While a lot of online vendors have had to close shop for a while, The Essential One are still open for business and have a lot to offer, even if your children are a bit older. They have sent us two of the toys for bigger kids from the Discovery Mindblown STEM range. This is The Discovery Toy Anatomy 4D Shark. Age 6+


My son was ecstatic to see this. He loves sharks and anatomy, and so it is perfect for him. There is a big plastic insert in the box, and we aren't going to keep ours - this is a shelf model my son wants to display.


Inside the box are all the parts of your shark, and be careful not to miss any because a couple are very small. There are 20 parts in all, and they are really well decorated and nicely shaped from rubbery plastic. It is really nicely made.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 17th April 2020.

The UK added 5,599 cases today and now has reported a total of 108,692 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 341,551 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 847 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 14,576 losses of life in hospitals. Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS with a 2 week delay.

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 83,474 / 13,133
Northern Ireland 2,338 / 158
Scotland 7,409 / 779
Wales 6,645 / 506
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 13,980 cases and 530 losses of life.

There have now been 2,219,242 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 151,968. Already 566,419 people have recovered.


Rishi Sunak has announced he has extended the furlough scheme until the end of June. "It is vital for people’s livelihoods that the UK economy gets up and running again when it is safe to do so, and I will continue to review the scheme so it is supporting our recovery."

Today's UK press conference was led by Alok Sharma, business secretary. He went back over what we are doing to cover ourselves for the build up of cases over the next few weeks. We have cracked 20k tests today, working towards the 100k a day. He reiterated the 5 conditions for reducing restrictions which we covered yesterday.
18,978 people are in hospital, again lower than yesterday, it really is fantastic - we locked down in time. Just another few days and it would have been entirely different.

The government has set up a Vaccines Task Force to coordinate efforts towards a vaccine, and it is already up and running. Members include people from government, business, education and regulators. We have also given 210m to CEPI, the international fund to find a vaccine. 21 further research projects are going ahead, and will get 14m between them for vaccines, testing and therapeutics (medicines). We are building our first vaccines manufacturing centre, to be ready to mass produce vaccines as soon as one is ready.

He was asked about his comment that we may need to get used to a 'new normal'. Alok explained that many workplaces will have to adapt in order to re-open and ensure physical distancing to keep employees safe.

Patrick Vallance the UK Science Chief went through the slides. We are seeing more travel in areas where there aren't many cases yet - don't be complacent guys, you don't actually want to catch up.
Hospital bed use has dropped more in London, risen slightly in the Midlands and Scotland, but is fairly stable.
He stressed the importance of getting the R level (reproductive level) down. We do believe it is below 1 throughout the UK.
The evidence is very variable on masks, we are going to keep looking at this and will update advice. Currently we are in line with WHO advice.

Press asked the killer question regarding Nurses, Care Workers, Social Care etc: 'Was it a mistake for your government to brand those people as unskilled labour? They are low paid and often can't even afford to take time off if they are ill. Isn't this a risk to public health?'
Replies were mainly 'Everyone in government wants to pay tribute to all of those working in this sector', 'it might take longer for them to get better if they don't take time off'. Errrr okay.
The press came back to ask that people in these sectors are given a decent minimum wage and guaranteed full sick pay?
The government talked about 2 weeks of SSP (£96 a week). Poor answer really, sorry.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 16th April 2020.

The UK added 4,618 cases today and now has reported a total of 103,093 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 327,608 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 861 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 13,729 losses of life in hospitals. Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS with a 2 week delay.

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 79,489 / 12,395
Northern Ireland 2,201 / 140
Scotland 7,102 / 699
Wales 6,401 / 495
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 12,547 cases and 444 losses of life.

There have now been 2,129,355 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 142,707. Already 539,000 people have recovered.


"If the goal is to get society back to normal, you don’t announce a date and then try to justify it.
You set conditions that must be met, and then try to meet them."
Dan Froomkin, Press Watch.

Today's UK press conference was led by Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary. SAGE say we have a mixed and inconsistent picture, but the R value (see below) is below 1 in the community. Any change in our social distancing measures would risk an increase in cases (if we get out too early, there will be masses of infected people, all stepping out into the community at the same time). No surprise he officially said the lockdown isn't ending just yet. It is extended for at least 3 weeks.
We need to be satisfied in 5 factors before anything changes:
1. Protect the NHS' ability to cope. We need to have ability to treat everyone.
2. See a sustained and consistent fall in the death rates, so we have confidence we are over our peak
3. SAGE information must suggest we have a manageable situation
4. Testing capacity and PPE need to be there
5. Any adjustments must not risk a second peak which overwhelms the NHS.

