Families Gloucestershire March/April Issue

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Gloucestershire

IN THIS ISSUE

WIN a family ticket to Giffords Circus 20th anniversary show ‘The Hooley’

Let’s kick up a Hooley!

The fairy folk are coming out to play this year at Giffords Circus to celebrate their 20th Anniversary!

Education Encouraging reluctant readers

Parenting How to get a good night sleep

See inside for detail

What’s on Things to do in Gloucestershire this Easter!

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T S for u E C y U read O L u G re yo

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ACTIVE OPEN DAYS:

29TH MARCH OR 24TH APRIL

Due to the success of our Cheltenham Schools with over 300 students we are delighted to be opening at The King’s School, Gloucester in April 2020!

Reserve your place at our new school now, or book to come to our Active Open Days at The King’s School, Gloucester.

Contact us now to book onto the ACTIVE OPEN DAY on: info@mystageschool.co.uk or call 01242 222175 (email for open day times on 24 April)

Cheltenham Easter Holiday Workshop: 6TH -9TH April

2pm -3.30pm: 6-18 year olds 3.45pm-4.30pm: 4-6 year olds

Summer Holiday Workshop 17th-21st August

th

MY STAGE SCHOOL are coming to Gloucester in April 2020!

Issue 55 March/April 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk 1

WIN A family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) to the Giffords Circus 20th anniversary tour ‘The Hooley’.

2020 is the 20-year anniversary of Giffords Circus and to celebrate the fairy folk are coming out to play. Come and join our dance to the timeless Celtic rhythms and drums and get down with the fairy folk.

2020 is here and we are going to kick up a Hooley.

For your chance to win, all you have to do is answer the question and email your answer, name, contact telephone number and address to editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk, with ‘Competition’ in subject box.

What year was Giffords Circus founded?

A. 2000 B. 1980 C. 2020 Closing date for entries is the 9th April.

The winner will be contacted by Families Gloucestershire after this date.

21 MAY - 1 JUNE SUDELEY CASTLE, WINCHCOMBE GL54 5JD

16 - 20 JULY MORDEN HALL PARK, LONDON SM4 5JD

4 - 7 SEPTEMBER MARLBOROUGH COMMON SN8 1DL

9 - 20 APRIL FENNELLS FARM, STROUD GL6 7NE

4 - 8 JUNE BLENHEIM PALACE, OXFORDSHIRE OX20 1PP

10 - 14 SEPTEMBER STRATTON MEADOWS, CIRENCESTER GL7 2JY

23 APRIL - 4 MAY BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS, WILTSHIRE SN11 0LZ

11 - 22 JUNE OXFORD UNIVERSITY PARKS OX1 3QG

23 JULY - 3 AUGUST STONOR PARK, HENLEY ON THAMES RG9 6HF

7 - 18 MAY DAYLESFORD ORGANIC FARM, KINGHAM GL56 0YG

25 JUNE - 13 JULY CHISWICK HOUSE & GARDENS, LONDON W4 2QN

6 - 17 AUGUST BARRINGTON, BURFORD OX18 4TB 20 AUGUST- 1 SEPTEMBER MINCHINHAMPTON COMMON GL6 9BN

17 - 27 SEPTEMBER FENNELLS FARM, STROUD GL6 7NE

TICKETS

Children £10 - £25 Adults £15 - £35

01242 691 181 GIFFORDSCIRCUS.COM 2

Families Gloucestershire

ISSUE 55 MARCH/APRIL

Gloucestershire

In this issue 4 NEWS

To Advertise with us... and reach over 50,000 parents in the region contact Katie Azam on: 07921 338894 or email editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk ...endless ideas for families of young children in: Gloucester – Cheltenham Tewkesbury - Forest of Dean – Painswick Stroud - Cirencester – Tetbury and all other surrounding towns and villages throughout Gloucestershire.

Half of Parents feel lonely The Great British spring clean

6 EDUCATION 10 Great Educational Apps for Children What if School isn’t working?

10 PARENTING How to get a good night’s sleep

12 CLUBS & CLASSES Organised activity options for under 5’s Katie Azam, Editor 07921 338894 editor@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk Jessica Costelloe, Sales contact@familiesgloucestershire.co.uk Visit us at www.familiesonline.co.uk (FB) familiesGloucestershireMagazine (T) @FamiliesGlosMag Next issue May / June 2020. For Bank Holiday fun, What’s on and much more‌

14 WHAT’S ON Your guide to what’s happening in Gloucestershire

16 Kids Corner!

Our Brand-New Children’s section!

Have fun ďŹ lling in the Easter cross word or baking healthy cookies!

Families Gloucestershire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Gloucestershire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Gloucestershire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Mock Exams dates now available to reserve from March to September

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Open: Sat 10-10pm, Sun 10-7pm & Mon-Fri 11-9pm

(Please check availability prior to you visit)

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New Petrol Cadet Karts 9-12yr olds

Newly launched: Summer Intensive Revision Course in late August.

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familiesonline.co.uk

3

News & Views

Over half of parents feel lonely

New eBooks Encourage Children to Eat Vegetables

New research has found that over half (56%) of parents with children under the age of 5 years experience loneliness at least some of the time.

Parents of fussy eaters can now access new FREE resources courtesy of the ‘See & Eat’ project, an initiative supported by the British Nutrition Foundation, to support parents in persuading their children to eat more vegetables.

The study by the charity, Coram Family and Childcare reveals that the issue affects significantly more women than men, with twice as many mothers than fathers saying they often feel left out, as well as younger parents, with nearly 37% of parents aged 18 to 24 often feeling a lack of companionship, compared to 21% of parents aged 25 to 34.

