Hello!
Ican’tbelieveit’salmostsummer already!Withthelongerdaysand brighterweatherinsightthereareso manymoreopportunitiestogetoutand aboutandhavesomefunasafamily. OurbumperWhat’sOnguidehasyou coveredforMayandJunewithdetailsof excitingeventsandactivitieshappeningthroughouttheWest Midlands,includingovertheMayHalf-Term.
Wehavethelowdownontrendingkids’partythemessoifyourchild hasabirthdaycomingup,makesureyoutakealook. Withthementalhealthofourchildrenincreasinglyuppermostinour minds,takealookateightgame-changingproductsforthosewho sufferfromanxiety.Wealsotackleahottopicforallparentsat present-Preservingandprotectingchildhoodinnocence.
Inourclubsandclassessectionyoucanfindourguidetosummer campswhicharenotonlygreatforchildcarebutalsohavemany otherbenefitsforchildren.
Wehavesomegreatadviceonwhenyoushouldapplyforaschool placeandlistingsforlocalindependentschoolopendays. Lookingforsomethingcreativeforthekidstodo?Whynotmakea bughotel!We’vegotastep-by-stepguidewitheasy-to-follow instructionsforchildrenthatyoucancutoutandkeep.
Finally,inthisissue,wearegivingawayaSmobyLifeMudKitchen worth£79.99.Applyinside.Bydoingso,you’llalsoensureyou receiveourdigitalmagazineandemailnewslettertosharewith friendsandfamilywithlotsmorecontentandgoodiesonoffer. Enjoythemagazine!
Claire Editor –FamiliesBirmingham &FamiliesWarwickshire
Caringforchildrenandyoungpeoplesince1870
ConsiderfosteringwithStChristopher’s
Wearealocalfosteringcharityfocusedoncreatinghappy families.Ourpriorityisprovidingthebestcaretoyoung peopleandsupportingyouonyourfosteringjourney. Pleasecheckoutourwebsiteforthefactsandany oneofourfreeno-obligationonlineinfoevents. FostercaringwithStChristopher’soffersyou Extensivesupportandtraining Anoncallteam24/7asneeded CompetitiveFosteringallowances
Adedicatedsocialworker Connectionwithourthriving carerscommunity
Preservingand protectingchildhood innocence
ByCatherineLobleandLisaWander
Childhoodinnocenceischaracterisedbyanunfilteredview oftheworld,anabilitytofindjoyinsimplethingsanda naturaltrustinthegoodnessaroundthem.Thisuntainted perspectiveisnotonlyheartwarming,itisessentialfora child’sdevelopment.
However,manychildrenwillexperiencesadness,grief,fear anddisappointment,someearlierandingreatermeasurethan othersanditcannotalwaysbeavoided.Theglobalpandemic wasacompellingreminderthatnochildisexemptfromdifficult emotionsandexperiences. Sohowcanwepreservechildhood innocenceinourunfilteredworld?
Spanningbirthtoadolescence,childhoodischaracterisedby growth,discovery,learningandthedevelopmentofphysical, emotional,socialandintellectualabilities.Thisfleeting,magical phaseoflifeisbrimmingwithcuriosity,innocenceandjoy,atime whenimaginationknowsnobounds.Yet,intoday’sfast-paced, digital-firstworld,preservingandfullyenjoyingchildhoodhas becomeincreasinglychallenging.
Weareallsobusyandourchildren’slivesreflectthat,withlong schooldays,extracurricularactivities,playdatesandaconstant streamofentertainmentandstimulation.Childhoodflashes byandbeforeweknowit,theyareteenagersimmersedinthe worldofsocialmedia,theirinnocencelonggone.
Moderndaylife‘dictates’thatweneedtoprovideourchildren withconstantstimulation,structuredactivities,thelatesttoys toenhancedevelopmentandevenstartthematanurseryas babiesinorderthattheydevelopsocialskills.Consequently, fromaveryyoungage, ourchildrenareinarelentlessroutine, withinwhichtheessenceofchildhoodislost.
