Families Cambridgeshire Magazine May June 2016

THE TRADE MAGAZINE FOR MUMS & DADS!

FRE E !

Cambridgeshire

MAY / JUNE 2016 ISSUE #36

WIN A PUNTING SEASON TICKET!

Punt whenever you want!

SEE PAGE 3

INSIDE: l PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR SAT’S l PARTIES FOR EVERY AGE

FAMILY FUN GUARANTEED. SUMMER SATURDAYS 7 FAMILY THEME DAYS JUNE - AUGUST 2016 Saturday 18th June | Sports Day Saturday 25th June | Animal Health Trust Charity Raceday, featuring Countryside Day Saturday 16th July | Great British Summer Day Saturday 23rd July | Horseplay Saturday 30th July | Summer Saturday Plus see PAW Patrol’s Chase and Marshall Saturday 6th August | Royal British Legion Day Saturday 13th August | All Was Quiet in The Deep Dark Wood Plus appearances from The Gruffalo Friday 26th August | Super Hero Day Book your tickets now www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk

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Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader, With the first summer bank holiday of the year, it’s time to ditch the chores, phones and tablets, grab a picnic blanket, pack some picnic food and head out for the day with the family for some fun and games at the beach . Or take a look at the ‘Whats On’ pages this month for more ideas to get you all out and about.

My quote of the day: ‘Isnt it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back everything is @familiescambs different…’ by C.S Lewis

What’s in this issue?

4N ews & Views The latest news for parents in Cambridgeshire facebook.com/CambridgeshireFamilies

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or

WIN

A PUNTING SEASON TICKET– PUNT WHENEVER YOU WANT!

Last month’s winner is Natasha Tate from Waterbeach

Scudamores are offering you the chance to win one of their season tickets

TH WOR5! £16

Take your friends and family punting along the beautiful College Backs, or head up to Grantchester Meadows for a picnic.

Season Tickets entitle you to one self-hire session a day, seven days a week. If you wanted, you could go punting every day between March and September. Each hire session can be as short as an hour or as long as all day, leaving you with plenty of time to master the art of punting.

If you aren’t quite a professional punter you’ll be reassured to hear that Scudamores expert chauffeurs are always happy to give pointers and guidance to those with less experience.

To be in with a chance of winning a Season Ticket for your family through Families Cambridgeshire visit the www.families cambridgeshire.co.uk website and answer the question. www.scudamores.com

Families Cambridgeshire is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’

17,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

£18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

7P regnancy & Baby News The latest pregnancy advice, baby products and news for new mums including tried and tested products by our very own mums

8 What’s on this Half Term Great days out and events to keep you and your family occupied this summer.

13 Preparing your child for tests by St Faiths Parents of children preparing for either their Year 6 SATs tests or independent school entry assessments can be stressful; St Faiths offers some advice on how you can help your child avoid anxiety.

15 Fabulous Parties at every age It’s difficult to know how to keep children entertained at parties so we have put together a few ideas to help at every stage of childhood EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Michelle Jones michelle@squarkdesign.co.uk

Vienah - HD Master @ The Brow Boutique Tel: 07950 19 88 44 Website: www.lashes-brows-stylist.co.uk M AY / J U N E 2016

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News & views

Short News

LATEST APP

Help children stay safe online

Azoomee has released Search It Up! - a new series of animated shorts, supported by the NSPCC. The app has been created to show children how to make informed and conscious choices in today’s complicated digital world.

No child-friendly content currently exists for primary school aged children that explains what internet safety actually means. Search It Up! addresses this by guiding children through a variety of scenarios and topics ranging from cyber-bulling to what’s okay to share online.

The series is comic in tone, led by brother and sister Jack and Maya who encounter situations children can easily recognise, and packed with memorable examples.

Get Involved with Children’s Art Week

This June sees the welcome return of Children’s Art Week (Sat 11th - Sun 19th June 2016) with interactive events across the nation to encourage children of all ages to get creative. From Scotland to Cornwall event organisers are creating topical & relevant activities to inspire children to get involved in making art of all kinds. Find out what’s on locally by visiting the Children’s Art Week website (www.childrensartweek.org.uk).

Coding for dummies

Dummies has launched three new titles in its ‘Junior’ series which offer a fun and easy introduction to skills and subjects for the digital generation.

