Families Oxfordshire January February 2024

FRE E H

TAKE ME

OME

01865 236 886 | www.mathnasium.com/uk Unlock your child’s potential

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds ABINGDON, DIDCOT & WALLINGFORD abingdon@stagecoach.co.uk

HENLEY & MARLOW henleyandmarlow@stagecoach.co.uk

BICESTER bicester@stagecoach.co.uk

OXFORD SUMMERTOWN & WITNEY summertown@stagecoach.co.uk

OXFORD BOTLEY botley@stagecoach.co.uk OXFORD HEADINGTON & WOODSTOCK headington@stagecoach.co.uk

Issue 117 January/February 2024

Creative Courage For Life®

familiesonline.co.uk

Family Fun on the Farm Open for Half Term!

Meet the animals Adventure play Explorer packs Manor House & grounds

Open daily 10 February October 2024

Season Tickets Visit as many times as you wish February - October & discounts on selected events

Find your WOW! Family Days at the Science every Oxford Centre Saturday in 2024 Family Days:

Cogges Kitchen Café & Shop open daily

Exploration Zone with 20+ hands-on exhibits Live Lab experiments Woodland trails & Explorer Backpacks Visitor café

See what’s on and book online:

cogges.org.uk

Cogges Manor Farm, Witney Free Parking OX28 3FR

Monthly Ages

STEM 5-12 CLUBS

NATURE Ages CLUB 5-9

Book ahead: scienceoxford.com

3 February Owl Detectives

Science Oxford Centre, Quarry Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 8SB

HALF TERM FUN 10TH - 18TH FEBRUARY

Let your imaginations run wild blenheimpalace.com

BLENHEIM_2024_FEB_HALFTERM_180x130.indd 1

04/01/2024 14:58

Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

Happy New Year!

January is traditionally a time for making plans and New Year’s resolutions and a good time to reflect and look back on the journey to where we are now. Family life is always so busy and fast paced, children grow and change so quickly in a year and before we know it they are off to university or leaving home. My New Year’s resolution is to try and take some time to just ‘be’ with the family this winter and plan some time with nothing to do at all except ‘be’ before my eldest disappears to university and my youngest starts primary school in September. If however your New Year’s resolution is to get out and about more as a family Wise w and make a few plans, we have plenty to keep you ords!

If w e ta all busy this January and February half term. momen ke care of th e take ca ts, the years w re of th emselv ill Mari es. a Edge worth

@FamiliesOxonMag

facebook.com/familieseastoxfordshiremag

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, caroline@thompson-heap.com

What's in this issue?

4. News & Views 6. Nursery Listings 7. Baby News 8. What’s On 11. Thriving Not Surviving 13. Ask The Expert 15. Clubs & Classes

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Oxfordshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years).

Call or email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

Families Oxfordshire reaches over 40,000 readers and is available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

A 12-MONTH FAMILY ANNUAL PASS TO BLENHEIM PALACE FOR 2024

Gain free access to some of their most popular events and exhibitions free of charge, not forgetting the all-new £3.6 million outdoor adventure play area located within the historic Walled Garden, the biggest family-themed attraction in the Palace’s history.

Adventure Play is a series of immersive interconnecting zones with secret chambers, clamber nets, tunnels, slides, rope bridges - and giant carrots! Covering a site larger than a football pitch, it celebrates the rich heritage of the 18th century baroque Palace, inspired by real-life features including the lakeside Boat House and Hensington Gateway.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site has a jam-packed programme of events and activities with something for every age and interest –With 100’s of experiences including a unique Film Trail, paddle boarding and boating on the Great Lake and immersive costumed characters and events, Blenheim Palace is a must-visit destination in 2024. www.blenheimpalace.com/adventure-play T&Cs – to be found on the Facebook entry page To enter, please visit our Facebook page @familieseastoxfordshiremag and like and share our competition post and follow our page. Good luck.

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire 3

News & Views

Delicious vegan treats for the whole family

This Veganuary, forget the notoriously dry and crumbly vegan bakes and instead, satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious vegan treat from Lola’s Cupcakes. Lola’s Cupcakes offer super tasty Birthday cakes for all those dairy intolerant little ones who so often miss out on the beautifully made and tasty readymade birthday cakes. The children won’t even notice the difference and, with a range of cupcakes on offer as well as nationwide delivery, they are great for children’s parties.

The talented bakers at Lola’s have crafted a variety of vegan delights for everyone to savour during this Veganuary. Chocoholics can indulge in Lola’s decadent Vegan Brownie Cake, whilst fruit lovers can savour Lola’s Vegan Raspberry and Passion Fruit Cake. And the icing on the cake? You don’t have to be committed to a plant-based lifestyle to enjoy Lola’s vegan delights; they're so delicious that everyone will want a slice of the vegan action! www.lolascupcakes.co.uk

Plant Powered Little People is a practical guide to plant-base d nutrition for parents of children under five, combining the latest scientific research with easy recipes that your little one will love. Featuring a foreword by Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella, and a wealth of information presented in colourful and visually accessible chapters, this fun and friendly book is essential reading for anyone interested in the benefits of raising children on a diet powered by plants.

Plant Powered Little People

Plant Powered Little People

Plant Powered

Plant Powered Little People is a super-practical and easyLittle People to-use guide to support your family’s plant-based journey, Paula Hallam combining the latest scientific research with nutritious recipes your little ones will love. It features a foreword by Ella Mills, the bestselling cookbook author and founder of Deliciously Ella, alongside a wealth of information presented in colourful and visually appealing chapters, providing parents with everything they need to know about raising children on a diet powered by plants in this fun, friendly and accessible new book.

