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Holy Cross Catholic Primary School

'Living, Loving, Learning Together'

Useful Information

Half Term Activities in Liverpool

Information from https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/16-family-friendly-activities-perfect-30932883 

 

Knowsley Safari tiger trail

Knowsley Safari is inviting kids to enjoy the Russian-inspired tiger trail for free with every paying adult. From February 15 to 23, the whole family can enjoy tiger talks, touch tables, storytelling, or write a postcard to an Amur tiger in the wild.

 

During the February half-term, as well as enjoying a fun family day out and taking part in a range of tiger-themed activities, visitors will be able to see an Amur tiger in real life through the tiger trail’s viewing windows. Following their visit, guests can also complete a quiz to win another family tiger experience.

 

There are around 450 Amur tigers left in the wild of largely Eastern Russia. Despite a slight increase in their population, the tigers are still under threat of poaching, declining prey populations, and habitat loss caused by logging.

 

Knowsley Safari's Amur tiger Makari is part of a vital European Breeding Programme, which runs alongside the safari’s conservation partnership with Wildcats Conservation Alliance. Visitors will learn more about the endangered species and how we can help protect them in their native habitat.

 

Nicola Watson, LDRC operations manager at Knowsley Safari, said: "We’re really excited to welcome families to the tiger takeover during the February half term. There’ll be interactive activities for all ages, and visitors will be able to enjoy the fun, knowing they’re also doing their bit to protect the future of Amur tigers."

 

Knowsley Safari’s tiger takeover occurs daily between February 15 and 23 and is free of charge with regular admission tickets. Kids go free with every paying adult during the same period. You can book your tickets here.

 

Knowsley Safari is also helping the tigers with its fundraising campaign, Roar for Amur, which aims to raise awareness of the plight of the Amur tiger and highlight how we can protect them. Visitors can support the campaign on site by using the QR codes at the donation stations, and everyone can support it by donating online.

 

Blue Planet Aquarium 'Kid for a Quid' deal

The Blue Planet Aquarium is offering families a discounted underwater adventure this half term with the 'kid for a quid' promotion. The aquarium will also be hosting 'colourful and camouflage' events each day during half term, including arts, crafts and new educational talks.

 

Between February 15 and March 2, families can visit the aquarium, observe an 'aqua-theatre' show in front of the ocean display, and enjoy shows, feeds and talks scheduled throughout the day from 10am. The offer ends on Friday, February 14 at 5pm and tickets are valid until Sunday, March 2.

 

Arts and crafts at Liverpool Cathedral

On Wednesday, February 19, Liverpool Cathedral is hosting a series of arts and crafts activities for families. Each session is completely free and lasts up to 45 minutes. All sessions must be pre-booked and each person attending is required to have a ticket. Sessions start at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm. The activities will be themed around the Cathedral's 'Threads through the Bible' exhibition.

 

Liverpool Cathedral is free to enter and families can also explore the amazing building if they wish to extend their time there. You can book a free space here.

 

Visit the Paddington Bear Statue

Everyone’s favourite bear has taken a seat at Liverpool ONE as part of Paddington Visits, a trial of Paddington statues across the UK. Fans, friends, and family can step into Mr. Gruber’s shoes, sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy. Find him on College Lane, near Waterstones.

 

Liverpool ONE Nature and Heritage Trails

Pick up a booklet from the Liverpool ONE Information Centre and get close to nature in the heart of the city. The Nature Trail is self-guided tour available all year round and offers kids aged 4 to 11 a chance to interact with Chavasse Park’s natural environment.

 

The free trail is self-guided by a map available online or at the Tourist Information Centre on Wall Street and it takes around 60 minutes to complete. For more information visit the website.

The shopping complex also has a Heritage Trail, which shares fascinating stories and hidden gems across the city centre while teaching children about the rich history of the area. It’s a fun and educational activity for the whole family to enjoy together. During half term weekends, characters will appear throughout the trail.

 

Both free and fully accessible, the self-guided audio tour takes between 60-90 minutes to complete. To follow The Heritage Trail, download the Liverpool ONE MyONE app or alternatively collect the printed map from the Information Centre on Wall Street.

 

Seaside Explorers at the World Museum

Liverpool's World Museum hosts a weekly 'Seaside Explorers' group at 10am every Thursday - including Thursday, February 20. Families can join the group in the aquarium at the museum for a range of fun activities and games linked to underwater animals. This session is ideal for parents with preschool age children and babies or nursery groups. This is a relaxed drop in activity and no booking necessary. Older siblings are welcome too.