Targeting readers aged seven to eleven, each title combines the hallmarks of the dummies series - simple steps and friendly approach - with vivid, full colour designs and short page counts to appeal to and educate the younger audience. Getting Started with Coding: Get Creative with Code!

by Camille McCue, £8.99, Modding Minecraft: Build Your Own Minecraft Mods!

by Sarah Guthals PhD, Stephen Foster, PhD and Lindsey Handley, PhD, £8.99, Making You Tube Videos: Famili es Star in Your Own Video!

LOVES !

by Nick Willoughby, £8.99.

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Not so healthy A new study in the British Medical Journal found that 40% of juices and smoothies contained at least a child’s entire daily recommended maximum sugar intake of 19g (almost 5 teaspoons). Yet these juices are exempt from the government’s new sugar tax.

The sugar from fruit is ‘natural’, for sure, but that doesn’t mean it is good for you – deadly nightshade is natural too. Don’t be lulled into the marketing ploy of an ‘all-natural’ juice – sugar is sugar, and we need to keep on top of our consumption.

The message: Eat the fruit and keep the juice as an occasional indulgence rather than daily drink – especially when it comes to your children – and when possible, dilute juices too. You will be fuller, and take in less sugar, if you have an apple and a glass of water than straight apple juice. Or when you want a vitamin hit, try blitzing vegetables with a hint of fruit – that way you know it’s as fresh as can be, will preserve all the nutrients and you’ll know how much sugar you’re drinking.

What other drinks to avoid: There are obvious drinks to avoid such as a can of coke which we now know contains around 9 teaspoons of sugar – which is over the daily recommended total in a single can. But watch out for the ‘healthy’ alternatives too, it seems the diet versions may not be much better for us, with some studies showing that they can lead to more weight gain than the

full-sugar versions. Not to mention the sweeteners, which replace the sugar in these low-cal options.

Though there is no definite evidence that they are harmful to our health, we are consuming them in greater and greater quantities, sometimes above the recommended ‘safe’ levels. Plus they do nothing to help reduce our sweet tooth and thus, our sugar cravings.

Dr Sally Norton is an NHS Weight Loss Surgeon & Consultant & Leading UK Health Expert.

Founder of www.vavistalife.com

Date for the

Your Local Families Team is Recruiting!

We are preparing to celebrate the launch of a fantastic new website this summer. Destined to become the number 1 resource for local families, www.familiesonline.co.uk will soon have over 300 local sites across the UK. Like the magazines, the local sites in Cambridgeshire are guaranteed to give users the very best ideas for spending time with their family locally and useful information.

We have a couple of highly flexible, home-

based work opportunities available in print and online.

You will enjoy a fun and flexible role which fits around you and your family life, whilst affording you a great challenge – and the opportunity to make money!

We are particularly interested in anyone with sales and admin experience.

To register your interest and for more information please email editor@ familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

Kids take over - Drayton Manor Park Calling all budding business leaders and entrepreneurs - if you think you have the next Sir Alan Sugar in your midst, a young Deborah Meaden or a budding Richard Branson in the making, Drayton Manor Park in Staffordshire is looking for you as it launches its hunt to find eight new child directors for its board, where they can hone their skills for later in life to take over the world!

Each board member will not only receive a season pass meaning they can visit the attraction as often as they like during 2016 and take advantage of discounts and vouchers, but they’ll also be involved with making some important decisions on how to make their theme park experience extra special. This might include what flavour ice cream to serve in catering outlets, what new 4D cinema film would they show and if they could come up with a new ride, what might this be?

For more information and how to apply visit: http://kidztakeover. draytonmanor.co.uk/

diary

Father’s Day 19th Jun e

News & views

Calling all aspiring young writers!

Save £933 a year.

Childcare providers across the UK are struggling to meet the increasing demand for their services; the Family and Childcare Trust›s estimate that over 40,000 three year olds are missing out on free early education.

To help working parents, the government has been looking into new ways to subsidise the cost of childcare, including Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) which is expected to launch in early 2017. However, even though TFC claims to save parents up to £2,000 per year, in reality the average saving has been estimated at just £600 - with 66% of households estimated to be worse off under this new scheme, according to a recent study

by Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services.

For parents that need help right now, the existing Childcare Voucher scheme can currently save each parent up to £933 per year, contributing £1,866 to a family when both parents are working - this can equate to a possible joint saving of more than £25,000 over the 15 year duration of the scheme. As such, parents who are looking for help with their staggering childcare costs would be best served to sign up for Childcare Vouchers now, before they are closed to new entrants in early 2017.”

