Term Times 136

RM TE S LF NT HA EVE

PETERBOROUGH

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the magazine for families

Issue 136 January - March 2019

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FULLY REFURBISHED

Welcome to our latest issue of Term Times During these colder months, comfort foods and tempting treats have no doubt been plentiful on your family’s table. And after the indulgences of Christmas, most of us are probably keen to take steps towards a healthier lifestyle and are full of new-year enthusiasm to dominate the challenge, despite the pressures of busy family life.

In this issue, we dedicate an entire section to ways you can improve your family’s wellbeing. I’m not just talking about fun ways to stay active – though we’ve tons of ideas, activities and events to read about – but there’s expert advice from the Lunchbox Doctor who is sharing bitesize tips and insight on children’s nutrition.

It’s not all about the physical though, we also examine initiatives to aid our little ones to continue to have an active and healthy mind. As mental health has been documented widely in the national press, we look at how YMCA are tackling the subject in our local schools.

Putting health aside, this issue is also packed with great places to visit and activities to join. Our committed advertisers aim to provide you with a wide choice of services from fun days out to tutors that can help your child's educational needs. Please support them and always mention Term Times when you get in touch.

Of course, no issue would be complete without some smashing competitions.

We have super books to give away, Pop Divas' tickets to win and a birthday party on offer from Sacrewell. You must be in it for a chance to win it, so enter today!

Wishing you all the best and see you in March for our Easter issue.

Amanda

Birthdays Contact us Publisher: Steven Beacham Editor: Amanda Stacey T: 01780 757731 E: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 1UW www.termtimes.ltd.uk

Advertise with us Term Times reaches over 52,000 children and many more parents six times a year. Through a transparent and targeted channel, your business will be seen in a title read and respected for over 20 years. For options available, please contact the team on 01780 757731 or via steven@termtimes.ltd.uk Another great publication designed by

Dimension T: 01733 772095 www.dimension6000.com

Does your child have a birthday soon?

Would you like to have it announced in a forthcoming issue of Term Times?

Then just send us their name, photo, age, date of birthday and details of who it's from to: steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

Competition Entry Mentioning the competition you're entering, send your name, age, address, phone number and school name to Term Times, 70 Rutland Road, Stamford, Lincs PE9 1UW or via email to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk Alternatively, competitions will be posted on our website at www.termtimes.ltd.uk Please ask your parents’ permission before entering via the internet. All winners will be picked at random and Term Times' decision is final.

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Contents Regulars

4......................The latest news and local events 18...................Puzzles

Editorial

6......................Become a teacher with Teach East 8–9................How to help your family thrive 10...................Mind matters 12...................Expert advice from the Lunchbox Doctor 14...................The latest from Living Sport 15...................What can The Children’s University offer you?

19...................New year, new start

Competitions

16 ..................Win a copy of Look Inside a Working Hospital 16 ..................Win a birthday party 18 ..................Win tickets to see the Pop Divas

Term Times/Term Times Ltd are independently published and are trading styles of 12th Man Services and Solutions Ltd. Distributed free throughout primary schools in your area. Its aims are to inform families and children of current education issues, forthcoming events, places to visit, attractions etc. Every care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press. However, please check opening times/entry fees etc., before setting out on a journey. We also aim to give teachers, parents and children, the opportunity to participate in the content of Term Times. Term Times does not intend to publish any racist, sexist or political matters, nor carry out editorial or advertising that may be considered to be offensive to families. Opinions expressed by contributors/advertisers are not necessarily those of Term Times or the schools that distribute it. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any erroneous or misleading claims or comments made by any contributor/advertiser. Competition winners will have their details shared with the competition supplier for purposes of fulfilling delivery/provision of the prize. Details of the winners will sometimes be published in a subsequent issue and by entering the competition you grant Term Times permission to publish these. Our thanks go to the schools for their assistance in distributing the magazine, and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank the advertisers who have supported this publication and made it possible. Please support them where you can.

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NEWS

COMPETITION WINNERS

Twilight at the Museums

If your child’s school has a pending event or news to shout about, send it to the team at Term Times so we can share it with all our readers. The press release deadline for the next issue is 14 February.

Please send them to steven@termtimes.ltd.uk

It’s that time again when you can see Cambridge’s many museums for free and under a totally different light.

Wednesday 20 February, 4.30pm–7.30pm, will be the time when many families walk the streets of Cambridge by torchlight and investigate its wealth of knowledge after hours. Use your torch to explore fossils and minerals at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences or learn about nocturnal creatures at the Museum of Zoology and so much more.

Happy birthday to you!

www.museums.cam.ac.uk/whats-on/twilight-at-themuseums

Calling all primary schools…

Maisie with her book prize

Matti and Rico enjoying the model railway event

Cara at the Bah Humbug Festival

Pantomime review Writer Kate Chapman shares her opinion of the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange’s latest pantomime, Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty is one of my all-time favourite fairy tales, so I was very excited to see how the team at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange would adapt the story for their 2018 pantomime.

If there’s someone who you’d like to give a birthday shout-out to, turn to page 3 for details on how to send them in and we’ll try to feature them in the next issue.