Each chapter is packed with easily digestible information about the benefits of plant-based eating as well as detailed guidance on different nutrients: why they are important, what the best plant-based sources are, and how much children need of each one. There’s also a section about meal planning for your family, with special emphasis on underfives, which provides practical guidance alongside the recipes on how and what foods to offer in a nutritionally balanced diet.

RRP £20 www.plantbased-kids.com, www.mezepublishing.co.uk, Waterstones and Amazon “This is the book that all

parents need to help them navigate nutrition in the early plant-based families but for all families who would like to simply eat more plants.”

Dr Gemma Newman, Family Doctor (@plantpowerdoctor)

years – it is not only for

“Paula is your expert guide,

www.mezepublishing.co.uk

RD

FOREWORD

BY ELLA MILLS, FOUNDER OF DELICIOU SLY ELLA

PAULA HALLAM RD

providing you with the essential knowledge for raising ability to bring together her personal and professional experience is invaluable and will empower you to easily shift to a healthier and more sustainable diet. I highly recommend this book.”

Dr Shireen Kassam, Founder and Director of Plant-Based Health Professionals UK “I’m so pleased Paula is writing this book; so many families will benefit from reading this. Plant-based eating for kids will be so much easier with this book!”

Charlotte Stirling-Reed (RNutr), The Baby & Child Nutritionist, SR Nutrition a plant-based family. Her

A PRACTICAL G U I D E TO P L A N T- B A S E D NUTRITION FO R UNDER-FIVE S

RRP £20.00

Cranford School

Cranford school has a reputation for providing pupils with a balanced, all-round education within a warmly nurturing environment. Set in over 14 acres of rural South Oxfordshire in the heart of Moulsford village, the small class sizes, close community and committed staff ensure each pupil is ably supported and challenged to achieve their full potential. The school was rated as ‘Excellent’ in all categories in its ISI Inspection, November 2022. Now with a new Sixth Form Centre, the school offers 20+ A-level subject choices and an extensive cocurricular programme.

Pupils consistently achieve over 60% of all grades A*-A at GCSE. At Cranford, the aim is to encourage pupils to achieve their full potential, becoming motivated, confident and happy individuals,

recognising the importance of respect and support for others, but ready to seize life’s opportunities.

Open Week 29th January – 2nd February (9:30am - 3pm) www. cranfordschool.co.uk

Get involved in Children’s Mental Health Week

From 5th to 11th February, families across the UK are encouraged to take part in Children’s Mental Health Week organised by charity Place2Be. This year’s theme is My Voice Matters.

My Voice Matters is about encouraging young people to use their voices, share what matters to them and encourage those around them to hear their voices.

Evidence shows that empowering children and young people can have a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. For example, children and young people who feel that their voices are heard - and that what they say makes a difference - have higher levels of selfefficacy and self-esteem.

Find FREE resources for parents and carers and more information at www. childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk

ENJOY NATIONAL STORYTELLING WEEK

National Storytelling Week takes place from 27th January to 4th February and, during this period, stories will be told in schools, theatres, pubs, museums, village halls, community centres and many other places across the UK. Speech and language therapists believe that storytelling is vital for children’s academic success as it promotes narrative skills and strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer a child needs firstly to be a good speaker and listener.

Above all though, storytelling is fun. Whether we are listening to someone else’s story or telling our own, inventing and adapting stories can open doors to exciting new worlds - both real and imaginary. To find a local event, visit www.sfs.org.uk 4 Families Oxfordshire

familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views

£500 voucher towards family mediation

At Family Mediation and Mentoring LLP the focus is to facilitate the resolution of any issue involving family breakdown, separation, divorce and its financial consequences, arrangements for children and any other kind of family dispute using the mediation process. There are many different types of mediation and they will help you decide which one is right for you.

Going through separation and the transition that this requires can be very emotional and challenging. Family breakdown and family disputes are statistically one of the most stressful things a person can face in life. People are often worrying about the future, their children, how they are going to pay for everything and even where they are going to live.

Family Mediation and Mentoring LLP was established by Claire Colbert and Rachael Oakes to resolve family conflict using their skills as accredited mediators and drawing on all of the knowledge and experience they have each built up over the last 20 years as specialist family lawyers. If you are looking for family mediation you might be eligible for the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme?

The family mediation voucher scheme is a time-limited scheme, designed to support parties who may be able to resolve their family law disputes outside of court. The Government has set up the scheme in response to Covid-19 to support recovery in the family court and to encourage more people to consider mediation as a means of resolving their disputes, where appropriate.

To support this, a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the costs of mediation will be provided, if eligible. For more information visit www.familymediationandmentoring.co.uk or call 07548 824932

Family Mediation and Mentoring FACILITATE • INFORM • RESOLVE At Family Mediation and Mentoring LLP our focus is to facilitate the resolution of any issue involving family breakdown, separation, divorce and its financial consequences, arrangements for children and any other kind of family dispute using the mediation process. There are many different types of mediation and we will help you decide which one is right for you.

We will keep you out of court and keep your costs down.

T: 0800 206 2258 E: hello@familymandm.co.uk

Take Part in The Big Garden Birdwatch

Get your family involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and help monitor bird life in the UK. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 26th and 28th January.

Challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park or make a day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place.

You can also watch Big Garden Birdwatch Live! on YouTube and Facebook to discover what birds are being spotted across the UK with live commentary, interviews and chats with special guests and wildlife experts and the chance to ask them questions.

To learn about ways to attract birds to your garden and get your FREE guide, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

UK families missing out on a £2,000 childcare benefit

Almost two-thirds of families do not claim the taxfree childcare to which they are entitled.