 

Big Art Special at the Walker Art Gallery

For just £2 per child, families can take part in a 'big art' activity at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool city centre. Visitors will work together to make a marvellous masterpiece to take him, and have time to explore the dedicated 'Big Art' area of the museum, with a range of wonderful resources all to yourself. Art Sparks sessions take place subject to availability on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. During half term, the sessions will take place on February 18 and 19.

 

Animal adventures at the Museum of Liverpool

The Museum of Liverpool has a dedicated kids' area called Little Liverpool, and every Tuesday the attraction hosts an 'animal adventures' session at 11.15am. Tickets cost £2 per child (aged 5 years and under) with a maximum of two accompanying adults and can be booked here or in person at the Museum of Liverpool. A limited number of tickets are available for each session, with animal-themed activities for younger museum visitors to enjoy.

 

Aquarium behind the scenes tour

Liverpool's World Museum is offering a behind the scenes tour of the aquarium for adults and children aged six and over. Due to the nature of the behind the scenes environment, the age requirement this is to ensure the safety of visitors. The 20 minute guided tour is led by a member of the aquarium team and costs £4 per child and £5 per adult.

You'll be taken into the museum's back of house facilities to see how staff look after the animals in their care. From From February 18 to 21 the museum will be running 10 tours a day starting at the following times: 11.00am, 11.30am, 12.00pm, 12.30pm, 1.00pm, 1.30pm, 2.00pm, 2.30pm, 3.00pm, 3.30pm.

 

The Reader at Calderstones

On Thursday, February 20, The Reader is showing a retelling of classic fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin, with performances at 11am and 2:30pm. The show is best suited for children aged between three and 11, with younger siblings welcome to join the show in the theatre room.

 

Wirral Libraries craft events

Libraries across Wirral will be hosting half term stories and craft sessions, with Wallasey Central Library, Moreton Library, Greasby Library, Eastham Library, Upton Library and West Kirby Library all hosting events throughout the week. Many of the sessions are aimed at children aged four and over, with materials provided for kids to unleash their inner artists. You can find a full list of events here.

 

Craft and create at the Lady Lever Art Gallery

On February 18 and February 19, the Lady Lever Art Gallery is hosting craft and create sessions, offering families to spend time together making memories and creating something special to take home at the end of the day. The sessions run from 1-4pm on each day, but they can get very busy and operate on a 'drop in' basis so at busy times you may be asked to come back later on in the session. There's plenty to see around the rest of the gallery while you wait and you may enjoy following one of our trails.

 

The Old Dock Tour

Families can step back in time with the Old Dock Tour. Perfect for curious kids and adults alike, this fascinating tour uncovers the secrets of Liverpool’s fortune, buried right underneath the streets of Liverpool ONE. The Old Dock Tours are available on Wednesdays, Fridays and every other Thursday and Saturday at 10.30am, 12pm and 2.30pm. Each tour lasts up to an hour. For more information and to book tickets, visit the website.

 

'When I Was Little' at the Museum of Liverpool

‘When I was little’ is a free activity for children aged between 3 to 7 and their families, where you can discover museum objects together and share stories and memories using a special activity backpack.

 

The activity is available to families, children, grandparents and those living with dementia. Take a walk around the Museum of Liverpool with other families, accompanied by a 'When I was little' bag pack and a member of the museum team.

 

You will journey together through Liverpool’s history as you explore memories of older relatives and family lives. Children can be inspired by what they’ve seen and talked about and get creative in a ‘When I was little’ album, included in a backpack filled with objects and toys. You can take the album away with you as a keepsake of the day. The activity takes place at 11am on February 21.

 

Splash Tours

See the city like never before with an amphibious adventure at Splash Tours. This one hour tour takes visitors around Liverpool to see some of its most iconic sights and buildings, before splashing into the Royal Albert Dock. Children under two are free, with tickets starting from £17.

 

Happy Hedgehog camps

Working parents can often find it difficult to book activities to keep their little ones busy during half term if they have to juggle childcare alongside work commitments. That's why many parents opt to book a half term activity camp, like Happy Hedgehog, for their children to join each day.

 

Happy Hedgehog has camps dedicated to dance, cheerleading, gymnastics and other sports, with locations at two Childwall primary schools. The clubs run every weekday in half term between 8:30am until 3:30pm, with additional 'twilight camp' running between 3:30pm and 5pm. The twilight camps include activities like colouring, quizzes, crafts and puzzles.