Thegoodnewsisthattherearemanywaystostepoffthis treadmillandallowourchildrentothriveandenjoytheir childhoodwithoutthecontinuoustediumofbusyschedules.
Whilstsomeextracurricularactivitiesarefunandbeneficial, bemindfulofoverscheduling.Chooseoneortwowhich yourchildenjoysand strikeabalancebetweenstructured activitiesandfreetime. Childhoodistheperfectopportunity
Whydoeschildhood innocencematter?
Thesimplicityofchildhoodinnocenceallowschildrento experiencelife’sjoyswithouttheweightofadultworries. Innocenceallowschildrentodeveloptrustandformhealthy emotionalbonds. Aninnocentmindisacreativemind.Seeingtheworldwith fresheyesfuelsimaginationandcreativity,essentialtraitsfor problemsolvingandinnovation. Innocenceiscloselylinkedwithchildren’ssenseofright andwrong.Protectingtheirinnocencehelpsindevelopinga strongmoralfoundation,guidingthemtobecomekindand ethicaladults.
tocultivatecuriositythroughunstructuredplaywhichinturn fosterscreativity,problem-solvingandemotionalresilience,for examplebuildingforts,roleplay,exploringnatureandoutdoor adventures.
Protectyourchild’sinnocencewhileteachingresilience:children areborninnocentandwiththatinnocencecomestrust.Whilst weshouldstriveto shieldourchildrenfromunnecessarystress ortheseverityofthegrimnewswhichdominatesourworld,it’s equallyimportanttoequipthemwithage–appropriatetoolsto navigatechallengesanddealwithdisappointmentandtheworld aroundthem.
Bymonitoringandfilteringtheirmediaexposure,wecan createandfosterasafeenvironmentwhereourchildrenfeel comfortabletotalk.
Childrenoftenemulateadultssowherepossible model enthusiasmforlife toinspireyourchildrentoembraceitwith joyandcuriosity.Bemindfulofhowyoutalkabouttheworld aroundyouandmanageyourownemotionsandfearswithout amplifyingyourchildren’sworries.
Preservingandenjoyingchildhoodisasmuchaboutusasitis aboutchildrenthemselves.Bybeingpresent,creatingnurturing environmentsandencouragingexploration,wecanhelpchildren savourandenjoytheiryouthwhilestillpreparingthemfortheir futureadultlife.Theseformativeyearsareagifttobecherished, protectedandcelebrated.
LisaandCatherineareco-foundersofEmparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk),supportingchildren,parentsand familieswiththeinsights,skillsandtoolsneededtonurturethe developmentandwell-beingofthenextgeneration.
Tipsforprotecting childhoodinnocence
Appreciate,value,activelylistenandparticipateinyour child’sinterests. Simplifyexplanations-providesimple, truthfulanswerstoquestions.Avoidoverloadingwithtoomuch informationandkeepadulttopicsforadults. Weaveandcreatespecialmemories oftimespenttogether. Stepintonatureandexploretheworldtogether. Maintainajoyfulenvironment. Laughtogetherandshare spontaneousfun.Itfeelsgreatandstrengthensbonds. Ensurelimited,age-appropriateandmonitoredscreentime.
