With children’s mental health issues at an all-time high and Mental Health Awareness Week approaching (12th- 18th May), this issue focuses on children's mental health. We offer advice for parents and carers to build positive relationships that may help with their children's mental health challenges. Support for children is usually free through the NHS, schools or local council services. ChildLine also provides a free, confidential service for children to discuss any concerns.
Wise words!
A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.
Kate Middleton
DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.
WE ARE SO EXCITED TO OFFER A FAMILY TICKET TO AUDLEY END MINIATURE RAILWAY THIS MAY HALF TERM!
Special appearances at intervals throughout the day by The Gruffalo on the 24th & 25th May and Paddington™ on the 31st May & 1st June will create unforgettable moments for their little fans! The train ride will take you into our enchanted wood to spot scenes from familiar fairytales and nursery rhymes. After the train ride, children can explore the woods to find natural materials to make their very own nature crown. Families can explore the Fairy and Elf Walk and let off steam at the adventure playground. We have everything you need for an unforgettable family day out, filled with enchantment and fun.
Visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag to enter. Good luck!
4. News & Views
6. Baby News
7. Helping a child with suspected learning difficulties
8. What's On
11. St Mary's School
13. Preserving & protecting childhood innocence
14. Clubs & Classes
EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
Families Cambridgeshire reaches over 40,000 readers and is available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.
Families Cambridgeshire is a franchise of Families Print Ltd of 75 Lisbon Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 5HL. Families is a registered trademark of Families Print Ltd. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cambridgeshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but the franchise owner and Families Print Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
New Academy for Early Years Practitioners
Do you dream of a rewarding career where you can earn a good salary and make a real difference to children’s lives? Take your first step into early years education with Bright Horizons’ new Cambridge academy.
Launching in September 2025 at Cambridge Science Park, the academy offers a fast-track path to becoming a qualified practitioner in as little as 8 months. You’ll receive full training in a real nursery setting, supported by expert mentors and a like-minded peer group, all whilst earning a real wage of £28,184.
At Bright Horizons, we believe childcare should be rewarding for everyone. Start your journey with us and step straight into a full-time, qualified role.
From day one, your learning will be practical. Whether you’re helping children build rocket ships from cardboard boxes or guiding a toddler through their first bug hunt, you’ll be hands-on in one of our ten Cambridge nurseries, growing your skills and making memories.
Carly, who completed her Level 3 qualification in Cambridge with Bright Horizons, shared:
“Completing my Level 3 helped me understand child development across different ages and how key theories support what we do every day in the nursery. One of my proudest moments was creating a ‘passport board’ that celebrated each child’s home language. It’s moments like that which show how meaningful this work can be.”
By the time you complete your Level 3 Early Years qualification, you’ll be ready for a full-time role with a salary increase to £29,868. There’s more than one way to get there, and we’ll help you choose the path that’s right for you.
We’re proud of our strong culture of support, collaboration and inclusion. Across our nurseries, we create spaces where everyone feels valued. We celebrate the unique backgrounds everyone brings, and we’re committed to building environments where all can thrive.
Panda Kids
Wrap up bathtime in fluffy, natural comfort. This super-soft Panda Kids Bamboo Hooded Towel is the cosiest way to dry off your little ones. Made with organic bamboo, the hypoallergenic, naturally antibacterial and ultra-durable fabric is kind on kids’ sensitive skin and our planet. Bamboo is the ultimate wonder fabric – highly absorbent, easy to wash and dries super fast. We think this would make a great gift for new parents.
Priced at £25 and available from www.pandalondon.com
Bright Horizons has been ranked a Great Place to Work™ in the Super Large Category for an incredible 20 years in a row - and we’ve just been awarded CIPD People Development Partner Status. This reflects our commitment to nurturing talent, embedding worldclass people practices and supporting success across our teams.
From discounted childcare and high-street perks to generous leave allowances and professional development that continues long after you qualify, our benefits are designed to make your work-life balance better.