The Sugar Artist Sugar Craft & Sugar Modelling Classes

Come and learn the art of making beautiful sugar flowers and modelling in a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

Joanna Gamble 07415 121 654 joanna@the-sugar-artist.co.uk www.the-sugar-artist.co.uk

Is your child excellent with words?

Do they like telling stories? Or do you want to encourage their creativity?

Well it’s time for them to put pen to paper because the National Young Writers’ Awards have returned for the eighth year! Judged by best-selling author of the Charlie & Lola, Clarice Bean and Ruby Redfort books, Lauren Childs and organised by tuition provider Explore Learning, this year’s theme is ‘The Mash-Up’ where children are asked to write a 500-word story of a ‘mash-up’ of two genres. Whether it’s an alien landing his spaceship in Victorian England or a Disney princess as a zombie slayer, there is a huge scope to let their imaginations run wild!

The competition is free to enter and your child could win a fabulous family trip to Disneyland

and £500-worth of books for their school. Open to children aged 14 and under, the closing date is June 7. Children can fill out an application form at their local Explore Learning Centre or enter online at www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters

Inspectors judge The Perse to be ‘exceptional’ Pupils at The Perse School ‘make extremely rapid progress’ and are ‘confident, self-aware and articulate’, according to independent school inspectors, who rated children’s achievement at the School ‘exceptional’ following a routine inspection in February.

For the second inspection in a row the School has achieved a clean sweep of the highest possible scores on each aspect of the education it provides.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report covered all three Perse schools: the Pelican Nursery and Pre-Prep, the Prep and the Upper.

The School was assessed on the quality of pupil achievement and learning, teaching, pupils’ personal development, and governance, leadership and management. It secured the highest ‘excellent’ grade in all categories, and an ‘exceptional’ judgement for pupil achievement.

At the Pelican Nursery and Pre-Prep, inspectors

found the Nursery and Reception children ‘display excellent concentration, enjoy making decisions about their own learning and participate enthusiastically’. They found the attitudes to learning of Year 1 and 2 children ‘extremely well developed’ and that they ‘demonstrate high levels of creativity and freedom of expression in their work.”

The full report is available on the Perse website www.perse.co.uk

Walking staves off diseases such as diabetes.

Children at Icknield Primary School in Lynton Way, Sawston, are being asked to make a record of the way they get to school as part of everyday walking charity Living Streets’ Walk once a Week (WoW) initiative. The charity is working in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council in a bid to teach youngsters about the benefits of exercise in staving off weight gain and illness in later life.

Stephanie Burton, Living Streets Project Coordinator (Cambridgeshire) said: “The WoW initiative is going very well at Icknield and the children

are already enjoying their walk into school. Often it is a precious time spent with a parent or guardian each morning but they also enjoy being active and the badges act as an incentive.”

The Living Streets Walk once a Week (WoW) programme is now running in 22 Cambridgeshire schools. On average, schools taking part see a 23 per cent increase in the number of children regularly walking to school.

Research has shown that walking for just 20 minutes four times a week has a marked effect on future health. It can stave off diseases such as diabetes, strokes and can help lower blood pressure.

Schools interested in getting involved should contact Living Streets for more information about available resources on 020 7456 9794 or for more information about National walk to school week , visit www. livingstreets.org.uk/nwm

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An HMC Independent Co-educational Day School for Pupils Aged 4-18

An all-round education that inspires...

Wisbech Grammar School invites you to join us for our 2016 Open Events:

Whole School Open Event (Reception - Year 11) Saturday 24 September 10.00 - 12.00

Sixth Form Open Evening Tuesday 18 October 18.00 - 20.00

To register or for more information, please contact our Admissions Team:

01945 586 750

Admissions@WisbechGrammar.com

Academic and All-Rounder Scholarships available for year 7, 9 & 12 pupils

WisbechGrammar.com I MagdaleneHousePrep.com 6

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Families Pregnancy & Baby News

An end to Rubella Screening Pregnant women no longer have a blood test to see if they are immune to German Measles.

Screening for rubella susceptibility during pregnancy no longer meets the criteria for a screening programme and should be discontinued because: l Rubella infection levels in the UK are so low they are defined as eliminated by the World Health Organization l Rubella infection in pregnancy is very rare l Being fully immunised with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine before becoming pregnant is more effective in protecting women against rubella in pregnancy l The screening test used can potentially give inaccurate results and cause unnecessary stress among women Dr Anne Mackie, Director of Screening Programmes at PHE said: “A major factor is that high uptake of the MMR vaccine in children means

Ultra Stylish change bag that rubella infection is considered to be eliminated in the UK by the World Health Organization. The change will free up busy midwives so they can spend more time looking after a new mother and her baby”.