WHAT’SON
OutdoorFun Events
RushTrampolinePark
Birmingham
EveryFridayandSaturdayevening SunsetSessions Experiencetheultimate trampoliningpartywithSunset Session!Thinkdiscolights,groovy tunes,electricatmosphereplus tonsofdifferentattractionsto choosefrom.Bounceacrossasea oftrampolinestothelatestdance hits,challengeyourfriendsontheir interactiveattractions,orgraba pizzainthecafeafterworkingup anappetite!It’sasessionyoudon’t wanttomiss. Ticketsarelimited–booknow! www.rushuk.com
DraytonManor
Tamworth
It’sThomas’80thBirthdaythisMay soit’sfullsteamaheadforadayof fun,laughter,thrillsandadventure forallthefamilytoenjoy.Tickets includeThomasLand,a15-acre zoo-hometoover500animals fromallovertheworld,aVikings areaandnauticallythemed AdventureCove.Don’tmissthe spectacularAnniversaryFireworks onthe 3,4&31May tohonour75 yearsofepicfamilyfun! www.draytonmanor.co.uk
SolihullFood&MusicFestival TudorGrangePark,Solihull 24–26May
Theultimatefoodandtribute musicfestivalforallthefamily!Full lineuponline.Kidsunder4FREE. Funfairrides,sweettreats,kids activities.Dogsonleadwelcome. Ticketsfrom£2.50. www.tickettailor.com/events /fabfoodfestivals/1512739
SuttonColdfieldCountryMusic Festival
SuttonSuttonColdfieldRugbyClub 25May(12:00–22:00)
Saddleupforanall-starcountry lineupthisbankholidayweekend withsomeoftheUK’sfinesttribute acts!Linedancing,RodeoBull Rides,Saloonbars,Nashville’s BBQ&FriedChickenandcountry fancydress.Eventalmostsoldout sobookquick!
bit.ly/SuttonCountryONSALE Mmm-Bop!FamilySilentDisco JenniferBlackwellPerformance Space,Birmingham 1Jun(11:00&13:00)
Fun,interactivesilentdiscoforkids &theirgrown-upstoo.Expect party-games,dress-up,bubbles, andwall-to-walldancing.Grab yourlittleones,getyourfamilyand friendstogether,putyourdancing shoeson,andboogietogetheron the(silent)dancefloor. www.bmusic.co.uk
FamilyFunDay
ThornboroughFarm 8Jun(12:00–19:00)
Ultimatefamilyfunday extravaganza!Withadogshow, animalsanctuaryexperience, FREEinflatables,craftstalls,live musicandentertainmentand festivalfoodanddrink.Well behaveddogswelcomeonleads. Tickets£5,under14’sFREE. www.thornboroughevents.com
OpenFarmSunday Variouslocationsnationwide 8Jun
Farming’sannualopenday!Picka farmthat’sopeningtheirgatesand takethefamilytolearnaboutthe amazingworkfarmersdoto producefoodsustainably,while caringfortheenvironmentand wildlife. www.farmsunday.org
SolihullMusicFestival& ContinentalStreetMarket SolihullTownCentre 20–22Jun(10:00–18:00) Theannualmusicfestivalis returningwithstallsand entertainmentinMellSquare,Mill LaneandtheHighStreet. www.rrevents.co.uk
WindrushDay
BlackCountryLivingMuseum, Dudley 21Jun(10:00–17:00) Commemoratethissymbolic momentinournation’shistoryand marktheanniversaryofthearrival ofHMTEmpireWindrushon22 Jun1948.ShowcasingBlackBritish contributiontotheBlackCountry andthewiderUKfrom Commonwealthcountriesand beyond. www.bclm.com
Under5’sFamilyFunDay DudleyZoo 25–26Jun
Grabapicnicandablanketand enjoysomefunwithyourpreschoolerthissummer.Flip&Dippy MiniBeastsMagic&Puppet Shows,meetJambitheTiger& MontytheMonkeyMascots,Face Painting(3+),MiniBeasts ColouringActivities,NEWCastlethemedPlayArea,OwBinYa SandsBeachandZooadmission. www.dudleyzoo.org.uk KnowlePartyinthePark KnowlePark,Solihull 28Jun
Getreadyforanepicdayoflive musicwithScoutingforGirls,Peter Andre,RickParfittJnr,2Weeks Notice,AidanHammond(DJSet) andmanymore.Ticketsselling fast!Under4sFREE. www.knowlepartyinthepark.co.uk GodivaFestival
WarMemorialPark,Coventry 4-6Jul
