Even if you’re not one for routines, it makes sense for your child to have a consistent study programme. That’s not just how often they revise, but for how long and when. What’s more, incorporating efficiency hacks makes the whole experience less of a challenge. Think regular breaks, flash cards, food, goals, and yes, rewards.

Break down the load
Deciding on a revision plan is the first step. Create a timetable including exam subjects and dates, then work backwards. Allow plenty of time for each subject. Starting well in advance is key, but even if they’ve left it late, knowing what’s coming up when and where, can create a structure to work within.

Don’t look at the big picture
All of those exams looming can be overwhelming. Once they have their revision plan, hone in on what comes first. Dividing the timetable into smaller chunks makes it easier to handle. It also reduces the fear of being faced with what can feel like an impossible task.

Spaced repetition
This is one way to break down revision per subject. For each, plan a revision session the day before the exam, then another two days before this, then three, five and seven days before (2, 3, 5, 7 method). They can then adapt this to include more sessions for topics they are less confident with. 

Memory keys
Reading notes is a start, but it’s not enough to make the information stick. Active recall using flash cards and working through past papers is more efficient. They could also try blurting, which is exactly as it sounds. For this they write down everything they know about a subject without looking at notes. Next, they check what they’ve missed, blurting again until they’re happy they can recall all they need to. Alternatively, ask them to teach you the topic to deepen their understanding of it. 

It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Make sure they take regular breaks. Revising non-stop all day might seem like a good idea, but focus wanes and boredom sets in. Encourage them to step away from the screen and books, and do something else. Even getting outside for a short walk will refresh them ready to start again.

Share the process
Revising with a friend offers mutual support and can really lighten the load, even if they’re not working through the same subjects. They can also test each other, which improves active recall and learning, highlights areas needing more attention, and deepens understanding. 

A car can’t run without fuel
The same goes for kids. They need healthy, regular meals with lots of protein, vitamins and minerals to fuel their study. If they’re so focused in on what they’re doing that they don’t want to eat proper meals then don’t turn it into an argument. Provide a regular stream of healthy snacks and drinks to keep their energy levels up.

Additional help
If your child is struggling in a subject, then tutoring can be a great solution. A good tutor will help them understand concepts they haven’t gotten their head around at school, and increase their confidence, as well as their knowledge.

Calm down
Whether you’re a fan or not, studies show deep breathing can help cut anxiety and stress. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps relaxation, lowering cortisol levels. Get them to try box breathing: breathe in for a count of four, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four and repeat. A few minutes, several times a day, can reduce panic and increase calm.

Sleepy head
The brain processes the events of the day while we sleep, and, during exam season, rest is more important than ever. The body, too, uses this time to repair and regulate itself: blood pressure drops, cortisol (the stress hormone) lowers, and blood sugar evens out. A good night’s shut-eye means we wake up calmer, happier, and with energy to tackle the day.

Stop overthinking
Mindfulness focuses attention on the here and now, without worrying about what has happened or what will happen. It has been proven to help reduce anxiety and stress so is a great option to help relieve revision pressure. Apps such as Calm and Headspace offer short, guided sessions to fit easily into their day.

The end prize
We all work better when we have something to look forward to – and that’s a treat to mark the end of a journey. Don’t look on it as bribing your teen, rather as rewarding them for all their hard work before their exams. You could organise a special family day out, or fund a trip for them and a couple of friends to the cinema or bowling. Alternatively, buy them something they really want but can’t afford themselves – and of course there’s always money. That carrot has seen generations of kids (us included!) knuckle down and do the work, knowing there’s cash coming for every exam they pass.

The post GCSEs incoming: last minute revision tips appeared first on Checklists.

Government skills target

The UK government has set a new goal: by 2040, two-thirds of young people should achieve higher-level skills by age 25, including through apprenticeships. This reflects a shift from the traditional university routes, emphasising the value of vocational education. To support this, an additional £800 million is being invested in further education and apprenticeships for 16- to 19-year-olds by 2026–27.

Foundation apprenticeships gain traction

Foundation apprenticeships are available for 16- to 21-year-olds (or up to 24 for care leavers and those with Education, Health, and Care Plans). These programmes aim to provide opportunities in sectors like digital, health, and engineering, offering a structured pathway into skilled professions.

