12: Play Pooh Sticks
After reading a few Winnie- the-Pooh stories , have fun playing this iconic game. Best played with 2 or more people. Find a fast flowing river with a bridge over it, I would recommend a footbridge without any other traffic. Choose your stick with care. All drop your sticks into the river at the same time; the person whose stick emerges out the other side first is the winner!
how to play? click here!
*Remember: always risk – assess your activities!
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Download & print our “40 things for kids to do” Worksheet
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13: Build a den Everyone loves den building and we love going up to Leigh Woods to find some sticks to build with. Use branches, twigs, leaves and even mud to make... ...
40 things to do – 12: Play Pooh Sticks
12: Play Pooh Sticks After reading a few Winnie- the-Pooh stories , have fun playing this iconic game. Best played with 2 or more people. Find a fast flowing river with a... ...
40 things to do – 11: Make a bug house
11: Make a bug house Insects are really important for the environment and some of their natural habitats are threatened. So we can help them by building a bug house. Find a... ...
40 things to do – 10: Bake a cake
10: Bake a cake There are so many cakes out there. Help us celebrate by cooking big cakes or cupcakes; chocolate cake to courgette cake; Decorated cake to plain delicious cake. What’s... ...
40 things to do – 9: Make a grass trumpet
9: Make a grass trumpet Amaze your friends with this lost art. Find a long fat blade of grass and hold it between your thumbs at the bottom and top. Make sure... ...
40 things to do – 8: Paint a rock
8: Paint a rock Children decorate rocks with paints, Sharpie pens or nail varnish, and then leave them lying around, partially hidden in places where other children will easily find them. It’s... ...
40 things to do – 7: Climb a tree
7: Climb a tree Find a good woodland with a range of climbable trees – you will need different trees for different sized children. The tree that suits the child is the... ...
40 things to do – 6: Fly a kite
6: Fly a kite If you fancy building a kite to fly, look at the BAND Pinterest board – kites. There are paper bag, classic diamond shape and more unusual shaped kites... ...
40 things to do – 5: Jump in puddles
5: Jump in puddles Is there any greater joy than jumping in a really big puddle creating a huge splash? Make sure people are kitted up in wet weather gear (or have... ...
40 things to do – 4: Create a secret code
4: Create a secret code There are lots of ways to do this: writing words backwards; substituting numbers for letters, pig latin, symbols. See who can crack the code – they could... ...
40 things to do – 3: Walk 2 miles
3:Walk 2 miles There are a lot of green spaces in Bristol so get out and walk. The council have maps for walking routes in parks all over the city, take a... ...
40 things to do – 2: Build a dam
2: Build a dam Do you know of a shallow stony stream? If so get the wellies on (do a risk assessment) and get building. Experiment with stones and sticks to see... ...
40 things to do – 1: Visit a museum
1: Visit a museum There are lots of museums in Bristol. In the centre you have the Mshed and Bristol Museum both run touring exhibitions as well as their main collections. This... ...
National Walking Month 2018
May 2018 is National Walking Month: why not plan an event for your setting to take part? As part of this, Walk to School Week is 21-25th May: why not encourage all... ...
Data Protection & GDPR- where to find advice
Data Protection & GDPR- where to find advice Childcare settings need to comply with the new General Data Protection Regulations 2018 (GDPR 2018) which, in May 2018, will replace the Data Protection... ...
Childcare Vouchers
The Childcare Voucher Scheme, which would have closed to new applicants from 5th April has now been extended to 5th October 2018. This means that parents/carers who meet the employment criteria and have not yet... ...
Scarlet Fever in Bristol (March ’18).
Please be aware there is a current outbreak of Scarlet Fever in Bristol. If you have two or more cases of Scarlet Fever in your setting, you must contact Public Health... ...
Fundraising Blog: Somerset Crimebeat Trust
Fundraising Blog: Somerset Crimebeat Trust This grant programme is open for applications all year. Opening Date: Applications can be made at any time, but are awarded quarterly by the panel. Maximum grant... ...
Evelyn (Young in the 60’s, out and about in the 70’s)
Evelyn (Young in the 60’s, out and about in the 70’s) L iving in the country there was a lot of outdoor messing about in good weather, getting stuck in the mud... ...
Fundraising news: Ford Britain
Ford Britain Ford Britain Trust is committed to supporting local UK communities. Applications that are based near to a Ford plant or office location in the UK are awarded a higher weight... ...
Ellie (Young in the 80’s)
Ellie (Young in the 80’s) I lived in a small cluster of houses in a little village in the New Forest and the thing I remember the most is a distinct lack... ...
Michelle (Young in the mid 70’s/early 80’s)
Michelle (Young in the mid 70’s/early 80’s) We lived in cul de sac and lived in a terraced house. We used to play outside in the street a lot we had a... ...