 

Full week tickets for the all-day camps cost £77.50, with week-long twilight tickets priced at £24. You can find out more here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion Event

Job Fair- Central Library

Parent Courses

Parenting Newsletter Autumn 2024

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/UO8kbEgErrkpayFb?ref=Link

A message from the Tate

 

We have just launched a free resource for families called Mildred’s Albert Dock Art Trail. Mildred is Tate Liverpool’s art-loving cat! She wants young people and their grown-ups to help her find 6 artworks hidden around the inner-quay of the Royal Albert Dock. Mildred also likes word games! There are 5 hidden letters near the artworks that can be rearranged to spell a word.

 

The Art Trail is screen-free and a great way for families to spend time together, doing something that is both creative and active. This is a self-led, free, family activity suitable for children aged 7-11.

 

Anyone wanting to take part can collect a free Art Trail booklet from Tate Liverpool at RIBA North, Mann Island. Follow the map on the back to find the hidden artworks. There’s plenty of space and guidance inside the booklet to encourage our young visitors to create their own amazing art along the way.

 

Web page is here: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-liverpool/mildreds-albert-dock-art-trail

 

Images (if you need any): https://we.tl/t-VrglmlvIbg

Adult Learning Open Days

Call into any of the centres to find out more about all the courses on offer.

 

  • Norris Green Adult Learning Centre, L11 1DQ Monday 24 June 10am-2pm
  • Newsham Adult Learning Centre, L6 7UH Wednesday 26 June 10am-2pm and 5pm-7pm
  • Park Road Learning Centre, L8 6SE Thursday 27 June 10am-2pm and 5pm-7pm
  • Granby Adult Learning Centre, L8 2TU Friday 28 June 10am-4pm

 

 

Many of our courses are FREE! Starting in September 2024 Adult Learning - Inclusive and supportive, helping you to achieve your goals and aspirations. Everyone welcome!

 

Find out more here liverpool.gov.uk/als 

Dear Parent or Guardian

The May Half Term Eat to Meet programme starts on Monday 27th May and there are lots of great activities happening over the school holidays.  Children and young people, from reception to age 16, who are eligible for benefits related free school meals, will be able to access hundreds of activities throughout the half term holidays including specific provision available for children with SEND or additional needs, at no cost. There’s a great range of activities across the city including baseball, athletics, tri golf, bubble football, nerf wars, mindfulness, swimming, football, music, dance, cycling, gymnastics, theatre tech, cooking, discos, podcasting, handball, orienteering, arts and crafts, drama, basketball, trips out and nature walks!  A meal will be provided for every child attending.

You can find out where your nearest scheme by clicking on this link or go https://merseyplay.com/may-half-term-eat-to-meet/ or go to https://merseyplay.com/ and click on  “May Half Term Eat to Meet 2024”.

When you have chosen the activity/scheme you will need to contact that organisation to book a place.  Each organisation will have either a telephone number, email address or online booking system.  If your child has any additional needs or dietary requirements then please discuss this with the organisation when you book.  There is no central booking system so please read the details of the programmes on the website and contact the providers directly.

Liverpool City Council is working with Mersey Play Action Council, the local schools, voluntary and community organisations, and childcare providers to deliver the May Half Term Eat to Meet programme.  This programme is funded by Liverpool City Council.

The Family Information and SEND Directory also provides a wealth of useful information and support for families - FISD.

Regards

Sally Dobbing

Sally Dobbing - HAF Project Manager

How to keep your child well roadshow events

Parent Workshops

Liverpool City Council will be holding the workshops above in our school. There are a maximum of 10 spaces available on these workshops. To book a place please email k.flanagan@holycrossprimaryschool.co.uk as soon as possible. 

L5 Bike Library

Register online here https://peloton.coop/bike-library-registration/

Notre Dame- Primary Newsletter

Please find below the link to access The Winter Edition of Liverpool’s Parenting Newsletter.

 

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/4Jd41QtBB28CSJ9Z?ref=Link

 

 

The last parenting newsletter gained over 12,800 views.  This shows us that the information is reaching our parents and families across the City.

 

In this newsletter parents will find information on a number of events, activities, courses and support services, which they can access, running  from January to March 2024.

 

The Newsletter includes information on services that support parents around; 

 

  • Ante Natal Services
  • Family Hubs and Children’s Centres
  • Childcare Support
  • Debt Advice
  • Domestic Abuse Support
  • Education and Training Opportunities
  • Family Relationship Support
  • Employment Support
  • Foodbanks
  • Parenting Groups and Courses
  • Child Development Groups
  • Money Management
  • SEND Support
  • Parental Mental Health Support
  • Support for Fathers

How to report a dog issue https://liverpool.gov.uk/environmental-problems/report-dog-issues/

Half Term Clubs for children entitled to benefit free school meals https://merseyplay.com/winter-haf-liverpool/

Paid Research Project- LCC

Save money and get help with your fuel bills- Liverpool City Council Advice

 

Small changes to how you use your energy will help you save on your bills. Find out how and where to get help with your bills.

Keeping warm

It is important to keep warm in winter – both inside and outdoors. Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

  • heat your living area to 21°C (70°F) and 18°C (65°F) for the rest of your home. If the temperature in your home falls below 16°C (61°F) you are increasing the risk of illness such as chest infections and hypothermia
  • keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights because breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections
  • keep active when you’re indoors. If you are able, try to move around at least once an hour to warm your body up
  • wear several layers of light clothes because they trap warm air better than one bulky layer
  • take advantage of financial schemes and discounts to help you pay for heating
  • make sure you get your flu jab

Make your home more energy efficient

Tips on how to improve your heating and save money on your energy bills include:

  • use quilted curtains to cover draughty windows
  • set your heating to come on just before you get up and switch off after you’ve gone to bed
  • set hot water temperature to 60°C
  • put a hot water bottle in your bed
  • use energy saving light bulbs where possible, and turn the lights of when you are not in the room
  • switch off any appliances at the socket when not in use
  • draught-proof windows and doors
  • only heat the home when it is occupied
  • insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes

This information taken from Energy Savings Trust 2017 based on a detached property with gas central heating.

Change your energy use 

Tips on how to change your energy use:

  • turn appliances off when not in use and avoid using stand-by buttons - estimated saving per year £20
  • turn lighting off when not in use and use energy saving bulbs to save money and energy – estimated saving per year £20
  • install inexpensive radiator panels to reflect heat back into rooms when radiators are positioned on an external wall – £7 each and use Thermostatic Radiator Valves to control temperature - estimated saving per year £60
  • close curtains at night and tuck them behind radiators – estimated saving per year £10
  • do not open windows if it gets too hot, adjust the thermostat instead - estimated saving per year £60
  • avoid frequently using plug in heaters and electric bar fires. Central heating is less expensive to run - estimated saving per year £300
  • only boil enough water in your kettle for your needs – estimated saving per year £30
  • a microwave oven is more cost effective for cooking small items than an electric oven - estimated saving per year £5
  • use pan lids to reduce steam and the energy needed for cooking - estimated saving per year £30
  • use economy setting at 30°C on washing machines and dry clothing outdoors or in a well-ventilated room - estimated saving per year £50
  • turn down your thermostat down by 1°C - estimated saving per year £60
  • save energy and water by having a shower instead of a bath - estimated saving per year £40
  • use a water-saving shower head - estimated saving per year £5

Discounts or support for energy bills

  • Warm Home Discount - provides eligible households with a discount on their electricity bill of up to £140. You will be eligible for mandatory support if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit even if you get Savings Credit as well on the qualifying day. Contact your electricity supplier.
  • Winter Fuel Payment – is an annual payment to help older people with the cost of keeping warm in winter. Payments are automatic between November and December to those receiving State Pension or specific benefits. Call the Winter Duel Payment helpline for details on Tel: 03459 151 51.
  • Cold Weather Payment – is made to eligible households on means tested benefits in areas where exceptionally cold weather’ is forecast or has occurred. Automatic payments amount to £25 per qualifying week between 1st November and 31st March.
  • https://www.liverpool.gov.uk/housing/fuel-bills-and-energy-efficiency/save-money-and-get-help-with-your-fuel-bills/

Apply for free school meals

If you think your child is entitled to free school meals please apply online here https://liverpool.gov.uk/benefits/free-school-meals/application-form/ 

You should still apply even if your child is in Nursery-Year 2 as school is given extra funding and you will be entitled to free school meal vouchers during half term (when the scheme is available. 

 

If you are successful with your application please let the school office know. 

Welfare, Benefits and Legal Advice

Liverpool Citizens Support Scheme

If you find yourself in crisis you can apply for support to get food and basic necessities for you and your family including gas and electric vouchers (urgent needs) and furniture and household essentials (home needs). 

 

You may need support in an emergency or crisis such as a fire or flood, or you have had to move due to violence or fear of violence, or you are leaving care or prison and need support to stay in the community.

 

We may also be able to provide support if you are struggling financially and unable to pay the council's green waste collection charge.

 

For more information visit https://liverpool.gov.uk/benefits/help-in-a-crisis/liverpool-citizens-support-scheme/ 

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