Shorter and more flexible programme durations

In a move to increase accessibility, the minimum duration for apprenticeships has been reduced to eight months. This change allows apprentices to achieve occupational competence more quickly. Especially so, if they have significant prior learning or if the training aligns closely with industry needs.

Level 7 apprenticeships: funding changes ahead

Government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships (equivalent to a master’s) is limited. Most learners over 22 will no longer be eligible. That’s except for care leavers under 25, new starters under 21, and those with Education, Health, and Care Plans. This shift aims to redirect resources toward younger individuals entering the workforce.

Increased employer investment in apprenticeships

Employers are stepping up their commitment: Royal Mail has doubled its annual apprenticeship to support small and medium-sized businesses. This is part of a broader trend where large companies redistribute unused levy funds to help smaller firms train apprentices in certain areas.

Rising achievement rates

Data indicates apprenticeship achievement rates are on the rise. For example, Level 6 apprenticeships have surpassed the government’s 67% achievement rate target, reaching 69.1% in 2023–24. This upward trend also suggests apprenticeships are becoming more effective and respected.

Digital and AI skills

As technology continues to advance, there is also a growing demand for apprenticeships in digital and AI fields. Programmes focusing on areas like data analysis, cybersecurity, and software development are becoming increasingly popular, reflecting the broader shift towards a tech-driven economy.

The post The latest apprenticeship changes and opportunities appeared first on Checklists.

It boosts cognitive development

Learning a second language strengthens the brain by challenging children to process multiple sounds, grammar rules, and meanings simultaneously. Studies show bilingual children often excel at problem-solving, multitasking, and memory exercises. Even simple activities, like learning to count in Spanish or following a French instruction game, can improve attention span and mental flexibility.

It enhances communication skills

Children exposed to multiple languages develop a deeper awareness of language structure and nuance, improving both verbal and non-verbal communication. They learn to listen carefully, interpret context, and adapt their speech for different situations. Even starting something as simple as practicing greetings in daily routines can build confidence in understanding tone and expression.

It encourages cultural awareness

Language is inseparable from culture. It introduces children to new customs, holidays, foods, and storytelling traditions. Examples include exploring Japanese festivals, or singing French nursery rhymes. These experiences help children appreciate diversity while connecting language to real-world activities.

It supports emotional growth

Navigating a second language can teach patience, persistence, and empathy. Children learn to express feelings when words are imperfect, and develop understanding for others trying to communicate in a new language. Practicing phrases for sharing, apologizing, or expressing excitement in another language reinforces emotional intelligence and self-expression.

It opens future opportunities

Early skills lay the groundwork for academic and professional advantages later in life. Whether reading Spanish storybooks, understanding Mandarin songs, or conversing with a German-speaking friend abroad, children gain confidence that can translate into success in school, travel, and global interactions.

How to support language learning at home

Bilingual story-time: Reading books in two languages helps children connect words to meaning while building listening skills and vocabulary. Pick stories with repetitive phrases or rhymes to make comprehension easier.

Songs and media in another language: Music, nursery rhymes, and short shows expose children to pronunciation, intonation, and cultural references while keeping learning fun and engaging.

Interactive play: Games, role-playing, or simple household tasks can include foreign words, turning routine moments into language practice without formal lessons.

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Kerry; you’re in the middle of a massive international tour at the moment. How’s life on the road?

“I’m so excited to be out with this show, talking to audiences. I was overwhelmed by the response last year as I love being in peoples’ hometowns. Meeting everyone and hearing their connections with me and their local theatres is always a joy. I’m enjoying every second of it.”

Apparently, Keith Richards eats shepherd’s pie before every performance with The Rolling Stones. Do you have any weird and wonderful pre-show rituals?

“Not really. I try not to have routines as I think they can influence your performance. That said, when I’m on tour, I do try and look after myself. I try to get to the gym, get as much sleep as possible, and eat as well as I can so that I’m ready for the show. The nice thing is that, when I’m on the road, I only have one thing to think about. Doing the show!”

That must a nice change for a busy mum of two. How do you manage to balance your schedule with family life?

“Our life is always upside down, but I am very lucky to have an amazing husband and supportive family who help the balance. They say it takes a village to raise a family – and it certainly does! This industry can be difficult, and it can only happen if you are supported by everyone around you. I do and they all inspire me every day.”