Loneliness is most prevalent around the birth of a baby, particularly if parents are unable to get out of the house easily and when the children are older but haven’t yet started school.

Focus groups conducted by Coram Family and Childcare revealed that parents felt the best way to combat loneliness and isolation is to meet other parents by participating in activities that their child will enjoy. www.familyandchildcaretrust.org

Resources include 24 new eBooks which can be downloaded from the ‘See & Eat’ website. These have been developed based on past research which has shown that showing hard-copy picture books about vegetables to children helps to familiarise them with new food and ultimately, helps them to eat a wider variety.

The ‘See & Eat’ eBooks each tell the farm to fork journey of a different vegetable and can be personalised with pictures, videos and text.

To access eBooks, visit www.foodunfolded.com/seeandeat

The Children’s Family Trust Fostering Charity seeks Foster Carers in the South West Established in 1945, this year The CFT will be marking 75 years of providing support to children and young people in care. We are a not-for-profit fostering agency who provide foster homes for children who are no longer able to live with their birth families. As a registered charity, we do not need to focus on making a profit and therefore re-invest into supporting foster families and children.

Being a Foster Carer is about opening your homes and hearts to make a positive change to a child’s life. It is a hugely rewarding role, but at times it can also be challenging.

Children and young people come into care for many reasons. Fostering provides these children and young people with a stable home environment, where they are cared for, nurtured and supported to realise their full potential.

CFT Foster Carers can look forward to: • Full and ongoing Training • Highly skilled Supervising Social Workers • 24/7 support and access to specialist support/services when needed • Regular meetings and social events • Highly competitive rates of pay and other benefits.

Applicants must be aged over 21 and have a spare bedroom.

Further checks will be carried out upon successful application.

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Families Gloucestershire

News & Views

Join the Fight Against Plastic with the Great British Spring Clean Wherever you live, you and your family can make a difference to your local environment by sparing just a few hours to take part in the Great British Spring Clean from 20 March to 13 April.

Run by charity Keep Britain Tidy, this initiative is the country’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign and aims to get 600,000 #LitterHeroes out and about, cleaning up the environment on their doorstep.

It’s easy for families to get involved. Simply pledge to take part and either organise a litter-pick in your community or join an organised event.

To find out more, join a local event, register to take part and access resources including a how-to guide, visit www.keepbritaintidy.org/GBSpringClean

Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Charity Between the 11th and the 17th May, nurseries, early years groups, families and children up and down the country are being encouraged to take part in a Muddy Puddle Walk to raise money for the international children’s charity, Save the Children.

By taking part in a Muddy Puddle Walk and raising money for Save the Children, you can help vulnerable children around the world have a safe place to play and learn.

Sign up at MuddyPuddleWalk.org for a free Muddy Puddle Walk Fundraising Pack full of fun Peppa Pig inspired activities to help you get started – with tips for great walks indoors and out, fundraising ideas, fun activities to get your walkers ready for the big day and at the end of the walk, there’s a free Peppa Pig sticker reward for every child.

More info: MuddyPuddleWalk.org

Ever thought about Fostering?...

We need people in your area to help us look after vulnerable children and young people.

If you consider yourself to be a warm and caring individual with the dedication that it takes to be a Foster Carer, we would love to hear from you.

familiesonline.co.uk

5

Education

Ten Great Educational Apps for Children

By Claire Winter

Children learn in many different ways including outside of the classroom. This is where educational apps can come in very useful as the best of these engage even the most reluctant learner. As well as being fun ways to learn, educational apps also turn screen time into a positive experience, rather than something you are constantly arguing with your children about.

Here are Families top ten educational apps that will keep any child ‘appy!’

Cursive Writing Wizard (£4.99) By L’Escapadou This version provides a UK-friendly cursive font, and is ideal for teaching young primary kids how to write. It’s based upon a tracing system and there are 50 plus animated stickers, sound effects and interactive games that animate letters at the end of the tracing. You can also print off writing PDFs for the kids to practice on and even import their current spelling list.

Safari Tales (£2.99) By Kuato Games Age 6-8 • Children can develop their storytelling skills with this beautiful and fun animal-themed app. Safari adventurers can explore the Savannah and learn interesting facts about the five baby animals. The game is so much fun they won’t even notice that they are boosting their reading and litearacy skills at the same time.

Endless Wordplay (Free + In App Purchase)

By Originator Inc. All ages • This app focuses on learning simple spelling patterns while reinforcing letter names and sounds. Each stage is a different rhyme, with the user spelling three words from the same word family. Once you complete all three words, you are taken to a sentence screen with a silly sentence and cute animation that will encourage and delight the player. It’s free to download but to play more than three levels you have to pay £4.99.

Toca Lab: Elements (£3.99) By Toca Boca Age 6+ • This funky app is a virtual chemistry set to inspire future scientists. It introduces your child to all 118 elements of the periodic table as cool, fun characters. It also presents the concepts of what happens 6

Glasgow Families Upon Thames

during chemical reactions when they are warmed, cooled, combined and much more. Your kids can induldge in exciting virtual experiments that won’t blow up your house!

Hoopa City (£3.99) By Dr. Panda Ltd Age 6+ • This engaging app allows children to let their imaginations run wild building cities and towns with a combination of different materials. The game will boost their understanding of mechanics and engineering and also help them develop their problem-solving skills.

The Human Body (£3.99) By Tinybop Inc Age 6+ • If you have a budding biologist or child with a ‘why’ imagination then this is the app for them. Explore the human body and learn about how our amazing internal organs perform.

