Why Early Planning Matters

Childcare shortages, high demand during peak months, and limited daycare or nursery slots mean that families who wait risk being left without reliable coverage. Hosting an au pair offers a flexible, in-home solution, but securing the right match requires lead time. Consider visa processing for international au pairs, orientation and training to ensure safety and smooth integration, and matching schedules with school calendars and household needs. “Families who start early avoid the stress of last-minute arrangements,” says Devon. “We’re seeing a noticeable rise in enquiries for summer and autumn 2026 placements. By planning ahead, parents can ensure a match that works both for their schedules and their children’s needs.”

How to Start Your Search

When searching for an au pair it’s important to prioritise both safety and compatibility staring with profiles and interviews, with families and au pairs reviewing mutual preferences, skills, and interests. It goes without saying that background checks should also be part of the process to ensure security and peace of mind. A cultural fit is also key, focussing on shared values and household routines. Then there’s the schedule alignment, matching hours, school holidays, and any special needs.

When To Start Your Search

Begin the search six to 12 months in advance to secure any ideal candidates, then clearly outline duties, schedules, and expectations from the start so you both know where you stand. Work with accredited agencies to navigate visas and legal compliance, and encourage early orientation and introductions to ease adjustment for both your family and au pair. “Proactive childcare planning isn’t just about convenience,” continues Devon. “It’s about ensuring continuity of care, peace of mind for parents, and a positive experience for children. With proper planning, families can transform childcare from a source of stress into a seamless, enriching experience.”

Quick Tips: Early Au Pair Planning

1 Begin the search 6–12 months in advance
2 Work with accredited agencies for safety and visa compliance
3 Clearly define duties, schedules, and house rules
4 Prioritise compatibility and cultural fit
5 Start summer and autumn placements early to avoid high-demand months

The post Childcare Planning: Securing an Au Pair Before the Scramble appeared first on Best of Living.

The most successful names for boys

“A child named John is destined for success,” says Lars. “Our research revealed that this name is most common amongst the nation’s billionaires. Johns are also most likely to become company directors and Members of Parliament.”

Looking to raise a sporting champion? Consider Harry or Matthew. “Men with these names are most likely to win an Olympic medal for Team GB, but Joes are most likely to tear up the pitch in the Premier League.” 

For parents hoping for academic greatness, a little Thomas is most likely to end up at the prestigious University of Oxford, according to the findings.

The most successful names for girls

A daughter with the name Sarah might find herself on a path to a trailblazing career. “We found that women with the name are nearly twice as likely to become doctors,” Lars reveals. “The name Sarah also dominates amongst lawyers and MPs, so parents could be raising a future Prime Minister.” 

Parents who want their child to express their creative side might look to the name Kate. “Women with the name Kate have written more of the best-rated contemporary British novels than any other, including Kate Atkinson and Kate Morton.” 

When it comes to raising the next generation of the brightest minds, Anna is most likely to get into the University of Oxford, making it the top choice for academic success.

The reasons why

While the study suggests a link between certain names and success, Lars points out that these findings also reflect cultural trends: “Our research is a fascinating look at the names that have become symbols of success in different fields. While a name can’t guarantee a person’s destiny, the ‘successful’ names we see today offer a unique window into the cultural and generational trends that have shaped who rises to the top.”

Baby names that never go out of fashion

My Nametags also analysed 100 years of baby name data in England and Wales, and 50 years in Scotland, to establish which names have consistently appeared in the top 100 charts every year since registered birth records began; as well as their meaning. 

The Top 10

1. Adam: A well-known Hebrew name, Adam means “son of the red Earth”
2. Alexander: A Latin variant of the Greek name Alexandros, meaning “defender of men”
3. Andrew: A Greek name meaning “strong and manly” 
4. Charles: Derived from the Old English word “ceorl,” meaning “free man” 
5. Daniel: A popular Hebrew name, meaning “God is my judge”
6. David: The name David has deep Biblical roots and means “beloved”
7. Edward: Derived from the Anglo-Saxons, Edward means “prosperous” 
8. Elizabeth: Biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is my oath” 
9. Emma: Inspired by an old Germanic word meaning “whole” or “universal”
10. Fraser: Name of Scottish and Norman origin meaning “of the forest men” 

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As a fourth-generation British family business, iCandy has spent over 90 years refining its approach to functional design. The iCandy Core reflects this heritage, offering a harmonious blend of engineering excellence and contemporary styling. Designed for parents who demand performance and style in equal measure, it is adaptable from birth to 25kg, with the carrycot suitable for permanent overnight sleeping — perfect for families on the move.

