Families Oxfordshire September October 2026

FRE E H

TAKE ME

OME

16 - 31 OCTOBER 2026

Help Them See Maths Differently this September.

Book in for your FREE assessment today at Mathnasium of North Oxford!

ACADEMIC AMBITION | TALENT CURATION | INDIVIDUALISED CARE

NEW HEADMASTER JOHN FLOYD JOIN OUR OPEN MORNINGS: Pre-prep entry - 18 SEPTEMBER, Prep entry - 19 SEPTEMBER

Issue 133 September/October 2026

familiesonline.co.uk

Based on the timeless Christmas classic by Jan Fearnley Adapted and Directed by Victoria Briggs in association with Filskit Theatre

For Ages 2 to 6!

Playing at the Burton Taylor Studio Gloucester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BN (just around the corner from Oxford Playhouse)

Wed 2 Dec 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027 oxfordplayhouse.com | 01865 305305

Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

What's in this issue?

As another school year begins and a long summer of making memories comes to an end, I find myself wishing childhood would slow down so I could hold on to this version of my daughter a little longer. Instead, I’m embracing the new school year and looking forward to watching her grow, learn more about the world around her, and enjoy the simple pleasures and delights that autumn has in store. Make the most of the final days of summer and keep creating memories with our selection of autumn activities. Don’t miss this year’s IF Science Festival, running from 16-31 October; see pages 26 and 27 for a few of our favourite events.

“There is If you’re looking at new schools, our special no land li k land of y education issue includes School Spotlights which our child e the h o od.”

Michael P highlights several Oxfordshire schools and can help owell you plan your open days.

Wise wor ds!

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4. News & Views 6. What’s On 9. State, Independent or Grammar?

10. Suspected learning difficulties?

11. How sport and education can work together 13. School spotlights 18. Smooth transition to year 1 19. Meet the Head of SummerFields 21. When fun feels hard 23. Helping your child enjoy happy friendships 24. Spooky Science Trick 25. Halloween What’s On 26. IF Science Festival 29. Mathnasium feature 30. Clubs & Classes EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336

A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE THE CITY’S FAVOURITE FESTIVE PANTOMIME AT OXFORD PLAYHOUSE!

editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Suzanne Brown, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Suzanne Brown,

This festive season, step into a world of laughter and wonder as Oxford Playhouse presents the spectacular pantomime Snow White.

Fierce, funny and packed with music and mayhem, the show takes you to the enchanted West Oxford Wood, where ancient forest magic collides with imageenhancing technology under the rule of the fearsome Queen Narcissa. Join Snow and her unlikely friends as they attempt to outwit the Queen and restore balance to the natural world.

A wicked adventure for the whole family expect boos, cheers and magical moments aplenty!

We’re giving you the chance to win a family ticket (4 people) to any off-peak performance of Snow White at Oxford Playhouse.

To enter visit our Facebook page @ familiesoxfordshiremag for T&C’s and more details on how to enter.

CRAFT STALLS ORCHARD TOURS MORRIS MEN APPLE TASTING TOFFEE APPLES JUICE TASTING KIDS TRAIL

Autumn Festival Weekend SAT 3 & SUN 4 OCTOBER

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admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, caroline@thompson-heap.com

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SnakE Hunt

Join us this October for our annual Halloween Hunt.

This time some ssslithery snakesss have slipped into the gardens and hidden themselves.

Enquiries: 01844 339226 www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

Waterperry Gardens, Waterperry, Near Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1LA

Families Oxfordshire 3

News & Views ABINGDON PREP SCHOOL

From January 2027, Abingdon Prep School will warmly welcome girls and boys from the age of three to its new Nursery class. Covering the crucial foundation year before Reception, the tailored Early Years curriculum is specially designed to spark curiosity, outdoor discovery, and a lifelong love of learning.

Abingdon Prep is a happy and friendly school with a close knit community. Although academically selective, the school understands that future success requires more than just academics alone and consequently, places equal emphasis on its “Other Half” co-curricular programme. This approach allows pupils to discover their passions, building confidence, resilience and other key life skills.

In recognition of the impact this provision has on pupils’ academic, personal, and social development, Abingdon Prep was awarded a rare and prestigious significant strength by the Independent Schools Inspectorate earlier this year.

The result ensures every child is truly ready for the next steps on their educational journey. abingdon.org.uk/prep

NHS recommends that all children take a daily vitamin D supplement

Heritage Open Days Celebrating Everyday Histories

The country’s largest festival of history and culture returns 11-20 September 2026.

Heritage Open Days returns this September with thousands of free events and experiences taking place across England. Each year, millions of people take part in a nationwide celebration of their heritage, community and history. The festival is brought to you by the National Trust and supported by Postcode Lottery players, with an exciting programme of events delivered locally by thousands of organisations and volunteers.

It’s all about doorstep discovery - whether you’re stepping into a cold war bunker or a crematorium, a museum or a mandir, a lido or a lighthouse, a canal boat or a colliery, a signal box or a submarine. The festival offers thousands of free, community-led events all over England, with endless opportunity for discovering something new.

More info: www.heritageopendays.org.uk

As children head back to school and spend more time indoors, mixing with classmates, it’s no surprise that coughs, colds and other seasonal bugs begin to circulate. While no food or supplement can prevent illness, good nutrition supports the immune system and provides children with the nutrients they need to stay well or recover more quickly.

One nutrient many UK children (and adults) don’t get enough of is vitamin D, particularly once daylight hours shorten. It’s difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of vitamin D from food alone. There are small amounts are found in foods such as oily fish, eggs and fortified foods, but sunlight remains our main source. This is why the NHS recommends that all children take a daily vitamin D supplement throughout autumn and winter. A daily children’s multivitamin, such as Tonic Health Kids Multi, can be a convenient way to help top up vitamin D alongside other essential vitamins and minerals that support the immune system.

The Tonic Kids range is available nationwide in Sainsbury’s stores and sainsburys.co.uk, and at tonichealth.co.

English Five-Year-Olds Among Global Best for Literacy and Numeracy, OECD Finds

Five-year-old children in England rank among the highest global performers in early literacy and numeracy, according to a major report by the OECD. The study reveals that England’s young pupils achieved average scores of 515 in literacy and 529 in numeracy. These figures significantly exceed the 500-point international average, putting local children ahead of peers in most other developed nations. Researchers identified early access to childcare and frequent reading at home as the core drivers behind this strong academic performance.

However, the findings also highlight a stark 70-point equity gap between the country’s most advantaged and disadvantaged children. Furthermore, the data shows that five-year-old girls continue to maintain a persistent developmental lead over boys across almost all early learning metrics. More info: www.oecd.org 4 Families Oxfordshire

Visit the Family Learning Festival

The Family Learning Festival which runs from 3 October to 1 November is an annual celebration of the joy of learning together as a family.

This festival encourages families to explore, discover and learn new things through a wide range of educational activities and experiences. It emphasises the importance of family bonding through shared learning and provides opportunities for families to engage in creative and enriching activities.

Organisations across the UK, including schools, libraries, museums, children centres and galleries will be staging a range of FREE and low cost creative family learning events, workshops in your community that your family can participate in.

Find a local Family Learning Festival event, visit www.familylearningfestival.com and use the interactive map.

Statutory School Phone Ban Enforced Across England from September

The government has placed the national school mobile phone ban on a statutory footing under the newly enacted Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act. The new legislation officially came into force on 29 June 2026, meaning all state-funded schools across England must operate fully phone-free environments by default when the new academic year starts in September.

While ministers argue legal backing eliminates classroom distractions, headteachers warn the mandate presents major implementation hurdles. The Association of School and College Leaders noted that over 90% of schools already restrict devices, proving the real challenge lies in daily enforcement rather than regulation.

Local school leaders now face significant pressure to police “off and away” policies without dedicated funding for secure storage pouches or lockers. Furthermore, successfully managing parental resistance regarding emergency communication remains a hurdle as schools transition over to this stricter, legally binding regime. familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views Lights Out, Imagination On: Sonrisa Arts Brings Dance in the Dark to The North Wall Dance in the Dark is a captivating new show for children.

Audiences are invited in their favourite PJs for a sleepover featuring dance and live music in a giant sleepover den, for a fun, interactive night-time adventure.

A dreamy, multi-sensory show that introduces children to the magic of theatre and gently teaches them how to feel brave at bedtime.

Devised over two years with primary schools and Children’s Centres, the show creates a sensitive, yet playful world that captures children’s imaginations while linking to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Taking inspiration from children’s fear of the dark, it offers a safe, calm space to explore night-time scenarios. As darkness descends the young audiences can expect to giggle and play as the spooky shadows, nighttime sounds, and blustery winds and drizzly rain come to life.

The show’s impact on wellbeing and sleep hygiene has helped children reframe their perception of darkness and build confidence through different interactive elements in the show like: positive bedtime routines and discussions, music, caregiver involvement, and safe sensory play, offering early evidence of its role in promoting positive sleep hygiene.

Read more about the programme here: www.sonrisaarts.co.uk/downloadresources Dance in the Dark Wednesday 28 October at The North Wall Theatre.

New Digital Support Plans for SEND pupils

‘Snack-tember’ Returns

Following its successful launch last year, “Snack-tember” returns this September to help UK parents swap sugary lunchbox items for nutritious alternatives. Spearheaded by the British Nutrition Foundation, the monthlong campaign encourages children aged 5 to 16 to swap high-fat treats for healthy fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains.

After reaching nearly one million children during its 2025 debut, the initiative is expanding significantly this year with a goal to impact two million young people nationwide.

The campaign focuses on three core pillars: exploring how snacks impact daily energy, trying new flavours, and making easy, budgetfriendly options right at home.

Parents can download an updated, free home toolkit from the official British Nutrition Foundation website. This resource features expert-backed healthy snacking guides alongside quick, child-friendly recipes like pizza muffins, homemade popcorn, and fruit oat bites to kickstart a healthier school term.

