In South Oxfordshire, children and parents can enjoy a variety of activities during the May half-term, including a softball and cricket day at Didcot Cricket Club, Xplorer navigation challenges in Watlington, and Family Fun Swims at Better Leisure Centres.

Councillor Georgina Heritage, cabinet member for communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to offer so many half term activities and shows.

“They are perfect for families, and there really is something for everyone to enjoy together.

“It’s also exciting to see Riverside gearing up for another summer of fun for families and outdoor swimmers.

“Make sure to book your place and get involved.”

Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot will host its Dinky Disco for children aged 10 and under.

The programme also includes Family Fun Swims at Better Leisure Centres, and the Riverside Park and Pools in Wallingford will reopen on Saturday, May 23, in time for the break.

Details about the activities are available on the leisure centre’s Facebook pages, the Better UK website, and app.

The activities are expected to be popular, and early booking is recommended at southandvale.gov.uk/holidayactivities.

Full listings and booking details can be found on the district council’s website.

Identical twins Chris and Johnny Taylor, 18, from Charlbury, entered care at age 14 and have since found direction in life thanks to the structure and encouragement provided by their foster carer.

The twins, who train as boxers at Banbury Boxing Club and are currently studying for their A-levels, credit their progress to the environment provided by foster care.

Johnny said: “Our days are very structured now and that’s something that could only have happened through being fostered.

“When we first moved in with our brilliant foster carer, Lucy, life felt uncertain and we weren’t always sure what support would be available to us.

“Everything felt strange and new. However, over time, that began to change.

“Routine and structure gradually became a source of reassurance, helping us feel more secure and confident, something we hadn’t really had until that point.

“At first, it felt like staying at a friend’s house, then after a while it felt like home.”

The twins now train together and coach others at Banbury Boxing Club.

They also share sports and fitness advice through their social media channels, including TikTok (@thetaylortwins07) and Instagram (@thetaylortwins.07).

The brothers, who have both been offered unconditional places to study psychology and sports performance at the University of Portsmouth, will begin their degrees in September.

They say the chance to feel settled has been crucial to their success.

Johnny said: “Once you’re settled, then you can dream – your ambition and drive kick in.”

Having their own bedrooms and enjoying regular family routines such as shared meals and holidays has helped them to feel truly at home.

Chris said: “It just makes everything calm, you know. It’s like we can wake up, we know what we’re doing, no stress.”

Their foster carer Lucy is supported by Oxfordshire County Council’s foster care team, which provides assistance, peer support, and training.

The twins’ story is being shared during Foster Care Fortnight (May 11-24) to encourage more Oxfordshire residents to consider fostering.

Councillor Sean Gaul, the county council’s cabinet member for children, education, and young people’s services, said: “Chris and Johnny’s experience shows how fostering can make a real difference for children and young people, replacing uncertainty with stability, support, and a sense of belonging that is now helping them pursue their ambitions.”

“I hope in Chris and Johnny we have two future boxing stars and I wish them the very best.

“We have 147 approved fostering families and I admire and congratulate each and every one of them for their dedication and commitment to young people.

“Our foster care service is not for profit, and where possible we are committed to keeping children and young people near to their birth families, friends and schools.”

More information about fostering is available at oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering.

The ranking comes from a new study by outdoor play specialists Outdoortoys, which considered factors including childcare costs, school performance, safety, access to green space and the number of child-friendly attractions per 100,000 people.

Oxford came sixth overall, offering 42 attractions, 575 square metres of green space, and an impressive 71 per cent of schools rated outstanding or good.

Alex Price, product manager at Outdoortoys, said: “Where children grow up has a lasting impact on how they spend their time.

“When there’s somewhere nearby to play, children tend to spend more time being active and independent.

“Over time, that builds confidence, social skills, and a sense of freedom that’s much harder to develop when outdoor time is limited or heavily planned.”

Sheffield topped the list thanks to its abundance of green space, while Milton Keynes and Swindon placed second and third respectively.

The study is available in full at outdoortoys.com.