It is estimated that 1.3 million families are eligible for up to £2,000 a year per child (or £4,000 for those with disabled children), through the tax-free childcare (TFC) scheme. Under this scheme, the government will add £2 to every £8 you pay your childcare provider but just 36% (470,000) of families claimed in June, according to the latest data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

To be eligible for the £2,000, each parent or carer, must be earning at least the minimum wage and not more than £100,000 and working 16 hours a week or more.

More info: www.theguardian.co.uk

Boost your child's confidence in 2024 with a FREE Perform class

The new year is a great time to start something new and Perform is offering every child a free trial class to help them shine this spring. With two brilliant new themes incorporating confidence-building fun, classes for 4–7-yearolds will join a high-energy adventure to the Wild West while 7–12-year-olds enjoy a dancefloor-filling adaptation of Snow White, in Killa Queen.

All skin types treated safely Classes are packed with confidence-boosting games which focus on Laser Hair Removal for developing the 4 Cs - confidence, communication, coordination and women with PCOS concentration - using drama, dance and singing. At the end of each term, Specialist in treating the children will take part in a show-stopping final performance for family Transgender clients and friends so you can see the progress they’ve made!

Male clients welcome Classes are for all abilities with no previous experience required and children are welcome to join at any point in the term.

Thread vein and cherry • West Oxford Community Centre, Oxford: Wednesdays. angioma removal • The Northcourt Centre, Abingdon: Saturdays and Thursdays.

Fat Removal, cellulite and • Didcot Methodist Church Hall: Fridays. skin tightening treatment • Benson Youth Hall, Wallingford: Saturdays.

• Kingsmere Community Centre, Bicester: Wednesdays.

• Marston United Reformed Church, Oxford: Saturdays Book a no-obligation FREE trial at www.perform.org.uk/try

Award-winning Laser Hair Removal in Central Oxford

www.bareuk.co.uk Tel: 01865 930339 familiesonline.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire 5

Families Education

Oxfordshire Nurseries Listings 2024

Helping you find the right place for your little ones - our 2024 guide to some of the nurseries local to Oxfordshire with the latest Ofsted ratings, correct at the time we went to press.

ABC NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL, Headington www.abcnurseryoxford.co.uk 01865 439051(Ofsted Requires Improvement 2023)

LORD WILLIAMS’S SCHOOL DAY NURSERY, Thame www.lwsdaynursery.co.uk 01844 260231 (Ofsted Good 2022)

THE AUNTIES’ OLD SCHOOL NURSERY, Wheatley www.theoldschoolnursery.co.uk 01865 872606 (Ofsted Outstanding 2019)

BUSY BEES DAY NURSERY, Bicester www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk 01869 321 522 (Ofsted Good 2023)

MONGEWELL PARK DAY NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL (Bright Horizons), Wallingford www.brighthorizons.co.uk 0333 920 4333 (Ofsted Good 2021)

THE FARMHOUSE NURSERY SCHOOL, Witney www.thefarmhousenurseryschool.co.uk 01993 700797 (Ofsted Good 2022)

BLEWBURY PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP, Didcot blewburypreschool.co.uk 01235 851786 (Ofsted Good 2022)

MAGPIES PRESCHOOL KIDLINGTON www.magpiespreschool.info 01865 373444

CHANDLINGS NURSERY, Oxford www.chandlings.org.uk/nursery 01865 730771

PEAPODS NURSERY SCHOOL, Henley-on-Thames www.peapodsnurseryschool.com 01491 628002 (Ofsted Good 2023)

CHILD FIRST BANBURY www.childfirstbanbury.com/ 01295 273743 (Ofsted Good 2022) CHILD FIRST BICESTER www.childfirstbicester.com 01869 323730 (Ofsted Requires Improvement 2017)

CHILDREY LITTLE DUCKS PRE-SCHOOL www.childreylittleducks.org 07825 241395 (Ofsted Good 2022)

CORNFLOWER NURSERY, HEADINGTON SCHOOL www.headington.org/nursery/nursery-day 01865 759400 CRANFORD HOUSE NURSERY SCHOOL, Cholsey www.cranfordhouse.net 01491 651218

DIDCOT DAY NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL (Formerly Bright Horizons Little Stars Nursery), Didcot. www.brighthorizons.co.uk 0343 249 6466 (Ofsted Good 2021) LITTLE BEARS PRE-SCHOOL, STADHAMPTON www.little-bears.com 01865 400033 (Ofsted Good 2023)

LITTLE MILTON PRIMARY SCHOOL NURSERY, Little Milton www.little-milton.oxon.sch.uk/nursery/ 01844 279310 (Ofsted Good 2019)

PIPPINS DAY NURSERY & NURSERY SCHOOL, Headington, www.aurorachildcare.co.uk 01865 227872 (Ofsted Good 2022) PUDDLEDUCK NURSERY, WALLINGFORD www.puddleduck-oxfordshire.co.uk 01491 839815 (Ofsted Good 2019)

SANDFIELD DAY NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL, Headington www.childbasepartnership.com/ sandfield-day-nursery 01865 744200 (Ofsted Outstanding 2022) SMART TOTS DAY NURSERY, BANBURY www.completechildcare.co.uk 01295 259393 (Ofsted Good 2022)

SPARKLING MINDS PRE-SCHOOL & DAY NURSERY (formerly Bear Necessities Day Nursery), Weston-on-the-Green. www.bearnecessitiesnursery. co.uk 01869 351118 (Ofsted Good 2023) SUMMERTOWN MONTESSORI NURSERY www.montessorinorthoxford.org 01865 311364 / 554954 (Ofsted Good 2023)