Screening for rubella in pregnancy does not give any protection to the unborn baby in that pregnancy. The best preventative measure a woman can take to protect herself from rubella is to ensure she is immunised with the MMR vaccine before she gets pregnant.

Improving the birth experience in the Rosie Earlier this year, patients and staff gathered in the Rosie Hospital’s delivery unit to officially re-open the birthing pool room, which has been upgraded thanks to funding of £37,200 from Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT).

Some mums-to-be find that sitting in water can aid birth by easing pain, reducing the need for anesthesia and Speeding up labor, the Rosie’s midwife-led birth centre, has a pool in each of its ten rooms which can be used by women who have not had any complications during pregnancy,.

Those experiencing more complex pregnancies are seen on the delivery unit where the one existing pool room has been completely refitted and now boasts mood lighting, blackout blinds and flameless candles, to create a serene atmosphere. The new birthing pool is state-ofthe-art and medical supplies such as gas and air equipment are stored in accessible cupboards.

This all helps to create a home-from-home atmosphere while retaining the safety features of a clinical setting.

To find out how you can support Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie call 01223 217757, or go to www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk

WHAT’S NEW

For those who want to travel in style this summer, the Keri Jane changing bag from the award winning changing bag range is the perfect bag for a family day out or as a carry on for a weekend away. This ultra-stylish yet practical changing bag allows you to carry all your baby essentials and the large spacious design can fit everything that you would need for a day out, whilst still maintaining a fashionable feel.

Made from the finest Italian leather the Keri Jane is available as a unisex option in Black with nickel fittings and Camel with light gold fittings Although this is a little pricey for a change bag, coming in at a whopping £395 if you do treat yourself it can still be used long after baby has grown. www.kerikit.com

Little Gray Seal

Reduce the risk of stillbirth

A recent study has revealed pregnant women who received a seasonal flu vaccine were less likely to experience a stillbirth than unvaccinated mums-to-be. Researchers in Australia came to the conclusion after analyzing the data of 58,000 births for a study published by the infectious Diseases Society of America. The stillbirth risks were reduced by 51% for mums who had been vaccinated.

Annette Regan Western Australia Department of Health said “I’m hoping results like these can convince more pregnant women to get vaccinated each year,”.

Summer is just around the corner! Come and join us for fitness fun and fresh air at Buggy Bootcamp opposite Orchard Park at the Rec next to the Meadows Community Centre. Mondays 10am -11am. First session is free, then £6 per class or multi-session passes are available at a discounted price.

No specialist buggy needed, just bring a blanket. For enquiries contact Lisa at: lisabuggybootcamp@gmail.com

TRIED &

TESTED We loved testing the Baby Bjorn Carrier in ‘Little Gray Seal’, The carrier has all the usual great features that we would expect from Baby Bjorn, but in stylish cool colours that blend with your summer wardrobe and are great for baby too.

The multi award winning Baby Carrier was a big hit with our new mum Charlotte who said that “The carrier was comfortable, looked great and was easy to use. It was great for days out and quick trips to the shops and once it was set up for baby and I, it was quick to get her in and out. It was great for calming her and much easier than using a pram. I had lots of compliments on the colour of the carrier, much nicer than the usual black’.

The baby carrier is suitable for babies from newborn up to the age of 3 years, and the sturdy waist belt and padded shoulder straps make it comfortable for hours of carrying.

The watercolour collection is a limited edition collection which is only available between March and September, so get one quick before they are gone.

★★★★★ M AY / J U N E 2016

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Families Fun

Wildlife Trust Bat Safari Punt Tours WHEN? May- September

WHERE? Scudamores Punting Cambridge

Horseplay

W hat’s On

places Things to do, e had to go, fun to b Term... this May Half … for k

! ids of a ll ages

WHEN? 14th May

WHERE? Newmarket Racecourse

HOW MUCH? From £10 per person This fun new family race day will allow children to learn all about the magnificent horse through role play and interactive learning. There will be plenty of ‘horseplay’ activities for the whole family to enjoy. www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk Fre

e!

