Families Birmingham NovDec19

Birmingham

IN THIS ISSUE:

Ticket Competitions Christmas Fun Parenting News ... and a whole lot more!

Tuition Plus

'Helping students achieve their true potential'

Professional Tutoring Literacy & Numeracy

Tel: 07592 556 452 Email: info@tuition-plus.co.uk www.tuition-plus.co.uk

Issue 54 November/December 2019

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Slot Machine Theatre Present

Kipper ’s Snowy Day D Based on the Kipper books by Mick Inkpen

Suitable for ages 3

Tickets from £10

Christmas at Midllands Arts Centre

ue 26 November – Tue 31 Decemb macbirmingham.co..uk | 0121 446 3232 Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hiill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH See website for Relaxed and BSL performances.

Kipper’s Snowy Day was originally produced by Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead Midlands Arts Centre / Reg company no: 718349 / Reg charity no: 528979

We met when I was starting my Ofsted applicatio on. Yo ou have been nothing short of amazzing. Everyone I’ve spoken to has been so passionate and personable. s NEWLY REG GISTERED CHILDMINDER

Supporting childminders across the country

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Annu ual Membership Designeed for all pre-registered and registered childminders our annual membership packagge includes: - Weekday telephone support 9-3 - A wid de range of online training - All our downloadable resources

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- Regular FREE updates - Discounts and much more

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v www.childmindinguk.com visit

Contents IN THIS ISSUE… 4

News

6

Competition time!

7

Clubs, classes and activities

10

Education: Changes to how schools are assessed by Ofsted

11

Education: Encouraging a growth mindset in your child

Birmingham Welcome to the November-December issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine.

We are approaching the end of what has been an incredibly eventful year, both nationally and locally, with much change to come in 2020 and beyond.

Regardless of this, I hope 2019 has been a positive year for you and your family with many happy memories made.

So now, with the strains of “So here it is, Merry Christmas” around the corner it is time to prepare for the jolly season. As always, Families Birmingham brings you a wealth of news, events, activities, education and so much more, so you can get the best out of our region this winter. Why not enter one (or ALL!) of our competitions? Gotta be in it to win it!

Have you followed us on social media? Look for us on Facebook @familiesbirminghammag and Twitter @familiesbirm to make sure you get in on all the latest local and national parenting news, views… and lots of laughs!

I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

12

Talking to children about climate change

13

What’s on & Where to find Santa ®

4

8

10 11+ Tu Tuition n 16 years of 11+ experien nce

Prepare to succeed with our renowne ed

11+ CEM Mock Exam ms

Suzanne Brown NEXT ISSUE: Advertisers: Book now for our January–February ‘New Year’ magazine.

Call Suzanne on 07807 352087, or email editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Friday 6th December Editor: Suzanne Brown Design: Lauren Brown Designs Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH © Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, November 2019 © Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine.

Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Benchmark your child’s ability in a real exam environment

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*Off ffeer applies when booking all 5 KSOL 2020 Shirley mock exams together.

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Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 3

News

To advertise call: 07807 352087

Letter from Santa

Fairytale Choir

All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post, but what could be more special than a letter from Father Christmas?

Here are two ways of making this happen:

Sing like an angel, Shine like a star, Let music show Who you really are!

ROYAL MAIL LETTER TO SANTA

We are different than other choirs.

For children to receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail children must post their letter to Santa by Friday 6 December.

ORIGINAL MUSIC & LYRICS

Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address. www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa NSPCC SANTA LETTER Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation to the charity.

The letter is ordered online and must be placed by Monday 9 December. https://letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk/letter-from-santa

FAIRYTALE CHOIR IS A CHOIR FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN 5-11.

Music & lyrics are created especially for Fairytale Choir, so they are one of a kind. Children attending Fairytale Choir are learning new songs, composed in a way to match their musical abilities.

PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE Fairytale Choir creates a unique opportunity to perform on stage at the end of each project.

DEVELOPING CHILDREN'S MUSICALITY AND SELFCONFIDENCE Our main goal is to grow children's love of music, develop their musical taste and help them to build their self-confidence!

November 2019 - June 2020 we’re preparing Musical Fairy Tale “Cinderella”. The performance will take place at The Core Theatre.

If you want your child to take part in “Cinderella”, contact us: info@fairytalechoir.com | www.fairytalechoir.com

ALADDIN: A MAGICAL FAMILY PANTOMIME

10 – 31 Dec, Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall ̣​̣​̣​̣​̣ “A show which retains all the tradition of pantomime, but with some fresh ideas too, full of vim, brio and fun!” (G. Longden, on the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall’s 2018 Christmas Panto) If you could have three wishes what would they be?

To ride a magic carpet to a faraway desert? To befriend a dazzling Chinese Dragon?

To fall in love with the most beautiful person in the world? All of these wonderful things are within Aladdin’s reach…but life is never that easy.

