My family issue 19

FREEIssue 19 • Summer 2014

IN THIS ISSUE:School’s Out for Summer

Get CraftyAway with the Kids

Inspiring Young MindsPositive About Autism

and much more . . .

My Family is proud to supportannakennedyonline.com

www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:16 Page 1

contents3 Kids’ Summer Fashion

6 School’s Out for Summer

12 Get Crafty

15 A Summer Celebration

18 Splash Time

20 Inspiring Young Minds

24 Mini Munchers

25 Away with the Kids

28 Family Law: Taking your child onholiday abroad

30 Cool Rooms for Kids

31 Special Needs Family

34 Positive about Autism

DISCLAIMERThe information contained in My Family magazine is not meant to replacethat of a midwife, healthcare professional or GP. My Family would always

recommend that you seek medical information from a qualified healthprofessional.

Welcome to the Summerissue of My Family Magazine.

School’s out for Summer, so we thoughtwe’d take our inspiration from the glorioussunshine and longer days and pack this issuefull of fun things to see and do all summerlong. We’ve pulled together some greatplaces to visit for tots, tweens and teens, aswell as fun filled activities and a craftyproject that will keep everyone smiling.

The summer holidays are one of the most important times forfamilies to be aware of water safety, whether abroad or at a seasidelocation in the UK. Children's safety in the water is a major concernfor parents, so we teamed up with the ASA to tell you about Learnto Swim Pathway which is running in partnership with pooloperators across England and is designed to offer a little peace ofmind.

There is no place more beautiful when the sun shines, than Britain!As temperatures soar, we take a look at some great places to getaway with the kids, right here on our door step in the UK.

The longest school break of the year is upon us, but that doesn’tmean that learning has to stop! We’ve been working with ourmedia partners to provide you with some entertaining ways tokeep reading and maths going through the holiday as well advicefrom Dr Lin Day to help build a child’s self-esteem.

In fact, this issue is packed with so many great features and articlesfor you and your family, why not put your feet up for a fewminutes, relax and enjoy the read!

Best wishes for the holidays,

Karen xKaren Reddell – Editor

The TeamHazel AlemanyDesigner [email protected]

Petrina Kightley-JonesKayjays Photography [email protected]

Jake PullinSales and Admin

A note from the editor

Feature images used under license fromdepositphotos.com and Shutterstock.com.

Other images have been supplied by independent sources.

COMPETITION RULESFull details of competition rules are available on our website

www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk. Entering a competition through the printmagazine or via this website will be seen as acceptance of these rules.

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My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:16 Page 2

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Ripstop shorts and BabyApplique t-shirt

www.welovefrugi.com

Boys’ twill hat, t-shirt and beach shortswww.welovefrugi.com

Printed t-shirts and boys’ twill shortswww.welovefrugi.com

Cool for KidsGirls’ tops, pedal pushers and jeans www.pigeonorganics.com

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Pure cotton dungarees and tee featuringPeat PeaPure cotton Sundress and matching pantsLeft: Summer Playsuit in Strawberry Print

www.busypeas.co.uk

Gathered top in soft single jerseywww.pigeonorganics.com

Really easy sun dress withelasticated smocking top and strapswww.pigeonorganics.com

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KIDS’ SUMMER FASHION

A vibrant range of clothing, toys and books for babies from newborn to 18 months.

Bringing fashion and education together, Busy Peas introduces children to fruit and vegetables at an early age, encouraging them to read and learn to grow their special favourites!

For more information please contact:E. [email protected] Jayne Liston: T. 0208 748 7671

www.busy peas.co.uk

“Pic you own” uni giffo a pecia baby.

Hot Picksfor the

Beach

www.welovefrugi.com

www.hollyandbeau.com

www.jakabel.com

www.totbots.comPigeonfrom

www.pigeonorganics.com

The summer holidays are here,meaning plenty of time with yourchildren along with the challengeof keeping them entertained!Whether you have toddlers,tweens or teenagers, here are afew places where you can takethe kids to make the ‘I’m bored’phase a thing of the past!

Places to visit with Toddlers(18 months - 5 years old)

Places to visit with Teenagers(12-18 years old)

London Dungeons, LondonScares, shocks, theatre, laughs, rides, specialeffects and story-telling greet visitors at theLondon Dungeons, where 1,000 years of gory,gruesome history are retold. Jump on board thethrilling boat ride – Henry’s Wrath – whereyou’ll accompany Henry VIII’s ill-fated secondwife Anne Boleyn on her final journey along toThames to the Tower of London. Your visit willalso take you through the murky history of GuyFawkes, the Plague Doctor, murderous barberSweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper. Even theteenagers might want their parents to hold theirhands! www.thedungeons.com/london

Summer Fun for Toddlers, Tweens & Teens

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

Peppa Pig World & Paultons Park,HampshireThis funny little pig and all her animal friendsand family have captivated preschoolers acrossthe globe, and now children can meet her atPeppa Pig World! Based in Paultons FamilyTheme Park, on the edge of the New Forest,under 5s will be enthralled with the gentle ridessuch as Windy Castle, Miss Rabbit’s Helicopterand Daddy Pig’s Car – all aspects that feature inthe show. Families can then venture intoPaultons Park and enjoy the wide variety ofrides for children there. The kids will be snortingwith laughter all day!www.peppapigworld.co.uk

Polka Theatre, WimbledonDedicated to producing and presenting workfor young audiences, the Polka Theatre presentsplays for children as young as six months. Eachplay the theatre puts on is divided into specifictarget age groups; there are always plenty ofshows and sing-along workshops for three- tosix- year olds, such as puppet opera SkitterbangIsland (25 June – 16 August). Children will alsoenjoy the Teddy Bear Museum, on display in thetheatre foyer. www.polkatheatre.com

Places to visit with Tweens(6-11 years old)

Warwick Castle, WarwickshireFireball shows, castle dungeons, knight school,medieval jousting – Warwick Castle is wherehistory is brought to life and is made to be a lotof fun! This medieval castle is packed withactivities; explore the centuries-old towers andramparts and discover the gruesome parts ofhistory with Horrible Histories Foul Fayres –educational fun about ‘Vicious Vikings’, ‘VileVictorians’ and the ‘Measly Middle Ages’.Watch the Trebouchet – the world’s largestsiege machine – fire up its fireballs, then admirethe skill of the fighting knights in the Master ofChivalry show. www.warwick-castle.com

Underwater Street, LiverpoolAny budding scientists in the family? They’lllove Underwater Street, a discovery centre forchildren where they can enjoy a number ofscientific zones designed to spark theimagination. In the Sensory Area, they cancrawl through the underground water cave, fishfrom a 16ft canoe, and put their hand in thefeely boxes to guess what’s inside, while in TheLab they can watch an interactive science showand Battle of the Scientists, plus experimentwith pulleys, magnets and electronic circuits.You might discover you have the next AlbertEinstein in your family!www.underwaterstreet.com

Bear Grylls Survival Academy,Pontneddfechan, South WalesBritish adventurer and television presenter ofseries such as Man vs. Wild and Born SurvivorBear Grylls is hoping to inspire parents and theirchildren to learn survival and adventuretechniques at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy.A new site has recently launched in southWales, offering a 24-hour family course. Skillstaught include how to build and light a fire,how to navigate at night, the best ways to use aknife for survival, foraging for grubs androdents, building a shelter, extreme weathersurvival and river crossings. Run by highlytrained experts, the course is for parents andchildren aged 10-17www.beargryllssurvivalacademy.com

For more exciting ways tospend your summer visit

www.visitbritain.com

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

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Provide the perfect backdrop to all the fun yourchildren can have at home this summer . . .whatever magical tales of make-believe theychoose to explore . . . !

adventure with the bright andcolourful Beach House, hosttheir own Pirates andPrincesses party for friends toenjoy or create an elegant teaparty with the stunning Pavilion,

we’re sure that a WinGreen playhouse willtransform any home into the perfect place toplay this summer.

With coordinatingaccessories and anabundance of Bunting

to add the finishing touches, WinGreen products offer greatimagination and unbeatablequality . . . all 100% cotton, hand-embroidered and appliquéd . . .detail is the key ingredient!

To browse the full range ofWin Green products visit

www.wingreen.co.uk

Summer Funwith Win Green

In today's busy world where ourtime becomes ever more preciousand ‘family days out’ growincreasingly costly, it is perhapsmore crucial than ever that wedon't overlook the value of ourown back garden whenit comes to keeping thekids entertained thissummer!

Win Green's beautifulcollection of playhousesare a great ‘at home’alternative to expensivefamily days out and encouragegood old fashioned, creative andimaginative play … all in thesafety of your own home!

Available in a variety of beautifullydetailed designs, there is sure tobe a theme that will set theperfect scene for their summer fun… whether your little ones chooseto dream the day away playingfairies at the bottom of the gardenin the beautiful FairyCottage, set sail for

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

If you are looking for a fun wayto entertain your children duringthe holidays, we suggest givingMathstraks Games a try.

With three award winning new gamesMathical Creatures, Monster Maths andFairy Tables, your child is sure to enjoythe exciting characters and creaturesfeatured in each fun filled game.

Imagination Gaming Awards,silver award winner for BestNumeracy Games – MonsterMaths, is an exciting cardgame for children aged 5+.

Monster Maths will help your youngsterpractise and improve addition skills for 1 and

2 digit numbers – usingsimple sums, the aim of thegame is to be the first player to make amonster.

Your little one is sure tolove Mathical Creatures– an enjoyable,mathematical card gamefor children aged 7+which uses the funtheme of myths andmonsters, to teach andreinforce key numeracyskills. This much-loved

game will help your childpractise and improve their

mental arithmetic, and improve theirmaths confidence through play.

Fairy Tables is aningenious card game tohelp kids aged 7+practise and learnmultiplication tables.

A magical realm offire-breathingdragons, handsomeprinces and beautifulprincesses awaits

Mathematical Summer Fun

For supplier information, check outMathstraks Facebook page

www.facebook.com/mathstraksgames

your child as they use their times tablesknowledge in a race to place fairy talecharacters in stories.

Each games contains everything you needfor hours of educational fun for 2-4 players,so children can enjoy playing together andwith mum and dad too.

Mathstraks Games are available from manyindependent toy and games shops and avariety of online retailers including Amazon.

NEXT ISSUE . . .Pick up the next issue of My Family in

October or visit

www.myfamilymagazine.co.ukto view online completely free of charge!

Get ready for Christmas!Our Autumn issue will be jam-packed

with fantastic articles, fun competitions andreader discounts .

For more information or to advertise your business,email [email protected] or call

0116 2100911.

Deadline for bookings and artwork is5.00pm on Friday 12th September 2014.

My Family 19b 14/7/14 15:48 Page 8

Research shows that manychildren make steady progress intheir reading achievementthroughout the school year andthen go backwards during thelong summer holidays. Childrenwho don’t read during thesummer are likely to start the nextacademic year with a reading levela couple of months behind thosehow do read. The consequencesare cumulative and long lasting,often having a powerful influenceon reading ability throughoutschool life and beyond.

