Families19 web jan feb 2014

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014 ISSUE 19

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Breaking up?

Breaking the news to the children Don’t lock up the kids this winter Teen Star Tuition Plus

‘Helping students achieve their true potential’

Professional Tutoring Literacy & Numeracy First lesson free Harvest Fields Centre, B75 5TJ Mere Green Centre, B75 5BT (Wed.& Thurs) Tel: 07592 556 452

Email: info@tuition-plus.co.uk www.tuition-plus.co.uk

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Classes in Moseley & Harbourne

Get Your first Class FREE! use code

FREE1 YogaBugs.com

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Families

FIRST

Learn to draw!

Make sculpture!

Paint portraits!

Fantastic & fun workshops for kids!

Storytelling, drama, family days and other events for all ages Family guides to the galleries always available

For more information, pick up our PEXIWX *EQMPMIW *MVWX PIE¾IX SV ZMWMX www.barber.org.uk 0121 414 7333 The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TS

Barber-FF-Advert-ADec2013-AW.indd 1

09/12/2013 11:24

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • • • •

Courses mapped to the National Curriculum.

Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week.

Ofsted registered - we accept Childcare Vouchers.

Free trial session - book today!

Harborne Kings Heath Longbridge Oldbury Wylde Green Yardley

01216 474394 01216 617409 01212 960768 01216 476369 01216 475159 01213 069455

www.explorelearning.co.uk 2

Issue 19

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.”

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

are s c ild her ! h C uc pted Vo acce

Contents

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

In this Issue...

H

4 8 10 11

Perhaps you are fed up of your job and planning on becoming your own boss in 2014. If so, read about the Work and Family Fair and scan the local opportunities we highlight for you.

12

appy New Year to all our readers and welcome to the first Families magazine of 2014. Will it herald a new start for you? Are you heading back to work after maternity leave?

Read our advice on sussing out the best nursery place for your child.

Our parenting pages this issue cover diverse topics from dealing with head lice (oh yes, we have all been there) to cooking real food with children (messy, but healthy and fun), and essential advice on when, where and how to deliver the news to your children if your relationship has broken down.

Divorce is never easy but the way we tell children about it can help reduce the fallout.

As ever we bring you news about family activities and what’s going on, and don’t forget to have a look at our new searchable what’s on guide at www.familiesbirmingham. co.uk. Register on our website and we will even send you an up-to-date what’s on listing direct to your inbox before each school holiday. You can also follow us on twitter @ familiesbirm.

We wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2014.

Wendy Flynn , Editor

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

14 15 16 18 19 22 24

News Clubs and classes Don’t lock up your kids Be your own boss in 2014?

Divorce – breaking the news Head lice – dealing with the dreaded infestation Cooking with kids Choosing a nursery St George’s Nursery, Edgabaston Deadlines looming for fee-paying schools What’s On Win a ski trip

4 8 12 16

Tudor House

Front cover photo

by Alexey Losevich

Next Issue:

Advertisers: book now for our March/April Easter issue.

Call 0758 352 6056 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Tuesday, February 4 2014.

Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, Jan 2014 We take care preparing this magazine but the publisher and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor its consequence.

Preparation for Grammar School 11 Plus

All children in year 3 and year 4 should apply

Tel: 0121 709 1200

www.tudorhousetuition.co.uk Issue 19

3

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The Snowman

J

anuary is such a bleak month – Christmas is over and the signs of spring seem a long way off – but take a trip to see The Snowman and bring back some festive cheer.

The show, based on Raymond Brigg’s magical story of a snowman who comes to life on Christmas Eve, features a cast of snow people, penguins, magical reindeer, a snow princess and her beau Jack Frost, and, of course, Father Christmas. Its signature tune Walking in the Air is known and loved by generations of children.

In the two decades since it was first staged in Birmingham, The Snowman has been seen by more than a million people worldwide. Between January 8-18 it returns to its home city to celebrates its twentieth anniversary, where it will no doubt appeal to another generation of young children.

The show will put a smile on your face and brighten up the bleakest of January days. See it and melt.

Photograph by Herbie Knott

Tickets from £12.50. To book call 0121 236 4455, or book online at www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Mummy Hugs

Promote your little one’s natural reflexes in our lessons using hugs from the water.

Enjoy baby bonding, terrific toddler time, and practising preschool fun with our specially trained and enthusiastic swimming team.

0121 405 0440 waterhugs.co.uk 4

Issue 19

Looking forward to a new arrival? Then give you and your baby-to-be some TLC with a new aqua yoga course for pregnant mummies.

The sessions are held in a warm water pool at Langley Primary School on St Bernard Road in Solihull, and the specially-adapted yoga movements relax and calm mums-to-be, with gentle stretches and breathing control exercises helping prepare the body for labour.

Mummy Hugs instructor Suzie Milner, who will be leading the sessions, trained under Francoise Freedman, a medical anthropologist at Cambridge University and founder of Birthlight.

Suzie says: “It is a really lovely experience for expectant mums and it is very relaxing and serene. We do a lot of floating and the weightlessness in the water takes the strain of the pregnancy. I have seen mums become so relaxed during the sessions that they fall asleep as they are floating. Their stress levels come right down, and they have a chance to tune in to their bodies and really connect with their unborn baby.”

The Mummy Hugs classes will be run at Langley Primary School on Monday and Fridays. To find out more call Suzie on 0121 405 0440.

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

TeenStar auditions

A

re you a child who can’t help bursting into song?

You sing to a mirror and imagine yourself on stage and simply long to perform live?

If you are a talented pre-teen or teen singer, you might like to try out for the TeenStar auditions run by music management company Future Music.

Unlike X Factor, these auditions are closed to the public but like all auditions first impressions count. You won’t have much time so you must make every second count. The advice is to use the time to perform the best part of your song and you can even start with the chorus. You can sing cover songs or your own material.

They are holding auditions for the TeenStar competition at Birmingham NEC on January 25. Three age groups are invited to audition – pre-teens, mid teens (13-15) and late teens (16-19) and you can audition as a solo singer, duo or group.

The winner of the TeenStar competition will get a £5,000 prize to support their music, but along the way to the final there will also be the opportunity for singers to win studio recording time, singing lessons from top coaches, and a chance to have their music promoted on You Tube.

You will be asked to prepare a performance of no longer than two minutes.

To find out more and to register for a possible live audition, log on to www.teenstarcompetition.co.uk

The Garden Kitchen Café Take a winter welly walk in the grounds of Packwood House and then stop off to warm up by the wood-burning stove in the newly-opened Garden Kitchen café and visitor centre.

The contemporary café has a family-friendly appeal with a special children’s menu and child size portions of any meal available on request. There are colouring and activity packs to keep children amused, and it’s well equipped with high chairs and a stock of children’s beakers and bowls to cater for younger guests. The café is open all year round serving fresh seasonal food including produce from the Packwood House kitchen garden.

The wood-burning stove, the comfy sofas and the tasteful décor make it a haven for adults as well as kids, so I suggest you get your walk in before stopping off here or you might find you relax too much and while away the daylight hours.

The visitor centre and café completes a major conservation and maintenance project at Packwood’s Tudor House, which last year attracted more than 85,000 visitors.

The largest Bollywood Academy in the West Midlands

Fun Bollywood Dance Classes all ages and abilities learn how to dance like your favourite Bollywood film stars!

Join today!

Enrol now courses in your area

Classes in the following areas: Solihull, Kings Heath, Hall Green, Great Barr, Moseley, Sutton Coldfield & Wolverhampton.

For full details and timetable visit

www.bollywooddreamsdance.com t: 0845 226 8210 e: info@bollywooddreamsdance.com

Sporting start to 2014 Birmingham sports fans have two top class events to look forward to at the start of 2014. The British Basketball League Cup final will be held at the NIA on Sunday, January 12. The build up to the final starts from 12pm when top England select players compete with Ireland’s elite basketball players, followed by the UK slam-dunk competition, and the cup final game.