If you’re ready to start a career that changes lives (including your own), visit our website to find out more and register your interest. www.careers.brighthorizons.com
What’s On
Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in
Cambridgeshire
Church
Farm Rare Breeds Centre
WHEN: May and June, 10.00 – 17.00
WHERE: Stow Bardolph, Norfolk Animal encounters, outdoor play areas, an indoor treehouse, seasonal events and tractor rides, with a tearoom and gift shop too! Don’t miss the mini tower, slide, train set, giant Lego and imaginative play for under 5s. The over 5s area is full of rope walkways, climbing towers and multiple slides. From £7.50. www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk
Cineworld
WHEN: May and June
WHERE: Various locations nationwide
Cineworld's Movies for Juniors offer family-friendly screenings at discounted prices on weekend mornings and during school holidays. These feature popular kids' films in a fun and relaxed environment. Perfect for young moviegoers! From £2.50. www.cineworld.co.uk/moviesfor-juniors
Fairy Tale
WHEN: 26-30 May, May Half Term
WHERE: Audley End Railway
Stow Hall Gardens
WHEN: May and June WHERE: Stow Bardolph, Norfolk Can you find all the surprises hidden in Stow Hall Gardens? From unusual plants to remnants of the old hall, there’s plenty to discover. How many plaques to much-loved dogs can you spot? Look out for an owl and griffin too! Adults £8, children £2. Under 2s FREE. www.stowhallgardens.co.uk
Family Fun at the Science Centre
WHEN: May and June
WHERE:
Cambridge Science Centre, Cambridge Unleash your creativity and work together to explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. With playful exhibits that invite curiosity, explosive science shows that captivate young imaginations and interactive workshops that turn learning into an adventure. Annual memberships from £7.50. www.cambridgesciencecentre. org
Little Acorns in the Gardens
WHEN: Thursdays from 1 May to 10 July, 10.30 – 12.00
WHERE: Wimpole Estate
These sessions offer activities such as digging, planting and crafting activities, whilst learning a bit about the various plants and wildlife in Wimpole's beautiful gardens. Run by Wimpole staff and volunteers, it will include exciting stories, catchy songs and outdoor adventures. For children aged 2-5 years. From £2.00. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Little Bugs (Spring Series)
WHEN: 16 and 23 May, 9.30 – 11.00
WHERE: Cambourne Nature Reserve
Little Acorns at the Farm Café
WHEN: Tuesdays from 29 April8 July, 10.30 - 12.00
WHERE: Wimpole Estate
These sessions involve craft activities, painting, messy play and learning a little bit more about the animals on Home Farm. Run by Wimpole staff and volunteers, it will include stories, songs and activities. For children aged 2-5 years. From £2.00. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Aqua Splash
WHEN: May and June
Join Wildlife Adventurer Becca Badger for an adventurous stroll around Cambourne Nature Reserve - stopping for a story and doing some simple outdoor activities for toddlers along the way. From £4.00. www.wildlifebcn.org/events
WHERE: The Hive Leisure Centre, Ely Experience the excitement of an exhilarating inflatable obstacle course. Test your balance as you tackle drops, climbs and slides to complete the course. With floats, toys and plenty of pool space, it’s perfect for children 8+ and adults. Juniors £4.50, adults £7. www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/ely
Take an enchanting journey into the forest, where you’ll encounter charming displays featuring beloved fairy tales. The train ride will take you into the enchanted wood to spot scenes from familiar fairytales and nursery rhymes. Craft a nature crown using natural materials sourced from the forest, explore the Fairy and Elf Walk and let off steam at the adventure playground. From £7.75 www.audley-end-railway.co.uk 01799 510726
GIANT MAIZE MAZE
Family Saturdays
WHEN: 7 June 10.00 – 13.00
WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
In the ‘Plants from Pips’ session, you will be turning kitchen scraps into living plants. Age 3+. Free, but booking essential. Adult garden entry payable. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/whatson
Great Fen Little Bugs
WHEN: 21 May; 4 and 11 June, 10.30 – 12.00
WHERE: Great Fen Countryside Centre, Ramsey Heights
A fun and sociable morning of nature exploration and discovery for pre-school children and their parents/ guardians. Each week covers a different wildlife theme. From £2.00. www.wildlifebcn.org/explore
WHEN: 24 July, WHERE: Skylark Open 24th July throughout the Summer Holidays! What will the theme be this year? Explore the GIANT themed Maize Maze & have UNLIMITED fun for 1 day with everything the Funyard has to offer, including Go-Karts, Pig Racing, Water Wars, The Beach, King Coop's Castle, Scarecrow Smash, Bale Mountain, plus a foam party at the end of every day at 4:30pm, our paddling pool 'Palm Springs', and much more! skylark-events.co.uk
Preserving and protecting childhood innocence
Childhood innocence is characterised by an unfiltered view of the world, an ability to find joy in simple things and a natural trust in the goodness around them. This untainted perspective is not only heartwarming, it is essential for a child’s development. However, many children will experience sadness, grief, fear and disappointment, some earlier and in greater measure than others and it cannot always be avoided. The global pandemic was a compelling reminder that no child is exempt from difficult emotions and experiences. So how can we preserve childhood innocence in our unfiltered world?
Spanning birth to adolescence, childhood is characterised by growth, discovery, learning and the development of physical, emotional, social and intellectual abilities. This fleeting, magical phase of life is brimming with curiosity, innocence and joy, a time when imagination knows no bounds. Yet, in today's fast-paced, digital-first world, preserving and fully enjoying childhood has become increasingly challenging.