Monster Maths Program (6 app subscription £29.99/yr)

By Makkajai Edu Tech Private Ltd. Age 5+ • The Monster Maths program is a suite of 6 Maths games designed to help your child to develop and practice ‘number sense’. Includes offline printable activities to augment digital games for fun math learning.

Toddler Counting 123 – Learn to count for kids (Free) By GiggleUp Kids Apps Teach your toddler to count with this fantastic free app. Designed for pre-schoolers this simple game gets them to tap and count a variety of real life objects.

Artie’s Magic Pencil (£2.99) By Minilab Ltd Age 3-5 • Boost your child’s drawing skills with this creative app. It shows 3-6 year olds how to draw by means of an engaging game in which a monster destroys everything in its path and Artie has to rebuild the world with his magic pencil.

Squeebles Times Tables (£3.99) By KeyStageFun If you are tired of getting your child to repeat their times tables again and again, then get these lovable characters on hand to inspire your child to sit and practice them.

There are several engaging games to play and a training area that also teaches and tests maths skills too.

Writing wizard fonts and play with letters

Education

60 seconds with a KSOL 11+ tutor

®

16 years of 11+ experience

Paul, Senior KSOL 11+ tutor What is the 11+?

The 11+ is a highly competitive set of entrance exams taken by children at the age of 11 when applying to a grammar or independent school.

What’s in the 11+ exam?

Gloucestershire CEM 11+ exams are multiple choice question papers with timed sections covering: Maths, English, Verbal Skills and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

How can parents prepare children for the 11+?

KSOL provide online 11+ courses and run CEM 11+ mock exams throughout the year to help benchmark ability and to familiarise children with: • the format of the exam paper • the style of questions and content • the live exam environment Why should children sit 11+ mock exams?

We don’t want children to become nervous by the atmosphere in the real exam, so it’s important for them to experience this formal setting in order to build confidence.

Sitting mock exams also enables parents to benchmark their child’s ability and work on any weak areas. Whether this is a particular 11+ topic, exam technique or poor time management, identifying and tackling these areas will boost a child’s performance on the day.

Call us on 0121 733 6558 and quote EXAMG10OFF to SAVE £10! Visit www.ksol.co.uk to find out more about KSOL 11+ online tuition for children in Years 3, 4 & 5.

11+ Tuition

11+ CEM Mock Exams in Gloucester Full 11+ CEM paper including Maths, English, Verbal & NVR Receive your child’s ranking & detailed exam feedback

Build confidence and assess ability at each pivotal stage

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March, May & July

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Call us today on 0121 733 6558 For more details about our mock exams & online 11+ courses:

Visit www.ksol.co.uk

Dean Close Offers 7 + Scholarships for Year 3 Places in September 2020 Dean Close Is A Truly Co-Educational Foundation, With Almost Equal Numbers Of Girls And Boys. The Schools Combine Their Founding Traditional Values And High Academic Standards With A Modern Approach And StateOf-The-Art Buildings. Based On Its Strong Christian Values And Helped By Impressive Facilities.

We Value Our Scholars Highly, Looking To All Award Holders To Enhance The School Communities. By Their Attitude As Well As Their Actions They Will Enrich The Life Of The Schools. Our Become Role Models For Their Peers, Whilst Making The Most Of Their Talents.

Dean Close Prep Offers An Award Into Year 3. The Assessment Process Will Take Into Account Pupil’s Ability, Potential, Attitude And Work Ethos. Pupils Must Be Under 8 On The 1st September On The Year Of Application.

The Prep School Offers Awards Of Up To 15% Of The Day Fees, Excluding Any Extras. Awards Will Commence On September 1st Of Year 3 And Run To The End Of Year 6, By Which Time Pupils Will Have The Opportunity To Sit For 11+ Scholarships.

Please Ring The Admissions Office Now On 01242 258001 If You Are Interested In Scholarships For Entry In September 2020. familiesonline.co.uk

7

Education

What to Do if School is Not Working

by Claire Winter When your child is having trouble at school it can be really challenging for the whole family.

The first thing you need to do is to try to establish if the problem is with another pupil, their teacher or the school itself. Common problems include falling out with friends, finding schoolwork too hard and being bullied.

Talking to your Child The first thing you need to do is talk to your child to get to the bottom of the issue. Let them know that you care and want to help. Ask them if there is anything you could do to make their situation easier and explain you are going to help them work through their problems.

Explore whether you can come up with a solution without involving your child’s school but, if you can’t resolve the problem as a family, the next step is to arrange a meeting with your child’s class teacher. If you find out the issue is bullying, you should always speak to the school. Don’t leave your child to sort it out by himself. You can get some good advice about dealing with bullying from the charity the AntiBullying Alliance or the NSPCC. Whilst you are working towards resolving the issue, emphasise the importance of after-school clubs or activities away from school. Having friends and hobbies outside of school will distract them and give them something to look forward to.

Talking to their Teacher During the meeting, explain the situation and ask the teacher what they can do to help. It’s good to ask when they will update you on the steps they have taken to resolve the problem.

Remember though that some issues may take time to resolve; extra support or help with schoolwork may need to be organised or a friendship issue sorted out. Some schools use planners and diaries to update parents and you could suggest communicating this way so you can get regular updates

8

Families Gloucestershire

Talk to the Head Teacher If your child’s class teacher is unable to resolve your issue, you can request a formal meeting with the Head Teacher.

It’s helpful to keep a record of your dialogue; if you write a letter or email, keep a copy of your correspondence.