We’ve watched festive productions at this venue several times before and every time they get better and better – and this year’s offering was certainly no exception. From the moment the curtain rose there Discover nature at Ferry Meadows was plenty of slapstick fun, silly gags coming thick There are many events happening during half-term at Ferry and fast, lots of rousing song and dance routines, Meadows in Peterborough. Why not grab a free trail sheet amazing costumes plus all the other ingredients and hunt for clues to win a prize or visit on the 18 or 21 Feb you’d expect from a traditional family pantomime. to design and build nest boxes (costs £7; ages 8+) for their The story moved quickly as evil witch Carabosse feathered friends at home. There's lots of fun to be had. put a curse on Princess Belle, which could only be

Half-term events

Fashion show and big brand sale

Happy Birthday Simon from all the family, who will turn seven on the 6 February.

It's a mini-builder's dream come true!

Come join the Dream Builders at Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough during February half-term for a free block-building adventure.

Children and their families can build with giant plastic building bricks in Central Square between 18-22 February. The brightly-dressed Dream Builders will be around to offer their expert building techniques and to fuel creativity through interactive storytelling and Master Builder Master Classes. For more information visit: www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk

www.nenepark.org.uk It’s time to treat yourself, grab a bargain and support a school. Buckden School in Cambridgeshire is hosting a professional fashion show and clothes sale offering more than 50% off leading high street brands, in sizes 6 – 22. The ticketed event, costing £5 each, is happening at the school Saturday 9 February at 1.30pm and it promises to be a great day for all.

There will be refreshments and changing areas so you can try before you buy from many popular brands such as Planet, Phase Eight, Oasis, M&S, Lands End, Banana Republic, Monsoon, Whistles and Next – to name just a few.

To purchase your tickets, email buckdenpta@gmail.com

broken by true love’s kiss. Cue our intrepid heroes who took control of her father’s time machine (!) to travel forward 100 years to save her. They may have veered slightly from the original story but it ensured what was to follow was an absolute blast.

Every member of the backstage crew and cast was outstanding, but I do have to give a special mention to Chester the Jester, played by Scott Cripps, who had us all – especially my two children – in fits of giggles from start to finish.

The show was a truly wonderful way to start our Christmas festivities and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us in 2019! www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

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Teach East Promotion

Learn about

Have you considered teaching but you’re not sure if it’s a right fit? Newly-Qualified Teacher (NQT) Henna Majid shares her experience of the Teach East programme and the realities of her first year working as a local Year 4 primary school teacher in Peterborough.

Why did you choose Teach East as your route into local teaching?

“I don’t have a degree in Education and I didn’t have much experience of working in schools, so School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) was the best route for me as you learn on the job.

I love that Teach East works with experienced practitioners from almost all primary schools in the Peterborough area. Through SCITT you learn by working directly with children. The course is synced with university distance learning so I was also able to work towards a PGCE qualification, which means that I also have the qualification I need if I ever decide to venture abroad.”

What are the most satisfying aspects of being a teacher?

“At risk of sounding clichéd, I love the feeling of making a positive impact on young lives. Whether it’s being the person who helps a child figure out what an equivalent fraction is, or giving a child the confidence to perform in front of 300 people in a Christmas production, it’s highly rewarding and makes any challenging day worth it! Every day is different and it’s a privilege to share in their first experiences, like conducting an experiment. The half-term holidays are good too!”

Henna at a Teach East session

that day. I had already been given a structure of the day so there were no nasty surprises. I had to “An average week of training involved teaching teach an activity I planned myself and then I sat alongside my mentor in my school placement from with at a panel of three teaching professionals Monday to Thursday. Depending on my teaching for the interview who, again, made me feel very expectation that week, I delivered lessons/micro- comfortable despite my nerves.” teach, planned lessons and prepared resources What advice do you have for as well as attended weekly staff meetings. On a anyone thinking of becoming a teacher?

Friday, I attended a training session with Teach East where experienced practitioners from the “JUST DO IT! My only regret is that I didn’t city went through all areas of the curriculum from apply sooner. If you are pondering on becoming literacy and numeracy to art and science. a teacher, do your research online and speak to training providers. I would highly recommend “The weekly training was always based around going to your local ‘Get into Teaching’ events what teachers do in the classroom day in and day as you can network with people from a range out. We were given examples of how we could of schools and training providers, as well as implement what we had learned to classes and gain all the information you need regarding the how this could help promote good outcomes qualifications you need, the amount of experience for children. We were provided with helpful and the application process. My last bit of advice resources that I still use every day as well as would be to gain experience in schools, even if it outstanding lesson ideas that can be adapted to is just a week’s worth of experience. It will open any subject. It’s an invaluable course.” your eyes to what to expect and give you a chance What was the interview process to speak to teachers who work there and more like for enrolling in the programme? importantly the children.”

“Scary – for the first five minutes at least (like any Henna Majid, Year 4 Class Teacher interview). I was made to feel welcome by the host school and met the class I was going to teach The Beeches Primary School How did Teach East prepare you?

Teach East is a School-Centred Initial Teacher Training provider (SCITT). Teach East offers a route into teaching that prepares you for a career teaching in Peterborough. For information visit www.teacheast.co.uk | The next 'Get Into Teaching Roadshow' is 4:30-6:30pm, 7 Feb at the Holiday Inn, Peterborough West.

