Tag: activities

Home Schooling – Is it better or worse?

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One of the biggest growth areas in terms of education in the last six years has been that of the home schooled child.  In fact, the number of kids now receiving their education at home has increased by some 65% over the period and the reasons given for the decision are very varied – from lifestyle and special needs to bullying, religion and a dissatisfaction with either the school or the school authority.  But is this method schooling better or worse for the children?

Providing education

Legally, parents are not obligated to send their children to school but they do have to provide what is termed a ‘suitable education’ for them at home.  The current school age population stands at 9.5 million currently and around 37,000 of these are now schooled at home.  This figure may even be an underestimate as children who never start school are not recorded in the figures, only those that start and are then withdrawn from the system.

Parents don’t have to provide a reason for withdrawing their kids from school but 41 council areas across the country do ask and the information given provides a cross-section of the reasons behind the move.  Top of the list of reasons given is philosophy or lifestyle reasons, around 13% of those who answered.  Some areas of the country see a higher number for this area.

Reasons for the change

Dissatisfaction with the school, council or a conflict come in second while cultural or religious practises is the third most common reason.  Bullying and special needs/medical issues come in fourth and fifth.  Lastly, around 3% of people take their children out of the system because they couldn’t get the school they wanted and were unhappy with the one they could.

Another reason that parents cite for keeping children away from the schools is the emphasis currently placed on testing and school league tables.  Many parents feel that this does little for the children and those inclined to home school find it another reason to go with their own style of education.

The style of education itself is an issue for many kids as a classroom simply cannot accommodate all learning styles at once.  For example, boys are shown to poorly in literacy subjects because they don’t naturally take to the long periods of inactive study.  The formal nature of the learning doesn’t suit many kids whereas home schooling allows parents to focus lessons specifically on the way their children learn.

The positive of home schooling

For parents who have successfully home schooled their kids, the system has huge benefits.  As one mother put it, her bright seven-year-old was complaining about school. But it wasn’t the normal complaints – the intelligent child said he hated learning and that ‘learning is boring’.  This prompted her and her husband to research on home schooling.  She was able to dedicate her time to schooling the children in a way that may not be possible for all parents.

The growth of online facilities to help with kids education has corresponded to the growing number of people who home school their kids. Online tutoring organisations, kids sports and cultural activities, these are all being organised around children who don’t attend normal schools.

The wealth of information available online to aid parents in home schooling means that there is no reason why they can’t receive as well rounded an education as other students – perhaps more so given the lack of time constraints placed on the school day.

The worrying side of home schooling

While quality of education and variation of subjects taught is a concern with regards to home schooling, there are other, more worrying sides to the subject.  Some parents have resorted to home schooling have been forced into it by the school themselves, particularly if their child has problems that reflect ‘poorly’ on the school and its league table position.

However, the single biggest concern is that children are not being monitored when they are home schooled.  A case such as a young boy of 8 who died from scurvy and was being home schooled, is an example of the very worst case scenario.  While the boy’s parents were charged with neglect, the case was dropped.  A leaked report showed that the mother had mental health issues that raises the issue of whether she was fit to home school the child.

Others worry that children are being listed as home schooled but are actually attending illegal, unlicensed schools and these could include extremist teachings such as radical Islam.  As no-one currently checks these kids, no-one knows what is happening to them or if they are even alive and the numbers of those never attending school are a black hole the depth of which is completely unknown.

Handy information in a blog

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Sometimes when you are looking for ideas about where to go on holiday or for a weekend break, inspiration can be hard to come by.  Of course, travel agents will give you plenty of information but sometimes you want something unbiased, neutral and personal.  One of the best ways to find this type of inspiration is to look at blogs and here are a few blogs to help you on your way.

What is a blog?

In case you missed it, a blog is a bit like a diary, only written for the world to read.  People write about what they know, what they like and what they don’t and this allows readers to get a wider viewpoint on a location or venue than offers through traditional means.  Blog are often written un a fun, casual way that makes reading them amusing and relaxing and there is none of the pressure to ‘buy’ that can be found on major travel websites.  You may even be inspired to start your own!

