
If your child is heading back to school and moving up a year group, many of the starting school ideas apply. At all ages,
Ashville College welcomes new Prep Head Our bespoke curriculum encourages
Ashville Prep School in Harrogate has just completed its first term under the leadership of a new head teacher, Mr Asa Firth. Mr Firth, who took up his post in May, is hoping to mirror the success he achieved during 14 years’ teaching at schools in the United Arab Emirates – including 12 years at JESS (Jumeirah English Speaking School), Dubai’s top independent school. One of the key priorities for Yorkshire-born Mr Firth this term has been to undertake a full audit of the school, during which he has spent a lot of time talking to current pupils, parents and staff. The findings will determine the direction in which he will take Ashville Prep School from September.
Girls explore their imaginations, ask questions, experiment, take risks & draw their own conclusions. AN EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION FOR GIRLS AGE 3-18
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Mr Firth, said: “Ashville Prep School is a fantastic school and I want to make it even better. From September, there will be a new approach to learning which will include the introduction of coding classes for pupils in Years 1 to 6, and the sizeable school grounds being used as an extension of the classroom.” “Music, sport and performance are all really strong. They help set Ashville Prep School apart from other prep and junior schools in the area. When you add quality teaching, combined with superb experiences, both in and outside the classroom, this will then put Ashville Prep School in a league of its own.” Familiesonline.co.uk
WORK
Home working in the school holidays By Louise Goss School holidays can be one of the most challenging times for a working parent. Even with organised childcare, holiday clubs and generous offers from grandparents, there are often days when you are trying to meet deadlines while acting as a snack vending machine or being constantly pestered by demands to ‘look at me.’ Here are a few tips to help you cope with the stressors and be as productive as possible. Prepare in advance Realistically, you probably won’t get as much done on the days your children are home. Knowing and accepting this can immediately lessen the stress and frustration. Ahead of the holidays, if you have time to prepare in advance, you’ll also ease the anxiety over how you’ll manage your workload. If you have any big projects or deadlines looming, try to get the bulk of the work out of the way so that you’re left with the smaller tasks to complete during the holidays. Of course, it’s not just managing your own expectations but also those of your customers, colleagues and clients. A good way to prevent misunderstandings about availability is to let clients know you won’t be available for a big order or that deadlines will need to be extended to allow for shorter working days. You can help emphasise these boundaries for others and keep them firm for yourself by highlighting reduced office hours when you speak to colleagues and in your emails and utilising automated out-of-office email responses. Fill their cup It can be hard to focus with a child clamouring for your attention. But by giving your child the right kind of quality time, they are often more accepting when you need to step away to work. I often find when I am very present and engaged with my children for a short time, they are satisfied and happy to then play alone for a while, freeing me up to work in peace. Getting them set up with a game or started with some Lego building are great ways to give them your time and then allow
you to step away. Communication is key Communicate with your team. Be transparent about your situation and capacity. Explore flexible working options. Setting boundaries is important when you are trying to work with other family members around. Communicating to children and partners when you are and are not available can prevent any misunderstandings or resentment. Younger children hear the word ‘no’ a lot, so a more positive way of asking them to be patient is to give them something to look forward to after you’ve finished your work, whether it is the collage you’ll make together or a den you’ll build. Ask for help Don’t forget or be afraid to ask for help. We can often feel guilty or that we have failed in some way if we don’t manage everything. However, asking for help is a sensible way to relieve stress and maintain some balance. Older children and other family members may be able to help with housework or babysitting. You could even organise a swap with a fellow working parent to look after each other’s children a couple of times a week, allowing you each to work on your childfree days. Louise Goss is a journalist and the Founder of The Homeworker magazine (www.thehomeworker.com) which supports people who work from home and remotely.
Use your pockets of time
Skew your day
If you have flexibility and can organise your days as you need them, allocate tasks according to the different lengths of time you have available in your day. For instance, during nap time, tv time, snack time or minutes when the kids are playing a game, catch up on emails and admin.
To allow time to spend with your family as well as work, skewing your working day a little is a great way to fit in your hours.
Leave longer tasks for longer pockets of time. It can be helpful to have a list of quick jobs you can do in a spare few minutes.
I often find I can do a couple of hours in the evening or get a couple of hours done first thing because I’m not having to rush around for a school drop off.
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If you have flexible working or work for yourself, adjust your working day to start earlier or finish later.
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