London-based company, The Production Exchange return with colourful characters and a magnificent cast of professional actor-musicians who ask you to spend two hours in the company of some of the greatest characters in the world of pantomime, fighting the good fight in some of the most exotic places! Welcome to Peking!” www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com 0121 296 9543

4 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

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News

@familiesbirminghammag

Birmingham Rep stages a new imagining of Peter Pan this Christmas Nothing beats a family trip to the theatre at Christmas! If you are planning to do just that then look no further than Birmingham Repertory Theatre for a thrilling new imagining of Peter Pan. Following last year’s acclaimed retelling of The Wizard of Oz, director Liam Steel brings the classic Peter Pan story into the 21st Century. This new Birmingham-set version will make audiences fall in love with this family favourite all over again. As Liam describes: "We are creating a brand new re-imagined version of Peter Pan specifically for Birmingham audiences. All the beloved characters will be there, but we have transposed it from London 1904 to Birmingham 2019 and made the characters much more relatable and relevant for today’s audience.

“For children encountering the story for the first time, I want them to feel this was how the characters were originally written, and for those who know the story well, then I want them to experience it with the joy of re-discovery, as though they are hearing it for the very first time all over again.

“With spectacular flying, incredible sets on a huge scale, ingenious puppetry, out of this world costumes and of course a giant man eating crocodile, audiences can expect to see one of the most visually spectacular Christmas shows ever to grace The REP’s stage.”

30 Nov – 19 Jan | www.birmingham-rep.co.uk | 0121 236 4455

Acclaimed concert series, Bach to Baby, welcome parents with children of all ages, featuring artists from the UK’s top orchestras in easy-to-reach, inspiring locations.

Let your tots dance, roam about Image by Alejandro Tamagno and revel in the wonder of live music, whilst you enjoy topnotch performances. Bach to Baby understand that young children and babies can be unpredictable, therefore, they’ve created a unique ticketing system. Online booking is simple and flexible - unsure if you can make it to a concert? No worries, simply buy a flexi ticket and come to any concert within the next 12 months! No concert is complete without feeding & crying!

For concert dates, times and venues in Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield see the Bach to Baby listing on page 14 and visit: www.bachtobaby.com | info@bachtobaby.com

FOR 10% OFF TICKETS QUOTE ‘BRUMTOTS’ - VALID UNTIL 31.12.2019

Free mini-golf for toddlers!

Adventure Island Mini Golf is located indoors at Star City, Birmingham. It has two fantastic indoor themed courses that are great fun for adults and children of all ages!

Currently, they have a great new Toddlers play FREE offer available (see website for T&Cs), and a special Family Thursday discount deal!

The two mini-golf courses wind their way around tiki temples and volcanoes and pass through caves before offering you the chance to win a free round token on a 19th hole challenge! There’s free secure parking and combo deals available with both Tenpin and Laser Battlez.

A fabulous day out! www.adventureminigolf.co.uk

FREE P A R K I N G! PA

Thursday

5 December from 6pm

S T A R C I T Y, M 6 //J J6 AD V E N TU R E M I N IG O L FF.. C O VE EM IGO O.. U K

familiesonline.co.uk

Concert dates: 16 Nov; 14, 18 & 21 Dec

Not valid with any other offer, only valid for 1 person per voucher.

The Bulkington Silver Band

Bach to Baby Family Concerts

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 5

Competitions

To advertise email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

WIN a family ticket to Santa in Love at The Core Theatre Have you ever wanted to know a secret? Maybe you’d like to know the greatest Christmas secret of all... the one about Santa Claus and the thing he secretly loves best. Could it be presents? Could it be reindeer? Could it be snow? You’ll never guess, so if you want to find out then join Santa and his friends in this fun filled family musical complete with games, giggles and all your favourite Christmas songs.

For the chance to WIN a family ticket (for 2 adults, 2 children) to see Santa in Love on the date/time of your choice answer the following question: What is the greatest Christmas secret of all? Is it: (A) What Rudolf secretly loves best, (B) What the elves secretly love best, or (C) What Santa secretly loves best Competition closes 11.59pm, Monday 9 December Fri 20 - Tues 24 Dec | www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk | 0121 704 6962 | Tickets £10

WIN a family ticket to the thrilling re-imagining of Peter Pan at Birmingham Repertory Theatre Wendy and her little brothers have been separated from their mother and sent to live in a flat high up above the city.

One night, a remarkable flying boy named Peter Pan invites them to fly away with him to a magical world beyond their urban reality - Neverland. But danger lurks! Neverland is also a place of malicious mermaids, feisty fairies and the devious Captain Hook… This new Birmingham-set version, directed by Liam Steel with a twenty-first century twist, will make you fall in love with this family favourite all over again.

For your chance to WIN a family ticket to see Peter Pan at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Monday 2 December at 7.30pm, simply answer the question below: Where does Peter Pan take Wendy and her brothers? (A) Disneyland, (B) Neverland, or (C) Wonderland Competition closes 11.59pm, Friday 22 November.