On the first Saturday of half term, February 15, the British Athletics Indoor Grand Prix will return to the NIA. Last year a packed arena watched double gold Olympic medallist Mo Farrah snatch victory in the 3,000m event.

To book tickets for either event log on to www.thenia.co.uk or call 0844 338 8000

h c a o c rts e heatre A g T a St

Stretch Your Child’s Imagination In Three Directions At Once The original, largest and still the best part-time performing arts schools in the world.

Nurturing and developing young peoples’ potential through dance, drama and singing.

Stagecoach Edgbaston Saturday classes at Edgbaston High School for Girls for children and young people aged 4 to 18

Call: 01926 651159 email: edgbaston@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/edgbaston

CE! AC

DAN SING!

T NOW!

Issue 19

5

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Hogwarts is real and other bloopers!

W

hether this says more about the magical powers of the Harry Potter books or the inadequacies of geography teaching, a survey by Travelzoo found that more than 1 in 10 British children believed Hogwarts was a real landmark!

against the clock to drop all the countries of the world onto their correct locations on a map. The free iPad app can be downloaded from the app store, with Sir Ranulph Fiennes hailing it as ‘an excellent tool for teaching children about the countries of the world in an engaging way’.

In other bloopers, one in 4 children failed to name ‘the country shaped as a boot’; one in ten thought Yorkshire was a state in the US, and one in five believe the Nile is an ocean.

When you download the app, you will be invited to make a small, optional donation to aid children in Malawi, one of the world’s poorest countries. Visit Travelzoo for further information or download the iPad app today from iTunes: https://itunes.apple. com/UK Travel Zoo Map the World.

The survey was conducted to publicise the launch of a new app ‘Map of the World’, a timed digital jigsaw puzzle of the countries of the world designed for families to complete together. You work

P.S. To visit Hogwart’s Great Hall, Diagon Alley and see the Weasley house, visit Warner Brothers’ Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire. www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Jem and Liv – the Next Ant and Dec? They’ve performed in Big Arena’s productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Cinderella and Bugsy Malone.

But their latest challenge is the biggest of all, and they have been studying Ant and Dec to make sure they get it right.

Jemma Cadwallader and Olivia Powell, both ten, of Walmley, are in rehearsal to present the group’s Variety Show at Sutton Town Hall at Easter. It is the first time Big Arena has used the Town Hall for their annual performance and Olivia and Jemma are looking forward to hitting the big time.

“We love acting,” says Olivia, “and we’ve done quite a few shows with Big Arena, but this is

different to being on a school stage.”

Her co-presenter Jemma adds: “We are going to be improvising and talking directly to the audience. We want to be funny, keep the show going and make sure the audience knows what’s going on the whole time, so we’ve been studying Ant and Dec for tips!”

Big Arena is an established Sutton Coldfield drama club which meets on Saturdays at Fairfax School. It takes young people from the age of 5-16. New members are welcome any time and anyone joining in January is guaranteed a place in the variety show. They’ll be on the big stage and given a Big Arena welcome by Jemma and Olivia.

Celebrate Chinese New Year at the Barber January 31 ushers in the Chinese New Year 2014, the Year of the Horse. According to Chinese mythology, those born in the Year of the Horse are said to be bright, sociable and bubbling with energy. So they will certainly enjoy Birmingham’s New Year celebrations on February 2 at the Arcadian Centre in Birmingham, and at the Chinese New Year Family Day at the Barber Institute, Birmingham.

There will be live music and dance performances at the Barber, and children can listen to Chinese folk stories and have a go at constructing an origami horse. It’s a FREE drop-in event running from 11am-3pm, which gives you enough time to head off to the Arcadian Centre to catch the Chinese Fireworks Finale.

The Barber will also be running their regular Drawing, Printing and Painting Sundays in January and February. Children aged 4-8 and 8 upwards can learn how to draw landscapes, paint real people with costumes and props, and create mosaics and moving sculptures. For more information, or to book, e-mail education@barber.org.uk or call 0121 414 2261.

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Issue 19

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Kaboom! Big Bang Science Fair is back

B

uild a lie detector to find out if your friends are lying to you; experiment with a bionic eye; have a go at facial reconstruction; get the gen on genes and take an explosive, stomach-churning journey through the science of your lunch.

All this and much, much more is on offer FREE when the Big Bang Science Fair explodes into life again at the NEC in Birmingham in March.

Schools should register now for Thursday and Friday, March 13 and 14, and families can book free tickets for Saturday and for Sunday, March 15 and 16. Log on to www.thebigbangfair.co.uk to register and find out more.

With workshops, stage shows, and interactive stands, there is something for everyone aged from 7 upwards – and it is a whole day of fascinating fun.

Nurturing an early interest in science, technology, maths and engineering could pay off in the long run as graduates with these degrees do well in the jobs market and can often command a pay premium.

Confidence Building Drama

Does you child have ADHD? Can you help researchers at the University of Birmingham trying to find out about the differences in eating behaviour in children with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? If you have a child aged 5-15 years log on to http://tinyurl.com/ kn6erux to find out more about the online survey. Your child does not have to have ADHD to enter as researchers want to explore the differences, if any, in responses. All parents completing the survey can enter a competition to win a £25 Amazon voucher as a thank you. Contact: Carmel Bennett on 07570 580289 for further information.

Classes for Children Dance, Drama and Singing Classes for children 5-15 every Saturday from Big Arena, based in Sutton Coldfield.

To find out more and to book your child’s FREE taster please call today.

0121 427 3770 / 07738 952 062 www.bigarenadrama.com

Birmingham Music School Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals, Bass Fully Trained Yamaha Teachers CRB Checked Yamaha Teaching System Accredited Exams Grade 1-8 Instruments Provided Play & Read Music & Have Fun Free Trial Lesson Call: 0121-439-5488

YAMAHA

BRANSTON STREET, JEWELLERY QUARTER, B18 6BA Issue 19

7

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Family Martial Arts Keep fit together in 2014 with family martial arts classes at the Antonio Santorelli Black Belt Academy in Harborne.

Alongside age-specific classes running from Lil Warriors (4-6 year olds) right through to Black Belt standard, the Academy runs a special mixed family session at Lordswood Girls School where parents and children can train together. For more information and a free trial session for families or individuals call Antonio on MUSIC 07818 052 978.

TIM TANDLER DRUM SCHOOL Meanwhile Solihull Karate Club led by former 1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location British Champion and 5th Dan Greg Hegarty is Rock School grades 1-8. Ages 4 upwards.

Tel: 0121 503 5849 offering four week mini taster courses for children www.timtandlerdrumschool.co.uk aged 4 upwards and adults. The club runs classes in Langley School, Olton Friary, and Solihull Sixth Form College. For further information call: Greg on 07501 955 953.

Clubs & Classes

DIRECTORY

DANCE & DRAMA

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Shirley Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.co.uk

Harborne Dance School

Ballroom, Latin, Freestyle

MUSIC BIR

1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location M I N G H A M Rock School grades 1-8.

Ages 4 upwards.