Whilst summer holidays should beremembered for beaches, camping and chillingout, it is important to keep your childrenreading. It is up to parents to encouragechildren by giving them access to the rightlevel of books once the school library hasclosed down and also make the most of other‘camouflaged’ reading and learningopportunities.

If children read books which are too difficultfor them, they will use all their energy

decoding individual wordsrather than engaging with

the book and enjoying it.By reading the right

level of bookchildren will

consolidate skills, feel successful and hopefullyread for pleasure.

Here are a few other fun ways to keep yourchildren reading this summer –

1 Get into Top Trumps – The brilliantwebsite www.toptrumps.com revealsthe ‘Top Trumps Universe’ including gamesand competitions. Top Trumps is becomingmore and more popular in schools as itdelivers a range of educational benefitsthrough ‘camouflaged learning’. As well asbeing great fun, it improves literacy,numeracy and subject knowledge.

2 Fishing for Sounds – For youngerreaders, this is great fun! Using apermanent marker, write letter soundsonto cut out plastic fish or ducks and letthem swim in your paddling pool. Scoopthem out with a net and use the sounds toplay games e.g. make words beginningwith the sound / ending with the sound /invent silly rhymes etc.

3 Get children cooking – Everythinginvolved in cooking is fantastic forchildren’s learning, from reading the recipeand weighing ingredients, to sharing cakeswith friends. This can be made into a moresocial event with friends by recreatingprogrammes such as ‘Come Dine with Me’or ‘MasterChef’ with friends, wherechildren have to read and write their ownmenus too.

4 Listen to audio books – Audio booksare a brilliant way to keep children’s

interest stories alive. Long car journeys area great place for a captive audience! Thesecan either be bought as CDs ordownloaded from websites such aswww.audible.co.uk.

5 Bring out the board games – Therenever seems to be enough time to playboard games during busy term times.Make the most of rainy days with gamessuch as Monopoly, Scrabble, Articulate andBoggle which are all great for reading andvocabulary.

6 Make the most of apps – Childrenwon’t think of it as ‘reading’ but there aremany brilliant educational apps available.www.apps4primaryschools.co.uk is full ofeducational based apps which arerecommended by teachers.

7 Join readingchest.co.uk – to receiveregular deliveries of books at your child’schosen reading level delivered to yourdoor. Members also get reward charts,certificates and write book reviews online.Not only is it fun and motivational forchildren, it is also convenient for workingparents who might not be able to make itto the library.

For more reading advice and access to a widerange of books for young readers, visit

www.readingchest.co.uk

Race forwards not backwardswith reading this summer!

by Liz Walker, founder of Reading Chest

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

Enjoy a great day out exploringone of the country's largest maizemazes, set in 8 acres of livingmaize and sunflower crop. It'sgreat exercise for mind and body!

maze also incorporates 10ft high bridges andviewing towers which give visitors stunning 3Dpanoramic views over the maze and thebeautiful surrounding countryside.

Visit our ACTIVITY FUNYARD and test yourmaze solving skills on a variety of mini mazes,puzzles and table-top activities before or aftervisiting the giant maze. There is also a minimaze (also with hidden pictures) in ourfunyard, as well as our popular 6 minutemazes, rope maze, hoopla, bean bag throwing,photo panel, football shooting game, spacehopper track and more, so it's entertainmentfor all the family whatever your age.

For further information visit

www.wistow.com

Visit Wistow Maze – Winner of‘Leicestershire’s Best Visitor Attraction’

Here’s your chance to win a family ticket forWistow Maze. To enter simply email yourname and daytime contact number [email protected](Closing date for entries is midnight onFriday 1st August 2014)

WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN!For 2014 the maze is having a First WorldWar theme and will be in the shape of a FieldCannon. The Quiz Trail provides interestingWW1 facts, and the mini maze will behighlighting animals and weapons used duringthe Great War.

Perfect for all ages, see if you can unravel theQUIZ TRAIL, and find all 12 quiz boardshidden amongst the 3 miles of paths. The

Playday is the national day forplay in the UK. As well as acelebration of children’s right toplay Playday is a campaign thathighlights the importance of playin children’s lives.

To celebrate Playday 2014 on Wednesday 6August, hundreds of individuals, families andwhole communities will hold celebrationevents across the UK as part of this year’scampaign.

We are calling on everyone to celebratePlayday and show why play is fundamental forchildren's enjoyment of childhood, and vitalfor their health, well-being and development.In light of government cuts to play servicesacross the country, it is more crucial than everthat we unite to stand up for play.

Supporting Playday and children’s right to playis as easy as one, two, three!

1 Hold a celebration event – Playdayevents range from get-togethers withfriends and family to city-wide publicevents. Whether your celebration is big orsmall, what’s most important is that wecollectively celebrate and support children’sright to play. There’s lots of guidance on thePlayday website to get you started.

2 Get involved in an event near you –With hundreds of events happeningannually across the UK, there’s bound to beone near you! You could offer your time,

services or skills, whatever they need tohelp make their Playday event a success.

3 Spread the Playday word – Playday is agreat opportunity to tell everyone aboutthe importance of play for children andyoung people. Help spread this message bypromoting Playday via social media,websites and newsletters or by distributingfree campaign posters and fliers .

Find out more about how you canjoin in the fun at

www.playday.org.uk

Playday 2014 – get involved!

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:17 Page 10

Our children all need a lovelysummer break and it is animportant opportunity for themto play, relax and try newactivities away from the schoolenvironment. However, summerlearning loss is a recognised andwell-researched problem,especially in maths. What canwe do to help our children havea fantastic holiday, without theirmaths skills suffering?

I am certainly not an advocate of holidayworksheets and summer classes. Children doneed a break and the holidays are a greatopportunity for your children to learn in the ‘realworld’. Here are some ideas to keep yourchildren thinking mathematically during the 6week break.

Go ShoppingThe weekly supermarket shop can be a chorewith children, so keep them busy. Their challengeis to get as close as they can to the final bill.Children try to keep a running total of the itemsin the trolley. If it is a very big shop, children canestimate the bill by rounding each price to thenearest 10p.

Whenever I’m buying only 1 or 2 items, I alwaysencourage my children to add up the items andwork out the change while they’re waiting in thequeue. It’s a good life-skill to check that theamount is correct and that you have the rightchange.

Plan a Day TripWhen we plan a day out, lots of mathematicalproblem solving is involved, which we dowithout realising it. Give children a budget andtime-scale for a particular day out. They have tocost the trip, plan train or bus times, organise apicnic lunch etc.

Bake a CakeThere are lots of weighing, reading scales andtiming activities in baking a cake, as well as adelicious result at the end.

Plant a GardenChildren love planning their own garden. Only asmall patch of ground is required. Children drawa plan of their garden to scale and are given abudget to buy plants, seeds etc.

Times TablesIt’s really important to regularly practise timestables skills, not just in the holidays. A quiz onlytakes a couple of minutes and can even be donein the car. Try questions like ‘How many legs on3 spiders?’, ‘How many days in 4 weeks?’, ‘Howmany wheels on 9 cars?’. You can also buy somegreat times-tables games. Fairy Tables byMathstraks Games is a fairy-tale themed strategygame to help children remember their tables.

Play a GameLoads of board games and card games are reallymathematical; monopoly, yahtzee and cluedoare great favourites in our house. Card gamesare perfect to take on holiday as they’re small,light and you can play them anywhere. Wealways take a pack of top trumps and MathicalCreatures by Mathstraks Games . Youngerchildren could take Monster Maths, also byMathstraks, which is great for practising numberbonds to 10, 20, 50 and 100.

Do some Brain-TeasersThere are lots of maths puzzle or brain-teaserbooks available which are fun for children to doon a journey or a rainy afternoon. Sudoku is alsogood for older children. Younger children mightenjoy maths activity cards by Usborne.

Visit a MuseumLots of museums run maths and science eventsduring the holidays and most of them are free.Check out your local museum and see what’s on.

For further information on Mathstraks Gamesproducts, visit our facebook page:

www.facebook.com/mathstraksgamesor send us an email to

[email protected]

Maths Learning Through the Holidays

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SCHOOL’S OUT 4 SUMMER

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Step 3With Paper Snips cut out one elephant, one lionand one monkey. Then cut an extra head for themonkey and lion and an extra ear for the elephantleaving a flap to the left. Score on the flap; thiswill make it sit better on the elephant’s head.

Punch out the congratulations using the WordWindow punch.

GET CRAFTY

Create a baby congratulations card & gift box

Step 1Take a piece of Tangerine Tango cardstockmeasuring 21x21 cm and score and fold at10.5cm

Cut a piece of Watercolour Wonder designerseries paper to 10x20.5cm. Then cut TangerineTango cardstock to 8.5x12.5cm and WhisperWhite cardstock to 8x12cm. If desired, embossthe Whisper White layer using the Perfect PolkaDots embossing folder.

Layer and stick together.

Step 2On an extra piece of Whisper White cardstockuse the Zoo Babies stamp set to stamp two eachof the following: elephants in Island Indigo, lionsin Tangerine Tango and monkeys in DaffodilDelight.

Stamp ‘Congratulations’ using Island Indigo,Tangerine Tango and Smoky Slate pens.

Step 4Assemble the animals using Stampin’Dimensionals.

Punch a Modern Label from a scrap of TangerineTango and mount the ‘Congratulations’ on tothat.

Step 5Stick the animals onto the WhisperWhite card; theelephant on thebottom, the lion inthe middle andthen the monkeyon top. Add thegreeting.

TO MAKE THE CARD:INGREDIENTS LIST

CARDSTOCKl Tangerine Tango cardstock 21cmx21cm

and 8.5x12.5cm plus extra to punch outmodern label

l Whisper White cardstock 8x12 cm plusextra to stamp the animals on

DESIGNER SERIES PAPERl Watercolour Wonder designer series

paper 10x20.5cm

INKl Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango and

Daffodil Delight classic stampin’ padsl Island Indigo, Tangerine Tango and

Smoky Slate stampin’ write markers

STAMP SETl Zoo Baby stamp set

PUNCHESl Word Window punchl Modern Label punch

ACCESSORIESl Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder (or

use 8x12cm piece of textured card)l Stampin’ Trimmerl Simply Scored scoring tool l Paper Snipsl Sticky Stripl Stampin’ Dimensionalsl Big Shot (if desired)

TO MAKE THE GIFT BOX:INGREDIENTS LIST

CARDSTOCKl Tangerine Tango cardstock A4l Scrap of Whisper White cardstock big

enough to stamp 4 lions and a greeting

DESIGNER SERIES PAPERl Watercolour Wonder designer series

paper x 2 sheets

PUNCHESl Word Window punchl Modern Label punch

ACCESSORIESl Mini Metallic clothespinl 1x 3/4“ scallop circlel 2x 3/8“ scallop circle

www.stampinup.co.uk

THE CARD

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:18 Page 12

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GET CRAFTY

Step 1Take a piece of Tangerine Tango card and score at5.5cm on all 4 sides and fold along all score lines

With the short side of the card towards you cutalong each score line until you reach the 5.5cmline going across.

