New social networking safety programme for primary schools to launch
'Safe' - a new, national programme to help primary pupils learn the
skills to enjoy social networking whilst staying safe online launches in
October, 2010.
Created by social enterprise DigitalME, Safe brings together the UK's
leading safety organisations and education social network to create a
unique programme designed for primary schools.
Radiowaves, the award winning social network for schools is providing a
free online platform for schools to use; Childnet International is
delivering its expert advice and resources on internet safety and 'The i
in Online' is offering information and workshops on privacy and legal
issues.
The programme has been developed with teachers for use in the classroom
and provides step by step instructions, links to the curriculum, whole
class and carousel activities. A simple self-assessment system allows
teachers to reward pupils for completing the programme, with
certificates and badges plus gaining accreditation for their school.
Mark Riches, director of Radiowaves says: "Social networking and sharing
online provides many opportunities for young people to develop creative
and communication skills in fun ways both in school and at home.
However, technology is a tool and as with all tools we need to help
children understand how they can be used and what the potential risks
are. With children growing up in an increasingly digital world, our
focus is on helping them to independently make informed and positive
choices."
Safe is provided free to schools with optional, paid for training,
certificates, badges and other resources being introduced to support the
programme further. The full programme will launch in October - Anyone
interested in taking part or supporting Safe can register now at
www.digitalme.co.uk/safe
Lucinda Fell, Childnet International policy and communications manager
says: "Safe embraces the positive opportunities afforded by the
internet, encouraging young people to ask the questions Who? What?
Where? when sharing on the web. This is important for primary pupils to
consider, empowering them to think about how they share their content
and preparing them for interacting on social networking sites."
Robert Bond of 'The i in online' adds: "We are delighted to support
Safe. The need to educate children about the responsible use of social
media is as important as teaching them road safety."
Kate Valentine, Buckinghamshire primary school teacher and Safe advisor
comments: "Safe provides the tools for teachers and parents to help
children make better choices online. The Cycling Proficiency Test helps
pupils use bikes safely and confidently on the roads, the Safe programme
helps children learn positive habits and become confident digital
citizens."
To find out more and to register please visit: www.digitalme.co.uk/safe
Latest news
Slow Cook, Fast Food, the third book by nutritionist Sarah Flower for Spring
Hill, is for anyone who gets exhausted at the mere thought of cooking a meal at the end of a busy day but who still wants to feed themselves and their family wholesome, homemade food.
Resurrecting the slow cooker, this easy to read cook book equips even the most resentful of cooks with recipes that can be thrown together with minimal effort,left to cook all day and served from one pot.
From soups to casseroles, egg custards to Christmas puds, you can come home from work and eat a healthy, home-cooked, nutritious meal without slaving over a hot stove.
Commenting on her reasons for writing the book, Sarah says, "In our busy world we want healthy food and we want it fast but, sadly, the two don't always go hand in hand. Yet with one pot meals, and in particular with the help of a slow cooker, you really can have a healthy, nutritious, instant meal waiting for you when you come home after a busy day."
About the author: Sarah Flower is a nutritionist, a magazine columnist, and
author of Live More Spend Less, Eat Well Spend Less and The Everyday Halogen Oven Cookbook. She is a mother of two and lives with her family in North Devon.
Slow Cook Fast Food is published by Spring Hill, and is available at £8.99 in
major bookshops and online retailers across the country. ISBN 978-1-905862-41-2
Helping young mums have the best possible relationship with their child
Most parents learn on the job. We remember what our own mums and dads were like, sometimes that is a help, but not always. We always want to be good mums and dads ourselves. Now young parents aged between 16 – 19 will get a good chance of making that happen as well as the opportunity to share their experiences and have some fun with other young parents at a free “Parents with Prospects” course. They will also have the opportunity of gaining a level 1 qualification in parenting.
U-Too which has recently joined The Learning Curve is running the free course in Trowbridge and Salisbury. The courses will include:
•How to take safe care of your child
•Practical parenting skills
•How to bond and play with your child
•Various speakers and many interesting subjects covered
Lunch and a free crèche will be provided.