Tel: 0121 503 5849 www.birminghamdrumschool.co.uk

SPORTS

Club Futsal UK

5-a-side football training Birmingham and Solihull Boys and Girls aged 3 to Adult Tel: 07745 565745 www.clubfutsaluk.co.uk

Adults and Children

FootieBugs with Lee Hendrie

Tel: Wendy on 07515 878772

Professional football classes 3-9 years

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE

Tel: 0121 777 7792

Youth Theatre Group, Age 4+

www.footiebugs.com

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

Telephone: 0121 722 3761 www.masquerademusicaltheatre.co.uk

Nicholson School Of Dance Ballet & pointe, Classical dance fusion, RAD. Age 4+

TUITION

Primary Plus-The Inspiring Tuition Service 11+, SATs, Literacy & Numeracy support from 7 years

Moseley & City centre (BOA)

In the heart of the Jewellery Quarter

Tel: 0121 449 4304

Tel: 0845 206 8658

www.nicholsonschoolofdance.co.uk

www.primaryplus.org.uk

Solihull Young Dancers Ballet and Tap Dancing Classes from age 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 07722 732678

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT STAGE SCHOOL Dance/Drama/Singing/Gymnastics Exams, Shows & Competitions North Solihull. 0121-242-3904 www.spotlightstageschool.co.uk

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Issue 19

YOGA

Fun and creative yoga classes From walking age to 12 Tel: 0845 863 0682 Email: nidhi@yogabugs.com www.yogabugs.com

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0758 352 6056

Relax – school massage helps improve results Four Solihull schools are pioneering The Massage in Schools Programme which has been shown to help improve pupil performance and behaviour. The internationally-recognised Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) was introduced by Yvonne Obaidy from Solihull School Improvement and Advisory Service, working in partnership with trained MISP instructor, Donna Davis.

The peer-massage programme is teacher-led and encourages learning through positive touch games, activities, and by creating massage stories which can be curriculum based.

Ms Davis, who has evaluated the programme in Worcestershire schools, adds: “Schools have told me of better educational achievements by children, improved Ofsted reports, and day to day benefits such as helping children to settle after a busy playtime.”

For more information about the Massage in School Programme contact Donna Davis on 07954 414 223 or visit www.gowellbeing.co.uk

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Live the dream and dance From ballet to ballroom or Bollywood, there is a dancing style to appeal to us all. So why not ditch the TV and dance your way to fun and fitness in 2014?

Since Strictly Come Dancing waltzed onto our TV screens it has sparked an interest in learning how to dance the salsa, the Rumba, the Cha, Cha, Cha and the Foxtrot. The live version of the TV spin off will be on at the NIA this January, but don’t just passively watch it, learn how to do it. Harborne Dance School runs classes for adults and children in Ballroom, Latin and Freestyle dancing.

Ever watched the breath-taking dances in a Bollywood movie where East meets West in spectacular style? Don’t just watch it. Dance it.

Bollywood Dreams Dance teaches more than 260 children and adults each week across Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield. Their classes draw on classical Indian dances Bhangra, Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Belly Dance but also on Street and HipHop, fused together to create Bollywood magic!

Planet Dance, Solihull, Dubarrie Dance in Yardley and Shirley, Nicholson School of Dance in Moseley and Dizzy Dancers all run ballet and tap classes for children starting from aged 2.5 upwards. It’s time to get toes tapping and feet moving. Fast forward to fun times in 2014.

Contacts: Harborne Dance School, call Wendy on 07515 878772; Bollywood Dreams Dance, call Reena on 0845 226 8210; Planet Dance, call Bev on 0121 709 3412; Dubarrie call Joanne on 0121 744 1422; Nicholson School of Dance, call Annette on 0121 449 4304, and Dizzy Dancers call Louise on: 0773 465 1192

Yoga – for a calm, confident child Yoga can help everyone, but if your child is anxious, has trouble sleeping, is lacking in confidence or has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, it can have immense benefits. Nidhi Shah runs YogaBugs classes for pre-school children and after school classes in Harborne and Moseley.

To find out more about how Yoga could help your child, call Nidhi on 0845 863 0682. Quote code FREE1 for a free trial lesson.

Music Maestro

Had a new musical instrument for Christmas and want to learn how to play? Call Solihull and Harborne Strings Club on 0779933 2562; Birmingham Yamaha Music School on 0121 439 5488, Progress Music Academy on 0121 212 9642, both in the Jewellery quarter, or Birmingham Drum School on 0121 503 5849.

MUSIC ACADEMY

!

FAVOURITE SONG RECORD YOUR TAR PS PO A BE TO EVER WANTED FOR THE DAY? es in brand new Children’s parti io recording stud Call 0121 212 9642

www.progess-academy.co.uk

Only £99

Dizzyrs Dance Various ages welcome Based in Highgate, Birmingham.

01527 870889 or 0773 4651192 www.dizzydancers.org

Solihull Karate Academy Karate instruction in the Midlands area for children aged 4 and over

by Greg Hegarty 5th Dan, former British Champion For more information 07501 955 953

www.solihullkarate.co.uk solihullkarate@hotmail.co.uk Issue 19

9

Lifestyle

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Don’t lock up your kids this winter

P

lay England is concerned that parents’ cool attitude to outdoor play grows colder as the weather does.

A drop in temperature compounded with concerns about traffic, stranger danger and dark evenings see many parents literally closing the door on outdoor play and depriving their kids of the fun they themselves had as children.

Dr Anne Zachary, a child development psychologist, says: “Children need to run, jump, and play actively. Exploring and playing in the natural environment of outdoors leads children to use their imagination and be creative. A stick can become a sword, a leaf can be a plate, and the top of an acorn can serve as a teacup.”

Children active outdoors are less stressed, more relaxed and physically fitter than indoors-bound kids and children who get exercise perform better in school too.

Education specialist Sue Palmer says outdoor play “produces bright and balanced children and, therefore bright and balanced adults. Play is as vital to development as food and sleep. If we

Farmyard Fun for all the family

keep children locked inside they will not be able to form the social skills they need to tackle the adult world.”

Clearly, it’s time to allow our kids a blast of the past with outdoor play. Maybe, instead of hibernating this winter, we could wrap up warm and go out in the fresh air. Here are some suggestions for great outdoor play opportunities: Umberslade Farm Park – muck around on the farm and be the first to see the new-born lambs and spring chicks. Take a ride on a tractor and trailer and have fun with an egg splat cannon at this family-run children’s farm near Solihull. www.umberslade.com Go Ape – release their inner Tarzan and let your little monkeys take part in a tree-top adventure in the forest. The Go Ape Centres at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, and Wyre Forest, near Kidderminster, will be open for the February half term. www. goape.co.uk Mud pie Cook Off Competition – mud, glorious mud and pies at Moseley Old Hall mud kitchen. Take part in a half-term competition to create the best mud pie at this National Trust property in Wolverhampton. Pie pictures posted on facebook and a winner announced each day of the half-term holiday. www. nationaltrust.org.uk Nature Tots - join in the nature tots activities during termtime and den-building workshops for children during half term at the Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull. www. warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Advert Advert for ‘Families’ for ‘Families’ magazine magazine November November 2013. 2013.

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Cycle paths – if you are worried about children cycling on busy roads, try the cycle paths at Cannon2013.

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10

Issue 19

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Lifestyle

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Be your own boss in 2014?

F

ed up going back to work after the Christmas break? If your answer is yes, it sounds as if you are in need of a career change. Setting up a business and being your own boss is not for everyone, but if you have what it takes the opportunities are there for taking: The health and beauty company Forever, who sell skincare products, are looking for people to develop their business in the Midlands. If you feel comfortable meeting people and selling then this could be for you. Call Carolyn on 07789 916278 to find out more, or e-mail her at carolynrose121@gmail.com If you answered ‘oui, merci’, a ‘fantastique’ new role could be yours. Frenchtastic teach French to preschool and primary age children using games, songs and drama. They are looking to expand with openings in most areas across Birmingham and Solihull to run the courses in pre-schools and after school clubs.

You would need to be a confident French speaker, but not necessarily completely fluent, to take on this role. A foreign language will become compulsory for all children from year 3 onwards. But, as very young children effortlessly soak up languages, parents are likely to be keen to give them a head start with learning, which means it could be a prime time to grow this business. To find out more call Anna on 07767 770687.

If you really care about children, like spending time with them and stay calm when a child is pushing the boundaries, then you could consider becoming

a foster carer. You don’t have to be married or have a family of your own, as carers come from all walks of life. But what they must have in common is a genuine commitment to making a difference to the lives of children in their care.