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OPEN MORNING (3-18 years) SATURDAY 23 MARCH 10am–12:30pm

Discover who YOU are…

The Good Schools Guide Says - ‘We have supportive teachers,’ said our guides. ‘I can’t fault the school academically,’ said every parent we spoke to. We get the impression from parents that the school’s purpose and intent has intensified, taking all with it. They have stiff competition from local grammars so have had to up their game, offering a well-rounded education, and parents appreciate this. ‘Confident children are what they produce, happy to stand up and speak in front of people.’

Contact us: 01945 586750 or admissions@wisbechgrammar.com www.termtimes.ltd.uk

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v e i t c A Families Welcome to the Term Times’ healthy living section. Here you can find out ways to get fitter as a family, stay happy and eat healthier. Start the new year as you mean to go on and try some of these small changes to make a massive impact.

Staying fit as a family Here are ten great ideas for ways that you can become more active together or to refresh your regular activities.

Try something new this year to benefit mind and body and, for many, you don’t even need to spend a penny!

 Take a walk

Let's start free and easy. A simple walk is a great way to connect as a family and is beneficial to everyone’s health. It could be a leisurely post-dinner stroll or weekend saunter through the park. Peterborough Presents (www. peterboroughpresents.org) has created several outdoor spaces for people to walk and talk with the aim to combatting loneliness and isolation – visit their website to find out where.

 Family trips

Plan trips that take the family on an adventure or outdoor activity each weekend – a trip to the seaside, take a nature trail, visit local woods, a fruit-picking farm or try a little den building.

Create a picture book of the different things you see and learn over the month.

 Get wet

The latest trend after Pokemon Go and Geocaching is mobile treasure hunts. Download apps such as Wildgoose, Let's Roam or Huntzz to your smartphone and enjoy a scavenger hunt.

Alternatively, join up with another family to create your own.

Once the warmer months arrive why not try some water sports. Grafham Water in Huntingdon, Ride Leisure in St Neots, Nene Extreme Adventures in Oundle and Ferry Meadows Water Sports Centre in Peterborough are some great places to try canoeing, kayaking and more. Outdoor inflatable Aqua Parks are lots of fun too – check out Southlake Aqua Park and Aqua Park Rutland for great days out.

 Go swimming

 Cycling

 Treasure hunt

A splash in a swimming pool is a family favourite and with so many public pools to choose from you’re spoilt for choice. Look up times for inflatable fun or family sessions so your little swimmers can learn with you.

 Find a new park

Public open spaces are plentiful and yet many of us keep to familiar areas. Find a new spot to explore such as Grafham Water, Hinchingbrooke Country Park or Nene Park. Adventure playground and children’s fitness trails are popular too and outdoor exercise equipment more frequent.

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A family cycle ride is one of the best days out there is. With many safe cycling and traffic-free routes around the UK, family-friendly cycling has never been better. For really little ones, get a child seat or attachment to link their bike with yours. For scenic bicycle rides, try Rutland Water, Grafham Water or one of our many local parks.

 Dancing

Feel like you’ve had a sedentary day, then crank up the music and get the party started. A living room dance party is a sure way to put a smile on your family’s face, get blood pumping and calories

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burning. If you take your family dance-offs seriously, look up Big Fish Little Fish family raves that happen around the UK for some organised fun.

 Try a new activity

Many martial arts classes encourage parental participation, Planet Ice in Peterborough offer public ice skating and why not try your hand at indoor rock climbing or take to the dry slopes? There’s lots to choose from including trampoline parks such as Bounce in Peterborough and Xtreme360 in St Neots that offer public sessions for all ages – it’s a great way to expend some energy.

 Play games

What child isn’t a little competitive? Arrange games like football or baseball, challenge the family to complete fitness tasks such as ten star jumps, ten push-up or the 100m dash. You could even see who completes their cleaning and gardening chores the fastest.

v e i t c A Families What’s on?

Fun runs are well…fun! Even if you walk, skip or jog backwards, they’re a great activity to do as a family, builds stamina and guarantees smiles. Here are a few unusual ones happening near and far. Most local parks, however, do offer weekly family fun runs – Ferry Meadows in Nene Park, for instance, host a 5km run every Saturday – so it's worth doing some research.

Mini Warriors

A little further afield than Cambridgeshire but worth the travel, these muddy fun runs offer junior obstacle courses for kids ages four and above. Get muddy, wet and wild in April, July and September at various Midland venues. The course includes a 1.5km run with 12 obstacles including hay bales, commando crawls and balance beams. www.xrunner.co.uk/junior-kids-obstacle-races/

Inflatable 5k

Peterborough Arena is hosting 15 gigantic inflatable obstacles to complete across 5km on 30 March.