If you phone or speak face to face, make a note of the date and write down what you both say during the conversation. Your information may help if you need to get in touch with the school again.

Making a Formal Complaint

are confident you and the school have done everything possible to make things better.

If you are considering moving you child to another school, do discuss it with the Head Teacher of your child’s existing school. Also bear in mind that the least disruptive time to make a change is at the end of the school year, rather than in the middle. You will also need to do your research on alternative school options, including speaking to the local council to see what places may be available. It’s not advisable to withdraw your child from a school before you have been formally been offered an alternative.

In the unlikely event that you are still not happy that your child’s issue is being resolved, you can check out the school’s complaints procedure on its website and make a formal written complaint to your child’s Head Teacher and then to the school’s governors or academy trustees.

For further Is your child sitting the information, visit https://www.gov.

Gloucestershire Grammar uk/complainEntrance Examination? about-school Classes

Changing Schools Whilst no parent wants to disrupt their child’s education by moving them to another school, it is a fact that sometimes your child and a particular school is just not a good fit. If your child still has a substantial amount of time to spend at the school, it may not be worth struggling along if your child is unhappy and you

School

We provide 1-1 and small group 11+ coaching for children in years 4 and 5. Our carefully designed course supports children in all aspects of the CEM test. All coaches are fully qualified teachers who use traditional teaching methods and games to support learning and ensure your child thrives.

Online learning hub Pupils have access to our unique online hub. This is designed to build confidence and increase speed in mathematical and English skills.

Mock Exams Booking for mock exams is now open! Places are limited and fill very quickly. After each exam a full question analysis is received by parents. This shows your child’s strengths and areas for development. Allowing you to fill gaps effectively in preparation for the September exam.

Revision and Intensive Preparation Courses Booking is now open for our Easter and Summer courses. These two and three day courses are specifically designed to ensure children are fully prepared for the September exam. Providing knowledge, tips and revision techniques.

Classes in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and the Forest of Dean

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WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY My son was so happy to receive his marks.

Your sessions supported and encouraged him. Without you he would never have achieved such a high score. Thank you !

For more information visit www.11pluscoachinggloucestershire.co.uk Or email coach@11pluscoachinggloucestershire.co.uk

Education

Encouraging Reluctant Readers

By Tom Palmer

Children must read. It’s good for them!

Unfortunately, that’s the last thing a child who doesn’t like reading wants to hear. They might think reading is boring. They might have low confidence.

They might even have an unidentified issue like dyslexia. Being told that reading is good for them just makes them feel worse.

My mum knew I hated reading. The more pressure she applied the more stubborn I was about it. I reacted to the pressure by defining myself as a non-reader and once I’d told myself that, I became even more entrenched. Then my mum changed tack. She did some things which made me want to read and to eventually call myself a reader.

Forget that loving reading is good for children. Make reading relate to something they already love.

Make a list of the things your child is passionate about. Do it now. Write down the five experiences, television shows, sports, interests that enthuse them. These are the things that are probably going to get your child into reading. For me it was football…and then football…

Start with their favourite television show. Television is seen as one of the enemies of reading. But it’s so good now, it’s sometimes hard to tear yourself away. It’s helpful then that a lot of shows have books linked to them. Search for an official book or biography of one of the main characters on the show’s website. Is there spin-off fiction? An annual? If enough people watch a show – say, like Strictly – then there’ll be a book.

model to talk to them about books and recommend titles. A book from someone you look up to is more likely to get read.

You are your child’s number one role model. Let them see you reading what YOU want to read!

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t finish every book. I finish less than half the books I read. Borrow from the library and then your child can experiment without it costing money.

Books are not always best. Does your child have a favourite magazine? There are hundreds of magazines for kids available from supermarkets and high street newsagents.

They cost a bit and there are far less words in them, but they’re a great way to get children reading. They’re colourful.

They’re silly. They’re exciting.

Get a magazine delivered. The idea of a magazine arriving for your child (and your child alone) can be exciting for them. I had Match magazine delivered when I was a kid. I couldn’t wait for Thursdays as a result.

Tom Palmer won the Ruth Rendell Award 2019 for his outstanding contribution to raising children’s literacy levels in the UK. He is the author of 45 books for children, many about football, rugby and WW1 and 2; yet he only became a reader at age 17, thanks to his mum and what she did to engage him with reading.

For more information, visit www.tompalmer.co.uk

Teachers and school librarians often know more about what a child might like to read than a parent. Talk to your child’s teacher or school librarian. They also know what books have worked for other children in the past. They’re experts.

Have a day out. Football. Cinema. Theme park. Zoo. Whatever you do, there will usually be books available.

Gift shops at the end of museums or theme parks often have books or guides. Theatres and sports venues have programmes. For me, it was Leeds United match day magazines, but I accept they’re not to everyone’s taste!

Who does your child admire? A dancer? A singer? A sports person? Has that person written a book? There are more and more celebrities writing books. As a non-celebrity author I hate it, but, as a parent of an impressionable child, it’s great for you. Look the celeb’s name up on Amazon and see what’s out there. If you don’t want to buy it, then head to the library.

Role models are not just famous people. Does your child have a coach, teacher, aunt or neighbour that they admire?

For me it was my sister’s boyfriend: he gave me books. I read them because they were from him. Get your child’s role familiesonline.co.uk

9

Parenting

How to get a good night’s sleep We spend a third of our lives doing it. It’s vital to our health and wellbeing. And yet we don’t always pay enough attention to why we need it! The answer, of course, is sleep.