Cut away a triangle from each side of the flap tomake a tab.

Step 3Take 2 full sheets of Watercolour Wonderdesigner series paper and stick carefully togetherto make one large piece.

Fold over 1cm at top and 2 cm at bottom of thelong sides to form a contrasting edge.

Stick in place with sticky strip. Lay face down onthe table and put a line of sticky strip down theright edge of the paper.

Step 4Put 2 lines of sticky strip around the bottom andtop edges of the box. Line up the bottom of thebox with the bottom of the paper and, removingthe backing from the sticky strip as you go, rollthe box on to the paper. Press down firmly fromthe inside of the box to ensure that the paper isstuck securely. Just before you get to the endremove the sticky strip from the side of the paperso that you can attach the pieces together.

Step 5Stamp 4 more lions from the Zoo Babies set usingTangerine Tango. Cut 2 out using the 13/4” scallopcircle punch and cut out the heads from the other2 using the snips. Layer together as before.

Step 6Stamp ‘a gift for baby’ using pens as before andcut out with Word Window punch. UsingTangerine Tango punch out a 23/8“ Scallop Circleand a Modern Label. Layer together as shown.

Step 7Stick a lion tag opposite each other on the frontand back of the box and fasten together with apeg. Add the ‘gift for baby’ label to the front.

Step 2

Stick the flaps to the inside with sticky strip,assemble into a box to form the base of the giftbag.

THE GIFT BOX

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GET CRAFTY

If so, have you heard aboutStampin’ Up!?Stampin’ Up! is a direct sales companyoffering an exclusive line of decorative rubberstamps and beautiful accessories, for greetingcards, craft projects and scrapbooking, whichcan be bought through a network of Stampin’Up! demonstrators.

Here are just a few great reasons to become aStampin’ Up! demonstrator:

Meet new people! Stampin’ Up! demonstrators work withcustomers and hostesses to give great partiesthat introduce new people to Stampin’ Up!

Be independent! Each demonstrator can tailor her Stampin’ Up!business to fit in with her life

Enjoy plenty of support! Demonstrators enjoy constant support fromtheir fellow demonstrators and Stampin’ Up!,making their work easier, more creative, and …an absolute blast!

Earn supplementary income! Stampin’ Up! demonstrators make moneyfrom doing something they love!

With the launch of the 2014/15 annualcatalogue, it’s a perfect time to begin yourcreative journey and potential new businessventure!

Would you like to set up your ownflexible, home-based business?

To become a Stampin’ Up! demonstratorvisit our website

www.stampinup.co.ukor call our free phone support line on

0808 234 4765

@stampinupuk • Facebook.com/stampinupuk

Tweens are cool,funky, cute andinquisitive! Butanyone who has triedto buy for a tweenwill know how trickyit can be!

If you want to challenge,inspire and entertain thetween in your life, check outGifts for Tweens – a fantastic online store that offers a choice of creative,fun and unique toys and gifts for children between the ages of 6-12years old, otherwise known as the Tween age!

Whether your tween enjoys crafting, sewing, science, baking, nature orwants to try something new, you will find an exceptional range of gifts,toys, clothes and accessories that encourage kids to have fun, be active

and use their imagination

At Gifts for Tweens you will findfavourite brands including Seedling,Pippin Jewellery Sets, Cupcakes &Cartwheels, to name but a few. Giftsfor Tweens is not only a great place toshop, you’ll find fun activities fortweens and a tween blog – for moreinformation visit:

www.giftsfortweens.co.uk

Crafty Little TweensInspiring children to getcreative with colour hasjust become easier withthe arrival of Eggnogg’sNEW ‘Create a Cuddly…’colour-in tea towel toy.

Children can go colour-in crazyand create their very own cuddlymasterpiece in the form of a toy‘Fergal’ (frog) or ‘Colin’ (dog).

This unique project is certain tokeep imaginations flowing fromstart to finish.

In four simple steps, the uniquecolour-in tea towel transformsinto a cute cuddly toy: simplycolour-in, cut-out, sew together,and fill… voila, the toys are all setfor some exciting role-playadventures!

Price: £11.99 RRP / Availablefrom:

www.eggnogg.co.uk

Create a Cuddle!

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:19 Page 14

Party Time: Tips for holdingthe perfect child’s party at home

There is always so much to dowhen you are arranging a child’sparty and the key to throwingyour child the perfect birthdaybash at home is organisation!Here are a few things that youcan do to make sure that yourchild’s party is a fun andmemorable event for everyone.

Choose a themeAsk your child what theme they would like asthey may already have a great idea of their own.If they are short of ideas take inspiration fromtheir favourite book, film or TV show. Somepopular party themes are pirates, princesses,fairies, super-hero, Disney, Peppa Pig etc.

Sometimes all it takes is one little spark ofimagination to inspire a theme for the perfectparty. Win Green’s range of themed children’splayhouses could be just the spark ofimagination you were waiting for! Beautifullyhand-embroidered, these cotton playhouseshave something to offer all childhood fantasies –visit www.wingreen.co.uk

Book the entertainmentYou may want to book a professional children’sentertainer, magician, disco or bouncy castle forthe party. There’s sure to be a number of localcompanies supplying this type of service but it’sa good idea to ask friends for recommendations.

If you don’t want to use a party entertainer, youwill need to put together some fun activities andgames to keep everyone amused. You could usetried and tested party games like pass the parcel,musical statues and blind man’s bluff or tailorgames to the theme of the party eg. put on atreasure hunt for a pirates party.

To keep the laughter flowing check out fungames and treasure hunts atwww.blackbirdgameslimited.com orwww.created4kids.co.uk.

The guest listAsk your child who they want to invite and writea guest list (including cousins, family friends,neighbourhood children and friends fromplaygroup or school).

Around 15 children is a good number to invite,as it is enough to make the party fun withoutbeing too overwhelming.

Helping HandsIt’s worth having a few pairs of extra hands atthe party so ask friends, family and other mumsand dads if they can help out.

Send out the invitationsBuy or make invitations that match the theme ofthe party. On the invitation write the date andtime and where the party will be, also let guestsknow if they need to dress to suit the theme or ifthey need bring a swimsuit, wear suncream andhats etc.

Let guests know if you are supplying food andask parents to let you know if their children haveany special dietary requirements or if they havefood/drink allergies.

Give plenty of notice – hand the invitations out amonth before the party if possible. Include anrsvp and ask parents to respond by a specifieddate.

You can’t invite everyone, so try not to hand theinvitations out in front of children who haven’tbeen invited as this might make them feel sadand left out.

Buy or make the decorationsBuy table cloths, party plates, napkins, piñatas,party bags, favors and decorations to match theparty theme – you’ll usually find all the partysupplies that you need at a good party shop orfrom online party suppliers. Alternatively youcan make your own; your little one will lovegetting involved.

Party food and drinkFirstly you’ll need a birthday cake – cupcakesand cake pops are also a popular choice forchildren’s parties too. You will also need partyfood but keep it simple as children can be put offif the food is too fancy.

Finger food such as sandwiches, pizza, fruit,biscuits and crisps are usually favourite but youcould offer hotdogs, fish fingers or hamburgersinstead (remember to include meat free optionsfor vegetarians).

Make sure that children have access to plenty ofdrinks especially if it is a hot day – for youngerchildren avoid fizzy drinks and serve squash,bottles of cooled water, fruit juice andmilkshakes instead.

If parents are attending cater for them too.

Party SafetyEnsure that the party is appropriate for the ageof the children attending. Don’t leave childrenalone and make sure that you have enoughhelpers for the number of children that you haveinvited – when children are very youngencourage the parents to stay.

Before parents leave their child take contactnumbers and make sure that you know who willbe collecting the child. Never let a child leave theparty with someone that you don’t know or ontheir own.

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A SUMMER CELEBRATION

Set the dateDecide when to host the party –check that theparty doesn’t clash with any commitments thatyou have made – you don’t want to doublebook yourself!

Time the party earlier in the day for under 5’s toavoid children getting tired and irritable – acouple of hours should be sufficient, you don’tneed to put on entertainment all day.

Plan the party for a time that won’t clash withannual holidays and other events that couldprevent children from coming.

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:19 Page 15

16 myfamily

10% Discountto all readers with code MF10

www.thelittlebritishcompany.co.uk

A SUMMER CELEBRATION

Gifts for Tweens offer achoice of creative, fun andunique toys and gifts fortweenagers between theages of 6-12 years old.

At Gifts for Tweens you willfind favourite brandsincluding Seedling, LittleExperience, Ridleys byWild & Wolf, X-rayAnatomy sets by Revell,Pippin Jewellery Sets,Spiegelburg, andCupcakes &Cartwheels, to namebut a few.

For exceptional gifts, toys,clothes and accessoriesthat encourage tweens tohave fun, be active and usetheir imagination, visit ourwebsite . . .

www.giftsfortweens.co.uk

We are a nation in love withtechnology and that includesour kids too. Flashing lights andfast-paced game play captivateskids and it can be difficult todrag them away from theirfavourite electronic device.

Choosing a Great Gift for a ChildOf course these products have their place inour homes but most parents agree that wedon’t want our kids glued to the latest device24/7.

In an era where it is common for kids to ownan iPad, blackberry, PlayStation, Xbox or all ofthe above, it is important to stimulate theirimaginations in other ways every now andagain.

But it can be difficult to find an alternative giftthat competes with their favourite computergame – so, how do you choose a gift that willbe loved as much as their favourite electronicdevice?

Before you hit the highstreet, do your research.With a world of fabulous gift ideas at yourfingertips, the internet is a great place to start.

Rather than heading straight for the big highstreet names, it is worth checking out smaller,independent retail sites too. There are somegreat online boutiques that stock unusualitems that you can’t buy on the highstreet.

Consider age, ability and personality. Take intoaccount their favourite colour, special interests,a favourite author and the latest trends withkids around the same age.

Decide what kind of gift you would like to give– a keepsake, personalised gift, smart newclothes or a game, puzzle or toy that willentertain, engage and inspire them for years tocome.

If you have children of a similar age, you couldask them what they think the recipient wouldlike.

If you’re still not sure, discretely ask the child’sparent what they might like – they may evenhave a wish list for you to choose from.

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A SUMMER CELEBRATION

Cuddly Organic TeddyBears from ShetlandThe Shetland Teddy Bear Company® is a small,award winning family business, making anadorable collection of traditional jointed heirloomteddy bears in the remote Shetland Islands.

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Fox Wall ClockA hand-made, hand-printed children’s fox wallclock.

While this fox’s whiskers will charm ouryoungest customers, we think this clock willprove stylish enough for grown-ups too.

Dimensions: 20cm diameter.

Available at

www.thelittlebritishcompany.co.uk10% discount with code MF10

Get the Ball Rolling withQuercetti Quercetti, the Italian born brand that has beenmanufacturing inspiring toys for over 60 years,is thrilled to introduce their infamous marbleruns to the UK. Building a marble run has beena favourite playtime for generations and nowlittle ones across the nation can enjoy thesefabulous sets from this multi award winningbrand.