The Family Adventure Project

The Family Adventure Project is the blog of husband and wife team Stuart and Kirstie who have three children. Their aim is to spend time together as a family doing interesting and exciting things and getting out and about. As well as locations, their blog also deals with different adventure ideas and also action – in other words sports and activities for children.

A Modern Mother

A Modern Mother is a blog by just that – a former corporate lady who left her job to have three children and is now a full-time mum as well as the founder of BritMums.  Her blog covers a range of destinations and ideas for things to do as well as places to visit and offers advice on places to stay, all from a family perspective.

Mums Do Travel

Mums Do Travel is the blog of a former journalist turned mother who looks at places from a family point of view.  Her blogs include room reports and interviews with other family travellers for their ideas and views.  There is also advice around the type of trip as well as where to go.

Family Travel Times

Family Travel Times is co-written by couple Sarah and Brian with their two kids to offer a viewpoint from the younger mind.  They review the places that they visit as well as guest pieces from other family bloggers on their experiences and include plenty of their own fun photography to inspire others.

The Mum Blog

The Mum Blog features sections on travel and family travel to offer a range of tips and hints.  As well as information about where to go and where to stay, there is also information about matters that make travelling easier.  It is written by journalist and mum Liz Jarvis.

Mum on the Brink

Mum on the Brink is a blog covering travel and outdoor fun as well as other matters such as technology, written by mother of three Monika.  The blog looks at locations to visit and places to stay as well as new ways to travel such as reviewing motorhomes and information about activities to keep the kids occupied

August Bank Holiday ideas

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One of the top times for the family to do something together is the August Bank Holiday.  Many parents are on holiday or at least a day off and the weather is at its best.  But rather than just visit the family or hit the shops, what other things could you do with the kids to make for a memorable bank holiday? here are our ideas for August Bank Holiday fun.

London

If you are in the south-east or fancy a trip to the capital, there are plenty of events taking place and things to do see and do. One of the most spectacular bank holiday events is the Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August.  The carnival has been going since 1964 and is when the Caribbean cultures of London get together to celebrate their heritage and traditions.  Music from reggae to salsa fills the air along with steel bands, soca floats and a whole lot of tasty Caribbean food.  The carnival travels the streets of W10 and the nearest tube stations are Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park and Ladbroke Grove.

Madame Tussauds is one of the most famous wax works museums in the world and from 1st august to 30th September, they have a special exhibition called Memories of Her Majesty.  Over the last 87 years, Queen Elizabeth II has had 23 wax portraits done and the museum is holding an exhibition of all of them at one including a recreation of her coronation crown and a dress made with 53,000 Swarovski crystals.

England

For a typically strange English tradition, check out the football on the river at Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds.  It involves two teams playing football knee deep in the River Windrush with hundreds of spectators lining the river banks.  The event has happened every bank holiday for the last century – though no-one really knows why!

The Newlyn Fish Festival in Cornwall is a chance to sample some of the freshest and tastiest seafood straight from the boat.  The kids will love to see the catch come in and may find a new food favourite.  There are also cooking demonstrations and workshops as well as local craft stalls, live music and even a chance to get up close to one of the sea rescue helicopters.

Mathew Street Music Festival is known as the biggest festival of its kind in Europe and is free of charge.  Little known acts travel from 30 countries around the world to delight listeners as well as tribute brands from the Beatles to modern groups.

Don’t forget that hitting the beach is still a hugely popular choice for many kids.  From Brighton and Bournemouth up to Blackpool, England has some fantastic beaches and often there is more than just sand and sea on offer. Cornwall is known for its body boarding spots while many areas are near to wildlife reserves to combine children friendly activities for all the family.

Scotland & Northern Ireland

Another free festival can be found in Edinburgh with the Festival Fringe.  This is the biggest art festival in the world with everything from comedy and dance to theatre and live music on offer.  It only runs until the beginning of September so the Bank Holiday is a perfect time to catch it.

The Northern Ireland Hot Air Balloon Festival in Lisburn is the first of its kind in the country and will see 30 balloons take to the sky each morning and evening. There is also a Fire and Light show on the Saturday and Sunday evenings when music will accompany the balloons.  For the adults there are also some tasty food and drink stalls to check out including Armagh cider and speciality cheese.