You bagged your first role as a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz aged nine, and then trained at Laine Theatre Arts for three years. Was your heart always set on the stage?

“Absolutely. I feel fortunate that I knew so early. I know so many people don’t have a clear view of where they want to be, but I knew where my heart was from the start. I knew what I wanted to chase. And chase, I did.”

It must have been quite a journey – and you’re now hailed as the First Lady of the West End! How does that feel?

“I’m not sure that’s completely accurate: I definitely think Elaine Paige is the first lady – or certainly the first lady that I look up to. She was my inspiration growing up and still is to this day. I love how she continues to grow and develop and stays current.”

You were Meat in the original cast of We Will Rock you and have continued to work with Queen’s Brian May over the years. Can you tell us a little about your relationship with him?

“Lovely Brian has been incredible to me, not only as a mentor, but as a friend. He’s taught me so much and I’m forever grateful for his kindness. Still to this day, we talk quite a bit about all sorts of things from performing and music to life in general. I’m so happy to have him in my life.”

You perform beautifully together. Do you have any Freddie Mercury qualities?

“I don’t know about that, but Brian would say that I shared certain likenesses, such as passion for music, just like Freddie. Sadly, I never got to meet him but I really I wish I had.”

We hear you are also busy writing your autobiography. Can we expect you to spill some showbiz scandals?

“No – but I do tell people how it is, just like I do on the tour. I’m very open and honest and tell people the real stories, as in what really happened. My Podcast is called Keep Calm and Kerry On and that is exactly the advice I’d give to my younger self.”

Finally, when the tour’s complete and you get a chance to relax, what’s next?

“I’m not sure you’d call it relaxing but I have lots of exciting projects on the go. Being part of the new show, Lady M The Musical is amazing as I’ve just come back from doing a version of the show in Shanghai. We are working on an album to release this year – and with a new album comes more touring and more challenges. I also run my own online course, How to Succeed in Musical Theatre as an Artist, which is open to everybody. I’ll teach you everything you need to know about musical theatre. There may be a star in you yet!”

Get tickets for Kerry’s Queen of the West End tour are on sale here. For details on her course visit www.kerryellis.com.

The post Interview: West End star Kerry Ellis appeared first on Checklists.

“Transitions can be difficult for any child, but especially for neurodivergent children who rely on predictability and routine,” begins Leanne. “Parents need to recognise these signs not as ‘bad behaviour’, but as signals of stress that need support. For neurodivergent children, even small changes feel huge. If a timetable shifts or a teacher uses a different routine, that unpredictability can be very destabilising. What looks like resistance or withdrawal is often them struggling to cope.”

Recognising when a child is struggling

Parents should be alert to subtle changes in behaviour: irritability, emotional meltdowns, or withdrawing from family life are all common signs, with sudden changes in sleep or appetite also indicating underlying stress. “This doesn’t mean your child is failing,” continues Leanne. “They’re signals they’re working hard to adapt, and may need extra understanding, patience and reassurance. Here’s some simple tips to help you both cope.”

Re-establish routines early

“Neurodivergent children thrive on predictability. Setting regular bedtimes, consistent mealtimes, and clear school-night routines gives a sense of security when everything else feels new.”

Prepare the night before

“Simple habits – like laying out uniforms, packing bags or checking the timetable – can transform stressful mornings. A calmer start sets the tone for the day. If parents are relaxed, this contributes to a calmer environment.”

Break mornings into small steps

“Rather than focusing on the daunting goal of ‘getting to school,’ help children tackle one task at a time, like getting dressed or brushing their teeth. Visual checklists can also help younger children feel in control.”

Create decompression time

“Many children come home emotionally drained, so allow 30 minutes of downtime – whether that’s reading or simply sitting quietly – to allow them to reset. You can also reduce sensory demands like closing the curtains or dimming light.”

Use visual tools

“Timetables and planners provide clarity and reduce anxiety for neurodivergent children. Visual supports take away the pressure of remembering everything and make routines feel achievable.”

Encourage physical activity

“Movement regulates stress hormones and boosts concentration. A short walk can be as effective as structured sports. They don’t always need clubs: sometimes it’s about unstructured play that lets them move freely.”

Stay connected with school

“Open dialogue with teachers is key. Share what strategies work well at home so that they can be mirrored in the classroom. This consistency across environments helps children feel supported rather than misunderstood.”

