Families Cheshire Issue 13 Sept-Oct 11

Edition 13 • September/October 2011

FREE

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

®

In this issue >Back to school special >Out of school clubs & classes >Mothers’ guilt - go on, hang up your halo!

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

Locally speaking

Inclusion in our locally speaking section is always FREE get in touch: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk

Channel 4 Looking for Step Families in the Manchester Area

Welcome Hooray! It’s back to school and we’ll finally be able to find a bit of time to catch up with the myriad of tasks that we just couldn’t get to do over summer.

For those of you with children starting nursery/reception/secondary school – it’s a scary but exciting and emotional time we know! Our Back To School feature has some good advice for you on what to expect.

A new Channel 4 documentary series celebrating the many stages of love will examine the experiences of stepfamilies in the Manchester area.

Aiming to shed light on the universal joys of love, this film will celebrate the process of bringing two families together for the first time.

If you and your partner are merging two young families to create a new one,

Dinosaur Keepers start work at Chester Zoo

With the start of the new school year, it’s also the time to look at various out of school clubs and classes – and there are some great ones available in our area. Not only for school-going children of course, but for babies and toddlers too.

And do make sure you read “Mothers’ Guilt” on page 16 – we found it enlightening and oh so true. We’re the first to hold up our hands and declare that we’re not perfect (as much as we expect our husbands to believe we are). But our kids still believe we’re “the best mummy in the world” – so we must be doing something right!

Till next time

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

In this issue 02: Locally speaking 06: Back to school 14: Parents’ place

Next issue: November/December 2011.

Circulation: 25,000 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, PO Box 581, Macclesfield, SK10 9FN Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiescheshire.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, out & about: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover photograph by: teneight, Fence House, 84 Buxton Road, Macclesfield SK10 1JS. Tel: 01625 500 488 www.teneightstudios.co.uk

17: Baby & toddler 20: Clubs & classes 25: What’s on

Design: Through Creative, The Old School, Byron Street, Macclesfield SK11 7QA. Tel: 01625 500 939 www.throughcreative.com 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.

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.

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The Garden Productions would love to hear your story.

From the team that brought you the BAFTA award-winning series One Born Every Minute and 24 Hours in A&E on Channel 4, this new series about love will “reflect relationships throughout a lifetime – from first kiss to final farewell and everything else in between,” says Emma Tutty of The Garden Productions.

“Across the generations, we will explore what it really means to be in love.”

For more information, please email love@thegardenproductions.tv or call The Garden on 020 3465 9060. Calling does not oblige you to take part in the series.

And the T-reX Factor winners are…

Jess Thomas, Lauren Lochrie and Rosie Barcas.

The trio have been appointed as the new ‘dinosaur keepers’ at Chester Zoo, beating off competition from a host of other applicants to earn the task of looking after 13 life-size animatronic dinosaurs that feature in the zoo’s Dinosaurs at Large! exhibition.

Jess Thomas, a 28-year-old qualified teacher, said: “As occupational hazards go, they don’t get much worse than coming face to face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex every day. But, I’ve had scarier work colleagues and bosses in the past so I’m sure I’ll be able to handle it.”

As well as being on-hand to teach visitors

all about the pre-historic creatures, the dinosaur keepers are tasked with performing regular ‘health’ checks on them.

Jess added: “I suppose, in terms of caring for them, it’s a little bit like being a keeper of most of the other animals here. The biggest difference is, we feed our dinosaurs compressed air rather than fruit, veg and meat!”

Stephen McKeown, the zoo’s Head of Discovery and Learning, was part of the recruitment team. He said: “We’re pretty sure it’s the first time anyone has advertised for Dinosaur Keepers and so the interest came from far and wide and from people of all ages. You could say these jobs have been 65 million years in the making, so the girls that have deservedly got them are unsurprisingly, very excited.”

Dinosaurs at Large! is open until Oct 8 and entry is free with normal zoo admission.

Visitors go on an adventure through a pre-historic park and encounter 13 life-sized and incredibly realistic animatronic dinosaurs on the way. It’s the first time ever that these dinos, from America, have been in a zoo in UK.

Mother’s Instinct Baby & Toddler show – FREE ENTRY! Don’t forget to join us at the Mother’s Instinct Baby & Toddler show at The Waterside Hotel in Didsbury (M20 5WZ) on Sunday 11 September from 12noon till 5pm.

It’s guaranteed to be a great afternoon jam-packed with entertainment and displays for both

children and parents. There’ll be stalls from retailers and nurseries, kiddie clubs and classes, with special show day offers and competitions. Entry is free and open to all – do come along and say hello!

Locally speaking Vernon’s Charity Fun Day

As part of a business enterprise initiative, Year 6 pupils at Vernon Primary School in Poynton raised an impressive £521 from their charity fun day at the end of the last school year.

The pupils had to set up their own small business and develop it over a period of months before putting it to a money raising test on the fun day. The children also had

to bid for which charities they wanted the funds to go to. The three charities selected were Manchester Children’s Hospital, Endangered Animals and Cancer Research and all have been given a share of the total funds raised.

At a special school assembly, a giant cheque was presented to Angela Harris of Manchester Children’s Hospital, who also talked to the children about the work carried out there. Angela said “I was delighted to be contacted by the school and to hear about the Year 6 fund raising. It has been a pleasure to come along and meet the pupils and to be able to share with them how their donation can be of benefit to us.”

Luxury fun filled children’s entertainment for boys and girls With an abundance of options available when looking for a children’s entertainer, it can sometimes turn into quite a mind boggling process to pick an individual entertainment package – from craft activities, action packed games or a pony or two in the garden – which option would appeal the most?

Well, at Once Upon A Pony, children get the opportunity to combine all these activities into the ultimate party or entertainment experience at your home or chosen venue. With all parties and activity visits hosted by a fully qualified early years practitioner, you can sit back and relax, while the children are captivated with a great range of individual and team games, craft activities and the most gentle and endearing ponies to ride, groom and pamper. Every child in attendance at a Once Upon A Pony event will experience plenty of individual attention and

encouragement to ensure they’re made to feel completely at ease and truly special.

In addition to providing a full entertainment package, your outdoor space can be transformed into an enchanting party backdrop, with beautifully decorated gazebos, fabric bunting, garlands, balloons, bubbles and pretty accessories all supplied and erected so all that you need to do is provide the food and watch as the children participate in a day that will provide lasting treasured memories.

So, if you’re looking for something extra special to entertain your child and their guests at a forthcoming birthday/garden party or would like to share an activity visit with a group of friends, Once Upon A Pony will ensure all your needs are perfectly met. Visit their website at www.onceuponapony.co.uk or call 07575 971375 to discuss your personal requirements.

Leading Nanny agency throughout Cheshire and North West • A range of full and part-time childcare services including, nannies, live in/out, babysitting, maternity nannies, emergency care, mothers help, housekeepers & special needs nannies.

• All candidates are thoroughly vetted, interviewed and reference checked • Home visits, to enable us to fully understand your requirements

Tel: 01925 768188 or 07766 290802 Email: support@nannyplus.co.uk www.nannyplus.co.uk

Achieving the difference...

Marlborough Car Boot Sale The Marlborough Primary School in Tytherington, Macclesfield (SK10 2HJ) is hosting its next car boot sale on 16 October from 11am to 1pm. Pitches cost just £5 and can be booked by calling Debbie on 07702 171612. With the kids back at school, now’s the perfect time for a good clear out!

Once Upon A Pony Bespoke Pony Parties and Miniature Ponies for Every Occasion enquiries@onceuponapony.co.uk Tel: 07575 971375

www.onceuponapony.co.uk www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 3

Locally speaking The coat to last all seasons

Polarn O. Pyret of Sweden has cracked the dilemma for parents everywhere this autumn. The coat solution that can handle warm, windy, raining, snowing and freezing.

How? Flexible, lightweight, high-tec layers that are waterproof, windproof and most importantly for active children... breathable.

The windproof, water resistant soft

fleece jacket fixes into the shell jacket when winter weather arrives. The thumbholes stop sleeves riding up... and kids just love these!

Their philosophy has not changed for over 35 years – children need clothes they can play in and parents need hard wearing coats that look good, feel good and will last all year from September through to summer showers.

Wind and water resistant Fleece Jacket sells from £35. Water and Windproof Coat sells from £59.

Find Polarn O. Pyret in House of Fraser, Manchester or online at www.polarnopyret.co.uk

The Caterpillar Garden at Heyday Pre-School

Heyday Pre-School, located on Water Street in Bollington is soon set to enjoy a lovely new garden area for the children to play in.

The pre-school is located within an old school building which is also shared with other users. The outside area is also shared which has resulted in the past in oil spills and mess left from people out dog walking. As a result the area had become unsafe for the children. An appeal was made to Cheshire East Council which resulted in an area being fenced off for use of the pre-school only.

The proposed ‘Caterpillar Garden’ will include a soft play area; a small sensory garden and various painted shapes on the ground to encourage traditional games such

as hop scotch/number games etc. A series of brightly coloured circles will be created using various floor finishes and surrounded by simple troughs containing shrubs, herbs and seasonal flowers. Each circle will provide a different agenda, for instance bright green astro-turf for sitting and improving motor skills and active play for the younger children, with other coloured circles painted directly on to the floor to encourage active play for the older children.

Children and their families will be engaged in the planning, developing (planting and cultivating) and maintaining of this outdoor play area and the ‘Caterpillar Garden’ will provide a strong curriculum theme for the Pre School, documented by photographs; sketches and anecdotes using children and their families’ own words.

The main cost so far has been the safe guarding of the environment for the children.

Heyday had to spend £1,500 to get a fence properly erected to Ofsted regulations.

Research continues in obtaining pricing for the furnishings including the soft play.

A-maizing Wild West Maize Maze higher than ever!

Red House Farm’s Maize Maze is still open for family fun! The Maze covers more than six acres of field and has been created by cutting a design out of maize or corn in the shape of a 75 metre tall cowboy on a horse. It also hosts a laserquest game – or Mazerquest as it’s been dubbed!

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The amazing Maize Maze is just one of many unique attractions at the farm which sits in the heart of Dunham Massey, just a few minutes from Altrincham, Hale, Bowdon or Sale and just a few miles from the M56 and M6.

Owned and run by the Clare family for over 100 years the farm is simply a great relaxed fun day out in the country with something for visitors of all ages.

Jonny Hewitt, the farm’s Director of Fun, comments: “Families today spend so much time being busy at work or school or rushing from one activity or appointment to the next. What we’re able to give children and their parents is an opportunity to slow down, have fun in a safe environment, take pleasure from playing, get grubby and just enjoy the pace and quality of life on a real, working farm. We want to become the neighbourhood farm for families in Manchester and Cheshire, whether they want to pop in for a slice of cake and a cuppa, to get lost in the Maze or just to fill their lungs with a bit of fresh farm air!”

Admission to Red House Farm is £6.50 per day for adults and children and £3 for children aged 2 – 4. Children under 2 are free.

Locally speaking New Children’s Therapy Centre

Great Budworth CE Primary School welcomed to London 2012’s Get Set network

Mosaic Children’s Therapy Centre, based in Davenham, Northwich, is an independent Occupational Therapy assessment and treatment service designed for children and young people with additional needs. It provides support for children with a range of difficulties from sensory processing and autism to developmental coordination disorder.

An in depth evaluation is used to determine the root cause of a child’s difficulty, using standardised assessments, observation and clinical judgement. Take the complicated task of handwriting; is the difficulty due to insufficient postural stability, spatial awareness, control of muscles in the hand or something else?

Specific activities are then designed to assist individual children to maximise their skills with daily activities. This may be anything from riding a bike, coping with organisation in school, making a simple meal to getting dressed.

For further information please contact Kathryn on 01606 40195, or take a look at the website mosaicchildrenstherapy.co.uk

Pupils and teachers at Great Budworth CE Primary School celebrated recently when they were officially welcomed in to London 2012’s Get Set network, in recognition of their commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Values.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) awarded the school a plaque and certificate to acknowledge their involvement in the London 2012 education programme. They are now a part of an active London 2012 community of schools and colleges across the UK - the Get Set network and will receive access to exclusive competitions and 2012 Games related opportunities over the coming years.

Chris Story from the Vale Royal Schools Sports Partnership said: ‘This is an excellent example of how London 2012 is helping to spark young people’s imagination and inspiring them to get involved and make a difference. They have clearly demonstrated that London 2012’s education programme extends far beyond PE and sport and I hope they will motivate other young people to join their journey.’

Sebastian Coe, chairman of LOCOG, said: “I am proud to welcome Great Budworth CE Primary School into the Get Set network for their exciting work around the Olympic Values of friendship, excellence and respect and the Paralympic Values of inspiration, courage, determination and equality.”