“People go to huge amounts of time and expense to eat well and exercise regularly but without a good night’s sleep, all that effort will be in vain. Sleep doesn’t just make us feel better, it can improve our health by decreasing the risk of heart attacks, diabetes and strokes - and it helps us fight off minor ailments, deal better with depression and even tackle weight problems,” said Lisa Artis of The Sleep Council.

And it’s not just adults who need to become more ‘sleep aware’, so do children and teenagers.

“While it’s extremely important for parents to know how much sleep their child needs, we also need to teach youngsters about good sleep behaviour – and from an early age too,” said Lisa. “If a child isn’t getting enough sleep, then the parents probably aren’t either - causing increasing stress among the whole family.”

A decent night’s sleep will help children to do better at school, allow them to react more quickly to situations, have a more developed memory, learn more effectively and solve problems.

Plus, it will make them less susceptible to colds and other minor ailments, less irritable and better behaved. Sleep deprivation causes increased hyperactivity and other behavioural problems, as well as damaging physical and mental development. Poor sleep habits from an early age can lead to long term sleep problems.

Added Lisa: “An increasing body of evidence shows the damaging effect on children and teenagers who get less sleep than they need - from weight gain to depression, from poor performance and 10

Gloucestershire Families Upon Thames

concentration to reduced creative ability and lower immunity to diseases. This comes at a time when the pressures of the modern world are definitely leading to decreased sleep times.”

Daytime tiredness in young children and students is a real issue and The Sleep Council’s Time to Learn survey in 2012 revealed that lack of sleep among primary school children was having a devastating effect in schools, with nine out of 10 teachers (92%) complaining that pupils were so tired they were unable to pay attention in class. Worryingly, more than a third (38%) of teachers said lack of sleep among youngsters is a daily problem for them.

“While we teach children about nutrition and ensure regular exercise is part of their weekly activities, the third critical ingredient of a healthy lifestyle – sleep – is barely touched upon.

Youngsters need to know that a healthy lifestyle includes a good night’s sleep,” said Lisa.

“Lack of sleep is something of a national epidemic, so it is particularly important for parents to establish good sleep hygiene habits at an early age - not letting them stay up too late, sleep wherever they want and demand snacks and attention in the middle of the night.”

There are so many different factors which can affect children’s sleep so parents should check the obvious causes first such as room temperature, light, noise, hunger or thirst. Other influences are illness (actual or impending), changes or stress in the family, holidays and fear.

Here are The Sleep Council’s top tips for parents: Establishing and sticking to a bedtime routine right from the start until early teens can go a long way to minimising later problems.

This is normally along the lines of teatime, followed by quiet play, bath, story and then bed. Bedtime should be around the same time each evening (although on non-school nights, older children already established in a good sleep pattern may be allowed to stay up later).

Don’t expect children to go to sleep immediately – after all, most adults don’t – and they should be allowed to read or play quietly until they drop off. It’s still promoting a relaxing environment.

If your child can’t sleep, don’t be tempted to get them back out of bed - instead encourage them to be quiet and lie down.

Try not to get cross with your child if they’re refusing to go to sleep. This only aggravates the situation and doesn’t aid the relaxing atmosphere before bed.

Ensure the environment is right for sleep – it should be cool, quiet, dark and free from distraction. Ideally computers, gaming machines and TVs should be banned from the bedroom but if that’s unlikely then at least keep them away from the bed and try to limit the use of these devices in the hour just before bedtime!

It’s also extremely important to make sure the bed is comfortable and supportive for a growing child – many parents think nothing of spending a fortune on shoes for a child’s growing feet but scrimp on a mattress. Also make the bed a welcoming, positive place – never send kids to bed if they’re being naughty!

Keep regular bedtime hours. A good sleep routine will work wonders.

Know how much sleep your child needs. As a general rule of thumb, toddlers need around 12 hours of sleep a night; children aged four to six – 10.5-11.5 hours; six-12 years olds – 10 hours; and teenagers – around eight to nine hours.

For more information visit sleepcouncil.org.uk

Entertainment

2020 is the 20th anniversary of Giffords Circus and to celebrate the fairy folk are coming out to play.

The fairy cover star of The Hooley is Nancy Trotter Landry, an audience favourite who is returning to the big top together with Tweedy the clown and Lil Rice, the much adored star of the 2019 show Xanadu, where she wowed audiences with her cyr wheel act and lead vocals. There will be fairies, trolls, pixies, leprechauns, wild horses, Celtic music and dancing and all the madcap magic for which Giffords is synonymous. Directed by comic genius Cal McCrystal, with costumes designed once again by takis, The Hooley promises to be a most magical and poignant show to celebrate the 20th year and pay tribute to its late co-founder Nell Gifford.

For those who have never been to Giffords Circus it is difficult to put into words its magic which is unlike any other circus in the UK. Giffords has a big top, a clown and candyfloss as you would expect, but it does circus with such a unique flair that it transports you back to a childhood where anything and everything is possible and that is testament to its late founder Nell Gifford.

the countryside all day long. Nell’s vision was a miniature village green circus, bursting at the seams, packed, rowdy, tiny, a little band of performers who live nomadically, performing daily, engrossed in the serious business of making magic.

For those that are in on the secret and have been to the circus know what an amazing experience it is to visit Giffords Circus. A traditional big top upon which the illuminated words ‘Giffords Circus’ sit proudly acting as a beacon to draw people into the magic. The tent is surrounded by vintage style burgundy painted wagons and a front of house team dressed in beautiful handmade velvet jackets and feathered hats. True to Nell’s meticulous attention to detail, all the wagons are hand painted, with at least five layers of paint and then finished with a varnish to withstand the British weather before being sign written by hand.