There’s no age limit, but you must be a minimum height of 1.3m to take part. www.ukrunningevents.co.uk/inflatable-5k-obstaclerun-peterborough

Bubble Rush

This 5k course takes you through a sea of bubbles and features bubble stations along route for added coloured-foam fun. You can run, jog, walk or push a pram. There’s one happening at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, 18 May, and at Huntingdon Racecourse on 9 June. Registration is now open! www.bubble-rush.co.uk/events/

The Color Run

While local variants may start popping up in a few months, the Wembley Park version makes an epic day out. Dubbed the Happiest 5k on the Planet, this family-friendly colour fun celebrates healthiness and happiness as you join London’s crowds in running through rainbow-coloured powders on 8 July. www.thecolorrun.co.uk

Go Insane 3km fun day

Free family clinics

Feel like you need help understanding nutrition and portion sizes for your child or struggling to educate them about healthy eating? Everyone Health is offering free 12-week childweight management groups that are packed full of fun and interactive activities for the whole family. They are free for children aged seven-11 and their families who live in Cambridgeshire. The groups are made up of a small number of children of similar ages.

During the sessions there is the chance to participate in fun active games in a welcoming and friendly environment. www.everyonehealth.co.uk/cambridgeshire-county-council/child-weight-management/

Join The Family Fit Club!

There’s a new at-home exercise programme designed to make improving fitness a family affair. The Family Fit Club is an incredible opportunity to motivate your family to improve activity and bond without necessarily leaving the comfort of your home – and it only costs £5 a month. Created by professional sportsmen, nutritionists and PE teachers with more than 30 years’ experience, The Family Fit Club is a subscription-based service that provides families with four fun ten-minute high-intensity video workouts each month, plus a bonus video for adults only. Sign up for a two-week free trial, followed by £5 a month for five videos and certificates of achievement. You will maximise health benefits through 30-second blasts of exercise, each designed around engaging themes such as superheroes, gaming, sports, dancing, films and the Olympics – and delivered by personal trainer Kieran and his crew of school children. All workouts cater to all abilities and ages. There’s no need for equipment; all you need is a little bit of space. www.thefamilyfitclub.co.uk

Free disability sporting event

Inspire Peterborough is hosting its 6th annual Sporting Saturday, a large disability sporting event at The Cresset in Bretton, Peterborough, on Saturday 9 February. This all-inclusive day, the product of a Disability Peterborough project, has been created to showcase the wealth of inclusive and disability sports available in the Peterborough area for people with disabilities, their families and carers.

There will be plenty of demonstrations and ‘have-a-go’ sessions with a variety of sports from boccia, cricket and basketball to gymnastics and golf, to name just a few. There will also be organisations to offer advice such as Amilly Fitness, Special Olympics Peterborough, The Mobility Aids Centre and Oak Activities. You’ll also be able to meet and speak to groups such as the Cerebral Palsy Sport Race Runners and the Peterborough Phantoms Para Ice Hockey Team.

To book your free tickets, visit: www.bookwhen.com/sportingsaturday19

One Leisure goes Platinum

One Leisure are now offering a Platinum membership for £40 per month that includes access to more than 250 fitness classes, the gym, Cyclone indoor cycling and swimming. There are five One Leisure centres to choose from and your membership can be used at any of them.

For added value, you also get free swimming for dependent children and free use of the creche while you use the facilities. www.oneleisure.net

A day of family fun at Grafham Water Centre

WIN

Grafham Water Centre is an outdoor activity centre situated on the southern shore of Grafham Water reservoir in the village of Perry, Cambridgeshire. It’s their 50th birthday this year and they’re offering 10% off all of their family activities during 2019! In celebration of its milestone, Grafham Water Centre is also offering one lucky family (up to four people) a chance to take part in some of their many family activities, designed for children aged eight and over. You can choose any 2019 Family Day shown on the centre’s website: www.grafham-water-centre.co.uk

Insane Terrain Running is hosting a Fun Day at Washbrook Farm in Doddington, Cambridgeshire, on 22 June and 21 September, offering a 3km obstacle course for all people aged six years and older. The course focuses on fun rather than speed.

Grafham Water Centre offers Family Taster sessions, Family Days and Family Camping Activity Weekends that are a great way to bring everyone together to try something different. Take to the water and try your hand at sailing or windsurfing or stay dry with climbing, archery, high ropes or bushcraft skills. Family activities start from £22 per person, so book online, pack a picnic and take your family for an amazing activity day!

www.insaneterrainrunning.com

Turn to page 3 for details on how to enter. Competition closes 20 February.

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v e i t c A Families Mind matters Wellbeing extends beyond physical fitness – Journalist Caroline Schmidt speaks to the experts about the importance of managing our children’s mental health and the increase in primary-school children affected by its difficulties.

Mental illness is still deemed a dirty word by some. It can conjure connotations, misconceptions and stigmas that are proving hard to shake off. But, thanks to new private and government initiatives, this is slowly changing – just not as fast as the rising number of young people with mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression and OCD. New statistics released by the NHS Digital in November 2018 revealed a 25% increase, with one in eight schoolaged children (five-to-19-years-old) experiencing problems – the equivalent of four in every classroom and more than 810,000 children. The NSPCC recorded a 56% increase from primary schools seeking mental health treatment for pupils in the last three years and an average of 183 referrals per school day in 2017/18.

On one hand, this increase could be arguably due to successfully tackling the stigma and improving the understanding of mental health. However, it could also be partly due to the increase in daily social media use, bullying (including cyberbullying) and low levels of social support, according to the NHS, which ranks these along with low participation in clubs and societies as some of the reasons for mental health problems.