Great Budworth Primary and Pre-School is holding an open day on 5 October.

Meet with the Headteacher and members of staff and see pupils at this lovely local school at work in their classrooms.

Retro Party Bags The Just So Festival – just so from Bah Humbugs wonderful! Byrony Pearce experienced this annual festival weekend.

Tamsin’s Toys Tamsin’s Toys is an exciting new sewing business recently founded by local mum and solicitor turned seamstress Tamsin Morris. Based in Cheadle, Tamsin has designed a gorgeous range of patchwork comforters, bandana bibs, quilts and personalised bunting. Tamsin’s Toys products are eco-friendly, using repurposed and vintage fabric, to ensure that your child has a unique and stylish look.

Tamsin also makes beautiful memory quilts, taking your cherished but outgrown baby clothes and turning them into a unique quilt for your child to treasure as they grow. Tamsin’s personalised mini-bunting, made to order, is the perfect new baby or christening gift.

Products are stocked at Glo Family in Cheadle, Millymog in West Didsbury, Ten Little Monkeys in Wilmslow and Bewitched in Davenport, or you can find out more and order online at www.tamsinstoys.com

Mrs Sandra Finney, Headteacher said: “We are excited about London 2012 as this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to become involved in the Olympic Games in our country.

Sharing in the excitement of the Games could inspire some of our children to take their sport further with the desire to one day become Olympic Champions themselves. We would also like to use the opportunity to learn some life skills whilst looking at how a country hosts such a massive event.”

Children’s party bags have been around for generations, but they have moved on from the traditional piece of cake and balloon.

Today a decent party bag is a must for all children’s parties and parents are becoming more and more competitive with what they give! Bah Humbugs has stepped in to help parents who have little time to source treats to fill the bags. With a wide range for varied budgets (from £2.99 to £6.99), bags can be ordered easily online from www.bahhumbugs.com We recently sampled the delights of a Mega Retro Sweet Party Bag (£2.99) which contains Popping Candy, Double Dip Sherbet, Finger of Fudge, Refreshers, Black Jacks, Fruit Salads, Candy Whistle, Double Lolly, Fruit Lolly, Mini Love Hearts, Drumstick Lolly, Fizzers, Parma Violets and a Candy Necklace. Presented in a simple silver card bag this is definitely a stylish and tasty way to end a party.

The Just-So-Festival is in Barnswood, near Leek. We had a day ticket last year; and booked a camping ticket this time.

A week before, I remembered I hate camping. Sure enough, it took us four hours to pitch the tent (going home to get another tent), our two year old ‘helping’ by chasing his sister with the mallet and muttering ‘hammer, hammer, hammer’ under his breath.

However, once we left our glade and found the festival, sprawled over clearings and crannies, the kids were in heaven and Maisie and Riley immediately (and delightedly) tracked the fairy queen down the ‘rainbow trail’.

Over three days we did…

Story writing, Hula-hooping, outlaw training, lantern making, rocket launching, book signing, disco dancing, hide-and-seek, sandcastle making, donkey riding, bear-hunting, Gruffalo catching, wheel-barrow racing,

choral lullabies, drumming, dressing up, cat-walking, bug hunting, Elmer spotting, ambushing, game playing, picnicking, capoeira and painting …

We took in a photography class, two puppet shows (my favourite, the stunningly ethereal Flyaway Katie), a comedian and a duo talking and rapping about the solar system (fascinated Maisie for two hours) …

And there was much more we didn’t get round to, including the bands. After settling on our blanket, the first chord rang out and both children clapped their hands over their ears. Maisie announced she might like that kind of music ‘when you’re 100, mummy’.

Would I recommend Just-So? Well, on Sunday we had two children who ‘never wanted to go home’.

And I might even camp again.

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 5

Back to school Moving on up!

A new school year and it’s not just the children who have things to learn.

Sarah Ebner takes a look.

As your child moves up the school, they (and you!) will face all sorts of different issues. Unfortunately I don’t have enough space here to go through them all, but here are three which I’m pretty sure you’ll encounter...

Homework You’ll soon look back upon the days of reading books and learning individual letters as a halcyon time. And if you’re anything like me, you might find that homework is taking up far too much of your – and your child’s – time.

The Government is keen to promote homework and offers specific guidelines.

These suggest an hour a week for Years 1 and 2, one and a half hours a week for Years 3 and 4, and 30 minutes a day for Years 5 and 6.

The idea behind homework is that it builds on what children have learnt at school. The aim is to help learning and encourage children to study on their own and be selfdisciplined. It’s not supposed to rely on parents teaching their children new concepts.

But for pupils, homework can become a

My Jolly Phonics Jolly Learning, publisher of the Jolly Phonics resources for school and home have recently released the ‘My Jolly Phonics Home Kit’, a fantastic collection of fun, multisensory resources to help parents support their child in learning to read and write at home. The extensive set of materials is easy to use and is particularly useful for children at the early stages of reading and writing (age 3+).

real burden, and doesn’t actually seem to enhance learning a great deal. It’s worth noting that there’s no definite link between homework and student achievement. In fact, for primary school children, there appears to be no link at all. A review of 75 years’ worth of studies by the University of London’s Institute of Education found that the benefits were negligible.

As a child moves up the school, I think homework can help with exam preparation and possibly time-management skills. But I’m not convinced that children need so much of it. However, the reality is that homework does exist, so here are some tips to ease the pain: 1) Find somewhere quiet to do it – not in front of the TV or around loud younger siblings.

2) Set up a workstation – a desk or table rather than the floor.

3) Don’t do it too late – your child, and you, shouldn’t do homework when you’re too tired.

4) Don’t help if you don’t know – it’s confusing if you offer help with maths, but don’t know the methods your child uses.

5) If all else fails, offer bribes – for instance, tell them they can play on the computer only after they’ve finished.

Sport at school You may notice that your child plays a lot

The kit contains 7 activity books, a DVD, a games CD, an audio CD of songs with a song book, Jolly Stories book, letter and sound poster and coloured pencils. All of this comes in a bright canvas case that is attractive and easy to carry.

We tested the kit out on Lily, age 5, and Izzy, age 3…

The CD was a real pleaser and was played over and over on car journeys. Lily knew all the songs from school already so it kept

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less school sport than you used to. PE is part of the National Curriculum, but not a big part. In Key Stage 1, children will take part in some combination of dance, games and gymnastics twice a week, but dancing to nursery rhymes never really appealed to my daughter. In Key Stage 2, they continue with these, but add in athletics, ‘outdoor pursuits’ or swimming (still across only two sessions a week).

One major problem is that lots of schools don’t have sporting facilities and playing fields have been sold off (private schools tend to have much better facilities). Many teachers no longer want to spend their free time coaching sport, and, unfortunately, sporty kids tend to play their sports at clubs outside school (or ironically, in after-school clubs on school premises, but run by other people).

Do encourage your child to play sport, in or outside school, as it will set them up for life. And take heart: the revised curriculum recently announced by the Government promised an element of competitive sport.

The next step: secondary schools It’s vital for you to start thinking about secondary schools before your child enters Year 6. So, you need to look up OFSTED reports, find out about schools near you and speak to local parents.

There may be all sorts of application criteria which you need to address a year or

so ahead (for faith schools, for example), and if you’re choosing a school which selects its pupils in some way (either academically or in a particular area such as music) you might want to think about hiring a tutor. You should plan to go on Open Days when your child is in Year 5 (or earlier if you’re very keen!).

Don’t choose a school on the basis of your child’s friendships (or yours for that matter).

They will make new friends, and you need to make sure this is the right school for their personality and abilities, not anyone else’s.

Take advantage of parents’ evenings to find out how your child is doing. Many teachers don’t give very specific information, so you may need to press them. There’s no point entering your child for a selective school if they are not going to get in, or manage the work once they are there.

them fresh in her mind over the Summer and she was able to teach them to Izzy who was soon singing along.

The activity books contained a good variety of things to do. The arrows demonstrating the direction of the pen strokes to make the letters was really helpful to Lily at her level, where the join the dots approach of writing suited Izzy so they could both have a go. The

sticker activities really held Izzy’s attention where Lily preferred pages where you had to read words and match pictures.

Jolly Stories was a lovely book for the girls to enjoy together. This is a really tough hard back book with card pages so it can cope with the hands of a three year old! Simple stories follow the antics of the Phonics characters Inky, Snake and Bee as Inky the Mouse goes in search of each letter/sound. The book is interactive with plenty of chances for the children to look at how words break down into sounds.

The DVD backs up the Stories book but the girls preferred the book as they could get more involved and it held their attention longer.

The CD of games was popular with Lily as she already had some PC skills and reading experience but Izzy struggled here.

This is a fantastic resource to have at home. Ideal for supporting children in their early school education by backing up classroom work and great for getting them familiar with the phonics concept to prepare them for starting school. www.jollylearning.co.uk

Sarah Ebner is the author of The Starting School Survival Guide: everything you need to know when your child starts primary school, published by White Ladder and available from bookshops and www.amazon.co.uk

Back to school Moving to Secondary School Easily It’s that time of year when children move onto secondary schools.

Perhaps your child is one of them.

This is a time of great change for a child and for the family as a whole as this transition is a time of growth, learning and independence.

Children naturally have mixed feelings about this change.

“I was scared that I might not make any friends and that I'd get bullied, though I was excited too because it was such a big step in my life.” Chris aged 11 Children worry about getting lost, as the school is much bigger and looks like a maze of endless corridors with thousands of people, or they worry about not fitting in, or having the mickey taken out of them if they don’t like sport, or football. They worry about their physical appearance, their spelling, their journey – the list is endless.

Try asking your child these 3 questions: • What is the best thing about your new school?

• What will you miss most about your old school?

• What is the scariest thing about your new school?

Talking through issues and concerns with your child builds their confidence and gives them support in coping with the practical and emotional worries they may be experiencing.

Many larger schools have their own websites, and many of the questions that come up can be found on them.

You can find out about school trips, sports fixtures, homework expectations, and the choice of clubs on offer, which can all help alleviate the uncertainty. As moving schools can be a stressful time, don’t be surprised if your child loses their temper or gets irritable more often.

They may start to argue with you over trivial things like their school uniform, packed lunch or pencil case. Remember to keep your mind on the bigger picture of supporting your child through these changes and be patient with them. As parents it’s important to see this experience as something positive – if you are upbeat, so are your children.

Remember Positive Parents = Confident Kids!

By Sue Atkins Top Tips for Kids 1. Make sure you are organised – then life for everyone is much easier.

2. Never be afraid to ask for help, or talk to someone you trust, like your mum or dad, or tutor.

3. Always make the first effort to make new friends – it helps you move through change easier, as everyone is in the same boat.

4. First impressions last a long time, so make sure yours are good ones - for organisation, presentation, and behaviour! This is your chance to make a fresh start – embrace it and make the most of all the new opportunities. Try out clubs and activities. You will make new friends.

Feel the fear - and do it anyway!

5. Make notes and write down anything you need to remember.

6. Behave in a way that won’t get you noticed too quickly.

7. Find out the layout of the school, and learn where your classrooms are (and the toilets!)

8. Find out your time table, and remember it! Find out what time you need to be at school, and what time you need to go home!

9. Find out what uniform you need, and what to bring in or wear for sport.

10. And finally... find out where the drinks and sweet machines are (get your priorities right!)

Remember, secondary school isn’t a ‘wild jungle’, more like a ‘human zoo’, with lots of interesting animals. The zoo keepers are there to help you – not just to contain you.

Sue Atkins is a Parenting Expert who offers practical guidance for bringing up happy, confident, well behaved children.

She is also the author of “Raising Happy Children for Dummies” one in the black and yellow series published worldwide and the highly acclaimed Parenting Made Easy CDs. She regularly appears on BBC Breakfast and The Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2 and her parenting articles are published all over the world.

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 7

Back to school Outstanding Results

Terra Nova School, near Jodrell Bank, is maintaining its outstanding performance as a leading Prep School, not only in the area but nationally. Most children leave Terra Nova at the end of Year 8 (age 13) and this year’s pupils proved particularly successful.

Throughout this year a number of senior pupils sat scholarships in Art, DT, Sport and Academic to senior schools, both within the region and beyond. This year, Claire Dixon was awarded a DT Scholarship, Emma Rosson an Art Scholarship and Woody Lewis an Academic Exhibition and a Sports Exhibition, all to Repton School.

