Families Warwickshire January-February 2018 Issue 39

Warwickshire

IN THIS ISSUE

Parenting

Keeping children safe online

Education

Exam pressure

Issue 39 January/February 2018

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01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 1

Issue 39 | January/February 2018 | Families Warwickshire Calling all active families

In this issue 2

Snippets

4

Parenting

6

Clubs & Classes

8

Last summer, Octavian Droobers Orienteering Club welcomed many Families Warwickshire readers to their series of Wednesday evening events in the parks around Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull.

Education

12 New Year

6

13 What's on Contact details Claire Jones on 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Next issue: March/April 2018 Deadline: Monday 5th February

Families Warwickshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently Cover by Liittle Beanies Photograpy owned and operated under licence. Families www.littlebeanies.co.uk is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Design by www.peninsula-design.co.uk Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The All content ©2018 Families Warwickshire contents of Families Warwickshire are fully Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly protected by copyright and none of the magazine for parents, covering Stratfordeditorial or photographic matter may be on-Avon and Warwick Districts with 21,000 reproduced in any form without prior consent copies. Towns covered include Stratfordof Families Warwickshire. Every care is taken in upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and the preparation of this magazine, but Families Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, Warwickshire; our distributors, the franchise Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welford-oncompany, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Avon, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam and lots of Marketing cannot be held responsible for the the smaller villages in between. claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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On Saturday 13 January, the club will be at Daventry Country Park to introduce the outdoor fun adventure navigation sport to others. It’s suitable for all ages, from 5 to 85 years, and a great sport for families to participate in. Just like a treasure hunt, you have to see if you can find the control points placed around the park and woods. There is no need to book, just turn up between 10am and 12noon and bring a compass if you have one. There will be several trails with distances of 2km up to 6km suitable for experienced orienteers as well as beginners. The cost is £1 for juniors, £5 for seniors plus £1 for timer hire.

More events

Saturday 10 February, 10am-12noon, at Everdon Stubbs Woods, 3 miles east of Daventry Saturday 10 March, 10am-12noon at Memorial Park, Coventry - includes Warwickshire School Championships.

For a real adventure, two 'After Dark' events - bring a head torch!

Wednesday 24 January, 5pm-7pm at Burton Dassett Country Park Saturday 17 February, 5pm-7pm at Hartshill Hayes Country Park, Nuneaton Contact Warwickshire and Coventry Orienteering Club on 01926 632189 or see website for more details. www.octavian-droobers.org

Pupdate Lots has been going on in Eddie’s life since the last pupdate. He went on his first sleepover, staying with a lovely couple in their home for the weekend. This was arranged through the local branch of www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk, a company which offers a home based alternative to kennels.

Eddie behaved very well, they loved having him and were more than happy to have him again over Christmas when we were away.

Keep on running Kids Run Free in the Parks was created to offer free, community running events to all children, from toddlers to teens, encouraging them to run together for fun and enjoyment. The founders of Kids Run Free wanted to get children off the sidelines at running events and inspired to participate.

They now run regular running events for 2-11 year olds all over the UK. There are local Kids Run Free events on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 9am at Newbold Comyn in Leamington Spa, and on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at St Nicholas Park in Warwick.

In addition to the regular running events, Kids Run Free have developed Marathon Kids, an exciting programme that gives primary school children the opportunity to run or walk the distance of up to four marathons throughout the school year. Schools have the option to purchase full starter kits to get their programmes up and running, and the tools and resources to drive participation. Kids Run Free is proud to have Sir Mo Farah as their Marathon Kids Ambassador.

I also signed us up to www.borrowmydoggy.com which connects dog owners with trusted local people who want to walk or look after other people’s dogs. Through this we’ve met Sue who has taken Eddie out for a couple of walks then chilled out with him at her home for a few hours. It’s a win win; Eddie is happy with the extra walks and fuss, and Sue loves spending time with him!

Eddie recovered well from his ‘operation’ in November. We decided that there were more reasons to have him castrated than not to and it hasn’t changed his wonderful nature in the slightest, much to everyone’s relief.

Kids Run Free in the Parks: www.kidsrunfree.co.uk/park

One of our New Year’s Resolutions is to continue with Eddie’s training, to reinforce good behaviour and try and alter those behaviours which aren’t so good – such as bolting upstairs which is out of bounds to him! In theory, a little bit of training every day will be repaid with a lifetime of living with a well behaved dog.

Marathon Kids: www.kidsrunfree.co.uk/mk

By Claire Jones, Editor

2 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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Snippets

UDIO ANIMATION ST hday Parties rt

Workshops & Bi • Healthy homemade food • Specialist dairy and gluten free meals • All vegan friendly • For busy families that care about what they eat

www.pumpkinandsprout.co.uk

.uk nimate.coe.c www.letsa o.uk llo@letsanimat

07816 650478

0797 3354567

Healthy food on your doorstep Pumpkin & Sprout was created in the kitchen of Elizabeth Bell, a local mum and scientist by profession, who is passionate about good nutrition and wanted to make sure her children were getting a healthy, balanced diet. She felt that so many families are short on time, but still want to put a healthy homemade meal on the table at the end of the day. By combining her skills in the kitchen and her knowledge of plant science and nutrition, Pumpkin & Sprout was born. All the meals are plant based, dairy and gluten free, and vegan friendly.