More info: www.nutrition.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

A sweeping reform of the UK special educational needs and disabilities system will legally require every primary school child with identified special educational needs to have a digital Individual Support Plan (ISP). These plans will replace the old SEN Support tier and require schools to record day-to-day needs, targeted support, and expected outcomes, all while involving parents in the process.

Accessible to teachers and parents, these living documents are designed to travel seamlessly with children between school years and education phases like a digital passport, preventing critical support from dropping during transitions.

The national initiative is backed by a new £1.6 billion Inclusive Mainstream Fund designed to boost early intervention. While headteachers welcome the push to cut down the lengthy bureaucracy of traditional plans, many warn that school funding must match these rising operational demands. More info: www.bit.ly/SENchanges

Disney on Ice presents Discover The Magic Join Mickey Mouse and friends on an action-packed quest to rescue Tinker Bell after Captain Hook attempts to steal her magic.

Then cross the glowing Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney™ Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent Land of the Dead, where dazzling skeleton performers sway and dance high above the audience in a vibrant celebration of family and culture.

Journey next to the snowy kingdom of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as she creates her sparkling ice palace from a kaleidoscope of shimmering crystals, while Belle rises gracefully into the sky beneath the glow of the enchanted chandelier. In Andy’s room, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, and the Green Army Men team up for a daring rescue filled with teamwork and adventure. The fun continues as a band of hilarious pirates flip, tumble, twist, and soar on tumble tracks and stilts in a chaotic attempt to impress Captain Hook. Set sail with Moana on an epic ocean voyage and come face-to-face with the fiery power of TeKa in a thrilling finale. Watch Stitch crash the action with mischievous surprises.

Disney On Ice will be gliding into the UK from the 28th October 2026 - 3rd January 2027, with full dates and venues on the website www.disneyonice.co.uk.

Families Oxfordshire 5

What’s On

places to Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all

Oxfordshire

Ashmolean Adventure

Adventure Play with Pip and Posy

10.00am - 5.30pm WHERE: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock A major new exhibition by artist Jay Jay Burridge displaying five enormous sculptures of Megalosaurus, the first dinosaur ever scientifically named. Built from advanced modern materials, the sculptures reimagine dinosaurs through a contemporary lens. www.blenheimpalace.com

Suitcase Stories: The Enormous Turnip

Heritage Open Days WHEN: 11 - 20 Sept

WHERE: Multiple venues across

Oxfordshire This September, take the family to a wide variety of venues to discover, explore and celebrate the rich heritage, history, architecture and culture of Oxfordshire - all free of charge. www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Autumn Steam Gala *

WHEN: Open daily, 10.15am -

WHEN: Fri 11 - Sun 13 Sept

WHERE: Blenheim Palace,

See autotrain operations, freight trains, shunting demonstrations, plus tours of the workshop areas.

An exciting weekend to celebrate the golden age of the Great Western Railway. www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

3.15pm

Woodstock Join Pip and Posy in the hidden world of Adventure Play! Mini explorers of all ages can create their own exciting stories. Explore the amazing network of tunnels, bridges, cargo nets and hidden chambers. www.blenheimpalace.com

WHEN: Sat 26 Sept,

WHEN: Open until 1 Nov,

WHEN: Open daily,

10.00am - 5.00pm WHERE: Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Have a family adventure exploring the Museum. Pick up a trail guide or explorer kit and discover something fascinating. There are family events and activities, plus puzzles, crafts, and more to enjoy from home. Free admission. www.ashmolean.org

Rise and Fall

Dinosaurs Are Forever

WHERE: Didcot Railway Centre

WHEN: Sat 12 Sept, 11am - 12pm WHERE: The Woodshed at The Story Museum, Oxford Help Emma Boor pull up an Enormous Turnip at this month’s Suitcase Story. Full of puppetry and play for you and your little one! Interactive show for young children - inclusive, relaxed and fun! £10.50pp. Age 2+ www.storymuseum.org.uk

11.00am & 2.00pm WHERE: The North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford Go and meet all manner of balloons from small floating moons to vast bouncing orbs.

A poetic and intriguing performance for young audiences about holding on and letting go.

Performed by one dancer, this show has toured internationally.

NOTE: This is a non-verbal show.

Adult £12; Child £8; Under 2s go free. Age 2 - 5 years. www.thenorthwall.com

The Mushroom Show WHEN: Sat 26 Sept,

Fabulous Fossils

WHEN: Sat 19 Sept, 11.00am -

1.00pm or 2.00pm - 4.00pm WHERE: Wallingford Museum ​ ​Handle fossils from Oxfordshire and around the world. Make your own Dino-Mask and colour dinosaur pictures, handle dinosaur teeth, claws and bones, and more. www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk

11.00am & 2.00pm WHERE: Oxford Playhouse Discover how fungi grow, connect and help the natural world, including us humans!

Packed full of interactive games, playful music and lots of laughs for all the family. Adult - £11.50; Child - £9.50. Age 5+ www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Germ-busters

WHEN: Sat 26 Sept WHERE: Science Oxford

Your body is a Germ-busting super-hero - every day it works hard to fight off viruses, often without you even realising they are there. Age 5 - 9 years. www.scienceoxford.com

Wild Wood Adventure Playground

WHEN: Open Weds - Sun weekly WHERE: Waddesdon Manor,

Buckinghamshire Recently opened, this playground is packed with exciting features, tunnels, slides, walkways and a zip wire. All nestled in a beautiful, shaded woodland setting where children can zoom, zip, soar and slide! www.waddesdon.org.uk

6 Families Oxfordshire

Tiny Ideas Festival: The Oxford Early Years Arts Festival WHEN: Sat 26 - Sun 27 Sept WHERE: Venues around

Oxfordshire This festival will hold a range of events to celebrate 0 - 7 year olds and the creativity they bring to the world. Numerous activities to be found in and around Oxford. www.tinyideasoxford.com familiesonline.co.uk

Families What’s on Steam Days

Bin Rat!

WHEN: 24, 25, 28 & 31 October

WHEN: Sun 27 Sept, 11.00am & 2.00pm

WHERE: Didcot Railway Centre

WHERE: The North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford

Steam trains will be operating on at least one of the Centre’s two demonstration lines, meaning visitors can take unlimited rides. £8.50+. Under 3s go free. www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Rummage through the rubble with Bin Rat and her friends to discover where all the junk goes!

A rat-astic and realistic look into refuse and recycling. An interactive theatre & puppetry show.

Adult £12; Child £8; Under 2s go free Ages 3 - 8 years. www.thenorthwall.com

Discovery Days

Autumn Fair

17 & 18, 29 & 30 Oct WHERE: Didcot Railway Centre Unearth almost two centuries of railway history at this 21-acre living museum. Trains will not be running, meaning there’s the chance to get up close.

Under 3s go free.

Prices from £8.50. www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

10.00am - 4.00pm WHERE: Harcourt Arboretum, Nuneham Courtenay Join this celebration of autumn with vivid colour and familyfriendly activities. Discover a range of carefully curated vendors and food traders while enjoying seasonal trails. www.obga.ox.ac.uk

WHEN: 3 & 4, 10 & 11,

Hay!

WHEN: Sat 3 Oct, 11.00am,

1.00pm & 3.00pm WHERE: Oxford Playhouse There is only one word used in this show - it’s Hay! One word but so many meanings in a show about discovering that you can live your dreams, spread your wings and fly like the birds.

Adult - £11.50; Child £9.50 Age 3+ www.oxfordplayhouse.com

WHEN: Sat 24 Oct,

All The Small Things WHEN: Sat 24 Oct,

Nature Club: The Woodlouse Experiment WHEN: Sat 10 Oct

WHERE: Science Oxford

Woodlice are amazing, find out why! Find out if they like light or dark, wet or dry, soil or leaves?

Play the woodlouse game, and make a paper curl up crustacean to take home. Age 5 - 9. www.scienceoxford.com

11.00am - 2.00pm WHERE: The North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford New beginnings, better endings and all the adventures in between help a lost traveller remember how to appreciate All The Small Things. Storytelling combines with singing, puppetry and physical comedy in this heartwarming production. Adult £12; Child £8; Under 2s go free.

Age 4+

Autumn Festival Weekend 2026

WHEN: Sat 3 - Sun 4 Oct.

10.00am - 5.30pm WHERE: Waterperry Gardens Shop and Orchards Sample different types of juices, seek advice and information on growing, planting, apple identification and selecting trees.

Buy goodies at the craft and food fair and see the apple press in action. £4.75 per adult or free with garden entrance. www.waterperrygardens.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

www.thenorthwall.com

Suitcase Stories: The Hare and the Tortoise WHEN: Sat17 Oct,11.00am - 12.00pm

Dance in the Dark WHEN: Weds 28 Oct,

1.00pm & 3.00pm WHERE: The North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford Turn up in your favourite PJs for a slumber party in a giant sleepover den and a playful nighttime adventure! A captivating dance and music show with fun interaction for families. Features contemporary dance, live music, immersive sound and scents.

Adult £12; Child £8; Under 2s go free Age 3+ www.thenorthwall.com/whatson

The Snowman in Concert WHEN: Mon 21 Dec, 1.30pm,

3.30pm & 5.30pm WHERE: Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford The Mozart Symphony Orchestra performs the soundtrack for this timeless Christmas classic whilst The Snowman film is shown on the big screen. It famously includes the song made so famous by Aled Jones: ‘Walking in the air’. Age 5+ www.ticketsoxford.com

WHERE: The Woodshed at The Story

Museum, Oxford Hop along with the hare, or crawl at the tortoise’s pace at this month’s Suitcase Story. Full of puppetry and play for you and your little one! Interactive show for young children - inclusive, relaxed and fun! £10.50pp. Age 2+ www.storymuseum.org.uk Families Oxfordshire 7

Makers of the Bold.