Mark Munro won an Academic Exhibition and an All-Rounder Scholarship to Malvern College, Fern Nuttall was awarded an All-Rounder Scholarship to Sedbergh School, Max Parsonage received a Sports Scholarship to Shrewsbury School. Perri Rowe received an All-Round Scholarship to Ellesmere College and Callum Speak achieved a Headmaster’s Award to Sedbergh School. Along the way, pupils in the year also won other Awards prior to their final year, with Bethany Begg-Finnon winning a Sports Scholarship to AESG and a CB Fry

Sinking schools Head teachers have warned that the Government’s plans to allow popular schools to expand at the expense of local rivals will create a network of “sink schools” in deprived areas.

Education Secretary Michael Gove has announced a new school admissions code that will enable oversubscribed schools to take in more pupils, while also allowing them to give

Scholarship to Repton and Woody Lewis also achieving a CB Fry Exhibition to Repton.

The pupils also had to sit demanding Scholarship or Entrance Examinations to secure their places at senior school.

They went to schools far and wide, including Rugby School in Warwickshire, Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, Repton School in Derbyshire, Shrewsbury School in Shropshire, Malvern College in Worcestershire, Sedbergh School in Cumbria, Uppingham School in Rutland, Manchester High School for Girls in Manchester and Cheadle Hulme in Cheadle. Their results were absolutely outstanding with 78% A’s and B’s.

In addition, the school enjoyed more success with Georgia Turner from Year 6 awarded a Sports Scholarship to Cheadle Hulme and Matthew Clark and Catherine McEwan, both from Year 7, achieving CB Fry Exhibitions to Repton School.

Headmaster Andrew Lewin commented, “The results speak for themselves. All of the pupils have shown incredible determination, dedication and hard work. To say I feel proud of these pupils would be an understatement. We have received scholarships and awards in Academic, Art, DT and Sport, serving as testament to the all-round education we offer here at Terra Nova. We believe every child is unique and we are committed to finding the strengths and skills of every individual, then supporting them in reaching their full potential. I believe our Year 8 leavers are testament to this and we wish them every success for the future.”

priority to the children of teachers. As well as this, the school admissions code will prevent the use of area-wide lotteries which have been used by some schools if they are besieged by applications. Michael Gove told schools they could actually increase the size of classes for five- to seven-year-olds to over 30 children, if that means being able to take in children of armed services personnel or to avoid splitting up twins. The general secretary of the

8 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Stockport Grammar’s Pride gives The all round excellence Ryleys the Edge

2010/11 was another busy year for Stockport Grammar School, with a visit from Prince Edward to celebrate 20 years of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme at the school and an inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate that concluded ‘The pupils’ overall achievement and their learning, attitudes and skills are outstanding’.

These key events punctuated a year of academic success, sporting achievement, and musical and theatrical performances by pupils.

Pupils returning from their summer break will also be astonished to see the progress made over the holidays on the construction of a new building to provide state-of-the-art facilities for the teaching of humanities subjects.

The school has a separate Junior School and Nursery on the same site, providing younger children with a caring and stimulating environment in which to learn, whilst enjoying the benefits of strong links with the Senior School.

The Senior School has an Open Evening on the 13th October and a Sixth Form Evening on the 7th November. An Open Morning for both the Junior and Senior Schools will be held on the 19th November. Parents and children are also warmly welcomed to regular school day visits throughout the year.

SGS is easy to reach with extensive school bus routes and close proximity to 2 railway stations, and a NEW service from Sale, Altrincham, Bowdon & Hale launches this month. Means-tested bursaries are available at 11+ and 16+, and music scholarships at 11+.

Association of School and College Leaders, Brian Lightman, said of the new code: “It will create sink schools in many areas of deprivation and hit hardest those children whose parents do not or cannot take an interest in their education. Those schools left with the most challenging pupils, who need the most intensive support, will suffer a slow spiral of decline.” He also warned that the code would “do nothing to improve social mobility”.

The Ryleys is a long-established school with proud traditions dating back to the 1870’s. But traditions are worthless unless the current pupils feel a part of this legacy and are proud to carry the good name of the School into the future.

Today, the girls and boys of The Ryleys are a perfect example of this.

Through their sense of belonging and pride, they have been able not only to continue the good name of the School, but to enhance it.

The co-educational approach perfectly equips pupils for ‘real life’ and teaches them the key skills required to form relationships with, and work alongside both girls and boys. That this approach has been a huge success is unquestionable - the achievements of all of their pupils speaks for itself.

Outstanding results have been gained over the past year, both academically and non-academically. Year 8 saw 4 pupils awarded prestigious scholarships in both Sport and Music, whilst the 19 Year 6 leavers received a total of 58 offers of places in the entrance examinations, and so have been in the enviable position of choosing their future place of learning from among the best independent grammar schools in the North.

Places at The Ryleys are becoming increasingly sought after, with parents identifying strongly with the School’s aim to provide a fully rounded education. See for yourself what makes The Ryleys stand out from the crowd – to arrange a personal tour please contact 01625 583241 or visit www.theryleys.com for more information. You don’t just choose your child’s school. You choose their future.

Back to school Abbey Gate College – for successful and happy children

Abbey Gate College is a wellestablished, coeducational school for pupils aged 4 to 18 on the outskirts of Chester. Aldford School is home to the popular and successful Junior and Infant Department.

At Aldford School, pupils develop a love of learning in a friendly and caring environment.

Through beautifully maintained, extensive grounds and a wide range of expertise on the staff, pupils have the opportunity to develop all areas of the curriculum inclusive of a thriving music, drama and sporting timetable.

Each and every child is valued and their

Top Award From The Good Schools Guide For Alderley Girls

Alderley Edge School for Girls has won the 2011 Good Schools Guide A Level Award for achieving the best point score at an English Independent School amongst girls who took the extended project in the Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject of English.

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects are available across a wide variety of subjects and have been designed to stretch and

potential nurtured and encouraged.

Education is far greater than simply achieving super examination results; at Abbey Gate College the journey itself is of equal importance, providing a stimulating experience, widening opportunities and providing an education for life.

Abbey Gate College is a successful and happy school, committed to maintaining traditional standards and high educational ideals and in the most recent inspection report (March 2010) ISI inspectors commended the high standards of teaching, learning and especially behaviour in the college.

‘The college fully meets its aim to encourage students to achieve their personal ambitions in an atmosphere that is caring but challenging. The students’ personal qualities are outstanding and fully supported within the college by the positive family type ambience. The community awareness is outstanding; relationships between staff and students themselves are outstanding and conducive to excellent behaviour.’ (ISI March 2010).

Northern Independent Schools Show For parents who believe that choosing the right education is one of the most important decisions they’ll ever make about their children’s future, the Northern Independent Schools Show is the place to be.

Some of the most prestigious schools in the country will be showcasing the best of British education at the exhibition on Friday 14 October and Saturday 15 October at Cheshire’s Thornton Manor.

Among them will be Cheadle Hulme School, Terra Nova School, Chester’s Abbey Gate College and Abbey College Manchester.

And for families keen to explore the option of boarding, major schools such as Stonyhurst, Casterton, Rydal Penrhos in North Wales and York’s Queen Ethelburga’s College will be showing how modern day boarding schools are exciting, busy and challenging places that exist to complement family life – not to replace it.

There will be advice too on school fees planning and admission appeals.

Show organiser Sue McCann said: “The event will bring together the largest collection of independent school heads and senior staff under one roof for the first time in this part of the country to share their knowledge

and expertise with visiting parents.”

Family admission to the Northern Independent Schools Show is free with online booking.

To get tickets, view exhibiting schools and the timetable for keynote speakers, go to www.northernschoolsshow.co.uk Make a day of it AFTER your visit to the show, why not complete your day out and enjoy the benefits of a special 10% discount shopping card for Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village, only 15 minutes’ drive time away from the show.

Or – take a peek behind the doors of Thornton Manor when you visit the show.

It’s a unique opportunity to see the former home of William Lever, probably the country’s greatest visionary, entrepreneur and industrialist who founded the soap empire and became the first Viscount Leverhulme, as the Grade II listed building is not normally open to the public.

A free guided tour of the house will include the manor’s fabulously ornate music room and Lord Leverhulme’s famous outdoor bedroom. To book a tour place on Friday, October 14, please email info@suemccann.co.uk

challenge pupils. The qualification even has an extended grading scale so it can differentiate and reward achievement amongst the top performers.

The Good Schools Guide awarded the school on the basis of performance results over the last three years, the popularity of each subject relative to similar schools, and of the success that pupils achieve in relation to the other examinations that they take.

The aim of the award is to highlight excellence in teaching within individual subjects, and Alderley Edge School for Girls is delighted to receive the award. Mrs Susan Goff, Headmistress commented, “It is always nice to be recognised externally for successes within the school, and I would like to congratulate the English Department on achieving the award. Such awards are not only a credit to the teaching staff who work incredibly hard but to our pupils who do their best at whatever challenges they undertake.”

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

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 9

Back to school Finally – a breakthrough in learning to read Reading Eggs is a revolutionary product from Australian educational publisher Blake Publishing, designed to get children reading by combining the best elements of online and book learning in one easy to use process.

The program has been running in Australia for 3 years and due to its huge success it has now been adapted for the UK market, specifically incorporating synthetic phonics.

The importance of synthetic phonics • Synthetic phonics is a method of teaching reading which first teaches the letter sounds and then builds up to blending these sounds together to achieve full pronunciation of whole words e.g. “s-t-r-ee-t” • Children who learn using synthetic phonics are able to try new words working from sound alone without needing prior knowledge of families of words • Research has shown that children learning to read using synthetic phonics have developed skills and progressed to a higher level faster than those without • The use of synthetic phonics in teaching has been supported by the British government and has not only been added to the national curriculum but a funding scheme has also been developed where schools can claim up to £3,000 for an effective phonics program Where Reading Eggs came from …

For two years a team of Australian educators, programmers and animators worked to turn learning the basics of reading into a fun journey through a highly interactive digital world that

engages children on many levels.

Full of educationally sound, fun and interactive activities, Reading Eggs focuses on the most fundamental skill needed in school: reading. Children from 3 to7 years of age or older children struggling with reading will enjoy the huge variety of reading lessons, activities and games that make up the Reading Eggs program.

Sara Leman, Blake Publishing’s literacy expert, says: “Parents are often keen to get involved in their child’s learning but can find it difficult to know how to help.

Reading Eggs is designed to reward children for their efforts too thereby maintaining the motivation to learn. It also allows children to learn at their own pace in a safe, familiar environment. The games are great fun and children love the stickers and e-toys they collect as their learning progresses. There’s never been anything quite like it.”“The trick is to make the necessary repetition fun, so it’s driven by the child who wants to learn. Parental involvement is also important. Family support is a crucial factor in helping young children to become fluent readers.”

What parents and teachers think about Reading Eggs The testimonial page on the Reading Eggs website is full of parents, teachers and carers who have seen first-hand the effect the program has had on their children’s reading ability. Parents such as Arthur who commented: “Reading Eggs is incredible!! My daughter can’t get enough of the activities, she enjoys them so much. We had to turn the computer off because she was getting tired. In just THREE days she started reading the most basic of words.

Thank you so much Reading Eggs.”

10 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Labels4kids - for cash Over 500,000 children across the world have already had the Reading Eggs experience. The program focuses on the importance of phonics and basic reading skills and is already being used by many teachers who incorporated the program into their daily lesson.

Using the code in the advertisement you can trial the site for an extended period and see for yourself what the program entails and why it has been so successful. Simply visit www.readingeggs.co.uk. You too can be one of the 90% of parents who reported a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading skills after using the program.

Children’s labelling company Labels4Kids are recruiting sales agents. In exchange for a small start-up cost, readers who refer friends and family to the company’s website can earn money back in commission.

You get to show and explain products you like to others who may also benefit from their use, and make some money too.

Over the years Labels4Kids has been entered in and won numerous high profile awards, including Online Retailer of the Year in 2010.

As well as ordering kits through the website, customers can read blogs on numerous topics on the latest educational and parents related issues. There is also a Labels4Kids Facebook page where discounts, offers and news are posted.

For orders, go to www.labels4kids.com/fam To ask about becoming an agent, email sales@labels4kids.com

Zoobookoo back to school “must haves” Why not give all those excited 5 year olds a helping hand as they gear up to start school?

Try the Reception Words Write & Spell Book from ZooBooKoo. This is an 8 page, write and wipe booklet with a sturdy backing to lean on and a dry wipe pen. The book contains over 50 high frequency words which form the target learning aims for all our little newcomers.

With a simple cursive writing style, the child can firstly follow the dots twice and then try to write on their own.

Ask any ‘Tiger Mum’, practice and repetition are the keys to success. With

the Reception Words booklet the children can practise time and time again, perfecting their spelling and their cursive handwriting. Being the perfect A5 handbag size, they are great on the go, too.