Suitable for ages 4 + • RRP: Starting at £14

Available at

www.amazon.co.uk

Personalised Giftsby Win GreenBeautifully hand-embroidered and appliquéd,Win Green’s 100% cotton playhouses have allthe ingredients required to create lastingmemories of imagination and make-believe …and what better way to add that special touchto an already unique and beautiful gift than bypersonalising with their name to create awonderful keepsake.

To browse Win Green’s products visit

www.wingreen.co.uk

Uradale Bears arethe new additionto the clan and areavailable in 6Heritage colours madefrom natural plant dyes. Thebears are fully traceable back tothe actual field on which thewool was grown, Uradale Croft,in the Shetland Islands.

By purchasing from TheShetland Teddy Bear Company®

you will be helping to sustainand preserve a way of life livedby the crofters and crafters ofthese islands for generations.

The Shetland Teddy BearCompany® produces the onlyorganic Teddy Bears in theworld which are made using100% Organic Shetland wool!

To find your perfect TeddyBear companion or a

fabulous keepsake gift fora loved one, visit:

www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShetlandTeddyBearCo or followwww.facebook.com/shetlandteddybears on Facebook

The charming little family of Teddy Bears are handmade from 100%Organic Shetland Wool, which is grown, spun, woven and knitted onthe island. Each cuddly bear wears either a chunky hand knitted scarf,lace scarf or shawl. They are made entirely by hand and each bearcomes with a certificate, hand signed by the artist.

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Drowning is the thirdhighest cause of accidentaldeath in children in the UK.Around 400 peopleaccidentally drown in the UKevery year with thousandsmore having near drowningexperiences, many resultingin life changing injuries.

Ensure your children ‘Swim Safe’ in the water this summer

The summer holidays are one of the mostimportant times for families to be aware ofwater safety, whether abroad or at a seasidelocation in the UK. Research by the nationalgoverning body of swimming, the AmateurSwimming Association (ASA) shows that one in10 parents say their child only swims onholiday, yet for the most part, they will have noawareness of the dangers of open water. Eachyear, children account for around two-thirds ofincidents RNLI lifeguards respond to on someof the UK’s busiest beaches.

Children's safety in the water is a majorconcern for parents, and the ASA operates aLearn to Swim Pathway in partnership withpool operators across England that’s designedto offer a little peace of mind.

As part of this some operators will also offerSafety and Survival Awards. Covering survivalknowledge, awareness of dangers and vital life-saving information, this range of four awards isa must for any parent to consider for their child.

The Safety and Survival Awards offer childrenan insight into water safety to ensure theyknow how to react if they find themselves indifficulty by testing them in real-life situations.The awards follow the British Gas ASA Learn toSwim Pathway, created by the water safetyexperts at the ASA.

And for families who are planning to visit Bude,Bournemouth or South Shields this summer, 7-14 year olds will have the opportunity to takepart in Swim Safe a FREE beach and watersafety course from the experts at the ASA.

Recent research by the ASA revealed that manychildren may be missing out on the joys ofswimming in the sea, because their parents areworried they are not confident enough in thewater. The study saw less than a third ofparents say they are completely happy to lettheir children swim in the sea, while one in fivewon’t let their children into the waves at allbecause they feel it’s too dangerous. Nearly athird of parents say that they will only let theirchildren swim in the sea if they go with them.

Although many children learn to swim the basic25 metres set out in the national curriculumthrough school swimming lessons in their localpool, open water situations have their own setof dangers and challenges which cannotnecessarily be recreated during lessons. TheSwim Safe initiative offers young swimmers thechance to learn about beach safety through a10 minute talk with RNLI lifeguards, followedby 30 minutes of in-water tuition with ASAqualified swimming teachers.

Jon Glenn, Head ofLearn to Swim at theASA said, “Each yearthe ASA helps600,000 childrenlearn to swimthrough British GasASA Learn to Swim Pathway, one of the mostsuccessful grassroots porgrammes in BritishSport. Not only is swimming one of the easiestand safest forms of exercise for children of allabilities, it is a vital life saving skill that everychild should learn for their own safety. Weappreciate that parents have lots of demandson their time but I’d urge them to put learningto swim high on their priority list for theirchildren this summer.”

Swim Safe is open to both local children andthose holidaying, 8,000 children are expectedto go through the programme this summeracross the three Swim Safe sites.

Interested in ensuring your child is safer in thewater? Visit www.swimming.org/go/get-started and look for free advice, tips or useour FREE Poolfinder search for a local pooloperating ASA Learn to Swim Lessons.

Alternatively if you are in South Shields,Bournemouth or Bude this summer look out forour FREE Swim Safe courses(www.swimming.org/go/parents/swim-safe/).

SPLASH TIME

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:19 Page 18

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Jakabel specialises in UV50+ Sunprotective swimwear which blocksout 97.5% of the harmfulUVA/UVB rays of the sun –available in sizes 0-13 years plus anadult range as well, including the‘burka-surfa’ swim suits. Jakabeleven takes care of babies with anexclusive Baby UV romper andgorgeous swim nappy designs tokeep those little accidents fromcreeping out!

The colourful designs in Jakabel’sranges mean kids love to wearthem! “We don’t make blackwetsuits,” says managing directorJo Shephard, “as kids prefer a bitmore pizazz when they are out andabout.”

If you are heading for the pool,

Jakabel’s exclusiveSwimsafe floatsuit is the only‘learn to swim’ aid which doesnot tip over in the water, so kidscan swim freely and easily andparents can relax while watchingover them.

“I can’t believe how quickly theirconfidence grew over a two-weekholiday,” said Liz from Windsorafter her two boys had a fantastictime in Portugal wearing Jakabelfloatsuits!

For swimming games/toys oraccessories, look no further as thereis fun for all the family too! Fromwater bouncing balls to water

blasters they have it all, withloads of exciting toys tochoose from. Forfun and safetyin the sun we

highly recommendJakabel thissummer!Whether you are planning a holiday abroad or

are just going to the seaside for the weekend,you will need to give your kids some protectionfrom the sun this summer.

Sun, Fun andSafety from Jakabel

SPLASH TIME

To find out more, visit

www.jakabel.comTelephone: 0208 7152385

Mobile: 07957 541406or email: [email protected].

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:19 Page 19

Self-esteem is the feeling thatchildren have when they believein their abilities and talents, andwhen they feel loved, valuedand accepted by other people.Self-esteem is extremelyimportant to the happiness andwellbeing of children. It givesthem the power to believe inthemselves, the confidence tomake new friends and theemotional strength to deal withstress and frustration. Whentheir self-esteem is high, theywill learn and do more.

The development of self-esteem begins atbirth. It is strongly influenced by a nurturingattachment to a sensitive and responsiveparent. When babies feel loved and wanted,they are more able to face the challenges ofthe world when they become toddlers.

Positive relationships with siblings, friends,caregivers and teachers can help childrenform a healthy self-image. However, parentsplay the major role in the development ofself-esteem. If children feel good aboutthemselves, and how their parents perceivethem, their self-esteem will shine.

Helping your child to develop strong self-esteem is one of the most importantthings that you can do as a parent.Here's how you can help:

1 Talk to your child, askquestions, make eyecontact and use plenty ofbody language and touch.

2 Spend quality time withyour child. A few minutesof undivided attentionevery now and then willmake your child feelspecial.

3 Encourage, admire andvalue your child’s interestsand opinions, even if theydiffer from yours.

4 Don’t expect your child to excel atthings just because you did. This canbe a tough call if your expectations arehigh.

5 Recognise and appreciate your child’stalents and build on them. This willboost your child’s self-esteem andcarry over into other endeavours.

6 Be generous with praise when yourchild does something well or attemptsto succeed. This could be anythingfrom getting dressed in the morning,to playing sports or telling a story.

7 Involve your child in household choresand responsibilities. This will help yourchild feel valued and important.

8 Frame your child’s artwork, badgesand trophies. Seeing them on displaywill give your child a lift when theirself-esteem falters.

9 Avoid making comparisons with otherchildren. Your child is unique and willdevelop at his or her own pace.

10 Avoid criticism that takes the formof ridicule or shame. Help yourchild make light of things that donot work out as planned.

11 Keep a close eye on your child’sfriends. If your child feelsintimidated or bullied, this canshake confidence and lower self-worth.

12 Ensure that your home is child-friendly and welcoming. Seeingyour child happy will be well worththe effort of tidying up the mess atthe end of the day.

Even if you become short on patience andencouragement at times, a predominantpattern of nurturing and caring is whatreally counts. However, if you areexperiencing problems that affect yourability to parent effectively, get help from aprofessional. It can help to talk to someonewho can offer support and encouragementto both you and your child.

Dr. Lin Day PhD Dip. Ed. BSc. PGCE. M. Philo.uk

www.babysensory.com

Raising Children’s Self-esteemby Dr. Lin Day, Founder of Baby Sensory

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INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS

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INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS

myfamily

Established since 1997, Ladybird DayNursery provides a friendly stimulatingand safe environment where childrenenjoy challenging activities that stretchtheir imaginations and help develop arange of new skills.

Registered with Ofsted Early Years – allstaff hold appropriate childcarequalifications.

The nursery also benefits from a large,secure garden and CCTV.

Situated next to Edgbaston countycricket ground, opposite Cannon HillPark, Ladybird Day Nursery offersflexible childcare for up to 29children from 0-8 years of age –including school holidays andteacher training days.

Open Monday - Friday, 7.00am until 6.30pm (excluding bank holidays)

Telephone: 0121 440 5706

www.theladybirdnursery.co.uk

3

Your child's first day at a newschool, nursery or playgroup is abig step, but there are things thatyou can do to prepare them. It isimportant not to dismiss yourchild's fears – things that seemobvious or silly to an adult, canseem daunting to a pre-schooler.

Overcoming First Day FearsYour child may be anxious about what toexpect on the first day at school. If so, one wayof helping them is to talk through their fears:

l explain where they'll be going, what they'llbe doing and for how long

l answer questions and reduce their fears byasking what they think the school might belike

l emphasise the things they may enjoy doing

l tell them who will be there to meet them atthe end of the day

If your child has a good idea of what school isgoing to be like and have already experiencedlearning activities at home and in othersettings, they're less likely to find theexperience stressful.

l playing games, role-playing and reading athome can help

l read books together about starting school

l use your child's favourite toys to role-playgoing to school

l encourage structured activities like paintingand drawing, which involve sitting downfor short periods of time

In the weeks before, visit the school with yourchild so they become familiar with the buildingand surroundings – most schools havearrangements to support your child's transitioninto school. Give a sense of control to yourchild by letting them choose things they needfor school like pens, school bags or uniforms.

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:21 Page 22

Is your child aged 5-14?

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What is Explore Learning?