THE AUNTIES’ OLD SCHOOL NURSERY, StantonSt-John, www.theoldschoolnursery.co.uk 01865 351215 (Ofsted Outstanding 2022)

THE CO-OPERATIVE CHILDCARE DAY NURSERY Oxford www.thecooperativechildcare.coop 0800 954 0669 (Ofsted Good 2022)

THE MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL PRE-NURSERY & NURSERY, Abingdon www.manorprep.org/early-years/nursery/ 01235 858462

THE OLD STATION NURSERY, Oxford Science Park www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/ oxford01865 777167

THE OLD STATION NURSERY, Bampton. www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/bampton/ 01993 850333 (Ofsted Good 2021) THE OLD STATION NURSERY, Upper Heyford, Bicester. www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/ heyford/ 01869 233268 (Ofsted Good 2021)

THE OLD STATION NURSERY,Faringdon. www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/faringdon/ 01367 243800 (Ofsted Good 2023) THE OLD STATION NURSERY, Filkins, Lechlade www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/filkins/ 01367 860594 (Ofsted Outstanding 2019) THE OLD STATION NURSERY, Fairmile, Henley on Thames www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/ henley 01491 577716 (Ofsted Good 2022) THE WILLOW ON THE FARM, Banbury www.willowonthefarm.co.uk 01608 730143 (Ofsted Outstanding 2019)

Day Nurseries in Oxfordshire

Find your nearest nursery & book your personal tour today Find out more

Availability for Spring, Summer and beyond

Families Baby News

Good health starts in the gut

Good health starts in the gut, and with 80% of your immune defense located in your gut, it’s important to have a well-functioning immune system. The microbiome is intimately connected to health through all life stages, however the period after birth is believed to be crucial for the establishment of a healthy gut microbiome, which can have a lifelong impact. A healthy gut can have an extremely positive impact both physically and mentally, however the research from Colief® highlights 45% of UK parents are not aware of the benefits of gutfriendly bacteria, with an astonishing 74% of parents claiming they weren’t aware that a healthy gut can influence their child’s mental health.

The first 1000 days, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, offer a unique window of opportunity to build long-term health.

The first three months of life are particularly important: a time when disturbances to the developing gut microbiota have the greatest impact on immune system development, and therefore future health, which is where supplements such as Colief® Multibiotic Drops can play a really important role.

The findings by Colief® discovered only 3 in 10 (30%) of parents surveyed use/have used gut-friendly bacteria supplements for their baby and, of those who have given gut friendly bacteria supplements to their child, more than a third (42%) don’t offer a supplement until the child is at least a year old -subsequently missing this crucial first year period of their baby’s life.

Nutritionist and new mum Jenna Hope comments “Understanding the role of the gut microbiome on our overall health and wellbeing is very much at the forefront of scientific research. Whilst the research is still in its infancy, it’s extremely evident that the gut microbiome

plays a vital role in supporting the immune system, mental wellbeing and cognitive function throughout life. The first thousand days of life (including the time in utero until the child’s second birthday) are the most vital days for laying the foundations for a beneficial gut microbiome later on in life. However, the first three months specifically can be the most important for promoting the growth of the beneficial bacteria.

Suitable for breastfed and formula fed babies from birth onwards, Colief® Multibiotic Drops are easy to use and only need to be taken once per day – either given directly to your baby or added to breast milk, infant formula, milk, or yoghurt. For more information on how to keep your baby’s gut health happy and why it’s so important visit the Colief® website at www.colief.com.

Playkits for every stage of development

OpenWeek

EXCELLENCE IN INDEPENDENT EDUCATION FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 3-18

Whole School

Lovevery offer stage-based play essentials for your child’s developing brain: The right playthings, activities, and guidance, delivered at the right time for your child from ages 0 - 3 years every 3 months or as and when you need them.

MADE FOR LEARNING Everything is designed by a team of experts, academics, researchers and specialists to make sure you get the confidence you need, and your child gets the learning and growth they deserve.

STAGE-BASED PLAY The award-winning products and guidance support your child's brain development at each important stage—so they can play, learn, and grow to be their best selves.

THOUGHTFULLY CRAFTED Lovevery products are made with durable, sustainable and organic materials that are designed to be safe for your child and made to last, so you can have peace of mind while they enjoy independent play. www.lovevery.co.uk

29 January - 2 February 9:30am-3:00pm

Places are limited, please book in advance At Cranford, we are proud to offer a vibrant, exciting and motivating education to boys and girls aged 3-18. Rated ‘Excellent’ in all categories, we specialise in academic achievement, outstanding pastoral care and superb extra-curricular opportunities for all. Join us at our upcoming open events to see our school in action for yourself.

CRANFORD

Cranford School, Moulsford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 9HT www.cranfordschool.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families_Cranford_87x130mm_JAN 2024_AW.indd 1

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Families Oxfordshire 7

What’s Ons to place Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all

Oxfordshire

Science Club – Oven Ready Science –ages 5 - 9 plus adult

WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington

(20th January) and The Yang Science Centre, Abingdon School (24th February) WHEN: 20th January, 9.45 – 11.00 or 11.30 – 12.45 With a pinch of science, a dash of inspiration and a dollop of fun, Science Oxford have all the ingredients for cool kitchen chemistry in their culinary-inspired Science Club!