Threedaysofgreatmusicand familyentertainment.Sundayis FamilyDayheadlinedbyOcean ColourScene.Alongsidethemusic therewillbeawholehostof activitiesandperformances designedforfamilies. Ticketsonline. www.godivafestival.com
PAWPatrol®Live!“TheGreat PirateAdventure” UtilitaArena,Birmingham 16Aug
BirminghamBotanicalGardens
Edgbaston
TheGardenshavesomethingfor allagestoenjoy,including7,000 plants,4VictorianGlasshouses, children’strailsandaplayground. www.birminghambotanical gardens.org.uk
BirminghamWildlife ConservationPark
Edgbaston
Hometoauniquecollectionof animalsfromacrosstheworld. Thereareredpandas,lemurs, reptiles,meerkats,otters,birds, wallabiesandacollectionof monkeys. birmingham.gov.uk /conservationpark
MartineauGardens
Birmingham
2.5acresoforganicallymanaged landscapetoexploreincludinga naturetrail,formalgardenand children’s‘shipwreck’playarea. Don’tmisstheSpringFunDay on 10May! www.martineau-gardens.org.uk
NationalTrust
BirminghamandWestMidlands
Exploretheoutdoorsthissummer atourlocalNationalTrust properties:BirminghamBackto Backs,Roundhouse,Wightwick ManorandGardens,ClentHills& MoseleyOldHall.Eachproperty hasitsownuniquefamily activitiessowhynotvisitthemall. Seeindividualwebsitesfordetails andprices. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
SuttonParkNatureReserve
SuttonColdfield
Visitoneofthelargesturban parksinEurope.With playgrounds,restaurants,sailing, bikeridingandkiteflying,there’s somethingforthewholefamily! www.birmingham.gov.uk /suttonpark
WalsallArboretum
TownCentre,Walsall
Accessiblewalkways,boating lakeandlakesidecafé,tennis courtsandacresofopenplaying fieldstoexplore.Plusachildren’s playareawithskateparkand splashpad.FREEentry. www.go.wasall.gov.uk
WinterbourneHouseand Garden
Birmingham Edwardianhistorichouseand botanicalgardenwithplentyof activitiesavailableallyearround forchildren.Children’sgarden, familytrail,TeaRoom,giftshop andsecond-handbookshop. www.winterbourne.org.uk
Seethewholepackliveonstagein thisinteractive,action-packed, music-filledproduction.Buckleup asRyderandhisteamofpups embarkonapirate-themed adventuretouncoverhidden treasure.Ticketsonline. www.PAWPatrolLive.co.uk
Trendingchildren’spartythemes
ByJodieHerron
Planningamemorablebirthdaypartyforyourchildisextraspecialwhenyoualightupon athemethatresonateswiththeirinterestsandsparksjoy.Lookingforinspiration?Here areeighttrendingpartythemesforchildrenages5to13,eachdesignedtocreatean unforgettableexperience.
BLUEYADVENTUREPARTY
InspiredbythehitAustralianTVshow,fillyour Bluey-themedpartywithvibrantdecorations, engaginggames,piñatas,blueandorange balloons,banners,cardboardcutoutsand character-inspiredactivities.Setupabackyard obstaclecourseorscavengerhuntinspiredbythe show’sadventures,hosta‘keepyuppy’balloon challengeandprovidethemedpartybagsfora trueBlueyexperience!
HARRYPOTTERWIZARDING WORLD
BringthemagicofHogwartsto lifewithhousebannersand themedtablesettings.Sort youngwizardsintohouseswith aSortingHatceremony,thenlet themmixbubblingpotionswith colourfuldrinks.Organise broomstickracesfora Quidditchmatch,setupa wand-makingcraftstationand layonwizard-themedtreatslike chocolatefrogsfora spellbindingexperience.
DINOSAUREXPEDITION
Adinosaur-themedpartywouldbeperfectfor youngpalaeontologists!Transformyourhome intoaprehistoricjunglewithlushgreenery, dinosaurcutoutsanddinofootprintsleading theway.Setupa‘dinodig’sandpitforfossil excavations,organiseathrillingdinoegghunt andplanadventurousgameslikeaT-Rexrelay race.Completetheexperiencewithdinosaurthemedtreats,tablewareandroaringlygood partybags!