For girls aged 4 – 19.

Open Day, Saturday 26 September 2026. oxfordhigh.gdst.net

Families Feature

STATE, GRAMMAR OR INDEPENDENT: WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD? By Jemma Z Smith Standing outside three school gates - state, grammar and independent - parents often wonder which will best suit their child. Sometimes the answer seems clear: your child is academic and prefers a competitive environment, your location means that you cannot access grammar schools or your finances rule out independent school. For other families, there’s no perfect answer, with sacrifices being made with each decision to ensure a child has the best possible education for them. Here are three stories which show how different schools can fit different children.

Emma

When Emma began preparing for the 11+, her parents could see her potential - she loved books and thrived on challenges. Grammar school seemed a natural step. At a school Open Day, she lit up while discussing Shakespeare and the art posters made by exam students displayed in the hall were inspiring. But fast forward to the first mock: she scored highly on one subject but was in tears over maths errors.

Emma confessed she loved stretching her mind but the pressure felt overwhelming. Grammar schools offer a rigorous environment in which children choose to push themselves. For some, that same pressure becomes a barrier. I’ve coached students who flourish in grammar school settings and others who benefit more from freedom to explore beyond exams.

Leo

Leo moved from overseas and joined an independent school. Gifted in rugby and determined to improve his English, he found everything he needed there: English language support built into his timetable, tailored lesson plans when he missed class for rugby tours and elite sports facilities. Such schools often shine in surprising ways - they offer time off for performances, personal tutoring for speakers of other languages and flexibility when young people compete in sport or other areas.

But this comes at a cost, not just in pounds (with fees averaging £13,600 a year across the UK plus the recent twenty percent VAT jump) but in expectations. For Leo’s peers, rugby fixtures on Friday and English essays by Monday became a norm and he had to be able to handle his tightly packed schedule. Keep in mind that applying to many of the more competitive independent schools also involves preparation for entrance exams.

Mia

Mia’s experience was different: she stayed at her local state school with her friends and older sister. The school’s £8,210 per pupil funding meant that her teachers were well qualified and she was able to study a wide variety of subjects but after-school maths and drama were wanted and needed. Her parents hired a tutor and enrolled her in a weekend drama group. She grew - at her own pace.

State schooling is inclusive and local but not always specialised.

That’s why many families are building a hybrid model, tapping into local schools and adding tuition or clubs in areas that need a boost.

Supplementing school is on the rise, especially now parents face VAT-driven costs in the independent sector. Families choose this route because it suits their child’s temperament: competitive when needed, supported when they need space.

Do your homework

Choosing between a state, grammar or independent school isn’t simply a question of reputation or cost; it’s about finding the right environment for your individual child. That means looking beyond league tables and glossy brochures to consider academic pressure, flexibility, value for money and the day-to-day experience your child will have.

While academic results and facilities often take centre stage, some of the most important factors when choosing a type of schooling may familiesonline.co.uk

not appear on a school’s website. Parents may not think to ask how a school fits the whole family: will younger siblings be able to join later on? What happens if a school would suit an academic elder child but not a younger sibling who wants to go at a slower pace?

In boarding environments, it’s worth asking whether students stay at weekends or whether the school empties out, which could leave your child feeling isolated.

At all types of day schools, after-school provision varies widely. Does the school offer clubs that genuinely interest your child? If your child has to use public transport or a school bus to get to school, how will this work if they attend an after-school club?

Schools with a large international cohort can offer wonderful diversity but may also not have a large representation from your culture. Practical details like meal arrangements, pastoral support, holiday schedules and homework expectations can make a big difference to your child’s dayto-day experience and your family’s long-term happiness.

Ultimately, the decision rests not only on the schools themselves but on your child. Ask yourself: does your child enjoy healthy competition and lift themselves up after failure? Or do they build best through small wins and steady encouragement? The ‘right’ school is the one that meets them where they are and helps them become who they want to be, whether it be state, grammar or independent.

Jemma Zoe Smith works with families as an education consultant to help them to school options. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk

ASSESSING A SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

Choosing a school is a very personal decision and it’s not just about league tables, exam results or facilities. The real question is: in what kind of environment will your child flourish?

Firstly, take a close look at what’s available locally. Some state schools have excellent enrichment programmes and you may be surprised by the range of support on offer. Grammar schools are selective but not always far from home. And independent schools vary enormously - from traditional boarding to creative day schools so it’s worth considering several.

When touring a school, look beyond the official tour route. Are students engaged or glazed over in classrooms? Do teachers seem stretched or supported? Check the toilets (a surprising window into how a school manages care and discipline).

Finally, ask yourself: does this school feel like it would suit your child? Choose the environment they’ll be happy and grow in, regardless of the type of school. Remember, you as a parent know your child best and understand their personality, rhythm and levels of resilience.

Families Oxfordshire 9

Families Education

Helping a child with suspected learning difficulties By Usha Patel Is your child upset in the mornings on school days? Are there constant complaints of stomach ache, crying and other bogus illnesses? And, in contrast, are weekends and holidays trouble-free? A trip to the shopping centre, to the Lego shop or popping over to gran’s for a cuppa - nothing is too much bother and there is little or no resistance. You may find that at weekends less sleep is required and to your surprise, your child is up an hour earlier and ready to take on the day.

Then there is your dread on a Sunday night because Monday is looming. It is back to the troubles of the week before.

You may be struggling to understand why your normally chatty and curious child has such an aversion to school. You think about this, worry about it. You may google ‘has my child got dyslexia?’ or ‘what is neuro-divergence?’

Convinced your child has some sort of learning difficulty?

I want to say: please hold on!

I understand you are desperate to help but your child may be too young to be diagnosed (a diagnosis is not possible until age 8 in the UK). The school keeps saying everything is fine, there is loads of time but you are not convinced. That seed is now growing into a small tree and you see a forest on the horizon.

BUILDING SKILLS THROUGH MOVEMENT AND MEMORY

You see the Oxbridge option evaporating in front of your eyes and each day compounds your fear.

So what?

Did you know Albert Einstein, Thomas Eddison and Steven Spielberg all had some sort of dyslexia or neurodivergence? What about Jamie Oliver, Tom Cruise, John Lennon and Pablo Picasso? Yep, them too!

As time goes on, the world of work is learning that people who do not fit the ‘typical’ way of thinking are actually the gems they want to employ. In a world of machine learning and artificial intelligence, your child will stand out as having valuable and unique processing skills that mark them out from others in a good way. The sort of special processing skills even the smartest computers will not be able to learn for themselves.

Encourage movement - it boosts learning.

Young children aren’t built to sit still for long, so integrate activities like playing catch while spelling. Movement sharpens focus and retention.

Understanding working memory is crucial; strong working memory aids reading, maths and daily tasks. Test and strengthen it through memory games, repetition and structured routines.

Everyday skills like setting the table help develop focus and accountability. Small, purposeful actions reinforce cognitive growth, making learning smoother and more enjoyable for your child.

The best thing you can do is keep your child curious to learn

Learning is not solely about what your child takes in via reading. It can take many different routes; from talking to people to going to museums and seeing things that spark interest, even watching YouTube videos. If your child doesn’t choose reading, it does not mean they do not like stories. Reading to your child or listening to an audio book is just as valid.

Prompt your child to write down their ideas and when you read them, do so without picking out the spelling mistakes. Allow them to use your phone to record their ideas and then you can write them down or they can listen and write them slowly for themselves.

Focus on the value of their ideas and thoughts and overlook the mistakes. By nurturing curiosity, you are allowing your child to flourish. This is not to say you do not help them with their spelling and grammar and punctuation but being too strict about these will damage their self-esteem.

Supporting your child

Keep your child happy by celebrating and praising their strengths to help them engage.

Everyday activities: sports, baking and art all develop essential skills.

Ensure they can work in sequence, as this impacts learning and daily routines. You may notice struggles with sequencing their thoughts in morning routines or problemsolving. Focus on teaching structured steps early; sustained attention is key.

Measure their focus on tasks like games or chores and gradually extend it. Consistency and repetition can create new neural pathways and free up memory capacity.

Usha Patel is a Neurocognitive Therapist at Raviv Practice London (www. ravivpracticelondon.co.uk).

10 Families Oxfordshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Education

How sport and education can work together

By Dennis J Smith (M.Ed)

Back to school and to the excitement of a new school year. New teachers, new classrooms, new friendships and new opportunities can all help create a sense of anticipation. While some children may feel a little nervous, many are also eager to return to familiar routines and activities.

For parents, the start of a new term is often a good time to think about how children can enjoy a healthy balance between education, sport and family life.

Over many years of working with young people, I have seen how participation in sport can often support progress in school. Children who take part in football, swimming, tennis, rugby, athletics, dance or other activities frequently develop qualities that can also help them in the classroom.

Sport encourages perseverance, concentration, self-discipline and resilience. Young people learn that improvement usually comes through regular effort rather than instant success. They discover how to cope with setbacks, learn from mistakes and keep trying when things become challenging. These are valuable lessons both on the sports field and in school.

However, balance remains important. Children benefit most when sport is enjoyable rather than becoming another source of pressure.

Not every child wishes to become a champion and that is perfectly acceptable. The real value often lies in participation, friendship, enjoyment and personal development.

The same principle applies to education. While academic progress matters, children should not feel that their worth depends entirely on test scores or examination results. Confidence often grows when parents focus on effort, attitude and gradual improvement rather than constant comparison with others.

As the new school year gets going, parents can help by encouraging positive routines. Regular sleep, healthy meals, reading, outdoor activity and organised preparation for the school day all contribute to a calmer and more successful start.

Most importantly, children benefit from knowing that home is a place of encouragement and support. A simple conversation after school, showing interest in what they enjoyed, learned or experienced during the day, can sometimes be more valuable than focusing solely on performance.

