Families Cheshire Issue 25 Sept-Oct 2013

Edition 25 • Sep/Oct 2013

The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years www.familiescheshire.co.uk

@FamCheshMag facebook.com/familiescheshire

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In this issue > Back to school! > When school’s out: clubs & classes > The importance of inclusion

Covering: Poynton, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Prestbury, Macclesfield, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Sandbach, Northwich, Winsford, Crewe, Nantwich, Tarporley, Waverton, Chester and surrounding areas

Welcome/News In this issue 02: Welcome/News 03: Clubs & classes 10: Parents’ place 13: Parties 14: Back to school 23: What’s on

Hello!

Welcome back to the start of another school year! When we started out with Families four years ago, we had four children between us, with only one in school. Now we have five, with Declan beginning his first year of GCSEs, Ben and Lily making the jump to Juniors, Izzy starting out in Reception, and Logan champing at the bit waiting to join her next September.

We’ve attended countless activity sessions, dance classes, swimming lessons and sports matches and quite frankly, we’re exhausted! But how wonderful it is to see our offspring blossoming into such confident, independent little people with their own individual talents. And how lucky we are to have such fantastic schools and clubs to choose from across the region.

We’re loving being part of your parenting journey, and we promise to continue bringing you great quality, useful information for the next four years and beyond.

Enjoy the ride!

Caryl Hall

Next issue: November/December 2013 Circulation: 26,000 copies of Families Cheshire are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Cheshire. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families Cheshire, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiescheshire.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover photograph by: Steve Reid, Blitz Photography, Gosport Tel: 07540 972360, www.blitzphotography.co.uk

Jayne Keep

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

Tel: 07743 111 694, www.withpaul.co.uk Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Cheshire is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

Jeans for Genes Day Wear your jeans on Jeans for Genes Day on 20 September and help change lives.

In aid of Genetic Disorders UK, Jeans for Genes Day aims to change the world for children with genetic disorders, so get your school together and raise money by wearing your jeans and donating £1. Individually, genetic disorders are rare but together they affect 1 in 25 children born in

Are you ready to take on SwimBritain?

As part of this year’s SwimBritain programme, British Gas is hosting the first-ever team relay event to get Brits back in the water – and Team Manchester needs you!

Olympic swimmer Steve Parry will be supporting the local event at the Manchester Aquatics Centre on 21 September, where there’s a SwimBritain challenge for both adults and children, both designed for teams of four:

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Malorie Blackman, the bestselling author of the award-winning Noughts & Crosses teen series, has been crowned the Waterstones Children’s Laureate for 2013 – 2015.

As part of her role she will call on teachers and parents to spend at least ten minutes per day sharing a book with their pupils and children in an impassioned bid to get children reading more, as well as working to make reading ‘irresistible’ for teenagers.

‘I am honoured to have been chosen as the eighth Children’s Laureate,’ said Malorie. ‘Stories have inspired me and taught me to aspire. I hope to instil in every child I meet my love and enthusiasm for reading and stories.’

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SwimBritain: a relay in 250m legs.

Each team member swims four legs, 1000m in total, to reach the team goal of 4000m.

Little SwimBritain: a relay in 125m legs for families and children aged between 8 and 16. Each team must include at least one adult. Each team member swims four legs, 500m total, to reach the team goal of 2000m.

Visit www.swimbritain.co.uk/signup for more info.

For a discounted family entry fee, simply enter discount code Manchester21 when registering – which means families can enter from just £9.

Beachwatch Big Weekend

We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences.

New Children’s Laureate

the UK – that’s more than 30,000 babies each year.

Their associated health problems mean that genetic disorders are the biggest cause of death of children aged 14 years and under.

You can help by signing up for your fundraising pack full of everything you need to know to plan your day, at www. jeansforgenesday.org.

Be part of the biggest and most influential fight against marine litter in the UK and volunteer to take part in The Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) biggest beach clean and litter survey from 20 – 23 September.

Some of our best loved marine wildlife is under threat from hazardous litter in our seas. Hundreds of species of marine wildlife accidentally eat, or become tangled up in litter – and it’s also hazardous to people.

MCS Beachwatch Officer Lauren Davis says it’s crucial we do something to tackle rising litter levels: “We’d like to see much more involvement around the UK coastline. Right now, we’re especially on the lookout for people who can help us organise a beach clean in the area, and anyone can simply volunteer to take part.”

Find out more at www.mcsuk.org/ beachwatch or phone 01989 566017.

Entrants wanted for local gala Enter your company for the Work Shop Squadral Race hosted by Macclesfield Amateur Swimming Club to be held on Tuesday 15 October.

All you need is 4 swimmers (mixed gender is fine), each swimming one

length. You could win the coveted 100 year-old trophy! For more information, contact Lindsay on 01625 503521 or via email: lindsay7505@googlemail.com. www.maccswim.co.uk

Clubs & classes

Extra-curricular activities

By Ellen Arnison

Football or ballet, drama or Brownies – how do you know what, and how much, out-of-school activity is right for your child?

© Elisabetta Figus - Fotolia.com

Not long after your son or daughter disappears through the classroom door for the first time, the choice becomes bewildering. Their schoolbags come home stuffed with leaflets from this or that organisation promising all manner of benefits from enrolling in their classes. You may find yourself feeling guilty if you don’t sign up to everything.

Please take a deep breath and relax.

Extra-curricular activities are not essential; many children do perfectly well without them.

However, there are some benefits from a few well-chosen groups, clubs or classes.

With the best will in the world, school cannot teach all the skills you might consider essential for modern life.

Swimming lessons, for example, or cycling proficiency are crucial for safety.

In addition, carefully selected activities can bring numerous other benefits that could help your child now and in the future.

They will get a huge confidence boost from participating in an enjoyable activity they are successful at. A shy child, for example, may flourish in a dance class.

As well as learning new skills, more subtle benefits include fostering a sense of community, increasing self-sufficiency and allowing a child – particularly one in a large family – something they feel is their own. Club time can also allow one-to-one time for other children.

While these advantages are very real, care must be exercised when choosing activities. Too many and the wrong ones will only leave everyone fed up and exhausted.

The easy choices are the ones your children are desperate to do. Although beware of signing up for something just because your son or daughter’s best friend is doing it, this may not be a good enough reason.

Ask yourself if your child gets something from the activity that they don’t get elsewhere and if it complements what’s already going on.

For example, an active youngster who is already in the football team might be better balancing their activities with music or drama than adding another sport.

Equally a child timid in the classroom may get great gains from being in a choir if it boosts their confidence.

A more tricky area is an activity you’d like your child to do when they’d rather spend their after-school time at home relaxing. Only you can tell if they are genuinely exhausted by a day’s education or not. However, do take their views into account as there really is no point in forcing a child into something they hate. And some school stages are more taxing than others.

After-school activities affect the whole family. No one wants to spend all their time ferrying children from one activity to another while dinner still needs to be prepared and other children become resentful.

So only commit to out-of-school activities that fit comfortably into the schedule and budget.

It may transpire that your time and money can be better spent on family activities at home.

When you do decide on a class or club – take some time to check it out. Find out how long it has been running, do other parents recommend it, are the staff Disclosure or CRB checked?

While extra classes keep your children entertained and active, it’s also important that they have some unstructured time – even that they are allowed to feel bored. If they bounce from one organised thing to the next, they’ll never learn the important skill of amusing themselves.

Liat Hughes Joshi, author of Raising Children: The Primary Years, told Parentdish: “If you decide to do none at all, you won’t be short-changing her if her after-school activity consists of nothing more than a TV programme, a snack and some good, old-fashioned playing.”

© Sonya Etchison - Fotolia.com

SEN activities

blossom as a leading light in the dance troupe.

Equally there are other more Children with special educational educational and developmental benefits needs can benefit hugely from well-chosen extra-curricular activities. that make extra-curricular activities Even with the best educational support, important. Dyspraxic youngsters, for SEN children can often feel ‘less’ than their instance, can find their co-ordination improves while doing karate or trampolining. peers. They may be aware of their Clubs can be important social outlets difficulties and differences and this can for SEN children, perhaps giving them a have a profound effect on their confidence. chance to meet others facing similar Therefore an activity they can participate challenges. The school or local authority in successfully is a huge boost to their self-esteem. For example a dyslexic child, will be able to advise about SEN groups in your area. for whom school is a struggle, may

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Clubs & classes BABIES

Baby Massage Time Group or 1:1 courses in your own home or venues in and around Cheadle and Poynton. 07738 564666 / www.babymassagetime.com Baby Massage Works Course in Knutsford.

1:1 sessions available: Katie: 07973 540072 / www.babymassageworks.co.uk Baby Sensory Sensory development activities for babies. Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Marple & Bramhall – Becky: 07503 547083 Warrington & Lymm – Laura 07946 672035 Congleton, Crewe, Sandbach, Nantwich Vicky/Jane: 07972 105966 Chester & The Wirral – Steph: 07814 941 048 Cheadle & Stockport: Lindsay - 07590 916004 www.babysensory.co.uk Hullabaloo Kids Baby Signing Classes in mid Cheshire. Sharon: 07973 479471 / www.nantwichmumpreneur-hullabalookids. blogspot.co.uk MamaBabyBliss Baby Yoga & Baby Massage Wilmslow & Macclesfield - Katie: 07540 378428 Chester & surrounds - Sam: 07717 194402 www.mamababybliss.com Mo Ferrie Baby Massage Classes in Chester & Wrexham. 07765 905389 / www.moferrie.co.uk My Babytime A range of classes for babies, developmental play sessions and parties in Congleton. Charlotte: 07590 025253 / www.mybabytime.co.uk Rosie Health Baby Massage & Signing classes in Wilmslow, Poynton & Bollington 07961 614882 / www.rosiehealth.com Saffrons Yoga Macclesfield Pregnancy and Baby Yoga – classes and 1:1 sessions available.

01625 432997 / www.saffronsyoga.co.uk Sing and Sign Baby Signing Classes in Chester. Rachel: 01244 372970 / www.singandsign.com TinyTalk Baby signing and singing classes (0-18 months) - see listing under LANGUAGE. Yogababy Mum and Baby Yoga, Kids Yoga and Yoga for the Special Child in mid Cheshire. Jo: 07850 580855 / www.yogababycheshire.co.uk

COOKING

Cookie Tots & Kiddy Cook Hale & Altrincham – Nikki: 07976 619648 www.kiddycook.co.uk Speckled Hen Cookery School Child and parent/child cooking classes in Holmes Chapel.

01477 537583 / www.speckled-hen.co.uk

DANCE Baby Ballet Ballet and Tap for ages 2 - 4 on Tuesdays in Bollington.01625 574774 / www.bollingtonleisure.co.uk Dancingkidz School of Dance Dancingtots, Ballet, Streetdance, Musical Theatre and Zumbatomic classes in Northwich. Sharon: 07834 612303 / www.dancingtots.co.uk Diddi Dance Funky dance classes for 2-4 year olds. Chester, Ellesmere Port, Kelsall – Danielle: 07870 664734 Crewe & Nantwich – Emma: 07792 500981 Gatley, Didsbury & Stockport - Lisa: 07966 542985 www.diddidance.com

Footloose Dance Academy Ballet, Tap & Freestyle dance classes in Bollington. 07951 054547 / www.footloosedanceacademy.co.uk Hullabaloo Kids Tippy Toes Toddler Dance for walking to 3 years (boys and girls) in mid Cheshire. Sharon: 07973 479471 / www.nantwichmumpreneur-hullabalookids. blogspot.co.uk Northwich Dance Company Classes for adults and children, from beginners to advanced, at various venues across Northwich, covering a variety of dance styles, including Ballroom & Latin, Salsa, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Latin Line dancing. 01606 49050 / www.northwichdancecompany.co.uk Quicksteps Dance Melody Bear dance classes for ages 18 months - 8 yrs in Northwich.

Also wide range of dance styles for all ages.

07816 973 600 / 07970 23342 / www.quickstepdance.co.uk Quicksteps Dance

Starlight Theatre School Bramhall Anna: 0161 747 4074 / www.starlightschool.co.uk

INDOOR ACTIVITY CENTRES Barnaby’s Playbarn, Northwich A stimulating environment where children can burn off all that energy. Activities for all ages and a special area for under 3’s. A range of party options available too. 01606 301321 / www.barnabys-playbarn.com Fun4All, Chester & Macclesfield A safe and secure environment for ages 0 – 11. Main and toddler/pre-school climbing frames, baby play pen and free–play sports zone. Café for snacks and meals and comfy sofas or tables for grown-ups. Parties also available. www.fun4all.co.uk Funky Town Play Centre, Chester Run, play, and slide on a huge climbing frame filled with ball pits, slides, roller squeezes, rope bridges as well as toddler, disco and sensory zones.

Fully stocked cafe and restaurant facilities.