WHERE? Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough HOW MUCH? FREE Ever wanted to have a go at watersports? Whatever your interest there will have instructors on hand for you to try out something new. Meet at the Nene Outdoors Watersports and Activity Centre.visitor.services@ neneparktrust.org.uk

The Three Little Pigs WHEN? 22nd May

WHERE? Cambridge Junction

HOW MUCH? Family ticket £27 Building your own home is not as easy as it looks, the three little pigs discover. What’s the best material to use? Will it keep out the rain? Will it be Wolf Proof!!! There’s only one way to find out...from ages 2+ www.junction.co.uk/

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WHEN? 12th June WHERE? Jesus Green

The American Air Show WHEN? 28th-29th May

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FAVES s !

HOW MUCH? See website Jazz and brass bands will be playing in Cambridge’s parks and open spaces for you to enjoy this summer. Just turn up, bring a picnic and enjoy Jazz and Brass in Cambridge’s beautiful leafy parks! www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk

Half Term Trail

1940’s at Denny

WHEN? 28th May – 5th June 10:00am-3:00pm

WHEN? 29th-30th May 10:30am

WHERE? Ferry Meadows Country Park

WHERE? Denny Abbey, Ely

HOW MUCH? 50p

Nene Outdoors Open Day

WHEN? 22nd May 10:30-4:00pm

Jazz and Brass in the parks – Caxton Swing

MEET AT: Visitor Centre Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre then hunt for clues as you walk around Ferry Meadows.

Return to the Visitor Centre to claim your prize. visitor.services@ neneparktrust.org.uk

HOW MUCH? See website Vintage cars and vehicles, British and American Army re-enactors, Costumed re-enactors including the Home Guard,Children’s 1940s crafts, Life in the 1940s – handle some of the museum’s objects and much more! www. dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk

WHERE? IWM Duxford

HOW MUCH? From £19 a child Celebrating the newly -transformed American Air Museum, The Show tells the story of American and British collaboration over 100 years showing the impact of the American forces on Duxford and the eastern region in the First and Second World Wars. www.iwm.org.uk

Breakin Convention WHEN? 24th May

WHERE? Kings Lynn Corn Exchange HOW MUCH? From £8 per child Breakin’ Convention is Sadler’s Wells’ ground breaking festival of hip hop dance theatre featuring a line-up of jawdropping performances by companies from around the world and around the corner. www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk

Mini Beast Mania WHEN? 28th May -5th June

WHERE? Church Farm, Stowbardolph

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FAVES s !

HOW MUCH? Prices from £4.50 under 2’s go FREE May Half term is Mini Beast Mania week, on Monday & Friday there will be a real bee keeper and chance to take part in some bee activities.

Thursday there will be pony rides. Every day there is a mini beast themed quiz, Pig Racing, animal Encounter sessions and tractor & Trailer rides. www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk

Please quote Families when booking any of these events

HOW MUCH? Under 12’s from £8.00 The family suitable tours are led by a Wildlife Trust expert and include the use of specialist electronic bat detectors. Your guide will outline the notable characteristics and habitats of bats likely to be encountered on your trip and teach you how to use the detectors.

01223 359750 www.scudamores.com

Families Fun Knights and Princesses WHEN? 30th May – 2nd June 11:00-5:00pm WHERE? Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden HOW MUCH? Family ticket £47.60 Polish your armour and dust off your tiara, it’s time to learn the tools of the trade as you become a knight or princess for the day. Experts will teach you skills in heroic chivalry and eloquent etiquette. www.English-heritage.org.uk

Animal Carer Experience WHEN? 31 May 10:00-3.00pm

WHERE? Wood Green, the Animals Charity Godmanchester HOW MUCH? £75 per child Get Hands On with essential animal carer duties including cleaning out the rodents, making enrichment toys, health checking the guinea pigs, visiting the vet surgery and even having a go at dog training!

7-11 year olds. 0844 248 8181 www.woodgreen.org.uk

Zoo-Seum WHEN? 31st May - 3rd June

WHERE? Peterborough Museum

HOW MUCH? Family ticket £12 See owls and other birds of prey from the Raptor Foundation on Tuesday and Wednesday, before Jungle Jo and her collection of creepy crawlies takeover on Thursday and Friday. 01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Going on a Bear Hunt WHEN? 2nd June 10:30am-12:pm or 1:30pm-3:00pm WHERE? Nene Park, Peterborough HOW MUCH? £5 per child.