When to seek further support

Most children adjust within the first few weeks, but for some, the stress may linger or worsen. If anxiety or behavioural challenges begin to significantly disrupt daily life, parents are encouraged to seek help.

“Remember, if your child is consistently overwhelmed or their wellbeing is suffering, it’s important not to wait,” finishes Leanne. Speaking with your GP is a good first step and they will be able to signpost to relevant services.”

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Unsure whether boarding school’s right for your child? There’s the huge amount of academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities on offer for a start. Then there’s the fact that students get the opportunity to immerse themselves in their studies, grow in a supportive and diverse community, and prepare themselves for success. Got the funds available? Read on for even more benefits to boarding.

Small classes

A boarding school normally has 10 to 15 students in each class compared to a state, which has anything from 30-40. A smaller class size means they’ll get a lot more attention, with teachers providing individual support – plus your child will have easier access to teachers if in need of help.

Personal development 

Living away from home means they’ll gain life skills such as time management and an earlier start when it comes to independence. While staff in all departments will provide adequate care and support, boarders must assume an additional level of responsibility for their education.

Academics that push you 

A boarding school education also places a special emphasis on challenging academics and experience-based learning. If you choose – and they’re happy – to board, they’ll benefit from self-discipline and a strong work ethic in an experience-centred environment, in turn preparing them for university. 

Activities

Boarding school students also have a wide range of clubs and activities to enjoy, ranging from language learning and athletics to STEM project groups and arts. Giving them the chance to explore their hobbies and form groups that share interests, again they’ll learn new skills and discover more about themselves.

Getting set for life after school 

Boarding school also serves as a stepping stone for when it’s time to head off to uni, with students more likely to be accepted to their first choice, be it in the UK or overseas. By boarding your child will have benefitted from strong self-management skills and is motivated, qualities all universities look for. 

To see your company in any upcoming features please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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With that in mind, this article will focus on the strategies and activities that will help you take advantage of your time, and make your university experience a blast!

Live away from home

If you chose a university that is far from home, you probably don’t have a choice; but if you plan to attend university closer to home, it’s still a good idea to live away from home, if you can.

There are so many benefits to moving out. All of a sudden, you’re in charge of your life, and if you haven’t fortified good, healthy habits, there could be a steep learning curve; but an important one nonetheless.

There are some essential things you should try to get right early on, this includes learning how to budget, do laundry, keep up with cleanliness, and cook (and eat healthy). It’s okay if there’s an adjustment period; but you should aim to figure these things out quickly to help you alleviate stress and give you more time to have fun.

Other things that could take a bit longer to adjust to are: managing loneliness, independence, and responsibility for yourself. These are a bit more abstract and could take years to figure out, so don’t worry, you’ll figure them out eventually.

Attend freshers week

The first choice you’re given once you get to university is whether to attend freshers week or not; but it should be a no-brainer. There will be all sorts of activities to make the week worth your time.

Freshers week is your initial opportunity to make friends, and after freshers week, most of your friends will likely be in the same programme as you; so it’s your first chance to meet people outside of your major.

A good tip is to go out of your way to approach at least a couple of random people during the week. You never know what you might have in common, or whether the interaction could blossom into a lifelong friendship. If it doesn’t, no harm, no foul.

Don’t worry if you can’t attend freshers week, there will be plenty of opportunities to make friends.

Go to lectures

Lectures might seem like a waste of time to some, and you might think that after you attend a few, you can make do with just the lecture slides. You might even think that you can skip lectures and still get good grades.

But going to university in a half-hearted capacity is a mistake. University might not be for everyone, but if you’re there, commit to it. If you don’t fully commit, you might never find your true passion.

Attending lectures is also just one step of the process. When you really focus and listen to your professors, you can perfect some other important life skills. One of them is finding effective ways to take notes and truly absorb information. Another one is quick, critical thinking; which you can practice when you attend lectures, listen, and ask questions.

Going to lectures also gives you a chance to meet people and get to know your professors.

Get to know the area

Once you have a handle on your lectures, it’s wise to get a good bearing of your surroundings. You might only be there for a few years, so find some unique places to hang out. Discover the best local shops, pubs, restaurants, and parks. Locate the hospital, train station, and other key surroundings.