Advanced Foster Care offers training and supports carers with allowances of up to £34,000 a year.

To find out more call 0800 644 6230 or e-mail foster@advancedfostercare.co.uk The Little Letter Company provide ready-made arts and craft packs and they are looking for distributors in the Midlands – selling to mums at parent and toddler groups, nurseries and parents of young primary age children. You get to keep a percentage of each pack sold, so you could earn a second income with little risk. To find out more call Stephanie on 0845 838 2499

1,500

If a rewarding job with true security that provides you with the work/life balance, flexibility and control over your own destiny sounds appealing – contact Carolyn Rose today.

You can work part time, around your existing work or family commitments and there is no financial investment.

Find out how Carolyn’s children can always be her priority – working part-time hours to suit her family commitments – you too could change your life.

Contact Carolyn for a FREE information pack on

07789 916278 or email: carolynrose121@gmail.com

Work & Family Show

Parents considering starting up their own business venture can chat through ideas with industry experts and gain valuable career advice at the Work & Family show which is taking place beside the Baby Show at London’s ExCeL in February.

The event will give working parents and career break women access to practical advice, inspiration and ideas to help them create a happy and healthy work life balance.

For more information visit www.theworkandfamilyshow.co.uk

PARLEZ-VOUS FRANÇAIS?

FANCY RUNNING CLASSES IN BIRMINGHAM OR SOLIHULL? Teach French to little ones using songs, games & drama following our successful formula.

WWW.FRENCHTASTIC.CO.UK ANNA - 07767 770687 Classes running now in Sutton Coldfield.

FREE TASTER class available.

Issue 19 11

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Divorce – breaking the news to

M

any adults have been through a divorce and, even if we haven’t, the vast majority of us will know parents who have split up. On a personal level a relationship break up is traumatic, but foremost in every parent’s mind is the possible impact it could have on the children.

Depending on the age of your child, you realise that this moment might be something that they will always remember – the time you told them that you, mummy and daddy, were going to live separately. Therapist and child psychologist Soila Sindoyo explains what you will need to keep in mind while you are breaking the news.

Choose the right time. You know your children best so you will know when the right time is. However, before bed is not really a good idea as this means that they are left with their own thoughts through the night, not the best time to digest such news. You want them to be able to come to you through the day with any questions they may have. Of course they will still think about it when the lights are out and for a long time coming but let’s reduce the pain and stress as much as possible.

Tell them together whenever possible. This may sound obvious but I have heard of cases where one parent takes it upon him/ herself to talk to the children without the knowledge of the other.

If you cannot tell them together for whatever reason, do let the other parent know what, when and how you are intending to tell the children and as you tell the children, do let them know, from the start that their father/mother knows that you are talking to them.

Agree on what you will be telling them and how you will be saying it. As we all know, words carry a lot of power. Tell them when you are both calm and have the time to sit through any questions or concerns that they might have. Please don’t rush through it.

Tell them when you are somewhere safe, preferably somewhere familiar to them. This way there are neither new nor noisy distractions. They can concentrate on what is going on here

and now. Don’t make it a “special” occasion i.e. take them to the cinema, get them whatever they want and then out to lunch in their favourite restaurant and break the news in there. They don’t need any associations with the news i.e. they don’t need to always see a Pizza Express or a Zizzi restaurant and “remember the time when…”

Anticipate questions and prepare for them. For example: Why? Do you not love mummy/daddy any more? Where are we going to live? Am I changing schools? Will I still see daddy/mummy?

Most importantly reassure them that it is not their fault in any way. Really make sure that they get this. Contrary to popular belief, not all children blame themselves but it does happen. You might have to revisit this with them again and again.

Be honest. If it’s a trial separation then let them know, if it’s definitely going to end in a divorce then let them know that too.

Do not, under any circumstances, give them false hope. It is not fair on them to have to relive the whole thing again, once they realise that you will not be getting back together ever again. Do not promise them ANYTHING. If you don’t have an answer then let them know.

Be totally present with your child. Watch them as you speak.

Watch their body language and their facial expressions. They can tell you a lot about what is going on within them. Are they fidgety, avoiding eye contact, fighting back tears, curled up? Sometimes these and other behaviours will give you a cue on when to reach out to them physically. “Come here Tom, you look like you could do with a hug right now.” There are some children who might feel that they suddenly need to look after you – “Are you alright mummy/ daddy?” Don’t let them parent you, this could just be their way of avoiding hearing, processing and dealing with their own anxieties, fears and worries and displacing/transferring them onto you.

Use age appropriate words and language. Little ones might not understand a whole account of what is going on while teenagers may need more information. Be prepared to have them come to speak with you at the most inconvenient time...yes, children have a way of finding the strangest time to want to discuss the most difficult things; when you’re running late, for instance. Bear with them. The timing may not be the best for you but it is for your little one.

Do not, under any circumstances, tell the children to keep what is happening at home to themselves. This is very heavy news for a child to carry. They need care, attention and support from you and others around as opposed to them looking after you and your secrets.

Family Problems? NoVate Direct Legal Solutions can help To most of us when the inevitable break up looms the last thing we want to think about is the division of assets and the financial implications of divorce. There is no doubt however, that taking advice from experts at an early stage pays dividends not just financially but also emotionally. In many cases if the advice is followed, it will reduce and limit the total legal spend.

With Citizens Advice Bureaus facing incredibly harsh cuts for their budgets and the private marketplace being swamped with law firms, where do you turn to?

Not-for-profit NoVate Direct Legal Solutions can help provide the information you need to find the right legal team for you.

It does not charge for the service it provides and it does not

12

Issue 19

seek referral fees.

NoVate advisors assess your case and decide whether it is best to instruct a barrister direct, which in most instances is significantly cheaper than instructing a solicitor, or whether the solicitor route is the best option for you. In some cases of course you will need both.

You ultimately decide who you instruct, but you will be armed with all the necessary information needed to ensure the choice you make is the right one. NoVate offers advice to individuals regardless of income. They will be able to help whether you have a higher budget or are looking for legal aid.

For more information: www.novatedirectlegalsolutions.com or call 0845 201 0160.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Parenting

o your children

Novate Family ad 130mm x 180mm PATHS_Layout 1 11/12/2013 13:06 Page 1

Issue 19

13 

Family

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Head Lice - dealing with the dreaded infestation

O

ne of the pitfalls after a relaxing holiday break is every parent’s worst nightmare – HEAD LICE. It happens to us all but they always take you by surprise.

There are numerous products out there that will offer you the answer to your prayers but the best way to manage an infestation at home is to COMB COMB COMB! Fifty five per cent of people do not itch with head lice so don’t use this as a warning sign of an infestation. Similarly, don’t just have a quick cursory glance in your child’s head – they can be very tricky to spot.

For these reasons, most people only discover their child has lice once the infestation has really taken hold – which makes it even more difficult to deal with.

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

Equip yourself with a metal nit comb (these are best as they don’t pull the hair as much), leave in conditioner (the cheap stuff is fine) a sectioning / tail comb, some small hair bands and some tissue / paper towels. Plus a good DVD is crucial to ensure little heads stay still!!!

The key is your technique:

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1. Apply conditioner and comb through to ensure no tangles.

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

4. Pay extra attention to those warm spots in the nape of the neck, the crown of the head and behind the ears as this is where they thrive.

5. A thorough comb should take you between 30-50 minutes, depending on hair length/thickness.

Head lice are the second most communicable health issue after the common cold so don’t be afraid of them – it is likely that every child will have had them at some point.

Life in the slow lane

Hot on the heels of a survey indicating the older generation were more literate and numerate than today’s children comes another worrying finding. Children take one and a half minutes longer to run a mile than their parents did at their age. Modern children would finish nearly a quarter of a mile behind children of 40 years ago in a mile long race, according to new research.