If we do this wrong, it'll be more expensive in lives, jobs and money overall.

It is the 15th and it's time for this month's #TBCSmiles. We all need smiles more than ever right now, and even under lockdown, it's still possible to find joy - and definitely encouraged.

Spring is here and nature is flourishing without so many cars and people to get in the way. The birds are literally having a field day, we have never had so many fledglings in our trees. The sun has been shining, and I think most of us are beginning to really appreciate our time outdoors.


It isn't only loved ones that COVID-19 is taking from us, and a lot of people are feeling a great deal of hurt right now. It might only be temporary, but it's happening now, and it can be overwhelming. You are allowed to be sad that your plans aren't going to happen, that you can't see your friends, can't just go out. You are allowed to grieve your losses.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 15th April 2020.

A good milestone today. Over half a million people have now been reported as recovered from Coronavirus.

The UK added 4,605 cases today and now has reported a total of 98,476 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 313,796 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 761 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 12,868 losses of life in hospitals.

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 76,371 / 11,656
Northern Ireland 2,088 / 134
Scotland 6,748 / 615
Wales 6,118 / 463
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 12,547 cases and 444 losses of life.

There have now been 2,044,221 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 131,340. Already 505,282 people have recovered.



Today's UK Press conference was hosted by Matt Hancock, Health Secretary.
He thanked us all for staying home, and thanked Captain Tom Moore! Yeeay. His 100 lap walk round his garden has now raised over £8m for the NHS.

Spare beds in critical care is now at 2,657 beds - capacity is growing faster than demand. At no point so far have we been unable to offer correct care to patients. We currently have 19,529 people in hospital with coronavirus.
We are doing incredibly well, and we can't let up now.
Regarding social care, we have given a boost of £1.6b. Today we've strengthened the rules, so every care home resident will be tested before being returned home from hospital, and any care home resident with symptoms will be tested.
Social Care staff will also be tested, this has started (over 4000 tested already).
Priority drops of PPE will happen while we roll out regular logistics via the Royal Mail.
Social Care needs more respect. It will from today have an identifiable and respected brand, and will get a lot of the benefits and discounts NHS staff currently have. We are also having a recruitment drive as we need more people in the profession.
Working with Public Health England, we are introducing new procedures so that loved ones can when possible, with the correct safety in place, be given the chance to be with a patient at the end of their life.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 14th April 2020.

The UK added 5,914 cases today and now has reported a total of 93,873 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 302,599 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 778 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 12,107 losses of life in hospitals. Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS with a 2 week delay - see below.

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 73,183 / 11,005
Northern Ireland 1,967 / 124
Scotland 6,358 / 575
Wales 5,848 / 403
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 11,479 cases and 406 losses of life.

There have now been 1,968,893 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 123,783. Already 464,456 people have recovered.


Today's press conference was with Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Earlier today the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimated that the UK economy will shrink by 35% if the lockdown lasts 3 months and no other changes are made. He stressed that the OBR expect the economy to bounce back pretty well, it would be temporary.
Rishi explained that the scale of what we are facing will have consequences. The Government can't protect every business and household, but our planned economic response is protecting most people while restrictions are in place, and will help ensure most business can re-open and people can go back to work.
Right now to protect the health of the economy, we need to protect the health of our people, it isn't an either/or option.
Public services have been given £14.5b in recent weeks. Business grants are with local authorities, loans are going out, and the furlough scheme is still intended to be up and paying out before the end of April - employers should be able to claim by around 20th April.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 13th April 2020.

The UK added 4,342 cases today and now has reported a total of 88,621 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 290,720 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 717 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 11,329 confirmed losses of life in hospitals.
(Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS with a 2 week delay.)

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 69,329 / 10261
Scotland 6,067 / 566
Wales 5,610 / 384
Northern Ireland 1,882 / 118
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 10,647 cases and 365 losses of life.

There have now been 1,897,148 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 117,702. Already 438,205 people have recovered.

"No, this pandemic is not a war. Nations do not stand against other nations, soldiers against soldiers. Rather this is a test of our humanity."
German President, Frank Walter-Steinmeier


Today's figures will reflect the fact that it is the weekend. Whilst they are much more preferable to figures during the week, sadly reporting always has delays and tends to catch up by Tuesday.

Today's UK briefing was led by Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary. He thanked all of the NHS and frontline staff working throughout the weekend. He also thanked everyone for staying home, and reminded us with no doubt, that has saved lives.
There are positive signs from the data that we are beginning to make a difference, but we have a way to go.
This week SAGE will review the effectiveness of our lockdown, but we don't expect any changes to be made.