It’s an epidemic that needs to be tackled at the grassroots by teaching empathy, engraining an understanding of how the brain copes with emotions and ways to manage stress, for instance.

The latest research from the NHS shows the number of children affected by mental illness

rises with age, with almost twice as many 17-to 19-year-olds (16.9%) exhibiting signs compared to five-to-10-year-olds (9.5%). Some teachers attribute this increase to school stress, suggesting early intervention and prevention is vital to equip children with the mental fitness to thrive in work, home and school.

Thankfully as awareness is rising, there is an increasing number of in-school programmes available designed to teach primary-school children and their teachers about mental health as well as coping strategies, such as YMCA Trinity Group (www.ymcatrinitygroup.org.uk) and MindUp (www.mindup.org). However, recent research provided has highlighted the struggle society faces to overcome the stigma and stop the secrecy since negative, harmful language surrounding mental health is so engrained in our society. “It’s almost impossible to tackle stigma if we don’t change the way we talk about people experiencing mental health difficulties,” says Ryan Armes, Mental Health in Schools Lead at YMCA Trinity Group.

“While everyone knows how damaging insults can be, it’s the subtle way we talk about the issue that really discourages young people from speaking out. Most of us use words unintentionally, not realising the consequences of our comments. We need to start challenging people on the way they talk and also challenge ourselves. The damaging impact of harmful language is evident as more than half (55%) of young people who have been on the receiving end say it stops them from talking

YMCA Trinity Group

Through schools across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, YMCA Trinity Group provide a range of support to parents including therapy, group workshops, drop-in sessions, assemblies, self-help strategies and access to Level 2 awareness training. If you’d like your child’s school to offer such services, please refer them to: www.ymcatrinitygroup.org.uk

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signs & symptoms to look out for

 Changes in behaviour, such as sleeping or eating patterns, or being less sociable.  Intense emotions, such as angry outbursts or extreme fear.  A lack of energy or motivation.  Several physical complaints.  Neglecting their appearance.

about their difficulties. This is why we support the #IAMWHOLE campaign in association with the NHS, as it’s aim to help everyone better understand mental health and tackle stigma one word at a time,” he adds.

Since support and awareness starts at home, however, I asked Clinical Lead at YMCA Trinity Group, Angela Lawn, for ways parents can help their children: “Most importantly, listen to your children and take their feelings seriously.

If they’re distressed for a long time, if their negative feelings are affecting the way they live their lives, if their distress is disrupting family life or they are behaving in ways you would not expect them to, then you need to seek help. A teacher, school nurse, counsellor or educational psychologist may be able to help with problems at school, otherwise see your GP. Ask your child what they think would help too – they often have good ideas about solving their own problems.”

Together with the help of campaigns and the work of organisations such as YMCA Trinity Group, parents have the power to remove the stigma and shame shrouding mental health difficulties to help our children grow into wellrounded people. By equipping primary-age children with the understanding and acceptance of mental illness – perhaps someday soon, coping with the likes of anxiety, ADHD and eating disorders will be as accepted as tackling physical conditions such as diabetes, obesity and allergies.

For more information about the research or to download a mental health parent and carer guide, visit: www.whole.org.uk/resources/

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Living Sport is the HUB of sport and physical activity across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and a CATALYST for the ongoing development in the area. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living here by supporting them to get active.

HERE ARE TWO OF OUR NEW PROGRAMMES THAT ARE HELPING US TO ACHIEVE THIS:

Supporting people across Cambridgeshire to be physically active by:  Making them aware of local opportunities that are suitable for them  Supporting them to make that first step  Creating new opportunities where they are needed

Helping families to be more physically active together through fun activities in the communities of Fenland, Peterborough and Cambridge City.

Free activities include:  Term-time facilitated activities  Team-based sports  Digital treasure hunt family trails  As well as support and advice for families

Sign up now at letsgetmovingcambridgeshire.co.uk For Active Families go to the children and families page.

It’s FREE to sign up! www.termtimes.ltd.uk

11

e v i t c A Families Food for thought Knowing the right foods to fuel and nourish growing bodies and minds is a minefield of hidden sugar and saturated fats.

Journalist Caroline Schmidt speaks to nutritionist Jenny Tschiesche – otherwise known as the Lunchbox Doctor – about tricks, treats and tasty mealtimes.

Q: What is a balanced diet for primary-school children?

As this is a period of physical and developmental growth, the correct quantities of micronutrients and macronutrients are incredibly important so food is much more than fuel; the quality of food and drinks really count at this age. They need a balance of proteins, slow-release carbohydrates and a ‘rainbow’ of vegetables and fruit – as many colours as possible – with some good-quality fats from dairy, nuts, seeds and animal fats. Avoid trans fats and limit fried foods too. In terms of quantities, these range hugely depending on a child’s size and activity level – a fact not often accounted for in terms of school meals and lunchboxes. During periods of growth, greater activity and when children are older and taller, their food needs change.

Q: What foods help cognitive development?

One of the best-known ‘brain foods’ is oily fish. Not all children love oily fish so finding a way that they might enjoy salmon, mackerel or fresh tuna can help: fishcakes, tasty sauces and fish pates, for instance. If oily fish is an absolute no-go then chia seeds and flaxseeds also contain some of the same good fats and can be added to porridge or mixed in with yogurts.