30 Nov - 19 Jan | www.birmingham-rep.co.uk | 0121 236 4455 | Tickets £15+

Festive Fun for all ages Only £10 Includes child gift

Fri 20-Tues u 24 Dec

Delightful small-scale theatre for little ones.

Each child gets to meet Santa and gets a small gift from him!

40mins - no interval Suitable age 1+

WIN a family pass for Adventure Island Mini Golf, Star City Adventure Island Mini Golf would like to offer you the chance to WIN a family pass for up to 5 players to play both of their courses - all 36 holes of indoor adventure mini golf! The prize is valid to play any day you wish!

To enter all you have to do is ‘like’ Adventure Mini Golf - Star City on Facebook.

One winner will be selected from all entries and the winner will be notified to go along and play – Adventure Island will even throw in a FREE drink for all of your family in between your two rounds!

Entries close: 11:59pm, Tuesday 31 December @adventureminigolf | www.adventureislandminigolf.co.uk Adventure Island Mini Golf's t&cs apply 0121 328 7474

TO ENTER

the Core Theatre and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre competitions please email Families Birmingham by the closing dates given.

Put the name of your chosen competition in the subject line of your message, and send your answer, your name, postal address and best contact number to editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk.

To enter the Adventure Island Mini Golf competition enter via Facebook as detailed above. - Good luck!

Relax xed performance 2nd Jan

orethea atresolihull.co.uk 6 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Competitions. Terms and conditions for The Core Theatre and Birmingham Rep Theatre competitions.

1. Only one entrant from the same email account will be accepted per competition.

2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering.

3. Entries must be received by the closing date stated on each individual competition. Proof of entering cannot be taken as proof of receipt.

4. All decisions of Families Birmingham Magazine are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

5. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.

6. Winners’ contact details will be supplied to the Promoter of each competition.

7. Families Birmingham is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition.

8. By entering a competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions.

9. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and contacted via the email account provided by the entrant in the first instance, and then by phone if necessary. If Families Birmingham does not obtain a response from the winner within 24 hours, we reserve the right to select another winner at random.

10. These competitions are restricted to residents of the West Midlands only.

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Clubs, Classes and Camps

@familiesbirm

S4 SWIM SCHOOL

AWARD-WINNING MUSIC CLASSES FOR BABIES AND PRE-SCHOOLERS Created 27 years ago, Music with Mummy classes have provided endless hours of musical fun for tens of thousands of pre-school children and babies. Lindsay started running the agespecific classes 20 years ago. The venues are at Bournville Hub during term times and in Stirchley during school holidays. Jolly Babies is for non-mobile babies, with their special grown-up. 1-3 year olds will learn about Giving at Christmas while 3-4 year olds will follow the story of The Lost Sheep.

Lindsay is excitedly planning one-off Christmas Specials: held in a beautifully– lit room, they include playing instruments and musical balloons before a hand-puppet Santa gives out musical gifts. New families can attend Christmas specials without committing to weekly classes - every new family is welcome to a free taster at a weekly class and also enjoy a discounted rate for the Christmas Specials.

Contact Lindsay on 07815 759035 or lindsayjanelucas@aol.com @musicwithmummywestmidlands

S4 Swim School offer small size grouped swimming lessons and coaching sessions to children and adults at many great pool venues across the West Midlands.

Swim Intensive courses also run over the holiday periods, designed to give your child a real boost and fast track swimming development.

Member benefits: • Small group sizes, max of 5/7 pupils • Individual swimmer achievements records • Personalised membership card with access to a member’s area • Downloadable term plans • Fast progression through groups • On-going swimmer assessments • DBS checked experienced instructors Visit www.s4swimschool.com for more information and to secure a place with S4 Swim School.

URBAN ADVENTURE ON YOUR DOORSTEP SKIING – CLIMBING – CANOEING – KAYAKING – ARCHERY - DISC GOLF - TUBING You don't need to head out of Birmingham to find adventure! Hidden just two miles from the centre of the city, in Sparkbrook, is Ackers Adventure an activity centre with a difference.

Skiing – Ackers’ Ski slope is the only one in Birmingham. The perfect place to brush up on your skiing skills. If you have never skied before, then why not book onto a starter lesson where one of Ackers’ experienced coaches will teach you to ski?

Adding to the fun on the main slope Tubing has recently been introduced too.

Disc Golf - Have you tried it yet? Disc, or frisbee, golf is a game played in a similar way to golf, but instead of clubs and a ball you have a disc to throw. Great fun with a group of friends, or family. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk | 0121 772 5111

ADVERTISE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE! CALL SUZANNE ON 07807 352087

Ofsted

Action-packed childcare this

registered

Christmas Holiday

Sutton

Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd January

Open from 8am-6pm

Early Bird Offer

£21 per day

We accept childcare vouchers

Book before 5pm on Friday 13th December

8am-4pm

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 Xtra Time available up to 6pm. See website for full details. Terms and conditions apply,

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Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 7

Clubs, Classes & Activities

To advertise call: 07807 352087

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 5+ Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA Telephone: 0121 722 3761 www.masquerademusicaltheatre.com

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Solihull Telephone: 0121 448 0055 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.com

Solihuull YYoounng Dancers Ballett & T Ta ap p Lessons Classes from agge 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 077722 732678 www.solihullyoungdanceers.co.uk

with instruments, bubbles, sensory play, dance, puppets and elements of baby massage & yoga. Learn with your little one - all songs also in English!

Mondays Boston Tea Party, Harborne 2.00 - 2.45pm Mixed Age Family Spanish (1 month - 4 years) Tuesdays Moor Pool Hall, Harborne 9.45-10.30am Mixed Age Family Spanish (1 month - 4 years) 10.45-11.30am Babies (sitting to crawling) Spanish Wednesdays Café Rouge, Harborne 9.45-10.30am Mixed Age Family French (1 month - 4 years) lucy@bilinguasing.com 07539863024 Book online for a free taster class!

WOODLAND PLAY, HIGHBURY PARK MOSELEY

RUGBYTOTS EAST STAFFORDSHIRE AND SUTTON COLDFIELD

A family forest school with children aged 0-8. We support additional needs.

Please contact for more info Email: hoccic@gmail.com www.peopleandland.org.uk

Our fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging coaches teaching them how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Our motto is simple; "make it more fun".

We do this by delivering our specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm and excitement creating an atmosphere that is engaging for parents and children alike. Classes are split into 3 age groups; 2-3.5yrs, 3.5-5yrs and 5-7yrs.

FREE tasters available Find your nearest venue at www.rugbytots.co.uk/Class/Find Contact | matthew@rugbytots.co.uk | 0345 313 0803

Top tips for choosing classes, activities & clubs for your child

By Elisabeth Dolton Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the range and volume of activities, classes and clubs available for your child to join? Aside from the important issue of logistics how do you go about deciding what to choose?

Here are my top tips: • Talk to your children, explain how many activities you think there is time for and find out what they are interested in pursuing.

• Let them choose at least one class, activity or club themselves.

• If you have a reluctant child, explain that it’s important and fun to try new things, but don’t insist.

• Remember that moving from one activity to another is normal amongst children.

• Always consider the benefits of an activity. For instance, there’s great value in discipline-based activities that create a quality product over a period of time.

• Ensure staff members are professionals with relevant skills and experience.

Good luck!

8 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

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@familiesbirminghammag

Clubs, Classes & Activities

Fairytale Choir

Sing, shine, be yourself!

Fairytale Choir is a choir for children aged 5-11. We are based in the West Midlands (Birmingham, Solihull and surrounding areas).

Every year the children who attend Fairytale Choir prepare an original Musical Fairy Tale. This time it will be “Cinderella”. If you want your child to take part in the Fairytale Choir performance contact us: info@fairytalechoir.com. Original music and lyrics, a lot of fun and grand finale at The Core Theatre in Solihull in June 2020! We can't wait to hear your child singing! www.fairytalechoir.com

S4 SWIM SCHOOL S4 Swim School has been providing the service of swimming lessons to thousands of children for over a decade.

Hundreds of S4 swimmers have progressed to County, Regional and National level competitions and beyond, thanks to the excellent pathways between S4 and other aquatic organisations (swimming, triathlon, water polo and synchro clubs).

Member Reviews: “Fantastic lessons! Can't recommend them enough. My daughter loves it and they have been fab with my youngest who has only just started!” (Facebook) “My daughters took part in the intensive course and absolutely loved it. Was really pleased at the progress they made in such a short time, we have now signed up to regular classes and can't wait to see the progress they will make”. (Facebook) “Fantastic swimming school, the instructors are brilliant with young children, very positive and encouraging. Would definitely recommend”. (Facebook) For more on the S4 philosophy visit www.s4swimschool.com

FREE taster sessions for every family at our awardwinning music classes at The Bournville Hub, 27 Sycamore Road, B30 2AB (Mondays & Fridays.) Small, friendly, age-specific classes offer interactive fun, helping little ones find their own voice. Jolly Babies is from birth-12 months babies love stroking, watching, listening, bouncing, dancing & rocking. 1-3 yr olds sing about about their world in themed Music with Mummy classes while 3-5's learn through musical narrative at Three Four Time.

(After school clubs for Reception & Year One.) Original & familiar songs, playing instruments, movement & listening - little ones love it! Contact lindsayjanelucas@aol.com 07815 759035

www.musicwithmummy.co.uk @MusicWithMummyWestMidlands

Is your child sport ready?

By Raymond Vestibule

AGES 2 TO 5 Toddlers and pre-schoolers may be beginning to get the hang of many basic movements but are too young for most organised sports. At this age, you may find your child is ready to start an activity such as running, tumbling, throwing, catching, dancing or swimming.

AGES 6 TO 9 As children get older, their vision, attention span and transitional skills, such as throwing a ball for distance, improve. They're also better able to follow directions. Consider organised activities such as rugby, football, gymnastics, swimming, tennis and martial arts.

AGES 10 TO 12 Children of this age are typically ready to take on complex skill sports, such as basketball, hockey and volleyball. As well as considering whether a sport is age-appropriate for your child, take into account how much they will enjoy the activity based on their maturity and abilities. Your child may show a natural preference for one activity over another, which shouldn't be ignored. www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle www.nhs.uk/change4life familiesonline.co.uk

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 9

Education

To advertise email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Changes to how schools are assessed by Ofsted: What parents need to know By Ruth Lowe As a parent choosing schools for your child, you are very likely at some stage to take a look at the Ofsted reports of those on your shortlist, to see how they performed at their latest inspection. What you may not know though is that the way in which schools are assessed and reported on by Ofsted has recently changed. Here is the lowdown on these changes and what parents need to know about them.

Earlier this year, Ofsted held a consultation into their inspection process. It wanted to know if it was delivering the right information to help schools improve, while also providing parents with a clear view of how well a school is performing in delivering a good education to its students.

Interestingly, this consultation resulted in the most responses that Ofsted has ever received and included feedback from over 600 mums and dads – indicating that many parents value Ofsted assessments as an important part of the process of deciding which school is best for their child.

Currently, Ofsted gives schools a grading of one to four; One is ‘outstanding;’ two is ‘good;’ three is ‘requires improvement;’ and four is ‘inadequate.’ Although these categories are not changing, the new assessment framework has been updated in the following ways which have been in effect from September 2019: Inspection reports will be shorter and easier to digest. The aim is to give parents “the key information they need to know about a school and a sense of how it feels to be a pupil there.”

Schools will be assessed in a new ‘quality of education’ category, putting the emphasis back on the quality of the curriculum being taught rather than exam results. This change aims to reduce the pressure felt by teachers who have been criticised in the past for

10 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

‘teaching to the test’ rather than covering the curriculum in a more balanced and manageable way.

There will also be a new ‘personal development’ assessment which will look at how a school helps its pupils to develop character, resilience and values so that children are well-equipped to succeed in life.

A separate assessment on ‘behaviour and attitudes’ will be included. Ofsted will look at whether or not school leaders tolerate bullying or harassment of pupils and staff, as well as whether they deal with behavioural problems swiftly and effectively while maintaining a calm environment.

Inspections of previously graded ‘good’ schools were carried out over a period of one day. This inspection period will now be extended to two days (except in the case of smaller schools with less than 150 pupils).

Any schools found to be ‘off-rolling’ pupils are likely to be judged ‘inadequate.’ ‘Offrolling’ is when a school removes a pupil without using a permanent exclusion.

In these instances, removing the child is considered to be in the best interest of the school, rather than the pupil. It is a controversial practice as it could also include pressuring a parent to remove their child from the school roll.

This practice is not at all encouraged or supported by Ofsted.

These changes to the Ofsted inspection framework are a positive step forward in providing parents with more focussed, concise and rounded information about local schools. Schools will be rewarded with a rating that takes into account the above assessment criteria and also acknowledges where Head Teachers and teachers are working under difficult circumstances (for example in areas with high levels of deprivation or poverty).

Of course, although there is considerable value in Ofsted reports, when choosing a school it’s also vital to visit, preferably with your child, speak to parents of children already there, and understand the ethos and ambitions that the school has for those in its care. In addition, parents can also look at Ofsted’s ‘Parent View’ results online at www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk, where those with children already at school share their views for the benefit of other parents.

Ruth Lowe works for the charity Parentkind which supports, engages and champions parents in education. For more information about choosing schools, Ofsted inspections and how you as a parent can participate in your child’s learning, visit www.parentkind.org.uk

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Education

@familiesbirm

Encouraging a growth mindset in your child By Gabrielle Nash Children are like sponges, aren’t they? They soak up every new thing, whether it’s a new word or the latest trend. But are they learning new things in the right way? You may not have given it much thought, but the way we speak to our children can have a huge impact on how they learn.

If you’re new to the phrase ‘growth mindset,’ don’t be put off. This simple concept could help both you and your child. Developed by Carol Dweck, an American Professor of Psychology, the ‘growth mindset’ ethos has become increasingly popular in schools globally.

Dweck believed that by changing their ‘mindset’ anyone (children included) could increase their abilities and improve their intelligence solely through dedication and hard work.

Many of us battle with a ‘fixed mindset.’ For example, the belief that if we aren’t naturally good at languages, that won’t change and therefore we shouldn’t try to

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learn them. But by shifting to a ‘growth mindset,’ we can actually motivate ourselves to succeed.