Bring your own teddy bear and join the rangers on a bear hunt around Ferry Meadows to find Barney the Bear. Suitable for ages: 3+.

Booking is essential email visitor.services@neneparktrust. org.uk or call 01733 234193 to book a place.

Go wild about fire WHEN? 3rd June 10:00am-2:30pm WHERE? Wicken Fen, Ely

HOW MUCH? £5.25 Learn how to start and light a fire, be safe around fires, before cooking some simple snacks on your own fire. Booking essential.

0844 249 1895 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/Wicken-fen Fre

e!

s Familie !

ES FAV

Sports Day

Meet a farmer

WHEN? 18th June

WHEN? 5th June

WHERE? Various locations across Cambridgeshire HOW MUCH? FREE Hundreds of farms across the country will be opening their gates to welcome the public for the 11th Open Farm Sunday. This annual event organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming),

WHERE? Newmarket racecourse

offers a great way for people to find out more about where their food comes from, talk to the farmers who produce it and get up close and personal with the countryside.

To find out which farms in your area are taking part visit www.farmsunday.org

WHEN? 25th June

WHERE? Key Theatre, Peterborough

WHERE? Newmarket racecourse

HOW MUCH? From £18.50 Follow Pinocchio, the cheeky marionette puppet with an unruly nose, on his epic quest as he overcomes obstacles, faces consequences and even ends up in the belly of a whale. 01733 207239 www.vivacity-peterborough.com

WHERE? Wicken Fen, Ely

HOW MUCH? £5.25 Little dens for the minibeasts, big dens for you. Plus games and challenges inspired by sticks 0844 249 1895 www. nationaltrust.org.uk/Wicken-fen

HOW MUCH? From £10 per person Whether you and the kids are keen to get stuck in and have a first go at rugby, bounce around in a game of Zorb Cricket or you prefer to watch the professional footballers from the side lines, there is something for all the family to enjoy. www.newmarketracecourses. co.uk

Countryside Day

WHEN? 1st June

WHEN? 1st June 10:30am-12:30pm

l ie

FAVES s !

WHEN? May and June WHERE? SnoZone, Milton Keynes HOW MUCH? Prices start from £3.50 SnoZone is covered in real snow all year round, offering a whole new world of fun! Children and their parents can play around in the snow, go sledging and ice sliding. Snozone is the UK’s leading indoor destination for Snowsports on real snow, located in the Xscape centres in Milton Keynes and Castleford. Age 2 years + and Adults www.snozoneuk.com

Pinnochio

Den Building

Fam i

Sledging and IceSliding

Fre

e!

Dragon Boat Festival WHEN? 11th June

WHERE? Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough

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FAVES s !

HOW MUCH? FREE A fabulous day is guaranteed with plenty of bank side family entertainment including funfair activities, inflatable’s and children’s rides plus a variety of food stalls and bar. If you would rather take part visit the website for details. www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk

HOW MUCH? From £10 per person A celebration of our rural setting sharing all that is wonderful about the countryside around us. From mini farms and pony rides to demonstrations of traditional rural crafts we’re bring the great outdoors to you! www.newmarketracecourses. co.uk

Please mention Families Cambridgeshire when booking M AY / J U N E 2016

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SCHO~ L HOLIDAY CAMPS AY RD M FROM 23 NE U T~ 3RD J

CONTACT SALESMK@SNOZ~NEUK.COM PRIORITY BOOKING FOR SNOZONE MEMBERS! WWW.SNOZ~NEUK.COM

Our industry leading camps are held in a fun, energetic and educational environment.

• Perfect for children aged 7-15 years old, of all ability levels, during school holidays and inset days.

• For beginners or experienced skiers or snowboarders.

• Freshly cooked lunch and refreshments are all included.

• Book for the week 8.30am-5.30pm.

• Daily options also available.

at Hills Road Sixth Form College in

CAMBRIDGE Summer camps and workshops for ages 9 to 17

FIND OUT MORE & BOOK 10

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M AY / J U N E 2016

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DISCOVER SAILING AT PAXTON LAKES SAILING CLUB (NEAR ST NEOTS)

CAMBRIDGESHIRE’S FRIENDLIEST SAILING CLUB We’re an official RYA Training Centre and welcome people of all abilities. We have a large selection of club-owned boats & equipment available.

Booking now for May half term and summer Adults £125 Children £85 All equipment included.