Q: What advice do you have for parents?

Get children more involved in food decision-making and also in meal preparation, from collecting foods, Pick-Your-Own farms to making meals together at least once a week.

It’s important that children become involved in the production process and build a level of intrigue around new ingredients. It also helps if families can eat together whenever possible. Not only does research suggest this makes for less fussiness around food it also seems to improve grades at school!

Q: Why is reading food labels important?

Food advertising and packaging can make some foods look more appealing to children and healthier than they actually are. The labels tell us the 12

truth and how much of a particular macronutrient there is in a product i.e. protein, sugar, fat. Parents should look to eliminate products that are high in sugar, too; if you think 4g of sugar is a teaspoonful and then imagine how your child’s body might have to work hard to metabolise a chocolate bar with 6 tsp’s of sugar in. Also consider foods that are high in salt: a primaryschool child should only have 3-5g a day, depending on age or size, and yet a store-bought cheese-and-ham wrap can contain nearly 2g. Real-food snacks are the best kind: a piece of fruit, some vegetable sticks or even some coldcooked meats such as leftover chicken would be preferable as snacks go.

Q: What five simple changes can have the biggest impact?

Recipe books

Jenny Tschiesche, Nutritionist and BSc (Hons) Dip (ION) FdSc BANT, is the founder of the Lunchbox Doctor – a resource for parents and teachers in need of tips, recipes and nutrition advice suited to busy family life. www.lunchboxdoctor.com Sheet Pan Cooking, 101 recipes for simple and nutritious meals straight from the oven.

RRP £14.99, available from Amazon.

The Modern Multi-Cooker Cookbook The Modern Multi-cooker Cookbook: 101 Recipes for your Instant Pot®. RRP £14.99, available from Amazon.

Recommended sugar swaps:

 Crisps for Popcorn  Fruit juice for Water or watered-down fruit juice  Sweet yogurts for Plain yogurt and fruit  Sweets for Dried fruit  Pastries for Oat-based lower sugar biscuits

Top Lunchbox Tips:

 Fill a sandwich so there’s more filling than bread to improve food group ratios/balance.  Always serve vegetables – more vegetables will get eaten, according to research, if served along with a dip.  Make sure the fruit you provide is easy to eat. Some children can’t eat a large apple easily, some can’t peel a clementine yet and always chop up the grapes.

 Cook meals from scratch, whenever possible.  Get children involved in the process of planning through to cooking, wherever possible.  Don’t have junk food in the house.  Do have a range of healthier options for when they get hungry but the sort of food that won’t ruin their appetite.  Keep hydrated. So many children (and adults) are mildly dehydrated. This affects concentration and also appetite.

Q: To what extent are family mealtimes a benefit?

This, I believe, is the solution to many of our food-related problems in the UK: we offer too much ‘children’s’ food.

Once in a while fishfingers are perfectly fine but if they become the main meal every night not only will you get bored of serving them but the children will get bored of eating them and so will their bodies. Humans need a variety of foods for optimal health. Try introducing more colour in the form of different vegetables. Try cooking one-pot meals or one-pan meals. Both my recipe books are designed for busy family life i.e. tasty crowd-pleasing recipes with minimal effort and very little washing up. If you’ve become overly reliant on ready meals and ‘beige food’, such as waffles and fishfingers, it may be time to take a look at the nutritional balance of your meals and interweave more meals cooked from scratch.

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e v i t c A Families Free support to get active Cambridgeshire and Peterborough families are about to benefit from two programmes offering free advice and term-time activities.

Living Sport, the County Sports Partnership for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, is offering two free programmes to encourage families to get active and improve health and wellbeing.

Active Families, a project funded by Sport England, is focused on getting families more physically active together through fun activities in the communities of Fenland, Peterborough and Cambridge City. It offers free term-time facilitated activity sessions such as story walks and team-based sports, as well as support and advice for families. Let’s Get Moving Cambridgeshire is the second programme, but this time it’s rolled out across five local authorities in Cambridgeshire and funded by Cambridgeshire County Council.

Being active is not just a way of staying fit; it has much more impact than that on your child’s health. Children who do not get enough physical activity are at a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese and therefore more prone to longer-term health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, liver disease and many more. Research shows us that the warning signs for some diseases are

evident in overweight children as young as 15 years old. The effects of being physically active also benefit school performance as exercise has been shown to lead to improved motor skills, thinking, problem-solving, attention skills and learning. It’s a win-win for all involved.

Simon Fairhall, Chief Executive of Living Sport, says: “We need to support our communities to help change this picture, both now and for the future. The good work of two of our programmes – Active Families and Let’s Get Moving Cambridgeshire – will help address these important challenges”. Both these programmes are designed to help families engage in physical activity and allow for those who have not been active before to start slowly and build up the amount of activity children (and parents) can do. Keeping it fun is the best way to enjoy it!