A new school term offers a fresh opportunity for children to grow in confidence, develop new skills and enjoy new experiences. When education, sport and family support work together, young people are often able to achieve their potential while maintaining a healthy sense of balance and wellbeing.

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Helping young athletes build lasting confidence

Confidence is one of the greatest gifts that sport can offer a child but it rarely develops overnight. Instead, it grows gradually through positive experiences, encouragement and learning how to cope with challenges.

Parents play a vital role in this process. Children often judge their own performance through the reactions of the adults around them.

A supportive comment after a match, race or competition can have a lasting impact. Statements such as: ‘I enjoyed watching you play’ or ‘I loved your effort today’ help children feel valued regardless of the result.

Mistakes are also an important part of development. Every athlete experiences setbacks, disappointments and periods when progress feels slow. Children who learn that mistakes are opportunities to improve are more likely to persevere and remain motivated.

Rather than focusing solely on winning, parents can encourage effort, commitment, learning and enjoyment. When children feel accepted whether they succeed or struggle, they develop confidence that extends beyond sport, school, friendships and everyday life too.

With a background in education, sport science and coaching, Dennis J Smith offers an affordable twelve-unit online course for parents titled Supporting Young Athletes, designed to help children enjoy sport, build confidence and reach their potential in a healthy, balanced way. First unit completely FREE. Email scholarlyachievement@gmail.com for more information.

Keeping life balanced during term time

Whilst education is important, children benefit most when school remains part of a balanced and enjoyable life. As a new term begins, families can sometimes focus heavily on homework, tests and academic progress. However, children often achieve more when learning is balanced with activities that support confidence, wellbeing and happiness.

Sport, swimming, football, tennis, dance, music and other hobbies all help children develop resilience, self-discipline and social skills.

Time spent with family, visits to local libraries, walks in parks and the countryside and opportunities to relax with friends also contribute positively to a child’s development.

Parents should be careful not to allow schoolwork to dominate every conversation at home. Children need opportunities to switch off, recharge and enjoy themselves. A balanced lifestyle often improves concentration, motivation and emotional wellbeing.

Every child is different. Some enjoy competitive sport, whilst others prefer reading, creative activities or spending time outdoors.

The key is helping children maintain interests that support confidence, happiness and healthy development alongside their educational progress throughout the school year.

Families Oxfordshire 11

18

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School Spotlights

d’Overbroeck’s School d’Overbroeck’s Oxford is a leading independent day and boarding school for students aged 11-18, known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, small class sizes and highly personalised approach to education.

The school celebrates individuality and provides a supportive environment where students are encouraged to be themselves, develop their talents and achieve their ambitions. A strong ethos of kindness, equality and mutual respect underpins school life, creating a genuine sense of community among students, staff and families.

Academic excellence is complemented by

outstanding pastoral care, with dedicated tutors, specialist wellbeing support and strong relationships between teachers and students. The school offers a broad curriculum alongside extensive opportunities in sport, music, art, drama, leadership and community engagement. Drawing students from Oxford, Oxfordshire and around the world, d’Overbroeck’s is diverse, inclusive and outward-looking. The school is committed to helping every young person flourish academically, personally and socially, preparing them confidently for university and beyond.

OPEN DAY Saturday 3 October 10am-1pm

CONTACT Email: registrar@doverbroecks.com Telephone: 01865 688600 Website: www.doverbeocks.com

Cranford School Cranford is a leading co-educational independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-18 years. As an already established fully co-educational school, pupils thrive where the attention to each individual pupil and their teaching and learning needs is second to none. The school has an excellent reputation for providing pupils with a balanced, allround education within a warmly nurturing environment. Set in rural South Oxfordshire in the heart of Moulsford village, the small class sizes, close community and committed staff ensure each pupil is ably supported and

challenged to achieve their full potential.

Academic attainment at Cranford is outstanding. Pupils consistently achieve over 60% of all grades A*-A at GCSE. Value-added scores are more impressive than ever with pupils achieving an average 1.3 of a grade higher per subject than predicted elsewhere.

At Cranford, the aim is to encourage pupils to achieve their full potential, becoming motivated, confident and happy individuals, recognising the importance of respect and support for others, but ready to seize life’s opportunities.

OPEN DAY Saturday 3 October 9.30am-12pm

CONTACT Email: admissions@cranfordschool.co.uk Telephone: 01491 651 218 Website: www.cranfordschool.co.uk

Oxford High School GDST Oxford High School GDST offers girls aged 4 to 19 a seamless educational journey, from a nurturing Prep School through to a dynamic Sixth Form. Families can join at Reception, Year 3, Year 5, Year 6, and the popular Year 7 transition, making the school accessible whenever the time feels right.

From the earliest years, Oxford High Prep builds confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning through a rich, bespoke curriculum. Specialist teaching in Science, Mandarin, Art, Music, and PE starts from Key Stage 1, helping children discover new

passions early on.

A well-established minibus service, widely used from Year 3, makes the daily commute easy for busy families. With consistently outstanding GCSE results across Oxfordshire and strong academic outcomes throughout, Oxford High provides a supportive allgirls environment where every student is encouraged to flourish.

We have our Whole School Open Event on Saturday 26th September 2026, please book your place now at oxfordhigh.gdst.net.

OPEN DAY Saturday 26 September

CONTACT Email: admissions@oxf.gdst.net Telephone: 01865 515647 / 01865 559888 Website: oxfordhigh.gdst.net

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Families Oxfordshire 13

MP-4061 Families magazine 180x130.qxp_Layout 1 13/07/2026 11:26 Page 1

Challenge. Cherish. Inspire.

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An outstanding independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-11

Where learning feels as natural as childhood.

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Abingdon - Since 1907

School Spotlights

The Manor Preparatory School The Manor is a co-educational independent school near Oxford, welcoming children aged 2 to 11. We challenge, nurture, and inspire every pupil, providing a caring environment where children are encouraged to explore, achieve, and enjoy their learning journey. At The Manor, every child is truly known, valued as an individual, and supported to develop their own strengths, interests, and confidence.

Set within nine acres on the edge of historic Abingdon-on-Thames, our beautiful Georgian Manor House provides a wonderful backdrop

for a vibrant school community. With excellent transport links to Oxford and Didcot, The Manor offers families a convenient and inspiring location.

Founded in 1907, the school has a proud heritage while continuing to embrace a modern, forward-thinking approach. We are committed to providing a wide range of opportunities that help children develop curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning in a safe, friendly, and supportive environment.

OPEN DAY Saturday 10 October 10.00am - 12.00pm

CONTACT Email: Registrar@manorprep.org Telephone: 01235 858458 Website: www.manorprep.org

Chandlings Prep School At Chandlings Prep School, childhood is something to be celebrated. Nestled within 60 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, just moments from the heart of Oxford, this thriving co-educational prep school for children aged 2-11 offers an education that blends academic excellence with the freedom to explore, discover and grow. As part of the Radley Schools Group, Chandlings is renowned for its exceptional outdoor learning programme. Woodland classrooms, lakes, gardens, riding stables, bee hives and a low ropes course set among ancient bluebell

woods provide an inspiring backdrop where curiosity becomes confidence and learning comes naturally. Alongside outstanding pastoral care, pupils benefit from a broad, ambitious curriculum that prepares them for the future without losing sight of the joy of childhood. The results reflect this balanced approach: in 2026, pupils achieved 65 senior school offers across 61 examinations, together with 16 scholarships and awards, leaving Chandlings ready to thrive wherever their educational journey takes them.

OPEN DAY Saturday 19 September 9.30-11.30am

CONTACT Email: office@chandlings.org.uk Telephone: 01865 730771 Website: chandlings.org.uk

Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS) Founded by Henry VIII, Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS) is a hidden gem in central Oxford, for boys aged 3-13 and girls aged 3-7. Included among our pupils are the distinctive Christ Church Cathedral Choristers, who can be seen crossing the road in their Wolsey caps and capes.

Housed in 16th Century buildings steeped in history, it’s a special place, where children’s happiness and development are at the heart of everything. Starting in our Montessoristyle Nursery, our pupils develop a love of

learning that covers not just academics, but an exceptional musical environment, as well as sport, art and drama.

We pride ourselves on preparing our pupils for a range of future schools, with many achieving academic and music awards.

As a small school, CCCS is renowned for its family-oriented approach and close cooperation between parents and staff. Contact us to register for an Open Event or request an individual tour.

OPEN DAY Saturday 10 October

CONTACT Email: registrar@cccs.org.uk Telephone: 01865 242561 Website: www.cccs.org.uk

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Families Oxfordshire 15

SHSK Prep Join us from Year 3 starting September 2027

Open Day Saturday 3 October SHSK Prep Head’s Breakfast Thursday 15 October Book your place shsk.org.uk

Independent Girls’ School of the Year

School bus service across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley

Open events Prep School Open Morning Friday 25 September Pre-Prep Open Morning Saturday 26 September Stay and Play Every Monday (term-time) 2pm to 3pm

Nursery class Coming from January 2027 Girls and Boys Aged 3+

Book online today abingdon.org.uk/prep

In the early years, staff deliver an ambitious curriculum, with a high level of focus on communication and language.

ISI 2026

School Spotlights

St Helen and St Katharine Prep From September 2027, St Helen and St Katharine will extend its provision to include Years 3 and 4, enabling girls to begin their educational journey from the age of seven.

To reflect this expanded provision, the Junior Department will become St Helen and St Katharine Prep, encompassing Years 3 to 6.

Students will enjoy being taught in the School’s new, dedicated SHSK Prep building, designed specifically for Key Stage 2, while having access to its exceptional senior school facilities, including sport, science and

performance spaces, computing suites and a state-of-the-art library.

