After what may have seemed a rather long January, we’re now firmly into February and with it – half-term. With unreliable weather and bank accounts still recovering after Christmas, this one can be particularly hard to fill. It can be easy to stay at home and spend a lot of time on screens – but there are far more fun things to do! Now don’t get us wrong, we’re not knocking screens completely. Other options are available though which can help your family make memories, learn new skills, come together and have fun. For foster children, there is the chance for new opportunities in a safe setting – so why not get planning now?
We’ve come up with six screen-free ways to spend a family half-term, with something suitable for all ages, budgets and abilities. Bring it on and love February a little more!
With almost endless options, both indoor and outdoor, scavenger hunts are free, easy to set-up and a great way to spend anything from ten minutes to two hours. All interests and abilities can be included with everyone working together or having a little healthy competition. There really are so many different scavenger hunt ideas.
The colder weather can mean birds find it harder to find food, so why not serve up something homemade in your garden. The RSPB has a selection of simple ideas to start your very own Bird Café, helping children to discover more about their world and caring for it. Any size garden or even a window box will do and you could spend some time counting and identifying the different types of birds which grab a table at your café.
For a fantastic evening out, The Blue Pool Nature Reserve are running Illuminate. Head out for a night adventure including a spectacular light trail, the UK’s longest rope bridge and marshmallow toasting. This one is a little more expensive, but great for all ages, even those teens who can find a host of Insta-worthy photo opportunities.
Spend some quality (and possibly chaotic) time in the kitchen letting the children in your care learn new skills and create a tasty treat everyone can share. Brilliant for bonding and self-esteem, there are lots of child-friendly recipes for all ages and abilities. Yes chef!
There are lots of family-friendly cycle trails in Dorset, or if it’s more of an inside day, why not try Ramp Rats in Parkstone? Unlike the great outdoors, you will need to pay (prices start from just over £5), but it does include everything children up to 10yrs need to scoot, skate or ride around happily – and a roof.
Get some fresh air and burn off energy with a walk in the beautiful New Forest. There’s a family friendly walk at Bolderwood that’s less than half a mile and even includes the chance to watch some deer at the end. Remember the important phrase, “Det finns inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder” (there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing).
Have you got any top tips for half-term activities? Why not share them on our Facebook page and inspire other super foster carers? Otherwise, if you want to chat about half-term or anything else fostering, please get in touch. We’ll be making a traybake to take to the Blue Pool and practising our selfies.
Footprints Foster Care Ltd
Registered Company No 07879639
Longham Business Park
168 Ringwood Road
Ferndown
Dorset BH22 9BU
Please do not be anxious about contacting us
– we promise not to put you under any pressure. We are happy to answer your questions and we need to ask questions to make sure that you meet some basic criteria, such as do you have a spare bedroom and live in the right area?
Assuming that these basic criteria are met and you are happy to proceed, we will arrange to come and meet you at your home.
The home visit usually lasts 1-2 hours and gives both parties the chance to ask lots of questions. We find out more about you and you find out more about us and what we can offer. If everyone is happy to proceed you will be given an application form to complete.
If however, having found out more about fostering, you decide that you do not wish to proceed, then do not feel embarrassed to say so. We will also be honest and let you know if we do not feel it is in your interests to proceed.
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If you decide to proceed, you will complete an application form and go into the assessment process. This can take between 3–6 months and is undertaken by a qualified social worker.
It is a thorough process and one which helps people understand what has shaped their lives, prepares them for the challenge of fostering and determines their motivation to foster. As part of this process, we will also undertake statutory checks and personal references, including police checks, personal and employment references and medicals.
The social worker will also meet with your personal referees, members of your household and any adult children you have living away from home to ensure they fully support your intentions to foster.
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During the assessment period, you will have the opportunity to attend the Skills to Foster™ course that provides the foundation for future learning and development, as well as giving you the confidence to undertake your first placement.
You will also be required to complete a portfolio of evidence to support your assessment.
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After stage 3 has been completed, your assessment and portfolio will be presented to a Fostering Panel. The panel is made of experienced social work practitioners and independent members, who will have carefully considered the report in advance of the panel.
You and your assessor will both attend the fostering panel to enable panel members to meet you, address any points for clarification and hear any final questions you may have.
If the panel is satisfied the requirements regarding your suitability to foster are met, they will make a recommendation to approve you as a foster carer.
The ultimate decision to approve lies with the agency decision maker, who will carefully consider the recommendation made by the fostering panel.
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