Absolute beginners
The key to successful kite flying lies in resisting the urge to be over ambitious. All children will want to fly the most flamboyant and dramatic-looking kite if you allow them to and they, and you, will become frustrated when the kite proves difficult to handle. The best way to begin is to choose small, easy-to-handle kites which even very young children can have a go at flying. Spirit of Air stocks a huge range of kites and their Mini Kites are recommended for five-year-olds and upwards. These kites are made from durable, rip-stop nylon with a flexible fibreglass frame and they measure around 4.5 x 11in. The classic diamond shaped kite in this range is priced 1.99; the Mini Delta is priced 4.99 and the Mini Box is priced 6.99.
* Telephone 01633 246788
Great Gizmos stocks a Micro Lite kite in shiny foil which is about as large as an adult hand and which, the maker claims, 'will actually fly indoors simply by walking across the room'. This kite comes fully assembled and is suitable for six-year-olds and upwards, priced 6.50.
* Telephone 01293 543221
Brookite, a family-owned company, has been manufacturing kites since the early 1900s and claims that its Pockite is a best seller because it is so easy to fly. There are no spars to insert and the kite comes in three sizes: 66 x 42cm, 105 x 64cm and 155 x 86cm. Suitable for four-year-olds upwards, priced from 10.50.
Brookite also makes customised kites, windsocks and banners to celebrate special occasions or company logos, so if you want to see your nursery or school name flying high you should contact them with details. There is a minimum print run of 50.
* Telephone 018387 53315
Young flyers
The latest addition to Spirit of Air's range is the Konvertible. This comes in a nylon pouch and unfolds into a 'ready to fly' kite because it has no spars to insert (or break). It is suitable for eight-year-olds and upwards, priced 9.99. Also available are the Classic Flyers we all remember from our youth or from films - diamond shaped kites in rainbow colours, measuring 30 x 30in with two 12in tails, priced 9.99, and 'Flying Wonders' - kites in the form of birds, butterflies, dolphins and even sharks.
* Telephone 01633 246788
For children who want to 'fly big', Lakeland has just introduced two kites to its 'Summer Living' range. These 'Giant Pocket' kites have been designed with air pockets, rather than struts, to ensure that the kites fly even when there's only a light breeze and they can both be folded down into small drawstring bags. The Standard kite measures 80 x 60cm and has a single winder, priced 9.95. The Stunt kite measures 114 x 50cm and has dual controls, priced 14.95. Both kites are suitable for six- year-olds and upwards.
* Telephone 015394 88100
The Kite Factory collection from DPR features some exotic new Rainforest kites that inflate when flown to reveal a completely three-dimensional image. These kites are easy to assemble and come fully rigged with tails, handle and are operated with a single line (also supplied), which makes them relatively simply to fly. The kites measure four feet across and are priced 14.99, although the parrot also comes with a six feet wing span, if you are feeling ambitious. A large selection of aeroplane kites, flying toys and boomerangs is also available.
* Telephone 01702 295110
Parachute landing
There will be some days that are completely unsuitable for kite-flying (see our Safe Flying box) and there will be some children who want none of it, but with a parachute to hand you can provide a tactile time with fabric and colour and/or organise a variety of group games at any time.
The 'chute you choose depends very much on the size of group that will be using it and there is a whole range of sizes available from different educational suppliers. Ideally, you should have two sizes for different age ranges and activities. When choosing a parachute you should also ensure that the edges and handles are reinforced and that the fabric is fire retardant.
Philip & Tacey's parachutes are best sellers and come in three sizes measuring 1.75, 3.5 and 6m, and priced 29.95, 45 and 79 respectively. A 32 page activity book is included with each 'chute.
* Telephone 01264 332171
Asco's parachutes are available in two sizes - 3.6m diameter which, the company says, is appropriate for between ten and 12 children, and 6m diameter for between 12 and 20 children. The smaller 'chute is now at a reduced price of 39.95 and the larger 'chute is priced 98.50. Each parachute comes with a storage bag and book of parachute games.
* Telephone 0113 270 7070
Hope Education has two new additions to its parachute range - a pyramid and a cube parachute. These 'chutes need to be inflated with hot air and you can do this using an ordinary hand-held hairdryer. It takes about five minutes to inflate each shape and they fasten with special air-tight zips, which are designed to keep air in as long as possible. Each shape measures 280 x 250cm when inflated and is priced 34.95. A ball is also available and measures 90cm in diameter, priced 52.95. A selection of parachute canopies and a booklet of resource notes are also available.
* Telephone 08451 202055
Finally, Full of Beans can supply a play parachute in two sizes - with a 3m diameter and eight handles or 5m with 12 handles. Each parachute is made of fluorescent, rip-stop nylon with reinforced seams, price 64 and Pounds 105 respectively. Games suggestions are included.
* Telephone 0800 652 8200
Safe Flying
* Always avoid flying kites near cable or power lines, trees and water.
* Do not attempt to fly kites in high winds.
* Children must be supervised at all times to avoid the dangers of tangled strings and falls.
* Children should not be allowed to erect or pack away kites themselves in case they hurt themselves on the struts.
PARACHUTE PATROL
* If you have asthmatics or children with allergies in your care you should ensure they don't spend too long encased in the fabric.
* Wipe the 'chute clean and always store it in the bag it came in to avoid it collecting dirt and allergend.
* Make a 'no shoes' rules during parachute play.