The SHSK Prep staff team creates a truly supportive and stimulating environment and fosters a smooth transition to the senior school. Students accepted into SHSK Prep are assured a place in Year 7.

St Helen and St Katharine was named Independent Girls’ School of the Year at the national Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2025 and is Oxfordshire’s leading school for sport (School Sport Magazine 2026).

OPEN DAY Saturday 3 October SHSK PREP HEAD’S BREAKFAST Thursday 15 October

CONTACT Email: admissions@shsk.org.uk Telephone: 01235 530593 Website: www.shsk.org.uk

Abingdon Prep School From January 2027, Abingdon Prep School will warmly welcome girls and boys from the age of three to its new Nursery class. Covering the crucial foundation year before Reception, the tailored Early Years curriculum is specially designed to spark curiosity, outdoor discovery, and a lifelong love of learning.

Abingdon Prep is a happy and friendly school with a close knit community. Although academically selective, the school understands that future success requires more than just academics alone and consequently, places

equal emphasis on its “Other Half” cocurricular programme. This approach allows pupils to discover their passions, building confidence, resilience and other key life skills.

In recognition of the impact this provision has on pupils’ academic, personal, and social development, Abingdon Prep was awarded a rare and prestigious significant strength by the Independent Schools Inspectorate earlier this year.

The result ensures every child is truly ready for the next steps on their educational journey.

OPEN DAY Friday 25 September Saturday 26 September

CONTACT Email: school.sec@abingdonprep.org.uk Telephone: 01865 391570 Website: www.abingdon.org.uk/prep

Summer Fields School A New Chapter Begins at Summer Fields, Oxford.

Summer Fields begins an exciting new chapter this September with John Floyd taking the reins as Headmaster, joined by Charlie Langley as Senior Deputy Headmaster and Ollie Bishop as Deputy Headmaster. Together, they will build on the school’s distinguished 160-year history and its reputation for academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care and endless extra-curricular opportunities.

In 2026, four pupils were awarded King’s Scholarships to Eton. From the age of four, boys benefit from small classes, personalised

learning, specialist teaching and exceptional facilities, while the thriving boarding community sees around 90% of boys boarding

by Year 8.

Set within 70 acres beside the River Cherwell, Summer Fields offers more than 100 activities and 23 sports, played six days a week, with Wednesday and Saturday fixtures bringing families together. Music and the performing arts flourish too, with around 80% of boys learning an instrument, three Prep choirs, four annual theatre productions and a remarkable 93% LAMDA Distinction rate.

OPEN DAY Pre-prep: Friday 18 September Prep: Saturday 19 September

CONTACT Email: admissions@summerfields.com Telephone: 01865 459204 Website: www.summerfields.com

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Families Oxfordshire 17

Families Education

A smooth transition from the EYFS to Year 1 By Michelle Elliott and Chloe Willis Now that your child has finished Reception and is settling into Year 1, you might notice some changes in expectations from their school, as well as changes in their daily routine and (most likely) in their mood! Year 1 teaching naturally shifts from the mostly playbased approach of the Early Years Foundation Stage towards the more formal structure of the National Curriculum. While schools are experts in managing this phased progression, it can still be a tricky move for your child.

The most noticeable change in the first few weeks will likely be the classroom itself. In Reception, your child will have been used to continuous provision, both indoors and outdoors, where they explored and learnt through play, alongside short adult-led sessions such as phonics. In Year 1, tables and chairs are arranged for more focused, adult-led learning sessions, though many classrooms still allow for children to choose their own learning tasks at certain times of the school day. If your child is finding this change difficult, it might be worth talking to their teacher to get more of an idea about the classroom set up and daily routines.

You may be thinking about how to help your child settle during their first few weeks. The most important thing is to keep talking to them about the changes they are experiencing. Focus on supporting their independence, concentration and listening skills - the real foundations for a happy transition. Continue to build these skills at home through fun activities that require short bursts of attention, such as puzzles, colouring or enjoying a story together.

You can also support your child’s sense of responsibility by encouraging them to take on small, manageable tasks, like helping to pack their school bag or tidying their toys, which will really help them find their feet as they navigate these early days of Year 1.

Remember to make time to truly listen to your child too. Giving them space to share their feelings and then simply acknowledging those feelings, provides vital comfort and security during this time of change.

Finally, approach the move into Year 1 as an exciting new adventure! Highlight all the wonderful things they are doing - the new experiences they are sharing and the fun activities they are engaging with. Your positive attitude will be the greatest influence on theirs.

Michelle Elliott and Chloe Willis are from Twinkl (www.twinkl.co.uk) which offers parents a vast library of teacher-created, curriculum-aligned resources to support home learning, development and family wellbeing for children ages 0 to 11.

Supporting your child with the transition

• Resist asking lots of questions straight after school. Children often need time to decompress after a busy day of listening and learning.

• Model talking about your own day. This can encourage your child to open up about theirs.

• Use a visual timetable. With new routines a big adjustment; going through each day’s plan can be really helpful in settling in.

• Bring snacks. When you pick up your child, a small snack to hand will replenish their energy and boost their mood.

• Enjoy family board games. These help your child concentrate for a sustained period of time, follow instructions and practise communication skills, all of which will help them through Year 1.

• Stick to a consistent bedtime routine. Having this structure will help your child get the rest they need to deal with the transition.

ACADEMIC AMBITION | TALENT CURATION | INDIVIDUALISED CARE

JOIN OUR OPEN MORNINGS: Pre-prep entry - 18 SEPTEMBER, Prep entry - 19 SEPTEMBER

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www.summerfields.com | 01865 459 204 | admissions@summerfields.com 18 Families Oxfordshire

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Families Education

Meet the Head – John Floyd of Summer Fields School Summer Fields is an independent boarding and day school for boys aged 4-13, situated in a prime location in the heart of Oxford with 70 acres of beautiful grounds. John Floyd joins Summer Field school as the new Headmaster this September.

John comes from Bellevue Schools Group and Bruern Abbey School, where he served as Executive Head and Headmaster. Prior to this, John was a Housemaster and then Deputy Head of Westminster Cathedral School. He is currently a school governor at Ludgrove and was a governor at Winchester House.

John has a deep understanding of boys’ boarding education, shaped by his own schooling and by his career. He was educated at Cothill and Radley before pursuing further studies at the University of Edinburgh, Joseph Fourier University in France, and Imperial College, London.

1. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME THE HEADTEACHER OF SUMMERFIELDS? I am lucky enough to have been a parent at Summer Fields since 2018 – all four of my sons have attended the pre-prep and prep school so I have had the pleasure of seeing first-hand the exceptional opportunities and outcomes the school provides over the past 8 years. Having the opportunity to join them was the main motivator!

2. HOW DO YOU THINK A HEADTEACHER OF A SCHOOL CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO AN INDIVIDUAL STUDENT? Thankfully for most pupils at Summer Fields they will not be subjected to me as a teacher – so that’s one difference they will avoid! Being serious for a moment the real impact a Head can make are: Facilitating the best possible opportunities for the pupils under their care be that inside or outside the classroom and ensure the ethos of the school allows pupils to happily take the possibilities and chances available to them.

3. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PARENTS LOOKING AT PRIVATE EDUCATION FOR THE FIRST TIME Don’t be intimidated – independent schools are in many cases old institutions with long histories, but they are also very human organisations and look forward to welcoming new families from far and wide to showcase what they do. Also don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you wish. Considering independent education is a huge decision and commitment for a family, I’d suggest you do as much due diligence as you wish. Finally, follow your gut instinct when choosing the final school – it’s often hard to rationalise fully why a school chimes with your aims and aspirations but that instinct is usually correct.

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4. SUMMERFIELDS SCHOOL IS AN ALL-BOYS SCHOOL, WHY SHOULD WE CHOOSE A SAME SEX SCHOOL OVER A CO-ED SCHOOL? Whilst every child is unique, it is well documented that boys and girls develop at differing ages and boys’ benefit from different pedagogical approaches. There is also truth in the fact that by being an all-boys school the boys are more willing to participate in every facet of school life in single sex environments and take up a multitude of varied opportunities on offer alongside regular activities to thus enhance their learning and prepare them for all future avenues.

5. WHAT DO YOU THINK BOYS NEED MOST FROM THEIR SCHOOL YEARS TO HELP THEM THRIVE ACADEMICALLY AND PERSONALLY? The simple answer in the case of my four boys – plenty of food and exercise! The more considered answer would be that boys need to feel safe, valued and benefit from motivation.

6. WHAT IS YOUR REAL-LIFE SUPERPOWER? With regards to superpowers I definitely wouldn’t make it into any marvel production! Being dyslexic has definitely helped me in my role as a headteacher. Dyslexics are particularly good at problem solving and seeing creative solutions. My dyslexia also gives me a good degree of empathy for pupils that don’t always find school easy.

7. RELAXING HOLIDAY OR ACTIVE HOLIDAY? I adore fly fishing and cookery – I’m not sure if either of those past times quite count as being active or not. Having four sons and four dogs doesn’t usually allow for too much extended relaxation. www.summerfields.com

Families Oxfordshire 19

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All orders subject to a transaction fee unless made in person © Snowman Enterprises Limited “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs is published by Puffin. Image © Snowman Enterprises Ltd www.thesnowman.com

Families Education

WHEN “FUN” FEELS HARD: supporting children with ADHD through school and social life There was a moment I will never forget.

My grandson was thirteen years old, standing in a room full of children who had chosen to be there. It was his birthday party.

Not a school event. Not a family gathering. His party, with friends who wanted to celebrate with him.

It was joyful, ordinary, and quietly extraordinary.

Because for many years before that, parties had been a source of anxiety, disappointment, and heartache. Invitations didn’t always come.

Social situations often ended early. And like so many parents and grandparents, we carried the unspoken question, will it always be this hard?