For more information contact Pat Overs 07812 124690 (evenings only) sailing.courses@paxtonlakes.org.uk www.paxtonlakes.org.uk

M AY / J U N E 2016

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Award-winning tuition maths & English

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ages 5 -14

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Free trial session - book today!

Peterborough 01733 555 355 www.explorelearning.co.uk

WEST NORFOLK TUITION

Will writing service for Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire

Jane and her team of qualified teachers have worked in schools in West Norfolk and offer tailored after school tuition classes for children aged five and above that need help with the following:

l School Work l Boosting grades l Exam preparation l 11+ entrance exams Does your child need extra local tuition after school?

Does your child need extra local tuition after school?

Jane and her team of qualified teachers have worked in schools in West Norfolk and offer tailored after school tuition classes for children aged five and above who may be struggling with school work, want to boost their grades, need extra help preparing for up and coming exams or want to get into a specific school.

Contact Jane today to discuss your child’s needs and visit our Contact Jane today to discuss your child’s needs education centre. and visit our education centre.

JANE MURRAY, CENTRE DIRECTOR Units 5-6 Castle Yard, Wesleyan Lodge Mews,High Street, Downham Market, PE38 9HF t: 01366 384778 m: 07774 551452 westnorfolktuition@gmail.com/www.westnorfolktuition.co.uk

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Families Education

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PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR SAT’S OR ASSESMENT TESTS arents of children preparing for either their begin anything more formal.

Year 6 SATs tests or independent school As part of the St Faith’s assessment day – entry assessments can be stressful, anxieties about traditionally held in January - children are invited performance on the day and subsequent outcomes to complete various tests, including in English and threatening to overshadow what should be a very Maths, but also to be informally assessed by some happy and special time. of the teachers. The work is carried out in small Avoiding anxiety, and helping children to feel groups across various classrooms, with friendly and relaxed and calm is arguably one of the most supportive teachers, instead of the more traditional important elements of preparation. Positioning approach of one large group in an imposing the event as an opportunity rather than school hall in the company of simply a test is a sensible approach, hundreds. ing oid Av not least because it is a more The purpose of these accurate picture of the event assessments is to offer anxiety, and helping itself. For independent school places to children whose children to feel relaxed assessments tests these are academic potential and one ly uab arg is calm and often linked with a visit to a learning approach matches of the most important potential new school - a place the School’s requirements. where the child will enjoy Carefully managed elements of learning, and be able to grow assessments help to ensure paration. pre and develop at their own pace that every child who comes to and it’s important to let that happen the school will have the attitude and naturally. Whilst for SATs tests the event ability to be successful, enjoying to the full is really an assessment of how well the school has the School’s range and standard of activities. taught the required knowledge and skills.

Academic ability is only part of the story, so The principle aim of an entry assessment is to typically the day will also include other activities gain a true reflection of each child’s ability and and an opportunity to ask questions – and, weather temperament, to ensure the best possible match permitting, a chance to run around in the fresh between child and their future school. This is why air. Invariably even those children who show a few at St Faith’s the emphasis is firmly on creating an nerves on arrival, are full of beaming smiles by the atmosphere on the day where children can both do time they leave, such is the emphasis on making the their best and be themselves. The day starts with a experience a positive one. warm welcome and a chance to find out a little about As well as the essential emotional preparation that each child, their hobbies and interests, before they enables children to approach SATs test days or to

P

arrive for entry assessments in a relaxed and happy frame of mind, keen and able to do their best, some parents may wonder about how to make the best academic preparation.

Parents can find out from their school or prospective schools exactly what is expected on the test day(s), and the weeks and days preceding the assessment can of course include some light revision. There is no substitute for daily reading, which helps to extend vocabulary and fluency, but little and often is the smartest strategy whatever form the revision takes, particularly as it can help to keep pressure at bay.

Children should be reminded that this is an opportunity for them to show how well they can do, and that by preparing well and being relaxed they will give themselves the best chance of success.

Working hard at regular classwork is the most important thing, and can help to make revision feel less daunting. There is no magic formula for effective revision, but finding a method that works best for the individual child is worth the time and effort. Some children find mind- mapping a great tool to help organise thoughts and make notes in a meaningful way, while others prefer to write lists or use post-it notes. Depending on the age and test requirements, parents may like to help by testing recall of factual knowledge, or helping with practice of time management.

Parents can help their children stick to their revision plan, but every bit as important, also ensure plenty of time off for fun, treats and celebration after the event!