Venues:-
Trowbridge Venue : Studley Green Children's Centre
Studley Green Primary School
Westfield Road, Trowbridge BA14 9JQ
Salisbury Venue :Little Folly Children's Centre
Winding Way, Bemerton Heath
Salisbury SP2 9DY
For further details and to book a place contact Zoe Dow via this page http://www.learningcurve.org.uk/Aboutus/News/utoocourse or telephone 07989 929193
WELCOME BACK KIDS WEEK IN THE WEST END!
There's no business like show business and the biggest deal of all for families this summer is the much-loved and eagerly awaited annual
initiative - Kids Week in the West End! Now in its 13th year, Kids Week offers children aged 5-16 the opportunity to experience the magic of
London theatre for FREE! From 13 to 27 August 2010, head to London's West End for a fortnight of theatre fun.
The ticket deal is simple - one child (aged between 5 and 16) will be able to go absolutely FREE to any participating show when accompanied by
a full paying adult, and another two children can go for half price.
Whatever your taste, Kids Week guarantees a fantastic theatre experience for all the family with a whole host of participating shows including
The Woman in Black, Oliver!, Wicked, Sister Act, Legally Blonde and MAMMA MIA plus many more.
The Kids Week fun doesn't stop there as children also have the unique chance to take part in a range of free activities and workshops designed
to engage and inspire the next generation of theatre lovers. Whatever your interests and talents, there's something for everyone as activities range from the opportunity to learn show-stopping numbers, meet the cast and crew at question and answer sessions and go behind the scenes and discover the backstage secrets of your favourite show.
So don't miss out, log on now to http://www.kidsweek.co.uk and sign up to the
Family Bulletin to be the first to find out all the latest Kids Week news including when the booking lines go live and the unveiling of this
year's exciting line up of shows and exclusive activities.
In these days of hayfever, asthma and eczema it's good to know that there's
a fabric which is truly safe and natural - and makes beautiful children's
clothes. That's linen, made from a plant called flax.
Linen is non-allergic and has a natural pH balance. This makes it ideal for
children's sensitive skin, and it's especially good for those with skin
conditions such as allergies and eczema. In hot weather, the fabric helps
keep kids cool by absorbing moisture and deflecting heat, while in cool
weather it retains body heat.
LinenKids' range of gorgeous 100 per cent linen clothes for girls and boys
was created because of its natural, safe properties - and the summer range,
now on www.linenkids.com, shows how versatile and fresh linen clothes can
be.
One delighted customer says: "Our order has arrived and is absolutely
perfect. My son says the material is so soft he wants to sleep in it (which
I have forbidden!). I can't thank you enough for making it in his size; he
looks just as I had imagined he would and I shall be the proudest Mother at
the First Holy Communion Mass in June. Thank you!"
Best of all, linen is eco-friendly. The linen production process is
sustainable and does not cause any harm to nature.
THE AWARD WINNING CAMP BESTIVAL
(30th, 31st July & 1st August 2010, Lulworth Castle, Dorset)
UNVEILS A PREMIUM CAMPING SERVICE
CAMPING PLUS
Plus Gavin Turk’s
HOUSE OF FAIRYTALES
A PARALLEL WORLD FILLED WITH FUN FEATURING
CHARLIE HIGSON
With a music line up that features Madness, Friendly Fires, The Human
League, Calvin Harris and The Fall, a wealth of arts and entertainment on
offer, the most delicious food, including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s
River Cottage Café and the jaw-dropping Son et Lumiere fireworks display,
you’d be forgiven for thinking things couldn’t get any better for this
year’s Camp Bestival but by golly you’d be wrong! As ever, the Camp
Bestival munchkins led by Rob da Bank have been working eight days a week to bring you even more magical moments and family friendly mayhem including a very special new premium camping service and an amazing festival within a festival!