There is also a Year 1 & 2 Write & Spell Book with the next 50 high frequency words. Let’s develop some good habits in our stars of the future.

Retailing at around £6.50 each these products are available from good toy, book and gift stores and online from www.zoobookoo.com or www.amazon.co.uk

Back to school Choosing a Secondary School Junior School Open Events If your child is starting out in year 5 or 6, now’s the time to fully investigate your secondary school options. Take advantage of the planned School Open Events in the Cheshire area:

Cheshire is home to some excellent state and independent junior schools. While Open Event information for some schools in our area was not available at the time of going to press, most are more than happy to show you around at a time convenient for both parties. Simply contact the school to make an appointment.

School

Open Event

Abbey Gate College

24 September

School

Open Event

13 October

Alderley Edge School for Girls

1 October

5 November

Aldford School

24 September

19, 20, 27 September

Beech Hall School

24 September

4 October

Great Budworth Primary and Pre-School

5 October

Alsager School

1 October

Pownall Hall School

8 October

Beech Hall School

24 September

Stockport Grammar

19 November

Bishop Heber High School

4 October

Terra Nova School

15 October

Blacon High School

12 October

The Grange Junior School

5 November

Brine Leas School

5 October

The King’s School, Chester

15 October

Christleton High School

5, 6, 7 October

The King’s School, Macclesfield

7, 8 October

Congleton High School

29 September

The Queen’s School, Chester

5 November

Eaton Bank School

6 October

The Ryleys

8 October

Hartford High School

22 September

Wilmslow Preparatory School for Girls

8 October

Kings Grove School

24 September

Knutsford High School

3 October

Alderley Edge School for Girls

All Hallows Catholic College

Macclesfield High School

28 September

Malbank School and Sixth Form College

22 September

Middlewich High School

29 September

Poynton High School and Performing Arts College

29 September

Queen’s Park High School

29 September

Ruskin Sports College - a Community High School

20 September

Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College

26 September

Shavington High School

24 September

Sir William Stanier Community School

29 September

St Thomas More Catholic High School

29 September

Stockport Grammar

13 October 19 November

Tarporley High School and Sixth Form College

29 September

The County High School Leftwich

29 September

The Fallibroome Academy

29 September

The Grange Senior School

24 September

The Hammond School

1 October

The King’s School, Chester

15 October

The King’s School, Macclesfield

7, 8 October

The Queen’s School, Chester

8 October

Tytherington High School

22 September

Upton-by-Chester High School

28, 30 September

Weaverham High School

27 September

Wilmslow High School

29 September

Please call the schools to confirm times or for further information. Most schools will be happy to show you around individually should you not be able to attend the planned events.

12 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Please call the schools to confirm times or for further information.

Back to school

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 13

Parents’ place Mums in business

Kathryn Alexander Mosaic Children’s Therapy Centre

Tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Kathryn Alexander, and I live in Northwich with my 2 boys, James age 5, Matthew age 2 and my husband Dave. I grew up in Redditch, Worcestershire, and moved to Northwich on completion of my degree in Occupational Therapy at University of Liverpool, in 2000. I am an Explorer Scout leader for Endurance Sea Scout Explorers, based in Weaverham, and attend St Wilfrid’s church in Davenham. I have worked in the NHS for the last 10 years as a Paediatric

Occupational Therapist. I left the NHS in June this year to set up Mosaic Children’s Therapy Centre (Mosiac CTC).

What is your business? Mosaic CTC provides comprehensive Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment and treatment for children with additional needs.

Paediatric Occupational Therapists (OT’s) work with children with additional needs to develop their functional skills. This can be anything from getting dressed, to coping with the sensory input when going to the shops, to riding a bike and organisation in school. OT’s use the skills of assessment to determine the root cause of a child’s difficulty – is it visual-motor skills, in hand manipulation, sensory modulation, or others.

They then use a graded activity program of purposeful games and play to help the child reach their maximum potential.

How did you get started? I have a particular interest in working with children with sensory processing disorders – that is the ability to make sense and correctly process the sensory input we all receive on a daily basis. I

was not able to do this working for the NHS, so made the big step and left to go it alone. I did a lot of work before I left to be sure it is what I wanted to do.

What does the future hold for the business? I will also be running after school groups to help children with general coordination difficulties. The aim is to offer an alternative motor skills group to those children who find sports clubs challenging.

In the next few years I hope to join with other independent children’s therapists to offer a one stop shop for children and their families. I am booked onto further training in Sensory Integration, so will be a registered practitioner next year (providing I pass the course work!)

What is the best bit about what you do? Without a doubt, seeing a child achieve in a skill that was previously unreachable for them. I love the reaction on a parent’s face when a child has learnt to ride a bike after years of trying, or the knowledge that life is a little bit easier at school following the work that we have done together. I also find the flexibility of being my own boss exciting, challenging, but rewarding.

Any bad bits? I have to learn a lot of new skills fast, like book keeping, advertising and the legalities of self-employment.

Free courses from HMRC have been invaluable. I am spending more time in front of a computer, but that will change in time as the business becomes established.

How do you fit work around family life? I am now working closer to home than previously, and being my own boss I have a bit more flexibility with hours. I can do some work in the evening like setting up the website. I generally feel happier than in my previous role, and I hope that comes across in my home life.

What advice would you give to other mums looking to work for themselves?

Go for it! Be prepared for a steep learning curve and to work in the evenings. There is a lot of support out there, so you will not be on your own, it just takes time to find it. Do not be afraid to ask for help and work on something you enjoy.

To find out more, visit www.mosaicchildrenstherapy.co.uk or contact Kathryn on 01606 40195.

Start Your Own Home-Based Business

By Nick Dawes ISBN: 9781905367306 RRP: £12.99 Having recently been involved in setting up a new business I was interested in reading this book to see if I had done things correctly! From the start I could see that the author had broken the book up into easy to read sections that covers everything you need to know about running a business at home. It also includes some very useful examples and checklists which could help with decision making. While I found the chapter on business plans and financial forecasts insightful I did feel that the sections about computers, phones & faxes were very dated.

Overall this book offers very good advice about starting your own home-based business, even though at times it did become a little patronising. If you are in a position of starting out on your own, I wish you lots of luck with your future business adventures.

Reviewed by Annabel Beattie

• Independent occupational therapy for children with additional needs • Detailed assessment to determine root cause of a child's difficulty • Work with families and children, providing purposeful activities to develop functional skills www.mosaicchildrenstherapy.co.uk | mosaicctc@gmail.com 57 Church Street, Davenham, Northwich, CW9 8NF | 01606 40195

14 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Me&I – flexible working, fabulous clothing me&i, a gorgeous range of kids clothes from Sweden has recently been launched in the UK. The brand was founded by two Swedish mums in 2004 and their clothes represent Swedish design at its best – high quality, funky colours and cool prints and they are really comfortable to wear. All the clothes are tried and tested by a panel of children for both comfort and looks. me&i makes shopping for children’s clothes a really enjoyable activity. Their

clothes are sold exclusively through home parties, saving busy mums both time and effort.

They are now looking for representatives in the local area so if you are thinking about returning to work or just want to change to a job that fits round your family, take a look at the company’s website www.meandi.eu or call 07725 030821.

Parents’ place How to Find a Flexible Job It's the Holy Grail for many working mums, particularly in the current climate: how to find a good flexible job which uses your experience and skills. Since many organisations don't advertise flexible jobs, except part-time ones, it can be difficult to know where to start looking.

There are organisations, such as Workingmums.co.uk, which specialise in advertising family friendly jobs so it is definitely worth registering with them. A large percentage of job vacancies are not formally advertised. It is also worth

networking as widely as you can. This is important even when you are in a job.

Use social networking and don't forget your personal network of friends, colleagues, ex-colleagues and acquaintances to find out about any possible vacancies.

If you spot a good job that is advertised as full time it may still be worth applying and asking whether the employer will consider some form of flexibility. Legally, you don't have the right to request flexible working until after you have been in a job for six

months, but if the organisation wants you, you will have more leeway.

The six million dollar question is when to bring up the issue at interview.

There are many different opinions and every job situation is different so there are no hard and fast rules. Feel your way, but don't make it the first thing you talk about. You could try asking general questions at the end of the interview about the organisation's flexible work policy. You should research this before you apply in any event and ask contacts for the inside view on whether the

organisation really backs flexible working or just does so on paper.

The good news is that a growing number of employers are coming around to the positives of flexible working for both employers and employees.

For the lowdown on all things flexible working, visit Workingmums.co.uk LIVE event on 8th November 2011 at the Lowry Hotel, Manchester. Register for free entry today at www.workingmumslive.co.uk/Manchester

We know she will be missed and we wish her every success in her new career. We also want to reassure people that whilst we look for a new person to take on the Jabberjacks reins, we will still be able to offer parties in this area through our team of other Jabberjacks franchises.”

The Jabberjacks family boasts nine franchises throughout the UK and is rapidly growing in popularity.

Its classes serve up a feast of educational activity for toddlers and preschool children and its special party entertainment ensures great birthdays for children aged between two and seven years old.

Jabberjacks, which started in 1999, has proved itself to be a winning formula ensuring an enjoyable experience for children and a profitable business for the

franchise owner in a market area which continues to boom despite the recession.

The franchise package is ideal for people who want a new challenge in their lives but who want control of their own work/life balance, with low start-up costs, minimal risk and an excellent training scheme.

With this excellent support, franchise owners can be up, running and earning within three months.

For more information please visit www.jabberjacks.co.uk, call 01509 413873 or email verity@jabberjacks.co.uk

Exciting franchise up for grabs A thriving franchise is offering one budding entrepreneur the rare chance to take the reins of one of the UK’s top children’s party providers.

Jabberjacks Franchising Ltd has an opportunity for someone to take over the running of the franchise in Culcheth, Lymm & Warrington which offers children’s parties and pre-school classes using a cast of colourful puppet characters, music, songs and dance.The popular business has been running successfully since 2004 by long-standing Jabberjacks franchisee Lynne Greenhalgh, who has now decided, after entertaining 1000’s of children over the last 6 years, to step down.

Lynne said: “I'm very sad to be leaving Jabberjacks but I am now working full time in a local primary school, and

combined with changes in family circumstances, I'm unable to continue giving my business the attention it deserves. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone else to take over in an area where Jabberjacks is well known and has been established for over 6 years.

“Running my Jabberjacks franchise has given me the opportunity to work from home doing a job I enjoy while fitting in with my young family - and allowing me to be at home with them during the school holidays! It's a great feeling when you can see that you've helped make a child's birthday party a truly special and memorable occasion.”

Verity Graham, Director of Jabberjacks Franchising said “We are really sorry to see Lynne go; she has been a great part of the Jabberjacks family here in Cheshire.

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 15

Parents’ place Mothers’ guilt Nothing prepares you for first time motherhood does it? There is a life BC (before child/children), and an utterly different kind of existence afterwards; one where you are never top priority anymore, where your life revolves around others’ scheduled needs: nap times, school times, meal times, milk times, bath times, bed times. Yes, you are now in service to the next generation.

For the rest of your life, you will probably find something about your children to worry about, no matter what age they are. The word ‘mother’, it has been said, is not just a noun. It is a verb.

Fake it till you make it There is this crazy assumption that when motherhood hits, we will somehow, intuitively know what to do; it will all just flow naturally. The reality, I think, goes more like this: we hit the ground running, muddle through and do the best we can. And it is, as they say, just one thing after another. Once we have the routine and sleeping through the night thing nailed, then we have the joys of encouraging them to eat healthily, along with the Herculean challenges of boundary setting.

After the umpteenth request to ‘please, do NOT leave your rollerskates at the bottom of the

stairs,’ or ‘no, it is not OK to chew on your baby brother’s ear,’ is it any wonder we start sounding like our own frustrated parents when we yell: ‘If I have told you once, I have told you a thousand times... Why don’t you LISTEN??’ Or the classic one that makes me shudder when I imagine my neighbours overhearing it: ‘JUST PUT YOUR F***ING SHOES ON!’ Ooops. Swearing at child. Guilty as charged Your Honour. But can I claim mitigating circumstances? My son practices selective deafness, I was stressed out and we were horribly, horribly late.

Sigh. There goes another few quid in the ‘therapy for when he is older’ box.

Angels in training Mothers aren’t supposed to shout or be cross or tear their hair out or cry and scream with frustration, are we? Especially not in supermarkets. We’re supposed to be sweet and kind and giving and patient and perfect with angelic supplies of unconditional love.

We’re not supposed to park them in front of CBeebies for the morning and go back to bed nursing a hangover. No. We must provide educational activities, bake cakes, rustle up fancy dress costumes out of remnants in the recycling box, present a clean and tidy house, organise schooling, lay proper meals on the table and, often, hold down a job and even a marriage too. But we can’t and we don’t.