Why not try the kids with a new, yet old, type of music and head to the Belfast City Blues Festival?  Taking place from 26th to 28th August, it is firmly established as one of the top Blues festivals in the country and this year will see top US blues player Sherman Roberts as well as local Willie Byrne and legendary Rab McCullagh performing.

Wales

Of all the Bank Holiday events to witness, the World Bog Snorkelling Championships in Llanwrtyd Wells is perhaps the strangest. Competitors travel from around the world to dress up in snorkelling gear and fight their way up the muddy river to glory. Spectators are encouraged to come in fancy dress to add to the mad nature of the day and can even have a go at the sport if they bring their gear.

Cardiff Harbour Festival runs from 27-29th August and is the finale of the free Cardiff Festival that runs all summer. Listen to sea shanties while trying the very fresh seafood on offer as well as exploring the tall ships docked in the harbour. The British Fishcraft Championships are taking place as well as a display by the Breitling Wing Walkers, fairground rides and a fancy dress competition for the kids entertainment.

Ghost hunting is a popular pastime today and Raglan Castle is a great candidate for a resident spook.  The Haunted Histories tour operates on August 28th and takes in one of the finest late medieval fortresses in the country. The tour is definitely aimed at the kids with stories of the past and a few scares along the way.

If you like the water and a little bit of a challenge, why not try canoeing on the River Wye?  Han-on-Wye is the starting point where canoes can be hired, even strapping two together to make a family canoe. Then off downstream with Wales to the left and England to the right for a full day or half-day trip. When you get to the other end, enjoy a picnic and then get a lift back to your starting point as part of the package.

Traditional Sports day

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For as long as many of us can remember sports day has always resided at every school in the summer months showing off pupil’s talents at physical education. Parents, teachers and children alike congregate on a school field or local green patch for an afternoon of races and related fun. The concept of sports day has always been straight forward fun for all the family. However, when looking in to the event more closely the activity of sports day could in fact have other effects on the children which are not as welcoming as the element of fun. Looking at each aspect in turn we can learn the inside scoop of what sports day is really about.

The Children

Children love nothing more than to let off some steam by running around with their friends and having lots of fun. Running races and playing games can be seen as great fun from a child’s perspective. Boundless energy and no limitations of what people think of them make them great at enjoying themselves actively. Yet on the introduction of rules and competition are put in place the fun factor could be sufficiently reduced. The reduction in the key element of fun can leave children restless and a little unwilling to take part as it is not what they consider fun. On the flip side if managed properly the fun element can be stay intact and the children will be more cooperative in the races planned.

The Teachers

Along with the education side of schooling teachers are also obligated to encourage children to take part in physical education. P E lessons are part of the school curriculum and are compulsory to all pupils until later on in their education. Many children don’t enjoy these lessons so sports day is a good example of making sports fun. Organising novel races such as the egg and spoon race help children to forget about the fact they are taking part in physical education.

Competition in sports activities for kids can be taken either way in a discussion. First of all, not all children have the capability to be as sporty as others. Having asthma for example can limit the distance they can run substantially in a race either short or long distance. Therefore, instantly giving others an unfair advantage which isn’t the child’s fault. On the other side competition is healthy and can give children that extra little push that they need to win the race.

The Parents

Parents can be divided into 2 categories, pushy parents or proud parents.  Children’s sports day can mean different things to different families. The proud parents are supportive of their children and promote the thinking of doing the best that they can. Even though a child may not win the race the parent is full of pride that they did the best they could and praise them for it. Pushy parents are of the nature that their child is and will be the best no matter what. Whether it entails any praise or no praise at all the child must win the race at all costs.

Status of families can also be reflected in the competitions as pushy parents do not want other families seeing their child lose. Leaving a supposed image on the family. Although this aspect of parenting is frowned upon it is too commonly found in schools to be ignored.

Healthy Competition

Learning about competition can be very productive towards a child’s development. Knowing that other children may be better at some things than themselves can help children get the motivation they need to work harder. This motivation gives more satisfaction to get the job done. Many children strive to make their parents proud or at least to do it for themselves. With the support of families any and all hard work that goes in to the end result can be highly beneficial. Children pushing themselves to be all that they can be is a great start for methods which can be used much later in life to their advantage.