Every detail of the Core’s design has been considered to elevate everyday usability. Its pioneering Multi-Mode Wheelbase allows parents to adjust the pushchair to suit different terrains and lifestyles, while the integrated Ride-On Board ensures older siblings are always part of the journey. The clamshell seat — the largest in the iCandy range — reclines to four positions, including lie-flat, ensuring optimal comfort for children at every stage.

The Core is also a statement in safety and visibility. Its world-first LED Visibility Hub Light enhances safety during low-light strolls, and the SPF 50+ multi-function canopy offers protection in all weather conditions, complete with mesh ventilation for comfort. Distinctive knitted jersey fabrics, available in a range of sophisticated shades, give the pushchair a refined and tactile finish.

True to iCandy’s commitment to longevity, the Core converts to a complete travel system with the included car seat adaptors. The generously designed basket — with a unique fan shape and built-in drainage vent — ensures practicality, whether for urban errands or countryside adventures.

Celebrity parents, including members of the Royal Family, have been seen using iCandy pushchairs, reflecting the brand’s place in both the luxury and everyday parenting landscape. The Core continues this legacy, embodying iCandy’s four core principles — Quality, Heritage, Innovation and Style — in one future-proof design.

Whether navigating busy city streets or exploring the outdoors, the iCandy Core is built to handle every journey with ease, while maintaining the timeless elegance that has defined the brand for decades.

Discover the iCandy Core at icandyworld.com

The post iCandy Core: Redefining Pushchair Innovation with British Craftsmanship appeared first on Best of Living.

Will your child pass the 11+ exams?

AE Tuition has been preparing children for the 11+ for over 30 years. Their structured courses help pupils build core skills in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics and English — key areas tested in grammar school entrance exams.

The Year 5 11+ (5-month intensive) course is taught in person at AE Tuition’s Slough centre and includes a 13-day Essential Maths module. Intensive summer courses are available both face-to-face and online via Zoom, offering flexible preparation options for different learners.

Visit aetuition.co.uk

Surfing, sailing and a first-class education for girls

Located in the heart of Cornwall, Truro High School offers a vibrant day and boarding experience for girls aged three to 18. Alongside strong academic performance and a broad curriculum, students enjoy over 80 extracurricular clubs — from engineering and motorsports to surfing and climbing.

Graded ‘Excellent’ in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the school is known for balancing outstanding results with holistic development. With dedicated pathways for aspiring medics and STEM students, Truro High prepares girls for future success in a nurturing and ambitious environment.

Visit trurohigh.co.uk

A crafty way to inspire creative minds

Décopatch offers an easy-to-learn papercraft activity that encourages creativity across all ages. Simply tear or cut decorative papers and glue them to papier-mâché shapes — from dinosaurs and dragons to unicorns and superheroes — to create your own colourful keepsakes.

Mini kits come with everything needed to get started and are suitable for ages three and up. With over 200 paper designs and a huge range of shapes, Décopatch inspires fun, focus and imagination — ideal for schools, rainy days or family craft sessions.

Visit decopatch.com

Give your dyslexic child the schooling they deserve

Frewen College in East Sussex is one of the UK’s most experienced schools for children with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), including dyslexia. It offers day and boarding education for pupils aged seven to 19, with small class sizes and specialist teaching throughout.

Every child is assessed individually, with tailored support plans, therapy access and technology to enhance learning. Recognised for outstanding learning support by the Independent Schools Association, Frewen helps children transform from underachieving to thriving — with progress that can exceed national expectations.

Visit frewencollege.co.uk

Professional development designed for piano teachers

The Piano Teachers’ Course UK (PTC) offers professional development tailored to piano educators at all stages. The programme helps teachers enhance their skills, grow their businesses and create more engaging, effective learning for students.

PTC graduates frequently go on to start their own music schools, gain teaching roles, and maintain long student waiting lists. With in-person and online options available, the course supports confident, motivated teaching and meaningful professional growth.

Visit pianoteacherscourse.org

Why more parents are choosing state boarding schools

Wymondham College is the UK’s largest state boarding school, offering a high-quality, affordable education in the Norfolk countryside. With free tuition and termly boarding from £4,700, it combines academic excellence with a vibrant, inclusive community.

The College offers over 70 extracurricular activities weekly, including sports, travel, debating and creative arts. Rated ‘Outstanding’ across all categories by Ofsted, Wymondham prepares students aged 9–18 for success — with a strong track record of offers from top universities including Oxford and Cambridge.