01244 377229 / www.funkytownplay.co.uk Funsters Safe, indoor play centre in Crewe for children up to age 12. Cafe and comfy seating.

01270 500525 / www.funstersplaycentres.co.uk JJs Sensory Play Centre Multi-sensory play centre in Macclesfield for babies and young children as well as young people and adults with special needs.

01625 667872 / www.jjsplaycentre.co.uk Legoland® Discovery Centre Manchester Over 2 million LEGO bricks under one roof – share the LEGO world of colour, creativity and family entertainment. Indoor rides, miniland, climbing frame, 4D cinema. 0844 844 8181 / www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk Pirates Paradise, Holmes Chapel Sports areas, swing ropes, climbing frames and a toddler area. Good food and comfortable seating for adults and children. Parties available.

01477 549008 / www.piratesplaycentre.co.uk Polar Palace, Winsford Dedicated areas for babies and ages 1 to 5, as well as trikes to ride.

Activity sessions every weekday (term time only).

01606 863623 / www.polarpalace.co.uk

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The 2 Gyms Playbarn, Winsford Catering for all ages of children and boasting over 3,000 sq feet of play area. 01606 558600 / www.the2gyms-cheshire.co.uk Playfactore, Trafford State of the art giant play frame, interactive toddler play area, Laser Tag arena, electric go karts. 0844 824 6030 / www.playfactore.com Topsy Tumbles, Cheshire West Indoor playground fun for the under 5’s at EPIC Leisure Centre (Ellesmere Port), Frodsham Leisure Centre, Neston Civic Hall, Northgate Arena (Chester), Winsford Lifestyle Centre and Woodford Lodge Sports Centre (Winsford).

Operating all year round with plenty of toys, bikes, push-a-rounds and slides as well as a supervised bouncy castle. Open to all pre-school children accompanied by an adult.

01244 377086 ex 201 / www.brioleisure.org Wacky Warehouse Soft play and activity centre in Congleton, Crewe, Nantwich & Wilmslow.

Arts & Crafts sessions and parties available.

01260 273575 / www.wackywarehouse.co.uk

LANGUAGE

Funky Monkey Cafe Pre-school French with La Jolie Ronde. See listing under Music & Social Les Petits Choux French language classes for toddlers in Bollington. Learn through songs, games and rhymes.Contact Kate: 01625 571139 / klmcc30@hotmail.com Talking Tots Fun, interactive classes that help pre-school children communicate with confidence.

Cheadle, Wilmslow & Hale - Debbie: 07899 801186 South Manchester & Stockport- Siân: 07794 433179 / www.talkingtots.info TinyTalk Baby signing and singing classes (0-18 months). Your baby has so much to say, so help them tell you! Learn baby signing the fun way with the award winning TinyTalk team through singing nursery rhymes, action songs, storytime AND the all-important extra 30 mins social time. Now TinyTalk Toddler classes (18 months +) continue the fun developing confidence with speech and communication skills through action songs, games and even a parachute!

Northwich & Knutsford – Jenny: 07968 110670 Frodsham, Macclesfield, Wilmslow – Claire: 07771 747755 / www.tinytalk.co.uk The Cheshire Mandarin Academy Mandarin classes across Cheshire. 07833 712878 / www.cheshiremandarin.co.uk

MUSIC & SOCIAL

Caterpillar Music Activity sessions for 0 - 4 year olds to encourage learning through music in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Caterpillar Music parties and nursery sessions also for children from 0 - 4 years. Classes in Wilmslow, Bowdon, Appleton, Lymm, Grappenhall, Holmes Chapel and Sandbach. Free trial class.

Jan: 01925 860459 / www.caterpillarmusic.com Jo Jingles Music, singing and movement classes for babies and young children.

North East Cheshire – Laura – 0161 431 0674 South Manchester: Jacqui 01925 269136 Mid Cheshire – Eve: 01928 739966 www.jojingles.com

Jabberjacks A learning and fun activity pre-school class which helps develop social and physical skills for children aged between 6 months* and 4 years old. *Please check age range of class. Stimulating and interactive classes in Nurseries and SureStart centres, as well as in many venues in and around Cheshire. Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Knutsford – Sue: 01625 540999 Chester, Northwich & Winsford – Wendy: 07519 238263 Nantwich, Crewe & Sandbach – Rachel: 07501 365537 South Manchester – Clare: 07587 186284 www.jabberjacks.co.uk MAD Academy High energy, free spirited Music and Dance classes to babies and children aged 3 months to 5 years. Classes in Alsager, Congleton, Holmes Chapel & Sandbach. Free taster session.

Kathryn: 01270 876628 / www.madacademy.com Music Bugs Fun, friendly, interactive music classes (and parties) for newborn – 4 years.

Classes in Cheadle, Hulme, Wilmslow, Hale, Sale & Knutsford. 0844 822 1175 / www.musicbugs.co.uk Rhythm Time Early learning through music – for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Chester & surrounds – Julia: 07789 867 589 Mid/ East Cheshire – Francis: 01270 884583 North Cheshire – Jane: 01270 529224 South Manchester – Kimberley: 01625 533510 www.rhythmtime.net

PERFORMING ARTS

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Stockport & E Cheshire – Kalini: 01625 261000 South & Mid Cheshire – Brian: 01270 765586 www.helenogrady.co.uk

LIPA 4:19 A part time Performing Arts Academy in Knutsford (part of the Paul McCartney Fame School LIPA in Liverpool). Classes are split age appropriately and are curriculum based, designed to ensure that the student’s journey to proficiency is fun, invigorating and rewarding. Their unique formula develops the skills and confidence that underpin any progression within performing arts. Lessons of acting, dancing and singing are taught with warmth and passion by expert teachers who have all taught and performed professionally in their field for a number of years and are qualified in their discipline. They offer all students the opportunity to perform in their end of year production and to take exams in all genres.

All new students are offered a FREE trial evening. To book your trial please call Alison & Becci on 07508 808 385 or email lipa4-19knutsford@live.co.uk Pyjama Drama Drama, movement, music and play for children up to 7 years.

Stockport & Cheshire East – Alison: 0161 820 2210 Mid Cheshire – Julie-Anne: 01925 394766 www.pyjamadrama.com

Clubs & classes Razzamataz Affordable performing arts training in Chester which combines Musical Theatre styles with fast and funky Commercial styles. For ages 4 to 18.

01244 470104 / www.razzamataz.co.uk Rokit Performing Arts Professional training in acting, dancing and singing for young people aged 4 to 18. Based in Knutsford.

01565 654 482 / www.rokitperformingarts.co.uk Stagecoach Theatre Arts School Performing arts for ages 4 – 18.

Altrincham – Marion: 01925 222445 Chester – Karen/Lindsay: 01244 316187 Congleton & Macclesfield – Julie: 01782 777 345 Didsbury – Anne: 0161 789 1349 Northwich – Susan: 01606 45132 Nantwich – Adele: 01782 397866 Stockport – Cathy: 0161 864 3974 Wilmslow – Laura: 01606 620770 www.stagecoach.co.uk Star Tuition/SOS (Star on Sunday) Acting, singing & dancing workshop for ages 5 – 17 every Sunday (term time) in Knutsford, Toby: 07780 850 357 / www.star-tuition.co.uk

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

A-Star Sports A fun-filled multi-sports experience for children aged 2-10 years offering inclusive, developmental coaching in a positive environment. Parties, holiday clubs and events also available. Contact Sharon or Gary Bassett via T: 07932 182148 / 07796 190169 E: sharon.bassett@a-starsports.co.uk.

W: www.a-starsports.co.uk/local-classes/ chester-surrounding-area F: www.facebook.com/AStarSports.Chester Beavers, Cubs & Scouts 01925 750 223 / www.cheshirescouts.org.uk Gymbabes/Tumble Tots/Gymbobs Classes to develop children’s physical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing.

Wilmslow & Macclesfield – Nicky: 07814 020 095 Alsager, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Crewe & Northwich – Ann: 07810 513 845.

Sale, Knutsford, Didsbury, Hale & Lymm – Jane: 07812 144450 Chester – Jackie: 01244 303127 www.tumbletots.com Little Superstars Unique, fun and active multi sport sessions for children from walking age upwards to develop their fundamentals i.e. balls skills, hand and eye coordination, balance, flexibility and agility. Children will try out a different sport each week such as basketball, football, rugby, handball & golf, able to run around but in a structured way. Why try one sport when you can do 14 different sports plus an obstacle course?!

Louise: 07904 344552 / www.littlesuperstars.co.uk

Pixies Cheerleading Squad Allstar Cheerleading Team in Poynton. Kelli: 07852 903909 / www.pixiescheer.co.uk Playmakers Ball skills, agility and co-ordination for 16 months – 5 years.

Macclesfield/Wilmslow 01625 415151 / www.premierfc.com Rainbows, Brownies & Guides 0800 1 69 59 01 / www.girlguiding.org.uk Rugbytots A fun and enjoyable environment to develop basic core motor skills. Classes are geared towards children aged 2 – 7 years, with all Rugbytots lead coaches being paediatric first aiders, Rugby qualified coaches, CRB checked and trained to a very high standard.

South East Cheshire - Alick: 0845 313 6720 North Cheshire/Greater Manchester - Michele: 0845 313 3255 Mid Cheshire - Olly: 0845 313 6705 www.rugbytots.co.uk Tennis Tykes An educational tennis play and skills programme for children aged 2-5 years old. All classes are run by qualified and trained staff, use specially adapted equipment with personal achievement charts for every child. Classes across South Manchester and Cheshire. Caroline: 07843 342662 / www.tennistykes.co.uk

Football Diddikicks Football coaching for 18 months - 5 years in Wilmslow, Worsley & Sale 0161 300 4665 / www.diddikicks.co.uk Premier Football Coaching After school clubs across Cheshire East. 01625 415151 / www.premierfc.com The Football Academy Football courses and academies in Mid/East Cheshire.

07738 239287 / www.tfa-thefootballacademy.co.uk Little Kickers At Little Kickers, the focus is on fun, as football is used as a forum to instil a little extra confidence, co-ordination, control and sense of camaraderie. Classes run in four distinct age groups, to maximise involvement and development. Age groups range from just 18 months to 7 years. Classes in Alderley Edge & Knutsford. Fiona: 01625 326177 / www.littlekickers.co.uk Little Sports Coaching Fun football coaching for boys and girls aged 3 - 5 years in Wilmslow, Sale & Cheadle. 0800 032 1806 / www.littlesportscoaching.co.uk

Horseriding My Little Pony Parties Private lessons and pony trekking for small children aged 3+ on American Miniature Horses. Pony Petting, Activity fun and parties also available.

07832 127433 / www.mylittleponyparties.com

Bank Farm Riding School Private, shared, or group lessons for children and adults in Poynton. Parties also available.

01625 872656/ www.bankfarmridingschool.co.uk Mobberley Riding School Lessons for all levels and ages (5+). Group lessons for children on the weekend. 01565 873123 / www.mobberleyridingschool.co.uk Redwood Riding School Riding lessons in Chester for children and adults, pony days and parties. 01244 851692 / www.redwoodridingschool.co.uk

Swimming

Brio Swim Swimming classes at Leisure Centres in Chester, Northwich, Winsford, Neston & Ellesmere Port.

01244 377086 ex 201 / www.brioleisure.org Macclesfield Amateur Swimming Club For ages 3 - 93! Non-profit organisation run by dedicated, fully ASA qualified volunteers with many years’ experience. Tuesday nights 7 - 9pm, Macclesfield Leisure Centre.

01625 617960 / www.maccswim.co.uk Macclesfield Satellites Learn to swim with Satellites swimming lessons! Based at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, we offer swimming lessons on Saturday & Sunday mornings. 10% 2nd child discount available. Emma: 07749 546307 / swimclass@swimsatellite.co.uk / www.swimsatellite.co.uk Kinder Swim Academy Fun and stimulating lessons for birth – 15 years, giving both children and their parents confidence in the water. Kath / Sharon: 07907 263423 / www.kinderswim.co.uk Puddle Ducks Fun and friendly swimming classes for babies, toddlers and primary school age children across Cheshire. Join small, structured swimming classes (up to 8 children), at any age from birth to ten, no matter what your child’s experience or ability.

Children develop from splashing and kicking into graceful, efficient swimmers and learn lifesaving and underwater skills.

