children

Children from four East Devon primary schools today (Friday 20 November) had the chance to experience first-hand how their local district council is run.

The 40 pupils, aged 10 to 11 years, who visited East Devon District Council’s offices at Knowle in Sidmouth, were taking part in national Takeover Challenge Day, which aims to get children and young people involved with how public service decisions are made. It also provides organisations, such as local authorities, with a fresh perspective on the services they run.

The four primary schools taking part were:

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Evidence has been growing for a number of years pointing to the health and social benefits to be derived from contact with the natural world for all ages. However, results from a new YouGov poll, commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts, highlight the discrepancy between what parents think is best for children and what they actually experience.

The new poll shows that:

• 91% of parents of children aged 18 and under think that having access to nature and wildlife is important for children, yet
• 78% of parents are concerned that children don’t spend enough time
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Shelter analysis of government statistics reveals that over 2,100 children will wake up homeless this Christmas day in the South West. And worryingly, with councils feeling the pressure of our affordable housing shortage, the number of families across Britain living in B&Bs – accommodation which is often cramped and unsafe for children – has more than trebled over the last five years. Shelter is calling on the public for urgent support this Christmas, as its advisers struggle to cope with demand for help from the growing number of families battling to keep a roof over their heads. To...

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
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On Saturday October 31st, while some people in Exeter put on witches’ outfits and carry pumpkins, others will be empathising with the very real horror experienced by young people in Syria.

For one day only, the Art Gallery at 89 South Street will be exhibiting prints of drawings by young Syrian refugees.

The exhibition, entitled ‘From Syria with Love’ has been organised by Baraa Ehsaan Kouja, a Syrian student at the University of Exeter. There will bearound 25 prints of drawings and paintings made by Syrian refugee children aged 12-18 currently living in Al-Abrar refugee...

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...

Independently owned Lloyd’s Kitchen joined forces with Heart to help raise money for Honeylands Children’s Charity.

The Global ‘Make Some Noise’ campaign organised by Heart, attracted 50 diners and four competition winners to Lloyd’s Kitchen.

Restaurateur Lloyd Gardner hosted the event donating a delicious three-course dinner, prepared by resident Chef Graeme Murfin, for each guest with all monies going to the charity.

Breakfast presenters Matt and Caroline were on hand to entertain the guests and help out in the kitchen.

A charity raffle with great prizes...