If you are parenting a child with ADHD, particularly in the primary years, this story may feel uncomfortably familiar. The meltdown or sadness you see in your child at not being invited, again, can cut deeply.

THE HIDDEN CHALLENGES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

When we think about education, we often focus on classrooms, learning and attainment.

But for children with ADHD, some of the biggest challenges show up outside formal lessons.

Birthday parties, school discos, sports days, transitions between activities, and unstructured time with peers all demand skills that are still developing, emotional regulation, sensory tolerance, impulse control and social timing.

When these environments feel overwhelming, children can stand out, not because they are misbehaving, but because they are struggling.

For parents, this can be deeply painful.

There is the anxiety before an event, the guilt when things don’t go well, and the fear of being judged by other parents, by schools, and often by yourself.

Many parents quietly ask, am I doing something wrong?

You are not.

TIP BOX: A simple way to PAUSE

When emotions run high, try this: PAUSE YOUR RESPONSE Stop. Take one breath.

You don’t need to solve this yet.

ACKNOWLEDGE WHAT’S HAPPENING Name the feeling, not the behaviour.

“This feels really hard right now.”

SUPPORT BEFORE SOLVING Connection first. Solutions later.

Even one pause can change how a moment unfolds.

THE POWER OF PAUSE

In my work with parents, particularly within my Thriving Together with ADHD programme, the PAUSE technique is often described as a revelation. Not because it stops meltdowns instantly, but because it changes how parents show up in the moment and how repair happens afterwards.

A common example shared by parents is arriving at school and realising their child has not been signed up for an event. When the child sees they are not going, a meltdown follows. The parent feels guilty and panicked, tries to explain why it happened, talks through reasons, apologises repeatedly and blames themselves.

This pattern can repeat again and again.

Learning to pause creates space. Space to remember that a child with ADHD may struggle with self-regulation. Space to replace self blame with compassion. Space to say less,

slow down, and focus on connection rather than explanation.

The situation may not disappear, but the relationship stays intact.

Repair becomes possible.

And repair matters far more than getting it right every time.

HOPE THAT GROWS WITH TIME

I share this not only as a coach, but as a mother and grandmother in a neurodivergent family. I have seen children who struggled deeply in their early years grow into teenagers and adults who are learning, working, driving and navigating life in ways that suit who they are.

The path is not always easy. There are times we get it wrong. What matters most is how we move forward, with reflection, compassion and support.

Children remember the adults who stayed.

They remember being believed in.

They remember being supported, even when things were hard.

Every small win is progress.

Jean Gibson is an ADHD Coach and the author of The ADHD Support Handbook.

She supports parents and families living with ADHD to move from chaos to calm through coaching, education and compassionate, practical strategies. Jean runs the Thriving Together with ADHD parent group programme and supports families across Buckinghamshire and beyond. Facebook group - The ADHD Revolution Thriving Together with ADHD Free consultation. www.activepersonaldevelopment.co.uk

WHAT CHILDREN WITH ADHD NEED MOST

Children with ADHD don’t lack effort or care. What they often lack is predictability in unpredictable situations.

Noise, crowds, unclear expectations and sudden changes can push their nervous system into overload. When that happens, behaviour is communication, not defiance.

One of the most important shifts parents can make is moving from reacting to responding.

And that starts with giving yourself permission to pause.

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire 21

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Events for everyone 17–31 October

so

if-oxford.com Discover something if-oxford.com surprising this October

Discover something This grid is made of black surprising this October squares, open yellow circles and If you look at one white dot connecting bars. on this grid of pink squares andat yellow Look one connectors, circle, and its neighbouring white dotsto seem neighbours may seem fill in to fill in with a new colour — with black — but you can see it but you only see it in the corner of your eye, never straight on. only out of the corner of your eye, never on.grid This is thestraight scintillating illusion, revealing how This is the scintillating your grid brain processes central and illusion, andvision it reveals how your peripheral differently. brain processes central and IF Oxford: a Festival built peripheral vision differently. on moments of discovery

IF Oxford: a Festival built on moments of discovery

Save the date: Oxford science and ideas Festival programme launches Thursday 27 August Events across Oxford and beyond this October: family hands-on zones, arts and performance, talks, workshops and tours for all ages.

Follow @oxford_if on socials RISE AND FALL

BIN RAT!!!

ALL THE SMALL THINGS

Come and meet all manner of balloons from small floating moons to vast bouncing orbs.

A rat-astic and realistic look into refuse and recycling, told using interactive theatre and puppetry.

A brand-new spin on fairy tales from M6 Theatre. Journey to a magical place full of possibilities.

Saturday 26 Sept 11am & 2pm

Sunday 27 Sept 11am & 2pm

Saturday 24 Oct 11am & 2pm

Tickets: £12 (child £8, under 2s free)

01865 319450 / thenorthwall.com South Parade, Oxford OX2 7JN

Families Education

Helping your Child Enjoy Happy Friendships

By Tanith Carey As a new school term starts, it’s no longer how children will perform in their school work in the year ahead which worries parents the most. Research has revealed that mums and dads are now most concerned about whether or not they will have happy friendships.

This is because so many of us know how inconsolable our children are when they get left out, have no one to play with at school or have a falling out with their friends.

Traditionally, parents have been led to believe children should just magically ‘know’ how to make friends and there’s nothing we can do from the other side of the school gates. But Tanith Carey’s book The Friendship Maze: How to help your child navigate their way to positive and happier friendships, brings together the latest social science research to show how your kids can have easier friendships and looks at how to help when things go wrong.

HOW TO HELP:

Talk about Friendship Children will be able to be better friends, and are likely to be liked more by their peers, when you talk through with them the qualities that make others want to spend time with them.

Things like listening, sharing and playing fairly.

Make a point of noticing and complimenting your child when they show these qualities.

Be a Good Role Model Talk about your own friendships – times when you have been a good friend by being thoughtful, dependable and ready to listen, and mention when others are being a good friend to you, so children recognise how to be a good friend to others.

Play Turn-Taking Games Play games to practice cooperation, a key skill in friendship. As you play board or ball games with younger kids, describe out loud what you are doing. Start with non-competitive games, so they can get used to the to-and-fro of turntaking.

TEACHING YOUR CHILD THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD AND BAD FRIEND

Starting from a young age, it’s important for kids to learn what a good friend is. This is not only so they can be one themselves, but also so they can identify healthy relationships, both now and when they start looking for romantic ones.

A BAD FRIEND: • Doesn’t want you to play with other friends • Tells you that what you like is stupid • Laughs at you • Makes you feel sad • Pushes you to do things you don’t want to do • Acts as if they are better than you • Hurts you • Says they will do something unkind if you don’t do what they want • Tells people your secrets • Tells you that other friends don’t like you.

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A GOOD FRIEND: • Plays with all your friends • Tells you you’re good at doing stuff • Doesn’t mind if you don’t want to do the same things • You have fun with • You don’t have to play with all the time • Doesn’t require you to like all the same things they do • Doesn’t try and make you do anything as a condition of staying their friend.

Teach them to Be Good Sports Children don’t want to be play with others who cheat and kick up a fuss if they lose. Explain winning and losing is temporary. The key is for your child to enjoy themselves during a game, not to get hung up on the result.

Discuss how to Find Things in Common with their Peers Children may show off and brag in the belief that if they impress others, they will like them more. Whether it’s through role-play, or talking about your own experiences, help your child hear how this can sound like ‘showing off.’

Explain that children like others who they feel they have a lot in common with, not those who act superior.

Emphasise Quality over Quantity By the end of primary school, kids may want lots of friends in order to feel ‘popular’. But it can take no more than two or three genuinely close friends to be happy at school. Make it clear it’s not a numbers game.

Find more ways to help children learn friendship skills in Tanith’s book The Friendship Maze: How to Help Your Child Navigate Their Way to Positive and Happier Friendships, published by Summersdale and available from Amazon.

Families Oxfordshire 23

Families Science

SPOOKY SCIENCE TRICK

Trick (or treat) your family with your spooky magic powers with this at-home science experiment!

THE EXPERIMENT

Autumn adventures and spookily good science at the Science Oxford Centre

YOU WILL NEED: • Empty drinks can • Balloon • Clothes or your hair WHAT TO DO: 1. Lay the can sideways on a flat surface so it can roll easily.

2. Blow up and tie the balloon.

3. Rub it on your jumper, hair, or any fabric.

4. Hold the side of the balloon you rubbed near the can. It should start to roll!

Which fabric works best to charge up the balloon? Wool, cotton or synthetic?

What else can the charged balloon move?

Try dry cereal, tissue paper, or your own hair!

SCIENCE OXFORD EXPLAINS!

When you rub the balloon with your hair, you’re moving electrons and giving the balloon (and your hair!) a static charge. This attracts other objects as the charge wants to jump and balance itself out.

This is what causes static shocks!

Visit the Science Oxford Centre for fun family discovery, open every Saturday for Family Days. Experiment at the hands-on Exploration Zone and outdoor Water Lab, with monthly planetarium shows and woodland to explore.

Spooky half-term Saturdays 24 & 31 October: design, fly and test ghastly ghouls at the Air Table, or follow the pumpkin trails in the forbidden forest. Create a cool stopmotion monster movie or an eerie space odyssey at the animation station. Spooky outfits encouraged!

Look out for seasonal Nature & Science Clubs for ages 5-9 featuring autumnal ‘Tree Seeds’ and ‘Germ Busters’ in September, and ‘The Woodlouse Experiment’ or ‘Skeletons’ in October!

