families

Hundreds of foster families needed in SW

At least 550 new foster families are needed across the South West region during 2015 to provide stable, secure and loving homes for record numbers of fostered children, according to figures released today from The Fostering Network. Each day sees over 63,000 children living with over 52,500 foster families in homes across the UK. With a rising number of children coming into care, and around 13 per cent of foster carers retiring or leaving the service last year, there is a need to not only recruit more foster carers but also better utilise the current pool of foster carers. More foster...

Half Term Activities

Event Date: 
19/02/2015 - 10:30am to 21/02/2015 - 3:00pm
Venue: 
Exeter Cathedral Chapter House

Half Term Activities Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st February 2015

One Hut Full

One Hut Full is a touring, multi-sensory, thought-provoking experience that explores the history of Dartmoor hill farming – inspiring hope, innovation and change for the future. The project looks in particular at the Whiteface Dartmoor sheep.

Come and visit us on the Cathedral Green between 19th and 21st February, find out information about the process of building the hut and the creation of the installation as well as opportunities for you to get involved. Weather permitting you might...

Bumper Bicton cross-country event

Cross-country runners from across the South West will be converging upon Bicton College for the England Athletics Cross Country Championships 2015. The event has been getting bigger every year and therefore finding an appropriate venue for so many runners and their families has been a challenge for organizers South West Athletics Academy.

“We always want to ensure an outstanding day of competition for south west runners” said event director Sonya Ellis. “Getting the right balance of on site facilities, a stunning venue and a suitably demanding course is always a tricky dilemma, but...

Exeter Scrapstore seeks views 

Authored by Mandy Pearse
Posted: Fri, 11/14/2014 - 12:44pm

An Exeter charity faced with rebuilding its headquarters is calling on artistic and creative individuals and groups to help by completing a short survey.

Over the last 30 years the Scrapstore has provided a wealth of arts and crafts materials to families, community organisations, schools, playgroups and artists across Devon.

Now in its fourth year as a charity the Scrapstore is looking to the future. Its current home, a hut in the corner of Belmont Park is over 75 years old and will need replacing or a major makeover.

Alan Caig, Chair of the Scrapstore Trust says: “...

More than 150 children across Devon need adoptive families each year.

With a growing number of children coming into the care system than ever before, there has never been a more crucial time to find potential adopters.

Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council are working together as part of National Adoption Week 2014 (3 November to 9 November) to encourage more people across the county to consider adoption.

Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Skills, Councillor James McInnes at Devon County Council said:

“The most important thing is that we are looking for people who can offer unconditional love and...

More Devon children than ever looking for adoption families

More than 150 children across Devon need adoptive families each year.

With a growing number of children coming into the care system than ever before, there has never been a more crucial time to find potential adopters.

Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council are working together as part of National Adoption Week 2014 (3 November to 9 November) to encourage more people across the county to consider adoption.

Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Skills, Councillor James McInnes at Devon County Council said:

“The most important thing...

Sportshall indoor athletics is back in Exeter

Sportshall, the popular and successful program of indoor athletics which teaches and improves children core sporting skills is back in Exeter.

Running at Clifton Hill Sports Centre on selected Sunday afternoons between October 2014 and March 2015, children and their families can enjoy throwing nerf howlers and light up glitter shot balls, trying their hand at long jump and triple jump, or joining in the fun of relays and hurdles.

Award winning Exeter based South West Athletics Academy will be running sessions on Sunday 2 November 2.30 – 4pm, Sunday 7 December 2.30 – 4pm,...

Get closer to nature this half term

There are plenty of opportunities to get out and about this half term and enjoy our outstanding East Devon countryside.

Birdwatching for children on Tuesday 28 October is a free event. An interest in nature is best encouraged at the earliest possible age – that is the firm belief of East Devon District Council’s Countryside team.

Experienced and knowledgeable birdwatcher Ian Waite has kindly agreed to lead this session, aided by the Education Rangers, to help children spot and identify birds at the Axe Estuary Wetlands near Seaton. There will be two sessions; 1.30-2.30pm...

Free family law advice for parents

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Wed, 10/15/2014 - 8:28am

The Family Law Company has teamed up with Puffins Nursery in Exeter to offer a free legal clinic to parents with family law enquiries.

The clinic is available on the second Tuesday of each month between 10am and 4pm at the Puffins Training Centre in Barrack Road. A free crèche is available to parents wishing to take advantage of the free half hour consultation.

Rachel Buckley from The Family Law Company, explained: “Parents with young children can often find it difficult to juggle their time and childcare, and something like seeking initial advice from a solicitor can...

Tortoise & Hare make a meal of storytelling

Authored by PMM_2014
Posted: Mon, 10/06/2014 - 3:11pm

This Autumn half term from Tuesday 28th October to Saturday 1st November, The Bike Shed Theatre, in Exeter’s Fore Street, will be transformed into a kitchen, dining room, and story-world for the arrival of Tortoise & Hare- as they make a meal of storytelling. The perfect show for children ages 5 and up (and their parents) it includes a three-course meal crafted from fine local produce, as literature and cuisine combine. Just one catch, you’re the cook! Early bird tickets are available for £5 until the end of September and can be purchased here: http://www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk/whats-on...

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