Once you’ve found some cool spots, share them! Your friends will be thankful for your local knowledge and you’ll have fun going somewhere new.

Join clubs and teams

Extracurricular activities are a good step towards individual flourishment. Social life on campus can be almost as important as in-class experience, because in the working world, sometimes it’s about who you know rather than what you know. Also, extracurriculars look good on a CV.

Look around campus for clubs and groups that pique your interest. If you enjoy reading, find a book club. If you like arguing, join the model UN committee. If you’re into sports, try out for a team.

Joining a club or team will bring some fun to your spare time, give you a sense of belonging, and give you a reason to take a break from your studies.

Stay organised

Now that you’ve found your lecture halls, the best local restaurants, and joined a club, you’re going to have to manage your time effectively to accomplish everything.

Organisation is a key life skill. With so many things on the go, a calendar and a budget can go a long way to help you keep track of all the important and not-so-important things.

Organising your week or month ahead of time can help you get the most of it. It doesn’t have to be meticulously crafted, but get an idea of how much time you need to study, attend lectures, sleep, go to football practice, and of course, party. This will make it easier to plan things when you have blocks of free time. Maybe you won’t perfect it right away, but getting the right habits started will ensure that you don’t miss an important exam or meeting.

Take advantage of resources

There are so many resources at your disposal when you’re a student. Most campuses have a leisure centre, library, art studio, and many other facilities related to coursework. It’s in your best interest to use these while they’re free, because once you graduate, they won’t be.

One of the better perks at university is the widespread student discount, on and off campus. Many local shops will offer lunch deals, and some bigger companies like phone and internet providers could offer student discounts as well. Take advantage of these while you can.

Another benefit of campus life is the access to academic advisors and mentors. These are free services that can help you if you get stuck or if you need some advice. Everyone needs to ask questions sometimes, and talking to someone with your best interests in mind can help you make the most educated decision.

The last major advantage given to university students is the opportunity to get field-specific work experience – which is sometimes only available to current students. Working in your field before you graduate is a good way to get your foot in the door, and also obtain vital experience that might help you decide on your future.

Be patient

Perhaps the best advice to tie this all together is to remain patient.

Make mistakes, play, have fun, and explore your interests – and yourself. University is as much about personal growth as it is about graduating and getting your degree. As long as you grow a bit year-over-year, your time on campus will be worthwhile.

You might have trouble making friends or trusting new people at first. Do your best to stay positive and things should work out.

If you keep these tips in mind, you’re more likely to succeed than fail. Even if you do fail, dust yourself off, and try again. It’s all about the journey!

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging, please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Top tips for your first year at university appeared first on Checklists.

In fact, Save The Student’s National Student Accommodation Survey for 2022 found that students are looking earlier and earlier at houses and flats for the next academic year. Up to 24% of the respondents said they began looking for places before and during November, with the number of people looking getting lower the closer it gets to spring/summer. This will be to save themselves the stress of looking during exam season and to make the transition between accommodations easier.

It doesn’t have to be an anxiety-inducing experience though. There are plenty of things you can do to make the move a relatively stress-free experience. This article will look at some of the best things you can do.

Before moving out

When leaving your current property, it’s important to make sure you’re doing all you can to get your deposit back. One of the best ways to make sure of this is by cleaning the property. It doesn’t have to be a fresh coat of paint – just leaving it tidy for the landlord and the next tenants can be enough.

This might feel daunting but splitting the responsibilities between you and your housemates means you can tackle sections of the property individually and clean with more efficiency. The places that tend to need the most TLC are the bathroom and kitchen as they’re the most communally used.

Your landlord is more likely to charge you for cleaning of these which would come straight out of your deposit. A quick sweep for litter around the outside of the property could also be the difference maker.

Once you’ve secured your new location, your utilities and delivery addresses will need to change as well. Depending on if your old or new place has bills included in the price of your rent, you’ll need to either schedule for your utilities to shift to the new address or cancel them. You don’t want to be moving into new digs without hot water or electricity. Or worse, no internet!

Moving day

It’s moving day. Your stuff is in boxes and bags of varying sizes, and it’s time to shift it all to the new place. There are plenty of ways to get there, and some of you may be lucky enough to own a car. If not, and you have a licence, hourly car rental is an option too. Plus, there are always buses, taxis, and whatever other public transport is available in your city.