From £9.00, scienceoxford.com

National Storytelling Week WHEN: 27th January –

Hey Diddle Diddle

WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse

WHEN: Every Monday from 8th

January – 11.00 to 11:30 Introducing music, dance and performance skills to early years children, kick-starting their excitement for creativity and imagination. New theme each week. £5.00 for child and adult www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

Nature Tots

WHERE: Sutton Courtenay WHEN: 17th January,

9:30 – 11.00 Environmental Education Centre Join in for an adventure with outdoor nature play, crafts and stories for pre-school aged children on this beautiful nature reserve. £7.00 per child www.bbowt.org.uk

Science Club – Feed the Birds-

ages 5 - 9 plus adult WHERE: The Yang Science Centre, Abingdon School Pecked with problem-solving bird-based fun, it’s a great chance to learn about how creatures overcome nature’s challenges.

Make a bird feeder to take home with a bird spotter sheet! £9.00 scienceoxford.com 01865 810000 8 Families Oxfordshire

4th February Throughout National Storytelling Week stories will be told in schools and theatres, pubs, museums, village halls, community centres and in many other places across the UK. www.sfs.org.uk

Snowdrop Season

WHERE: Waterperry Gardens WHEN: 1st-29th February

One of the highlights of winter – the arrival of snowdrops and with more than 60 different snowdrop varieties carpeting the ornamental gardens and a spectacular show down by the walk along the River Thame. Adults £8.00 entrance Under 16 FREE www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

Nature Club – Owl Detectives

ages 5 - 9 plus adult WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington WHEN: 3rd Feb, 10.00 – 11.30, 12.30 – 14.00 & 15.00 – 16.30 Budding ecologists can get stuck in dissecting owl pellets, and investigate what the owls of Oxfordshire have been eating!

Make an owl-tastic mobile to take home. £10.00 scienceoxford.com 01865 810000

Creative Computing Club – Code a Glowing Dragon

ages 9 – 12 plus adult WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington WHEN: 10th February, 10.00 – 11.30, 12.30 – 14.00 and 15.00 – 16.30 Celebrate Chinese New Year and create your own glowing Dragon Circuit. Fashion a dragon made from conductive and insulating ‘electric dough’, bringing it to life by programming flashing eyes and sounds using a BBC micro:bit. £10.00 scienceoxford.com 01865 810000

Morgan and West’s Massive Magic Show for Kids WHERE: Cornerstone Arts Theatre WHEN: 11th February

Roll up, roll up! Morgan & West are back with a massive magic show for kids (and their childish grown-ups)!

Guaranteed to delight those aged five and 105, and indeed everyone in between!

Prices from: £12.00 Cornerstone-arts.org

Family Fun

WHERE: Cogges Manor Farm WHEN: 10th February

Meet the friendly Oxford Downs & Cotswold sheep, Shetland ponies, goats, ducks, hens, guinea pigs and rabbits, Farm cats – and say hello to recent arrivals – the new Norfolk black turkeys! Slide and jump on the adventure playfort, or take a ride on the toy tractors. Prices from £6.00 under 3’s go FREE www.cogges.org.uk

Comedy Club for Kids

WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse

WHEN: 12th and 13th February

at 2pm Comedy Club 4 Kids is coming to Oxford Playhouse! The best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit bring hilarious material that’s specially tailored for young audiences.

Age 6+ www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

Snowdrops and Spring Bulbs Walk

WHERE: Oxford Botanic Garden WHEN: 15th February,

10.30–12.00 Join expert horticulturalists on a stroll among swathes of unique snowdrops and other winter and spring bulbs in the Botanic Garden collection. This walk is aimed at an adult audience, and anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. £25, www.obga.ox.ac.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families What’s on Science Club – Amazing Anatomy: Heart and Lungs

ages 5 - 9 plus adult WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington WHEN: 17th February, 10.00 – 11.30, 12.30 – 14.00 and 15.00 – 16.30 Mini-medics get hearts beating, lungs pumping and muscles moving at this fun anatomy themed Science Club. Run experiments, play games and dissect a real animal heart or build a working model heart valve instead. £10.00, scienceoxford.com 01865 810000

ALICE IN WONDERLAND WHERE: Cornerstone Arts Theatre WHEN: 24th February

Alice, a young, curious girl, follows a white rabbit down a rabbit hole and ends up in Wonderland!

There, she begins on an adventure she will never forget: including the mysterious Cheshire Cat, the Wacky Mad Hatter, the bizarre blue Caterpillar and the foul-tempered Queen of Hearts!

Prices from: £9.50 Cornerstone-arts.org

Public Open Evenings Online

WHERE: Institute of Astronomy,

Fairytale Farm

WHERE: Chipping Norton

WHEN: January & February:

The Adventures of the Little Red Hen WHERE: Cornerstone Arts

Theatre

WHEN: 18th February

Visit the incredible world of Stuff and Nonsense.

Making bread is hard work, but it would be a lot easier if the lazy farmyard animals got off their reclining sofas and lent a hand!

Join our plucky little hen as she finds her own way to get stuff done. Prices from: £12 Cornerstone-arts.org

10.00 – 17.00 Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm - the UK’s first visitor attraction that is open to all. A truly inclusive experience, where everything is accessible and everybody is welcome. From £7.00 www.fairytalefarm.co.uk 01608 238014

University of Cambridge WHEN: Wednesdays in January and February Each evening consists of a 30 minute public talk about astronomy, followed by (weather dependent!) stargazing on the Cambridge University Astronomy YouTube channel.

FREE

Discovery Days

WHERE: Didcot Railway

WHEN: January and February

Explore this 21-acre living museum and unearth almost two centuries of railway history. Trains will not be running, meaning there’s the chance to get up close and see them at close quarters, then why not visit the play area. Under 3’s go free, prices from £7.50 www.Didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Adventure Play

WHERE: Blenheim Palace

WHEN: January and February

Blenheim Palace adventure play is a hidden world of adventure, where mini explorers of all ages create their own exciting stories as they clamber, climb, paddle, slide, splash and zip through the exciting zones. Explore the amazing network of tunnels, bridges, cargo nets and hidden chambers. Prices from £11.50 www.blenheimpalace.com

Steam Days

WHERE: Didcot railway

WHEN: January and February

Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway and savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 21-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s. Steam trains will be operating on at least one of the Centre’s two demonstration lines, allowing you to take unlimited rides. Under 3’s go free, prices from £7.50 www.Didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

When making a booking please mention Families Oxfordshire Magazine SNOWDROP SEASON

Thu, 1st February - Thu, 29th February One of the highlights of winter – the arrival of snowdrops and with more than 60 different snowdrop varieties carpeting the ornamental gardens and a spectacular show down by our walk along the River Thame, there’s no better place to enjoy these little heralds of spring in such a magical setting.

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Families Oxfordshire 9

Families Education

Ultra-processed foods: the dangers and alternatives

By Charlotte Stirling-Reed There has been a lot in the press recently about UPFs (ultra processed foods), especially related to what we feed our children.

In an ideal world, most babies, toddlers and young children would eat meals cooked from scratch at home as the standard. This allows them to get used to fresh food and ingredients and a variety of tastes and flavours that are typical of your family meals. It also means that you know exactly what’s going into your young children’s bodies and how the dish was made. In this way, it’s easier for you to have more control over the everyday diets of your children.

However, on the other side of the coin, parenting is HARD and sometimes preparing freshly cooked meals for young children, up to three times a day, just isn’t achievable. That’s okay. It’s very much to be expected in our busy society and with more of us both working and raising children.

There really is nothing wrong with having the odd packaged snack, fruit pouch or pack of baby biscuits, so try not to get sucked into the ‘giving young children UPFs is terrible’ idea. However, what you should know is that offering them as regular options can be problematic because they: - Don’t represent the balanced options necessary for snacks and meals; - Are often high in sugar and/or calories but with little extra nutrients such as iron, protein, iodine or zinc, for example; Are often not very satiating so don’t sufficiently fill little ones at mealtimes, either leaving them hungry or eating more than what should be a ‘portion;’ - Are often overly sweet to encourage little ones to accept them readily and want more. However, this doesn’t help babies and toddler to explore and accept a wider variety of tastes; - Sometimes have added, unnecessary ingredients such as sugar, salt, fillers and oils that aren’t needed and that you wouldn’t add when home cooking; - Sometimes have been made using high heat treatments to create longer shelf lives and this may reduce the vitamin and mineral content.

HOW CAN WE WORK OUT WHAT ARE THE BEST OPTIONS AVAILABLE? • Firstly, think about UPFs as ‘every now and then’ foods for young children, where possible.

• Make big batches of meals and snacks at home to portion freeze for weeks ahead.

• Use fridge-raid meals. These are meals where you look in the fridge and make mini picnics out of all the foods that need using up. This both reduces prep time and food waste at the same time. I do this at least twice a week.

• Don’t be afraid of using pre-prepared options when you need the convenience, even if they are sweeter or have a little added salt.

Team them up with extras which add more nutrients to the eating occasion. For example, if you’re offering crisps, add a tangerine and some hummus to dip them in. If you’re offering a baby pouch, try decanting the pouch, mashing in some lentils and spreading it on a piece of toast to create more of a meal.

EVALUATING ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS • Check the ingredients. Many items that are syrups, juice concentrates or end in ‘ose’ contain free sugars, which we want kids to be getting less of in their diets.

• Taste it yourself. See if you recognise the flavours, find it super chewy or notice anything strange about the food.

• Check the portion sizes.

• Products with serving suggestions eg ‘great for older toddler served with some veggies’ can be helpful and show that a brand is trying to help consumers get the balance right.

Charlotte is working in association with Stokke and their iconic Tripp Trapp chair (www.stokke.com), the chair that grows with the child. Her new book, How to Feed Your Family is out now. You can also find helpful downloadable resources for family feeding on her website at www.srnutrition.co.uk/factsheets 10 Families Oxfordshire

DISTRIBUTORS Do you have a couple of spare days every other month, your own car, and want to earn some extra cash?

Families Magazine Oxfordshire is looking for trustworthy, reliable and self motivated people to join their team, delivering our magazine to locations around Oxford City, Wantage & Faringdon Abingdon & Didcot.

You’ll be distributing our magazine every other month for 1-3 days depending on the route. GOOD RATES OF PAY!

Call Lisa on 07887 521978 or email editor@familiesox.co.uk to find out more. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Feature

Thriving not surviving: the toddler years While the baby months pass by in a flurry of contact naps, back-to-back feeds and trying to work out when you will ever sleep again, the toddler years are definitely something to look forward to. Multiple naps a day are over, eating is on its way to being well established and you actually have time to get out and about between meal times. That said, the toddler stage has its own unique challenges which can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, it is possible to actually thrive during these years, not just survive. Here are my top tips and observations.

Toddlers start to become more vocal and know their own minds, often refusing to engage in even the most basic daily chores: getting dressed, nappy changes - the list goes on. Prep in advance by talking them through everything you’ll be doing that day step by step, so that nothing takes them by surprise.

Poor behaviour is always about communication and although toddler tantrums are considered a normal rite of passage, excessive tantrums and big feelings could indicate that they are trying to tell you something. This could be something as simple as hunger, needing a little more sleep or even a tummy ache that they can’t explain to you.

Toddlers simply aren’t ‘naughty’ just for the sake of it.