If you would like to find out how to become more active with tailored support, see the advert on page 11 to find out how to get in touch with your local Active Families Activator or local Let’s Get Moving Cambridgeshire coordinator or visit www.letsgetmovingcambridgeshire.co.uk

Factfile

According to the latest report from the Active Lives Children and Young People survey, published in December 2018:  Less than one in five children across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines of more than 60 minutes of physical activity every day, despite 47,900 children (43.7%) leading active lives.  A third of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough children are not even doing 30 minutes a day.  Physical activity levels decline with age: primary-school children are more active than secondary-school children and by school years 9-11, activity levels have dropped considerably.  Children are happier the more active they are. National trends in the survey show that for children in Years 3-11, those who are active enough every day have the highest levels of happiness and those that are least active have the lowest levels.

Small steps: big gains

Regular physical activity is linked to better mental as well as physical health including higher levels of self-esteem and confidence, reduced levels of stress and feeling more relaxed, partly linked to children being able to have fun with their peers and make new friends. To maintain a basic level of health, children and young people aged five to 18-years-old need to:  Do at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day – this should be both moderate activity, such as cycling and playground activities, and vigorous activity, such as running and tennis  Do exercises for strong muscles and bones on three days a week – this could be hopping and skipping, swinging on playground equipment or sports such as gymnastics.  Reduce the time spent sitting for extended periods of time, eg. less TV/computer games and encouraging active travel (walking/cycling etc.) rather than using a car.

Cal active ling all & boys a energetic nd gir ls!

NoN-CoNtAcT RuGbY FoR 1 1/2 - 7 Yr OlDs FuN, nOn-cOnTaCt rUgBy cLaSsEs tHaT hElP tO iMpRoVe yOuR cHiLd’s gRoSs mOtOr sKiLlS, sPoRtInG aBiLiTy aNd cOnFiDeNcE, aS wElL aS eNcOuRaGiNg tEaMwOrK aNd sHaRiNg. CoMe aLoNg aNd hAvE a tRy!

FrE BoOk oe TrIaL NlInE wWw.lIt aT: TlEsCr UmM eRs.cO

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VeNuEs NeAr YoU! PlEaSe cHeCk wEbSiTe fOr mOrE dEtAiLs

0330 088 1172 | wWw.lItTlEsCrUmMeRs.cOm | mAiL@lItTlEsCrUmMeRs.cOm | 14

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Children’s University promotion

Embark on an exciting new learning journey with the Children’s University The Children’s University is a national scheme that encourages children to take part in different sorts of activities, develop new skills and enjoy new experiences outside school classroom time. Let’s find out more...

Through signposting and celebrating participation in fun, high-quality learning experiences, the aim is to grow inquisitive, confident, motivated and independent learners.

The learning journey can take in a rich range of destinations such as museums, country parks and leisure centres. Many children who are part of the Children’s University say that it has helped them in lessons and that The Children’s University makes school more fun and interesting.

Not only are they having fun but what they learn outside the classroom helps them with their learning inside the classroom.

Any child, aged five to 14 -years-old can join The Children’s University and it costs just £6 to get started.

A child will be issued with a paper passport, the CU Passport To Learning, and an online E-licence, then will be signposted to the many and varied CU-validated learning activities and experiences,

which are available locally as well as nationally.

Each hour of CU-validated learning they complete brings the child closer to a Children’s University graduation certificate.

The awards start at 30 hours and go through to 1,000 hours.

They are then presented at a locally-organised CU graduation ceremony. The scheme is accessible through many schools and our Virtual School is available for children whose school isn’t registered with us.

New Learning Destinations: • Stanground Sports Centre Swimming Lessons • Nene Outdoors • Key Sports and Coaching • Ramsey Rural Museum – reopening April 2019 • Kip McGrath Education Centre Peterborough If you are a school or parent who would like to be part of Peterborough Children’s University, or a venue interested in becoming a Learning Destination, contact Gill Hall, Peterborough Children’s University Manager, Gill.Hall@vivacity.org or call 01733 864 729/ 864 784

PETERBOROUGH

Follow Peterborough Children’s University on @PeterboroughCU For more information visit www.peterboroughlearning.org.uk/peterborough-childrens-university/

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WIN

WIN Birthday surprise from Sacrewell If your child is animal mad or just loves a great time in a giant softplay area, this is a competition that you will not want to miss!

Sacrewell, in Cambridgeshire, is a heritage farm and country centre that offers plenty to keep families entertained including animals to meet, tractor rides, an 18th century watermill and a huge Playbarn. It’s a great place to visit for the day with lots of learning opportunities and fun to be had.

With this in mind, Sacrewell is offering Term Times readers the chance to win a self-catered birthday party for up to 20 children, aged 12 and under.

You’ll get a dedicated area in the Playbarn and enjoy two hours of fun-filled indoor softplay. Everyone gets admission to Sacrewell for the day, free admission for two adults with the birthday child and with each party guest, as well as a free return visit voucher for each child and downloadable invitations. The regular price for such a party is £10.95 per child.

Sacrewell also offers two other types of parties: you can hire the Playbarn Party Paddock for up to two hours or exclusively hire the Playbarn for just £195 plus food. To learn more, visit: www.sacrewell.org.uk Turn to page 3 to find out how to enter before the closing date, 20 February. The party will need to be used within one year and only during term-time weekends.

Five to win

Look Inside a Hospital, by Katie Daynes & Dr. Zoe Fritz. Published by Usborne.