For more information on St Faith’s visit: www.stfaiths.co.uk M AY / J U N E 2016

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Families Fun

By Emma Oliver

FABULOUS PARTIES AT EVERY AGE t’s difficult to know how to keep kids entertained at parties. It’s even more difficult to know how to change the format of the party as kids get older. At what age do face paints and musical statues no longer cut it? For which age group would you book an entertainer? And when do you move from a party to an outing?

When it comes to birthday parties, we’ve learnt over the years that a can-do attitude and great planning is what’s needed.

Try to ensure that you don’t give yourself too much of a nightmare. When they are young, you may want to restrict how many friends your child invites (though of course often we end up inviting the whole class, because that’s what everyone else does) and you’ll want to be sensible about how long it lasts; an hour is plenty for pre-schoolers and those in the first couple of years of Infant school.

I

Pre-school

With small children, the key is to keep things simple.

It’s fine to have the party at home and you can get creative – why not try dressing up, a treasure hunt, face painting and simple games. If you choose pass 7-9 Years the parcel, don’t feel you have to include a prize in Often what a September-born child does for a every layer (though if you do, make sure each child birthday sets the precedent for the rest of the class, gets one!) so why not return to the old-fashioned so be aware of what’s popular!Book a hall or have idea of a forfeit for each child – they could sing the party at home depending on your numbers their favourite song or make animal sounds. When and bravado, or you could find an active party at it’s time for tea, put out sandwiches and savoury a local sports centre. Perhaps they could all try food first, keeping the sweet treats out of sight trampolining, a until after they have eaten. If you would rather not pool party or rock climbing. You might want to have the party at home and would prefer to leave take them to a cinema showing, or visit a the mess behind then Church Farm in restaurant that will teach them to Stowbardolph is great for little ones make pizza with lots to keep them busy or cup cakes.

Party bags can be including entrance to the farm For something a little to nks tha ps, cheap as chi for the whole day, the indoor different Milton Maize ps sho nd charity and pou and outdoor play areas, pedal Maze holds Maze – but always have them, tractors, straw barn, giant parties at £14 per child sandpit and lots which includes a Tractor they’re hugely of friendly farm animals. Prices and Trailer ride use of the popular are from as little as just £4.00 per VIP Party Marquee, activities child, all details are on the website in the Field of Fun and of course www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk the Maze and that’s not all they also include Party food and Party Bags so you don’t have to do 4-7 Years a thing! www.themiltonmaizemaze.co.uk An entertainer comes into their own with this age group as they will keep the kids amused and busy 10+ until it’s time for tea. If a professional entertainer As always with pre-teens and teenagers, it is all about is out of your price bracket, ask a friend or relative communication – ha! Sometimes this is easier said to take on the task and plan out some games than done. Some will want to do what all their friends and activities beforehand. There are other ideas are doing, while others would like to do something you could choose if you want something more entirely different. Activities outdoors such as paint unusual;pony riding, a bouncy castle or in the balling, wakeboarding or Go Ape are sure to keep summer a water party will be fun. Pass the parcel them busy. Or if your child is not particularly sporty remains a firm favourite for this age group but try the cinema, theatre or the new coding and lego other games such as pin the tail on the donkey and parties that seem to be the latest trend. Warzone a Piñata will be a hit. To be sure of a great, stress paintball in Three – Holes, Wisbech has Splatmaster free party then Steve Sausage is certainly your parties for junior’s age 8-12 years; the cost is answer, although a little pricey he is well worth the £25 per person which includes 2 hours of target money, visit the website to view the testimonials. practice, tactical training and ultimately full combat. www.steve-sausage.co.uk www.warzonepaintball.co.uk

The golden rules

l Never have a party that lasts more than two hours l The younger the child, the fewer the guests l Party bags can be cheap as chips, thanks to charity and pound shops – but always have them, they’re hugely popular l Have a plan mapped out for what should happen when

Party food tips

l Food doesn’t need to be complicated l It does need to include options – many children won’t eat ham/cheese/eggs/ grapes/pizza l Don’t overface guests with too much food l Putting cup cakes rather than slices of cake into party bags makes life easier For a full list of party people and party ideas in Cambridgeshire visit the website www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

Emma Oliver is a journalist who has worked for various magazines and websites, mainly covering travel and parenting. She is also a mum to two young girls. When she’s not off gadding she can be found bloggingWritingLifeAsItIs.blogspot.co.uk

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