Visit wymondhamcollege.org

Help MiSST give the gift of music to disadvantaged school pupils

The Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST) provides key stage 3 pupils in underserved schools with free musical instruments, tuition and a classical music curriculum. Their research-informed programme is designed to boost musical skill, confidence and long-term aspiration.

Beyond classroom teaching, MiSST runs orchestras, choirs, residentials and nationwide concerts. By promoting inclusion and creativity, the charity helps students build supportive friendships and pathways to music and beyond — supporting teachers as well as pupils.

Visit misst.org.uk

Prep education’s radical traditionalists

Walhampton is a co-educational prep school for ages two to 13, located on a unique 100-acre site by the New Forest and Solent. Known for its “radical traditionalist” ethos, the school nurtures creativity, curiosity and resilience in a joyful, grounded community.

Full, weekly and flexi boarding begins at age seven, with a dedicated Walhampton Express train service to London. Children are supported to thrive — growing into thoughtful, prepared learners ready for whatever comes next.

Visit walhampton.com

The post Independent Thinking, Creative Exploration and Supportive Pathways to Success appeared first on Best of Living.

Your Window to the Cosmos

Thanks to recent innovations in smart telescope technology, exploring the night sky has never been more accessible. The compact Seestar S50 by ZWO places astronomy within reach for beginners and enthusiasts alike, offering a guided, app-powered way to capture celestial wonders from your own garden.

The device integrates advanced components—telescope, focuser, camera and more—into one lightweight unit. No prior knowledge is needed; the accompanying app suggests well-positioned celestial targets based on your location and guides you step-by-step through image capture. It’s a brilliant way to bring science and wonder into the family home.

Visit 365astronomy.com

Feed Your Family Pet’s Best Life

For many families, pets are cherished companions—offering love, comfort and joy at every stage of life. Arden Grange creates naturally wholesome food for cats and dogs, developed to support their overall wellbeing from puppyhood to their golden years.

Their recipes are made with high-quality ingredients and fortified with natural supplements, helping to promote energy, vitality and long-term health. With a focus on expert nutrition and no artificial fillers, Arden Grange is a trusted choice for families who want to give their pets the best start—and keep them thriving.

Visit ardengrange.com

Join AQUILA Magazine’s Big Family Adventure

AQUILA Magazine brings imagination, knowledge and fun together in each beautifully designed issue. Created for curious young readers aged 8 to 14, the magazine combines history, science, puzzles and storytelling to encourage independent thinking and a love of learning.

Each edition takes children on an immersive journey—from mythical quests to coastal expeditions—while introducing engaging topics and hands-on challenges. AQUILA has received multiple editorial awards and is a firm favourite among families who value screen-free inspiration and thoughtful content.

Visit aquila.co.uk

The Gift of Fun Never Gets Old

Camp Beaumont has been providing enriching school holiday experiences for over four decades. With over 50 locations across Greater London and the Home Counties, their inclusive day camps offer a flexible, high-quality childcare solution for children aged 3 to 14.

Each camp is led by experienced, DBS-checked staff and delivers a programme of more than 50 age-tailored activities—from arts and crafts to archery, swimming and nature exploration. Whether attending for a day or a few weeks, children are supported in a fun, active environment that builds confidence and friendships.

Visit campbeaumont.co.uk

Learn to Swim with Confidence

GetSetGo offers expert swimming tuition for babies, children and adults, with dedicated facilities in Putney and Golders Green. Their structured learn-to-swim programme is built around fun, progress and water confidence, helping children acquire a life-saving skill in a supportive setting.

Led by qualified instructors, lessons are designed to encourage long-term participation and physical activity while building trust in the water. Whether starting from the very beginning or refining technique, GetSetGo provides a welcoming environment for learners of all ages.

Visit get-set-go.com

Learn Bushcraft and Wilderness Skills

For families seeking something different, The Wilderness Gathering offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature through traditional bushcraft. Hosted at Hole Park in Kent, the event features a wide range of activities suitable for all ages—from archery and canoeing to fire lighting, crafts and primitive technologies.

With demonstrations, workshops and hands-on learning from leading experts, it’s a space to unplug, explore and bond as a family. Alongside outdoor skill-building, the event includes artisan stalls and quality food and drink for a memorable weekend in the countryside.

Visit wildernessgathering.co.uk

The post Discovery, Play and Meaningful Moments for All Ages appeared first on Best of Living.