Another great option is the classic ‘man with a van’. Across the UK there are tonnes of freelance men with vans that act as ad-hoc removal services. When you arrive, be extra careful when moving your things in. Leaving any bags or boxes
unattended could inspire opportunistic individuals in the area to take anything that isn’t glued down.

Once you’re settled in

After you’ve chosen your rooms and put everything where it needs to be, now is the time to give the
property a quick glance over. Making sure you have a checklist of everything in the property you
may not have spotted when you first looked around is important, as you don’t want the estate
agents or landlord to think you caused them.

If you move into a property and it’s unclean or there are a lot of damages that need repairs, take pictures on your phone to send to the landlord or your estate agents. Having the photographic proof that those issues were there on moving day they can get sorted as quickly as possible.

A lot of properties will also have an inventory of what comes with it. Once you’ve run through that list and made a note of anything you can’t find or isn’t there, you can inform the owner and they can replace it if needs be. In this time, making a note of the fire escapes would also be useful, and you could introduce yourself and your housemates to the neighbours if you aren’t too tired.

When it comes to moving to a new house or flat, preparation is the key to a less stressful process. Moving while at university gives you the opportunity to experience what it’s like and feel that independence for yourself. There’s plenty to do, but breaking it down into steps will help the process. Once you’ve got yourself settled, do a thorough check of the property and make a note of any damages or anything missing from the inventory. Letting the owner know as soon as possible can prevent any confusion and get a replacement to you quickly.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Why moving house at university is easier than you think appeared first on Checklists.

1. Calm Kids

Parents who practice mindfulness themselves may already be familiar with the Calm app, but did you know there’s a section for kids?

You can engage in family exercises and bedtime stories to help reduce stress and keep kids calm, while also spending quality time together. Calm has a great reputation for helping overall wellbeing in adults and kids, and the family options are included in the Calm monthly subscription fee.

2. Chill Panda

This NHS-approved mental health app is a parenting secret weapon hiding behind an adorable name.

Chill Panda helps kids by suggesting activities to suit their state of mind, tailoring to their needs and helping them identify their emotions. This app should help your kids relax and feel less anxious about school and friends.

3. Headspace for Kids

Much like Calm, adult subscribers can take advantage of wellbeing activities for their children via the Headspace app. Breathing exercises will help your kids relax and become more aware of their feelings and surroundings.

You can also introduce them to meditation via Headspace, which will equip them with skills to access a ‘zen’ state when things get stressful outside of the home.

4. DreamyKid

DreamyKid appreciates that kids lead busy lives too! The app offers 10-minute meditations for your kids to listen to upon sleeping or waking, to get their brains ready for the day ahead of them. They want to centre your children and equip them with mental health tools to ‘survive’ everyday emotional situations, from childhood through to adulthood.

5. Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame

“Sunny day, everything’s A-OK” sings the Sesame Street theme tune, but how do you prepare your kids for when things aren’t A-OK?

Two is not too young to learn how to regulate and identify emotions, and this is the starting age for Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame. Your kids help a Sesame Street monster achieve a sense of calm in this fun, family-focused app. The game helps train their brains to overcome challenges in their own lives.

6. Mind Moose

Your kids are helped to identify their own strengths and harness them to live a happy life with the interactive app, Mind Moose.

Kids can gain a better understanding of the way brains function and how they can make their own brains work more efficiently. They’ll be equipped with skills that set them up for navigating friendships and classroom situations that might cause stress or upset.

7. Positive Penguins

In this game, four penguin pals guide kids to identify their feelings and measure their positive and negative emotions in this fun app with adorable animations. Evi, Ollie, Happ and Buddy are all positive penguins with good messages to pass on to your little loved ones. Giving these cartoon friends emotions to explore will help your kids communicate the way they feel.

8. Smiling Mind

Aimed at age 7 and up, this app helps kids deal with their day-to-day worries and emotional management through mindfulness techniques. There’s a special pandemic-relevant feature called Thrive Inside which trains kids to stay calm when stuck inside the house.

9. Worrinots

The digital answer to worry dolls, Worrinots allows kids to record or write messages to four characters detailing their feelings. This should help alleviate the stresses or concerns the kids are dealing with, and the app helps kids identify and cope with their emotions.

10. Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings

A great app to learn about feelings and how to identify them! In Daniel’s Trolley Game, children play more than a dozen mini-games about feelings featuring Daniel and friends. Daniel teaches kids to practice calming down through breathing exercises, and to count when they feel frustrated or angry.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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From gross science experiments to robot-building kits, your kids will be too busy having fun to realise they’re learning. You could be nurturing a future coder, scientist or mechanical engineer without even realising.

1.GeoSafari® Jr. My First Microscope

This beginners’ microscope will give your budding scientist an early understanding of what goes on inside a real-life laboratory.

This isn’t just a prop, the GeoSafari First Microscope is a working tool that’s easy to use for little inquisitive kids who want to examine things under the lens. Let them make their own discoveries and who knows where it might take them.

Find out more at educationalinsights.com

2. Archi-TECH Electronic Smart House

Are you parenting the next Gaudi? Do you dream of your kids becoming the brains behind the houses on Grand Designs?

The Archi-TECH Electronic Smart House helps aspiring architects to build their own home, complete with lights, sensors and motorised parts. This fun architecture project teaches your kids basic circuitry and allows them to light up the rooms they’ve just built.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

3.KIDWILL STEM 14-in-1 Educational Solar Robot Kit

Not only are kids able to build their own robot with KIDWILL STEM 134-in-1, you’re also able to teach your kids about renewable energy.

This solar-powered robot can become a dog, a crab, a surfer and a zombie chaser, to name just some of his possible personalities. Its unique attachments also make it amphibious, allowing it to move around on land and on water.

A great project to work on with your kids that results in a fascinating, educational toy.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

4. Totally Squishy from Head to Toe

If you want your kids to learn all about their anatomy, this is a fantastic starter toy. They get a peek inside the human skeleton with squishy organs, glow in the dark bones, and a giant skull to examine human brains.

There are surgical tools in the kit to allow them to remove different parts of the body and compare them to the accompanying activity book.

Parents can use this as a launch pad for talking about lots of different parts of the human body and how they function, and might even learn a thing or two themselves.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

5. That’s Gross Science Lab

There comes a point in every kid’s development where they become fascinated with the grotesque. Bums, poo, farts, and snot all become favourite topics of conversation.

This fun science lab, rather than discourage such behaviour, harnesses toilet humour and makes it educational.

The kids will be so distracted by stink bubbles and potty putty they won’t realise they’re finding out about chemical reactions and gas expansion!

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

6. National Geographic Dino Fossil Dig Kit

Eat your heart out, Indiana Jones! This archaeologist investigation kit will have your little ones dusting for treasure and finding out all about dinosaurs in the process.

They’ll learn all about the prehistoric era and all the stages of life before humans arrived.

Find out more at amazon.co.uk

7. Science of Cooking Bread and Butter

It’s time to teach kids that chemistry is everywhere, even in the kitchen.

This cooking set teaches kids to make cinnamon swirls and garlic butter among other delicious treats, while teaching them all about yeast and emulsion.

These little experiments will get their brains engaged in science and also result in yummy things for them to eat, providing rewards and a sense of achievement.

Find out more at kiwico.com

8.Dash Coding Robot

Teaching your kids to code will set them up for a technology-driven future, and being bilingual in English and code will be extremely beneficial in the job market. Start them off with this adorable yet educational robot, Dash.

He responds to your child’s voice but can also be used with several apps to maximise his functions, like singing and drawing. A fun intro to code and a new, interactive friend for the playroom.

Find out more at makewonder.com

9. Bill Nye’s VR Science Kit

There’s a reason Bill Nye’s teachings have lasted the test of time.

This friendly scientist has educated generations of children in STEM and his VR science kit is the latest development allowing your kids to appreciate his lessons further.

Beakers, brushes, instructional videos and a VR head set to open their eyes to whole new STEM worlds are all included in this fantastic kit.

Find out more at abacusbrands.com

10. Genius Kit for Ipad

Is your kid hogging your Ipad for games, but you’re not sure what the benefit is to their developing brains?

Make their screen time count with the Genius Kit, by adding letters, numbers, and shapes so that they can play along with tablet games.

Puzzles, problem solving and more creative art activities are all included, so they get an all-round experience and you know they’re not just idly frittering away their screen time.

Find out more at playosmo.com

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