Fenella (Young in the late 60’s/mid 70’s)
Fenella (Young in the late 60’s/mid 70’s ) We lived in cul de sac in a large detached house with a three quarter of an acre garden which included a stream and... ...
Julie B (freedom to roam in the 60’s)
Julie B (Freedom to roam in the 60’s) We lived above a newsagent sweet shop which was my parents’ shop. I remember nicking the sweets and weighing out the snuff, and reading... ...
Sarah (Young in the 70’s/80’s)
Sarah (Young in the 70’s/80’s) I had an amazing library – things were very meticulously organised and everyone who came to the house would have to borrow a book! I still have... ...
Julie (Freedom to roam in the 60’s)
Julie (Freedom to roam in the 60’s) We lived in a street of semi detached houses in a deprived part of South Bristol. We used to play outside in the fields a... ...
Jenny (Young in the 70’s, freedom to roam in the 80’s)
Jenny (Young in the 70’s, freedom to roam in the 80’s) I grew up in a suburb of North Bristol, living in a terrace of 3 houses in the middle of the... ...
Play throughout the ages
Play throughout the ages 1900’s: In a stark contrast to today, in the early 1900’s children were expected to entertain themselves. There was no money for expensive toys, and the adults were... ...
Annie -Young in the 60’s
Annie-Young in the 60’s We lived on Lodge Causeway in Fishponds which wasn’t a busy road then like it is now. Our house was a terraced one with an outside toilet. I have... ...
Is it time to let children play outdoors once more?
Is it time to let children play outdoors once more? Back in 2008 the decline in children’s play was laid bare when Government ministers admitted that one in four eight- to 10-year-olds... ...
FUNDRAISING BLOG: The Garfield Weston Foundation
Fundraising News: The Garfield Weston Foundation The Garfield Weston Foundation are excited to announce that on the 5th January 2018 they will be launching a new one-off grants scheme to celebrate the... ...
We Need Your Help in developing the Playwork Apprenticeship Standards
ATTENTION PLAYWORK EMPLOYERS: We Need Your Help in developing the Playwork Apprenticeship Standards The Government wants employers to be at the centre of the process for designing and delivering Apprenticeships. This is... ...
What we remember- memories of play
What we remember – memories of play Compiled by Ellie @ BAND We all know that there are many, many articles about how children nowadays spend too much time indoors or on... ...
FUNDRAISING BLOG: UnLtd, Sport relief & Spirit of 2012
FUNDRAISING BLOG: UnLtd, Sport relief & Spirit of 2012 UnLtd, in partnership with Sports Relief and the Spirit of 2012, has announced that young people who want to start, grow or build... ...
BANDNews-Back Issues: Safeguarding Bristol’s Children
Safeguarding Bristol’s Children From 2017 In September, Bristol Safeguarding Children Board (BSCB) issued new guidance around making referrals to First Response that all childcare and school settings should have received. First Response... ...
FUNDRAISING BLOG:Blue Spark Foundation
Blue Spark Foundation B lueSpark Foundation is a registered charity which supports the education and development of children and young people by providing grants for educational, cultural, sporting and other projects. They will fund schools.... ...
FUNDRAISING BLOG
1) Music for All Many projects and initiatives take place throughout the UK that all aim to bring music to their community. Most would benefit from a “helping hand” to fulfil their... ...
BANDNEWS – BACK ISSUES: Cooking Corner: Ice Cream in a Bag
BAND NEWS – BACK ISSUES: Cooking Corner: Ice Cream in a Bag From JULY 17 When summer comes, the days will be hot and balmy and we will all be longing for... ...
BANDNEWS – BACK ISSUES: Learning from the death of four year old Chadrack Mulo
Learning from the death of four year old Chadrack Mulo What should we do when a child has an un-notified absence? From JULY 17 Chadrack Mulo was a four year old boy... ...
BANDNews-Back Issues: Lockdown Procedure
Lockdown Procedure From JULY 17 Does your setting have a robust and tested Lockdown Procedure? We recommend all settings consider having a Lockdown Procedures as a sensible response to any external or... ...
BANDNews – Back issues: A Grand Day Out
A Grand Day Out From JULY 17 So many places to go, how can you make sure your playscheme trip goes really well? The first question to ask is what are the... ...
BANDNews – Back issues: Building Relationships Across Generations
Building Relationships Across Generations May 2017 Becket Hall Day Nursery and Osbourne Court Care Home have entered into an unusual partnership; for the last 5 months, a group of children from the... ...
BANDNews-Back issues: Movement in Mind
BANDNews-Back issues: Movement in Mind From MAY 2017 In recent years, we’ve heard a lot about the importance of playing outside and being able to run around for children’s development. Further neuroscience... ...
BANDNews-Back issues: Rates Boost Childcare Equality?
BANDNews back issues: Rates Boost Childcare Equality? From MAY 2017 Anew report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) suggests that the governments’ proposal to allow local authorities to retain 100%... ...
BANDNews-Back issues: Short Changed?
BANDNews-Back issues: Short Changed? From MAY 2017 A lthough the national minimum wage and living wage levels increased in April, research by the DfE in 2016 and more recently by the Family... ...
BAND Fundraising Resources
BAND Fundraising Resources Fundraising is an important part of life for many groups. To help, BAND can provide practical advice and support to childcare providers on how to access various sources of funding. ... ...
Co-op Membership Funding – Music Workshops
BAND has been shortlisted for funding through the Co-op Membership funding programme …and we need your vote to attract as many funds as possible. Funding will be used to pay for free... ...
BAND Equalities Conference: All together now.
Equalities underpin all aspects of our work with children and young people. It’s a vital part of our ongoing professional development that can get neglected and overlooked. All Together Now March 28... ...
Safer Internet Day 2017 – 7th February
Safer Internet Day – 7th February saferinternet.org.uk Safer Internet Day 2017 will take place on Tuesday 7th February with the theme ‘Be the change: unite for a better internet’. https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2017 Quick links:... ...
Early Years Designated Safeguarding Leads Network Meetings.
Early Years Designated Safeguarding Leads Network Meetings. These meetings will take place 3 times a year and will be organised on an area basis. Download the flyer here: EY Designated lead meetings... ...
Makaton Enhancement course, February: Spaces available
Makaton Enhancement BAND still has spaces on the 6 session Makaton Enhancement course commencing on Wednesday 22nd February, 9.30am – 1pm at the BAND office. The other sessions will run on 8th,... ...
Band Annual Report 2015-16
Band Annual Report 2015-16. It’s been a very busy and productive year at BAND. During the year we’ve had applications for BAND membership from 31 organisations and individuals, including: nurseries, preschools, schools,... ...
Spaced Out!: Space activities for kids
Looking for an activity theme over the next few months? How about focusing on space to celebrate the European Space Agency’s (ESA) six month ‘Principia’ mission. The mission began in December... ...
Bristol -Time to stand up for children’s play!
The Bristol Play Network has been campaigning during 2015 to raise awareness about children’s opportunities to play. So as the autumn ends and the nights draw in it seems a good time... ...
BAND visit the Play Bus Sensory Truck
Friday, 22 May 2015 BAND visit the Play Bus Sensory Truck As part of our on-going commitment to inclusion, BAND has run a pilot session with the PlayBus Sensory Truck to see if improving... ...
Craft Skills 21st September 2012
Craft Skills 21st September 2012, a set on Flickr. Photos of the Craft Skills course held last week, thanks to all those involved for making it a great day ...
Photos of the PAWS Fire Workshop led by the Ape Project
PAWS Fire Workshop 2012, a set on Flickr. ...
Bristol Adventure Playgrounds
Bristol Adventure Playgrounds Adventure Playgrounds have been around in the UK for over 60 years, but with funding cuts affecting services across the UK, what might happen in Bristol? To set the... ...
Bristol’s drive towards inclusion
We know that families of disabled children and disabled children need support to ensure that they can access a full range of services, sometimes that support is ensuring our own services are... ...
Theme Time
Ok, it’s the summer. This means it’s up to you all to think of fab, funny and physical ideas for the summer playschemes. It’s great to have a range of starting points... ...
Get Hunting!
Looking for some active, outdoor fun? Then why not plan a scavenger hunt. This is a great way to really explore any outdoor (or even indoor) environment. You can do it anywhere... ...
Space Theme Inspiration
It’s been a few months of amazing space events: MARSONE, an initiative to place humans on Mars in 2023, attracts over 80,000 video applicants. It’s a one way trip for... ...
The Ofsted Big Conversation
The Ofsted Big Conversation On the evening of Friday 13thSeptember, despite the awful weather, we were fortunate enough to be able attend one of the National Ofsted Big Conversations that had been... ...
First Response launches its city-wide service from 16th December 2013
From 16th December 2013 First Response will be the place to call in Bristol if you are concerned about a child or young person or think they need support. When... ...
Celebrate Brazil 2014
Celebrate Brazil 2014 As Brazil hosts the World Cup from the 12thJune, we have pulled together some Brazilian themed activities and ideas that you could try out in your setting, alongside their... ...
Update on Ofsted Big Conversation
Last night saw the South West Big Conversation meeting enabling Early Years Providers and support workers and representatives from Ofsted to enter in to a dialogue. The Ofsted panel of 4 included... ...
Disqualification – Dazed and Confused?
You may be aware that there has been growing discussion, debate, contradiction and general kerfuffle over what exactly are the rules regarding disqualification of a worker due to ‘Association’. This means where... ...
Celebrate Brazil 2014
As Brazil hosts the World Cup from the 12th June, we have pulled together some Brazilian themed activities and ideas that you could try out in your setting, alongside their top sport... ...