Why choose Explore for your child?Courses mapped to the National Curriculum.Adapts to the individual needs of your child.Ofsted registered so you can use Childcare Vouchers

to pay for membership.Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week.An environment that children enjoy learning in.

Explore Learning provides tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. Children become members and attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis.

At Explore Learning, our tutors get to know each child

make academic progress and enjoy learning.

To book a trial with your nearest centre call 01483 447410

or visitwww.explorelearning.co.uk

Over 90 nationwide!

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:21 Page 23

MINI MUNCHERS

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Picnics are a great Britishtradition and a good way foryou and your family to eat ahealthy meal together.When stocking up for your picnic, start withfoods that contain carbohydrates (carbs), asthese are an important source of energy. Thisincludes breads, pasta and potatoes. –wholegrain or wholemeal varieties wherepossible.

Next, think about including protein, which isnot only filling but helps to promote growthand repair in our bodies. Protein can comefrom lean meat in sandwiches, such asturkey or chicken breast, as well as frombeans and pulses in salads.

A picnic is a great chance for the wholefamily to hit their 5 A DAY fruit and vegtarget.

Try a multicoloured salad with peppers,tomato, cucumber, carrot and lettuce.

Swap sugary and high-calorie treats, such aschocolate and cakes, for a fruit salad. Also,why not pack a piece of fruit for eachmember of the family to eat while on themove?

Don't forget to include plenty to drink.Avoid sugary fizzy drinks and opt for wateror 100% fruit juice without added sugar –this also counts towards your 5 A DAY, but itonly counts as one portion no matter howmuch you drink. Fruit juice can be high insugar, so look out for the ones withoutadded sugar.

Plan thePerfect Picnic

Baby Led Weaning Step by Step has beenwritten by Kent based registered Nutritionistand mother of two, Julie Clark.

Her eminently practical handbook is enhancedby the inclusion of a diary, with photographs,documenting the progress of her owndaughter Rosie learning to self-feed onhealthy, nutritious home cooked food.

In her book Julie also offers advice on how tocope on holiday with weaning and teething, aswell as describing what her own mother andmother-in-law think about weaning the BabyLed way.

Julie joins Baby-Led Weaning experts, GillRapley and Tracey Murkett in publishing abook around the principles of BLW andadmires the work that Rapley and Murketthave done in helping parents around the worldlearn how to best apply the process to theirfamilies.

‘Baby Led Weaning Step by Step’ (£10.99RRP) is available to buy online from Amazonand in all good book shops

For further information visit

www.springnutrition.co.uk

A new Baby-Led Weaning bookfor the parenting market has hitthe shelves, offering, for the firsttime, a month-on-monthhandbook taking the uncertaintyout of weaning.

Introducing thenew Baby-LedWeaning bibleMeet Busy Peas, a brand that

revolves around an adorablerange of clothing, toys and booksfor babies, toddlers and infants.

The roots of this business lie in the garden –bringing fun fashion and education together,Busy Peas designs introduce children to fruitand vegetables at an early age, encouragingthem to read and learn to grow their specialfavourites!

The Busy Peas product ranges introduces littleones to healthy food options with five cute fruitand vegetable characters – Peat Pea, TomTomato, Carry Carrot, StewartStrawberry and Gene Aubergine.

Playpod presents the adorable fruit andvegetable characters as a range of entertainingand educational books and toys. Each toddlertoy has a cheeky personality, while the toddlerbooks involve the child in the adventures oftheir favourite Busy Peas character.

BabyPod is a vibrant range of clothing forbabies from newborn to 18 months, whichincludes colourful all-in-one baby grows,sleepsuits, bodysuits, comfy daywear, bibs, hatsand booties, all made in the softest cotton.

Children will love the Busy Peas LuxuryCollection containing an all-in-one withmatching accessories, toy and a delightful story– it is sure to make the perfect gift for everylittle boy and girl!

All products are available to purchase on line at

www.busypeas.co.uk

INTRODUCING

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:21 Page 24

Pick up fossils by the sea in Dorset,look out over the cliff-tops on theSouth West Coastal Path, or strollalong the tranquil beaches of theNorth Norfolk Coast. If you’refeeling adventurous, try somesailing or rock-climbing, or justrelax with a picnic in the dunes ofCamber Sands . . .

North Norfolk Coast, England Mile upon mile of sandy beaches extend alongthe North Norfolk coast. Once a hotbed ofsmuggling, you’ll discover plenty of romantictales and secluded coves here.

The coast is dotted with Victorian towns, cosyseaside villages, nature reserves and there’seven a steam railway. This is the place to cometo experience the 19th-century elegance ofBritain’s original beach resort towns.

Treat yourself to freshly caught crab onCromer’s Victorian pier, see the famous stripedcliffs of Hunstanton, then visit Wells-next-the-Sea, part of the largest nature reserve inEngland and Wales.

Explore the whitewashed villages of the LizardPeninsula, marvel at the natural rock formationof Durdle Door in Dorset, or treat yourself tosome seaside fun in buzzing coastal cities likePlymouth and Bournemouth.

Camber Sands, East Sussex, EnglandGrab that bucket and spade: Camber Sands, onthe Sussex coast, is just the place to build a sandcastle and play in the sea. Its glorious vista ofgolden sand stretches on for miles – in factthere’s so much of it that Camber Sands hasactually been used for desert scenes in anumber of films.

Kids will love playing on the sand dunes here,you can fly kites, enjoy a relaxing stroll, or gowindsurfing if you fancy getting wet. Then youcan stop by the nearby village of Camber fordinner, or have a barbecue on the dunes – (justbe sure to get permission from Rother Councilfirst).

Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, EnglandOne of the most atmospheric places in Britain,it’s hard to imagine a more romantic spot thanTintagel. High above the crashing waves on aNorth Cornwall cliff top, this ruined medievalcastle is said to be the birthplace of thelegendary King Arthur himself.

Visit Merlin’s Cave nearby, take in thespectacular views over the sea and enjoy walksalong this dramatic stretch of coast.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, WalesRunning for 186 miles, the PembrokeshireCoast Path takes you through a rich assortmentof different landscapes along Wales’ west coast,from limestone cliffs to red sandstone bays andlush, glacial valleys.

It’s a walker’s paradise, but you don’t have towalk the full length of it. There’s a Coastal BusService that will shuttle you betweenpicturesque little towns and villages where youcan stop and explore, or settle down for somelunch.

The Isles of ScotlandSome of Britain’s most magnificent coastlinesare to be found on the Isles of Scotland. Thelandscapes vary enormously: Jura, famous forits whisky, is wild and mountainous, while onGigha you’ll find the lush Achamore Gardensand white sandy beaches. Try a spot of islandhopping, and see what you discover.

www.visitbritain.com

Discover Britain’s gorgeous coastlines The Gower, WalesThe Gower Peninsula was the first location tobe designated an Area of Outstanding NaturalBeauty in the UK. It doesn’t take long to seewhy: unspoiled beaches that stretch for miles,dramatic limestone cliffs and lush greenmeadows make this a breathtakingly beautifulregion. Be sure to explore the town ofMumbles, famous for its small independentshops and cafes.

South West Coast Path, Dorset-Cornwall-Devon, EnglandStretching for 630 miles, the South West CoastPath takes in some of Britain’s most magnificentcoastlines. It extends all the way from Dorsetdown and around the tip of Cornwall, and backup to the golden beaches of the North DevonCoast, and the lush green expanse of Exmoorjust south of the sea.

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AWAY WITH THE KIDS

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A warm welcome awaits you at Fox Valley Cottages,located in the beautiful countryside of south eastCornwall. The sweet little cluster of 11 self-cateringcottages and apartments offers the perfect base forfamilies to explore this wonderful part of the world.

Kids can let off steam at theoutdoor play area where they arefree to run around, kick a ball orplay cricket – there is a trampolineand a Jungle Jim with swings and aslide. Little ones will love FoxValley’s furry residents, Dec theguinea pig and Tufty & Chestnutthe rabbits, plus a number ofchicken and ducks, who arelooking forward to meeting themtoo!

A Child Friendly Holiday

in Cornwall

The properties on the complexcater for 2 – 6 guests and arecomfortably furnished and wellequipped. Out in the garden thereis a terrace furnished with sunloungers, plenty of gardenfurniture and a barbeque for thoseevenings when you fancy cookingalfresco.

If you fancy a splash about withthe kids, pop on down to the poolroom to take a swim or simplyenjoy relaxing in the Sauna andSpa. In the Games room you willfind a Pool Table, Table Tennis andTable Football plus an area to keepyounger children entertained.

For further information visit www.foxvalleycottages.co.uk [email protected] or telephone: 01726 870115

Things to seeand do . . .

You are never far away from thewater in South East Cornwall,there are boat trips to suiteverybody, from a ferry ride crossthe Looe River to cruises up theRiver Tamar and many of thecoastal villages offer fishing trips.

Cornwall’s Gardens are knownaround the world for the diversecollections of plants. The EdenProject may be the most wellknown, but places like Heligan,Trevarno, Trebah and MtEdgcumbe should not be missed,especially in the spring whenrhododendrons, camellias andazaleas burst into flower.

AWAY WITH THE KIDS

For more information visitwww.fenfarm.co.uk or telephone 01206 383275

Situated just off the Essex coastline, around 10 milesfrom Colchester, you will find the unique and largelyundiscovered holiday haven, Mersea Island.

David Bellamy Gold ConservationAward, Fen Farm is a populardestination for those wanting aneco-retreat.

A great place to escape thedistractions of everyday life, thesites proximity to the Essexmarshes provides a unique andtranquil atmosphere. At Fen Farmkids can enjoy themselves withouthaving to switch anything on orboot up! There are play areas withswings, seesaws and climbingframes, plus plenty of wide-openspace to explore.

Eco Friendly Camping on

Mersea Island

One of Britain’s best-kept secrets,this tiny island is just five miles bytwo miles and has twelve miles ofcoastline.

Located in a peaceful, rural setting,in the southeast of the island youwill find Fen Farm Caravan andCamping Site. This small yet well-appointed campsite offers itsguests a warm and friendlywelcome. Owned by The Lordfamily since 1918, the site catersfor tents, trailer tents, touringcaravans and motor homes of anysize and boasts award winningloos, a laundry and shower blockwith solar powered water heating.Recognised for the work done toprotect the environment in andaround the campsite with the

Things to seeand do . . .

Fen Farm Camping and CaravanSite is within walking distance of awonderful south facing beach. InWest Mersea you will find shops,cafes, a museum and restaurants,many of which sell the famous

Mersea Native oysters. Take to thewater for a spot of sailing,windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing ortry crabbing – you haven't been toMersea properly until you havebeen crabbing in the creek!!

Cudmore Grove Country Park isvery close by and the renownedFingringhoe Wick nature reserve isjust 6 miles away. AbbertonReservoir with its abundance ofwater birds is also well worth the10 minute drive.

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AWAY WITH THE KIDS

Set in 230 acres of open farmland on the border ofNorth Yorkshire and the Tees Valley, Blackthorn GateLuxury Lodges are the perfect destination for couplesand families who are looking actively reduce theirimpact on the environment, without compromising ontheir holiday enjoyment.