Book ahead: scienceoxford.com

Family Days every Saturday

Explore, discover, play Science Oxford Centre Exploration Zone & Water Lab Woodland Explorer Backpacks Monthly planetarium show Visitor café & picnic area

Book tickets: scienceoxford.com Science Oxford Centre Quarry Road, Headington Oxford OX3 8SB

24 Families Oxfordshire

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Families Events

Halloween Events The Midnight Moon

Science Club: Skeletons

WHEN: 10 - 11, 17 - 18 & 24 - 31

WHEN: Sat 24 Oct

October

WHERE: Science Oxford

WHERE: High Lodge Farm,

Abingdon Enchanting woodland trail and pumpkin picking - a day packed with seasonal fun. The interactive trail will be filled with ghostly displays, mischievous skeletons and magical surprises around every corner. Adult, £5; Child, £7.

Under 1s free. www.highlodgefarm.com

Spooky Ghost Decorations Workshop WHEN: Thu 15 Oct, 4.00pm

WHERE: The Mill Arts Centre,

Banbury Get spooky and ready for Halloween in this ghost decorations workshop. It will include a variety of ghost making & decorating activities from yarn to air dry clay ghosts. All materials and equipment will be provided.

Cost, £13.50. Age 6 - 12 years. www.themillartscentre.co.uk

Learn about bones and build a skeleton jigsaw - find out how our skeleton stops our bodies wobbling like a jelly and becoming a pile of goo! Build a K’Nex skeleton to protect balloon lungs.

A skele-TON of fun! Age 5 - 9. www.scienceoxford.com

Halloween at Blenheim Palace 2026

Spooky Science Saturday Family Days

The Spooktastic Halloween Show

WHERE: Blenheim Palace,

& Sat 7 Nov WHERE: Science Oxford Seasonal spooky science in the Forbidden Forest and seasonal autumnal trails and spotter sheets with the Explorer Backpacks. In the Exploration Zone, fly ghastly ghouls at the Air Table, and more! £9.50 pp. Age 3+. www.scienceoxford.com

& 2.00pm WHERE: The Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames The most epic Halloween event in town! A fast paced, action-packed show full of classic panto-style mayhem. It’s Halloween fun like you’ve never seen before! Adult £12; Child £14. www.thekenton.org.uk

WHEN: 22 Oct - 1 Nov

Woodstock A frightfully fun Halloween for all ages! Blenheim Palace offers daylight, twilight and late-night Halloween magic with their spooky trail. Daylight sessions are ideal for young children seeking gentle Halloween thrills, while twilight and late-night slots offer a more intense experience for older children and thrill-seekers.

Tickets: £19+ adult / £13.50+ child. www.blenheimpalace.com

WHEN: Sat 24, Sat 31 Oct

WHEN: Weds 28 Oct, 11.30am

Halloween and Half Term Spooky Trail

Half Term Halloween Crafternoon

WHERE: Oxford Bus Museum,

WHERE: New Theatre Oxford

WHEN: Sun 25 & Weds 28 Oct

Long Hanborough Oxford Bus Museum’s event features a Halloween and halfterm spooky trail combined with regular heritage bus rides from 11.30am.

Watch out for the night ride on Wednesday at 6pm! www.oxfordbusmuseum.org

WHEN: Weds 28 Oct, 1.00pm

Children will enjoy this afternoon’s activities of making various Halloween-inspired arts and crafts, taking part in interactive games and activities, and letting their imaginations run wild! www.oxford-theatre.com

BIPPO’S HALLOWEEN CIRCUS ADVENTURE WHEN: 25 - 31 Oct, 10.30am,

1.00pm & 3.30pm WHERE: Millets Farm Centre, Frilford Join in the fun as a familiar face is warmly welcomed back to Millets Farm with his very own spectacular circus show! www.milletsfarmcentre.com familiesonline.co.uk

Families Oxfordshire 25

Families Feature

16 - 31 October 2026 From optical illusions and robotic dogs to discovering diamonds, IF Oxford is a vibrant, inclusive Festival where you, your family and friends can get handson with science, meet experts and explore big ideas through a huge range of activities like comedy nights, performances and talks across Oxford and beyond.

Visit if-oxford.com for a full list of events.

HANDS-ON EXHIBITION 1 - 31 October Monday-Saturday: 10am-6pm Optical illusion uchuwa This captivating exhibition blends culture, science and art, with over a dozen mindbending designs handmade in Kyoto and installed in Pegasus foyer ahead of the family illusion show on Sun 18 Oct. • Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road • All ages • Free (drop-in) INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP Wed 14, 21, 28, October, 4, 11, 18 November:5-6.30pm Glow Your Own 6 sessions Build a robotic lantern using lights and sensors in a friendly workshop. Glow your own is a project that takes people from technology to trepidation to creative coding with a free six- week course to learn how to use computer coding and sensor’s in a circuit to control LEDs and motors using Arduinos and Tinkercad, combining art and engineering. online sessions, live, with ondemand resources.

• Online, interactive • 7-12 yrs, Teenage, Adult • Pay What You Decide (PWYD)

26 Families Oxfordshire

HANDS-ON INTERACTIVE ZONE Sat 17 October: 11am-5pm EXPLORAZONE Get hands-on with experiments and demonstrations, meeting friendly experts and inventors. Starting with a quiet hour for neurodiverse families.

• Age 7-11 • New Road Church, Bonn Square, OX1 1LQ • Pay What You Decide (PWYD)

BOOK TALK & DISCUSSION Sat 17 October: 2.30-3.30pm The Dawn of AI Meet Bryanna Bone for a reading and discussion of The Dawn of AI, her sci-fi novel about a non-verbal AuDHD teenager whose late mother invented the first AGI, unleashed onto automated New Oxford.

• Oxford Westgate Library, OX1 1PE • 7-12 • Pay What You Decide (PWYD)

PERFORMANCE Sun 18 October: 11.30am-12.30pm & 2.30-3.30pm The Brain Bending Science Illusion Show Join The Magical Mr West and Crowbert on a journey into the world of mindbending science! Discover optical illusions, conundrums and surreal psychology in this wonderful family show.

• Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, • 7-12 yrs, Family • £9 / £11 / £14 HANDS-ON INTERACTIVE ZONE Sun 25 October: 11am-5pm TECHWORKS The Festival returns to Oxford’s knowledge quarter in Cowley-discover cutting-edge science and meet friendly experts! Explore hands-on activities and the latest in technology and research.

• Oxford Works, Cascade Way, OX4 2SU • 7-12 yrs, Teenage, Adult • Pay What You Decide (PWYD)

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Families Feature PERFORMANCE Sun 25 October: 11am-4pm Robotic Racing at TECHWORKS Watch robotic dogs go head to head in live races as they compete for the chequered flag. Meet the robotics engineers behind these incredible machines and explore the latest in robotics technology.

• Oxford Works, Cascade Way, OX4 2SU • 7-12 yrs, Teenage, Adult • Pay What You Decide (PWYD)

Please mention Families Oxfordshire g when bookin

HANDS-ON INTERACTIVE ZONE Tue 27 October: 11am-5pm BLAST! Brings together scientists and engineers tackling the biggest challenges on Earth and beyond, with hands-on activities for the whole family to explore the science shaping our future.

• The Barn, Nightingale Avenue, OX4 6HW • All ages • Pay What You Decide (PWYD PERFORMANCE Tue 27 October: 11-12pm & 3-4pm Amazing Animals An interactive family science show exploring animal behaviour, intelligence and adaptation, with a drop-in hands-on workshop inspired by real animal research from Braintastic! Science.

• The North Wall, South Parade, OX2 7JN • 7-12 yrs, Family • Pay What You Decide (PWYD) / £10 HANDS-ON INTERACTIVE ZONE Thu 29 October: 2-7.30pm Zone ONE ZONE ONE brings hands-on science, creative and technology activities to the brand new Fallaize Park, with a landmark planetary sculpture as the backdrop for a cosmos of ideas.

• 2 Fallaize Street, Oxford North, OX2 8GE • All ages • Pay What You Decide (PWYD)

HANDS-ON INTERACTIVE ZONE Sun 25 October: 11am-5pm The Potential of Potentials Discover how heat, chemistry and motion can all be turned into electricity, and get hands-on with experimental devices that reveal the hidden physics of energy conversion.

Air Pollution and Brain Health Peer through microscopes and piece together puzzles to see how tiny particles in the air may reach and affect the brain. Meet researchers uncovering links to Alzheimer’s.

Cutting Edge Science Try your hand at the skills behind knee surgery and discover how medical trials really work, as you explore cutting-edge research into A Journey of Aromas Through Time Discover how natural and artificial aromas have shaped food and culture through history, from ancient traditions to modern sweets, and explore the chemistry behind fragrances such as vanilla, bergamot, violet and fruity esters and the memories they evoke.

• New Road Church, Bonn Square, OX1 1LQ • All ages • Pay What You Decide (PWYD) HANDS-ON INTERACTIVE ZONE Tue 27 October: 11am-5pm Seeing the Invisible Reveal the universe with James Webb Space Telescope images from deep space. Discover how the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source reveals details in dinosaur eggs, aeroplane wings and spider silk.

Hands on with quantum computing Discover why quantum computing draws on physics, engineering and computer science all at once, through a short accessible film that unpacks the fundamentals in under four minutes.

The Tamarind Galaxy Explore stories of the stars with Natty Mark Samuels, hearing tall tales and trying out space puzzles from the African School.

• The Barn, Nottingale Avenue, OX4 6HW • All ages • Pay What You Decide (PWYD)

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Families Oxfordshire 27

10TH AUGUST - 1ST NOVEMBER

THE WORLD’S FIRST DINOSAUR. REIMAGINED. MEGALOSAURUS SCULPTURES

BY JAY JAY BURRIDGE

Clubs & Classes Advertorial The Mathnasium Method: The Proof is in the Numbers and the Reviews At Mathnasium, instructors use the Mathnasium Method™, the proprietary teaching approach that combines personalised learning plans with mental, verbal, visual, tactile, and written techniques to build maths knowledge level by level.

Read first hand what one parent thinks of Mathansium and how it has helped her children: I would recommend Mathnasium to any family who have children struggling with Maths in school. I wish I had found it earlier.