And we feel guilty about it.

16 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

The best advice I ever heard about mothering went something like this: ‘Look, you have to accept that you are going to get it wrong. You are going to make mistakes.

Everyone does. It is the only way you learn.

So the best thing you can do is just resolve to love your children as much as you possibly can.’ My rules are that I always apologise for my appalling behaviour and then tell my son I love him. Our biggest mothering mistake really, is believing we shouldn’t be making any.

I have a little sign in my kitchen that reads: ‘mothers are angels in training’. Feeling guilty is how we punish ourselves for not reaching impossibly high standards. I don’t know any mother who thinks she ticks all the ‘perfect mother’ boxes. And you know what?

Maybe we are right. Maybe, we weren’t even designed to meet every single one of our children’s needs.

Tribal Heart There is an African saying that goes: ‘It takes a whole village to raise a baby.’ In her book ‘The Spirit of Intimacy’, Sobonfu Some, a woman from the Dagara tribe of West Africa, says that it is also true that it takes a whole village to keep parents sane. In fact, it was not until she was nearly six years old that she understood that she came out of one particular woman’s womb, that she did not biologically ‘belong’ to all of the women in her village who breastfed and cared for her.

We would do well to remember that one-to-one parenting is a pretty recent evolution in our species. Back in the day there would be aunties, sisters, cousins, neighbours and grandmothers all on hand for mass childcare duties. Sobonfu insists that if a child has a problem that their parents can’t sort out, he or she needs to have other adults to turn to. If nothing else, there is a much better chance the child will actually listen to sage advice. Let’s face it: children just don’t like having to listen to their parents.

(I mean, did you? I certainly didn’t. Dammit, of course my son doesn’t want to listen to me!)

Hang up your halo ‘Motherhood,’ Oprah once said, ‘is the hardest job in the world. Women everywhere must declare it so.’ In my opinion, it is also the most undervalued, the most rewarding and the most important job in the world too. Hey, we’re at the coalface of building the foundations – the veritable bedrock – of society here. Let’s hang up our halos and, through example, teach our children that we are all on a lifelong learning curve, that we are all lovable despite our imperfections.

That, in itself, is a great education.

Abi Foss is a hypnotherapist who writes about all things holistic and spiritual. See: www.abifoss.co.uk

Baby & toddler Are you green enough for your baby?

Many of us try to be as green as possible when it comes to our babies – we know that raising an eco-friendly baby is not only safer for baby but also reduces the impact on the environment. We recycle, we try to reduce our carbon impact and are aware of wasteful packaging. We buy bamboo or organic cotton clothing, fair trade baby products and organic, locally grown vegetables. But how green really are we? You may recall that in an issue of Families Cheshire earlier this year, we looked at the terrifying number of toxins that can be present in nursery furnishings, carpeting and furniture, and ways to reduce them. (Back issues are available online – www.familiescheshire.co.uk – the previous article is in issue 9.)

But, as with most things, creating an eco nursery can be expensive. So what about ways to go green without breaking the bank?

Save money “I was shocked to hear about all these potential toxins in my child’s nursery,” says Emma, mum of three. “But isn’t it going to cost a fortune to remove it all?”

The answer is, possibly, yes. But ideas

such as removing wireless equipment, installing plants and airing the room are free. And there are plenty more things you can do to ensure your baby’s safety that don’t cost much. Take the Great Nappy Debate. The jury still seems to be out as to whether cloth nappies have a lower ecological footprint than disposables according to research a baby will get through about 6,000 nappies before being toilet trained, each taking 200-500 years to decompose, but on the other hand, cloth nappies require water and energy for washing. Whichever you choose, you can still go greener. With cloth nappies, hang them out to dry instead of using a dryer, or use a nappy service which has a lower environmental impact because of the efficiency of washing large quantities at one time. Look for cloth nappies made from eco-friendly material such as hemp, bamboo or organic cotton. Try out local mum Eve Bell’s fabulously-designed fashionable cloth nappies – see www.babaandboo.com. If disposables are more your cup of tea, try ecodisposable nappies, which only take about 100 days to biodegrade. A good example are Tushies eco disposable nappies from www.greenbaby.co.uk.

Cleaning: it doesn’t cost any more to buy cleaning products made from natural plant and mineral ingredients than conventional ones. And don’t always reach for the bleach - the risk of contamination to your baby is very low from floors, walls and other surfaces. Use a steam cleaner to clean carpets instead of toxic carpet cleaners, and wash rugs regularly. Avoid air fresheners, scented nappy bins or anything else with a fragrance in it. Safer laundry detergents are becoming popular too, and try to avoid fragrant fabric softeners that can release harmful chemicals.

Bathing: choose baby washes free of artificial fragrances, food-grade preservatives and harsh detergent ingredients, and look for gentle, nondrying cleansers derived from olive oil and oats, organic ingredients and essential oils. Even stretchmark cream and nappy balm can be organic. www.greenbaby.co.uk do a great range that contains organic beeswax, so it helps save the bees too!

Alternatively, avoid bath products altogether. Water does the trick even for the muddiest of toddlers and not using soaps can help prevent over-dry baby skin.

Feeding: Breastfeeding is free and green, yet there is still a thought that breast milk can contain harmful chemicals. Some persistant organic pollutiants (POPs) don’t break down quickly in the environment or in our bodies – they accumulate in the fat of the fish and meat we eat, and then in our own fat until they turn up in breast milk. Many POPs have now been banned in the UK so levels are gradually declining but if you are concerned about them there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your baby’s exposure. Don’t smoke and stay away from smokers, avoid unnecessary medications and alcohol, try to avoid inhalation or skin contact with solvents and avoid using pesticides in your home and garden and on your pet. Eat organic food and include more fruit and veg and less high fat dairy and meat products in your diet. On the other hand if bottle-feeding is your preference, there are several good organic formulas on the market. Although most plastic bottles are now considered to be free of harmful BPAs, to be doubly safe choose glass bottles with silicone teats.

Other feeding products can also be bought organic, from muslins to dummy clips.

Invest ethically: when you choose a savings account for your little one, choose a bank or building society that

By Joanna Parry

specifically avoids those businesses that may damage the environment or are involved in activities such as tobacco production, animal testing, oppressive regimes or armaments. Instead go for those that seek to encourage companies that have a positive environmental impact and support Fair Trade.

Finally, our Top Tips • Don’t buy anything new! The most sustainable baby clothes your child can wear are hand-me-downs from friends, family or older siblings.

Alternatively, shop at charity stores.

You’ll save a fortune!

• Just like with baby clothes, secondhand furniture and family heirlooms are the lowest-impact way to furnish your baby's nursery, as long as they don't contain lead paint or other unsafe components.

• Babies smell sweet and fresh anyway, so why cover them up with fragranced powders and lotions? Use olive oil for baby lotion and calendula salve for nappy rash.

• Buy less stuff! New baby products appear on the market all the time, from gadgets to home accessories and everything in between. Many of them are not recyclable and some give off nasty chemicals. Be more discerning buy only what you need and what you really, really want.

Helpful websites www.nrdc.org - for information on how to protect your home, health and the planet www.theecologist.org www.projectnesting.org/start www.naturalnurseryblog.co.uk www.ehow.co.uk/video_2050064_de sign-functional-baby-nursery.html - for how to design a functional green nursery www.ecohouseagent.com/ green-nursery.html Suppliers Flooring – www.healthyflooring.org Walls - www.earthbornpaints.co.uk, www.MyLittleEco.co.uk/4-paint Furniture – www.thegreenfamilia.co.uk, www.kiddisave.co.uk Mattresses - www.abacaorganic.co.uk, www.greenbaby.co.uk Bathing products – www.greenbaby.co.uk Eco-nursery products - www.hellobabydirect.co.uk

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 17

Baby & toddler Perfect Products

Less Mess Thanks to Munchkin

Brain Boosting Omega-3 Fish Oil from Nordic Naturals!

We all know that a healthy balanced diet is vital, but if you have a fussy child, how do you ensure they are on the road to a healthy development?

Recent studies have shown that children who have an omega-3 enriched diet have a significantly higher cognitive performance, are protected against childhood diseases such as asthma, and go on to have better health in adulthood.

The omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA are considered “essential” because our bodies cannot manufacture them. The best source of omega-3s is oily, cold water fish such as sardines, cod and anchovies. However, persuading your child to eat fish 2-3 times a week can be a struggle.

Now there is a safe and easy way for parents to get all the benefits of omega-3s and multivitamins into their children’s diets with Nordic Naturals range of appetizing, chewable gummies and soft gels.

Each product is naturally fruit flavoured

and completely free from any fishy taste or after taste – so delicious, their daily dose can be disguised as an after dinner treat! Fortified with vitamins and minerals, the range will help to improve IQ, mood, memory, learning and focus.

The Families children tested out the strawberry flavour Gummy Worms and the tangerine flavour Gummies. Both proved popular but the worms were the favourite.

The children enjoyed the taste and saw them as a treat. The only down side was that they asked for more when they had already taken their daily dose!

Supplements tested suitable from age 2.

For more information visit www.nordicnaturals.com/uk.

Introducing Bobux - the original baby & toddler footwear that combines nature with nurture

From birth to three, little feet undergo an enormous amount of change.

Whether crawling, toddling or walking, a child's footwear needs to support healthy, natural development.

Bobux, a leading New Zealand innovator in children’s footwear, draws on both science and working with globally renowned specialists and natural health researchers to create eco-friendly footwear that allows unrestricted development as babies and toddlers grow.

Bobux offer three ranges of footwear based around the philosophy that children do better when they're comfortable, happy and free to develop as nature intended.

Each shoe is designed to support key stages of a child’s development from crawling to walking.

Soft Sole (indoor wear): The original Bobux shoe, these are soft, breathable and flexible shoes for babies of 0 to 27 months.

Made with eco-leather and non-toxic stitching and dyes. With a unique elastic ankle support, these Bobux originals work with little feet as they grip the floor, flex muscles and spread toes, assisting in crawling and making those first steps as easy as possible. The fun, colourful soft sole designs also work to stimulate little minds just as they’re starting to take in visual information. It’s like having a mobile on the end of their legs!

Pre-walk (outdoor wear): Feature a revolutionary duo-flex sole (leather round the edges and rubber underneath) to support but not restrict natural movement during those first few steps. The pre-walk range consists of sandals, ballet shoes and sport shoes. i-walk (outdoor wear): A soft, flexible rubber-sole shoe with extra grip that conforms to the natural walking motion of little feet allowing them to grow and explore without restriction, avoiding malformation and spinal issues later in life. The i-walk range consists of sneakers, loafers, casual shoes and sandals. www.bobux.co.uk

18 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Out and about through the Summer, Logan Keep (aged 14 months) has been putting the Munchkin Snack Catcher through some vigorous testing.

Snacks are always a great way to keep babies and toddlers happy when you need to keep them still on a car journey or in the buggy, but how often do you find they drop what you have given them leaving the food covered in dirt, hair and goodness knows what else, which then results in screams for more of what they just lost?!

Well, problem solved with this fab product.

The Snack Catcher cup keeps bite-sized snacks inside the container until little fingers pull them out. Even if it tips over! The soft flaps make it easy to access and the little finger cleaning bumps are a special plus for keeping nearby surfaces cleaner. Logan found the Snack Catcher easy to use and was thrilled that he was able to just help himself as and when he wanted more. He did find some foods easier to dispense than others – anything too small he would still manage to drop a few of when he took his hand out of the pot – but the mess was certainly greatly reduced. The Snack Catcher gets a thumbs up from Logan (and mum) and will be used on the school run now that Summer outings are over and we are back to the routine.

For stockists details visit www.munchkin.eu.com/stockists.html

Pure Beginnings at John Lewis

A trusted South African organic care brand Pure Beginnings has arrived at John Lewis. This eco and vegan friendly skincare range meets organic standards without the use of petrochemicals, parabens, synthetic fragrances, colourants and sulphated surfactants to care for little ones’ sensitive skin.

The Pure Beginnings product range comprises of: • Baby Bum Cream with Baobab – an effective daily barrier cream with natural anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

• Baby Wash & Shampoo with Baobab – a rosemary and geranium scented all-in-one baby wash and shampoo with baobab fruit extract, that is effective on cradle cap.

Say hello to yoomi …and goodbye to searching for a café to heat your baby’s bottle when you’re out and about!