Mid Cheshire – Jo / Jess: 01477 410080 South Cheshire – Jessica / Emma: 07429 892774 Chester – Kerry: 01829 740825 www.puddleducks.com Swimabout Swim school for ages 3+ (adults too) in Handforth. Small class sizes. www.swimabout.net Total Fitness Swimming lessons for all ages (including non members) in Altrincham, Chester, Crewe & Wilmslow. Also private lessons and intensive swimming lessons through out the school Holidays. www.totalfitness.co.uk

Turtle Tots You are welcome to join a Turtle Tots baby swimming class at any time from when your baby is newborn, until they are 18 months old. At our classes you will learn how to swim with your baby above and below the water and how to teach your baby water confidence and key lifesaving skills. Equally importantly, the baby swimming classes provide the most overwhelming bonding experience! Classes are held on Wednesdays and Sundays in Chester and Whitchurch. Contact Kim on 07793 743678 or kim.wood@turtletots.com / www.turtletots.com Water Babies Specialised swimming courses for babies 0 – 2 years. Mid & East Cheshire – Anna: 01270 611111. Chester & Liverpool – Alison: 01925 243643 / www.waterbabies.co.uk

Skating

Flowskate 1:1 tutorials or group roller skating tuition. Recreational or extreme skating options available. Leo: 07772 448653 / www.flowskate.co.uk

SUPPORT

MOSAIC Children’s Therapy Centre Independent occupational, speech-language, social / emotional / behavioural and play therapy services for children and young people with additional needs. 01606 40195 / www.mosaicchildrenstherapy.co.uk Explore Learning Maths & English tuition centres for 5-14 year olds. Children become members and attend once or twice a week for sessions that last approximately 1¼ hours.

Every centre is open 7 days a week, no advance booking necessary. Altrincham: 0161 241 0006 Cheadle Hulme: 0161 669 8140 Chester: 01244 343 433 Heaton Park: 0161 669 4839 Warrington: 01925 747123 www.explorelearning.co.uk Kumon Kumon’s unique programmes complement the school curriculum and provide far more than just maths or English tuition. They cater for your child’s individual needs, allowing them to study at a rate that is just right for them and eventually to take responsibility for their own learning.

Chester North – Janet: 0151 339 0382 Congleton – Claire: 01625 262176 Knutsford – Sue: 01565 621142 Macclesfield - Amanda: 01625 267800 Nantwich – Sarah: 01270 780810 Northwich – Liz: 01928 735927 Sandbach - Roy 01606 891350 Wilmslow – Ian: 01625 532529 www.kumon.co.uk SEN Voice Advice, representation and support for carers and pupils, aiming to get you the support that’s required, not just what’s being offered. A cost-effective service with a FREE initial consultation. Over forty years experience in SEN appeals and tribunals. www.sen-voice.co.uk / 0161 928 9581

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Clubs & classes Advertise in Families Cheshire Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email advertising@ familiescheshire.co.uk

Music Bugs preschool music and singing classes. A top-to-toe aid for child development.

At Music Bugs, the aim is not to teach music, but to allow and encourage young children to develop, grow and explore the world around them through music and song.

Participation in music and singing classes is a great way for your child to socialise and develop in a creative and stimulating environment. Research shows that singing songs and rhymes on a regular basis helps to widen a child’s vocabulary and listening skills which are an essential part of learning

to read, write and communicate.

During a typical 40-minute class, you’ll sing nursery rhymes, counting songs, knee bouncers, action songs and finger play rhymes and use a fantastic variety of props to help engage your child’s attention and bring the sessions to life.

To enrol for the new term of classes in September (held in Cheadle, Hale and Wilmslow) and to book a free trial session, contact Stacey Blank on 0844 822 1175 or email stacey@musicbugs.co.uk www.musicbugs.co.uk

Funky, fresh and vibrant – that’s Razzamataz!

Razzamataz Chester is the ideal place for children aged 4–8 years to enjoy the performing arts.

Their unique combination of Musical Theatre, Commercial and Street Dance styles includes technical elements of dance, singing and drama as well as fantastic performance opportunities including a large scale annual show and termly presentations and events.

Regularly inviting guest teachers such as West End Performers and experts within the street dance field, they pride themselves on offering high quality tuition at affordable prices and have been rated in the Top 3 part

time children’s Theatre Schools as published

by The Stage Newspaper.

Classes take place Saturday term time at Northgate Arena Leisure Centre, Chester.

All staff are experienced, hold relevant qualifications and have enhanced background checks.

Razzamataz Chester also offers ‘Razz Parties’ for your Child’s special day! Call or email to book a FREE taster session or make an enquiry today on: chester@razzamataz.co.uk, 07979158416 or 01244 470104. www.razzamataz.co.uk

Jabberjacks – offering a proven track record in early years education!

Jabberjacks has been entertaining children for over 10 years, providing activities through pre-school classes for the under 5’s, together with party entertainment for children aged between 2 and 7 years, so they were thrilled to know that with the support and recognition from their customers they had been nominated in this year’s What’s On 4 Awards.

September is a particularly exciting

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month for Jabberjacks as they launch into a new class term, with classes serving up a feast of educational activity for toddlers and pre-school children. Aimed to support the early years, the classes help to develop physical skills, knowledge and confidence.

As well as public classes, they provide sessions in Nursery and Pre-school settings and Jabberjacks will also be working more closely with local Sure Start Children’s Centres. In supporting the Children’s Centres’ curricular activity and Early Years Foundation, Jabberjacks are excited at the opportunity to offer weekly sessions at centres in Cheshire.

For more information on classes and parties in your area, visit www.jabberjacks.co.uk

Clubs & classes Melody Bear comes to Winnington

Quicksteps School of Dancing in Cheshire is looking forward to launching a new Melody Bear class in Winnngton from September.

Melody Bear is an established dance class offered by a large number of dance schools nationally; it’s really popular and successful as it is adapted to cater for the younger members. With sessions for children

as young as 18 months up to 8 years old, the syllabus is tailored to each age group with the lesson focussed around an adorable teddy bear called Melody who guides the children through music, movement, ballet and dance. Children can take part in award schemes where they earn stickers, rosettes, medals and more to really encourage their development.

To find out more about Melody Bear classes and other dance lessons offered

by Quicksteps School of Dance, please call 07816 973 600 or 07970 23342, or visit their website: www.cheshiredanceschool.co.uk/ melodybear.

New TinyTalk Class in Wilmslow

The use of sign language with babies has been a growing trend since it was first introduced into the UK by TinyTalk in 2002. Basic signs and gestures used alongside speech enable babies to understand others and express themselves long before they can talk.

Claire Hardy has been offering TinyTalk classes in Macclesfield and Frodsham for the past 4 years, and was

shortlisted for the ‘Most Outstanding activity leader 2013’ category in the ‘What’s on for little ones’ award programme.

Claire says: “The classes in Macclesfield and Frodsham have been a huge success. TinyTalk gives you an insight into your little one’s mind and by the use of sign, you can start to communicate with them as early as 5 months old. My little girl was only 11 months when she could string signs together such as “nappy”, “dirty” & “change”. It truly is fantastic for both parents and babies!”

To find out more about the new TinyTalk class in Wilmslow starting from September, call Claire on 07771 747755 or e-mail claireh@tinytalk.co.uk www.tinytalk.co.uk/claireh

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Clubs & classes Congratulations Andy Murray....why not get your Stagecoach Wilmslow ‘Dances child involved in tennis coaching this Autumn? the Dream’ at Disney

It’s been a great summer and if your child has been inspired by Andy Murray’s win at Wimbledon to try tennis, why not get them involved with the fun and educational Tennis Tykes coaching programme for under 5s this Autumn?

Tennis is a great sport for very young children as it: • Promotes physical fitness; • Develops the ABCs of agility, balance and co-ordination

• Encourages children to become more communicative and outgoing • Aids self-esteem and children start to realise the importance of practising to get better at a skill.

Due to popular demand, the Tennis Tykes classes for under 5s have now been extended to include a Saturday class (11am – 11.45am) at Handforth Hall Tennis Club so that those parents working full time, Monday to Friday have the opportunity to come along with their children. This class is in addition to the Monday, Bramhall and Wilmslow classes and Friday, Didsbury and Wilmslow classes.

Your child may or may not be the next Andy Murray but the research is clear that engaging young children in tennis benefits them in many ways. For further information and to book your FREE TRIAL lesson, please contact Jonny Healey on 07760 254118 or email jonny.healey@tennistykes.co.uk www.tennistykes.co.uk

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Dancers from Stagecoach Wilmslow travelled to Disneyland® Paris this summer to perform in front of thousands of international visitors as part of the ‘Disney Performing Arts OnStage’ programme.

28 students, aged 6 to 17, went through a selective audition process of submitting two audition pieces to Disney to secure their place at the event. The students were successful and danced at the Videopolis Theatre in the Disneyland® Park performing a 15

minute set of nautical themed numbers and in the evening the students danced through Disneyland® Park in the parade to the music of ‘Dancin’ a Catchy Rhythm’.

Principal of Stagecoach Wilmslow, Laura Tristram, says: ‘It was a truly magical weekend and a once-in-alifetime experience for the children.

They had a fantastic time and have made some memories which shall stay with them forever.’

Wilmslow Stagecoach school is part of a network of more than 600 part-time Theatre Arts Schools Worldwide and will be opening a new Friday school for 6 – 16 year olds in September where students can take part in a 3 hour session of singing, dancing and drama.

To enrol yourself or your child at Wilmslow Stagecoach School, please visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/ wilmslow or call 01606 620 770.

Clubs & classes Rugbytots comes to South & East Cheshire!

Rugbytots is a specifically designed play programme that uses the multiple skills of Rugby to create a fun and enjoyable environment whilst developing basic core motor skills.

We sent our sporty young thing, Logan (age 3) along to try out the new Macclesfield classes at Fun4All. Logan (and daddy!) had a fab time with class leader and local franchisee Alick. The games were fun and fast paced enough to keep Logan engaged (never an easy task!); Alick was brilliant at engaging with the children and helping them discover how to handle a funny shaped ball! Logan picked up some key basic rugby skills and came away eager for his next session.

Classes are geared towards children aged 2 – 7 years, with all Rugbytots lead coaches being paediatric first aiders, Rugby qualified coaches, CRB checked and trained to a very high standard.

Junior Rugbytots – this 30 minute class for ages 2 – 3½ years encourages children to use core skills like balance, agility and co-ordination. It also promotes social skills like sharing, taking turns and working together. Parents are also involved in the session, which involves passing, catching, try scoring, cone kicking, and lots of games involving foam rugby balls.

Senior Rugbytots – this class builds on the basic motor skills learnt and looks at the more specific skills used in Rugby. Using midi size rugby balls, the children get used to the weight and feel of a proper ball, as well as learning to find space, pass the ball backwards, score a “well worked” try and more. Parents’ involvement is welcome, but not essential, during this 45 minute class.

Advanced Rugbytots – this class for ages 5 – 7 years uses the same “fun first” approach to further develop their skills, utilizing the valuable knowledge and experience of coaches, some of whom have played at the highest level.

Classes are now available throughout South East Cheshire. Contact Alick Willis on 0845 313 6720 or alick@rugbytots.co.uk for more information. www.rugbytots.co.uk

Swimming fun at Total Fitness

It’s not just fun for kids to learn swimming, it’s useful, healthy and even a potential life saver. With lessons at Total Fitness your children could soon be swimming with confidence and enjoying a wide range of water based sports.

They offer: • Instruction from motivated and passionate, highly trained teachers • Safe, fun and progressive lessons • All swimmers given a Progress Card for easier monitoring • Continuous assessment and award badges for encouragement They also offer private lessons which work out around you and Intensive swimming lessons through out the school Holidays.

For more information please contact the nearest Total Fitness or visit www.totalfitness.co.uk

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 9

Parents’ place The Benefits of Inclusion

By Rachael Ross, Chair, Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association (Footprints). www.footprintsds.org

© Blitz Photography www.blitzphotography.co.uk

When I went to school in the mid ‘70s and ‘80s, children with any form of disability were not actively encouraged into mainstream education. This absence of anyone with a disability was also reflected in the wider community.

Consequently when I left school, and for much of my early adult life, I had never even met or spoken to a person with a disability, leaving me awkward and unsure how to interact in their company.

Thankfully times have changed, and children with a wide variety of additional needs are now commonplace in mainstream education. Children like my son Max. Max is eight and happens to have Down syndrome (also referred to as Down’s syndrome). Until the 1970s it was still widely believed that children with Down syndrome were uneducable, and they were denied that most fundamental of childhood rights; an education. We now know that with the right specialist support these children can learn alongside their peers, and today, more children than ever before are being successfully included in mainstream schools. That’s not to say that special schools do not play an equally important role. It has to be a decision based on what’s best for each

individual child and their specific needs.

For Max, the benefits in attending mainstream education are huge.

Speech and language issues are a significant problem for nearly all children with Down syndrome, and can lead to frustration and isolation if not tackled head on. Studies show that when they attend mainstream school, these children develop at least two years faster with spoken language and literacy.

They also benefit from having positive role models. Max needs to be around his typically developing peers, not just for PE and playtime, but there needs to be meaningful interaction. He needs to feel that he is part of the class, part of the wider school community, with the same opportunities and responsibilities as the other children.

Otherwise how can we expect him to interact successfully with society as an adult?