In it to win it or the taking part?

Once again this issue always comes to conflict between many different people. Some competitors are simply in the event to win it whereas others just want the opportunity to take part and have a go. On some occasions sports day can be seen as being too competitive although essentially it is put in place to aid a healthy development. Taking part in events is a positive experience on a child’s social development which is also key to their cognitive functions. Being able to be social with others is a skill most valued in a child’s upbringing. Though competition is essential to push motivation the taking part in the event counts both morally and physically.

Top attractions to take your children in the holidays

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There are some amazing attractions around the country ranging from historic buildings to zoo and gardens.  So if you are planning to visit somewhere this summer and have a little money in your pocket, where are the top paid visitor attractions around England?  Here we look at the top 10 for children’s entertainment and fun family days out.

Tower of London

The historic castle standing on the banks of the River Thames has been one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country for generations.  It stands within the Tower Hamlets borough of London and was originally founded in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest.  It is also home to the Crown Jewels, the queen’s famous collection of jewellery and gems.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is the Gothic abbey church within the City of Westminster and to the west of the Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament.  It is the traditional coronation and burial places of the British royalty.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London and stands on Ludgate Hill, the highest part of the City of London.  It is dedicated to Paul the Apostle and the originally church was founded back in AD604.  The current building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 17th century in English Baroque style following the Great Fire of London.

Flamingo Land Theme Park & Zoo

Flamingo Land combines a theme park, zoo and resort near the village of Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire.  Major attractions include Hero, a suspended flying rollercoaster and Pterodactyl, a vertical swing.  In the zoo part are animals as diverse as camels, zebras, giraffes, parrots and meerkats.

Windermere Lake Cruises, Bowness

Windermere is the largest lake in the Lake District and the Lake Cruises are a great way to see the most of it.  There are a range of cruises running from 45 minutes in length to three hours and even an all-day option.

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is named as the best zoo in the UK and the 7th best in the world and is also one of the largest zoos in the country.  There are over 400 species to be seen and in excess of 12,000 animals so something for all tastes from cute and cuddly to creepy crawlies.  The zoo is the most visited wildlife attraction in Britain with over 1.4 million visitors every year.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is an international important botanic research and education institution.  Based in Kew, in Richmond-upon-Thames, the famous gardens have much to see but has a serious purpose as well.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is arguably the most recognisable prehistoric monument in the world and is found 8 miles north of Salisbury in Wiltshire.  The standing stones are part of a larger complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments including burial mounds and is believed to date from 3000BC onwards.

ZSL London Zoo

ZSL London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world and opened in 1828 to study animals.  Today there are some 800 species represented amongst the 19,000 animals who call the zoo home, meaning it is one of the largest collections in the UK.  It is separated across a number of special sections including the Gorilla Kingdom and the Rainforest Life.

Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is the meeting place of both houses of the British parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.  It stands on the north bank of the River Thames in the City of Westminster, beside Westminster Abbey.  At one end is the iconic clock tower nicknamed Big Ben.

School Holiday changes

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It can be hard to keep track of everything as a parent whilst trying to plan activities with the kids so here is a roundup of the big recent stories.

Lincolnshire breaks the mould

Two schools in Lincolnshire have become the first to change from the traditional summer term.  White’s Wood and Mercer’s Wood Primary Academies in Gainsborough have confirmed that when the school term ended last week, their children would have a four-week holiday instead of the normal six weeks.  Their opinion is that this will both help with learning and allow parents to take their kids on holidays during off-peak times.

The government welcomes the change and said it was aiming for all schools to be able to set their own term dates in the near future.  This is also a move to help combat the fining of parents for removing children during term time.  The kids will return to class on 19th August and will have two extra weeks added to terms in September and November as well as in May. 

Easter holiday clash

Parents in Dacorum, Hertfordshire, are facing a complex Easter holiday schedule after many of the secondary schools elected to split up the traditional Easter holidays.  Their plan would involve a long weekend for Easter then returning to school for four days before then having two weeks off.  But it seems that the primary schools in the area, despite being in favour of the change, didn’t put it into place.