Make feeding time easy with the bottle and warmer in one from yoomi, which warms your baby's feed to the natural temperature of breast milk in just 60 seconds. It’s also great for those nighttime feeds – no more stumbling down to the kitchen in the middle of the night. Created by a mum and dad, Farah and Jim, Yoomi can be charged up to 100 times, is BPA free and has a clever anti-colic teat that makes it perfect for

• Baby Body Lotion with Baobab – mildly scented with rosemary and lavender, and featuring anti-oxidant rich baobab fruit extract as well as skin-nourishing shea butter.

• Bubble Bath created for children of all ages, SLS-free citrus and ylang ylang scented.

• Berry Toothpaste designed for children of all ages and suitable for teething babies.

The Families tribe of tots sampled the Baby Wash & Shampoo and the Bubble Bath and both products were enjoyed by all. The Bubble Bath was very bubbly and the bubbles lasted well through some very splashy bathing. It was the Baby Wash & Shampoo that was the biggest hit; it smells wonderful (so much so, mum chose to use some for her bath too!) It left skin squeaky clean, smelling gorgeous and feeling soft.

With three kids who can get pretty mucky in a day and all of whom are prone to dry, sensitive skin it certainly did well.

All products can be bought through John Lewis either in store (including Cheadle, Liverpool and Trafford) and online www.johnlewis.com

combination feeding or for transitioning your baby from breast to bottle. With a unique device that warms the milk as it flows through specially designed channels, the yoomi has been nominated as one of the top British inventions of the last decade. Yoomi costs £23.50 from www.yoomi.com, www.johnlewis.com, www.mothercare.com, www.boots.com or www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk.

Baby & toddler

Children that don’t ‘Sleep Through Dawn’ Many parents complain that their toddler wakes up too early. Whether you need to address this depends on what kind of early bird lives in your house. There are two kinds: children who get up before they get enough sleep and those who get enough sleep, but wake up too early in the morning for their parents’ liking.

How do you distinguish between the two?

If your child is waking up before they are getting enough sleep they’ll be needing a nap a few hours later, be grumpy and generally difficult throughout the day. Ask yourself if he’s getting the minimum of 11 hours sleep. If not we need to look at techniques to keep him asleep.

On the other hand, if your toddler gets up full of beans and raring to go at 5.30-6am, he’s probably going to bed around 7-7.30pm. Remember, your toddler can sleep only so much, so this is a natural waking time for him. Think about whether you want an evening to yourself or a lie in. Sadly, we can’t have both. If a lie in is preferred then a later bedtime will help most children. However, take care not to make the bedtime too late as ironically a sleep-deprived child will still awake early! If your child is going to bed too late, he’ll be sleep-deprived and have more trouble sleeping soundly through the night and into the morning and

thus wake up too early. Initially move your child’s bedtime by 15 minutes, a week later by another 15 minutes until you get where you want to be. If you want a 7am wake up then you’ll be looking at an 8pm – 8.30pm bedtime.

If your toddler wakes up before getting a full night’s sleep, check to see whether something in his environment is rousing him or keeping him awake and try to remedy the situation. If sunlight is streaming in his window at five in the morning, for instance, put up black out blinds. A leaky nappy can be resolved by putting your toddler in super-absorbent nappies made for night use. If there’s nothing environmental, then look at whether your child is able to put himself back to sleep.

Toddlers who require their parents’ presence to fall asleep at bedtime may demand their assistance in the morning, too. Establishing good sleep habits at night will most definitely help him to sleep longer in the morning. Self-soothing has to be taught and is essential for good sleep. There are lots of techniques available that do not involve controlled crying so if you require some assistance to help your little one sleep better whether it be early waking, night terrors or resistance in going to sleep at bedtime please contact 07842 021210 or e-mail info@SleepThroughDawn.co.uk www.SleepThroughDawn.co.uk

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

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 19

Clubs & classes With the constant wail that schools focus on teaching children to pass tests, adding out of school activities gives your child a chance to shine and have fun outside the classroom. Hobbies lead to new friends, they reveal hidden talents and develop skills that could become a real advantage one day.

By Robina Cowen Everyone is good at something, and finding it is a huge confidence booster.

Just because you drop the ball in PE doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be great at swimming or dancing; the child who isn’t interested in the bright lights can still shine in an arts class or on the sports field.

There really is plenty of variety to choose from, as we’ve been finding out. Try our advertisers - they're here because they want you to know about them and will be happy to answer any questions you might have. For more information all year round, children's activities are also listed on our website www.familiescheshire.co.uk Music Music gives amazing educational and developmental benefits. From just three months, babies actively enjoy music groups, and as soon as they can shake a rattle, they can join in too. Belting out a song teaches rhythm and helps develop speech.

Those hand actions you do when you sing nursery rhymes? They boost spatial reasoning, which will later be useful in maths and science. Playing an instrument is great for dexterity and co-ordination. It teaches teamwork and responsibility, and improves concentration and memory. At six or seven, children might start with a recorder, keyboard or violin. From eight, guitar is an

option. Brass and wind instruments are best left to older children, when children can join their school band or orchestra.

Languages With over 60 different languages now spoken in schools across the UK, we are bringing up our children in a truly multicultural society.

Experts agree that the earlier a child starts learning other languages, the better. Children are extremely receptive to new ideas and information, especially when they’re having fun.

Preschool language classes build confidence and familiarity on an instinctive level, typically through songs, dances and simple games. School age children should be more aware of grammar and syntax, and supplementing school lessons with a language club will pay dividends boosting their confidence, vocabulary and appreciation of different cultures.

Active Bodies Regular exercise is hugely beneficial to long term health and fitness. It’s easy to see the value of activities that help children burn off some energy at the end of the school day, or build skills in sports which they already enjoy at school. Even the tiniest children can benefit from the social side of playing team games, or the fun element of learning ‘solo’ sport like trampolining, tennis or diving.

Practical Considerations While it might seem tempting to guide your child to musical, sporting and artistic genius outside the classroom, they need time for just ‘chilling’ too. Liz Baker is a parent, and also a school teacher. In her view: “there is no point in enrolling in every class going. Don’t assume your child will get an academic head start. They will only benefit academically when they are ready, and not before. Remember children get exhausted too - give them time to themselves. Children should choose and be given a taste of each activity before deciding if he or she wants to commit to it long-term - there’s no gain in putting your child under pressure.”

Think ahead. You may need to put your child’s name on a waiting list, particularly for more popular classes.

Stay local. Walking distance is best, otherwise getting there and back becomes another chore.

Great staff. The best leaders are enthusiastic, skilled, trained, and have eyes in the back of their heads to spot children who need a little more encouragement, particularly when they are new and might feel shy.

Additional costs. Will you need specialist clothes or equipment?

Does the club offer these second-hand? Is there an annual subscription or insurance charge? How much are exam fees?

Look-see. Many clubs offer a free trial class, especially if they run on a term basis. If that’s not possible, ask to pay weekly for the first two sessions.

Give it time. Some children are prone to dropping out. Unless you think they are completely and utterly unsuited to the activity, or really, really hate it, stick it out for at least a couple of terms.

20 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

When children are engaged, they pay more attention - 61% of young people claim to be better behaved in PE than other lessons, in most cases simply because they enjoy it more. This is particularly true amongst boys, and children who admit to misbehaving at school - of whom 73% claim to be better behaved in PE lessons.

Theatre arts “I like acting and pretending to be someone else and learning songs and dances with my friends,” says five-year-old William, who has attended a children’s performing arts club for nearly a year. For boosting the confidence of shy or reserved children, drama can’t be beaten. And the skills that a child learns through performing arts classes will stand them in good stead throughout their lives - twenty years down the line, they’ll thank you when it comes to addressing a meeting room or chairing a conference.

Performing arts classes are not only for children with starry aspirations. Theatre arts bring literature to life, and build selfconfidence. Learning to perform in front of an audience can help children with public speaking; role playing and improvisation give their minds freedom to develop while developing empathy for other people’s feelings.

Arts and Crafts Children love to get messy, and the chance to create their own piece of art is something special. Even the smallest child loves the sensation of clay between fingers, or the thrill of splodging finger paints on paper.

Expressing themselves through the arts - whether through painting, drawing, story writing or making ‘junk models’ - gives children the freedom to unleash their creativity and push boundaries.

By providing a balance and a creative outlet, art skills complement and assist literacy and numeracy skills in the classroom.

If you’re not artistically inclined yourself, or never have the time to sit down and help your child create a wonderful cushion, collage or clay model, why not leave it to the experts?

School support Parents choose out of school academic subjects for their children for a host of reasons - perhaps your little one excels in maths and you want to give them more challenging and stimulating tuition - or maybe you simply want to supplement what is being taught at school by introducing the skills needed for independent study and fluency in the subject. Whatever your reason, group or individual tuition can make a huge difference to your child’s progress and greatly enhance their school-based studies.

More and more parents, particularly in London, are hiring private tutors to give their child the edge when it comes to achieving in class, or practicing and preparing for exams. If your child is bringing home good school reports and is happy and settled, there’s no need; however there’s no longer any stigma in finding extra help if you want to, and the best classes are fun as well as educational.

Clubs & classes Five benefits of extra curricular activities 1. Curriculum boosting After-school activities and clubs are a great way to complement and extend what children have precious little time for at school, especially art, music and languages.

2. Socialising Claire, mother of four under 10 year-olds, believes it is important for children to make new friends outside school: “It really helps them stand on their own and develop their confidence. There isn’t that pecking order thing that you have in the playground. It’s a chance to break out of whatever mould you’ve been cast in.”

3. After-school care When both parents work, after-school activities on school premises can be incredibly valuable. Most schools offer a mix of teacher-run and externallyorganised clubs after school, and even at weekends.

4. A sense of achievement Amanda says: “Kitty, 8, has just reached purple belt and she has been made karate captain. She’s very proud, it’s tremendously good for her.”

5. For all the family When Patrick started tennis lessons, his parents were inspired to get active too. Mum Maria has joined a tennis club for adult group coaching, and Dad Mike cycles to and from Patrick’s lessons with him.

What do the children say?

How much extra-curricular activity do children think they should be doing, and what are their favourites?

Imogen, 8, says: “I did tap dancing with my friend Molly but I didn’t like it, but I like Brownies and I’m in the school rounders team. I just wish we beat other schools more often!”

Her brother, Hamish, 11, concentrates on sports: “I do football, cricket and rugby at school, and karate on Saturday mornings. The extra practice means I get on better teams at school.”

Danny, 12, says: “When I was younger I did football club, recorder club, cooking and chess club, but now I’m at senior school, I’m just doing football for now.”

Jackson, 9, says: “I go to swimming, football and piano classes. I’d like to give up the piano because I don’t want to practise every day, but my Mum won’t let me.”

Ruth, 3, says: “I do ballet like Angelina Ballerina and I wear a tutu.”

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

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 21

Clubs & classes Local Clubs and Classes news Jo Jingles Awards and NEW OFFER Local Jo Jingles Business Women Alison Wright and Eve Kay are celebrating after scooping up awards this year.

Alison won a Community Award for all the fantastic work she does for children with additonal needs throughout Mid Cheshire and Eve won Franchisee of the Year for her expanding business throughout Mid Cheshire and North Wales.

Thousands of children come to their Jo Jingles classes each week to enjoy music and movement with percussion instruments and sensory toys. Visit www.jojingles.com to find out more about the leading pre-school music group and how it can benefit your child.

Jo Jingles is helping Tommy’s Baby Race at Marbury Park in Northwich on Saturday 10th September. Warm up with Big Jo at 9.30 and then support this important early birth charity. For more details visit www.tommys.org/babyrace

NEW OFFER: Jo Jingles is now offering selected classes free of charge for all babies aged 3-6 months – please call your local class leader for more information.

Primary School teacher goes raving MAD!!

A former primary school teacher has finally gone MAD and is devoting all of that energy to singing and dancing with pre-school children. Kathryn is the newest member of the exciting MAD Academy network and is setting up a franchise in South Cheshire.

MAD Academy offers high-energy music and dance classes for babies and children aged 3 months to 5 years. What sets the MAD Academy apart are the free spirited and fun style of the classes which bring to life the basics of music and dance. The classes include well known and fully choreographed children's songs, musical instruments to discover and enjoy, musical guessing games, lots of movement and singing.

Kathryn Lindblad will be running classes 5 mornings a week from September 2011 in Alsager, Mossley, Sandbach and Holmes Chapel. She feels very fortunate to be able to share this new opportunity with the children in South Cheshire and enable even more babies and children to experience the magic that is MAD Academy!!

Call or mail Kathryn now on 01270 876628, kathryn.lindblad@madacademy.com

Tennis Tykes for under 5s smashes government targets on physical activity and early learning goals

The government has recently launched new guidelines for under 5s advising at least 3 hours of physical activity a day and this advice comes amid growing concern about levels of childhood obesity and new research linking a lack of physical activity with poor brain development and social interaction.