We are very fortunate that Max’s teachers have created a welcoming and caring environment where he is very much a part of school life. When we visit, I am always overwhelmed by the genuine affection and friendship shown to Max by both staff and pupils. Many of the children have grown up with Max, and see it as nothing unusual that he is

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in their class working with them.

In turn, I’m sure the children benefit from being with Max. They learn to celebrate differences. They learn acceptance and patience, and will hopefully grow into more tolerant adults which will lead to a more accepting and integrated society.

Inclusion is helping to steadily improve society’s attitude towards Down syndrome, fuelled by more positive media portrayal. Several top retailers including M&S, Next and Boden have used children with Down syndrome in their advertising campaigns. Actors with Down syndrome have played characters in popular TV shows such as Glee and Downton Abbey. Individuals are becoming role models, and are themselves changing misconceptions, like Simon Beresford, who in 2007 became the first person with Down syndrome to complete the London Marathon, and now eight marathons later is an inspiration for people around the world.

More is being achieved than ever before, but there is a still a long way to go. Down syndrome is the most common cause of intellectual disability and yet funding does not reflect this.

The situation has worsened in the recent economic climate, and parents are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of access to specialist support like speech and language therapy, which help enable their children to participate in mainstream education. As the Coalition Government plans to ‘end the bias towards mainstream’, there is a real risk that 30 years of slow uphill progress will be undermined unless there is adequate investment in training, research, resources and specialist support.

We have seen glimpses of what can be achieved as children with the right skills and support go on to lead more independent and productive lives, enter employment, and become valued members of their communities.

But as yet, there has never been an entire generation of children with Down syndrome that has passed through the system with adequate and sustained support in all areas of need, continuing into early adulthood. Until this happens, we will never be sure of their true capabilities.

Local support groups: Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group: 01928 734513 / www.cheshiredownssyndrome.com Down’s Syndrome @ Wirral: 0151 648 8210 Down Syndrome Liverpool: www.downsyndromeliverpool.org.uk South Manchester Down’s Syndrome Support Group: 07593 542 107 / www.dsmanchester.org.uk

Some Facts about Down syndrome • Approximately 1 in 1,000 babies in the UK are born with Down syndrome • Most people born with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, making a total of 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46 • In 1960 the life expectancy for someone with Down syndrome was 10. In 1983 it was 25.

Today it is 60+ • Studies show 87% of children with Down syndrome attend mainstream primary schools, but only 25% go on to mainstream secondary schools as access to specialist support like speech and language therapy declines further • It is estimated 80% adults with DS could enter employment with the right support, but only 20% are given the opportunity

Parents’ place Once a Week Take a Peek

You just have to ask

Back to school time often brings on every parent’s worst nightmare – HEAD LICE. There are numerous products available to deal with them, but the best way to manage an infestation at home is to COMB COMB COMB! 55% of people don’t itch with head lice, so don’t use this as a warning sign of an infestation.

And, don’t just have a quick cursory glance in your child’s hair – they can be very tricky to spot.

This is why most people only discover their child has lice once the infestation has really taken hold – which makes it even more difficult to deal with.

The best approach to take with head lice is to remember the mantra “Once a Week Take a Peek”.

Equip yourself with a metal nit comb, leave in conditioner, a sectioning /tail comb, some small hair bands and some tissue / paper towels.

Plus a good DVD is crucial to ensure little heads stay still!!!

The key is your technique: 1. Apply conditioner and comb through to ensure no tangles.

By Amanda Butterworth, www.inspiredlivingandpsychotherapy.com

2. Use a tail comb to separate the hair into manageable, even sections 3. Using your nit comb, comb the hair from the roots right to the ends and then comb from every angle wiping the comb clean as you go.

4. Pay extra attention to those warm spots in the nape of the neck, the crown of the head and behind the ears. A thorough comb should take you from 30 – 50 minutes, depending on hair length/thickness.

Head lice are the second most communicable health issue behind the common cold so it’s likely that every child will have them at some point.

At The Hairforce – Lice Assassins, we consider ourselves experts on head lice and are happy to offer advice. We offer a full range of services, from head checks, school ‘nit nurse’ checking service, to fully guaranteed clears, using no nasty chemicals.

And as mothers ourselves, we can assure you we hate them just as much as you do!

For more information call us on 01625 523109 or go to www.thehairforce.co.uk/wilmslow

Do you ask questions?

Or do you just accept everything?

Most of us grow up without ever questioning our conditioning. We assume that our lives and all that are in it are there because it’s normal.

Our conditioning comes through, amongst other things, what our parents tell us, what goes on in school or at work, what society shows us and let’s not forget the power of TV! So we get to adulthood thinking that everything is as it should be. But what if it isn’t? How would it be if we started to question what we accept as a given and normal state? Think how our life could change!

I mean after all, maybe what’s good for the neighbour doesn’t necessarily have to mean that it’s good for you, but you don’t know if you don’t ask.

So how about it? How about looking at certain aspects of your life and asking yourself if they are really what you want.

Oh, and before you start freaking out, I’m not asking you to throw in the towel and get rid of everything in one go; start one small step at a time. For instance:

• When you’re eating your breakfast, ask yourself if that’s really what you want, or if you just eat it because you’ve always eaten it.

• Same thing with your tea. Is that the tea you really like, or just the one you’re used to?

• When you do routine jobs, ask yourself if you like doing them that way, or is it maybe time to see if they can’t be done in another way which is more pleasing or satisfying.

• When you go to work, are you taking the fastest, most logical route, or the one you find more enjoyable?

• Are you doing some things because that’s the way your parents did them and you’re unquestioningly repeating the pattern?

• Do you buy that brand because you like it or because you’ve been told it’s great / what you want / the best?

See what I’m getting at? Some of the things we do we don’t question and they can impact how we feel. It is so easy to make little changes that can immediately add to your happiness and pleasure levels. You just have to ask: is this good for me, is this really what I fancy?

Imagine how your life will be when you start to fill it with events and moments that are truly enjoyable, genuinely what you want…

For more on this article and others on relationships and personal development see www.familiesonline.co.uk/ loveactually

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 11

Parents’ place Living with Exzema

By Dr Adam Simon, Primus Healthcare

Eczema is very common, affecting about 15% of school children. The cause is unknown, but genes do play a role; if a parent has eczema, there’s a 60% chance their children will have it. However, if both parents are affected, there’s an 80% chance their children will have it too.

There are several stages of eczema.

Stage 1 – the skin feels dry Stage 2 – some areas become red and inflamed. This commonly affects the knee and elbow creases and the face, neck and wrists.

Stage 3 – this inflamed skin is extremely itchy. Scratching it breaks the skin and makes the inflammation worse Stage 4 – the inflamed skin can become infected.

Top 10 tips for dealing with the condition: 1. Identify and avoid things that trigger your eczema. There are many potential triggers. These include: Soaps and detergents; Certain clothes fabrics; Extremes of temperature; Food allergies; Pet hairs; House dust mites and Pollen 2. Use lots of the right moisturiser.

Doctors tend to talk about emollients rather than moisturisers.

Emollients are creams and ointments that stop the skin becoming dry.This helps prevent itchy skin. Thicker ointments last longer on skin and work better than thinner creams, but they are less cosmetically attractive and harder to apply. You cannot overdose on emollient cream – use lots and use it often.

3. Be careful in the bath or shower. Think about using an emollient bath additive or shower gel and use an emollient cream as a soap substitute. But remember, bath additives make the bath slippery – so use a bath mat.

4. Do not scratch / itch or rub. While itching may make you feel better for a very short time IT ALWAYS MAKES THE ECZEMA WORSE. If the skin is feeling itchy, dab on generous amounts of emollient cream to try and reduce the itch.

5. Do not be scared of steroid creams / ointments. These reduce the inflammation of the skin. Your GP will prescribe the correct strength of steroid creams and these are usually applied until the flare of eczema has gone. In most cases a 7 – 14 day course of steroid is sufficient to clear the flare-up.

Advertise in Families Cheshire Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk

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The best treatment is the lowest strength steroid that clears the problem. If there is no improvement after 4 – 6 days, ask your GP to prescribe a stronger steroid.

6. Use the right amount of the steroid.

There is a guide to how much steroid should be applied to different areas of the body depending on the age of the person. See www.patient.co.uk/ health/fingertip-units-for-topicalsteroids for more information, or refer to the excellent factsheet on topical steroids found on the National Eczema Society website www.eczema.org/ corticosteroids.

7. Emollients before steroids. When using emollient and steroid together, apply the emollient first and allow it to soak in (roughly 15 minutes) before applying the steroid cream.

8. Be aware of flare-ups. These sometimes require strong steroids, changing or increasing emollients and antibiotics.

Early treatment of a flare-up can stop it in its tracks. Keep using emollients even when the flare-up has subsided, as this will help to prevent another flare-up.

9. If your emollient is not working, try changing creams – but get your GP to best advise you on this.

10. See your GP. Eczema is a very frustrating condition. Despite excellent application of emollients, flare-ups still occur. Your GP is best placed to assess and treat these and recommend the best on-going treatment. If your eczema does not respond to treatment adequately, your GP can reassess your treatment or possibly refer you to a dermatologist.

Parties

Contact: Ranger Dan Coates | 07765 890385 info@rangerdan.co.uk | www.rangerdan.co.uk

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 13

Back to school The best possible start at a new school How do you prepare your child for his or first day at a new school?

It’s all about finding the fun, says Joanna Moorhead

© kolett - Fotolia.com

The summer before my eldest daughter started at primary school, a rather wonderful thing happened. We were having work done on our house, and by chance a friend mentioned that a friend of hers was looking for a housesitter. It suited us perfectly to move out of our home for a few months, to escape the builders’ dust, so we did just that. And our temporary home, as it happened, was next door to the primary school at which Rosie would start in September.

We moved in May, so from then until the end of July she and I would watch, each morning, as the children walked and ran and scootered past our door, in their grey and purple uniforms. They looked happy and excited; they were meeting their friends, having fun. The street would then go quiet until about 10.30am when we’d hear them again in the playground; and then again after lunch, until at 3.30pm they’d all stream out again, and head back home with their mummies

and the occasional daddy.

I’m sure I talked to Rosie about what it would be like in reception class, and I’m sure I taught her to open her lunchbox and get her own shoes on and off and all the other things you’re advised to do before your child’s first day at school; but the truth is that nothing prepared her for school as much as those weeks of simply living next door to it. The experience normalised what was going to be a huge change in her life: it showed her, better than any words from me could, that school was where children went when they were old enough. Watching those happy-looking kids skipping past our door, hearing them calling to their friends and generally picking up a sense that school was fun and exciting, was the best possible way of introducing her to her new life.

In time my three younger daughters followed their big sister to that same school, and they – like Rosie – all took it in their stride. They, of course, were

well-used to the primary by then: unlike Rosie, they would be there every morning and every afternoon, dropping off or collecting a big sister or sisters.

They would pick up on the excitement and happiness of school by osmosis, seeing their sisters and their friends as they bounced up alongside their buggy – and they’d be drinking it all in.

This, it seems to me, is the number one best way to get your child ready for primary school: as much as you can, show rather than tell. Try to be around the school sometimes as the children arrive or as they’re leaving for home; if you have friends with children already there, ask to go along with them sometimes for the drop-off or the pick-up. Give your child every opportunity you can to imbibe the sense that school is an exciting and interesting place to be.

Every child, and every parent, gets a bit nervous before their child starts at a new school. Even after 17 years of being a parent with children in school, I’m feeling a bit worried about my youngest daughter’s move to secondary school in September. The fact that I’ve done school starts many, many times before doesn’t alter the fact that this is a first for Catriona, and because it’s a first for Catriona it’s a first for me too. But what I now know is how important it is for me to be confident, and to be positive, about the move. Of course I have mixed feelings: of course I’m a bit

worried about how she’ll cope in new surroundings, about whether she’ll find it easy to make new friends, about whether she’ll like the school food and about whether she’ll settle down to the work. And when she wants to talk about those fears – because, of course, she has them too and it’s important not to deny our children’s feelings – I do. But I always remember to talk to her as well about how exciting this new start is going to be: because every beginning is a bit scary and involves risks - but our lives move on and grow and become whole because we embrace them and we’re brave about them.

Children worry when we worry, and they’re confident when we’re confident.

So if you’ve got a child starting school this autumn, the number one thing to do is find the confidence in yourself: empathise with your child, but empathise with the fact that her world is opening up and becoming more exciting as well as with the fact that there will be wobbles. Try not to worry too much about the problems: believe in your own, and believe in your child’s, ability to deal with these as they come along. Don’t even, for a minute, bother about things like maths and English and reading: no, honestly, I mean it. Those things are for further down the line: all you have to think about, this September, is delivering a child to school with a song in his or her heart. Do that, and everything else will be easy.

Morning Mayhem? Tips to make missed breakfasts a thing of the past

In the dash to get out of the door on a school day, mornings can mean mayhem for families.