What this means for parents is that if they have a child in both primary and secondary schools, they will be facing a different holiday period for each with only a week overlapping.  The schools normally get together each year to organise holidays under the new county council model but somewhere the communications broke down and now parents will find themselves in a potentially awkward position over time off at Easter. 

No fines for Carmarthenshire parents

Good news for parents of kids in Carmarthenshire schools after the council announced that next year there would be no fines for taking kids out on pre-booked holidays.  The move comes after the announcement of new school holidays and terms times from the Welsh Government that were in conflict for those already published by the schools in the area.  The mix up included October half term being a week earlier and the return from the Christmas break also being a week earlier.  Even the January 2017 term will be slightly different.

The confusion led to the county council saying that pupils would not be fined for not attending school for holidays booked in those times, when the parents thought the kids were due to be on holiday.  However, the move has yet to be signed off by the government in Cardiff so parents are advised to speak to the school directly if holidays are being affected.

Inset days used to save parents money

A school in Newport has come up with a new way to help ease the pain of parents wanting to take their kids on holiday but finding that peak times are too expensive.  Eveswell Primary School have said they will use their five teacher training days all together at the end of the Whitsun half term in June 2016 to allow parents to make use of cheaper holidays

Unusual UK days out for the family

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A La Ronde

A La Ronde is a historic house with a difference – well a few of them actually.  The house is found near Lympstone in Devon and is now owned by the National Trust.  It was built in the 18th century for a pair of spinster cousins, Jane and Mary Parminter and has sixteen sides to it.  It also has unusual diamond shaped windows and a shell gallery that contains nearly 25,000 shells collected by the two women across their lives.  There are also extensive gardens to explore that are grade II listed in their own right.

Brimham Rocks

One look at Brimham Rocks and you feel like you want to keep out of the way in case it falls off but being that the rock has been balanced there for a very long time, it is highly unlikely.  The rocks are found on Brimham Moor in north Yorkshire and were caused by the water and wind erosion to create strange and unlikely shapes.

Chislehurst Caves

Chislehurst Caves is a popular tourist attraction during the day, 22 miles of tunnel under the south-eastern suburbs of London.  While called caves they are manmade and parts date back as early as the 1250s.  For a family day out idea that’s a little different, there is now the chance to stay with night in the caves, said to be so haunted that only one person has managed to complete the challenge.  From druids to smugglers and murderers, the caves are filled with the spirits of the deceased and the challenge of staying with them for a night isn’t to be undertaken by those of a nervous disposition.

Creekside Discovery Centre

The Creekside Discovery Centre is located in one of the most famous beach combing spots in the UK, the Thames estuary.  It holds a variety of sights from wildlife to the remains that travel down the river from the urban areas such as London.  Each day when the tide goes out the area can be combed for interesting sights and for unusual walks.  The centre can provide waders, waterproofs and walking sticks to help enjoy the experience to the full.

Forbidden Corner

The Forbidden Corner is an attraction with a difference a short distance from Middleham in North Yorkshire.   The site is home to a unique labyrinth including chambers, tunnels and follies as well as plenty of surprises.  Brave the temple of the underworld or conquer the tricky paths around the massive glass pyramid while admiring the amazing statues that line the way to help and hinder.  The park started out as a fir tree wood back in 1979 with features being added over the years to make a fascinating and challenging place to visit.

Gnome Magic

The gnome has been the standard for garden decorations for generations but at Gnome Magic in Colchester, Essex, there are enough of them to enchant or spook even the hardiest garden.  In fact, there are 800 of the little characters dotted amongst the plants on the site to make for a walk in the park with a difference.  There is even a gnome painting facility as well as tea rooms to relax after the walk, or de-stress if all those little eyes were a bit too creepy!

Take the kids to a working farm

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Whether you are from the town, city or a rural village, one of the most popular attractions to visit this year continues to be a working farm.  The combination of cute animals, recognisable farm residents and play features means there is something for kids of all ages, even if the best part is the donkey ride!  Here we look at some of the best around the country.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Bristol

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is a great combination of farm animals and exotic zoo animals with the added benefit of play areas for the kids and even the chance of taking up the keeper experiences.  It is notable for having the largest elephant habitat in the UK as well as primates, reptiles and birds.  There are also plenty of familiar farmyard animals including cattle, donkeys, goats, sheep and horses.

