EASTER may be over, but for children, the school holidays continue. Education reporter Haydn Lewis looks at some ways to keep the kids entertained for the rest of their break

THE high standard of the holiday activities for York youngsters has earned praise from the Government.

City of York Council's Children's Services department is riding high after its School's Out programme of holiday entertainment was praised by Ofsted.

In light of this fact, and taking into account the Easter school holidays are still well under way, here are a few things for children to do in York as part of the School's Out programme over the next couple of days.

THURSDAY
Fish Ponds Wood visit. Age eight to 13 years. Free. Meet at the Woodlea Avenue entrance. Come along to the woods and see the wildlife. Outdoor clothing is essential with wellies or old shoes and a drink. Phone 07769 963127 for details. Time: 10:30am to noon.

Street Sport York skate park session. Age: Any. Free. Poppleton Road Primary School. Skate Park Session. Time: Noon to 2pm

FRIDAY
Climbing courses. Age: five to ten years. Oaklands sports centre, York. Wear suitable clothing which is not baggy or restrictive, remove jewellery and ensure long hair is tied back. Phone 01904 552424. Cost £24.75 per day. Time: 10am to 2.30pm

Easter ceramic workshops. Age: eight to 14 years. £10 per child per session. Orchard House Studio, Marston Lane, Moor Monkton, York. Create your own ceramic piece. Bring a packed lunch and an apron/old clothes. Phone 01904 738541 for details. Time: 10am - 4pm.


Meanwhile, if you fancy heading out into the countryside, the Arboretum Trust, Kew at Castle Howard, is hosting its first set of activity days today and tomorrow.

Families are invited to bring children along to take part in two days of pond dipping, minibeast hunts, tree design, bird watching and art activities in the beautiful surroundings of the arboretum. Activities, which start at 11am each day, are included in the admission fee of £4.50 adult, £2 child, £10.50 family, and are free to annual pass holders.

Children must be supervised by an adult and suitable clothing should be worn.

Places can be booked in advance with the education officer, email education@kewatch.co.uk or phone 01653 648598.

To reach the Centre, travelling from York, turn left at the Castle Howard obelisk and follow the signs.

The arboretum is open every day from March to November and the new education programme welcomes inquiries from school and community groups to take part in curriculum-linked outdoor activity days.

The Trust's Katherine Forsey said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for children to get a hands-on experience of nature and have fun at the same time."