You don’t have to travel far toenjoy the rugged beauty of thearea – there are five wildlife pondsand all lodges have fabulous viewsof Roseberry Topping. Enjoyexclusive fishing access to thefarm’s three fully stocked ponds ortake a wander around the farmlooking out for wildlife, then relaxin your private sauna, play pool ortable tennis in the games room orjust unwind on your veranda witha drink and a bite to eat.

An eco-friendly break at

Blackthorn Gate

The eco-friendly pine lodges offerexcellent self-cateringaccommodation with fully fittedkitchen, a comfortable living roomwith a dining area, masterbedroom with en-suite showerroom, second bedroom, separatebathroom and a sauna. Two storeylodges ‘Skylark’ and ‘Lapwing’sleep five people, and have a largewet room shower area suitable forwheelchair users – single storey‘Curlew’ and ‘Chaffinch’ sleep upto four people.

For more information visit www.blackthorngate.co.uk

Things to seeand do . . .

Delve into the rich history of thearea’s stately homes and gardensor explore 500 square miles ofstunning heather moorland,woodland, dales and coastline theNorth Yorkshire Moors NationalPark has to offer.

Experience the thrill of a full sizesteam locomotive, or the power ofa diesel engine on a nostalgicjourney through spectacularcountryside on the North YorkshireMoors Railway. You can even fit insome retail therapy – shopping inYork or The Metro Centre is lessthan an hour away.

Protect the environment and choosesustainable, energy saving trip options inBritain that will offset your carbon footprint.

Sleeping under the stars is one of thegreenest choices available and Britainis peppered with good-qualitycampsites, many of which havetaken steps to become even moreecofriendly. Want to stay undercanvas but still have home comforts?Then choose ‘glamping’ or go onestep further and renounce modern-day gadgets during your holiday. EcoRetreats in central Wales providesyurts, private bathroom facilities –but absolutely no electricity or wi-fi.Instead, guests can appreciate thenature of the surrounding Dyfi

Forest, and the 1,300-acre organic farm on which the site lies.Complementing the stunning scenery is holistic therapy offered at theretreat– including twilight meditation. www.ecoretreats.co.uk

Conservation vacationsSafeguard the future of the planet, meet new people and learnsomething new on a conservation holiday in Britain. The NationalTrust, for example, offers working holidays to travellers from the EU,where participants get to preserve the environment and Britishheritage. The holidays range from cleaning the spectacular beachesaround the coastline to learning how to handle historic collections,archive material or put a historic house to bed at the end of theseason, through to learning traditional skills such as hedge-laying,coppicing woodland, developing green wood work skills or makingcider.

Getting AroundKeep your carbon footprint to the minimum and leave the car behind,exploring Britain’s beautiful countryside, cities and towns by train, busor bike! By using a BritRail GB, Scotland or London Pass you can takeunlimited train travel, save money and save the environment

Cycling enthusiasts can easily explore their destination on two wheels;check out the National Cycle Network that covers 14,000 miles acrossthe UK. www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/national-cycle-network

For more information visit www.visitbritain.com

Ecofriendly Holidays

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:21 Page 27

As My Family Magazine’sofficial media partner for legaltopics, we aim to provide youwith guidance as to yourrights and your obligationsunder various laws.

In this edition we meet Nikki Lynch andWendy Armstrong, both members within ourspecialist family law team. If your question isnot listed, don’t worry, simply contact us andwe will be happy to advise you.

Do I need my ex-partnerspermission to take our childrenon holiday?If you and your partner are separated, then insome circumstances you will need theagreement of your ex-partner to take yourchildren on holiday ‘outside of the jurisdiction’.The jurisdiction means England & Wales andtherefore if you wish to travel to Scotland,Ireland or anywhere abroad, then the followingrule applies.

If both parents have parental responsibility andthere are no court orders in place regarding thechildren then neither parent can take a child onholiday outside England & Wales without thewritten consent of the other parent.

What information should I givemy ex-partner?

We would suggest that you provide them withdetails of the dates of your holiday, where youare going, where you will be staying and yourtravel arrangements. Try and give your ex-partner as much notice as possible and obtaintheir consent before you book your holiday.

What if my ex-partner does notconsent?In the absence of consent, it is possible for anapplication to be submitted to the Court for anorder under the Children Act. This is known as aspecific issue order and the application wouldneed to include details of the intended trip, whyit is necessary or in the best interests of thechildren and what steps you have taken toobtain the other parents consent.

What if there is a ResidenceOrder in place in relation to thechild?Where a Court Order is in place, which givesone parent residence of the child, then thatparent can take the child on holiday abroad forup to 28 days without the consent of any otherperson with parental responsibility. Even if youhave a residence order, it is still a good idea togive the other parent plenty of notice of yourholiday, particularly if it will mean them missingtheir usual contact with the children and try andagree arrangements to allow them contacteither side of the holiday.

What about getting passports formy children?If you have parental responsibility for thechildren, then you can give permission for thepassport and sign the passport application form.We would suggest that you take advice from alawyer as to whether you have parentalresponsibility for your children, but in briefmothers automatically have parentalresponsibility and fathers will have parentalresponsibility if they were married to themother, or if the child was born after 1stDecember 2003 and they are named on thebirth certificate. Although one parent can applyfor a passport for their child, it is always a goodidea to let the other parent know that you aremaking the application and reach an agreementas to who will look after the passports.

Do I need a lawyer?If you can discuss the arrangements with yourex-partner and obtain their consent, then thereshould be no need to get lawyers involved.However, if you want to know more about thelaw or if your ex-partner won’t provide theirconsent, then please contact Bakerlaw for aFREE initial appointment, so we can provide youwith detailed legal advice.

If you require further advice pleasecontact BakerLaw on 01252 733 770 fora free initial consultation.

Please note: The information provided in thisguide is correct at the time of publication andby necessity, brief. It should not be deemed, byany reader, as full legal advice and should notbe relied upon.

Wendy ArmstrongNikki Lynch

My Family and the Law:

Taking your childon holiday abroad

FAMILY WELLBEING

28 myfamily

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:21 Page 28

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30 myfamily

Create a nursery space that’ssafe, comfortable and equallyas stylish with the delightfulcollection of furniture andbaby accessories from onlinechildren’s boutique,Nubie.co.uk.

Sourced from around the world, thecool and contemporary range featuresan array of modern essentials fromnursing chairs and changing tables tocots and design-savvy homewares tosuit any mother’s style.

Choose key furniture pieces from design-led brand Oeuf of New York that include achic mix of minimalist changing table anddresser combos as well as sleekScandinavian style cribs, skillfully craftedusing sustainable wood and non-toxicfinishes. Sleek yet practical, the inspiringfurniture range is beautifullycomplemented by a gorgeous selection ofbaby accessories and uber-cool beddingdesigns that range from bold robot printsto geometrics in muted pastel hues.

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A one-stop shop for all thingsmodern for little ones, Nubie holdsa passion for providing parents withan eclectic collection of high qualityproducts that perfectly complementtoday’s up-to-date interior style.Brimming with a treasure trove ofsuper chic designs from leadingchildren’s designers, styles rangefrom cribs and cots, toddler beds, todécor accessories and outdoor buys.

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Happy HopperzChildren are sure to love these inflatableanimal space hoppers by Happy Hopperz!And the great news is – they’ve justintroduced a new XL version suitable forolder children too. Happy Hopperz are alot of fun, and make great seats for kidstoo! RRP £44.99. Available from:

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The Little GreenSheep’s Natural TwistMattress Sleep is so important in the early years, agood mattress really is worth investing in.The Little Green Sheep’s 100% naturalTwist mattress has one firm flat side forbabies, and then flips over to providetoddlers and children with the supplespringy support they need. Not only is itvery clever it’s an investment too! From£145.

www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

My Lovely LittleJewellery Box With this gorgeous craft kit from Seedlinglittle ones can create their very own placeto store your little treasures and trinkets!Encouraging creativity and imaginationthis is a fun gift ideal for every little girlsroom. This Seedling Kit contains: FabricJewellery Box, Jewellery Tray, Fabric Paint,Glitter Glue, Rhinestones & InstructionsRecommended for Ages 5+ years. RRP£40.00 from

www.kindtoys.co.uk

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:21 Page 30

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SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY

Henshaws College providesprogrammes of learning andsupport for students aged 16 to 25with a wide range of disabilities.Our education, care and therapyteams specialise in working withstudents with sensoryimpairments, autistic spectrumconditions, physical disabilities,moderate to severe learningdifficulties and healthcare needs.

Specialist Learning & SupportStudents follow an individual studyprogramme designed around their needs.Programmes include compulsory modules plusa range of flexible modules to develop theirindependence, employability, communicationand health and wellbeing.

Technology and innovationHenshaws College is an award winning Centrefor IT, recognised by Ofsted and Natspec (theAssociation of National Specialist Colleges) forour outstanding work with assistivetechnologies. Our sector-leading team areactively developing innovative resources tosupport our students and others across thecountry.

ACCESS: Technology is a collection of freeresources which we’ve created to allowlearners with disabilities and learningdifficulties independent, safe use ofmainstream technologies. This suite of webapplications includes an image and videosearch, independent feedback tool, text-to-speech player and access to personal emailaccounts.

Our students are now using the site to givethem greater choice and control over their

leisure time. You can try these resources out atwww.accesstechnology.org.uk.

Visit UsWe’re always happy to welcome families tovisit and see what life is really like atHenshaws. You can either book onto one ofour regular Open Days, or contact us toarrange a visit at a time that suits you.

Call 01423 886451or email [email protected]

www.henshaws.ac.uk

Personalised learning and support at Henshaws College

Henshaws College provides programmes of learning and support for young people with a widerange of disabilities and additional support needs. Our specialist staff and facilities will helpyour child to develop skills and independence to prepare for their future.

l Study programmes focus on independence, employability & personal developmentl Nationally recognised excellence in IT and Assistive Technologyl Education, Care and Therapies work together to support learnersl First class Residential, Sports and Media facilitiesl Day and residential placements available

“Our son is growing up,becoming much more

confident and independentwhen he comes home.”

Parent

For more information call 01423 886451or email [email protected]

www.henshaws.ac.uk

Registered charity no. 221888

My Family 19b 14/7/14 23:12 Page 31

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SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY

We alsosupply micro multipowered units which work off battery, mainsor car charger for independent travellers andprofessionals that need to carry supplymedication.

We aim to have a product to suit yourrequirements and purse.

Please look at our comprehensive website

www.coolicebox.comfor further information or email us at

[email protected] requesting a call backat a time to suit you and we will happily talk

you through our products.

The Cool Ice Box Companyspecializes in Medical Travel Casesand coolers which hold thetemperature between 2–8 degrees,length of time from 5 to 48 hourswith no power depending on themodel you chose.