Folly Farm, Narbeth

Folly Farm has been voted the best family attraction in Wales a number of times and is a good balance of farmyard animals, exotic animals, adventure playgrounds and even some exhilarating rides.  It is found near Tenby in Pembrokeshire and has six different zones to explore.  There is also the only giraffe in Wales to see as well as vintage fairground rides for the younger visitors.

Warren Mill Farm, Cowbridge

Just outside the village of Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan is Warren Mills Farm.  The farm covers some 10 acres and is home to animals such as rare breed sheep, ponies, llamas and alpacas and even wallabies.  Cute guinea pigs are available for a cuddle and even Red Squirrels can be seen.  For those who like a spot of angling, there is also a fishery on the site.

Cefn Mably Farm Park, Cardiff

Cefn Mably Farm Park is just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Cardiff and is a great place to visit no matter what the weather.  As well as the farm animals to see there is a touch and hold area and a conservation area with ponds.  If the weather turns bad, there is 600 square feet of heated barn play area and another large undercover area as well.

Vauxhall City Farm, London

Finding a farm inside London is a little unusual but this is what is offered by the Vauxhall City Farm.  The farm offers a range of animals from the tiny mice to rabbits and geese right up to sheep, cows and even three alpacas called Tom, Ben and Jerry.  The farm is free to visit and works with local schools to help provide a glimpse of the countryside to city kids.

Bocketts Farm, Leatherhead

Bocketts Farm is near Leatherhead, Surrey and is a great combination of play areas and animals, both inside and outside to avoid weather problems.  Kids can watch a pig race, ride a pony or take a trip on the tractor as well as feeding many of the animals and have a cuddle with one of the cute rabbits.  The farm is a working farm so there are often baby animals to see as well while the play areas including two indoor play barns and a kids outdoor adventure trail.

Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham

The Cotswold children’s Farm Park is near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and has over 50 breeds of animal living within its boundaries.  These include cattle, goats, pigs, sheep and horses and also many rare breeds.  It is run by Adam Henson, famous for his work on the BBC’s Countryfile program.

Wellsfield Farm Park, Stirling

Just two miles from Stirling is Wellsfield Farm Park, offering animals and play area for kids of all ages, as well as those with special needs.  There are play areas for different ages and indoor ones as well as outdoors.  Kids can enjoy pony rides as well as a bird hide, mini beast zone and even a nature trail to spot some of the local wildlife in their natural environment.  After the animal spotting, there is also an assault course to use the last of their energy.

East Links Farm, Dunbar

East Links Farm is near Dunbar in East Lothian and allows kids to get up close with a number of different animals as well handling some in the small animal barn.  The farm has various paddocks to explore as well as a four level Fortress play area, go-karts and a ball blast arena.  Bigger kids can try the climbing wall while the little ones can make use of the soft play area and the pedal tractors.  There is also a train safari to tour the site and animals to see including cattle, sheep, pigs, deer, rhea and even wallabies.

Briarlands Farm, Stirling

Briarlands Farm is near Blair Drummond, Stirling and is a great outdoor attraction to occupy the kids.  There are plenty of chances to feed the animals that live on the farm as well as a toddler trike track and play frames as well as jumping pillows and even a tractor go kart area.  Bigger kids can try the zip wire and the mazes while there is a craft area for when the weather turns nasty.

Acorn Farm, Kirkby

Acorn Farm is near Kirkby, Merseyside and offers a great selection to see and do.  One of the most popular attractions is the small animal petting area, where kids can get close to a rabbit or guinea pig, hold a chick and even try milking one of the goats.  There are also horse rides available and seasonal events meaning that it isn’t just a summer visiting spot.

Swithens Farm, Leeds

Swithens Farm is near Leeds and combines a working farm and farm shops with a play barn.  Depending on the time of year, animals to see include pigs and piglets, cows and calves, rabbits, ducks and even two micro-pigs.  The play barn is great to run off energy and if the weather isn’t so great.