Worryingly though, the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) reported that this means: ‘’an alarming number of children don’t eat breakfast each morning”, with some 8% of primary children not eating the most important meal of the day. This figure increased to nearly a quarter (24%) of 11-to-14-year-olds and

almost a third (32%) of 14-to-16-year-olds.

Family run dairy Creamline has launched a new online delivery service www.creamline.co.uk to help Manchester families banish breakfast stress. You can order store cupboard essentials – from milk, yoghurt and eggs, to juices, bread and jam and many other morning must-haves – by 9pm in the evening for delivery the next morning.

Rob Purvis, joint MD at Creamline and father of four, shares his tips on finding time to give your child a healthy breakfast to kick-start the day: • If you can, lay out what you’ll need for the next day the evening before.

Whether that’s school clothes or laying the breakfast table complete with variety

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packs of cereal, it can save precious minutes in the morning rush.

• Kids can change their mind a hundred times about what they want for breakfast!

Reducing the number of options on offer can make decision making much easier and speedier. An either/or choice works well.

• If you really haven’t got time for a sit-down breakfast, then milk-based drinks are packed with calcium and healthy fats. Top up with a handful of dried fruit for kids to nibble in the car.

• For children who are old enough to do it safely, turn getting their own breakfast ready into a treat and praise them for being such a big boy/girl.

• Topping up your weekly shop with an

online order of convenience essentials will stop that sinking feeling when you open the fridge only to find it devoid of milk!

• Turn getting dressed for school into a race – a healthy dose of sibling rivalry will get your little ones competing to be the quickest, freeing up more time for brekkie.

Another startling figure to emerge from the BNF’s research was that almost a third of UK primary pupils think cheese is made from plants! Have a look at Creamline’s new video which shows the journey from cows grazing in a field through to bottling! https://plus.google.com/ 117125658269692214639/videos

Back to Header school A nutritional lunchbox According to research, just one per cent of lunchboxes in the UK meet the nutritional standards for school lunches. Why is this? Well is seems our lunchboxes lack variety. In fact whole food groups are missing – most commonly vegetables and fruit, but sometimes protein too.

Conquering unhealthy lunches is key to making sure our children become healthy adults, childhood obesity is on the increase and currently 30% of all children aged two to 15 are considered obese. Nutrition expert the Lunchbox Doctor, Jenny Tschiesche gives Families some advice on how to create a delicious, healthy and balanced lunch for your kids.

Jenny is the author of an award-winning book called ‘Not Just Sandwiches – 5 ways to improve your child’s lunchbox’ which is available on Amazon. One of the chapters of the book and the area of lunchbox preparation that she is most often asked about is preparing a healthy lunchbox on a budget.

There are six components to the nutritionally balanced lunchbox.

These are carbohydrate, protein, calcium, vegetable, fruit and a drink. If each of these groups is represented in your child’s lunchbox then it is balanced.

Here are her top tips to achieving a healthy lunch without breaking the bank: Carbohydrate Invest in a good thermos container that can keep food warm. It means that you can be a lot more adventurous with your food. The foods below can be good served hot or cold.

Make leftover risotto into balls, cover in beaten egg and breadcrumbs then gently sauté in olive oil.

Use old bread to make into croutons for soup or breadcrumbs for covering chicken or fish before baking. These nuggets or fingers work well with low sugar ketchup.

Stir garlic, cream cheese and some peas or sweetcorn in to warm pasta.

Protein Go to the deli counter and buy the ‘cuts’: the odd shaped pieces that get left and are lower in cost simply because they look less perfect than other pieces.

Use beans, lentils and chickpeas as an addition to a salad, in soups or to make delicious dips (you can also sprout many

beans, which are great in salads).

Rather than buy processed meat slices, cut slices from the left over Sunday Roast.

Calcium Buy large pots of natural yogurt (which is full of calcium) and divide into small reusable pots with a topping of honey, agave, sugar-free jam, muesli and frozen or fresh fruit.

Budget hummus typically contains less tahini (the expensive ingredient) and more chickpeas (the cheaper ingredient) and yet is no less nutritious.

Tinned salmon or sardines both make great calcium-rich sandwich fillings.

Fruit Buy local and in season if possible to reduce the loss of nutrients through transporting fruit over long distances.

Use tinned fruit in fruit juice not syrup alone or with natural yogurt.

Frozen fruit is a cheaper way to enjoy nutrient-rich berries and tropical fruit such as mango all year round. Add to smoothies, use in baking or enjoy with natural yogurt.

Vegetables Frozen Mediterranean vegetables such as peppers are sweet and succulent once roasted. Add to pasta or rice for a tasty main course for lunch.

Root vegetables in season are a great basis for a quick and easy coleslaw or raw-slaw. Simple grate or use a ribbon peeler and add salad cream or vinaigrette dressing.

A large jar of black olives can go a long way. Use on pizzas, fill with cream cheese using an icing bag, serve as part of a salad or whizz into a paste with herbs and olive oil to go onto pasta.

Drink Good old tap water will suffice in a water bottle that you clean out regularly using hot soapy water.

Cartons of milk provide both hydration and calcium.

If you opt for a carton of juice avoid cartons labelled as ‘fruit drink’. Preferably go for fresh fruit juice or juice ‘from concentrate’. Concentrate simply means that the water from the fruit was removed at source for cheaper transportation.

For more information visit www.lunchboxdoctor.com or join the growing community at www.facebook. com/lunchboxdoctor.

Has England got it wrong?

By Joanna Parry

Here in England our students are used to a selective, vigorous education. We specialise in subjects at an early age.

Our courses are test-driven, our exams rigorous and getting more so, and subjects such as music, drama and sport have been all but squeezed out. But have we got it all wrong? As education minister Michael Gove announces measures to make the exams taken by students in England even more demanding, look across the border and we can see that education in Scotland is run very differently. There, students take a curriculum in which national exams for 16-year-olds have been abolished. While schools in England encourage students to specialise, Scottish schools traditionally aim for a greater breadth of knowledge.

Their secondary education lasts six years,

ending with a single set of national exams, and their university degree programs last four years, compared with only three in England and Wales. In a nutshell, Scottish schools focus on more than just tests.

‘When the Scottish Parliament came into being in 1999, we realised our schools were not performing as well as they should,’ said the Scottish education minister, Michael Russell. ‘Our students were over examined, our schools over inspected and the curriculum was too divided up and too shallow.’ So Scotland introduced the Curriculum for Excellence, paying more attention to how subjects were taught. Starting with kindergarten, the curriculum has progressed through the system one year at a time and has just reached the 16-year-olds who, until this

year, would have taken Standard Grade exams. Students still take exams in as many as 15 subjects but those are pass/fail and set by their teachers. ‘I don’t believe for a minute that Curriculum for Excellence is touchy-feely or that we are watering down standards,’ said Gordon Moulsdale, head teacher at Bishopbriggs Academy near Glasgow. ‘It used to be that only students who did well on exams were thought of as the smart ones. But we’ve learned that there are different kinds of intelligence.’ The changes mean a slightly longer school week, and more time for music, drama, sports and community service: precisely the areas that have been squeezed in England by the need

to prepare students for so many exams. It is clear that in Scotland there is no appetite for the selective, competitive and test-driven approach being promoted by Michael Gove in England, and it looks like the experiment is succeeding.

So should England take note?

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 15

Back to school Is your child ready to learn every day?

Some deceptively obvious advice for parents

16 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

The National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) and the charity Family Action* have launched a joint Ready to Learn Every Day campaign aimed at helping parents to support their children’s learning. Families magazine talked to NAHT President, Bernadette Hunter, about the campaign and why their advice is relevant to all parents.

Research shows that children are best placed to succeed in school when parents are actively involved in their education.

But that is not all about helping out when they get stuck with homework. In fact, preparing children to be ready for learning can be far more basic – like making sure they know how to take turns and to listen; that they go to bed on time; have breakfast before going to school, and turn up on time, having remembered their pencil case, PE kit and homework.

The first NAHT and Family Action Ready to Learn Every Day guide covers these sorts of issues: bedtimes, family routines, organisation, behaviour, communicating with your child and spending time with them.

Common sense – yes. Obvious ….?

Well, yes, but deceptively so. You don’t have to dig very deep to realise that the advice is relevant for all parents. Modern life is certainly hectic. With many of us working long hours, and constantly pressed for time, even those with the very best of intentions can forget the basics.

An HR manager shame-facedly admitted to me that, when her child started school, the teacher called her aside and told her her daughter was falling asleep in class because she was so tired.

Bernadette is not surprised. “Not all parents realise how much sleep their child actually needs (under 5s need 15 hours and older primary school children should have 10 hours.). And not all parents realise that if you allow your child to watch TV or play on the computer before going to bed, they will have trouble going to sleep, ” she says.

Bernadette stresses the importance of talking and listening to children and spending time with them. Again, self-evident – but think about it for a moment!

How many of us harried parents will recognise situations in which we have been checking e-mails or texts as our child was speaking to us? I’d hazard a guess most of us have been there. And many of us (however good we are as parents) would probably admit to having allowed a child

watch TV rather than play with them because we were simply too tired? But as Bernadette explains, there is more active learning in traditional games than in passive viewing.

“Sometimes parents find it difficult to find the time to sit down and play with their children – it is easier to put something on the TV than to play the traditional type of games. But when you play a traditional board game, as well as being fun, children are learning to co-operate when they play, to take turns and to understand rules. They are picking up lots of key skills – speaking, listening and concentrating.”

Ironically, while we are living in an age of 24/7 communication - instant messaging, Skyping and TV on demand - these very same tools are taking their toll on communication at home. Family meal times, where children learned to talk and to listen, are waning, and traditional board games are giving way to solo computer games and screen time.

With busy lifestyles and a culture of TV dinners, Bernadette fears we risk losing these communication skills which were passed down from generation to generation.

“What we are seeing now are some young parents who have never experienced eating together as a family,” she says.

Bernadette readily says some of the advice – like bedtimes - might seem obvious, but she adds: “We know from talking to parents that they can really welcome this advice. The Ready to Learn Every Day series of leaflets are about giving parents the confidence to set the boundaries for their children.”

The Ready to Learn Every Day guide can be downloaded from www.family-action.org.uk/naht This leaflet will be followed this Autumn by a guide for parents to develop children’s speaking and listening skills.

Later in the year there will be a parents’ guide to helping with schoolwork; and a final parents’ guide in the Summer Term about helping children with transitions – from one class to another, and moving on to secondary school. *Family Action is a charity that supports and strengthens vulnerable and disadvantaged families throughout England.

The charity knows from experience how vital it is that all parents get the support and advice they need to ensure that the home environment really supports learning and that their children are ready to do their best in school each and every day. And teachers see the results when the children are in school.

Back to school

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 17

Back to school Stockport Grammar pupils travel far and wide

From the Music tour to Barcelona, where sixty musicians from across the Senior School entertained audiences at venues such as the Maritime Museum and the famous Parc Güell, to a month-long trip to Rwanda for a group of Sixth Formers combining charity work with exploration and adventure, the girls and boys at Stockport Grammar School have enjoyed some real once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

The annual Physics trip to CERN, the home of the Large Hadron Collider in

Geneva, gave Sixth Form physicists the rare chance to get close to particle experiments and research, while a week-long trip to Florida allowed pupils to visit Kennedy Space Centre where they met astronauts and received training. Next stop was The Everglades, before letting their hair down at Disney World.

Closer to home, the First Years ended their school year with a residential trip to Whitby, an opportunity for the children to cement the friendships made during their first year at Senior School, and further develop their independence.

See the school in action, by taking a school day tour, or go along to one of their open mornings: Senior School: Saturday 21 September, 9.30 – 11.30am Junior & Senior School: Saturday 16 November, 9.30 – 11.30am 0161 456 9000 / www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

Exciting outdoor expansion ahead for Cranage Pre-School Cranage Pre-School is set to expand its outdoor play area, following an agreement with the Village Hall, to enclose a substantial parameter of outside space.

Manager, Jayne Rugen commented, “Young children love to be outdoors, it’s where they explore and discover the world around them. We know early years children benefit from being outdoors, whatever the weather and we are incredibly lucky, that in our rural setting, we have a fantastic amount of space available to us.”

One of the parents added, “It’s not just the space available here, it’s the wonderfully creative way the staff use it.

As a parent you only ever get to see a glimpse of that but in the snow I’ve seen the area set out with sledges, snow ploughs, the lot. I’ve also seen a miniature bus, complete with a ticketing station and several bus stops along the journey.”

Cranage Pre-School really is at the heart of the community. Staff nurture and care for

their children as if they were their own and ratios are low which enables staff to build up close relationships with all of the children in their care.