800 644 6230 0800 644 6230 dvancedfostercare.co.uk advancedfostercare.co.uk

Dr Grant Tomkinson who led the study said: “If a young person is generally unfit now, then they are more likely to develop conditions like heart disease later in life.�

Less than three per cent of children between the ages of two and 15 years old currently get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

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Issue 19

Family

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Cooking with kids

M

any parents find they cannot get much done in the house when they have their children to entertain. So why not do things differently this time? How about getting your children to help you in the kitchen and actually make some of the food they eat for lunch or dinner?

OK, in the short term, it may mean more mess – but think ahead a few years to your child being able to make the family lunch when a teenager. And we’re not talking baking biscuits or cupcakes either – we mean proper family food.

Before You Start

Choose some simple dishes to ensure success. For example, filled jacket potatoes, chicken wraps, sandwiches, tomato pasta sauce, garlic bread, fish goujons, fruit skewers.

Involve the children in shopping, do it when you have time and try places other than a stressful supermarket.

Use farm shops and butchers where the children can look around at the food, teach them how to choose a good item, be it as simple as checking an apple for bruises. The more children are involved the more fun they’ll have.

Teach your children the rules of good hygiene (especially washing hands!) and get them to wear aprons.

Combine cooking with maths! Let the children help you prepare for cooking by weighing out ingredients - try to use either balancing scales, or scales with a dial that they can understand. If using a dial you can place a sticker where the dial needs to go for the right weight to make it more visual for them to understand.

Set up a chair so the children can wash any fruit and vegetables in a sink of water, they’ll love it!

You are the best judge of what your child is capable of, but generally speaking, most primary school children should be able to do basic cutting up under supervision, and younger children could decorate pizzas.

While Cooking Often as parents we think we know what our children are capable of - test this a bit and you’ll be amazed at what your child can achieve! Depending on their age, get them to read recipes, weigh ingredients, put vegetable peelings for recycling, help clean up, and then lay the table.

It’s all about the utensils you use. You can buy rotary graters which allow them to grate cheese, carrots etc without adding fingers to the mix. A good peeler can give a child a huge freedom when peeling vegetables. Little rolling pins are a great investment to help them cope with pastry and dough, if the pin is too large and cumbersome they’ll just get frustrated.

If making pastry, make it from scratch and let your child rub together the flour and butter until magically the butter disappears and they have a bowl of sand. Not only a useful life skill and a money saver but great for muscle development to help with handwriting!

2008|2009

RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL

Children aged from 3 months to 5 years.

Ofsted Outstanding

It’s important for children to learn about safety in the kitchen. Let older children stir sauces and chop vegetables, just make sure you teach them how to do it safely first, and always supervise!

And After...

• Qualified friendly staff.

• Daily home cooking.

• Interactive Whiteboard/Table.

• CCTV cameras in every room.

• Free Grant places available for 3+

Tel: 0121 777 4902

130 Russell Rd, Hall Green, B’ham B28 8SQ

Don’t let your children do a runner after the cooking is done, the tidying away is just as important!

Kings Heath Grange Day Nursery

29008|2009 002|8002

Other sites

621 Fox Hollies Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.

B28 9DW Tel: 0121 777 3778

Small World Nursery, 975 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 8BG Tel: 0121 693 3071

O stan fsted Nor ding 2 thfi eld 012

Out

• • • • •

Care in a homely setting From birth to 8 All staff CRB-checked Low staff turnover Exercise classes and sign language • Open door policy • Ofsted rating Good • Full and part time places

To visit call Amanda on

0121 444 0515

Jumping Jacks Day Nursery Kings Heath Grange Day Nursery

6 Balaclava Road, B14 7SG Tel: 0121 444 0808

23-25 Grange Road, B14 7RN Tel: 0121 444 0515

Day Nursery Schools Quality Pre-School Education and Care • Ages 3 months to 5 years • Small group sizes • Open 7.30am to 6.00pm • Mature qualified staff • Home cooked meals • Ofsted approved 106 Wake Green Road Moseley, B13 9PZ. Tel: 0121-449-3673

• CCTV and Door-entry security • Grant Funding processed • Teachers specializing in Music, Dance & French (subject to availability) 19 Woodland Road, Northfield, B31 2HU. Tel: 0121-475-8416 Issue 19

15

Nurseries

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

How to choose your child’s nur

I

t’s one of the most important decisions you’ve made for your child in his or her life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know? Joanna Moorhead shares some tips.

There are all sorts of different nurseries out there. Big ones, small ones, ones run by the local council, and ones run by independent companies. There are nurseries attached to primary schools, and there are stand-alone nurseries. When you start looking for one, the plethora of what’s out there can make it all seem very daunting.

But here’s the first, the most important, and possibly even the only thing you need to know about how to make your choice. Listen to the voice inside your head, heed your instinct about what’s right for your child, and you’ll almost certainly make the ‘correct’ choice.

Because the truth, of course, is that there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one. There is, however, a nursery that will suit your child best, because it will mesh in with your own and your partner’s ideas about how to raise a child, and what matters most in his or her life. All of which is why what you feel inside you about a nursery will give you the biggest guide as to what to go on.

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Issue 19

Looking round To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area (or perhaps in the area where you work, if you’re thinking your child can be cared for at nursery while you work nearby). Comb through the nurseries in your area online; look at the Ofsted reports for any you think sound promising.

Think about what factors matter most to you in a nursery (see our checklist) and then make appointments to look around a selection of those that have, or might have, vacancies.

When you look round, don’t be too anxious about all the questions you need to ask or whether you’re going to miss something vital.

Instead, switch on all your ‘vibes’ and take in the holistic sense of the place. Does it feel friendly, and welcoming, and a fun place to be, from what you can see of it? Do staff treat you warmly – are you convinced by what they’re telling you? Do you, in a nutshell, feel a sense of confidence about the place; would you feel confident about leaving the most important person in your life, your child, here in the care of the people you’ve met? If the answer is yes, the nursery you’ve just seen is a possible one for you; if you have any doubts whatsoever about this most crucial thing, whether you’re confident about leaving your baby there, cross it off your list at once.

Nurseries

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Families Jan 2013:St George's Nursery

rsery

By Joanna Moorhead

Food: how important is it to you that food is organic? Do you like the idea of nursery children eating alongside staff – ie, the family model, which some nurseries practice?

Communication: how does the nursery communicate with parents. Is there a verbal debrief each day on pick up, or is there a diary system? What systems have they in place for you to discuss any concerns?

For more tips on choosing a nursery see www.familiesonline.co.uk

P

St George’s School Edgbaston

What are the most important things you’re looking for in a nursery? Here are some things you need to think about:

Outdoor play space: this varies hugely from nursery to nursery. Think about how important outdoor play is to your child, and decide how much importance you’re going to attach to whether the nursery has a garden, how big it is, and how many activities take place in it

17:23

An individual approach to childcare and education

Your nursery checklist

Staff: how do they interact with the children?

Are they caring and attentive at all times; what are their qualifications and experience and what is staff turnover like?

29/11/13

St George’s School Nursery provides care and education from four months of age.

With extremely competitive fees, excellent facilities and specialist childcare staff, the nursery is a thriving nurturing environment where children find learning exciting.

Children are eligible for the Government’s FREE entitlement funding, from the first term after they turn 3 years until they start school. �

Full and term time provision

�

Internal and external CCTV security

�

Open 50 weeks of the year

“Children in our nursery can progress through the school to 18 years of age. This provides important stability.”

Jenny Shaw, Head of Lower School

Tel: 0121 625 0398 31, Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1RX www.sgse.co.uk Email: admissions@sgse.co.uk

cf child first day nursery Cooks Lane B37 6NZ

Drop in and see our childcare in action!

Home cooked organic food – huge outdoor area Solihull@childfirst.co.uk or 0121 788 8148 Issue 19 17

St George’s Nursery

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

A successful start in life at St George’s Nursery, Edgbaston

S

t George’s School, Edgbaston, is Birmingham’s first independent school to offer a complete education for boys and girls from four months of age through to 18 years. This provides a strong, one-school community where students feel settled and secure.

