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...

Full story

Forget Brazil - Exeter is the home of soccer this summer thanks to ECFC's Football In The Community Roadshow

Bookings are now being taken for Exeter City FC’s Football in the Community roadshows, which are again running throughout the summer holidays across the region. The events kick off with a Summer Launch Party on Monday 28 July, which is a full day’s festival of fun and games for children aged 5-14 at St Luke’s Science and Sports College and costs just £10.

“We are doing something a little bit different at our party to launch the summer events this year,” said Scott Walker, sports development officer. “As well as football, we are going to be offering taster sessions in tennis, table...

Ranger adventures at Knightshayes

Have a summer adventure at Knightshayes on the outskirts of Tiverton.

Families can try their hand at being Rangers for the day in the beautiful landscaped parkland and rugged woodland on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 July.

Get on your outdoor gear, garden gloves and sturdy shoes to help bash some brambles and clear some laurel. After a picnic lunch, the Knightshayes team will help you discover what lurks in their ponds (ticking off pond dipping in the list of the 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾). Rangers will also be teaching the skills needed for green woodworking....

Open meeting for separating parents

The charity Families Need Fathers is holding an open meeting in Exeter next month for parents and carers to find out more about the changes to the family justice system brought about by the new Children and Families Act 2014.

The Act heralds the biggest change in family law for a quarter of a century and the meeting is an opportunity to find out how this will affect separating parents.

The meeting will be held at the Devon Hotel, Matford, Exeter at 7pm on Thursday 3 July.

Families Need Fathers Exeter chairman Paul Knight said: “We are delighted to be holding this...

Emergency Services Weekend coming to Crealy

Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park is holding its annual Emergency Services Weekend on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June. The Park is inviting employees of the Emergency Services and NHS to visit and experience all the fun and adventures it has offer. Employees of the Fire Service, Police and NHS, can enjoy free admission and immediate family, including parents, partners and children, can visit at a discounted rate of £9.95.

Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park organises the annual event as a sincere thank you for the tireless and selfless work carried out by the Emergency...

Princesses and Pirates return to Devon's Crealy

Prepare to walk the plank straight to Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park for the Princess and Pirate weekend on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June 2014.

Guests visiting over the weekend are invited to dress up as their favourite princess or pesky pirate where a magical world of adventure awaits to spark the most vivid of imaginations. There will also be an exciting opportunity to meet and pose for a photograph with the UK’s number one Captain Jack Sparrow look-a-like ‘Jonty Depp’ and his beautiful Princess.

Pirates of all ages will love the brand new live outdoor entertainment...

Film school offers unique experience for kids

Colourburn, a video and marketing agency located in Southernhay, and Exeter Phoenix have partnered to give kids aged 8 to 12 the opportunity to take part in a unique film school, which will see children create their very own short film and have it screened at a special premiere during ‘Screen on the Green’, which takes place in Northenhay Gardens this August.

The week-long, interactive, fun course starts on 28 July 2014, and those involved will get real hands-on experience working with a professional crew.

Damo Cross of Colourburn comments: “Both Exeter Phoenix and...

Your guide to half term events

Wondering how you’re going to keep the kids amused during half term? We’ve come up with plenty of ideas:

Around the World Adventure Trail 23 May-2 June, The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth Follow the trail on this interactive holiday hunt to learn about the Donkey Sanctuary’s worldwide work while playing fun games. Solve the number combination to unlock your very own prize to take home! Pick up your entry form at the Visitors' Centre. £3 per entry, 9am-4pm.

Railway Rummage 24-26 May, Devon Railway Centre, Bickleigh, Tiverton Join Max Trax the railway mad monkey to investigate...

Photographic Portrait Day at Escot

This Wednesday & Friday, I will be running Photographic Portrait Days at Escot Park, near Exeter.

A cost effective way to get some beautiful portraits of your family whilst enjoying a fun-filled day out and solving that all important Father's Day present! My blog ( http://www.firetopphotography.co.uk/blog/?p=5583 ) has all the information.

Slots fill up fast so call the office (0800 157 7203) or email me ( venetia@firetopphotography.co.uk ) to book your place.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Venetia

Looking for a holiday club with a twist?

The Woodland Adventure Club is a children's club packed with fun and excitement in the woods.

Suitable for children aged six to 13, they'll get up to all sorts including learning woodland skills, getting muddy and making new friends.

Based at a camp deep in the woods at Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter and run by qualified and experienced staff in a safe and supported environment, the children will be able to play and explore the woods, build dens, light campfires, discover wildlife and lots more.

The club runs on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nxt week (28-...

Scouting and guiding circus skills badge day

Learn to clown around with the team at Knightshayes, the National Trust property on the outskirts of Tiverton, as it hosts a circus skill workshop badge day this half-term.

On Tuesday 27 May, between 10.30am and 4pm, the event will give scouting and guiding groups the chance to earn their circus skills badge. They will learn skills like plate spinning, diablo and juggling from our Victorian themed circus performer Robin Fox. In addition, they will be shown how to make juggling balls, to use face paint like circus professionals and will perform their newly learnt skills to one...

Family Life

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

Forget Brazil - Exeter is the home of soccer this summer thanks to ECFC's Football In The Community Roadshow

Ranger adventures at Knightshayes

Open meeting for separating parents

Emergency Services Weekend coming to Crealy

Princesses and Pirates return to Devon's Crealy

Film school offers unique experience for kids

Your guide to half term events

Photographic Portrait Day at Escot

Looking for a holiday club with a twist?

Scouting and guiding circus skills badge day

It's your Daily

You make the news

Top video

Selco Builders Warehouse | England Rugby star Jack Nowell visits Exeter Saracens junior teams

Exeter Weather

Search form

Family Life

Top video

Exeter Weather