Church Farm, Stow Bardolph

Church Farm is a rare breeds centre working on restoring rare breeds of farm animals such as the Swiss Valais Blacknose Sheep and the Suffolk Punch horse.  There are also plenty of fun activities including pig racing and animal encounters such as feeding the young farm animals.

Sacrewell Farm, Peterborough

Sacrewell Farm is near Peterborough and combines beautiful countryside, a range of animals and a new state of the art play barn.  There are nature trails to follow where you may spot red kites and brown hares as well as famous Shire Horses that appeared in the film War Horse.  The farm also works on rare breeds of pigs, sheep and goats.

Make summer holidays educational

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School Holidays has there ever been a more magical combination of words to a child’s ears? A time to play, a time to explore and a time to learn?

Most children will balk at the idea of studying during the half term. With friends outside beckoning in the park and plenty of cartoons on the television, school work may be the last thing on your little one’s mind. That said, there are plenty of ways to incorporate education into a fun and exciting day out for children or afternoon at home.

Take it outside 

Summer is here, and there are plenty of learning opportunities in the back garden, in the park or by any body of water. Going for a splash in the creek can yield the magic of frog spawn, and an excellent time to revise biology. Inspecting new buds and fresh grass are great times to explain photosynthesis, and a visit to the petting area yields a perfect opportunity to talk genus and species. No matter what science or nature topic is being covered in class, chances are the great outdoors is your ultimate study buddy.  

Inside learning fun.

All child friendly attractions and museums offer special half term programmes for children of all ages, usually at no charge. Keen to explore history? A museum may be for you and your brood. Perhaps a jaunt into the belly of whale? Definitely the Natural History Museum Arts and culture? How about the Tate? Even niche topics such as human pathology and zoology are covered in the UK’s fascinating museums. What your child learns in a museum will complement and contextualise their studies – and provide for a good family day out.

Make a Game of it 

Turning an otherwise dry or dull subject into a fun game is the perfect way to bring schoolwork alive. Family living room quiz shows with fun prizes, board games and even small skits and plays can all turn a topic they are bored of into a fun and exciting play activity. Before you know it, they’ll be begging for their Shakespeare lessons. 

Get Crafty 

Fancy snuggling up indoors during half term instead of venturing outside? A fun way to encourage revision is to provide a table filled with exciting craft supplies – pipe cleaners, sparkly stickers, crepe paper and more – and help your kids to create wondrous masterpieces related to their studies. It’s easy to sneak in some stories and facts while colouring a Georgian mansion or building a model ship. They’ll be learning and they won’t even know it.

Entertaining the youngsters

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So, the kids have stopped playing with their Christmas presents ages ago and they’re board. Would you like some ideas on how to entertain them?  We’ve come up with some great places to take them and also some DIY at home children’s entertainment for hire.

A day at the museum
London museums open their doors on weekends, and at the Science Museum there’s a fab exhibition on the birth of the space age; great for any budding cosmonauts.

But if you don’t fancy going out albeit only in the garden, build yourself a bubble-powered rocket fuelled by indigestion tablets. We are sure you will be able to find a great children’s entertainer. The right entertainer will keep them amused for hours.

A Prima ballerina
Make a budding ballerina’s dream come true with a performance of The Nutcracker by the English National Ballet. 

Our suggestion: You can book ballet dance shows, with a prima ballerina teaching your child and her friends a ballet class, hair and makeup techniques and even giving a private performance. Move over Angelina mouse!

Ski Sunday
Take the kids to an indoor snow centre like Snow-Dome in Tamworth – and of course other dry ski slopes are dotted about throughout the UK, where they can toboggan, snowboard and freestyle to their heart’s content. 

Why not hold a ski party! For inside parties, hire an ice sculpture and watch on a big screen some snow-boarding.  For outside events, hire an ice rink and even a snow machine if budget will allow. And, of course, you’ll need suitable music – a Snow Patrol tribute band perhaps?

Fun at the circus
Circus acts are definitely cool this year, and there are some excellent circus shows on offer this year. As the summer holidays are fastly approaching Circus tents will be popping up all over the country which will include trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers, aerialists and acrobats. 

Hopefully we’ve given you a bit of inspiration and made you think that next time, instead of you going to the fun; the fun can come to you… Have a great weekend!