Specialist childcare staff at the school nursery, which opened just over a year ago, recognise the importance of education starting from an early age. The nursery places special emphasis on each child developing as an individual.

With plenty of play time and an exciting range of fun activities, children build important skills in what is the vital first stage of their educational development. The nursery is a thriving environment, where children find learning exciting.

St George’s nursery is safe and clean for babies, with a quiet, relaxing sleep area for those all-important naps. Young babies are fed with milk provided by parents and as they move to solids catering facilities ensure a nutritionally based and varied selection of meals, prepared on the premises, using fresh, local ingredients wherever possible.

For toddlers there are plenty of creative facilities for stimulating activities, an excellent all-weather outdoor play area and a specialist ‘buggy bus’ for taking groups of children on open air adventures around the extensive, landscaped grounds of the historic Calthorpe estate which is home to St George’s.

The upper school is housed in the estate’s original Georgian building.

St George’s understands that choosing a nursery is one of the most important decisions parents will have to make. They have

18

worked hard to establish a centre of excellence for your child, so you know they are receiving the very best start in life.

“We are genuinely committed to the belief that all children can achieve if supported from an early age,” says Sir Robert Dowling, Vice Chair to the Board of Trustees.

“We want the precious blooms of young developing minds and perceptions to be allowed to flourish,” he continues. “We have invested in the best equipment and staff - the nursery offers parents outstanding facilities and the highest level of nurturing care. Staff take their responsibility for the very young very seriously.”

The benefit of St George’s is that children can start in the nursery and then progress through the school, from reception to the sixth form. The stability that this provides can be critical for students, preventing the emotional and educational upheaval of moving from primary to secondary school and, perhaps again, to sixth form college.

“When children from the nursery progress to the lower school we are aware of their unique personalities and can readily meet their educational needs,” says Jenny Shaw, Head of the Lower School (pictured here with Sally Roberts, Nursery Manager).

Jenny, a mother of three children with a strong background in primary school education, takes a visionary approach to teaching and has introduced the idea of an holistic education for children from Year 1. Students have smart targets set for numeracy, reading, writing and personal development.

The curriculum across the Lower School is rich and varied and includes music, Spanish, PE and swimming instruction. Classes rarely exceed 16 students. There is a teaching assistant in every class.

Formative assessment is ongoing.

Every six weeks there is a summative assessment when new targets are set.

St George’s offers an all encompassing educational opportunity for your child.

For more details please call 0121 625 0398.

Jenny Shaw, Head of the Lower School with Sally Roberts, Nursery manager Issue 19

Article by St George’s School, Edgbaston.

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Deadlines looming for fee-paying schools

J

anuary is crunch time for winning a coveted place at a school of your choice.

The die has been cast for selecting a state school place (although you won’t know the outcome until March - April if primary), but the deadline is NOW if you want to look at the independent sector.

and a politician second, and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg refused to rule out sending his eldest son to private school before he secured his son’s place at his chosen state school.

Cont’d – turn to page 20

11+ Tuition & Mock Exams

If you have any doubt about securing your chosen state school – or there is uncertainty about a grammar school place – don’t wait for March to consider the alternatives or you could miss the boat.

Guardian education journalist Janet Murray admitted that her views on private schools changed once she became a mother.

She sent her child to nursery at an independent school with wrap around childcare, but when it came to switching to a state school she compared the small school atmosphere and 11-pupil class her child had thrived in, to the larger, more anonymous primary schools, and she never looked back.

Indeed, even left wing politicians have had their road to Damascus moment. Diane Abbot defended her decision to send her child to a top fee-paying secondary school explaining she was a mother first

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Issue 19

19

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Cont’d from page 19 There is no doubt a private school education offers advantages – both academically and socially.

Exam results are only one predictor of future success; so too is self-confidence, the ability to speak in public, and the ability to network with ease, all of which an independent school education fosters.

Privately-educated individuals win more places at top universities and dominate leading positions in government, law, the media and sport. It is little wonder that many parents are prepared to miss out on foreign holidays and make cutbacks elsewhere to meet the cost of a private school.

There are many excellent state schools and the best offer an education on a par with private schools.

But it is difficult to ignore the reality that most state schools cannot compete with the smaller class sizes, increased teacher attention, and better resources on offer at independent schools. Whether your child is gifted and talented, academically able or needs a lot of nurturing, they have an advantage at a private school where teachers can give them that much more time and attention.

Even though deadlines for applications are looming there is still time to visit – and it is worth doing so because every fee-paying school is different and some will suit your child better than others. Some are highly academic while others cater for a wider ability range.

Edgbaston High School emphasises the importance of their interview as well as the entrance assessment because it gives children a chance to show their individual personality. Highclare School stresses that there is no pass or fail at their assessment day because they look to meet the needs of the child, and, along with stretching high-flyers, St George’s School, Edgbaston prides itself on its support for dyslexic pupils and those with high functioning aspergers.

If you have missed open days, or the date clashes with another event, most schools will arrange an individual visit.

When finance is an issue (and for most of us it is) don’t forget to check out scholarships and bursaries, some of which can even pay full fees. Edgbaston High School, for example, has four named scholarships (one a music scholarship) which offer 50 per cent reduction on fees regardless of parental income, and they also offer meanstested bursaries to pupils who perform well in their entrance exams. The maximum bursary can cover full fees. (For registration forms and further information, call Annelle Scott on 0121 454 5831).

St George’s School Edgbaston offers individual bursaries with each case taken on merit, and they also offer academic, sports, arts and music scholarships. (Call Natalie Williams on 0121 625 0398). At Highclare school every child is eligible to be considered for an academic scholarship based on test results and an interview, and children can also go forward for music, art and sports scholarships (Call Julia Baden on 0121 386 8218).

For a full list of scholarships and bursaries, log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

individual

Highclare School Admissions

School bus from Lichfield, Tamworth, Walsall & Coleshill

Now enrolling boys and girls together for September 2014.

Scholarships and Bursaries are available.

excellence

Highclare Sixth Form Scholarship Exam Friday 17th January 2014

Highclare Senior School 11+ Assessment Day Monday 27th January 2014

Call 0121 386 8218 or visit www.highclareschool.co.uk or email admissions@highclareschool.co.uk /PNOJSHYL :JOVVSZ HYL SVJH[LK VU [OYLL ZP[LZ PU :\[[VU *VSKÄLSK HUK ,YKPUN[VU

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Issue 19

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Secondary school admissions – dates to note: Edgbaston High School for Girls Open Day: Jan 11.

Year 7 assessment: Jan 18.

Contact: Annelle Scott 0121 454 5831

Priory School, Edgbaston Year 7 assessment day: Jan 18.

Call to arrange a visit.

Saint Martin’s School, Solihull Open Day Jan 18.

Year 7 assessment Jan 20 Contact: Jane Webber

St George’s School Edgbaston Open Day: March 8.

Year 7 assessment: Jan 23 or 25 Contact: Natalie Williams 0121 625 0398

King Edward High School

Highclare School, Sutton Coldfield for Girls, Edgbaston Year 7 assessment day: Jan 27.

Open Day: Jan 18 Families Main School Scholarship exam: School Jan 17 Jan 2013:St George's Contact: Chris Tovey 29/11/1 Contact: Julia Baden 0121 386 8218

Prep School visits and admissions: Kingswood School, Shirley Contact: Suzanne Lilley on 0121 744 7883 Norfolk House School, Edgbaston Contact: Helen Maresca on 0121 454 7021 Bluecoat School, Edgbaston Contact: Mrs Jeffries 0121 410 6807 Eversfield School, Solihull Contact: Jenny Dredger on 0121 705 0354 Ruckleigh School, Solihull Contact: Charlotte Laurens on 0121 705 2773

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An individual approach to education

St George’s School

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Edgbaston

Give your child the best start in life with an education at St George’s School, in Edgbaston.