The toddler years often bring phases of fussy eating and food refusal. Keep on top of mealtimes by exposing little ones to a wide

range of foods, not giving second choices and recognising that appetites vary day to day. You decide what is on their plate and they decide how much they want to eat.

Sleep is essential for a calmer journey throughout the toddler years. It’s often assumed that the sacred ‘lunch time nap’ can be dropped at two years of age but the reality is that most toddlers need this nap well into their third year, with some needing it until they go to school.

It may sometimes feel like you’re in an uphill battle with your toddler to get out of the house each day. Remember that with time and by rationalising with them, things do get easier. Soon you’ll look back and miss the fight about not wearing their wellies to the supermarket and those muddy footprints will be a distant memory.

By Heidi Skudder By forcing a toddler to take one more bite or holding off on pudding until they eat more broccoli, you are simply making them eat when they don’t want to. Apart from unwelcome tantrums, this can also have longterm knock on effects; primarily not being able to listen to what their body is actually telling them. By allowing your child to say when they have had enough and trusting in them, you are setting them up to not only have positive meal time associations but also an ability to trust in their body and the feelings associated with it. A win-win both for parents and child.

Heidi is a parenting coach. For online toddler courses including toddler behaviour, fussy eating and sleep, see her website at www.positivelyparenthood.com

TODDLER EATING CHALLENGES The ‘division of responsibility’ is a well researched model which is proven to successfully enourage healthy eating habits. The model is that while it is a parent or carer’s job to decide what each meal consists of, it is a toddler’s job to decide how much of it they want to eat. Just knowing that this model exists and is successful can save you from too much mealtime angst.

DEALING WITH TANTRUMS

Tantrums are a normal part of your child’s development. They happen when a child is not able to control their own emotions and their feelings bubble over into meltdowns and seemingly difficult behaviour. Whilst normal, this does not make tantrums any less challenging for you as a parent and it can be hard not to get frustrated by your child when they are happening over what seems like the smallest little thing.

During a tantrum, try understanding and listening to how your toddler actually feels rather than telling them to stop crying or assuming that they are just being difficult. Often by identifying with the emotion and feeling, it can really help stop them in their tracks and deal with their feelings more easily. For example, using the words: ‘Oh, you really wanted that ice cream didn’t you, because you love ice cream SO much. I totally understand,’ rather than: ‘stop crying’ is going to elicit a calmer response and help you both move through those big feelings more easily and in less time.

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Families Oxfordshire 11

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Families Ask the expert

Ask the Expert - What is mediation and is it for me?

Lightfoots Solicitors in Oxfordshire offer this issues specialist parenting advice on mediation.

WHAT DOES A MEDIATOR DO? A mediator is a neutral third party who helps separating couples discuss and agree arrangements for themselves and their children, whether concerning finances or the arrangements for the children, using communication and negotiation. The mediator will work with couples to consider the options available to them and help them reach joint decisions to resolve the issues that arise on the breakdown of their relationship.

HOW DOES MEDIATION WORK? Mediation is constructive and forward focussed, it enables people with the help of an impartial third party to take responsibility and work out solutions that best suit their family, considering what matters to them on the breakdown of a relationship. It provides a calm and safe place for couples to talk about what is important to them.

Family mediation can help reduce conflict and misunderstanding; it can be cost effective and assist in better future communication, which is especially important where there are children. Mediation is not suitable for everyone, where it is, it can be better than having to resort to formal court proceedings and inviting a Judge who you and your children have never met make decisions about your children and family.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEDIATION? There are many benefits to mediation, the main ones being: • A quicker process • A more affordable process • A more accessible process • A more constructive process

A MORE AFFORDABLE PROCESS By working together with your ex-partner and a mediator you will not only be making the process quicker, but this can also be more affordable.

As you work together with a mediator the process typically takes between takes 3 – 6 sessions. You are billed only for the time taken in the mediation sessions and for summaries of the process as agreed with your mediator.

The cost of the professional mediator is shared between you. If you instruct separate solicitors to negotiate on your behalf, you will each have your own solicitor’s fees to pay and generally fees are charged for all time spent on your matter by your solicitors. It soon adds up and causes further disruption and financial impact at a time when you are already experiencing a major life change.

In some situations a financial advisor (who will be impartial) will also work with you in mediation to help you separate your finances and assets in a way that works for both of you and maximises the assets you have.

A MORE ACCESSIBLE PROCESS Working with a mediator is a flexible and accessible process. Meetings can either be held online or face to face.

By discussing everything together there will be less chance for any misunderstandings and those that occur can be addressed without delay or any further distress. We’re not all great communicators, especially when the situation is emotionally charged, so there are

many benefits of discussing things with the help of a professional mediator, including the opportunity to be properly heard and understood.

Mediation allows you and your ex partner to take responsibility and control the situation, rather than handing over your life to lawyers and the court.

A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE PROCESS Mediation is NOT counselling but it is common for the two to be confused. Mediation is forward focussed to help you separate in a dignified and respectful way. Each of you will have an opportunity to express your views and hopes for the future and be listened to, in a safe environment. Mediation is a process for you to discuss and work out practical arrangements, in a collaborative way that reduces the conflict.

When a relationship ends it doesn’t mean the end of the wider relationships that the couple have, be it with children or in-laws, and there will be an impact on the wider family.

Mediation is a way to work together to take account of the best interests of the children and all family members to part company in the best way you are able, setting a new path for the future where the previous relationship is over but a new, different, one as separated parents or partners can be established.