RRP: £9.99 Ideal for ages 5+

Look inside a working hospital From visiting a relative to having an operation, this insightful book helps children understand what really goes on inside a hospital. With more than 50 flaps to lift, this book features extra insight from a real child patient and clear, colourful illustrations.

This wonderful book is a fabulous new addition to the Look Inside series, and a useful book for a child who may be visiting ill relatives or need to go into hospital themselves. It covers topics such as what to expect when staying overnight, how operations happen and where babies are born.

Every page has flaps that reveal intriguing behind-the-scenes action, including where the surgeons get scrubbed in and even where the vomit bowls are emptied. There are also links for websites with video clips and activities should you want to take their education further to find out more about hospitals, to meet patients, doctors and nurses.

Turn to page 3 to find out how to enter for your chance to win one of these wonderful books. www.usborne.com. Closing date 20 February.

2019 COURSE DATES Paediatric 11 & 12 February 11 & 12 March

EFAW

11 February 11 & 18 March

FAW

18 - 20 March

BOOK NOW

Defibrillator training available

T: 01733 351 909 E: denise@fenlandfirstaid.co.uk

www.fenlandfirstaid.co.uk 16

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THE HEALTH & CARE ACADEMY IS IN YOUR AREA! Do you want a job where you can go home at the end of everyday knowing you’ve made a difference? Are you passionate about putting a smile on someone’s face?

Have you considered a JOB in Health or Care?

Yes, then we can HELP. We offer a FREE Health and Care qualification and support with finding the right JOB for you.

This is your perfect opportunity to kick-start the New Year with a New Career!

You will get:

This is course is free. You must be:

• FREE Qualification with NO exams • FREE Support with CV, applications and interview preparation • FREE job coaching for 4 months after the course • Support with Childcare and Transport – Terms and conditions apply.

• Over the age of 18 • Claiming a benefit (in work or out of work benefit) • Living in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough.

If you would like more information, please contact us on 01733 588 364 or e-mail info@healthandcareacademy.co.uk and quote CODE: TTMAG

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Have fun!

Can you find all the superhero-related words in the word search?

Can you spot all the differences in the image below?

NS

LAST ISSUE'S SOLUTIO

OPEN DAILY 10am – 5pm 01485 542 425 | PE31 7NG

‘ENJOY OUR AMAZING DEER SAFARI!

Come and see ‘Live Lambing’ inside our barns www.snettishampark.co.uk

WIN

FAMILY TICKETS

to Pop Divas Live

If you have a deserving diva in your household, don’t miss out on the chance to get them tickets to see their favourite songs played live.

Pop Divas is a show like no other: with dazzling choreography, state-ofthe-art videos and superb vocals performing songs from favourite female artists, including Meghan Trainor, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Rihanna, it’s a perfect pop concert for the little music-lovers in your life.

The show is being held at Kings’ Lynn Corn Exchange, Friday 22 February at 6pm, and we’ve two sets of family tickets (two adults and two children) to win. Turn to page 3 to find out how. Closing date 14 February. You can also purchase tickets for £16.50 from www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk 18

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New year, new start?

After the hustle and bustle of the festive season, many people will have made New Year's resolutions and will be considering what changes they are going to make in 2019. For some this could mean making big decisions, such as buying a new house, starting a business and thinking about the future. At Hegarty Solicitors we can offer help and advice for all of life’s ups and downs.

 Buying a new house?

Whether you are a first-time buyer, looking to move to a new home or you're adding to your property portfolio, our experienced conveyancers can guide you through the process from start to finish and will ensure you complete as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Find out instantly how much the conveyancing for your sale or purchase will be with our handy online calculator. Visit www.hegarty.co.uk/conveyancing  Starting a business?

If you are launching a new venture, merging with another company, investing or deciding upon your exit strategy, our specialist corporate solicitors are perfectly placed to help you through the process.

It does not matter if you are just starting out or have an already established business, we will give you sound legal advice to help you achieve your corporate objectives.  Getting married this year?

What an exciting time, but it is wise to take a moment to think about important aspects such as finances and property. You may wish to consider a pre-nuptial agreement which sets out the ownership of assets. We offer a specialised

Hegarty Promotion

consultation for initial advice on pre-nuptial agreements for £100+VAT. After marriage, you may also consider creating a joint Will or individuals Wills now that the majority of your finances and assets will be combined.

Many people are not aware that getting married automatically invalidates your Will unless appropriate steps have been taken. No-one likes to think about their own demise, but ensuring your final wishes are made clear and legally recognised is the perfect way to protect your loved ones from unnecessary stress.  Relationship changes For some, the new year means making difficult decisions about their relationship. When a marriage or partnership breaks down it can be one of the most traumatic and emotional times in a person’s life. It can be difficult to know where to begin and there may be many unanswered questions emotionally and practically. Many people considering a divorce are concerned how it will affect their children, finances and home and are unsure what options they have or how the divorce process works.

Our family law team offer an initial meeting to talk to one of our highly qualified solicitors for initial advice for just £100 + VAT.

Our friendly, accomplished team of solicitors and legal advisors can put you, your family and your business in a strong position for the future.

Offering expertise across a wide range of legal services, we give you the support you need, with the highest levels of client care.

Call 01733 346 333 | Email info@hegarty.co.uk | Visit www.hegarty.co.uk

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