Another parent commented, “I have never had a problem getting my child to Pre-School. Given that he is very shy and has only ever spent time with his parents and Grandparents I thought settling him could be very difficult but the staff were incredible. They built up a very strong bond with him very quickly and within days he was happily waving me off. He comes home bounding with excitement and full of tales about what he’s been up to and his confidence and development throughout his journey here has been phenomenal. I couldn’t ask for any more.”

There are still a few places available from September and children can start from as early as two and a half. If you haven’t already had the chance to have a look around the Pre-School, you should contact Jayne on 07933 767430.

Walk to School Month

Beat the traffic and get yourself and your kids out in the fresh air during International Walk to School Month this October.

Each year, primary school children from across the UK join forces with over 40 countries worldwide to celebrate the benefits of walking to school and this October is no different, with the month-long activity encouraging pupils to walk to school at least once a week. Many parents know that walking is actually quicker and less stressful than taking the car and they value the opportunity to spend quality time with their children. It also increases air quality with fewer cars on the streets and strengthens communities, where children and parents are seen in the streets! Stop moaning about the traffic start clearing it! www.livingstreets.org.uk

Open mornings at The Queen’s School, Chester Prospective parents and pupils are warmly invited to visit The Queen’s School, Chester at their upcoming open events, to get a real sense of how the school works.

Senior School: Saturday 5 October, 9.30am – 12.30pm Lower School: Saturday 9 November, 9.30am – 12.30pm For more information, call the school on 01244 312078 / www.queens.cheshire.sch.uk

18 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Boys welcomed back to Wilmslow Prep after 52 years

Wilmslow Prep School has announced that it will be introducing boys to the school from September this year, initially into Kindergarten, Reception and Form 1. In subsequent years these boys will progress through the School until the whole School offers a mixed environment.

However, the School remains strongly committed to single sex education and its proven benefits as children develop. With this in mind, the boys and girls will be taught separately for the key core subjects from Form 3, allowing the school to prepare the children for the next stage of their school life – entrance to senior school.

Paul Reynolds, headteacher, said, “More and more of our parents are asking us for a family proposition where their sons and daughters are educated under one roof.

“We are delighted to be able to offer them this extended proposition and it goes without saying that we will remain a small, family centred school where the focus is on the needs of each individual child.

“We are a school that has successfully stayed ahead of market forces and demands, and we firmly believe that the change will enable WPS to continue to go from strength to strength and remain a unique and exceptional school.”

Wilmslow Prep first opened its doors in 1909. At this time the school was mixed and it was only in 1961 that the school became all-girls.

Diarise the upcoming open mornings at the school: Saturday 5 October 10am – 12noon Wednesday 27 November 10am – 12noon For more information visit www.wilmslowprep.co.uk or call the school on 01625 524246.

Back to school

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 19

Back to school Learn to read with Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs is the award-winning online reading programme for children aged 3-13. Children love working and playing on the computer and the Reading Eggs programme is all about bringing out the best in each child using unique worlds of interactive reading and writing activities.

Proven reading results • Over 90% of parents have noticed an improvement in their child’s reading ability since using Reading Eggs • The lessons content and format are based on solid scientific research • Has a core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words supporting what children learn at school • Uses skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success • The programme is used by over 2 million children worldwide (and counting!)

• Reading Eggs has been developed by expert educators with over 20 years’ experience

20

Why children love Reading Eggs • There are over 512 interactive games, motivating rewards and songs • It makes reading fun – children want to learn • The programme supplies one-on-one lessons that match your child’s ability • Detailed assessment reports show and recognize progress • Suitable for children aged 3 - 13 From 26 August – 30 September, your child can join thousands of children across the UK taking part in the Reading Eggs Great Literacy Challenge – a nationwide effort to inspire children to read!

This FREE event will give your child 5 weeks FREE access* to Reading Eggs – the online reading programme that teaches children aged 3-13 the literacy skills needed for lifetime reading success.

Sign up for your FREE trial* today and see for yourself how your child’s reading improves by using Reading Eggs. Simply register your child at www.readingeggs.co.uk/dog.

*Free trial only available for new customers who register at www.readingeggs.co.uk/dog.

Back to school The importance of the Early Years

By Caroline Hulme-McKibbin, Principal, Infant and Junior Division, The King’s School in Macclesfield

A break from the old routine In a break from the traditional Saturday Open Morning, this October, The Ryleys will be opening its doors on a Friday afternoon instead.

Headmaster Paul Berry explains the decision “The best way to see a school is when the children are in classes. You get to experience the lessons, see the children’s faces and feel the atmosphere – something that is impossible to replicate out of school hours.”

The Ryleys provides the highest standard of education in a warm, friendly, safe environment. Children can start in the popular Nursery from age 3 and continue to 11 or 13. Parents (and children) are welcome to visit and see what the school has to offer; what makes The Ryleys stand out from the rest.

The Open Afternoon is on Friday 4 October, between 2 and 4pm.

For more information call 01625 583241 or visit www.theryleys.com.

Explore Learning’s proven results An independent study into the effects of Explore Learning membership has recently been published by The University of Reading. The study tested 1,539 Explore members compared to a control group of children who did not attend Explore, and found that: - “Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group.”- “Building confidence, overcoming shyness to put up their hand to ask for help, being more independent and less reluctant to try without assistance were all elements that parents recognised in their children and directly attributed to Explore Learning.”

To read the full report, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

Many of you will have spent the summer months anticipating your child’s first day at “big school” with a mixture of anxiety and excitement.

Suddenly your 4 year old is setting out to pastures new and you will be placing trust in the professionals who will care for and nurture your child. I am certain that you will have done your research and chosen a setting to ensure that it meets your standards of how you would like your child to develop and learn as these early years at school are absolutely vital.

Parents often ask me my opinion on the most crucial year during the primary years; my unequivocal answer is Early Years Foundation Stage. Whilst learning through play is often misunderstood as putting out a few toys, it lays down an important foundation for the future. Careful planning of opportunities with a mixture of delivery styles allows for individual strategies for children; using children’s interests to plan. Children are taught how to choose and play effectively so that their learning is extended.

A wide variety of opportunities both in and outside the classroom foster independence and allow children to marvel at the awe and wonder of the world as they discover more each day.

Ofsted agrees: ‘Early Year’s provision is only as good as the quality of interaction between adults and children. The best providers

understand the importance of teaching children through their play while also giving them structures and routines which bring order and security into their lives. It is vital that very young children make good progress so that they succeed in later years. I am clear that we ignore early education and care at our peril.’ Michael Wilshaw, Chief Inspector of Ofsted, talking about inspections in Nursery World, 2 August.

The Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) project, for instance, has shown that high-quality, pre-school provision enhances children’s all round cognitive, language and social development. This is also the time that firm relationships are forged with your child’s chosen school. It is very important for your child’s teacher to build up a rapport with the parents of these very young children. You should then feel able to discuss anything throughout the year, which ultimately helps your child’s progress and development both socially and academically.

When the day arrives and you let your precious child take their first steps through the school gates give plenty of hugs, reassurance and smiles emphasising the exciting, fun activities they will enjoy. Tell them that you will be there at the end of the day to hear all they have experienced – and don’t be late for pick up time!

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 21

Back to school Header Which secondary is right for my child?

Joanna Moorhead on the 20 things you need to know when choosing ‘big school’

© Jacek Chabraszewski - Fotolia.com

1. Make your own mind up. It’s amazing how many parents never even look round a school because of what they’ve heard.

A school that doesn’t suit another family could be just right for yours.

2. Listen to your child’s feelings as well as your own. Choosing his or her primary was down to just you and your partner; but your 10 or 11-year-old deserves a say.

3. Use open days wisely. If you can, go to a daytime visit (especially to a school that seems a strong contender) because you’ll see it in working mode.

4. Nothing advertises a school like its pupils. Do they seem happy? Are they polite? If you have time, hang around in the area at home time. Are they well-behaved?

5. How about the staff – do they seem happy and fulfilled working there? Take opportunities to chat to them.

6. Listen to your instincts. If a school doesn’t feel right, move on. You don’t have to explain yourself or your reasons for doing so to anyone else (although you do, of course, need to discuss it with your child if your instincts are different).

7. Don’t get bogged down in the detail: what you’re aiming to get is a sense of the school. Does it feel happy, productive, calm? Is there a sense of order and caring? These things matter more than the nitty-gritty.

8. Think about your child’s talents and interests and ponder carefully whether they’ll be catered for. But think too about what the school offers that

might be harder to pick up at home.

We’re a family of journalists, where literacy is easier for us as parents; so I’m glad my girls went to a school that specialised in maths and science, even though these weren’t their strongest subjects.

9. Pay attention to what’s on the walls – and not just the artwork. What are children being warned about, or encouraged to do? Are there any school visits being advertised? What clubs seem to be thriving?

10. Look at the school’s league tables, but don’t pin everything on them. Read the Ofsted report too and pay particular attention to how the school has done over time. If it’s had a dip, are there signs of improvement or suggestions that it could turn round?

22 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

11. Where do pupils go on to from this school? You want to see at least some youngsters doing well academically and aiming for good courses at top universities.

12. Go to the head teacher’s talk and take your notebook. This is an important part of the event: not only do you need to pick up on the head’s attitude and values and what matters most to him or her, but you also need to pay special attention to anything that’s said about the entrance criteria. Understanding that is the crucial next stage.

13. If you like a school, do your homework about whether your child fits its entrance requirements. However much you love the school, and however much you think your child would thrive there, you’ll only get a place if you fulfil the criteria. Read the school’s entrance policy through very, very carefully. If you don’t fulfil the requirements, could you change something so you do? If not, move on: there’s no point in wasting a choice or railing against something you can’t change.

14. You’re bound to talk to other parents, and you want to talk to other parents, but don’t get pulled along by their tide. Do your own research and develop your own views: knowledge is power.

15. Keep telling yourself (because it’s true!) that there is no perfect school. Every school has strengths and weaknesses.

There’s more than one school that can be right for your child.

16. When the time comes to fill in the forms, allow yourself lots of time and do it extremely carefully.

There may be supplementary forms, and there may be complicated arrangements for giving them in (especially if you’re applying to faith schools). If you find it all too confusing, talk to your child’s primary teacher or primary head, or call the education department at your local authority.

17. Have a plan of action for what you’ll do if you don’t get the school you’re hoping for. Just having that plan will make you feel more relaxed.

18. Remember that there’s a lot of movement in the first few weeks after places are allocated, and many children get in from waiting lists.

19. Don’t underestimate how much hard work an appeal can be, or how emotionally draining. That’s not to say don’t do it: just be prepared.

20. Remember that, at the end of the day, parents make more difference to a child’s future than a school does. Even if your child doesn’t get into your first choice of school (and one in seven didn’t last year) your attitude to that could be a much bigger factor in what happens next for your child than the school itself. Have confidence, first and foremost, in your child. And believe that, together, you will work things out if and when you come up against problems.

What’s Header on Planning a little “ski-time”?

It won’t be long before we’re all shivering in our boots again, and if you’re starting to plan a family skiing trip, then bear in mind these helpful tips from Paul and Francesca Ayres of ski company Chilly Powder.

1. Don’t rush to high altitude resorts because children can sometimes get altitude sickness. It’s also unsafe for babies under the age of 1 to go up in high cable cars because of the air pressure.

2. Finding a resort with an easy, short airport transfer will be a blessing!

Also check that your airport transfer company is properly licensed and has the child car seats you’ll need.

3. While you’re on your transfer vehicle from the airport to your holiday

accommodation, try to sit as near to the front of the bus as possible – then there’s less chance of the windy roads making your children sick.

4. It’s pointless wasting money on expensive ski clothes for your children – they’ll only outgrow them by next year! Borrow what you can from friends or try TK Maxx in September and October!

5. If your children are attending ski school or childcare, make sure you sew their names into their clothes so they don’t get mixed up with others.

6. If you’re taking a pushchair to use during your holiday, take one with large wheels. Standard chairs will be impossible to push in the snow but it might be that your holiday company has a stash of them for you to borrow.

7. Don’t forget that sun block is just as important on a winter holiday as it is in the summer. Take sun block rather than spray so that you don’t have to take your gloves off to rub it in!

For more details about Chilly Powder see www.chillypowder.com

Calendar Girls in Bollington Bollington Arts Centre plays host to the Bollington Festival Players’ production of Calendar Girls this October, with performances from Tuesday 15 – Saturday 19 at 7.30pm.

This heart-warming production is based on the true story of a W.I. branch posing nude for a calendar to raise money for the local hospital where a

member’s husband died of leukaemia.

Tickets cost £9 (£8 concessions – available Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday only) and can be ordered from Jacqui Jouannet on 07841 461028 or via email: Bfptickets@hotmail.com www.bollingtonartscentre.org.uk

NCT Nearly New Sales Top quality baby and children’s clothes and equipment at bargain prices – straight from their loving owners.