JUNGLESAFARI ADVENTURE
Createanadventurousjungle atmospherewithvibrant hangingvines,inflatableanimals andtropicalleaves.Offeranimal facepaintingandsafarihuntsto exciteyoungexplorers.Provide explorerhats,binocularsand mapsforascavengerhunt featuringhiddenanimalfigures. Servejungle-themedsnacks suchas‘monkeybananas,’‘lion cupcakes’and‘snakepretzel sticks’forawildexperiencelittle oneswilllove!
HOLLYWOODREDCARPETEVENT
Rollouttheredcarpetforadazzling,glitzyHollywood-themed birthdayparty.Decoratewithgoldstars,moviereelsandspotlights. Encouragegueststodressastheirfavouritemoviecharactersand setupaphotoboothwithfunpropslikesunglassesandfeather boas.HostBestDancer,BestActororBestCostumeawards ceremonies,completewithminiawards.
Eachofthesethemesoffersuniqueopportunitiestocreateamagicaland memorablebirthdaycelebrationtailoredtoyourchild’sinterests.Fora comprehensiveselectionofpartysuppliesanddecorationstobringthese themestolife,explorethefullrangeofthemesatwww.partyrama.co.uk
COQUETTEAESTHETIC SOIRÉE
CreateadreamyCoquettethemedbirthdaypartywithsoft pasteldecor,laceaccentsand vintagecharm.Setupan elegantteapartywithpapertea cups,floraltableclothsand tieredtraysofsandwiches.Offer aDIYflowercrownstation, necklacecraftinganddaintyfan decorating.Justaddfairylights, classicalmusicandribbonsfor awhimsical,refinedcelebration!
BARBIEDREAMHOUSE CELEBRATION
ThrowtheultimateBarbie partybytransformingyour homeorvenuewithpinkdécor, shimmeringbackdropsand chiccostumes!Setupdressupstationswithtiaras,tutus andglamaccessories.Kidscan enjoyDIYjewellerymaking,a minirunwayshowandBarbiethemedgames.Completethe celebrationwithastunning Barbiecake,themedtableware andstylishpartyfavours!
GAMINGANDMINECRAFT MANIA
Throwtheultimategamingthemedpartyforyoung gamingenthusiasts,with decorationsinspiredby populargameslikeMinecraft, SuperMarioorFortnite.Think pixelatedbanners,gaming postersandthemedtableware. Setupgamingstations,host buildingchallengesand organiseatreasurehuntwith game-relatedclues.Kidscan crafttheirownpixelart,enjoy gaming-inspiredfacepainting andcompeteinminitournaments.Completethe celebrationwithagame controllercakeandparty favourslikestickers,keychains andgaming-themedtreats!
EDUCATION
Whenshould Iapply foraschoolplace?
ByMelanieSanderson
Navigatingtheschooladmissionsprocesscanbea dauntingtaskandit’snevertooearlytostart.Forselective independents,especiallythemostoversubscribedones,you mayneedtoregisteruptothreeyearsinadvancetoenter thehighlycompetitiveadmissionsprocess.Thestatesystem equallyhasrigiddeadlinesthatmustbefollowedtosecurea placeinyourschoolofchoice.Hereisalowdownonallthe variousprocessesandkeydeadlinestohelpyouplanahead.
Forstateprimaryschools,theadmissionsprocessbeginsinthe autumntermoftheyearbeforeyourchildisduetostartschool. AttendasmanyOpenDaysasyoucan intheyearprioras fewstateschoolsofferpersonaltours.Bookinearlyforthese–placesfillupfast!
TheapplicationdeadlineisusuallythesecondweekofJanuary. Primaryschooladmissionsareco-ordinatedbyyourlocal authoritywhichspecifiesdatesandprocedures.Aftersubmitting yourapplicationthroughyourlocalauthority’s Common ApplicationForm, youcanexpecttoreceiveyourschooloffer notificationinmid-April.
Mostsecondaryschoolapplicationsarealsohandledvialocal authorities,withtheapplicationprocessforYear7entryrunning from1Septemberto31Octoberintheprioryear.