Taking place on the first full weekend of the summer holidays and set by the
sea in the picturesque surrounds of Lulworth Castle, Camp Bestival is unlike
any other festival. Catering for people who love the whole camping
experience and channelling the spirit of the Great British Summer Holiday,
it’s tailored for families, kids of all ages and folk who are just as happy
relaxing in their own camp, whiling away lazy afternoons with friends or
getting stuck into myriad pleasures that include, fairytale fancy dress, the
English National Ballet, Opera Up Close, The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company,
Tim Minchin, Jim Jefferies, Booklsam, Spoken Word and How To.. Sessions plus there are literally hundreds of free things for kids to do, from watching
the jousting, getting your face painted and visiting the insect circus to
African drumming workshops, playing on the pirate ship and taking part in
the egg & spoon race; it’s the ideal, action-packed get away.
Fresh from his marathon running escapades Rob da Bank says: “House Of Fairy Tales are throwing their biggest party yet at Camp Bestival this year and in terms of an inspirational interactive art, music, kids and fun factory it
doesn't get any better. They are bringing so many fantastic mini happenings
I can’t wait to give it all a whirl. On the camping side we’ve listened to
your feedback and for all of you who said after travelling long distances it
would be great if you could have the peace of mind of having a guaranteed
space, we’ve come up with Camping Plus for a good nights sleep all round.”
We’re very pleased to announce Camping Plus, a new ticket upgrade initiative at Camp Bestival for those of you that want to guarantee yourselves a healthy amount of reserved camping space - enough for your epically large family-sized tent and all your other camping essentials. You'll get a guaranteed plot less than 50 metres away from the car park entrance and all the plots can be individually booked so you can ensure the whole of your party are camping side by side in adjacent plots. All this, plus quick and
easy access to exclusive showers, flushing loos and a top notch cafe so
breakfast will only be a few brisk strides from your tent door.
So... you get to bring the massive tent (check!) and all your assorted
camping paraphernalia (check!) safe in the knowledge that you won't have to
carry it too far (check!), you'll have plenty of guaranteed space to pitch
it (check!), your friends can be right next to you (you won't even have to
try and reserve their spot for them - check!) and you'll be able to wake up
to a nice hot shower without a trek across the campsite (check!).
All this for £100 per 45 sqm plot (max of 2 adults and 4 kids per plot)
bookable via www.ticketline.co.uk now!
NB: Please call 0844 888 4420 if you wish to book more than 1 plot to ensure
they are together.
There are only 500 plots up for grabs though... so you'd best be quick!
We’re also really excited to welcome The House of Fairy Tales to Camp
Bestival 2010. Established by renowned artists Deborah Curtis and Gavin
Turk, The House of Fairy Tales is a child-centred artist led project which
draws on an extensive team of creatives who have hatched magical, parallel
worlds where learning is play and play is directed learning.
House of Fairy Tales founder Gavin Turk said 'It's a family festival within
a family festival, don't miss the House of Fairy Tales at Camp Bestival.'
The House of Fairy Tales (HoFT) will have its own area at Camp Bestival
within which you’ll find a vast array of fun mini-worlds to explore,
interact with and learn from beginning with Passport Control; the first time
you visit you’ll receive your passport filled with games, puzzles and tasks
that lead you through the HoFT’s different areas. When you successfully
complete a task or workshop you will be given a stamp in your passport,
stamps lead to badges and badges lead you to being awarded a very special
medal! There’s a treasure trove of activities to explore at The House of
Fairy Tales including The Grange a games room & lookout point, Pegasus the
museum of lost stories, Clay Story Mountain the creepy tower of stories told
in clay, The Library and Cinema, a storytelling area and kids cinema, God’s
Workshop featuring puppet theatre & puppetry, Giant’s Kitchen, where you
can have adventures in food, Heath Robinson Studio so you can get your hands
dirty with sculpture workshops, Boxbot where you’ll find amazing robots with
attitude, the Bubble Dome making science and maths fun like never before,
the Apothecary exploring nature, herbs and remedies and The House of Fairy
Tales Examiner a broadcast, publishing and multimedia studio where your
contributions could end up on HoFT ‘s first newspaper and TV channel which
will be launched later this year
There will also be the Drawing House featuring drawing a banqueting
hall & theatre, Navarac with a carnival side show and painted face theatre,
Dressing Room 1 with costumes and freak show, Dressing Room 2 where you can
refashion textiles, the custom built Travelling Garden which takes natures
photosynthesis on the road, The House of Fairy Tales Theatre with lots of
music, theatre, comedy and improvised storytelling, an Art Trail where a
strange cast of characters from Wizard of Oz to Dr Who via the Contemporary Art World’s finest imaginations challenge you to tasks, Dreams and Nightmares where you can draw your worst nightmare and your most magical dream to hang in their cave, the Camouflage village where Eco politics meets the Marines, Chopin's Salon showcasing classical music as you have never known it before, master of disguise Mark Hammond DrAuDio who makes sounds from drawing and the Solarium an ice cream van from the future!