It would have saved us years of strife and unhappiness and a failed GCSE! I didn’t realise the foundational aspect of Maths. My children had gaps in their knowledge and understanding from years ago which had never been addressed. The school kept on telling us that our children would have another chance to learn about this area of maths, let’s say, fractions, as the curriculum was mostly circular, meaning that fractions as a topic would be revisited. However, without the very foundation of understanding the next revisiting of the topic, when the content was becoming more and more complex, my children became further and further behind, with only a very rudimentary grasp.

Mathnasium was the first organisation to do an assessment and NOT be afraid to go all the way back to the beginning. Secure foundations have now been laid in all areas

and so learning is now being acquired very quickly and they are both working much nearer their appropriate age. There was no point in us starting at the GCSE level and cramming knowledge for an exam with no depth of understanding. It has made a much more confident child in mathematics, by going back to a year 7 level and securing the foundation and then rapidly building on up to the required level.

I have two children with Mathnasium, one who failed to get a level 4 in maths GCSE and at 18 is needing to resit before going to university. The other has missed a lot of school due to health issues and is in year 10, so to secure the foundations of her knowledge we have chosen to use Mathnasium to give her the best chance of a confident approach to the GCSEs in year 11.

Both children work with Mathnasium remotely around other school commitments.

Both appreciate the one to one learning

opportunities, without distractions in class of other children saying, ‘it’s so easy’ and them not feeling that, or other children asking confusing questions and causing them to question their own understanding. Both children work through the set questions unsupervised and know that help is right there if they have a question. Both children are totally motivated to book their own sessions and work at their own pace. Their attitude to Maths has changed hugely, we never have an issue of them not wanting to attend and they are proud of their achievements. The 18 year old is going to resit the Maths GCSE in June and will stay with Mathnasium until then. My year 10 child will work until she is up to date with her age mates and then proceed into year 11 hopefully with great confidence and ready for GCSE success.

Ping runs a tight ship, I get regular updates about their progress, telephone calls if they haven’t connected for an appointment, or if they ‘dropped off’ a call earlier than expected - it’s usually been an internet issue or in one instance a traffic issue meaning the child wasn’t home in time.

If you are considering using Mathnasium, go for it, save yourself the years of heartache I went through. I wish I had done a check-up at the end of primary school and set them into secondary with these skills in place!

By Ursula Phayre

HOLIDAY CAMPS! For children aged 4–16

Book sessions online at www.ignitesportuk.com

• OFSTED Registered

• Childcare vouchers accepted • HAF funded places - please enquire at:

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Families Oxfordshire 29

n W hastt’osdo O this

Thing music - drama, n m u t u A for mething & sport so in everyone

re Oxfordshi

Gymnastics Classes

Perform

WHERE: NOX Gymnastics Club,

WHERE: Abingdon, Bicester,

WHEN: Daily

WHEN: Weekly lessons

Witney Classes offered for different ages and abilities. Classes include Parent and Toddler Group, Stay and Play, Young Beginners, Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced, Additional Needs Club, Parkour/Freestyle, Tumbling and more. www.noxgymnastics.com

Didcot and Oxford Perform - weekly drama, dance and singing classes. Confidencebuilding drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.

To book a FREE class visit www.perform.org.uk/try

Oxfordshire Music School WHEN: Mondays - Saturdays WHERE: Abingdon, Didcot,

Chinnor RFC Rugby Skills Camps WHEN: Ongoing

WHERE: Chinnor Rugby Club

Weekly classes include: Junior Rugby, U6-18 Wednesdays and Sundays; Touch Rugby, all welcome on Fridays, 7.00pm - 8.30pm; Walking Rugby, all welcome on Fridays 7.00pm 8.00pm; SEND Rugby, Sundays 10.00am - 11.00am. www.chinnor-rfc.com

Gymnastics Classes WHEN: Ongoing

WHERE: Carterton Gymnastics

Club CIC, Carterton Oxfordshire Carterton offers the opportunity for children to reach their full gymnastic potential. As your child progresses they can earn certificates and have a chance to compete in championships and events. www.cartertongym.co.uk

Maths Tuition

WHEN: Monday - Thursday,

3.30pm - 7.00pm & Saturdays 10.00am - 2.00pm WHERE: Mathnasium Learning Centres, Summertown, Oxford By producing a tailor-structured learning plan for each student according to his/her knowledge and skill level, the Mathnasium Method can help children in Years 2 - 12 better understand maths and leap ahead. Try the FREE maths skills assessment/trial session. www.mathnasium.com

LITTLE EXPLORERS WHEN: Sept-Oct

WHERE: High Lodge Farm,

Abingdon Little Explorers is a twiceweekly outdoor stay-and-play for toddlers and pre-schoolers. It features natureinspired activities, mud kitchens, water play, crafts and stories.

Morning sessions include free entry for adults, and coffee & cake are available.

Wallingford, Wantage, Witney Musical opportunities on offer including 1-to-1 guitar, bass and drum lessons, Kids’ Guitar Club, Teens’ Guitar Club, Band Buddies and Band Sessions. www.oxfordshiremusicschool. co.uk

Razzamataz Oxford

WHEN: Wednesdays, term time,

Oxfordshire Tennis WHEN: Ongoing

WHERE: Goring Tennis Club,

Cranford School and St Andrew’s in Berkshire Sessions are designed to enable children to develop skills at their own pace. The Monday AfterSchool Tennis Club provides a fun session for children of Years 1 - 6. www.oxfordshiretennis.co.uk

4.00pm - 5.00pm WHERE: Florence Park Community Centre, Oxford Fun, structured dance, drama and singing sessions. Designed to boost confidence, teamwork, creativity and wellbeing. FREE taster sessions are available. 50% sibling discount. £32 per month.

Age 4 - 6 years. Book now via oxford@razzamataz.co.uk www.razzamataz.co.uk

Help Them See Maths Differently this September.

Get back to school ready and schedule a free assessment at Mathnasium of North Oxford today and discover how we can help your child see maths differently.

mathnasium.com/uk/northoxford 18 South Parade, Oxford, OX2 7JL

30 Families Oxfordshire

01865 236 886 northoxford@mathnasium.co.uk

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Families Clubs & Classes Ride on Time

Wildcat Girls Football

OCTOBER HALF TERM CAMPS & WORKSHOPS

WHERE: Locations across

term time only WHERE: Oxford City FC ground, Marston Suitable from beginner upwards, these sessions are fun, active and perfect as an introduction to football or for those wanting some extra training each week. £4 a session. For girls aged 5 - 11 years. Pre booking essential! www.ignitesportuk.com

Master Builders Club: The Great Ghost Hunt

WHEN: Ongoing

Oxfordshire and surrounding areas Friendly play sessions dedicated to things with wheels! A wide choice of ride-on toys to play with and the freedom to explore them. Age 12 months - 5 years. www.rideontimehire.com

Saturday Hoops Football WHEN: Saturdays 9am to 10am,

term time only WHERE: The Community Arena, Oxford City FC Suitable from beginner upwards, these sessions are fun, active and perfect as an introduction to football or for those wanting some extra training each week.

For boys and girls aged 4 - 8.

Pre booking essential! www.ignitesportuk.com

WHEN: Saturdays 9am to 10am,

YouthLab: Shadow Puppet Theatre (ages 8-11) WHEN: Mon 26 - Tues 27 Oct,

WHEN & WHERE: Mon 26 Oct, 9.30am - 11.30am, Sonning Common Village Hall; Wed 28 Oct, 2.00pm - 4.00pm, Badgemore Primary, Henley; Thurs 29 Oct, 9.30am 11.30am, Madley Park Hall, Witney; Thurs 29 Oct, 11.30am - 1.30pm, Reading Town Hall A story- led creative LEGO brick workshop where every child becomes the hero of the adventure.

Surrounded by 1000’s of bricks, kids will be building haunted houses, friendly ghosts, autumn pumpkins and a ghost hunting vehicle as the Halloween story unfolds through hands-on imaginative play. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk

9.00am - 12.00pm WHERE: Drama Studio, The North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford Explore storytelling through shadow puppetry. Make your own shadow box and puppets and bring your story to life with movement, light, sounds and character voices. £40 for two halfdays. Age 8 - 11 years. www.thenorthwall.com

The Oxford Boat Adventure: October Half Term Camps

WHEN: 26 - 27 Oct & 28 - 29 Oct WHERE: Queenford Farm

IGNITE SPORT’S HOLIDAY CAMP

WHEN: October Half Term

WHERE: Oxford City FC ground,

Marston Ignite Sports offer a fun, safe and energy packed half term holiday camp. Activities include FootballFrenzy, Art Smash, Game Tech, Girls Only Game Tech, Dance Fusion, Girls Only Football, Sparks, Multisport Camp, Hoops Football, and more. Age 4 - 16. www.ignitesportuk.com

TRY A

FREE CLASS

These 2 day, non-residential camps offer children outdoor adventure across lakes and woodland, with playful activities that build confidence, encourage exploration and create memorable days in nature.

Cost per camp £180, age 4 - 13 years, www.theoxfordboatadventure. co.uk

Confidence Building FUN Drama, dance and singing classes designed to help 4–12 year olds shine Abingdon, Bicester, Didcot or Oxford

BOOK A FREE CLASS Your child’s first class is free, so why not give it a go? Find your nearest class online or call us:

perform.org.uk/try 020 7255 9120

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Families Oxfordshire 31

JOIN 500 YEARS OF HISTORY

Discover Oxford’s hidden gem; a superb education for children aged 3-13, nestled among the dreaming spires.

Co-ed Nursery and Pre-Prep, Boys’ Prep in central Oxford

Open Events & Chorister Experience Days throughout the year Private visits by appointment Contact us at registrar@cccs.org.uk