Grammarschoolsmayhaveadditionalrequirementssuchas registeringforentrancetestsduringthesummertermofYear 5(yourprimaryorprepschoolwillguideyouthroughthe process),withexaminationsfromtheSeptemberofYear6.Offer notificationsaresentatthebeginningofMarch.
IndependentSchools
PrepandJuniorSchools
EdgbastonHighSchool forGirlsPre-Prep&Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831
www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
OpenMorning:Wed7May 09:30–12:00
HallfieldSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham
T:01214541496 www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
HighclareSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400 www.highclareschool.co.uk
Mostindependentschoolshaveentrypointsat3+,7+and11+. Nurseryplacesareinhighdemandandusuallyofferedonafirstcome,first-servedbasis(Londonschoolsaretheexceptionwith sometestingatage3and4+)soit’scrucialyouconsideryour optionsassoonaspossible.
Forallindependentsettings yourfirsttaskistoregisteryour child. Thedeadlineisusuallyintheautumnoftheyearbefore youwouldlikeyourchildtostart.Theremaybearegistration feeandadepositlaterontosecureyourplace.Makesure youunderstandwhattheagreementinvolvesandunderwhat circumstancesyougetyourmoneyback.
Planlotsofschoolvisitsintheyearortwopriortowhenyour childwouldbeduetojointheschool.OpenDayseasonsare twiceayear–usuallySeptember/OctoberandFebruary/March and mostindependentschoolsoffersmallerorevenpersonal tours too.
MelanieSandersonisManagingEditorofTheGoodSchools Guide(www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk),whichreviewsthekey componentsofhundredsofschools,providingparentswith in-depth,unbiasedinsights.
NorfolkHouseSchool
Birmingham T:01214547021 www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103 www.prioryschool.net
OpenMorning:Sat10May 09:30–13:00
St.George’sSchoolPrep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 www.sgse.co.uk
OpenEvening:Thu26Jun 16:30–18:30
TheBlueCoatSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214106800 www.thebluecoatschool.com
WestHouseSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404097 www.westhouseprep.com
EversfieldPrepSchool
Solihull T:01217050354 www.eversfield.co.uk
Birmingham,Solihull&SuttonColdfield
RuckleighSchool
Solihull T:01217952773 www.ruckleigh.co.uk
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 www.solsch.org.uk
TheShrubberySchool
SuttonColdfield T:01213511582 www.shrubberyschool.com
SeniorSchools
EdgbastonHighSchoolfor GirlsSenior
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831 www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
OpenAfternoon:Thu19Jun 16:30–19:00
HallfieldSchoolSeniors
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496 www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
HighclareSchoolSeniors
Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400 www.highclareschool.co.uk
KingEdward’sSchool Birmingham T:01214721672 www.kes.org.uk
KingEdwardVIHighSchool forGirls Birmingham T:01214721834 www.kehs.org.uk
OpenMorning:Sat28Jun 09:15–12:30
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103 www.prioryschool.net
OpenMorning:Sat10May 09:30–13:00
St.George’sSchoolSenior Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 www.sgse.co.uk
OpenEvening:Thu26Jun 16:30–18:30
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 www.solsch.org.uk
Registerforopen eventsonline
Youwillneed:
Woodenpalletsx4
Bricks
Plasticbottles*
Bamboocanes
Straw
Leaves
Tiles
Cardboard
Stones/pebbles
Twigs/loosebark
*Useoldplasticbottlesforthisand alwaysrecycleafteruse.
Placeawoodenpalletin yourchosenlocation.On topofthepallet,line bricksaroundthecorners andacrossthemiddle. s
Placeyournextpalletontopof thisandrepeattheprocessfor allofyourpallets.
thirdsofyourbottles. Filluphalfofthemwith bamboocanesandthe otherhalfwithrolledup cardboard.Placethese insidethehotel.
Fillintheremainingspaceswithbricks,leaves,pebbles, stones,tiles,loosebarkandstraw.
Addinanyextramaterials thatyouwanttorecycle e.g.oldpipes,carpeting, toilettubes,oldplant pots.Becreative-adda welcomesignorgiveyour hotelaname!