From our Small Nomad Travel Case whichis ideal for carrying insulin pens to our NomadMedium Travel Case suitable for Eye drops,Humira and Insulin to our Nomad RigidTravel Case for longer periods of cooling tothe popular 8L Medical Cooler suitable forcarrying bigger quantities of medication – thishas an internal probe and external temperaturedisplay as has the 18L and the larger 28LNomad Medical Cooler or trolley coolers forcarrying volumes of medication, vaccines andsamples at stable temperature.

You can now travelanywhere with

your medication!

Charity launches new guide to helpparents navigate the changes tospecial educational needs provisionFAMILIES who supportchildren with specialeducational needs willwelcome Dyslexia Action’snew easy-to-read guide.The charity’s online document ‘Howto…Navigate the changes in Special EducationalNeeds and Disability (SEND) provision’ has beenproduced to help parents and carers understandthe changes that are expected to be introducedfrom September 2014.

The current draft ‘SEN and Disability Code ofPractice: 0-25 years’ highlights the newrequirements that schools and colleges will havea duty to follow and what this means forchildren with special educational needs andthose with disabilities. The Code relates to theChildren and Families Act (2014) and isexpected to be passed by both houses ofparliament this month, to become law.

Dyslexia Action’s new Special Educational Needsand Disability Guide talks of the expectedchanges, which include:

l Improved co-operation between councilsand health services

l New Education, Health and Care (EHC)Plans for 0 to 25-year-olds

l A Local Offer that will need to be publishedby each local authority, showing the supportavailable to all children and young peoplewith special educational needs anddisabilities in the area.

A helpful tick sheet is included in the Guide onwhat to expect from a Local Offer and whatparents could expect to see from a school whichoffers ‘good quality’ provision in dyslexia.

Also helpfully explained is the criteria for when achild or young person with Specific LearningDifficulties, including dyslexia, may be eligiblefor an Education, Health and Care Plan: ‘If yourchild has a substantial and long-termimpairment which has an adverse effect on theirability to learn then they are entitled to anEducation, Health and Care Plan under theEquality Act 2010’.

Any existing Special Educational NeedsStatement is likely to be replaced with a Plan atyour child's next transitional point – forexample: when moving from Key Stage 1 to KeyStage 2 or from primary to secondary.

Other useful contact details for organisationsthat can offer helpful advice and/or support forparents and carers of children with SpecificLearning Difficulties can also be found in theGuide.

Dyslexia Action parents, whose children havebeen supported by its specialist teachers, arealready welcoming the information. David Neal,from Bristol, likened the new guide to ‘golddust’.

Dyslexia Action is a national charity that hasbeen taking action to change the lives of thosewith dyslexia and literacy difficulties for over 40years. To access the guide visit:

www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:24 Page 32

Travel Safely withCrelling HarnessesIf you have a disability or are travelling with aloved one with special needs, we’re sure you’llagree that it is important to have equipmentthat makes the journey and your holiday asenjoyable, safe and comfortable as possible.

Crelling Harnesses is afriendly family basedcompany offering a fullrange of seatbelts andharnesses for childrenand adults with specialneeds. All of Crelling’sbelts and harnesses aredesigned to providepostural support or inthe case of learningdifficulties andchallenging behaviour acertain degree ofrestraint.

Knowing that there are some purchases in life that you don’t makelightly and to ensure your full peace of mind, Crelling Harnesses are OFTApproved and carry the CE marking. They are a member of The British

Healthcare TradesAssociation, as well asbeing an approvedsupplier of Britaxproducts.

Crelling are happy toadvise and help youchoose the correctproduct for your needs.They offer extensiverange of products fromsimple belts to fullharnesses for use on allaspects of specialneeds equipmentincluding vehicle seats,aircraft seats,wheelchairs, stairliftsand bathing & shower

seats. They also make a range of walking reins designed to help andcontrol children and adults with challenging behaviour or learningdifficulties when out walking.

For more informationTelephone 01253 852298, email [email protected] or visit

www.crelling.com

33myfamily

SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY

MD8L Nomad MedicalCooler: one of our mostpopular Medical TravelCoolers for people that haveto carry a quantity of medication.

TCM: Hard backed medium sized zip uppersonal insulin pen pack carrier

TCSDUO: Hard backed zip up personal insulin pen pack carrier

TCDUO - JKY-A: super little multi powered medical cooler.

These products keep medication between 2-8 degrees Cwhen you are out and about and travelling.

For more details see www.coolicebox.com

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Bibble Plus+ Bandana Bibs are the functional and stylish solution for olderchildren, teenagers and adults who have difficulties with drooling and dribbling.

Bibble Plus+ are available in 3 sizes and come in a range of colours and designsto suit every taste and enhance any outfit.

Receive 10% off your 1st order. Enter code: FAMILY10 at the checkout to receive your discount

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:24 Page 33

Produced by the team at autism charity AnnaKennedy Online and Pineapple PerformingArts School, Autism’s Got Talent showcases theamazing talents of performers on the spectrum.A refreshing change from other talent shows,Autism’s Got Talent is not a competition andeveryone comes away a winner!

There were outstanding vocal performances byJordan Statham and Oscar Bell, LucyClapham, Alice Jordan and Leo Williams,Megan Landry, Joseph Ferris and RyanWiggins. Returning act Callum Abbiss gotthe crowd going and raised the roof with acover of The Killers – Mr Brightside and littlepowerhouse Emma Lowry – belted out acover of Clown by Emeli Sande.

Street dances from Hillingdon Manor School’sAWA Crew and Radlett School’s Apollo,busted a move or two, and dancers fromPineapple Performing Arts School’stribute to Michael Jackson was amazing. And,not to be outdone by the other performances,super bendy gymnast Caitlin Churcher,wowed us with an energetic gymnasticperformance.

But Autism’s Got Talent isn’t just about singingand dancing! Anna Kennedy Online’s patronJo Redman, gave an emotional and braveaccount of life with autism – the good and thebad – and how it helped her to take thekickboxing World Champion title three times!

An extract from The Trip – the story of ateacher, who takes a class of autistic teenagerson an ill-fated day trip to London, which isproduced and performed by a group fromWest London Community College – hadus in fits of giggles.

Joshua Beckford, an exceptional 8 year oldboy with Aspergers Syndrome who wants to bea neuro-surgeon specialising in Genetics whenhe’s old enough; showed us the magicalworkings of the human body with aninformative and sometimes comical powerpoint presentation.

Autism Campaigner Anna Kennedy took tothe stage with dance partner Michael JohnFrench and Tap for Fun in a breathtaking tapperformance to Bang Bang, before leading allthe evenings performers on stage for thefinale.

Way too soon, the show was over!

Autism’s Got Talent is a ground-breakingproduction that has now firmly placed itself asMy Family Magazine’s MUST SEE show of theyear. We were treated to performances by actsfrom around the world – and oh boy, they keepus entertained!

If you missed it check out the highlights onYouTube:www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxGevHbLiK0

With Autism’s Got Talent 2015 already beingplanned, Anna Kennedy is urging performers toget involved. [email protected] to find outhow you or someone you know can be part ofnext year’s show.

Autism’s GOT TALENT!by My Family Editor, Karen Reddell

A great night was had by all at thisyears Autism’s Got Talent, ascelebrity presenters David andCarrie Grant, Britain’s Got Talent’sventriloquist Steve Hewlett, DrPam Spurr, The Voice finalistJordan Lee Davies, TheApprentice candidate Jason Leechand Pineapple’s Debbie MooreOBE joined organiser AnnaKennedy OBE to present a uniquecelebration of people with autism.

Artist, Jake Chodosh was joined on stage byElton John, David Bowie, Nelson Mandela andmany more stars portrayed in works of artcreated by Jake; whose autism makes hisartistic interpretations just that little bit moreinteresting.

Raising the tempo for the eveningpercussionists, Bernadetta Ticchi andGianni Maestrucci, and soloist AlfieAnderson demonstrated their impressivedrumming – while clarinettist MatthewScott, soothed us with a classical piece ofmusic.

34 myfamily

POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM

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POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM

Autism Anglia is an independentcharity which provides vital careand support to children, adultsand families affected by autismin Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk andCambridgeshire.

Autism Care and Supportprovided by Autism Anglia

“Without your service I am sure that myfamily wouldn’t be a whole unit anymore. Just keep going as you are – you alldo a wonderful job”

Offering a range of services from a specialistResidential School for 3-19 years through toAdult Services; the autism specific environmentscreated by Autism Anglia are all tailored to meetthe individual needs of the people they support.

“I feel so lucky that my son is at a schoolthat try with all their might to help him, ifone thing doesn’t work you try another –he has made amazing progress over theyear” says a mother praising the staff atDoucecroft School.

Further to this, Autism Anglia run a FamilySupport service which offers advice andguidance to families and individuals affected byautism plus awareness training to professionals.They also produce the highly effective AutismAlert Card, in conjunction with the local Police,which is an invaluable tool when it comes toexplaining about autism to the emergencyservices and members of the public.

Autism Anglia has helped thousands of children,adults and families to deal with the news of anautism diagnosis, and has helped them todiscover methods of support and the tools tohelp them enjoy and live life to the full.

To discover a wealth of informationfrom Autism Anglia visit

www.autism-anglia.org.ukor call 01206 577678.

No Greatness Without Goodness is the inspiringstory of how Randy Lewis, as Senior Vice Presidentof Walgreens in the US, changed the lives ofthousands of people with disabilities, not only inAmerica, but here in the UK as well.

After watching the world through the eyes of his own autistic child,Austin, Randy was determined to use his position and influence as acorporate executive of Walgreens in the US to create a workplacewhere people with disabilities could not just succeed, but thrive. Whatfollowed was years of campaigning togarner company support to make theinitiative successful.

The result was two productivityleading distribution centres employing35% people with disabilities. Theinitiative is now being rolled outnationwide in Walgreens retail storesacross America and is changing thelives of thousands. The Walgreenssuccess serves as a model for otheremployers in the U.S. and abroadincluding P&G, Marks & Spencer andBoots.

Stockist: www.eden.co.uk

How a Father’s LoveSparked a Movement

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:24 Page 35

After the huge success ofWear It For Autism in 2013Anna Kennedy Online wereinundated with requests todo it all again! We are happyto announce that the date isset for Monday 6th October2014 – make sure it’s inyour diary!

Wear It For Autism ispampering mums, dads, childrenand carers – who either haveautism themselves or care forthose living with thecondition. Our judgesSteven Smith, AngelSinclair, Dr Pam Spurr,Maggie Paterson, SamTomlin and Fiona Shepherdhave now selected theirwinners from each category.

Many tears were shed through this process sincemany of the nominations were heart wrenchingand inspirational. Winners will be announcedvery soon on our website:www.annakennedy.com

Fashion Stylist Lewis Duncan Weedon haskindly agreed to style our winners with clothingfrom the Wish Want Wear Designer ClothingCollection. To celebrate and thank them foreverything that they do, they will be treated to atop-to-toe makeover before they take centre-

stage in the super-stylish fashion event at LeChinois Restaurant and Bar, London’sMillenium Hotel, Knightsbridge.