A fully co-educational independent day school, offering a friendly and caring one school community from 4 months of age to 18 years. ďż˝

Small classes with a creative and constructive learning ethos

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Outstanding support for children with dyslexia

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Speech therapy available within the school

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11+ tuition

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Wide choice of GCSE and A-level subjects

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Outstanding exam results

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Extensive extra curricular and enrichment activities

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Saturday 8th March 2014 10.00 am - 12 noon

Tel: 0121 625 0398 31, Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1RX www.sgse.co.uk Email: admissions@sgse.co.uk

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Issue 19

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What’s On Out & About

Book time for under 5’s

Story time for pre-school children Venue: Kings Heath Library, High Street, Kings Heath, B14 7SW Date: Mon from 6 January. Term time.

Time: 2.15-2.35pm FREE

Rhythm and Rhyme and Storytime

Do you have babies or toddlers aged 0-3 year olds? Would you like to help them learn while singing, rhyming and bouncing?

If so come along and join in these fun rhythm and rhyme sessions and pre-school storytime.

Venue: Hall Green Library, 1221 Stratford Road, Hall Green, B28 9AD Date: Tuesday 10-10.30am Rhythm and Rhyme; Fridays 10.15-10.45am (Pre-school Storytime) Term Time only To Book: call 0121 464 4772 FREE

New Year on the Farm

Family-run children’s farm park with two adventure play areas, indoor egg splat cannons, ride-on tractors. Jump on board a tractor & trailer ride and see the farm, lambs, chicks and bunnies.

Venue: Umberslade Farm Park, Butts Lane, Tanworth In Arden, B94 5AE Date: From January 11

Nature Tots

Nature themed walks, activities, and arts and crafts for ages 2-4 which encourage an early interest in wildlife. New Year Fun (Jan 10); Nature’s Patterns (Jan 17); Snow and Ice (Jan 24); Winter Animals (Jan 31); Tweet to Woo (Feb 7); Teddy Bear in the Wood (Feb 14); Furry Friends (Feb 28)

Pinocchio Moss Side. 1976. The year of the Great Heatwave and Pinocchio’s on the run.

In a ramshackle shop his father Elijah, the toymaker, waits. Will Pinocchio ever return to make him proud? Awardwinning director and choreographer Benji Reid joins writer Mary Cooper to produce this fast, funny and magical show for all the family. (Age 7 plus) Venue: Mac Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date: March 1 Time: 2pm and 7pm Tickets: £12.50 and £10 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Venue: The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull, B91 3HW Date: Fridays in term time from Jan 10 Time: 10.30am-12pm and 1-2.30pm Tickets: £3. Must be pre-booked.

To Book: call 0121 704 0768

Drawing Sundays

Learn to paint a landscape, paint real-life people with props and costumes, make a marvellous mosaic or mechanical moving sculptures at Barber Drawing, Painting and Printing Sundays.

Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Arts Dates: Jan 12, 19 and 26; Feb 9, 16 and 23 Time: 11am-12.30pm (ages 4-8) and 1.303pm (ages 8plus) Tickets: £5 per person.

To book and for further info e-mail: education@barber.org.uk or call 0121 414 2261

Venue: National Indoor Arena, King Edwards Road, B1 2AA Date: Feb 15 Tickets: £15.70-£50.70 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Art Play

For parents and children.

Explore a mix of art techniques.

Venue: Mac Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date: Feb 17-21. Mon – babies and toddlers; Tues, Wed, Thurs and Sat children aged 2-5 and parents.

Time: 10-11am Tickets: £7.50 for one parent and child. £5.50 for additional person.

Half Term Mac Explorers

Half term workshops for ages 6-11. Explore different art forms and create an exciting piece of art to take home. Mon Feb 17 Printing (Ages 6-11); Tues Feb 18 Painting and Drawing; Wed Feb 19 Animation; Thurs Feb 20 Drama; Fri Feb 21 Sculpture and textiles Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Tickets: £10 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Half Term - 60 Minute Marvels

Fast and furious ... can you make the perfect shelter in record time. For ages 4 plus. Den Building (Feb 18 and 20) Fluff and Stuff (Feb 19) Fun facts and games about mammals.

For all ages.

Venue: The Parkridge Centre,

Basketball’s equivalent of the FA Cup returns for the twelfth year in a row to the NIA, for what promises to be an incredible day of high flying, slam dunking, action!

Venue: National Indoor Arena, King Edwards Road, Birmingham, B1 2AA Date: Jan 12 Time: Doors open 11.30am. England select V Ireland select 12pm; UK Slam Dunk contest at 2pm; BBL final at 3.30pm Tickets: Adults: £22-£82.50; children £15.40-£75 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Barber Youth

Aged 13-18 and into art? Learn drawing and painting skills, visit museums and meet artists with Barber Youth.

Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Arts Date: Jan 14, 28 and Feb 11 and 25 Time: Tues 4.30-6.30pm Tickets: £5 per session. Booking essential.

To Book: e-mail education@barber.org.uk or call 0121 414 2261

The Art of Beautiful Writing Calligraphy workshop for families Soraya Syed, leading practitioner of the art of Islamic penmanship, leads a drop-in session, for children over 7 years, on how to form the letters of the Arabic alphabet.

Venue: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH This event - at BMAG’s Activity Zone - is part of a programme to accompany the exhibition ‘Qalam: the art of beautiful writing’ Date: Jan 18 Time: 2-4pm Tickets: £3 including materials

Auditions TeenStar Competition

Chinese New Year celebrations

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2014 – the Year of the Horse with a family day of live music, dance and story-telling. Children can make a horse from origami.

Venue: Barber Institute Date: Feb 2 Time: 11am-3pm FREE drop in

Chinese New Year Celebration Venue: Arcadian Centre, Birmingham Date: Feb 2 FREE Issue 19

British Athletics Indoor Grand Prix

BBL Basketball Final

TeenStar singing auditions for pre-teen and teenage singers, duos, vocal groups, rappers, freestylers and solo artists. Apply online at www. teenstarcompetition.co.uk and, if successful, you will be invited to perform live at an audition.

The audition is not open to the public.

Venue: Hall Concourse Suite 1, NEC, B401NT Date: Jan 25 Register: www.teenstarcompetition. co.uk

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www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Half Term – Umberslade Farm

Bottle feed the newborn lambs and see other baby animals including bunnies and chicks. Pony rides and tractor rides and fun on the farm. Indoor egg splat.

Adventure playgrounds.

Venue: Umberslade Farm Park, Butts Lane, Tanworth in Arden, B94 5AE Daily.

Half Term Nature Fun

Mon Feb 17 Winter Woodland (aged 4 Plus) Tues Feb 18 Wacky Windsocks- crafty drop in; Wed Feb 19 Masquerade – Crafty drop-in; Thurs Feb 20 Sparkly Willow wands crafty drop-in; Fri Feb 21 – Nature Detective (age2-4) Venue: The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull, B91 3HW Time: 10.30am-12pm Tickets: £3.50 for members and £4.50 non members. Pre-booked except Crafty Drop In events.

To Book: 0121 704 0768

Brueton Park, Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3HW Time: 1.30-2.30pm and 3-4pm Tickets: £3 members and £3.50 non members. Book in advance.

To Book: 0121 704 0768

Theatres & shows Jack and the Beanstalk

Malcolm Stent’s winning Family panto for ages 3-103 Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, B91 3EG Date: to Jan 5 Time: Times vary. See website for details.

Tickets: £14-£17.50.

To Book: 0121 704 6962.

Tom’s Midnight Garden

Is it possible to travel back in time? Tom has always believed it cannot be done, but

Strictly Come Dancing Live Live spin off from TV show. Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, give their expert feedback and all important scores to the celebrities and their dance partners.