Tarporley & District Sat 5 October, 1 – 3pm Tarporley Community Centre, CW6 0AY, Tarporley, CW6 0AY 07870 275121 / tarporleynns@yahoo.co.uk

Stockport Sat 16 November, 10.30am – 12pm Cheadle Hulme Methodist Church, Ramilies Avenue, Cheadle Hulme SK8 7AL 0844 243 6282 / stockportnctnearlynewsale@gmail.com

North Cheshire Sun 20 October, 12.30 – 2pm Thelwall Parish Hall, Thelwall New Road, Warrington, WA4 2SX 0844 243 6221 / northcheshirenct@yahoo.co.uk

Northwich & District Sun 17 November, 1.30 – 3pm Winnington Park Recreation Club, Park Road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 4EB 0844 243 6207 / northwichNCT@yahoo.co.uk

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY? Here’s your chance to win a Family Ticket to see Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream!

This fantastic show combines the contemporary stories of two modern day princesses, Rapunzel and Tiana, with the classic elegance of Cinderella and Snow White in a celebration of royal proportions. This year marks the 20th anniversary since Disney On Ice first performed in Manchester, and the ice spectacular will play the Manchester Arena from 16 – 20 October 2013 for nine performances.

Join your favourite Disney Princesses in a celebration of 75 years of Disney Princess stories, including two-modern day princesses, Rapunzel and Tiana; the always elegant Cinderella; and the princess who started it all, Snow White.

Laugh at Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled, as Rapunzel; her unlikely companion, Flynn; and Maximus, the Captain of the Guard’s determined horse; embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Travel to the enchanted forest with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as Snow White escapes from the Evil Queen in her search for her one true love. Watch as fanciful dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. And boogie to the beat of the bayou in a magical, musical journey that celebrates the story of The Princess and the Frog with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. All your favourite princesses take to the ice in a spectacular finale at the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime! Experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit as Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream comes to Manchester!

We’ve teamed up with Disney On Ice to offer one lucky person the chance to win a Family Ticket (admitting 4 people), to see the show at the Manchester Arena on Thursday 17 October. To be in with a chance of winning, just go to the website www.familiescheshire.co.uk and answer a simple question.

Entries close Monday 30 September.

Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream is at the Manchester Arena 16 – 20th October 2013 Tickets are priced between £13.00 and £36.00 For further ticket information, telephone 0844 847 8000 or visit www.mcr-arena.com or www.disneyonice.co.uk

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 23

What’s on

Header

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk

Sat 7 Sept

Thurs 12 Sept

Sat 21 Sept

Sat 7, 14, 21, 28 Sept

Sat 14 Sept

Sat 21 & Sun 22 Sept

MOSI, Manchester Saturday Science - Animate The chance to meet scientists and engineers working at the cutting-edge of research.

Demonstrations, fun hands-on activities and informal discussion.

0161 832 2244 / www.mosi.org.uk

IWM North Peace in the Playground 10.30am, Free. This special storytelling session follows the tale of a group of shapes who discover how much better things can be when we all get along.

Oskar’s Journey Across the Berlin Wall 2.30pm, Free. Meet charming cat puppet character Oskar and discover his tale of adventure on a journey across a divided city as he seeks out a friend on the other side of the Berlin Wall. The session uses puppets and object handling including the chance to see a real piece of the Berlin Wall.

0161 836 4000/ www.iwm.org.uk

Sun 8,15,22,29 Sept

IWM North Hotspots 2.30pm, Free. Marking International Day of Peace on 21 September, go along to the drop-in activity to make your own dove of peace using the ancient art of origami.

0161 836 4000/ www.iwm.org.uk

Sun 8 Sept

The Forum Shopping Centre, Chester Mons Parade 11am, Free, All ages. Military parade through Chester to the Cathedral for a Remembrance Service.01244 976741 / david.atkinson@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk Honford Hall, Handforth SK9 3HN Handforth Craft Fair 11am – 2pm. Great family day out with loads of stalls and children’s activities. www.facebook.com/handforthcraftfair Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Macclesfield Hike the Hill From 7.30am, Adults £12, Child (age 6 – 15) £5, Family £30. A sponsored walk in aid of East Cheshire Hospice. 3 circular route options to appeal to all. Dogs welcome, free refreshments half way. Hog roast and ice creams after completing the challenge. Please also pledge to raise £60 in sponsorship. 01625 433477 / www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/ hikethehill2013

Wed 11 – Sun 15 Sept

Winsford Salt Fair Celebrate Winsford’s Salt Heritage at various venues across the town. Reading of the historic charter, themed ‘salt walks’, visit to the salt mine competition, appearance by the Winsford Salt Queen, funfair and more. www.weavervalley.org.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford Bat Bonanza 6.45 – 8pm, £8, Age 8+. A night walk around with a ranger to see and hear the furry fliers as they hut for their evening meal.

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford Kiddy Cook 10am – 12pm, £22. Aspiring young chefs pick seasonal fruit and veg in Tatton’s walled garden with a servant from the past and then cook in the Victorian mansion to create a culinary delight to take home. Booking essential.

07976 619648 / www.kiddycook.co.uk

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sept

MOSI, Manchester MOSI 30 A party weekend celebrating MOSI’s 30th anniversary. A trail picking out stories and objects from last 30 years, cakes, prizes and a quiz. The steam engine Planet will be running visitor rides.

Demonstrations and workshops for everyone to get involved.

0161 832 2244 / www.mosi.org.uk The Water Tower & King Charles Tower, City Walls, Chester Grosvenor Museum, Chester Stretton Watermill, Farndon.

Free Heritage Open Days City Walls Towers: 11am – 4pm Museum: 10.30am – 5pm (Sat) with family activity 2 – 4pm, 1 – 4pm (Sun) Watermill: 1 – 5pm www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ visiting

Sun 15 Sept

Deva Fields Scout Hut, Poynton Pixies Cheer Family Fun Day 12 – 4pm. BBQ Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Cheerleading Displays, Raffles, Cake Stall, Tombola and more. www.pixiescheer.com

Tues 17 Sept

Manchester Museum Baby Explorers 10.30 – 11.15am, 11.30am – 12.15pm & 1 – 1.45pm, Free. Sensory play and interactive story sessions for babies who aren’t walking yet. Booking essential (a week before).

0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Wed 18 – Sun 22 Sept

Tatton Park, Knutsford Moscow State Circus Set in the mystical centre of Moscow’s cultural & artistic quarter, Park Gorkogo (Gorky Park) is the perfect back drop for undoubtedly the greatest circus artistes on earth.

0844 856 5555 / www.ticketmaster.co.uk / www.moscowstatecircus.com

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Manchester Museum Big Saturday: World Music 11am – 4pm, Free, Drop in, All ages Performances, workshops and events for the whole family celebrating Manchester’s diverse music scene! 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Tatton Park, Knutsford Harvest Festival at the Farm 12pm – 5pm, Adults £6, Child (4 – 15) £4, Normal park entry applies. See the steam engine running, have-a-go at scarecrow making, spinning, making your own corn doll and duck racing. Woodturning and clog-making demos. Harvest Blessing 2pm with the resident brass band.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Rudyard Lake Steam Railway Steam Gala Event All engines as well as visiting engines will be running.

01995 672280 / www.rlsr.org Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich Cheshire Food Festival 10.30am – 5pm, £6 (advance booking), Under 12s free. Cake-Off tasters, Men vs Food challenges, Top chef demonstrations, live music – a foodie fun day out for the whole family. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome (not allowed inside marquees). www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com/ cheshire.asp

Sun 22 Sept

Cheshire Police & Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Community Engagement Event 2013 Clemonds Hey, Oakmere Road Winsford CW7 2UA 11am – 4pm, Free, All Ages. Find out more about the work of the emergency services.

01606 365441 / www.cheshirepolice.uk Mollington Banastre Hotel & Spa Parkgate Road Chester CH1 6NN Cake Off and Autumn Fair 10am – 1pm, £2 per category, All ages If you’re passionate about baking and would like to test your skills, join the Hospice of the Good Shepherd for their first ever Hospice Cake Off! The overall winner will receive a selection of prizes including a class for you and 5 friends at the Enchanted Cake School.

01244 851811 / www.hospiceofthegoodshepherd.com

Fri 26 Sept – Mon 7 Oct

Manchester Manchester Food & Drink Festival An urban food and drink festival that takes over as much of the City Centre and surrounding districts of Greater Manchester as possible, with a huge programme of events taking place, both indoor and outdoor. www.foodanddrinkfestival.com

Fri 27 Sept

Manchester Museum Magic Carpet 10.30 – 11.30am, 11.30am – 12.30pm Storytelling and activity session for under 5s and their families/carers. Booking essential (a week before). 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Sat 28 & Sun 29 Sept

Stretton Watermill, Farndon Victorian Harvest Weekend 12 – 5pm, Mill tour Adult £2, Child 75p Celebrate a traditional harvest with activities including butter making, apple pressing and straw dolly making. Enjoy live performances of traditional music and a taste of some harvest recipes. Free drop in activities. www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/visiting Little Moreton Hall, Congleton The Tudor Mop Fair 11am – 5pm, Free (normal admission applies). Michaelmas was traditionally the time for hiring servants and labour for the year ahead. See what trade you might have been hired for during the mop fair. The Tudor and Stuarts Living History Society will be at the hall for the weekend. 01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Autumn Fair 11am – 4pm, Free (normal admission applies) A weekend of activities for all the family, including the chance to celebrate autumn with local food and crafts. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

Sun 29 Sept

Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre Nature Needs You 11am – 2pm, all ages (children must be accompanied). Join Macclesfield RSPB Wildlife Explorers to find out how you can help the wild birds, mammals and invertebrates that visit your garden. Lots of wildlife advice and practical activities including making pastry worms and seed bombs! 07870 804413 / www.macclesfieldrspb.org.uk

Tues 24 Sept

People’s History Museum, Manchester Under the Rainbow 11am – 12pm, £1 per child, Under 5s Fun interactive story session with puppets, song, dance and a craft activity.

Booking advised.

0161 838 9190 / www.phm.org.uk

Throughout October

Manchester Literature Festival A number of events in different venues across the city aimed to inspire a new generation of book lovers. www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk

Remember to check online regularly for more listings – as not all event information is available at the time of going to print. www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Tues 1 & 15 Oct

Manchester Museum Baby Explorers 10.30 – 11.15am, 11.30am – 12.15pm & 1 – 1.45pm, Free. Sensory play and interactive story sessions for babies who aren’t walking yet. Booking essential (a week before).

0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Sat 5 Oct

Marbury Hall Nurseries, Marbury Park Fungi Fun 10.30am – 2.30pm, Adult £3, Child £1, All ages Have fun finding fungi in the forest at Marshall’s Arm! Please bring a packed lunch and drink. Booking advisable.

07719 600224 / www.marshallsarm.org.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford Kiddy Cook – National Apple Day 10am – 12pm, £22. To celebrate National Apple Day, Aspiring young chefs pick apples, seasonal fruit and veg in Tatton’s walled garden with a servant from the past and then cook in the Victorian mansion to create a culinary delight to take home. Booking essential.

07976 619648 / www.kiddycook.co.uk Honford Hall, Handforth SK9 3HN Handforth Craft Fair 11am – 2pm. Great family day out with loads of stalls and children’s activities. www.facebook.com/handforthcraftfair

Fri 11 & Sat 12 Oct

MOSI, Manchester Saturday Science - Think, Build, Create The chance to meet scientists and engineers working at the cutting-edge of research.

Demonstrations, fun hands-on activities and informal discussion.

0161 832 2244 / www.mosi.org.uk

All Saints’ Church, Stewart Street, Crewe CW2 8XL Arts Fest 10am - 6pm, Adult £1, Child 50p. Drama, Music, Fine Arts, Crafts, Workshops, Demonstrations, Refreshments and lots more! In aid of St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice and All Saints’ Church. www.allsaintscrewe.org.uk

Sat 5 & Sun 6 Oct

Sun 13 Oct

Manchester Museum Grandparents Weekend Activities 11am – 4pm, Free, Drop in Saturday: Be amazed and inspired by the magnificent variety of animals, insects and fossils on display throughout the Museum.

Create junk model creatures.

Sunday: Enjoy drawing den drop-in activities in the museum’s Discovery Centre.

0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Tues 15, Wed 16 & Tues 22 Oct

Tatton Park, Knutsford The Crafts & Gift Fair 10.30am – 5pm, Normal park entry applies.

A wide range of exhibitors including traditional crafts plus gifts, retailers and food producers.

01530 834056 / www.countrywide-events.co.uk

Capesthorne Hall, Siddington Craft, Gift & Food Fair 10am – 5pm, £3 (also gives access to gardens and chapel), £2 Hall entry. Free for all accompanied under 16s.

01625 861221 / www.capesthorne.com East Lancashire Railway, Bury Day out with Thomas™ 9am – 3.45pm, Grand opening ceremony by the Fat Controller at 9.45am. Adult £16, Child (3+) £8, Family (2 adults, 3 children) £40 Ticket includes face painting, balloon modelling, circus workshop, a ride on the little blue engine himself and more.