The Hooley is a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Giffords Circus. Nell wanted it to be a showstopper and it will be just that. So join the dance to the timeless Celtic rhythms and drums and get down with the fairy folk.

As a girl growing up in Minety, on the border of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, Nell Gifford dreamt of ponies and circuses with her sister Clover. Together they would throw circus themed parties and ride on their ponies through

familiesonline.co.uk

11

Clubs & Classes

Organised Activity Options for Your Child Under 5 By Gabrielle Nash If you ask mums and dads about what activities they enjoyed with their children when they were very young, many will speak fondly of their favourite playgroup or class. Such activities can become a lifeline for parents during those isolating and overwhelming first years and they’re essential when you’re desperate for some adult conversation.

Of course, classes and groups are also a great opportunity for you to bond with your baby and give them early opportunities for socialization too.

Library

Maybe you have already pre-booked a weekly sensory, music or swimming class for your little one or perhaps you’re at home reading this with your baby or young toddler, thinking of ways to entertain them (and you) this week.

Or maybe you’re finding it tough just getting out to the shops. However you’re feeling, there’s no doubt that getting yourself along to something social can be hugely beneficial for you and your child.

Sensory or Music

Sarah has one daughter, now aged almost 4, and speaks fondly of the classes they participated in: “I loved having a music class booked each week with my 18 month old. It was something to look forward to – she loved the music and I enjoyed meeting other mums and drinking a rare coffee while it was still hot!”

So, what’s the best way to find a class or group? You’ll regularly find local options in this magazine and, as well as your local mum friends, you can also ask the wider local parent community on social media – word of mouth is great for a recommendation. It’s worth checking out your local Children’s Centre and library for suggestions too – some of these may be free.

Next, which type of class or group should you go for? This may depend on the options available where you live, as well as on your budget.

Playgroup If your main aim is to get something regular in the diary that is easy, cheap and good for meeting other parents with similarly aged children, then your local church or community playgroup is a great option. Playgroups are often central parts of a local community so if you’re new or unfamiliar to an area you can find local support both from those attending and those running the group.

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Families Gloucestershire

Most local libraries have a weekly story or rhyme time session. These are simple drop-in activities and chances to socialise that can form a regular part of your week. They are almost always free! A library activity is also a great way of introducing this important source of books and resources to a young child and highlighting the importance of reading.

Though not free, sensory or music classes can be lots of fun for older babies and toddlers. They are a fantastic opportunity for little ones to make a noise with their voices and with instruments, move around creatively and explore a new environment, all conveniently facilitated by a professional. You get a much needed chance to sit back and watch your child having fun, without having to provide it yourself!

Swimming or Gym If something a bit more physical appeals to you, then baby swimming or a gym/soft play-based class might be right for your child. Baby swimming can be a beautiful way to bond with your baby and a gym-based class is great way for very active toddlers and preschoolers to burn off energy, as well as develop their gross motor skills.

Classes for YOU Whilst it’s harder with a toddler, when you have a baby, there are many activities aimed at you which your baby can attend too. Whether it’s an outdoor exercise or yoga class or a baby friendly cinema showing, the change of environment is fun and stimulating for your baby too. You may even get to improve your fitness!

Any children’s group or class will support a child’s development: the routine, the opportunities for socialising and the experience of being in a new environment. So if it helps YOU get out of the house, share happy times with your child and get talking and meeting other parents in your situation, then nothing could be more worthwhile.

Follow Gaby @thelondonishmum

Clubs & Classes

Introducing our NEW 2020 ACTIVITIES at our St Edward’s setting this Easter & Summer!

Go Karting, Street Dance, Laser Tag, Climbing, Eco Art, Magic workshops, Frisbee Golf and Water Polo!

The camp, which run during Half Term, Easter and Summer holidays, was named best holiday club in Gloucestershire in the AI 2018 Business Excellence Awards. A few weeks later, one of the camps was visited by Ofsted inspectors who rated it outstanding and described: “An exceptionally well-organised, happy environment, where children clearly enjoy themselves and develop their skills. Staff give safeguarding their highest priority and children’s safety is extremely well supported. Mum of six, Kate Hall, who has been running the camps for ten years says: “We’re delighted to have received such brilliant feedback not only from the families who use it but also from an official source.

Despite the ‘4-2-11’ name, the camps which are based at St Edward’s School in Charlton Kings, Prestbury St Mary’s and Dinglewell Junior School in Gloucester, now caters for children aged 3-14 years, in two age groups: 3-7 years and 8-14 years, enabling activities to be tailored. With everything from drama to junk modelling, from games of rounders to movies & popcorn, treasure hunts and outside water games, summer holidays can be magical again.

Contact: info@camp4211.co.uk • 07825630751 • FB Camp 4-2-11

My Stage School ‘My Stage School’ has been open just 4 and a half years yet we already have 300 students with more starting at the new Gloucester branch after Easter.

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Issue 54 January/February 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

We appeal to all children of all personalities. For those who want to come and have fun in the performing arts with like minded friends we offer fabulous shows and events every single term. We also produce our own movie every 2 years that we show at the Cineworld in Cheltenham. This year was outstanding and received rave reviews from parents!

For those who hope for a career in the arts we are a professional and ambitious school who go the whole mile.

We find auditions for students who fit the criteria and have recently had several major successes including lead role ‘Simba’ in the Lion King tour, Ivanka in ‘Once’ the musical, ‘Cosette in ‘Les Miserable’ tour to name just a few.

Our shows are of extremely high standard and quality and every child has an equal role in all that we do.