In the last 10 years more and more schools have embraced the theory of growth mindset into their teaching ethos, not placing so much focus on the natural gifts children have but instead focusing on the work they put in.

Integral to growth mindset is the understanding that making mistakes is okay. It’s natural to encounter challenges and make mistakes when learning so many new things. However, failure can sometimes dent a child’s confidence. By embracing mistakes and failures, teachers can give children the reassurance that it’s okay to struggle, rather than the idea that mistakes and failings are wrong.

Growth mindset means praising a child for effort and not natural talent. Teachers can adjust how they give feedback to motivate a child to continue to work hard. If a child does an impressive painting, instead of praising the child’s natural talent, the teacher can instead praise the effort, process and commitment put into creating

that painting. A child that is praised solely for their natural ability may not believe that to be attainable again, so may not try. Yet a child who gets noticed for the effort they put in will feel able to repeat that success.

Growth mindset can be used at home too.

There’s a tendency in modern parenting towards over-praising children, to protect them and their precious self-esteem. While it is important to be positive, the growth mindset theory suggests that instead of heaping praise at every opportunity, we should rephrase the praise to encourage development.

We exercise our bodies but what about our brains? Encourage your children to see their brain as a muscle that needs exercising; the more they use it the stronger it becomes. Refer to the different things they learn as light bulbs; each time they learn a new skill, they turn on a new lightbulb. Each time they practice it, the light bulb gets bigger and brighter. All of which contribute to a stronger brain.

For more parenting tips and advice, read Gabrielle’s blog @londonishmum

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Talking to children about climate change By Valentina Giannella Being a parent is a tough job. The trickiest part is making sure we tell our children the truth, without simultaneously causing them to be either over-anxious or delusional about the future. It applies to an extensive range of aspects in life, and climate change is a relatively new but undeniable one.

My children were 10 and 7 years old when we first started talking about the environmental challenges facing humanity. Even as a journalist who has dealt with such topics for years, I was frankly terrified of this task. Writing an article is one thing: facing their worried questions was entirely another.

Then, a young girl showed up. Greta Thunberg was everywhere online, with her yellow raincoat and a straightforward concept: we have to DO something to save our planet, or there’s going to be trouble. Action: that was the key. If you know that there is something you can do about a problem – even the smallest thing, anything that is within your power – you feel less hopeless. Less scared.

Here are some of the questions that children -and their parents - have been asking me about climate change and the answers that seem to help them.

My child gets anxious about the future of humankind: What should I say?

Talk frankly, but also help them understand the everyday actions that we can all take to tackle the main issues related to climate change. Action is the best cure for fear. Stop using disposable plastic; start using re-fillable water bottles; make sure you recycle correctly; re-use; exchange instead of buying new things; save energy; save water; walk and cycle more; use public transport or shared transportation. Show your child we can all make a difference and that if everyone does the same, the future looks more positive.

“What is climate change?” – How to answer The earth is our home, and it is nestled within a precious shelter that is called the atmosphere. Inside the atmosphere, we and other creatures can breathe and live.

For nearly 200 years we have used something called fossil fuel (carbon and oil), which we burn in order to fuel our working world, in everything from factories to transportation. Every time we burn fossil fuels, or cut down trees, the atmosphere temperature rises a tiny bit because the gas (mostly a gas called carbon dioxide) that comes from this burning becomes trapped inside the atmosphere. This means the earth cannot release the heat that it receives from the sun. This is called Global Warming.

As the temperature rises, the climate changes. This brings heavy rains or severe drought, diverts the sea currents and disrupts the natural habitat of many species. It also means that the sea level is rising due to the ice melting in the Poles.

12 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

All of these are the main effects of climate change.

What can help me communicate the key facts to my child?

It helps to introduce a hero character that allows children to engage their imagination while they absorb abstract information. Greta Thunberg is a perfect medium for these concepts. Discover other children who have also made a difference – like William Kamkwamba, who inspired the book and film The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

Who is Greta Thunberg?

Greta is a child who loves to be “in the know” about what is happening to our planet. She comes from a family of scientists and artists, she has studied the facts, and she is not afraid of being in the spotlight. This combination worked well when she decided it was time to speak out and gain attention from the world about the danger we are facing and what we should be doing to avoid it.

Where can we learn more about this?

Sometimes, the news can be challenging for children to understand because it only illuminates part of a problem. Also, some headlines can be scary. Suggest that your child come to you with their questions and look for scientific sources together.

Bookshops and the internet (reliable websites such as http://www.climatekids.nasa.gov) can give a wider view. Look for sources that have been translated in a way that is understandable for younger ages.

Valentina Gianella is the author of We Are All Greta: Be Inspired to Change the World published by Laurence King and available from Amazon and good book stores.

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What's On

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Ackers Adventure

Preparatory School in Action Day

Mini Christmas

Sparkbrook, Birmingham Open 7 days a week Activities include skiing, disc golf, archery, canoeing, zip wire, tower drop, and more. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk

Edgbaston High School for Girls, Birmingham Tues 19 Nov, 9.30am – 12 noon Find out how EHS delivers academic challenge in a supportive environment.

Book your place: prep-admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk or 0121 454 5831 www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk

ThinkTank, Birmingham Sat 30 Nov-Sun 1 Dec, 10am – 5pm Activities will include, tree decorating, paper chain making, snowake cutting and lots more festive activities. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank

Adventure Island Mini Golf Star City, Birmingham Open 7 days a week A fun indoor golf complex for all the family with two themed 18 hole courses. www.adventureminigolf.co.uk

Birmingham Botanical Gardens Open 7 days a week Plenty for families to do every day of the year. Explorer Backpacks, children’s trails and family events. www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Pups Save Christmas Trail Birmingham City Centre Weds 6 Nov – Fri 3 Jan Pick up your trail map from Bullring & Grand Central Customer Service Desks For further information visit www.shoppinginbirmingham.com

Ice Skate Birmingham Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham 7 Nov - 12 Jan, 10am – 10pm (closed Christmas Day) Get festive in the beautiful Birmingham City surroundings. www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk

Frankfurt Christmas Market Victoria Sq, Birminghham 7 Nov - 23 Dec, www.thebfcm.co.uk

Penguin Needle Felting Workshop The Core Theatre Studio, Sat 16 Nov, 2pm - 4pm, Come along to make a cute little penguin. Age 10+ www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk

SHOUT Community Day Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Sun 17 Nov, 12pm onwards Free family-friendly action, including live music, workshops with artists, performances and crafting from LGBTQ+ artists. www.macbirmingham.co.uk

LEGO Engineers ThinkTank, Birmingham 23 - 24 Nov, 10am – 5pm A must do event for all budding engineers and LEGO fans of all ages. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank

Little Artists Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham Sat 23 Nov & Sat 14 Dec, 11am – 12.30pm Enter the Art Lab to explore colour, shapes and textures to create own masterpieces. Age 3 & 4. www.barber.org.uk

Juneau Projects Family Animation Workshop Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Sun 24 Nov, 12pm – 4pm, drop-in. All ages.

Create a hand painted animation that will be shown at an exhibition at Moseley Road Baths. www.macbirmingham.co.uk

Open Week Seesaws Nurseries, Wylde Green, Walmley & Erdington Mon 25 - Fri 29 Nov Take a look at nursery life with Seesaws: excellent childcare, up to date facilities, and experienced professional staff. www.seesawsdaynurseries.com

The Bournville Christmas Festival Selly Manor Museum, Birmingham Sat 30 Nov, 2pm – 4.45pm Visit the stunning manor as it is decorated for a Tudor Christmas. www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk

Baby to Toddler Birmingham NEC 30 Nov – 1 Dec A shopping event for parents of babies and toddlers and for parents-to-be. www.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk/nec

Tall Tales: Beauty and the Beast Story Tour Aston Hall, Birmingham Sun 1 Dec, 11am & 1pm An interactive telling of the traditional story of Beauty and the Beast. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston

Christmas Cracker Crafting at Soho Soho House, Birmingham 4 - 19 Dec 11am – 4pm (Weds & Thurs only) Get into the Christmas spirit by designing your own cracker. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/soho

Christmas Celebrations Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Sat 14 Dec, 10.30am - 5pm Costumed guided tours, children’s craft activities, watch Jeweller in Residence at work and sample festive treats. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/jewellery

Fairy Tale Christmas Aston Hall, Birmingham Sat 14 – Sun 15 Dec Join in the festivities at Aston Hall and take inspiration from fairy tales, and pantomimes.

Pre-booking essential. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston ALWAYS CHECK THE VENUE’S WEBSITE IN CASE OF CHANGES TO SCHEDULE

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What's On

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CHRISTMAS THEATRE The Snow Queen

ENTERTAINMENT Bach to Baby Family Concerts 16 Nov – 21 Dec For 10% off tickets use code BRUMTOTS online. Valid until 31.12.19 Friends Meeting House, Bournville Wed 18 Dec, 11am: Christmas Special Holy Trinity Parish Church, Sutton Coldfield Sat 14 Dec, 11am: Christmas Special Solihull Methodist Church, B91 1LG Sat 16 Nov, 11am Sat 21 Dec, 11am: Christmas Special www.bachtobaby.com/birmingham

Birmingham International Tattoo Sat 23 – Sun 24 Nov Arena Birmingham www.bhamtattoo.com

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy - Christmas Special Wed 4 Dec, 12pm Symphony Hall, Birmingham www.thsh.co.uk

Notelets: Christmas Treats Fri 6 – Sat 7 Dec CBSO Centre, Birmingham www.thsh.co.uk

Dear Santa Fri 6 – Sat 7 Dec Town Hall, Birmingham www.thsh.co.uk

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Thu 26 Dec – Sun 12 Jan Town Hall, Birmingham www.thsh.co.uk

Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham 16 Nov – 30 Dec A magical, seasonal treat for the entire family. www.oldreptheatre.co.uk

Billionaire Boy The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 20 – 23 Nov An amazing new production of David Walliams' best-selling story! www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

A Christmas Carol The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Tues 26 – Sat 30 Nov BMOS proudly present this glittering Christmas production. www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

Kipper’s Snowy Day Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Tues 26 Nov – Tues 31 Dec Kipper and his best friend Tiger go on an adventure in the snow. www.macbirmingham.co.uk

The Shepherd Girl's Story Selly Manor Museum, Birmingham Sat 30 Nov, 2pm A fun-filled Christmas Pantomime which is sure to bring your family festive cheer. www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk

Peter Pan reimagined Birmingham Repertory Theatre 30 Nov - 19 Jan This classic story is brought to life in 21st Century Birmingham. www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 3 - 7 Dec Rediscover the magic of Dr Seuss’ classic Christmas story. www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

Penguins Birmingham Repertory Theatre Weds 4 – Sat 14 Dec A unique and engaging show

for children about friendship, fun and identity. www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

WHERE TO FIND SANTA THIS CHRISTMAS

Aladdin

Santa’s Winter Wonderland SnowDome, Tamworth

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Tues 10 – Tues 31 Dec A whole host of colourful characters join Aladdin as he struggles to see that good is rewarded and that bad is punished. www.townhallsutton coldfield.co.uk

The King & I The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Tues 10 Dec - Sat 4 Jan A production featuring a company of over 50 world-class performers. www.atgtickets.com/birmingham

Robin Hood - The Pantomime Adventure!

The Core Theatre, Solihull 13 Dec – 5 Jan This show is jam-packed with daring duels, stunning sets and outrageous costumes www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk

Santa in Love The Core Theatre, Solihull 20 - 24 Dec Fun, interactive family show.

Includes a chance to meet Santa! www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre 21 Dec - 2 Feb Packed with comedy and festive fun. Starring Hippodrome’s panto favourite Matt Slack as Muddles. www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Grandpa's Great Escape – the Christmas Arena Spectacular Arena Birmingham 23, 24 & 26 Dec The first ever stage adaptation of this much loved story written by David Walliams. www.arenabham.co.uk

www.snowdome.co.uk Go along to enjoy Santa magic, real snow, real animals and the all new winter wonderland show. 15 Nov – 31 Dec

Touchwood Shopping Centre Christmas Grotto www.touchwoodsolihull.co.uk Santa will be flying into Touchwood to take up residence in his enchanting grotto ready to shower the region’s lucky boys and girls with early gifts!

16 Nov – 24 Dec

Drayton’s Magical Christmas - Drayton Manor Park, Tamworth www.draytonmanor.co.uk Meet Father Christmas in a spectacular Castle of Dreams.

Open on select dates between 16 Nov – 31 Dec

Santa Hunts, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley www.bclm.co.uk When you’ve found Santa's hideout perhaps he’ll have a gift waiting! Booking essential.

On select dates from 24 Nov - 24 Dec

Victorian Christmas Weekends, Christmas at Coalbrookdale & Tea with Santa - Ironbridge Museums www.ironbridge.org.uk Traditional seasonal fun at the Ironbridge Museums. Various sites.

30 Nov – 22 Dec

Santa’s Grotto, Dudley Zoological Gardens www.dudleyzoo.org.uk Go along to visit Santa in his grotto within the walls of 11th century Dudley Castle. Visit his reindeer too!

Sat 30 Nov - Tues 24 Dec

Enchanted Christmas Kingdom - Hatton Adventure World www.hattonworld.com Go along and visit Father Christmas in his Enchanted Christmas Kingdom.

On select dates from 30 Nov - 24 Dec

Victorian Evening, Hoar Park www.hoar-park.co.uk Mince pies, hot chestnuts and see Father Christmas. Singing carols around the tree. Thurs 5 Dec, 6pm

Santa Specials, Echills Wood Railway, Sutton Coldfield www.ewr.org.uk Echills’ Santa Specials run over two weekends in December. Go along for an entertaining seasonal visit.

7, 8, 14 & 15 Dec

Santa's Grotto - Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag Based in the heart of the museum, BMAG’s glittering grotto will get children and families in the festive spirit with everything from twinkling lights, piles of snow and of course...Santa!

Pre-booking essential.

Weekends: 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22 Dec

Santa at Blakesley Hall, Birmingham www.birminghammuseums.org.uk /blakesley Go along to meet Santa in the Great Hall and see Blakesley dressed for Christmas!

14 & 15 Dec

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