Venue: National Indoor Arena, King Edwards Road, Birmingham, B1 2AA Date: Jan 17-19 Time: Fri at 7.30pm; Sat at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Sunday at 1.30pm and 6.30pm Tickets: £71.50 rinkside and £49.50 and £38.50 To Book: 0844 338 8000

What’s On

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk when the grandfather clock in the hallway chimes thirteen times, Tom is transported to a secret garden from the past.

Venue: The Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, B5 4DY Date: to Feb 1 Times: times vary. Please see website Tickets: £18 and £12. Family of 4 £56.

To Book: 0121 245 4455

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Family pantomime Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: to Feb 2 Time: Times vary, see website for details Tickets: £12-£39 To Book: 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Victoria Square, B3 3DQ Date: Fri and Sat at 7pm and Sun at 5pm Tickets: £14 and £16 To Book: 0121 345 0600

The Snowman

Twentieth anniversary performances of this stage show, based on Raymond Brigg’s book. See the Snowman and melt this January.

Venue: Birmingham Rep Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 3AH Date: Jan 8-18 Tickets: £7-35 To Book: 0121 236 4455

Aladdin and his Magic Lamp

Fly away on a magical carpet ride of non-stop, traditional pantomime fun this Season. Venue: Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, Upper Clifton Road, B73 6AB Date: Jan 14-19 Time: Evenings 7pm. Wed and Sat matinee at 2pm. Sunday at 11am and 3pm To Book: 0121 464 8990

Birmingham Royal Ballet -

The Prince of the Pagodas

An imaginative reworking of a story that celebrates the power of family love.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street,B5 4TB Date: Feb 25-March 1 Time: Eve at 7.30pm; Wed matinee at 2pm, Sat matineee at 2.30pm Tickets: £16-£49.00 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date: Feb 17 and 18 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Feb 17 and 11m and 1.30pm Feb 18 Tickets: £7 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Birmingham Royal Ballet Three of a Kind

Mayhem and misrule in 3 witty classics from John Cranko, George Balanchine and Kenneth MacMillan. Card Game, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue and Elite Syncopations.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TB Date: Feb 19-22 Time: Eve at 7.30pm, Thurs matinee at 2pm, Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £15-£47 To Book: 0844 338 5000 Red Table Theatre brings four of Rudyard Kipling’s best-beloved tales to vivid life. A blue sheet turns into a great whale which swallows a Scottish mariner, a slinky and glove become the Elephant’s Child’s everexpanding nose, and four red umbrellas come together to form Pau Amma, a crab taller than the smoke from three volcanoes.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Central Library and Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: Feb 21 Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £8 To Book 0121 704 6962

Laughing Sole Comedy Club for Kids

A family-friendly comedy club for children and their families Venue: Mac Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date: Feb 23 Time: 2pm Tickets: £6 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Splosh

What the Ladybird heard

Based on the award-winning picture book

by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks.

Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun. Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len have a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow, but the tiniest, quietest creature of all has a plan of her own…

Venue: Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham Date: to Jan 10 Time: Times vary. See website for details.

Tickets: £11.50 and £8.50 To Book: 0121 345 0600

Dr Bunhead’s Very Dangerous Christmas Show Can reindeer really fly? TV stunt scientist Dr Bunhead gets out his reindeer bazooka to answer this and many more Christmas mysteries Venue: Town Hall,

Hugo has to choose who to stay with while his mum’s having a baby. Who will care for him – and his dog Henry – the best? Granny? Mrs Mariposa next door?

Uncle Jack?

Venue: Mac Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date: Jan 18 Time: 11am and 2pm Tickets: £7 To Book: 0121 446 3232

The Just So Stories

Circles in the Sand

Soft between your toes…Pour it…Make a mountain, high or low…Slipping through your fingers….Grab it, drop it…Look, Circles in the sand…. An imaginative and captivating play without words for under 3’s Venue: Mac Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date: Feb 2 Time: 10.30am; 1.30pm and 3pm Tickets: £6 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Care of Henry

Grisly Tales from Tumblewater A determined orphan, a satchel full of spine-chilling stories and a whole lot of rain! Charles Dickens meets Roald Dahl via Horrible Histories with laughs, frights and live music. For ages 8plus.

Venue: Mac Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Date: Feb 16 Time: 2pm and 7pm Tickets: £9 and £7 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Pull up a bath mat and join Little Lost Duck, Syd the Sponge and the rest of the Bathtub Gang for the bubbliest birthday party anyone has ever thrown, ever!

Venue: Birmingham Rep Theatre, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 3AH Date: March 1 Time: 11.30am and 2pm Tickets: Adult £7.50; child £4.50 and babe in arms £1.50 To Book: 0121 236 4455

Carnival of Animals Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Tony-award winning ballet and a modern day classic. Matthew Bourne’s original interpretation of Swan Lake, combining dance, humour and spectacle.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB Date: Feb 5-15 Time: Eve at 7.30pm; midweek matinee at 2pm and Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £18.50 to £42.50 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Jack and the Beanstalk

Fee Fi Fo Fum! It’s a giant of a show, we’d love you to come! Age 3plus.

Venue: Mac Birmingham,

A City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra concert for families. Never been to a concert? Don’t worry, neither has Puppet Sam. With the aid of his pal Nikky (famous as Laa Laa from Teletubbies) and 80 friendly musicians, Sam is about to find out all there is to know about the CBSO. Venue: Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA Date: March 2 Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £10 To Book: 0121 345 0600

Issue 19

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Snowbizz

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Win a ski trip to the French Alps

T

his season Snowbizz are offering one lucky family the chance to win a holiday in the French Alps. The tour operator is offering flights for a family of up to four, staying in their Sun Vallee accommodation in a twobedroom apartment, on-piste opposite both their nursery and ski school.

Snowbizz is a family-run ski holiday specialist, operating to Puy St Vincent, France, for the last 27 years. They offer a unique child care programme, featuring their own highly-rated ski school and nursery. The Junior and Toton Ski School are at the heart of the Snowbizz experience and the major reason so many guests return. Snowbizz cater for 3 year old beginners right through to race-training teens.

For your chance to win this fabulous prize, log on to www. familiesbirmingham.co.uk by 9am on February 3, and answer the following question: To which family resort does Snowbizz operate?

Snowbizz advert 1_8:-

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ESTABLISHED 27 YEARS

The Family Ski Specialist

Private Snowbizz Ski School and Nursery Doorstep Skiing www.snowbizz.co.uk 01778 341 455

TeenStar is a one-of-a-kind singing r, contest to find the UK’s best teen singe is duo, vocal group or rapper. The comp open to anyone aged 19 and under, with ories: the auditions split into three age categ and a Late-Teens (16-19), Mid-Teens (13-15) of special category to search for the stars tomorrow - The Pre-Teens!

e ecome th takes to bd on to find it t a h w t Rea ’ve go ue...

Think younew singing talent? s come tr m t a o re h d ’s r u K o U y e k a m out how to TeenStar is ou ght to yo by Fu the company br ture Music behind the disuco as Warner Mus very of tists su ic ch Lucy Spraggan ’s Birdy, ColumbiaarRe and Jahmene , Union J’s Jaymi Hens cord’s Douglas, both ley signed to Sony of which currently in Th Music and Luke Friendare now who’s your local audite X Factor! You can find ou www.TeenStarion is and sign up to ente t where r no Competition. co.uk. Goodw at luck!

The current TeenStar champion who won the competition in front of a capacity crowd within The is Luke Friend who has done so O2 well in The X Factor this year!

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A5 Landscape Teen Star Editorial v2.indd 1

Issue 19

www.TeenStarCompetition.co.uk

It doesn’ t matter what yo ur style is whether it’s pop, grime, ac R&B, oustic or classica - if you l think yo u could the next be Jessie J or you an your pals d fancy ta king on Little M ix for gi rl band supremac y, it’s ti me to get entter ing!

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