We are extremely excited now to be able to offer the same opportunities to Gloucester students and can’t wait to get stuck in with our next ‘Summer Fest’ event in July. Children will perform a variety of different pieces on an outdoor stage to large audiences!

Our Gloucester Active Open Day will be Sunday 29th March. Email info@mystageschool.co.uk for details. familiesonline.co.uk

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We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.

What’s Out & About On? MARCH 1ST MARCH SPECTACULAR SNOWDROPS AT NEWARK PARK View the spectacular and celebrated displays of snowdrops in Newark’s romantic woodland gardens - and admire the views over the Cotswold escarpment.

Newark Park, Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 7PZ 01453 842644

1ST MARCH – 18TH APRIL THE MAGICAL WORLD OF WILLIAM SIMMONDS: PUPPETS AND PAINTINGS Step into the magical world created by local puppeteer, artist and woodcarver William Simmonds (1876-1968). Discover all the fun of the circus and the enchanted realm of the woodland.

This exhibition brings you the full range of Simmonds’ work as an artist – all designed with a desire to delight both young and old.

7TH MARCH OBJECT HANDLING A rare opportunity to handle some of the hidden object’s in the Museum’s collection. We display different material from a different topic each time.

Examples of objects from our collection have included replica Roman staffs, shields, swords, sandals to name a few…

10TH - 13TH MARCH 2020 THE FESTIVAL 2020

21ST MARCH EASTGATE CHAMBER TOUR (WITH A MEDIEVAL MERCENARY)

3RD – 19TH APRIL EASTER FUN AT PRIMROSE VALE

Ever looked down through the glass chamber outside Boots and wondered what else is down there? Why not join medieval mercenary Sir Miles DeLaney (a real Medieval mercenary in authentic attire) for a fascinating look at Gloucester’s medieval history. Please note: Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Tours last approximately 40 minutes. Access to the chamber itself may be difficult for those with mobility problems.

Time: 3-3.40pm Book tickets online at www. gloucesterticketshop.co.uk or ring 01452 396131.

Suitable for children of all ages, but most enjoyed by those between 2 and 13, there’s an Easter Challenge of various activities around the farm, and to cater for younger visitors, a pre – schoolers trail.

Its quieter than our Halloween trail, and great fun for all ages.

Primrose Vale Farm Shop, Shurdington Road, Bentham, Cheltenham, GL51 4UA

28TH MARCH CHEDWORTH’S ROMANS: DR QUINTUS AT CHEDWORTH ROMAN VILLA Meet Quintus Medicus, a Roman doctor who you can quiz about medicine in Roman times.

Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, Nr. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3LJ 01242 890256

28TH MARCH – 19TH APRIL Hatching Out at Easter at Birdland As well as Easter trails, quizzes and daily eggthemed talks and shows, the Gloucestershire wildlife attraction is expecting some egg-stra special new arrivals in their hatchery.

Birdland, Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the Water, Glos. GL54 2BN 01451 820480

28TH MARCH SANDFORD PARKS LIDO, CHELTENHAM RE OPENS

The roar of the crowd as the tapes rise for the first race of the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival each year tells you everything you need to know - 12 months of waiting is over!

Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH. www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

This year the lido offers the first opportunity to take a dip in the 50m outdoor pool and children’s pool.

Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7PU 01242 524430

11TH - 12TH MARCH (HIGHEST TIDE) SEVERN BORE - MARCH 2020

APRIL

This year due to natural tidal cycles, this must-see natural phenomenon will reach heights of over 9.5m on a few dates this month.

The Severn Bore can best be seen on the northern side of the River Severn, first at Newnham on Severn (The White Hart Inn at Broadoak), then at the Severn Bore Inn, Minsterworth Church, Stonebench, Over bridge and finally at Maisemore Bridge. www.severn-bore.co.uk

12TH MARCH & 27TH MARCH BATSFORD FOREST SCHOOL FOR TOTS A chance for pre-schoolers up to the age of 4, to engage with nature and explore the Forest School site (complete with large covered area for wet days)!

Batsford Arboretum, Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos GL56 9AB. To book 01386 701441

20TH – 21ST MARCH 2020 CLOISTER CHALLENGE 2020 AT GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL Register now to experience an unforgettable night sleeping in the Cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral to raise much needed funds for homeless and vulnerable people in Gloucester and the local area.

Take part as an individual, family or small group.

Gloucester Cathedral, College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX 01452 768928

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Families Gloucestershire

EVERY FRIDAY IN MARCH AND APRIL LALA LOUNGE AT THE MUSEUM OF GLOUCESTER Come and play at the Museum.

A friendly and supportive group for a relaxed dropin play session. Support available every session from a BFN trained feeding support worker.

All welcome.

Time: 10.30am-12 midday Tickets: FREE

EVERY MONDAY - SATURDAY: CHILDREN’S FREE DROP-IN CRAFTY CUPBOARD Crafty Cupboard is selection of drawers containing crafts, colouring, quizzes and trails themed around the museum’s collections and exhibitions. Sit down, pull out a drawer and make something to take home…

Don’t forget to leave it tidy for the next artist!

Time: 10am- 5pm Tickets: FREE

2ND -19TH APRIL EGGSPLORE EASTER AT GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL Do you know what happened on the very first Easter Day? Come to your Cathedral this Eastertime and you can follow a trail around this amazing building and find out the answer for yourself. Bring your friends and family too!

Gloucester Cathedral, College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX

4TH – 19TH APRIL ROCOCO EGGSPLORERS AT PAINSWICK ROCOCO GARDEN This Easter there’s a brand new, fabulous garden adventure to discover at Painswick’s historic Rococo Garden which has been created by local children’s author and illustrator Hannah Shaw.

Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick, Glos. GL6 6T 01452 813204

4TH – 19TH APRIL EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA AT ADAM HENSON’S COTSWOLD FARM PARK You’ll be skipping and jumping into the spirit of spring with an egg hunt around the Park with a prize for every child.

Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham GL54 5UG 01451 850307

4TH – 17TH APRIL EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT THE DEAN HERITAGE CENTRE This school holiday there will be various activities for everyone to take part in and enjoy.

Discover the forest in spring, Daily family friendly activities, Easter Egg trail, Nature Trails & Work with a local artist in the craft hut Dean Heritage Centre, Camp Mill, Soudley, Glos.

GL14 2U

5TH APRIL THE TUDORS AT BERKELEY CASTLE King Henry VIII and his Queen will grace Berkeley with a visit as part of their Royal Progress.

Meet the royal couple along with their entourage of loyal ladies-in-waiting and noble gentlemen.

Enjoy the spectacle of Tudor dancing in the Great Hall.

Berkeley Castle, Berkeley, Glos.

GL13 9BQ

8TH APRIL THE WIZARD OF OZ AT THE ROSES THEATRE The Easter pantomime is back!

Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the cowardly Lion as they journey on a panto-filled adventure through Oz to meet the legendary Wizard and defeat the Wicked Witch of the West.

Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX 01684 295074

10TH – 13TH APRIL EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA AT BERKELEY CASTLE Easter would not be the same without the thrilling Dragon extravaganza at Berkeley Castle.

Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to experience fantastic dragon puppetry, get faceto-face with a baby dragon, and take part in the colourful Chinese Dragon Parade.

Berkeley Castle, Berkeley, Glos. GL13 9BQ

Out What’s & About On? 11TH APRIL BILLY BONKERS’ CHOCOLATE GARDEN AT REGENT ARCADE

15TH APRIL SHARK IN THE PARK AT THE ROSES THEATRE

Put your feet up for a while, or take a selfie, in Billy Bonkers’ Chocolate Garden in Regent Arcade this Easter. With free colouring every day between the 6th - 12th April for the kids.

Regent Arcade, High Street, Cheltenham town centre, Glos. GL50 1JZ

Based on the books by Nick Sharratt When Timothy Pope receives a brand new telescope for his birthday, boy is he excited to test it out at the park!

But wait… is that really a shark he can see?

Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5NX 01684 295074

11TH APRIL EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA AT SANDFORD PARKS LIDO

2ND - 3RD MAY THE AMBERLEY COW HUNT Once again the village of Amberley and parts of the surrounding common will see the first stampede of cows as the moovellous Amberley Parochial School Cow Hunt returns.

Funds raised go to help the school, as well as Bath-based charity Send a Cow, which works across six African countries.

Enjoy a fun-filled day for all the family on Easter Saturday and meet the Easter Bunny!

There will be a variety of games and activities for both adults and children, such as egg and spoon races and ‘hook-a-duck’ in the paddling pool!

(These will run 11am-3pm) Sandford Parks Lido, Keynsham Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7PU 01242 524430

2ND MAY DEAN CLOSE WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN DAY

13TH APRIL THE EASTER EGGSPRESS AT GWSR Fun for all the family on Easter Monday.

Climb aboard a train at Cheltenham Race Course, Toddington or Broadway Station for this ‘eggsellent’ event which will be taking place at Winchcombe Station.

Gloucester Warwickshire Railway,The Railway, Toddington, Glos. GL54 5DT 01242 621405

COMING SOON…

15TH – 16TH APRIL PEPPA PIG’S BEST DAY EVER AT THE EVERYMAN THEATRE Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig - it’s going to be her best day ever!

Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for Peppa Pig fans!

The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ. Box office: 01242 572573

Dean Close School is a co-educational day and boarding school which provides continuity of education from age 2+ to 18. The School was established in 1886, and is set in 50 acres of parkland in the centre of Cheltenham. The open day is an opportunity for prospective parents to view the School’s facilities.

Call 01242 258001 to book your visit.

made at Newark Park Learn about Newark Park's intriguing history, explore our 700 acre estate and meet our resident peacocks.

© National Trust 2020. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Space to breathe

Please see our website for seasonal opening times.

These are the places that make us.

nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park familiesonline.co.uk

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Kids Corner 0 02 r2 be h. m arc m. te th M for ep e: 9 tion r S dat lica fo test r app ow rship ite fo y n ola bs pl Sch ee we S Ap

Sc ho 7+ la Ac rs a hi de ps m av ic ail ab le .

OPEN MORNING Saturday, 2nd May

Dean Close

DC

SCHOOLS

CHELTENHAM

Please contact the Admissions Department to register.

Tel: 01242 258044 www.deanclose.org.uk

registrar@deanclose.org.uk Co - e d u c at i o n a l

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Day a n d B oa r d i n g

ANAGRAM Can you unscramble the letters to spell out the names of five popular book characters?

DEAN CLOSE

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Ag e 2 - 1 8

PICTURE CROSSWORD Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword?

1 3 2

1. d i a t m l a

1 3

2

4

2. p e t h o r r a t y r

4

3. k t e r a c y r e b a e

5 7

6

5

4. f g e e l f r y e g h

8

5. l g p i c n p s k i p g t o o i n

6 7 9

When you’re done, unscramble the circled letters to spell a special message!

9

8

The answers are: 1. Matilda 2. Harry Potter 3. Tracey Beaker 4. Greg Heffley 5. Pippi Longstocking. Message is: Happy Reading