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sun 6 Oct

Tatton Park, Knutsford National Apple Day Normal opening times and park entry applies.

A scrumptious Sunday at the Farm and in the Gardens to celebrate the wonderful apple. Join in games and children’s activities. Apple goods on sale in the shops and restaurant.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

What’s on

Manchester Museum Little Red Hen 2 – 3pm, £4, Age 2 – 5. The Puppetellers present the much loved classic tale of The Little Red Hen – an intimate interactive storytelling piece with puppetry, song and live music. Join in with the story and lend a hand in making a most delicious loaf of bread! Part of the Manchester Literature Festival. Booking essential.

0843 208 0500 / www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk

Tatton Park, Knutsford Autumn Deer Walk 4 – 6pm, £8, Age 8+. Triggered by shortening daylight hours and cooler weather, the rut marks the time of year when male deer compete to mate with females resulting in much posturing, bellowing and wallowing. Booking essential.

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fri 18 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Across Greater Manchester/Cheshire Family Arts Festival Eye-boggling arts for all the family at various venues across the region. www.familyartsfestival.com Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester Big Imaginations Children’s Theatre Festival A delightfully diverse range of productions created specifically for children. www.z-arts.org/big-imaginations

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What’s on Sat 19 Oct

Tatton Park, Knutsford Willow Weaving: 3D Witches and Fairies 10am - 4pm, £60. Join Sarah Gallagher Hayes, willow sculptor and artist and receive expert tuition to create your own beautiful willow sculptures. Suitable for adults and children.

07889 507348 / twigtwisters@aol.com / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 19 – Sun 27 Oct

Tatton Park, Knutsford Solve the Mansion Mystery Week!

Normal opening times and park entry applies.

Don your deerstalker, pick up your magnifying glass and solve the case of the missing Mansion treasure. Follow a trail of clues, sharpening your detective skills as you go, but be wary of dead ends! Steel yourself for some surprises along the way. A fun, family quiz throughout the week.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Beeston Castle, Beeston Spooky Halloween Trail 10am – 5pm, normal admission applies. Are you brave enough to take on the challenge of our spooky trail this Halloween? Find the creepy clues hidden around the castle grounds and solve the challenge to win a terrible treat!

0870 333 1181 / www.english-heritage.org.uk

Sat 19 – Thurs 31 Oct

Blakemere Village & surrounds, Sandiway – Tarporley Scarecrow Trail Pick up a trail form and follow the scarecrow trail around Blakemere Village and along the A49 into the village of Tarporley. Collect the names of each scarecrow as you travel around, return your completed forms to Blakemere and be in with the chance of winning some fantastic prizes. 01606 883261 / www.visitblakemere.co.uk

Sat 19 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Tatton Park, Knutsford Ghosts in the Garden Normal opening times and park entry applies.

Go ghost hunting in the gardens this half term but be prepared to be (slightly) scared as you track them down. Spooky story telling in the eerie Tower Garden at weekends.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sun 20 Oct

Marbury Country Park Family Walk 1.30pm, starting from the car park at Marbury Country Park. A short walk for families with children with activities to investigate the environment. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Contact Christine Masson on 01565 633235 / 07828 942631

Mon 21 – Wed 23 Oct

Grosvenor Garden Centre, Belgrave, Chester Spooky Storytime 4.30 – 5.30pm. Join us for a spooky storytime with The Flintshire Storytellers this half term and enjoy a mildly spooky story brought to life while you enjoy refreshments - don’t forget to dress up! 01244 625200 / www.grosvenorgardencentre.co.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk

Mon 21 – Fri 25 Oct

Delamere Forest Halloween Trail All day, £1 per sheet. Pick up a sheet and pencil from the forest classroom and walk around the forest on the Halloween hunt.

Children must be accompanied.

07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Autumn Spooktacular at the Mill 12 – 4pm, Free (normal admission applies) Make yourself a beastly badge at this free craft activity and follow the Halloween trail through the Mill. 50p per trail. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield October Half Term - COMETS! 11.30, 12.30, 2.30 & 3.30pm, Booking essential.

Come and find out what a comet is, where they come from and watch us make our own in our interactive show! 01477 571 766 / www.jodrellbank.net/families

Mon 21, Wed 23 & Fri 25 Sept

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Family Funghi Walks 10am – 4pm, Adult £10, Child £5, 50p booking fee and normal admission applies. Have some fun-gi in Styal woods and learn lots about what to look for. Followed by mushroom soup and a traybake. 01625 445 845 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

Wed 23 Oct

Riverside Park Ranger Centre, Macclesfield Halloween crafts Ages 5 – 9 (must be accompanied). A hands-on workshop to make ‘Halloween themed’ crafts and decorations with natural materials. Booking essential.

01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Wed 23 & Thurs 24 Oct

Weaver Hall Museum, Northwich Fabulous Fossils Visit the fossils exhibition then make your own fossil to take away and a miniature dinosaur too!

01606 271640 / www.cheshirewestmuseums.org

Wed 23 & Wed 30 Oct

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Wild Wednesday Workshop 12 – 4pm, Free (normal admission applies) Meet a creepy creature and have a go at some ‘spooky science’! 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

Wed 23 – Sun 27 Oct & Wed 30 Oct – Fri 1 Nov

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton Hallowtide 11am – 4pm, Free (normal admission applies). For Tudors, Halloween was about the souls of the dead. Discover the origins of trick or treating, and listen to some spooky stories. Make a charm to take home or have a go at an apple game.

01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall

26 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Thurs 24 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Various Locations Manchester Science Festival 10am – 4pm, Free (some special events will be ticketed and priced). Part laboratory, part playground. Get involved and see the wonders of science – sponsored and organised through the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). www.manchestersciencefestival.com

Thurs 24 & Fri 25 Oct

Delamere Forest Pumpkin carving and broomsticks 10am – 12pm or 1 – 3pm, £5 per child (must be accompanied). Join us to carve your pumpkins for Halloween this year and make a witches broom from forest materials. Booking essential.

07808 506308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk Macclesfield Silk Museum Children’s Craft Club: Harvest Time 10am - 12 noon, £6, Booking essential. Make 3D harvest mice, badgers and watervoles from a variety of materials.£6 per child.10am-12noon 01625 612045 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Thurs 24 – Thurs 31 Oct

Tatton Park, Knutsford Halloween Hauntings at the Old Hall 12 – 5pm, Adult £6, Child £4.50, Family £17, Normal park entry applies. Visit the Horrendously Haunted Old Hall. Solve the Horrible History Mystery and Quiz. Story telling, Face Painting and Mask Making (small charge).

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fri 25 Oct

Manchester Museum Magic Carpet 10.30 – 11.30am, 11.30am – 12.30pm.

Storytelling and activity session for under 5s and their families/carers. Booking essential (a week before). 0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Sat 26 Oct

Manchester Museum Big Saturday: World of Frogs 11am – 4pm, Free, Drop in, All ages. Hop along to Manchester Museum for a mind and eye boggling day of Family Arts Festival fun, celebrating the re-opening of the Museum’s Vivarium (Live Animals) gallery. Part of the Manchester Science Festival and the Family Arts Festival.

0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum Churnet Valley Railway The Ghost Train This ghostly Halloween fright night is a favourite for all the family. An evening of fun, laughter and a few squeals with spooktacular entertainment including a train ride through the Haunted Tunnel to Draculas Lair. 01538 750755 / www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Spooky Tours 9.30 – 9.30pm (tour every 15 mins), £7, Booking Essential, Age 12+. Join us if you dare for a ghostly and haunting trip through the Mill.

01625 445 845 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

Sat 26 & Sun 27 Oct

Tatton Park, Knutsford Christmas Shopping Fair 10.30am – 5pm, Normal park entry applies.

An early chance to look for those special Christmas gifts for all the family and ideas for presents not usually found in High Street shops. 01530 834056 / www.countrywide-events.co.uk

Sat 26 – Thurs 31 Oct

IWM North Family Art Fest Daily, Free. Explore the collections in a week of art themed activities and take part in The Big Draw. Which object would you choose to show tomorrow’s museum visitors? A jump jet, a dog made out of blanket? See if you can spot the silent masked artist character as he sketches his way around the museum. Bring your own drawing materials or join one of the creative sessions to have a go.

0161 836 4000/ www.iwm.org.uk

Sat 26 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

People’s History Museum, Manchester The Big Build craft table 10am – 5pm Free, Drop in, All ages A week-long build of a mini future city in 3D. Imagine the sort of Manchester you’d like to live in and draw your own miniature model.

0161 838 9190 / www.phm.org.uk

Sun 27 Oct

Tatton Park, Knutsford Fungal Punk Fungus Foray 11am – 3pm, Adult £7.50, Child £3.50. Join fungus expert Fungal Punk Dave on a guided walk of Tatton’s Parkland. Young or old, two or four-legged, all are welcome on this fun and unique walk, where you will discover a great deal about the mysterious fungal world. Bring a packed lunch.

01625 374428 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Riverside Park Ranger Centre, Macclesfield Halloween Happenings Bring pumpkin, knife and nightlight for a lantern walk down the Park. Seasonal crafts and activities. Spooky dress optional. Suitable for under 10s. Booking essential.

01625 374790 / www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Mon 28 & Thurs 31 Oct

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Family Rut Walks 11am – 4pm, Free (normal admission applies) Bellows and battles; the autumn rituals of Dunham’s deer revealed. Normal admission charges apply. Limited places, collect a timed token from the Ticket Office on the day.

0161 941 1025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Mon 28 Oct – Fri 1 Nov

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Autumn Spooktacular at the Mill 12 – 4pm, Free (normal admission applies).

Make yourself a beastly badge at this free craft activity and follow the Halloween trail through the Mill. 50p per trail.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill

Remember to check online regularly for more listings – as not all event information is available at the time of going to print. www.familiescheshire.co.uk

The Lowry, Salford (The Studio) Half Term Little Artists: Underwater 11am – 12.30pm, £3.50, Age 5 - 11. Dive deep underwater and cross the oceans to explore far off lands with the Snail and the Whale. Make your own sea-life puppets and buried treasure chests out of recycled materials to take home.

Half Term Little Actors: At Sea! 11am – 12.30pm, £3.50, Age 2½ – 4½.

Journey on a spectacular adventure across the seas in this fun-filled workshop inspired by your favourite stories. Using drama games and classic characters to explore the unlikeliest of friendships, can you save the day when disaster strikes?

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield October Half Term - COMETS! 11.30, 12.30, 2.30 & 3.30pm, Booking essential Come and find out what a comet is, where they come from and watch us make our own in our interactive show! 01477 571 766 / www.jodrellbank.net/families

Mon 28 – Sun 3 Nov

Manchester Museum October Half Term 11am – 4pm, Free, Drop in. Discover more about the science behind the colour of animals and create colourful creatures. Take part in loads of Manchester Science Festival activities, including the Science Spectacular on Sat 2 Nov, 11am – 3pm. Part of the Family Arts Festival.

0161 275 2648 / www.manchester.ac.uk/museum

Tues 29 Oct

NT yard, Alderley Edge Spooky Trip Down the Mines!!!

7 – 9.30pm, £7, Age 6+ (must be accompanied).

Join Derbyshire Caving Club for a Halloween tour of underground Alderley Edge. Fancy dress but it may get dirty due to the nature of the mines.

Some ladder climbing and crawling involved.

Booking and advance payment essential.

01625 374833 / www.eventbrite.co.uk

Thurs 31 Oct

People’s History Museum, Manchester Living History performance: Slavery & Suffrage – William Cuffay’s Story.

1.15 – 2pm, Free, Age 7+ A performance

What’s on exploring the horrors of the slave trade and how it fuelled the Industrial Revolution. Meet William Cuffay, son of a freed slave, who became a Chartist leader and campaigned for the right to vote.

Celebrating Black History Month.

0161 838 9190 / www.phm.org.uk

People’s History Museum, Manchester The Little People’s History Museum – Mr Ordinary’s Prize 11am – 12pm, £1 per child, Under 5s. Fun interactive story session with puppets, song, dance and a craft activity. Booking advised.

0161 838 9190 / www.phm.org.uk

Wed 30 Oct

People’s History Museum, Manchester Draw Tomorrow’s Manchester 1.30 – 3.30pm, Free, All ages. This year’s Big Draw theme is ‘Draw Tomorrow’. Help construct a vision of future Manchester on the floor of the museum and this artist-led session.

0161 838 9190 / www.phm.org.uk Manchester Jewish Museum Get Arty with the “School of Paris” 1 – 3.30pm, Free. Let the kids find inspiration in the current exhibition “Chagall, Soutine and the School of Paris” and create their own works of art. Materials are provided and you won’t be the ones clearing up at the end!! 0161 834 9879 / www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com

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