For more information on mediation and family law please visit: www.lightfoots.co.uk/family-law

A QUICKER PROCESS Working things out in mediation is typically a lot quicker than working things out through separate solicitors and / or a formal court process.

Clients can reach an agreement at a time and pace that suits them without having to wait for court dates. You will work together in mediation with the guidance of a mediator in focussed meetings. These meetings will address arrangements for children and financial matters including financial disclosure and any issues that need to be worked out directly. This makes for a constructive and efficient use of time and the opportunity to address any misunderstandings as they arise, without delay.

Your financial consent order and divorce order will both still have to go through the courts to become official, but it reduces the need for formal court proceedings.

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Families Oxfordshire 13

Helping children believe they can do anything

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Running throughout Oxfordshire this February half-term!

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Families Clubs & Classes

What’s On es,

clubs and class do for something to everyone in

Oxfordshire

Creative Computing Club

Design Star Artworkages 9 – 12 plus adult WHERE: Science Oxford Centre, Headington WHEN: 13th January, 10.00 – 11.30, 12.30 – 14.00 &15.00 – 16.30 Design your own constellations or create an ever changing colourful starfield using a Python Turtle digital drawing board. Experiment with angles and learn how to use loops to create interesting shapes. £10.00. scienceoxford.com/ whats-on/design-star-artwork 01865 810000

3-Day West End Vocal Workshop, Stagecoach Performing Arts

WHERE: Abingdon School WHEN: 11th – 13th February, 10.00 – 16.00 An exciting West End Vocal Workshop for children aged 9-18.

The children will work individually and as a group and learn to find their ‘west end middle voice’, known as Mix, enabling them to reach their top notes easily without strain. ww.stagecoach.co.uk/ abingdon#workshops 01235 390810

Stagecoach Performing Arts

WHERE: Abingdon School, Abingdon WHEN: 12th and 13th February, 10.00 – 16.00 (Extended hours from 8.30 – 17.00 available) 2-Day February Half Term, 5 – 9 year olds Children aged 5-9 will enjoy a relaxed 2 day workshop where they will make new friends, gain new skills and generally have a great time! ww.stagecoach.co.uk/ abingdon#workshops 01235 390810

Elite Holiday Camp (ages 4 – 13)

WHERE: Abingdon, Bicester, Botley, Didcot, Grove, Henley, Thame and Wallingford. New locations coming this 2024…

WHEN: 12th – 16th February, 9.00 – 15.30 (Extended day available, 8.30 – 17.00) Ofsted registered Elite Holiday Camps offer a range of exciting activities (elite activities, sports, arts and crafts) that are designed to keep your children physically active whilst learning new skills and making friends. www.eliteyouthsports.co.uk 01235 415846

Active Camp (4 – 14 years) WHERE: St. Swithuns Primary School, Kennington & Sibford School WHEN: 12th – 16th February, 8.15 – 18.00 Active Camps provide highquality, multi-activity camps for 4-14-year-olds. Each day features a range of sports, arts and crafts, team challenges, and wide span games such as capture the flag, obstacle courses, group collages and much more! www.oxfordactive.co.uk/schoolholidays. 01865 594325

Stagecoach Performing Arts

Active Adventure (6 – 14 years)

WHERE: Kingham Hill School and Summer Fields School, Summertown WHEN: 12th – 16th February, 8.15 – 18.00 Active Adventure camps are for children with a passion for all things outdoors, muddy and adventurous. Children will experience cooking on a campfire and introduced to basic bushcraft skills such as whittling and shelter building. www.oxfordactive. co.uk/school-holidays 01865 594325

WHERE & WHEN: Abingdon, Didcot And Wallingford: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Oxford Headington and Woodstock: Saturdays Henley And Marlow: Thursdays and Saturdays. Oxford Summertown And Witney: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Bicester: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Oxford Botley: Saturdays. Bring out the best in your child and encourage them to develop excellent communication skills, grow in self-esteem and enjoy the benefits of improved co-ordination. Suitable for children from age 2. From £15 for two-week trial www.stagecoach.co.uk 01483 247404

Lego® Master Builders Club - Brick Building Workshops for Children

WHERE: Various locations Master Builders Club fun workshops start with a short story which is “brought to life” through the models they build.

They provide 1000’s of LEGO® or DUPLO® bricks to transform a room into a world of creativity. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk

Mathnasium Learning Centres

WHERE: Summertown, North Oxford Monday-Thursday & Saturday By producing a tailor-structured learning plan for each student according to his/her knowledge and skill level, the Mathnasium Method can help children in Years 2 - 12 better understand maths and leap ahead. Try the FREE maths skills assessment/trial session. www.mathnasium.co.uk/ northoxford 01865 655968

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes WHERE & WHEN: West Oxford Community Centre, Oxford: Wednesdays. The Northcourt Centre, Abingdon: Saturdays and Thursdays. Didcot Methodist Church Hall: Fridays. Benson Youth Hall, Wallingford: Saturdays.

Kingsmere Community Centre, Bicester: Wednesdays. Marston United Reformed Church, Oxford: Saturdays. Confidencebuilding drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.

To book a FREE class visit www.perform.org.uk/try enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk

New year, new possibilities, new focus on maths Now is the perfect time to take your child’s maths skills to the next level. Mathnasium provides the personalised instruction children need to catch up, keep up, and get ahead.

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Telephone: 01865 236 886 | mathnasium.com/uk Mathnasium of North Oxford | 18 South Parade, Oxford OX2 7JL familiesonline.co.uk Families Magazine Quarter page Cover Advert_1.24.indd 1

Families Oxfordshire 15 03/01/2024 14:06

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Find out how your child can make their mark on the world and how we’ll make every moment of their education count.

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