Devon County Council and John Lewis, Exeter, have teamed up in celebration of fostering and children in care.
The connection follows the recent launch of the much-heralded John Lewis 'Christmas' TV advert, viewed by millions and seen by many to mark the start of the Christmas count-down.
Often poignant, the John Lewis advert this year focuses on children in care and follows the preparations by a foster carer ahead of the young person's arrival.
Knowing that the young person is a keen skateboarder, foster carer dad spends previous weeks learning how to skateboard...
Research conducted in schools last year revealed that the coronavirus pandemic, with its lockdowns and restrictions, held back many young children's speech and language development.
So, Devon County Council has created new courses which are available to parents and carers, and staff who work with children and young people, to help children catch up and reach their potential.
The Education Endowment Foundation research suggested that measures taken to address the pandemic deprived young children of social contact and opportunities that would normally have helped develop...
New analysis by the NSPCC of police recorded crime data reveals the number of crimes with an element of child sexual exploitation in the South West has almost tripled within the last year.
During 2021/22, a total of 3,866 crimes were recorded by Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Devon and Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset Police forces, compared to 1,383 offences in 2020/21*
In the same period in England and Wales, there were 17,486 crimes logged by police where children had been sexually exploited –an increase of 10% on the previous year.
This October, families in Exeter will be able to follow an augmented reality story-trail.
As part of local plans to give families a fantastic half term, InExeter and Visit Exeter have teamed up to provide a free interactive trail for families. Working with High Street Safari, InExeter and Visit Exeter have launched a unique, free trail in Exeter ready for October half term.
The Totally Spooking Out! Hallowe'en trail is an innovative experience that lets families choose what happens in the story as they follow the trail – all you need is a smartphone. Players will hunt...
From 26th November right up until Christmas Eve, Father Christmas will be taking up residence in Princesshay in his cosy, bespoke festive lodge on Bedford Street.
There is no need to book in advance, families can enjoy an impromptu, ‘on the day’ visit with each paying child receiving a Christmas keepsake and the chance to have their photo taken with the man in red.
On the 17th and 18th December Makaton signed visits to Father Christmas will also be available – no booking required.
To meet Father Christmas for a one to one family experience the cost will be £8 per...
During October half term in and around Devon, National Trust places are hosting an array of family friendly activities and terror-ific Halloween adventures. From spooky scarecrow trails to exploring autumnal colours and harvest displays to wood carving. There’s lots going on to keep your ghouls and monsters entertained.
What’s more, every time you experience a National Trust day out, you help care for these special places for future generations.
The NSPCC are searching the South West for volunteers to help keep children safe in the region.
The charity, which has two buildings in the South West, helps thousands of children a year with its Speak out Stay safe programme which is delivered in schools.
Speak out Stay safe helps children identify a trusted adult who they can speak to should they have any worries or concerns and teaches them how to contact Childline.
The programme also educates children on how to recognise different types of abuse, from neglect to sexual abuse.
Coughs and colds in children are common at this time of year and are usually relatively mild, but parents are being urged to get their children vaccinated against flu, which can be much more serious.
All primary school children, and some secondary school children (years 7, 8 and 9) are eligible for the flu nasal spray this year, which is usually given at school by school nurses.
Parents will receive a link to the online form from their child’s school. When invited by their school, parents must complete the online consent form for their child to get the flu nasal spray...
Just one in 25 of teachers in the South West of England think the current education system allows deaf children to hit their full potential, a new survey from the National Deaf Children’s Society reveals.
The poll, of around 5,700 primary and secondary school teachers from across England, released today, found around six in ten teachers in the South West believe deaf children will continue to underachieve at school without changes to the current system.
Even though deafness is not a learning disability, deaf children already achieve less than their hearing classmates at...
Jelly, a charity shop in Exeter selling low cost, preloved children’s clothes, toys and books, has celebrated its grand reopening after refurbishment.
Part of local charity, Exeter Community Initiatives, the Jelly shop was officially opened by Jelly Bear. The fun packed day included a set from Exeter-based singer, Hannah Ruby, goodie bags for the first 50 customers, face painting, cakes and a giant raffle! Prizes included craft kits, panto tickets, cinema tickets, a voucher for an Exeter City FC child’s full strip, a meal for two, books, tickets to Exeter’s Underground Passages...