The good news, is that even over the winter months when it’s harder for children to get outside and participate in active play, Tennis Tykes is providing lots of opportunities locally for children. This indoor educational tennis skills and play programme for the 2-5 year old age group follows the

government’s Early Years Foundation Stage and the little tykes all easily exceed the physical learning goals as they exhibit great balance, movement control and coordination and the ability to handle and operate the tennis equipment well.

Tennis Tykes has been running full and successful classes in Bramhall, Didsbury, Knutsford and Wilmslow since May and due to demand is now extending the times of those classes and also adding Hale/Bowdon classes on a Wednesday afternoon. William’s Mum is just one of the many happy customers, “We have been really impressed by how William’s tennis skills have developed since starting the classes and each week he can't wait for the next class to take place. I only wish we had Tennis Tykes classes when I was his age!”

For further information on Tennis Tykes please call Caroline Buncall on 07843 342662 or log onto www.tennistykes.co.uk.

Jabberjacks is in town!

Come and learn a language alongside Coming soon... Autumn 2011 will see the launch of the popular your child!

Jabberjacks pre-school classes in “Jolly Polyglots” offers language tuition to children from as young as 18 months through parent/toddler classes and pre-school/primary school programmes.

As the name suggests, “Jolly Polyglots” hopes to inspire a generation of “budding little linguists” who are happy and enthusiastic to learn languages in a fun yet successful way! Christine Cartwright, a local modern languages teacher with over 10 years of experience in both primary and secondary education, has created a new pre-school programme called “Petits Pois” which uses stories such as “The Hungry Caterpillar” and “Peter Rabbit” to help children learn vocabulary confidently in a familiar context. Songs, puppets, actions and games are also used to engage the children as they learn!

Parent/Toddler classes run in Prestbury, Poynton and Tytherington so that parents can come along too and learn how to reinforce this learning method at home! Private individual or group classes can also be arranged. For further details please see www.jollypolyglots.co.uk

22 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Chester, Northwich and Winsford.

A unique combination of puppets and music is delivered against a backdrop of drama and play. Be amazed as your little ones develop physical and social skills, confidence and knowledge.

For more information call Wendy on 07519 238263 or visit www.jabberjacks.co.uk/chester

Glo Family Toddler Time

Launched recently at Glo Family in Cheadle is Toddler Time – running each Tuesday from 10am – 12pm and Friday from 2 – 4pm.

This activity session has a different theme each week, and is followed by juice and a biscuit for the little ones and a more general play in the play area. Sessions include “Choose veg for a soup” (where the soup is made by the chef and brought out for the children to try – they do vegetable related crafts while he’s making it) and “Snap Crackle Pop” (the children enjoy crafts, stories and making rice crispie cakes). Sessions are free for members, and cost just £2.50 for nonmembers. Great fun for the kids – and some relaxing time for mums! Call 0844 800 7380 or visit www.glofamily.com for more information.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER To celebrate the launch of Jabberjacks Chester, Northwich & Winsford, the first ten customers who book their party and pay their deposit before 30th September 2011 will be offered a special party price from just £100* * Terms and conditions apply

Clubs & classes Local Clubs & Classes Directory ARTS AND CRAFTS Mucky Pups Bramhall Nikki: 07511 622445 www.mucky-pups.com

Diddi Dance Chester Dance classes for 2-4 year olds.

Danielle: 07870 664734 www.diddidance.com

BABIES Baby Massage Time Learn to massage your baby the IAIM way; baby massage reduces colic, deepens sleep and enhances bonding and it's a great way to meet other new Mums. Group or 1:1 courses in your own home or venues in and around Cheadle and Poynton. Contact Suzanne 07738 564666 Suzanne@babymassagetime.com www.babymassagetime.com

Footloose Dance Academy Ballet, Tap & Freestyle dance classes in Bollington & Macclesfield.

07951 054547 www.footloosedanceacademy.co.uk

Baby Sensory Wilmslow & Bramhall – Tina: 07877 458602 Knutsford & Lymm – Laura 07946 672035 Congleton & Alsager – Vicky/Jane: 07974 359980 Chester & The Wirral - Steph: 07814 941048 www.babysensory.co.uk My Babytime Mid Cheshire Charlotte: 07590 025253 www.mybabytime.co.uk Sing and Sign Baby Signing Classes in South, Mid and East Cheshire. Teach your baby how to communicate before they can speak!

Through music, Sing and Sign teaches both parents and babies signs relevant to baby’s life. These include signs about mealtime, bedtime, bath time, and things all babies love...animals, vehicles and things at the park! Baby and toddler classes available.

Melissa Buzzard: 01606 590651 melissabuzzard@singandsign.com www.singandsign.com Yogababy Mid Cheshire Jo: 07850 580855 www.yogababycheshire.co.uk COOKING Cookie Tots & Kiddy Cook Hale, Altrincham, Bramhall, Wilmslow – Nikki: 07976 619648 Stockport/East Cheshire – Mandy: 07411 560011 www.kiddycook.co.uk DANCE Dancing Tots Hoole, Chester Fun creative dance session for 2-4 year olds.

Claire: 07801 478548 www.co3dance.co.uk

Fuchsia School of Dance Classes for 3 years Plus in Ballet Tap Modern and Jazz. Knutsford Methodist Church (also Adult Ballet) RAD registered teacher and examiner, RAD ballet exams, ISTD Tap + Modern exams. Biannual show (Feb 2012) Contact Wendy Arshamian ARAD 07792 284974 wendyarshamian@hotmail.co.uk Starlight Theatre School Bramhall Anna: 0161 747 4074 www.starlightschool.co.uk DRAMA AND PERFORMING ARTS Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Stockport & E Cheshire – Kalini: 01625 261000 South & Mid Cheshire – Brian: 01270 765586 www.helenogrady.co.uk

Chester – Karen/Lindsay: 01244 316187 Northwich – Susan: 01606 45132 Nantwich – Adele: 01782 397866 Stockport – Cathy: 0161 864 3974 Wilmslow – Laura: 01616 884292 www.stagecoach.co.uk Star Tuition/SOS (Star on Sunday) Knutsford Toby: 07780 850357 www.star-tuition.co.uk Upstage UK Macclesfield 0161 743 1790 www.upstageuk.com FOOTBALL Premier Football Coaching Wilmslow 01625 415151 www.premierfc.com The Football Academy Mid/East Cheshire 07738 239287 www.tfa-thefootballacademy.co.uk Sportsweek Junior Coaching Centres South Manchester/Cheshire 0161 456 8161 www.sportsweeks.net

LANGUAGE Petits Pois French for under 5s Parent/Toddler Groups.

Come along and learn French alongside your child the fun way through familiar stories, with actions, games, songs and crafts! Thursdays: 1.45-2.30pm - Prestbury Methodist Church Fridays: 9:45-10:30am - Tytherington Family Worship. Private individual/group classes can also be arranged. Please see www.jollypolyglots.co.uk for full details 07714 216655 TinyTalk Baby signing and singing classes for birth to 18 months). Want to learn what your baby is trying to tell you? Communicate with your baby before they can talk? Learn the fun way – through nursery rhymes, action songs, storytime AND extra social time. NEW TinyTalk Toddler Talking classes (18 months+) – developing confidence with speech and communication through action songs, learning activities, parachute games and FUN! www.tinytalk.co.uk Northwich & Knutsford areas: Jenny 07968 110670 Frodsham, Macclesfield: Claire 07771 747755 The Cheshire Mandarin Academy Across Cheshire, 07833 712878 www.cheshiremandarin.co.uk

MAD Academy MAD Academy offers high energy, free spirited Music and Dance classes to babies and children aged 3 months to 5 years. A brand new set of classes start in Alsager, Mossley, Sandbach and Holmes Chapel in September and everyone is welcome.

Call Kathryn on 01270 876628 to book your FREE taster session. www.madacademy.com Pyjama Drama Poynton, Bramhall, Cheadle, Alderly Edge and Wilmslow – Alison: 0844 504 5119 Knutsford, Lymm, Stockton Heath, Appleton/Grappenhall, Northwich – Julie-Anne: 0844 272 6590 www.pyjamadrama.com Stagecoach Theatre Arts School Stagecoach provides quality part-time training in the performing arts. Early Stages sessions are suitable for 4-7 year olds and act as a gentle introduction to the main schools. In the Main Schools children and teens aged up to 18 learn to sing, dance and act in small groups with specialist CRB checked teachers.

Congleton & Macclesfield – Julie: 01260 241017

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Clubs & classes Local Clubs & Classes Directory MUSIC & SOCIAL Caterpillar Music Mid/East Cheshire Activity sessions for 0 - 4 year olds encourage learning through music in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Classes use activity songs, exciting puppets and colourful percussion instruments. Each session focuses around different weekly themes, including jungle animals, the farm, colours, numbers etc.

Caterpillar class is a mixed age group for young babies and toddlers and the children love to use the puppets and instruments to develop good listening skills and communicate through play. Butterfly class is for toddlers and pre-school children who are ready to join in with lots more actions and music developing their social skills and confidence. Caterpillar Music parties are also available for children from 0 - 4 years.

Call Jan 01925 860459 for your free information pack or to book your free trial. www.caterpillarmusic.com Rhythm Time Music and singing are fundamental to your child's development. They help develop confidence, creativity and co-ordination.

Classes are offered for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. All classes give children the chance to sing, dance, explore, socialise and have fun while learning about making music. For classes throughout Mid and East Cheshire call Frances on 01270 884 583.

For the Chester area call Julia on 07789 867589. www.rhythmtime.net Jabberjacks Developing social and physical skills for children from 6 months to 4 years old, through a unique combination of puppets, music and fun.

Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Knutsford Sue: 01625 540999 Chester, Northwich & Winsford – Wendy: 07519 238263 www.jabberjacks.co.uk

Jo Jingles Jo Jingles provides fun and educational Music, Singing and Movement classes for babies and young children. With the help of our Jo Jingles doll, trained and experienced presenters run the UK’s most popular music and movement experience.

Cheadle, Bramhall, Wilmslow, Marple, Glossop and Stalybridge: Laura – 0161 431 0674 Didsbury, Heaton Moor, Heaton Mersey, Timperley, Hale Barns and Lymm: Jacqui 01925 269136 Alsager, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Middlewich, Sandbach, Macclesfield & surrounds: Alison 01477 535124 Tarporley, Chester, Frodsham, Hartford, Helsby, Kelsall, Knutsford, Mold, Mynydd Isa, Nantwich, Sandiway, Saltney, Winsford and Wrexham: Eve 01926 739966 www.jojingles.co.uk RUBGY Chester Rugby Club www.chester-rufc.com Congleton Rugby Club www.pitchero.com/clubs/congleton Crewe & Nantwich Rugby Club www.pitchero.com/clubs/ creweandnantwich Knutsford Rugby Club www.knutsfordrugby.com Macclesfield Rugby Club www.macclesfieldrufc.com Northwich Rugby Club www.northwichrufc.co.uk Sandbach Rugby Club www.sandbachrufc.co.uk Wilmslow Rugby Club www.pitchero.com/clubs/wilmslow Winnington Park Rugby Club www.pitchero.com/clubs/winningtonpark SPORTS and ACTIVITIES Enjoy-a-ball Sports Coaching for Children Chester area - Gary: 07796 190169 www.enjoy-a-ball.com

Glo Family Cheadle A totally new concept in play centres and a location for many classes from dancing and drama to baby massage and music.

Daily craft sessions for your little ones and twice weekly “Toddler Time”. Classes also run for mums including pregnancy and post natal sessions. For full details of the extensive list of what’s on visit www.glofamily.com info@glofamily.com 0844 800 7380 Gymbabes/Tumble Tots/Gymbobs Designed to develop children’s physical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing, through the use of brightly coloured Tumble Tots equipment.

Wilmslow & Macclesfield – Nicky: 07814 020 095 Alsager, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Nantwich & Northwich – Ann: 07810 513 845 Lymm & Knutsford – Melanie: 07812 144450 Chester – Jackie: 01244 303127 www.tumbletots.com Kanazawa Shotokan Karate Centre Classes for Seniors and Juniors (7yrs plus) in Wilmslow and Cheadle Hulme.

01625 548489 mail@karateclass.net www.karateclass.net 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. For classes in the East Cheshire area call 01625 326177.

Or for the Chester area call 01829 271166. www.littlekickers.co.uk

Little Superstars West & South Manchester / Cheshire Louise: 07904 344552 www.littlesuperstars.co.uk Pixies Cheerleading Poynton & Knutsford Kelli: 07852 903909 www.pixiescheer.co.uk Playmakers Macclesfield/Wilmslow 01625 520333 www.premierfc.com 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 now in Bramhall, Didsbury, Hale, Knutsford and Wilmslow. For further information, please log onto the Tennis Tykes website at www.tennistykes.co.uk or call Caroline Buncall on 07843 342662.

