Read on to find some key information about sleep and tips to help improve it.
Sleep is a vital part of life, just as essential to our bodies as eating, drinking, and breathing. It allows our brains and bodies to recover from the day’s activities. For children, getting enough sleep is crucial for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
We appreciate that sometimes getting your child to sleep can be a challenge for some families, but there are ways you can change this. Here are some tips and recommendations on how to build a sleep routine for you and your child.
Top tips:
1. Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule
2. Create a Calming Bedtime Routine
3. Limit Screen Time
An interesting read on the effects of screen time before bed: https://sleepnanny.co.uk/blog/screen-time-and-sleep/
4. Make their Bedroom Sleep-Friendly
4. Handle Bedtime Battles Gently
If you have tried all of the above and you still have concerns around your child’s sleep – such as your child snoring loudly, frequent waking, having nightmares/night terrors or is always tired despite a good routine our advice would be to talk to your GP. We can also make referrals to the School Nursing Team who can also advise you on Sleep.
If you are struggling and would like to talk to our Child and Family Support Worker about this subject, please contact Carla Foster at CFSW@queensinclosure.hants.sch.uk
As the summer holidays approach, we understand the importance of keeping children engaged, active and happy during their time away from school. To support you, we have compiled a selection of local activities and events that may be of interest to families over the break.
Please note that while this guide provides a range of suggestions, the school does not endorse or officially recommend any of the organisations, events, or services listed. We encourage parents and carers to carry out their own checks to ensure that any activities meet their family’s needs and expectations, particularly with regard to safety, supervision, and suitability.
We hope you find this guide helpful in planning an enjoyable and enriching summer for your children.
Low cost and free activities to do in Hampshire:
https://www.hampshireattractions.co.uk/things-to-do-for-free/
Portsmouth’s free Adventure Playgrounds:
https://www.pycportsmouth.co.uk/play/
Easy walks for the family:
https://www.theamblingpath.co.uk/
Swimming Pools and Splash Parks:
Port Solent - Kids Club every Thursday over summer:
https://portsolent.com/events/
Havant Meridian Shopping Centre – free activities ticketed but free:
https://meridianshoppingcentre.com/were-going-wild-this-summer/
Fareham Shopping Centre - Free Ping Pong Parlour, Podium Playtime every Thursday and Play Day event:
https://farehamshopping.com/events/
Joe Wicks – Free animated workout challenges for children:
https://www.thebodycoach.com/blog/introducing-activate-my-brand-new-animation-for-kids/
Hampshire Libraries - Summer reading challenge and other events:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/library
Google Maps – Local Play Parks
Google Maps – Hampshire Country Parks
SEND Information
SEND Summer Activities and Sessions:
https://www.finkleydownfarm.co.uk/event/send-early-bird-access/
Various Family Activities and SEND Sessions: https://portsmouthlocaloffer.org/information/summer-fun-events-and-activities-for-families-in-portsmouth/ - Including Exploria, FlipOut and Charter swimming SEND sessions.
Havant and Waterlooville Horizon Leisure Centre:
SEND Soft Play – Thursday 16:00-17:00 £4.00 per child, including siblings. Parents and Carers go free. Music is turned off and we only allow 20 children attending to reduce noise and movement. Therefore, it is advisable to prebook.
Inclusive Sports Club Havant: Join Horizon Today
Summer Thriving – Please see timetable attached in full document.
Explore Additional Needs Activities at Horizon Today
Gateway Card and Gateway Card+:
Gateway Cards are free and give children access to community activities, play schemes and buddy schemes through the short breaks programme.
Leisure and Activities for Children and Young People with SEND:
https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/advice.page?id=MOPm_33ijiM
Short Breaks Activities:
https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/advice.page?id=wQ4VE5g_-lg
Short breaks, enable children and young people with additional needs to participate in safe and fun activities, giving parents an opportunity for a short break from caring.
Community Buddy Scheme:
https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/service.page?id=xCypGryvhNc
Community buddies enable children and young people with a disability to access the community or support them to take part in activities or groups of their choosing within the local community.
As the academic year comes to a close, the summer holiday offers children a valuable opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy a break from their regular routines. However, without thoughtful planning, the weeks can quickly become unstructured and less productive. Taking the time to organise your child’s summer can lead to a more enriching and enjoyable experience for the entire family.
Children benefit from a sense of routine, even during the holidays, and a balanced schedule that includes play, learning opportunities, and family time can support both their well-being and development. Planning ahead also creates opportunities to make meaningful memories - whether through travel, local outings, or simply time spent together. Most importantly, a clear plan reduces the stress of last-minute arrangements and allows both children and parents to approach the summer with a sense of calm and purpose.
Please see below for some free downloadable resources.