The woman behind the event AnnaKennedy OBE said “The idea behindWear It For Autism was to spoil those who

usually never get a chance to treat – oreven think of themselves. Living with

autism can be challenging and extremelydemanding so we wanted to create a special

event, which would be fun for all involved’’.

For a ticket order form or to find out howto become a sponsor email

[email protected]

Join us forWear It For Autism 2014

This year we are excited to be supported byPineapple Performing Arts School,Models of Diversity and celebrity presentersincluding Arlene Phillips CBE, KirkNorcross, Abz, Keith Mason, Dr PamSpurr, Amy Willerton, Steve King, JasonLeech and many more.

Tickets for the show are on sale now priced at£15 each with discount for group bookings – allticket holders will receive FREE goody bags!Sponsors for this year are Living Autism,Miglio Jewellery, Models of Diversity andWish Want Wear Designer ClothingCollection.

POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM

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My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:24 Page 36

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POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM

15th Birthday Celebration forHILLINGDON MANOR SCHOOL

Hillingdon Manor School firstopened its doors to 19 pupils inSeptember 1999 as a specialistprimary school for children with anautistic spectrum condition. Nowin its 15th year, it is the largestschool for children with autism, inthe UK & Europe – providingspecialist independent dayeducation for children between 3and a half, and 19 years of age.

About the school Hillingdon Manor School provides effective,specialist education and support to pupils withan autistic spectrum condition and theirfamilies, enabling pupils to achieve their fullpotential in education and life outside school.

Located over three sites in Uxbridge, YiewsleyGrange for primary and The Manor and TheLawns for secondary education; the schooloffers a unique mix of education and supportto pupils within a wide spectrum of needs andabilities. Personalised teaching and learningwithin an autistic specific environment allowspupils’ individual needs to be addressedcompletely and their capabilities fully realised.

Ofsted recently reported ‘The quality ofcurriculum is good, including provision for theEarly Years Foundation Stage, which leads togood outcomes’

Hillingdon Manor School is now part of theHillcrest family, an independently owned andrun social enterprise organisation catering forchildren with emotional and behaviouraldifficulties, plus residential care andcommunity support across the south ofEngland to adults with learning disabilities.

For more information about admissions, opendays and events, contact:

Hillingdon Manor School (Primary)Yiewsley Grange • High StreetYiewsley UB7 7QPTelephone: 01895 420315

Hillingdon Manor School (Secondary)The Manor and The Lawns • Harlington Road• Hillingdon UB8 3HDTelephone: 01895 813679

Or visit:www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk

Today, Hillingdon Manor School provides 150autistic children a safe, structured educationand a brighter future.

In October the school will be holding a 15thbirthday celebration including music, danceand birthday cake of course! The event will beattended by staff, pupils and their families plussome special friends including Sir John Randal,who has shown his support for the school for anumber of years.

Over the years there has been much tocelebrate with former pupils making thesuccessful transition in to college, includingAnna’s youngest son Angelo who now attendsWest London Community College.

The school was founded by autism campaignerAnna Kennedy OBE, who re-mortgaged herown house so she could set up a school forautistic children, after her two autistic sonswere turned away from mainstream education.

Anna says, ‘When I was told by the authoritiesthat Patrick (now 24) and Angelo (now 21)were the only children in our area with autism,I felt completely isolated and alone. It was onlywhen I bumped into another parent one dayand recognised the symptoms in her child, thatI realised I wasn’t alone. Together, we started asupport group in my home.’

The group grew rapidly and was soonattended by 275 families. When Angelo andPatrick were later turned away by 25mainstream schools, Anna resorted toconverting her garage into a classroom. Afterhearing about a local school that wasscheduled to be demolished, Anna and herhusband Sean put together a feasibility studyto show how it could be converted into aschool for autistic children – since there wassuch a need in the area.

Pupils from the school have showed everyonehow talented they are – performing atAutism’s Got Talent and appearing in aunique dance DVD for children with autismStep in the Right Direction which wasproduced by Anna Kennedy Online andPineapple Performing Arts School.

My Family 19b 14/7/14 13:24 Page 37

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POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM

At some point during ourchildhood, we learn that oncethe money in our piggy bankhas gone – it really has GONE!This is a lesson that ALLchildren go through but forsome children such as those onthe Autistic Spectrum there canbe some difficulties.Understanding where moneycomes from and the‘acceptance’ of things that can’tbe seen is just not that easy.

Wouldn’t it be great if learning to managemoney could be done in a way that is CLEAR andEASY to understand, that aids in saving throughthe use of targets and enables parents to overseefrom a distance, while letting the child feel fullyin control of their money? Well, guess what – weonly went and found a great company calledgoHenry who do JUST that!

Think of goHenry as an online family bankaccount that combines a goHenry cash card

Learning Financial Independence

with parental controls and web and mobile appsthat focus on earning, saving and spendingresponsibly. It’s been designed specifically forchildren and their parents. It’s incredibly easy touse, it’s visual, it’s safe and it’s empowering.

Anna Kennedy Online have partnered withgoHenry as we believe it is a great solution foryoung people with Autism and Asperger’s togain confidence and independence withmanaging their money under the guidance oftheir parents. For parents it helps to make yourlife a little easier by giving you the ability toeasily manage all your children’s moneyautomatically, all in one place.

Visit www.gohenry.co.uk/ako as they’reproviding AKO families with a great offer: sign-up and get £10 free pocket money plusgoHenry will donate £10 to AKO on behalf ofyour family.

Simply use the Promo Code ‘AKGH14’ tobenefit from this great offer.

Located in a leafy road, ten minuteswalk from Uxbridge town centre,The Old Vicarage is an eightbedroom residential home whichoffers assisted living specifically foradults with an autistic spectrumcondition or Asperger syndrome.

The Old Vicarage has a comfortable homelyfeel, with many of the rooms retaining theiroriginal features. Four communal rooms arelocated on the ground floor with modern leathercouches and the latest high-tech gadgets.

The Old Vicarage: SupportedCare building Independent Lives

Residents have access to a well-equipped,modern kitchen which encourages as muchindependence as is possible. Leading off thekitchen is a spacious dining room, which iscurrently used as a breakfast area.

The quality staff team, recognise resident’sneeds and understand their diagnosis, enablingthem to provide service users with an individualneeds led care package. Staff regularly accessand liaise with relevant healthcare professionalsand constantly review the service to provide thebest level of care.

Service users are supported to access andinvestigate new ideas, activities and experiences,whilst as independently as possible, areencouraged to increase their skill base in allareas of their life.

For more information about available vacanciesat The Old Vicarage visitwww.autismconsultants.org or telephone:01895 454710

A bright and airy conservatory looks out onto,and provides access to, a large enclosed garden,where residents can take a private moment ormake the most of the outdoor space. A socialhub, the large conservatory is also the diningarea in the summer months and the location forregular house meetings, attended by bothresidents and staff.

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Rachelle despaired of findingthe right school for her son untilshe discovered Baston House

Rachelle lives in Lewisham with her three children, the eldest ofwhom, Raeshaun, is twelve years old.

To learn more about Baston House visitwww.bastonhouseschool.org.uk

clear that this wasn’t happening,” she says.“When I was allowed to meet her I could seethat she didn’t have the specialist knowledge todeal with Raeshaun and he obviously wasn’tcoping well. Then he started taking time offschool, through illness or just because he didn’twant to go and it was only when I spoke to theparents of another child that I discovered he wasbeing bullied. That was enough for me.”

Fitting in at lastRachelle approached Baston House whichagreed to offer Raeshaun a place. “We went tovisit and loved the warm welcome and the factthat they understood exactly what we needed.”

Having completed a three-day trial period atBaston,Raeshaun pleaded to be allowed to gothere. “He liked it straightaway and felt that hefitted in,” says Rachelle. “The school wasbrilliant and managed the transfer very quicklyso there was minimal disruption, and for the firsttime in many months I felt able to relax.”

Small steps, big progressAlthough Raeshaun has only been at Baston fora few weeks, family and friends have noted amarked difference in him. “There has been adramatic change,” explains Rachelle. “He usedto go to school because he had to, now heactively enjoys it. He understands his lessonswhereas before he often shut himself off and heis taking a real interest in what he is learning. Athome he is much happier, sleeps better and ismore affectionate, so the move to Baston hashad a very positive effect on us all.”

Lifting the pressureRaeshaun has some catching up to do butRachelle is confident that with his new interestin his lessons and the gentle approach of histeachers, he will do well. “He is not put undertoo much pressure and they won’t push him toofar until they have assessed his capabilities andI’m happy with that. Now that he is morecomfortable in his school environment his self-esteem is increasing under a less intense systemand my stress levels have decreased, too!”

Sink or Swim?When choosing a school for a child there aremany things to take into account, but for aparent with a child on the autistic spectrum thedecisions can be much more difficult. Whilstsome children with the condition may flourish ina mainstream setting, others will struggle andsome may fall between the two categories. Thiswas the situation in which Rachelle foundherself with her son, Raeshaun.

“We decided to send Raeshaun to a mainstreamprimary school and for the first few years wehad no major problems,” she says. “Althoughhe had some speech delay and a short attentionspan, the small and fairly informal environmentsuited him well and we were happy with thedecision.”

“It was only as he got older that things startedto get more difficult as the school was not usedto handling autistic children and they suggested

BASTON HOUSE SCHOOL CASE STUDY

we look for a place elsewhere. However, wepersevered and he was able to stay there untilthe end.”

Grey cloud of despairIt was a secondary level that Rachelle began torealise that something would have to change. “Iwas still convinced that Raeshaun would be finein the mainstream as long as he had appropriateone-to-one support like any child with learningdifficulties, but school after school turned usdown. I did hours of research trying to find ananswer, but had no help from anywhere and itwas like a big grey cloud was hanging over me.”

Enough is enoughEventually, Rachelle found a school which wouldaccept Raeshaun and was assured that his needswould be fully met in terms of extra help andsupport. “I was told that he would have adedicated TA at all times but it soon became

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POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM

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Baston House School • BromleySpecialist independent day facility for children diagnosed with autism aged between 5 & 16 years

l A centre of excellence in education anddevelopment

l Local Authority referrals welcome

l Admissions now being taken for Primary andSecondary School

For admissions and information aboutupcoming events

call 020 8462 1010 or visitwww.bastonhouseschool.org.uk

Baston House SchoolBaston Road • Hayes • Bromley • Kent BR2 7AB

Hillingdon ManorThe largest school for children with autism, in the UK & Europe

l Specialist independent day education for childrenaged between 3 and 19.

l Local Authority referrals accepted.l Access to the National Curriculum.

For more information about admissions, open daysand events, contact:

Hillingdon Manor School (Primary)Yiewsley Grange • High Street • Yiewsley UB7 7QP

Tel: 01895 420315Hillingdon Manor School (Secondary)

The Manor and The LawnsHarlington Road • Hillingdon UB8 3HD

Tel: 01895 813679Or visit www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk

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