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Latest news in Devon

Ladysmith Infant and Nursery School gains Gold Award for Play 

As part of its OPAL Primary Programme, the award-winning OPAL (Outdoor Play And Learning) Community Interest Company, recently audited the quality of play at Ladysmith Infant and Nursery School in Exeter. Following the audit, Director Michael Follett said: "Ladysmith Infant School is now one of the best Infant schools in the country in the quality of play opportunity it provides for every pupil every day. The changes made are contributing to improved behaviour both during and after play times and supporting children to be more creative, cooperative, imaginative and resilient. On my award audit visit, it was clear that playtimes have become a time of infectious joy, fun, wonder and happiness”. As a result, the school achieved a well-deserved Gold OPAL award.

The school has transformed the approach to play over the last few years, and children are able to improve their fitness, wellbeing, social skills and imagination as they play freely and manage risk. For more, see www.ladysmithfederation.net and www.outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk

 

Outdoor Adventure at Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre 

If your child is looking for adventure during half-term, then they may wish to visit Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre on Exeter’s Canal and Quayside. On offer are land and water-based activities, each designed to teach new skills and build confidence whilst giving youngsters a chance to make new friends along the way. There are low-key activities for Little Adventurers aged 5-8 years as well as a more adventurous programme for 8-14-year olds. To find out more call 01392 400150 or visit www.haven-banks.co.uk

 

Exciting New Play Area in Exeter has Now Opened 

A newly refurbished play area that includes fully accessible equipment has opened in Exeter. The play area in Pinhoe Station Road has benefitted from a £110k makeover and provides a challenging and enjoyable mix of equipment for children of all ages and abilities. Along with the traditional favourites of swings and see-saws, there are two split-level play towers designed for toddlers and juniors, a challenging 4.1m high mizzenmast climbing net, buddy board rocker and giant rope swing designed for groups of children to use together.

 

Dyslexia Awareness Week: Monday 7 to Sunday 13 October

This year’s Dyslexia Awareness Week, running from 7-13 October, will focus on schools and businesses empowering people with dyslexia. The British Dyslexia Association is asking schools to put aside half an hour to explore how to empower dyslexia in the school, maximising the value it brings. To find out more visit www.bdadyslexia.org.uk. For more on the South Devon Dyslexia Association, that hosts a Saturday morning Dyslexia Workshop for children aged 7-16 who have literacy difficulties, call 01803 853190.

 

Devon Libraries in the Digital World

Celebrate the role of libraries in the digital world during this year’s Libraries Week, from Monday 7 to Saturday 12 October. To find out what is going on at your local library visit www.devonlibraries.org.uk

 

Special Screening at Barnstaple FabLab

Barnstaple FabLab has an amazing live screening event with the brilliant author Shanda McCloskey on Tuesday 29 October at 3.45pm. Shanda will read out her brilliant STEM friendly tale of a girl and her doll that she upgrades to be her new friend. Shanda will then walk the audience through a step by step of how they can also draw creations like Doll-E. Afterwards, the FabLab will set up some Makey Makeys that the children can play with. The event will take place on the 2nd floor of Barnstaple Library in the Henry Williamson Room and is aimed at children aged 3 to 8 years. See www.fablabdevon.org

 

Council Calls for Opinion on Future of Barnstaple town centre

Local families are being asked to share their ideas on how they’d like to see Barnstaple’s high street shaped in the future, following an announcement that the town is in the running to benefit from major investment to revitalise its high street.

To help inform their proposals, the council would now like to hear from residents about how they’d like to see the town function in the future. You can also have your say by emailing: highstreet@northdevon.gov.uk

 

Join the Exeter Supply Partnership

Exeter Supply Partnership is looking for Primary Teachers and Teaching Assistants to join its team providing supply cover for schools in Exeter and the surrounding area. To apply, visit the website: www.exetersupplypartnership.com or contact 01392 927171 or info@exetersupplypartnership.com for more information.

 

Train to Teach with Exeter Consortium

Exeter Consortium offers Primary PGCE programmes, where you will train to teach in a year and spend a large part of that time in schools, learning directly from expert practitioners. The course is delivered by teachers and headteachers and you will train in local schools! To find out more call 01392 927171 or visit https://www.exeterconsortium.com/why-train-with-us.html

 

TeachOut: a new, free resource to make planning educational experiences easy 

TeachOut is an innovative, FREE resource packed with ideas for teachers and Educational Visit Coordinators to help you plan your enrichment programme for the year ahead. From fun-filled residentials, to memorable day visits and interactive workshops that will bring your curriculum topic to life! TeachOut’s latest schools newsletter is out now, with a hand-picked selection of day visits and residentials all within easy distance of your school: bit.ly/teachoutnewsletter

 

Free School Workshops and Assemblies

TeachOut is always looking for ways to reduce the costs of your enrichment activities - you can browse the In School Services section at teachout.co.uk, where any free workshops or resources are flagged up.

There are a number of brilliant local education providers who offer their schools’ services free of charge. These include the Exeter Axhayes branch of Cats Protection League, who offer interactive educational talks on animal-related topics, and the NSPCC who deliver free safeguarding workshops and assemblies to children aged 5-11. Find out more at www.teachout.co.uk

 

Primary PE Subject Leader Network Briefing

There’s a Primary PE Subject Leader Network Briefing taking place at the Exminster Healthy Living Centre on Monday 11 November from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. The briefing will cover curriculum design and development, Health and Safety, plus the opportunity to develop best practice. If your school has subscribed to the PE Subject Leader Network Briefings this entitles you to one place each term. To reserve a place email Lee Budd on lee.budd@babcockinternational.com

 

Lego Therapy Training: Tuesday 12 November

Lego Therapy was developed to improve social competence in children with autism, however it may also be helpful for children with other social communication difficulties and anxiety conditions, depression or adjustment difficulties. At a special training session in November, attendees can learn more about this collaborative play therapy and its role in supporting the social development of children with social communication and interaction needs. The training session will take place on Tuesday 12 November, from 1.30pm to 3pm, at Okehampton Primary School, Glendale Road, Okehampton. To book, email sue.vanstone@babcockinternational.com

 

Anti-Bullying Week: Change Starts with Us

This year’s Anti-Bullying Week will be happening from Monday 11 November to Friday 15 November and has the theme 'Change Starts With Us'. The goal is to inform schools, children, young people, parents and carers to know that it takes a collective responsibility to stop bullying. The aim of this year’s campaign is to create empowering, positive messages addressing the fact that when it comes to bullying ‘Change Starts With Us’. Education packs are now available for primary schools and include lesson plans, activity ideas and cross curricular activities. For more, see www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

 

Autumn Adventures in Teignbridge 

Teignbridge countryside rangers’ events and park activities will keep you active during this colourful season. There are activities for the whole family, just for kids, and just for the young at heart. Children aged 7-11 years can become a Junior ranger for free. So, it’s time to get your welly boots on, roll up your sleeves, and get involved in the action. Sign up for the enewsletter at www.teignbridge.gov.uk/greenspacesnewsletter or call Green Spaces on 01626 215751.

 

Incredible Performances Lined Up by Stage by Stage

Having celebrated its 25th anniversary at Easter with a massive production of Children of Eden at the Exeter Corn Exchange, Stage by Stage is now prepared for a new academic year, packed with more incredible performances. First up at October half term is Bugsy Malone- the messiest musical fun ever. Other highlights of the 2019- 2020 season include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Annie. For more details see www.stagebystage.co.uk

 

The Lost Words Exhibition at the RAMM  

The Lost Words is a unique collaborative project between writer Robert Macfarlane and artist Jackie Morris. Taking the form of both an exhibition and a book, The Lost Words celebrates the relationship between language and the living world, and of nature’s power to spark the imagination.

In response to the widening gulf between childhood and the natural world, award-winning writer Robert Macfarlane has created a series of spell-poems - one for each word lost from children’s dictionaries - while renowned illustrator Jackie Morris has painted beautiful watercolours to take the viewer on a journey that makes the familiar magical once more. The Lost Words will be at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, from 19 October to 12 January 2020. See www.exeter.gov.uk/RAMM

 

Penguins Behaving Badly at Living Coasts

Zookeepers at Living Coasts in Torquay are naming and shaming their naughtiest penguins. They’re writing the names of mischievous birds on a chalkboard for guests to see - and singling out others for their good behaviour. The 63 African penguins and 12 Macaroni penguins at Torquay’s coastal zoo mix freely with guests, but some penguins are better-behaved than others!

Naughty activities include giving the zoo vets the run around, being nosy and sticking their heads into other penguins’ burrows uninvited and stealing nesting material like sticks. So, what gets a penguin on the nice list? Endearing habits – such as chasing butterflies - caring for an older partner, males sitting on eggs while females take a break and the loyalty displayed in a long-term relationship. For more information go to www.livingcoasts.org.uk

 

Fun Family Activities in the Heart of Devon

Inspire your little ones to ignite their sporty and creative sides through several engaging hands-on activities this autumn. The Manor and Ashbury Hotels, near Okehampton, offer 70 compelling workshops - from Junior Archery to Decoupage, Swimming to Fabric Painting, and Junior 5-A-Side to Teddy Creations. The personalised activity programmes encourage families to collaborate through teamwork, problem-solving and creativity, all delivered by experienced tutors with a child-led approach. With workshops, tuition, meals and accommodation included in the price, the Manor and Ashbury Hotels tick every box. For more information, call 0800 781 9712 or see www.manorhousehotel.co.uk

 

Free Chorister Open Day at Exeter Cathedral: Saturday 30 November 

Exeter Cathedral is hosting a free Chorister open day on Saturday 30 November 2019. This is open to boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 9 who enjoy singing. It is a great chance for young people to be coached by professional musicians in an inspirational setting. The children will have a great time with the current Choristers, rehearsing and then singing with them in the Cathedral. Booking is essential as places are limited. See www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

 

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is Big Success

This year’s Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival was filled with entertainment for all the youngsters who visited the special Mini Marquee, during the weekend of 21 and 22 September. The impressive line-up of activities included talks and storytelling by bestselling children’s authors and creative drop-in sessions where the children could make edible planets and a Lego international space station. Annie Ashworth, Festival Artistic Director, said: “Part of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival’s mission is to foster and develop a love of words, stories, reading and writing, and where better to start than with our youngest festival-goers. We hope to inspire new ideas and get children creating. Who knows, we might see them back at the Festival as accomplished authors one day!” Read more at https://budlitfest.org.uk

 

Get Pedalling for the Rowcroft South Devon Cycle Challenge

On Sunday 13 October, the Ride for Rowcroft cycle challenge will be returning to the picturesque surroundings of south Devon, with a 24km and 32km route, starting and finishing at Newton Abbot College. All riders, including young riders, are encouraged to collect sponsorship to help support the ongoing care Rowcroft Hospice provides for people living with life-limiting illnesses in south Devon. Ride for a loved one, ride for your local community and ride for Rowcroft. Visit www.rideforrowcroft.co.uk and sign up today!

 

Swim England adds Magic to Swimming Lessons with New App

An exciting new platform to help youngsters fall in love with swimming and give parents a better understanding of the purpose of their child’s lessons has been launched by Swim England. The free My Learn to Swim app allows children to scan their well-earned Learn to Swim certificates, transporting them into a magical experience as they unlock and play with their favourite characters, including Maisie the marlin and Harry the hermit crab.

Parents can also benefit from the enjoyable nature of My Learn to Swim, which seeks to make exercise a fun experience for children. My Learn to Swim is now available on the App Store and Google Play for free.

 

St Christopher’s Prep School and Nursery

St Christopher’s in Staverton, Totnes is a family-run school in rural Devon, where its pupils, parents and staff work alongside each other to ensure a creative and fulfilling start in life. It is proud to offer subject specialist teaching. Its children benefit from being engaged by staff who are experts in their field, thus creating enquiring minds. Where there is a wealth of opportunity across the curriculum, it truly believes that all children can discover an area in which to shine. For details call 01803 762202

 

Brampford Speke CofE Primary School

Brampford Speke CofE Primary School is a small village school 10 minutes from the centre of Exeter. It offers a creative curriculum which utilises its geographical location. Its exciting outdoor education programme plays a pivotal role in its children’s personal and social development. This enriches relationships and contributes to the family feel in the School. For details call 01392 841414