We are all so busy and our children’s lives reflect that, with long school days, extracurricular activities, playdates and a constant stream of entertainment and stimulation. Childhood flashes by and before we know it, they are teenagers immersed in the world of social media, their innocence long gone. Modern day life ‘dictates’ that we need to provide our children with constant stimulation, structured activities, the latest toys to enhance development and even starting within a nursery environment as babies to develop social skills. Consequently, from a very young age, our children are in a relentless routine, within which the essence of childhood is lost.
The good news is that there are many ways to step off this treadmill and allow our children to thrive and enjoy their childhood without the continuous tedium of busy schedules. Whilst some extracurricular activities are fun and beneficial, be mindful of overscheduling. Choose one or two which your child enjoys and strike a balance between structured activities and free time. Childhood is the perfect opportunity to cultivate curiosity through unstructured play which in turn fosters creativity, problem-solving and emotional resilience, for example building forts, role play, exploring nature and outdoor adventures.
Protect your child’s innocence while teaching resilience: children are born innocent and with that innocence comes trust. Whilst we should strive to shield our children from unnecessary stress or the severity of
WHY DOES PROTECTING CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE MATTER?
The simplicity of childhood innocence allows children to experience life’s joys without the weight of adult worries. Innocence allows children to develop trust and form healthy emotional bonds.
An innocent mind is a creative mind. Seeing the world with fresh eyes fuels imagination and creativity, essential traits for problem solving and innovation.
Innocence is closely linked with children’s sense of right and wrong. Protecting their innocence helps in developing a strong moral foundation, guiding them to become kind and ethical adults.
By Catherine Loble and Lisa Wander
the grim news which dominates our world, it’s equally important to equip them with age–appropriate tools to navigate challenges and deal with disappointment and the world around them.
By monitoring and filtering their media exposure, we can create and foster a safe environment where our children feel comfortable to talk. Children often emulate adults so where possible model enthusiasm for life to inspire your children to embrace it with joy and curiosity. Be mindful of how you talk about the world around you and manage your own emotions and fears without amplifying your children’s worries.
Preserving and enjoying childhood is as much about us as it is about children themselves. By being present, creating nurturing environments and encouraging exploration, we can help children savour and enjoy their youth while still preparing them for their future adult life. These formative years are a gift to be cherished, protected and celebrated.
TIPS FOR PROTECTING CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE
• Appreciate, value, actively listen and participate in your child’s interests. Simplify explanations - provide simple, truthful answers to questions. Avoid overloading with too much information and keep adult topics for adults.
• Weave and create special memories of time spent together. Step into nature and explore the world together.
• Maintain a joyful environment - share moments of spontaneous fun - laugh together - it feels great and strengthens bonds.
• Limit screentime - ensure access is age appropriate and monitored.
Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and wellbeing of the next generation.
Things
Toddler World
WHEN: Mondays and Fridays
WHERE: The Hive, Ely
Treat kids to a play adventure, whatever the weather at The Hive’s indoor Toddler World sessions. Kids will love the freedom to explore different play areas, including soft play, bouncy castle and inflatable obstacle course. £2.60 for under 3s, £4.20 for over 3s.
www.better.org.uk/leisurecentre/ely/the-hive
Better Swim School
WHEN: May half term swimming short coursesTuesday 27th - Friday 30th May 2025
WHERE: The Hive, Ely Swim lessons at The Hive are specially tailored to your child’s age and where they are on their journey, whether they’re learning how to swim or simply building confidence in the pool. Flexible, affordable and accessible for everyone! www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/ely/the-hive
The Perse Swimming Lessons
WHEN: May half term swimming short courses
WHERE: The Perse Sports Centre, Cambridge
The Perse offer children’s swimming lessons following the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework which develops confident and competent swimmers through fun and enjoyment. All lessons take place in the brand new 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, in areas of the pool appropriate for the lesson stage of the child. www.sportscentre.perse.co.uk/ swimming/
STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS
WHEN AND WHERE: Chesterton Community College: Wednesdays, Coleridge Campus: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Cambourne Village College: Wednesdays and Saturdays, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School: Saturdays, Ditton Lodge Primary School: Fridays, Godmanchester Community Primary School: Thursdays and Saturdays. Bring out the best in your child and encourage them to develop excellent communication skills, grow in self-esteem and enjoy the benefits of improved coordination. Suitable for children from age 2. From £15 for a two-week trial. Holiday workshops offered too. www.stagecoach.co.uk
Razzamataz Cambridge
WHEN: Saturdays
WHERE: Impington Village College
Join the Razzamataz family to experience a range of styles from classic West End musical theatre to street dance and pop singing. There are always lots of opportunities to perform, from local theatres and festivals to London’s West End stage. Check out their half term and summer holiday workshops too. Book a FREE taster! www.cambridge.razzamataz.co.uk
