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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Popular children’s character Peppa Pig comes to Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park

On Monday 19 August, everybody’s favourite cheeky little pig is visiting Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park.

Loveable Peppa and her little brother George will be trotting into the South West’s No. 1 Family Attraction for a day full of laughter and fun.

Peppa Pig is recognised as one of the greatest children’s television shows, with the visit promising to be a hit with families. Guests will have the chance to see the two piggies at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Olivia aged 3 ½ from Exeter said: “I am really excited and can’t wait to see Peppa Pig! It’s my favourite...

Back to school: Win a celebrity visit at your child’s primary school

It’s not every day you hear your little‘un announce: “I’m off to school to have the best day EVER!”

For the parents of one lucky child, this will be music to the ears if their son or daughter is the winner of the Tesco Back to School Competition. And not just that, they’ll also be the most popular person in their class – as the prize is not just for them, but for all their classmates too! How cool would it be for the kids to have a dance class with JLS boy band member Aston Merrygold? He’s certain to get them all up and on their feet busting a few moves on the dance floor - and if...

Top judge to pick heat winners from the South West in Royal Mail's Christmas Stamp Competition

Royal Mail has announced that Martin Clark, Artistic Director of Tate St Ives, will be a regional judge of its Christmas Stamp Design competition. Martin will be giving his expert opinion on a shortlist of 10 entries received from children aged 4-11-years-old from across the South West region. The designs have already been shortlisted from 240,000 entries that have been sent in from children across the UK. Martin will be joined by Tom Trevor, Director of Bristol’s Arnolfini Centre, who together will choose two winners from the region. They will go through to the final stage of the...

Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park Celebrates National Rollercoaster Day!

Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park will celebrate National Rollercoaster Day on Friday 16 August with Crealy’s very own Roman soldier Crealious Maximus!

In celebration of National Rollercoaster Day you too can experience the wonder that is Maximus the Rollercoaster. The multi award winning Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park is offering visitors dressed in their finest Roman costumes half price entry into the Park on Friday 16th August.

Chris Down, Chief Executive at Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park said: “We’re looking forward to celebrating National Rollercoaster Day...

Fire Service opens its doors for Family Open Day

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service will be opening its doors to the public later this month for a free Family Open Day.

The event at Service Headquarters, Clyst St George, Exeter, on Saturday 17 August, 10am – 4pm, will raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity and Hope for Children.

Phil Martin, Area Manager for Community Safety, said: “This is a great opportunity to provide a day’s entertainment and insight into the work of fire and rescue services as well as providing an opportunity to make people safe.

“The Service’s Community Safety Support...

Wet 'n' Wild summer festival next week

It's that time of year again! EDDC’s Countryside team kick off their annual Wet ’n’ Wild Summer Festival at 8pm on Thursday evening 15 August with Meet the Bats.

The Axe Estuary Wetlands is known as an excellent habitat for bats; more than half of our 17 native species of bat have been found there, including the rarest of our natives; the grey long-eared bat.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn to use an electronic bat detector to identify the different species. The Meet the Bats session will be repeated on Friday evening 16 August at 8pm.

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Olympic legacy gets Exeter youngsters on their bikes

Britain’s cycling heroes have inspired record numbers of youngsters in Exeter to get on their bikes, according to figures from British Cycling.

The number of young British Cycling members is soaring, with under 18 membership increasing by 32 per cent across the South West in the past year.

Cycling clubs in the region are also experiencing an influx of new young riders, with British Cycling reporting a significant increase in cyclists at all of its 47 Go-Ride clubs across the region – six of which were formed in the past year.

British Cycling Regional Development...

Calling all budding Andy Murrays and Laura Robsons

As usual, Exeter City's summer holiday football courses are proving very popular, but as part of the club's plans to increase its multisport offering, the Football in the Community coaches have been on two tennis delivery courses run by the LTA.

The club has announced two dates for a tennis camp at Cowick Barton Playing Fields' tennis courts in Exeter, on Wednesday 14 August and Tuesday 27 August. The event, which is suitable for 7-14 year olds, will run for three hours from 12-3pm and will cost £10 per day.

For more information and bookings, contact Catherine Fraser on...

Devon announces major review of Youth Services

Devon County Council is set to look again at how it supports young people across the county through its youth services.

The major review is intended to make sure that youth services are properly focused on those in greatest need and deliver the best possible value for money.

Announcing the review, Councillor Will Mumford, Cabinet Member responsible for children’s social care and youth services, said:

“The Youth Service is a key part of the offer we deliver to young people and to communities.

“But it is clear that the service needs to change if we are to...

Princesshay Square transformed into summer green for Happy Mondays

To celebrate the summer holidays, Princesshay Square has been transformed into Princesshay green. Every Monday in August a turfed area and outdoor games for families and visitors will be in place for all to enjoy.

Wayne Pearce, Princesshay Centre Director said, “We’ve had a great summer this year so far and we think that is worth celebrating! All 13 of the great restaurants and cafes in Princesshay have joined in with summer dining discounts and visitors can enjoy the sunshine (hopefully), play giant jenga, connect4 and noughts and crosses or take a seat in the giant deck in...

Family Life

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

Popular children’s character Peppa Pig comes to Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park

Back to school: Win a celebrity visit at your child’s primary school

Top judge to pick heat winners from the South West in Royal Mail's Christmas Stamp Competition

Devon’s Crealy Great Adventure Park Celebrates National Rollercoaster Day!

Fire Service opens its doors for Family Open Day

Wet 'n' Wild summer festival next week

Olympic legacy gets Exeter youngsters on their bikes

Calling all budding Andy Murrays and Laura Robsons

Devon announces major review of Youth Services

Princesshay Square transformed into summer green for Happy Mondays

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