Sir Patrick Vallance, UK Science Chief, went through the slides. He explained we have many more cases who have not been tested (ooooh, that's a bit honest!). He showed clearly the numbers of NHS and care staff who are being tested, so it is happening finally.
The number of people in hospital beds is growing at a steady rate in London, and other areas. Our epidemic isn't soaring, it is beginning to turn towards a plateau. We just don't know how long our plateau will last, before we start to see less people admitted to hospital each day.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 12th April 2020.

The UK added 5,288 cases today and now has reported a total of 84,279 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 282,374 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 737 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 10,612 losses of life in hospitals.
(Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS with a 2 week delay.)

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 66,330 / 9594
Scotland 5,912 / 542
Wales 5,297 / 369
Northern Ireland 1,806 / 107
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 9,655 (+727) cases and 334 (+14) losses of life.

There have now been 1,831,130 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 113,013. Already 416,980 people have recovered.

"We know that Coronavirus will not overcome us. As dark as death can be – particularly for those suffering with grief – light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future." Queen Elizabeth II.


Boris has been discharged and will recuperate at home for a while before returning to work. He's done a short video which is exactly the sort of video you'd hope from someone who just nearly died and is incredibly grateful to the NHS and it's staff for saving his life. Humble. He stresses that everyone please stay home.

The Queen has recorded her first ever audio Easter message. You can find it on Royal Family social media. It is beautifully written.

Matt Hancock led today's briefing. We have now lost more than 10,000 people, which demonstrates just how much of a threat coronavirus is.
We currently have 19,945 people in hospital and 2.295 spare critical care beds. Up from yesterday. We are increasing capacity more quickly than demand.
We haven't had overwhelming of our health services, we have so far done well. We now have a total of 9975 ventilators, and over 5000 staff have returned to work at the NHS.
42,812 NHS and social care staff and their families have now been tested.

COVID-19 Coronavirus UK and World News update 11th April 2020.

The UK added 5,233 cases today and now has reported a total of 78,991 positive cases of COVID-19. We had all together tested 334,974 people as of 9am this morning.

As of 5pm yesterday, of those hospitalised in the UK, we have lost another 917 people to COVID-19. We now sadly have a total of 9,875 losses of life in hospitals. Losses of life in the community are reported by ONS on Tuesdays, with a 2 week delay.

Total cases and losses reported are:
England 62,658 / 8937
Scotland 5,590 / 495
Wales 4,930 / 351
Northern Ireland 1,717 / 92
(The government haven't been reporting how many of the UK's positive testing cases have recovered.)

Rep. Of Ireland have 8,089 cases and 287 losses of life (not yet reported today).

There have now been 1,756,267 reported cases worldwide. The number of people who have lost their lives worldwide to COVID-19 is now 107,028. Already 393,739 people have recovered.

"There's no easy path through a pandemic." Prof Stephen Powis


Priti Patel, Home Secretary, who has been notable in her absence so far, led today's briefing.
20,101 people who have tested positive are currently in hospital.
Boris is making good progress.
Today's briefing will discuss crime, with Martin Hewitt of the National Police Chiefs' Council. Total crime has decreased, but some crimes have risen. Fraudsters have already conned people out of over a £1.8m. Child abusers know that more young people are online. The Domestic Abuse Helpline has reported up to 120% more calls. There will be no let up for the perpetrators of these crimes. Anybody who is a victim of these crimes should report them.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and press 55 on a mobile if you are unable to talk.
Ms Patel launched a new national communications campaign to reach out to those in danger of domestic abuse, to highlight the fact you can still get out and you can access help. They have created a symbol we can all share, to show we are there to listen #YouAreNotAlone
Fujitsu are providing IT equipment so that smaller charities and support groups can work from home. The government are looking at alternative accommodation for anyone who needs it.

This Easter HARIBO have some awesome new sweets out which are ideal for Easter Egg hunts. We're working with HARIBO and so they've sent us loads of their goodies to have some fun with. Needless to say this is a popular job and I had no shortage of help.


We've been sent some of the brand new Eggs Galore! which come in different sized bags depending on how big your household is - the treat size multipacks are ideal for egg hunts. A mix of Easter Eggs and the all-time favourite Fried Eggs.


We've also been sent the Spring Time Friends, and the Chick'n'Mix and Bunny'n'Friends specially shaped packs, which have a selection of different sweets inside. Here are the sweets in the Chick'n'Mix - bunnies, chicks, sheep and eggs.