SWIMMING Puddle Ducks Classes across Cheshire Puddle Ducks is a fun and friendly swimming programme offering unique baby, toddler and pre-school swimming classes. Children develop from splashing and kicking to graceful, efficient Swimmers - a delight to watch.

By engaging each child’s abilities and natural affinity with water, Puddle Ducks offer simple steps to a lifetime love of swimming. Children learn lifesaving, swimming and underwater skills in small classes of up to 8 children and are often able to swim 10 metres or more before they start school.

Call 01477 410080 for classes in Mid and East Cheshire or 01829 739073 for classes in the Chester area. www.puddleducks.com Swimabout Handforth Simon: 07515 252708 www.swimabout.net Water Babies Mid & East Cheshire – Anna: 01270 611111 Chester & Liverpool – Alison: 01925 243643 www.waterbabies.co.uk

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What’s on October Half-term Activities For Children Witches & Wizards Academy Do you have children wanting to get dressed up with no party to go to this Halloween? Then celebrate autumn in style with Fantasy Kids Clubs.

They will be running Witches & Wizards Academy Workshops for children in Alderley Edge this October half term on Thursday 27th from 9am-3pm. Children are invited to train to be Witches and Wizards at these full day workshops full of creative activities. Children can come along dressed in their favourite costumes and will celebrate the end of the day with a party disco. The workshops are delivered by experienced staff and it’s great entertainment for the children during the holidays.

They are also on the voluntary OFSTED register and accept childcare vouchers for their workshops.

Activities Until Sat 8 Oct Chester Zoo Dinosaurs at Large!

Normal admission prices apply

Sat 10 Sept Delamere Forest Fungal Foray 10am – 3pm Children must be accompanied £4.50 per person, Book in advance Romany Memorial Gardens, South Drive, Wilmslow Romany Open Day 12pm – 3pm Children must be accompanied Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre Tegg’s Nose Bramble Pick 10am – 1pm

Fantasy Kids Clubs sister company Make a Wish Entertainment also run magical Halloween parties hosted by real characters. You set the date and they will entertain your little devils allowing you to relax and enjoy the party.

For more information and to book a place on one of their workshops please contact Fantasy Kids Clubs on 01924 281365 or visit their website www.fantasykidsclubs.co.uk.

Sat 17 & Sun 18 Sept

Sun 25 Sept

Sun 9 Oct

Gulliver’s World Peppa Pig 10.30am – 5pm Normal admission prices apply

Chester Zoo Run for the Wild 8.30am, All ages, Adults £10, Children £5

Tatton Park Kiddy Cook 10am – 12pm, Max age 12 £22, Booking Essential Tatton Park Apple Day Normal admission charges apply Stockport Art Gallery The Big Draw Weekend 11am – 2pm, All ages, Free, drop in

Sun 18 Sept Wilmslow High School (A34 entrance) Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm, Table costs £10 Entrance 50p

Tues 20 – Sun 25 Sept Tatton Park Moscow State Circus See website for costs & timings

Sat 1 Oct Tarporley Community Centre NCT Nearly New Sale 1-3pm, £1 entry fee

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Oct Quarry Bank Mill Autumn Fair 9.30am – 12pm, Free event Normal admission charges apply

Sun 11 Sept Waterside Hotel, Didsbury Mother's Instinct Baby & Toddler Show 12 - 5pm, FREE entry

The Moor, Knutsford Community Planting Session 10am – 12pm

Sat 15 Oct Marbury Country Park Fungal Foray Sessions from 10 am – 12.00 and 1 pm – 3 pm Free, but advance booking essential.

Sat 10 & Sun 11 Sept Water Tower, City Walls, Chester Heritage Open Days: The Medieval Water Tower 10am – 4pm Age 4 – 12 (must be accompanied) Free, drop in Gulliver’s World Grandparents Weekend It’s Time To Treat Your Grandparents!

10.30am – 5pm Normal admission prices apply High Legh Garden Centre Festival of Transport Free Admission Any donations made go to North West Air Ambulance Service

Fri 14 Oct

Sat 24 Sept Quarry Bank Mill Ramble through the seasons: Autumn 9.30am – 12pm Adult £10, Child £5, Booking essential Tatton Park Kiddy Cook 10am – 12pm, Max age 12 £22, Booking Essential

Sat 24 & Sun 25 Sept Stretton Watermill Victorian Harvest Weekend 12 noon – 5pm, Age 4 – 12 (must be accompanied), Free Tatton Park Harvest Festival 12 – 5pm, Normal admission charges apply.

Blakemere Craft Centre Harvest Festival Free admission and parking.

Sat 15 – Mon 31 Oct

Wed 5 Oct Stockport Air Raid Shelters Explorer Tour 7pm, Age 10+, Adults £6.10, Under 16’s £5.10, Booking Essential

Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester LEGO® Halloween Normal admission prices apply.

Blakemere Craft Centre & Destination 49 Scarecrow Trail

Sat 8 Oct

Fri 21 – Sun 23 Oct

Hatworks, Stockport The Big Draw Weekend 11am – 2pm, All ages, Free, drop in South Park Football Pitch Bonkers for Conkers 1pm – 3pm, Adults Free, Children £2 Booking and payment in advance essential. 01625 383777

Tatton Park North West Food Lovers Festival Normal admission charges apply

Sat 8 & Sun 9 Oct

Sat 22 Oct Ranger Centre, West Park Minibeast Magic 1pm – 3pm, Adults Free, Children £2 Booking and payment in advance essential. 01625 383777

Dunham Massey The Big Draw 12pm – 4pm Normal admission charges apply.

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What’s on

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 22 – Wed 26 Oct

Mon 24 Oct

Tues 25 – Sun 30 Oct

Wed 26 – Fri 28 Oct

Quarry Bank Mill Fungus Walks 10am – 2pm, Adult £10, Child £5 Normal admission charges apply Booking Essential

Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Ballerinas 2-4 pm, Age 4 – 12 (must be accompanied) Free, drop in

Tatton Park Halloween Hauntings at the Old Hall Age 12 – 5pm, Adult £5, Child £3 (under 5’s free), Family £13.

Normal admission charges apply

Lyme Park Petrified Pumpkins 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm Children must be accompanied £4 per child Normal admission charges apply.

Sat 22 – Sun 30 Oct Tatton Park (Closed Monday 24) Get Squashed in the Gardens Normal admission charges apply

Mon 24 & Tues 25 Oct Lyme Park Ghostly Goings On 12 noon – 4pm Age 6+ (must be accompanied), £2 Normal admission charges apply.

Wed 26 – Sat 29 Oct Hatworks, Stockport Spooky Children’s Tour 2.30 – 3.30pm, Age 5+ Child £2.00 Accompanying Adult £1.00 Booking Essential

Mon 24 – Fri 28 Oct Dunham Massey Family Walks in the Park 1.30 – 2.30pm Normal admission charges apply.

Mon 24 – Sat 29 Oct Quarry Bank Mill Halloween Spook-tacular 11am – 4pm. Free event Normal admission charges apply Gulliver’s World Spooky Halloween Week & Firework Spectacular 10.30am – 5pm Normal admission prices apply Lyme Park Walking Festival – explore the park with Freddy the Fox 11am – 4pm, Children must be accompanied Free event Normal admission charges apply.

Lyme Park Welly Walk 11am – 12pm All ages. Children must be accompanied Free event, Normal admission charges apply.

Biddulph Grange Garden Halloween 10.30am – 5.30pm Children must be accompanied Free event. Normal admission charges apply

Tues 25 Oct Lyme Park Spooky Stories 1pm – 3pm, Age 6+ (must be accompanied) £3 per activity Normal admission charges apply.

Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Pull along trains 2-4pm, Age 4 – 12 (must be accompanied) Free, drop in

Tues 25 – Thurs 27 Oct Hatworks, Stockport Spooky Halloween Masks 10.30am – 12pm / 1pm – 2.30pm, Age 5-11 £3.50 or Leisure Key £3.00 (limited places) Booking Essential

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Wed 26 – Sun 30 Oct Wed 26 Oct Grosvenor Museum, Exhibition Gallery Two, Newstead Gallery & Lecture Theatre Discover the Mystery Plays 11am – 4pm (music & singing sessions at 11.30am & 2.30pm) Age 4 – 12 (must be accompanied) Free, drop in Stockport Air Raid Shelters Children’s Explorer Tour 6.45 – 8pm, Age 7+ (must be accompanied) £3.95 per child, accompanying adults £2 Booking Essential Delamere Forest Bat Walk (for children) 6.30 – 8.30pm Children must be accompanied £4 per person, Book in advance Biddulph Grange Garden Pumpkin Carving Workshop Workshops at 10.30am, 11.30am & 2.30pm Children must be accompanied £5 per workshop Normal admission charges apply

Little Moreton Hall Half Term Horrors 1pm – 3pm Age 4+ (must be accompanied) Free event Normal admission charges apply.

Thurs 27 Oct Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Easy Printing 2-4pm Age 4 – 12 (must be accompanied) Free, drop in The Pavilion, South Park Community Planting Session 1pm – 3pm

Fri 28 Oct Grosvenor Museum, Newstead Gallery Build a bridge with straws 2-4pm Age 4 – 12 (must be accompanied) Free, drop in Delamere Forest Spooky Halloween Walk 7.30 – 9pm, Age 10+ Children must be accompanied £5 per person, Book in advance

Visit www.familiescheshire.co.uk for more information on these listings.

Delamere Forest Pumpkin carving 10.30am – 12pm or 1.30pm – 3pm Children must be accompanied £4.50 per person, Book in advance

Fri 28 – Sun 30 Oct Lyme Park Ghostly Goings On 12 noon – 4pm Age 6+ (must be accompanied) £2, Normal admission charges apply.

Sat 29 Oct Churnet Valley Railway The Ghost Train Dead on arrival on the Graveyard Express.

Bookings taken from 5 September Booking essential

What’s on

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

Sun 30 Oct Wilmslow High School (A34 entrance) Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm Table costs £10 Entrance 50p

Contact information: Biddulph Grange Garden: 01782 517999 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk Blakemere Craft Centre: 01606 883261 / www.visitblakemere.co.uk Cheshire East Rangers: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers Chester Zoo: 01244 650240 / www.chesterzoo.org Churnet Valley Railway: 01538 750755 / www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk Delamere Forest: 01606 889792 / www.forestry.gov.uk/delamere Destination 49: www.destination49.co.uk Dunham Massey: 0161 9411025 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk Grosvenor Museum: 01244 402110 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/visiting Gulliver’s World: 01925 444888 / www.gulliversfun.co.uk Hatworks: 0161 355 7770 / www.hatworks.org.uk High Legh Garden Centre: 01925 756991 / www.klondyke.co.uk/node/21 Kiddy Cook: Nikki Geddes 07976 619648 / www.kiddycook.co.uk Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop: 07748 601248 / www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk Legoland Discovery Centre: 0871 222 2662 / www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk Little Moreton Hall: 01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk Lyme Park: 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk Marbury Country Park:01606 44727 / www.northwichwoodlands.org.uk/woodland/marbury.shtml Moscow State Circus: 0844 856 5555 / www.moscowstatecircus.com NCT Tarporley & District: Tracey 01829 733207 / www.nct.org.uk North West Food Lovers Festival: 01244 355474 / www.nwfoodloversfestival.com Quarry Bank Mill: 01625 445845 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk Stockport Air Raid Shelters: 0161 474 1940 / www.airraidshelters.org.uk Stockport Art Gallery: 0161 355 7770 / www.stockport.gov.uk/artgallery Stretton Water Mill: 01244 402110 / www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/visiting Tatton Park: 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Win a family ticket to see “Scrooge” at The Lowry!

Scrooge is the ultimate in family entertainment this Christmas with great songs, a brilliant story and wonderfully bright and funny characters. This wonderful musical starring Tommy Steele, is coming to The Lowry from Mon 12 December to Sat 7 January, and you can win a family ticket for the press night on 13 December.

Simply go to our website www.familiescheshire.co.uk to enter by answering the following question: Which famous Dickens’ story is Scrooge is based on?

Entries close Monday 31 October.

If you’re not lucky enough to win, you can by tickets for the show by calling 0843 208 6010 or log on to www.thelowry.com/scrooge. For details of their ‘children eat free’ offer have a look at www.thelowry.com/eat

www.familiescheshire.co.uk | Families Cheshire 27

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

Like us on Facebook.com/bananalane For a discount go to www.bananalane.co.uk/discount

28 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk