Family Life

Recorded child cruelty and neglect offences in the UK continue to soar with crimes increasing by nearly a fifth in the last year alone, the NSPCC reports.

The charity has analysed police data for the whole of the UK over the last five years and found child cruelty and neglect offences has risen every year.

There were 20,024 child cruelty and neglect offences recorded by police in 2018/19, which has more than doubled since 2013/14 where there were 9,518 crimes of this nature.

In the last five years police forces in the South West of England recorded 7,099 offences...

The best of what Devon has to offer families is revealed in the results of this year’s Primary Times Star Awards, as voted for by parents of children aged 4 to 11 years in the county. This year saw the greatest ever response to the Primary Times online survey where readers voted for their favourite local family friendly places and people.

Local parents were informed of the survey in Primary Times, a family friendly magazine that is delivered directly to primary schools across Devon. With a distribution of 59,000 copies the magazine reaches 307 primary schools in the county....

Getting your child ready for their first Holy Communion is an exciting time for both you as a parent and for your child. However, it can also be extremely nerve-wracking for them, with many elements that they need to learn, as well as the big day itself in which your child will have to stand in front of their family and friends and accept the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

This is why it is so important for your child to be adequately prepared for what is arguably the most important religious occasion of their life.

Make sure your child attends Sunday Mass

How can...

Stuart Phillips, owner of Ottery St Mary coffee shop Tickety-Boo has announced plans for the business following the closure earlier this month of the play area.

The move means that not only will the play area still be usable – albeit on different terms than before - but there will be new activities available for younger children.

This is because the back section of the building which formerly housed the soft play and pirate ship is being rented to Baby Sensory. This award-winning initiative runs WOW programmes for babies and children from birth to Key Stage 1.

Jen...