Family Life

Children say foster parents are their 'rock' as agency is Ofsted Outstanding

A fostering agency where ‘children do exceptionally well’ has received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating following its latest inspection in February 2026.

Foster parents at Foster Care Associates (FCA) South Western, in Exeter were praised for being ‘fierce advocates’ for children in their care and for ensuring children’s stability in their homes.

The report highlighted the agency’s therapist who supports foster parents, staff and children and young people, describing their input as ‘invaluable in helping them develop practical, bespoke strategies that make a positive...

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Solicitor offers top tips ahead of ‘D day’

With Christmas and New Year getting ever nearer, solicitors around the region will be preparing themselves for the influx of calls they will receive regarding divorce. Known as ‘D day’, this is first day legal offices open after the festive break and it is traditionally the busiest day of the year for divorce enquiries. This year is will fall on Monday, January 4, 2016.

Santa heads to Devon’s Crealy

Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park mark the countdown to Christmas with a special visit from Santa, Rudolph and his helpers this December for festive fun.

Guests are invited to join Santa in his grotto for Santa’s Interactive Story Time and hear magical tales of his festive adventures. Younger guests will also receive a free gift from Santa to take home at the end of their visit.

Santa’s Storytime with Rudolph and his helpers will take place at on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th December and 19th - 23rd December from 10.30am, so there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy a spectacular...

150 years of foster Care in the SW

Regional Foster Placements Foster Carers have collectively provided over 150 years of dedication to supporting children and young people in the south west. A celebration and award ceremony to honour their valuable work will take place on 9 December at Cullompton Community Centre. This very special event will celebrate the outstanding work done by Regional Foster Placement‘s Carers, many of whom have worked for the agency for over ten years. Between them they have helped change the lives of many hundreds of children.

Mark Breeze, Regional Manager commented: "We wanted to do...

Don’t let Hallowe'en get too scary

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are asking everyone dressing up in spooky gear this Hallowe'en to be aware of the issue surrounding fire safety of fancy dress costumes. Many adults and children are injured in accidents where lighted candles or fireworks have ignited flammable costumes and hair.

You should ensure children are well supervised at all times, especially if they are around fireworks, sparklers or open flames such as pumpkins with candles.

Top tips for Hallowe'en dressing:

Keep away from naked flames – avoid using a naked flame or

Scare up a pumpkin at A la Ronde

It’s Hallowe’en season at A la Ronde, with lots of spooky half-term activities for any little ‘monsters’ who enjoy this frightful time of year.

From Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November there will be a pumpkin trail around A la Ronde and any children who find all the pumpkins will win a prize.

For those who want to get creative, there will also be a fun day on Tuesday 27 October. Bring your own pumpkin along for a carving session, or have a go at creating apple monsters - perfect for a fun snack or decorating the home.

With A la Ronde once described by Lucinda...

Hallowe'en in the Heart of Devon

Spooky events including ghost tours and fright nights have been unveiled across Exeter and the Heart of Devon for Hallowe'en.

Exeter is regarded as one of the most haunted cities in the country, based on reported ghost sightings, with recorded tales of strange apparitions around the city, including a three headed ghost and tall glowing figures around Exeter Cathedral.

Richard Dyke, an Exeter Red Coat Guide, will be one of the many guides leading groups on the popular Halloween special Spooks and Broomsticks tour that sets off from Cathedral Green, on Thursday 29 October,...

Half-term at The Donkey Sanctuary

Colder days may be just around the corner but there’s plenty of fun and adventure to keep the whole family entertained at The Donkey Sanctuary this autumn.

Open from 9am to dusk every day, an array of family-friendly activities will be on offer.

While the weather’s still good grab the kids and enjoy the outdoors, wander around the heart of the Sanctuary, explore the Maze, or take a walk through the beautiful woods and amazing scenery.

Chris Phillips of The Donkey Sanctuary says “Half term will be packed full of adventure with signs of autumn nature packs and a...

Spooktacular fun at Devon's Crealy

Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park will kick start its Halloween celebrations this half term, with a brand new spooktacular entertainment programme. New to Devon’s Crealy, Patch the Pumpkin will join Buddy Bear and friends for live daily performances on the Piazza Stage. Devon’s Crealy is also pleased to offer each child visiting the park during October Half Term one of its very own home-grown pumpkins absolutely free.

Guests of all ages can enjoy daily meet and greets with Patch the Pumpkin or join the Crealy animal keepers at the Halloween Bug Show and take part in a creepy...

Indoor athletics winter fun in Exeter

Back by demand, starting this half term are the ever-popular winter Sportshall sessions, hosted by the the award winning South West Athletics Academy.

Hugely popular with children between the ages of four and 14, Sportshall adapts outdoor athletics for all year round indoor participation with lots of specialised equipment available for children to use - light up sparkly shot puts, turbo javelins, racing hurdles and speed bounce are just a few of the activities children love to try.

Sonya Ellis, Director of Coaching at the Academy said: “Sportshall is a fantastic way for...

Are children too old to adopt at 4?

As part of this year’s National Adoption Week (19 – 25 October) campaign, Adopt South West is asking people to consider adopting an older child as they pose the question “Too old at four?”

Due to the high demand for babies, older children waiting to be adopted are often likely to be over looked as well as those in sibling groups and children with disabilities.

During National Adoption Week 2015, Adopt South West - a partnership of adoption agencies across the region - including Barnardo’s, Devon County Council, Families for Children, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council...

Family Life

Children say foster parents are their 'rock' as agency is Ofsted Outstanding

Solicitor offers top tips ahead of ‘D day’

Santa heads to Devon’s Crealy

150 years of foster Care in the SW

Don’t let Hallowe'en get too scary

Scare up a pumpkin at A la Ronde

Hallowe'en in the Heart of Devon

Half-term at The Donkey Sanctuary

Spooktacular fun at Devon's Crealy

Indoor athletics winter fun in Exeter

Are children too old to adopt at 4?

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