House of Fairy Tales will also feature appearances from one of the UKs most
successful comedians, Charlie Higson. Co-creator of the sublime Fast Show,
the man behind Swiss Toni & Bob Fleming and the author the brilliant Young
Bond novels, Charlie’s talents know no bounds and we’re dead chuffed he will be joining us!
So, make sure you don’t miss out on an incredible weekend with us on the
Jurassic coast in Dorset and remember keep checking
National Vegetarian Week 2010 - be deliciously different.
4 May 2010
A special cookery course aimed at budding young foodies
is running later this year and five youngsters are being
offered a chance to attend for free. To be in with a
chance of winning this amazing prize, order a free copy
of the Vegetarian Society's new Young Veggie Guide.
Finders of the special green tickets inside the guides
just need to claim their prize! To order a copy of the
booklet call 0161 925 2000 or email education@vegsoc.org
Liz O'Neill, Head of Communications, said, "The new Young
Veggie Guide is not just for young people who are
already vegetarians; it is a great starter kit for anyone
who wants to go veggie or find out more about veggie
living. The guide's aimed at young people aged 12 and
under and is full of information, advice, facts and
recipes - ideal to try in the run up to National
Vegetarian Week."
The five free places are for kids aged 5-12 years (and an
accompanying adult) to attend a cookery workshop at the
Vegetarian Society in Cheshire on Wednesday 4 August.
National Vegetarian Week, sponsored by Cauldron Foods, is
from 24-30 May 2010. Be deliciously different and visit
www.nationalvegetarianweek.org
National Vegetarian Week is coordinated by the Vegetarian
Society, an educational charity formed in 1847.
New guide helps them to make sure their grandchildren are provided for.
Couples with children whose relationships are breaking up are as likely to discuss separation issues with their parents as they are with professional advisers, including solicitors. The influential role of grandparents is revealed today in a survey for Child Maintenance Options - the free and impartial information and support service.
According to a YouGov poll of over 1000 separated parents with children aged 18 or under, 60% said they turned to their parents, siblings and friends for help and advice while only 27% talked to a solicitor. Notably grandparents are the most likely to be called upon of that group, with 30% of the parents surveyed saying they turned to their mums and dads.
With an estimated 2.6 million children living in separated families in Britain, the survey highlights the need for the parents of couples who are splitting up to offer accurate and useful support. With this in mind Child Maintenance Options is today publishing a new 'Grandparents Guide to Child Maintenance' explaining how they can help to make sure their grandchildren are properly provided for after divorce or separation.
"More and more grandparents and other members of the family and friends of separating couples are calling our helpline, seeking guidance on their behalf," says Janet Paraskeva, Chair of the Child Maintenance Options. "A quarter of those using our website are 55 and over and many are grandparents. As a result we have decided to prepare this simple guide to child maintenance. We hope it will provide grandparents with the facts they need to offer the practical support that should lead to more children benefiting from effective child maintenance arrangements.'
Sam Smethers, Chief Executive of charity Grandparents Plus, said: "Grandparents play an increasingly vital role in modern family life, supporting their children and grandchildren through change and providing guidance in difficult situations. When parents separate they often turn to grandparents for support and advice. We welcome this new publication as it will help grandparents as they do what they can to support their families."
The free guide includes sections explaining what child maintenance is and outlines the three ways it can be arranged:
* Privately - without involving the Child Support Agency (CSA)
* Via the courts
* Through the CSA
It also covers common concerns such as how child maintenance can be calculated, what to do if a couple are not on speaking terms and how to handle things if a parent stops paying.
The guide is designed for Grandparents like Tony and Gwen. They recently helped their son David through his separation from the mother of his son. They knew about the Child Maintenance Options service and encouraged him to call and speak to an Options specialist, but they wanted to help him more. 'We couldn't give David any more advice on maintenance because we didn't know what his options were," Gwen said "We didn't want to give him the wrong help as it might have just added to the confusion at what is already a difficult time." Following his call to Options, David now has a successful maintenance arrangement in place. He and his ex signed a private agreement form which they got both their fathers to sign.'
The free guide for grandparents is downloadable from www.cmoptions.org http://www.cmoptions.org/ or people can call the Child Maintenance Options helpline on 0800 988 0988 to request a copy.
Facts about child maintenance:
* The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that around 300,000 couples with children separate each year.
* Since October 2008, no one has been compelled to use the CSA
* 93% of separated parents questioned by YouGov believe mothers and fathers still have a financial responsibility to their children even if they don't live with them
* Grandparents and other guardians who provide the main day-to-day care can also make a private agreement for child maintenance with either (or both) of the parents living apart from the child
Facts about grandparents:
* There are 14m grandparents in Britain (Bob Broad and Grandparents Association)
* Almost a third of grandchildren (31%) say their grandparents are like 'second parents' to them (Research carried out by Opinium Research for BeGrand.net December 2009)
* Grandparents in Britain are spending over £11.5bn a year on their grandchildren (Research carried out by Opinium Research for BeGrand.net February 2010)
* Among single-parent families, between half and two thirds rely on grandparents to provide some childcare on a weekly basis (Grandparents Plus and Equality and Human Rights Commission)
Europcar, the UK's leading vehicle hire provider is offering families its top tips for keeping boredom at bay this half term. Catriona Lougher, Marketing Director said: "Huddling in the car out of the wind and rain is not everyone's idea of a perfect holiday and can give rise to frayed tempers and frustrated kids. But with the right clothing to brave the elements and some games up your sleeve to see through the worst downpours, a bit of wind and rain can actually be quite exhilarating.
"Hiring a car for longer journeys certainly offers more space, comfort and reliability than the family run around. With our up to 30% discount this Autumn, and free delivery and collection from most locations, Europcar is making car hire simple, accessible and affordable for a half term get away in the UK."
Europcar's Top Tips for Rainy Days:
· Stock the car with lots of snacks and drinks, wet wipes, CDs, paper and pens and pillows.
· Make sure small children are sitting high enough to see out of the window and that they are in suitable seating for their age. (Child seats are available to hire from all Europcar locations).
· Hand-held computer games are a very good way to keep kids occupied. Don't forget to bring extra batteries and to charge items such as mp3 players and games consoles.
· Audio books on CD can be engrossing for everyone and provide some respite for adults - consider classics like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Winnie the Pooh.
· Don't forget traditional games like I-spy, car snooker, word association games or what famous person am I?
· Give kids a backpack with their favourite toys and books, plus something new that will keep them quiet for a while longer.
· Sing! - no matter how old the kids, Old MacDonald Had a Farm is always good fun or try songs from The Sound of Music, Mamma Mia or Oliver!
· Have a competition to see who can count the most passing red cars
· Challenge the whole family to make up a story together - taking turns to say a line or word each.
To take advantage of Europcar's great Autumn discount of up to 30% off, call 0871 384 1089 or log on to www.europcar.co.uk. Alternatively, customers can book via Europcar's on the go mobile service - which allows customers to make reservations and find their nearest hire location, all from their mobile phone by simply logging on to http://mobile.europcar.co.uk