The focus is on eating more vegetables, which can be challenging with young children, rather than eliminating foods. Most of the food is frozen so that it can be kept until needed, cutting down on food waste and making sure that there is always a go to meal when life is busy. A variety of soups, stews, curries, and vegetarian dishes are available, with the menu changing every month. Food is made to order and delivered to your door at a time to suit you. www.pumpkinandsprout.co.uk Editor: I can highly recommend Pumpkin & Sprout, having had one of the curries – it was absolutely delicious!

he

Party Packages and Mini

Makeovers @

Local library events

Joining your local library is free and borrowing children can join and start Raspberryhair.co.uk books from birth! All Warwickshire

Libraries provide a safe, family friendly of regular and free family activities environment and run lots such as Rhyme Time, Story Stomp and Lego Clubs.

Pop into your local library to find out more about all the services and activities on offer. www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries-and-leisure/libraries

This is my Art and Soul on exhibition

Also passionate about improving children’s experience of art, she has worked on many projects at Whitnash Primary School. This has had such a good response from pupils and staff that Lynne has recently set up an art club there. “When school budgets are so tight, art is often one of the subjects to be squeezed out. I believe art provides many benefits to children’s learning, such as observational skills, awareness, patience, and perseverance. It also provides a perfect platform to learn more about any subject they are studying.”

A free public exhibition, titled ‘LOOK’, will showcase pupils’ work alongside her own. It runs from 28 February to 31 March at East Lodge Gallery in Leamington Spa’s Jephson Gardens.

To find out more or discuss a commission visit www.facebook.com/ thisismyartandsoul/ Bluebell Wood with Year 3 at Whitnash Primary

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Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737.

Lynne Gougeon is a local artist who has, like many mums, started her own business now her children are at school. Having painted all her life, Lynne set up ‘This is my Art and Soul’ last year and produces a diverse range of work from land and seascapes to animal portraits and murals.

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 3

Parenting • Streamlining and targeting education and advice on online safety for parents in the same way that other risks, like road safety, are tackled starting from when children are born.

• Urging organisations that are collecting data from children and young people to publish how they intend to use it, so that children can understand where exactly their information is going and how it is intended to be used.

• A new requirement that privacy notices setting out how an organisation plans to use personal data it collects are written in a clear, plain way that is understandable, even to a child.

The Government intends to target new parents at NCT courses, Sure Start Centres, nurseries, pharmacies and via Facebook itself. This should mean that there is less reason for parents to fear technology and they should feel more comfortable in allowing their children to use it to explore, communicate and learn. It also intends that digital literacy should form part of the lessons in which children have traditionally learned about sex and relationships, and not part of IT classes. The aim here is to encourage children to recognise internet safety as a social issue; it’s part of life and it’s part of growing up.

Making the Digital World Safer for Our Children

By Carolyn Bunting Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters tells us about new measures in the UK that will attempt to achieve this.

Late last year was marked by a landmark moment. Internet safety reached the top of the news agenda when the Government outlined its plans to make Britain the “safest place to be online.”

Following the rapid development of the “open and free” digital world, the Culture Secretary, Karen Bradley revealed that although she felt the internet was a huge force for good, “it has also caused undeniable suffering and can be an especially harmful place for children and vulnerable people. Behaviour that is unacceptable in real life must also be unacceptable on a computer screen.”

Although all of the measures are voluntary, the Government has not ruled out legislating if companies refuse to take part.

For further information about topical issues affecting parents and children in the digital world and how to keep your children safe online, visit www.internetmatters.org

Five Steps From Internet Matters to Ensure your Child is Staying Safe Online:

Among the Government’s forthcoming measures will be:

Ask your child what they are doing online. It’s important you understand what websites, apps, and social media platforms they are using.

• A voluntary levy on internet companies, such as Google and Facebook, to be used to target issues such as cyberbullying, online abuse and children being exposed to pornography on the internet.

Check their privacy settings. Make sure they know how to make their profiles ‘private’ so they are not sharing personal information to strangers. Facebook has a Privacy Healthcheck feature.

• A social media code of practice intended to boost efforts to remove or address bullying, intimidating or humiliating online content.

Make sure they know when and how to report and block any malicious or inappropriate messages or posts.

• An annual internet safety transparency report undertaken by social media organisations which would show progress on addressing abusive and harmful content and conduct.

• Supporting tech and digital startups to build internet safety into their products from the beginning.

• New compulsory school subjects to provide online safety education.

• Encouraging social media companies to offer safety advice and tools to parents and build safety messages into online platforms.

Check your parental controls on your home broadband and safety filters that block inappropriate content across any devices.

Talk to your children about the risks they may be exposed to and how to deal with them, such as cyberbullying and grooming, and ensure they feel able to raise with you anything they see which is upsetting.

For more information and step-by-step guidance, visit internetmatters.org

Lack Of Sleep Damaging For Children More than a third of primary school children are failing to get sufficient sleep, according to new research. The study has linked poor sleep with difficulties in paying attention in class, keeping up with school work, forgetfulness and absenteeism.

The research, carried out by the University of Leeds has shown that despite the NHS recommendation of 10 hours, 36 per cent of primary age children get eight hours of sleep or less per night. Even more worryingly, 15 per cent get less than seven hours.

The researchers found links between poor sleep and children having access to mobile phones or computer devices in their bedrooms. They said parents should consider removing technology from their children’s bedrooms. The researchers further claim that where parents are able to encourage children to not have technology in the bedroom at all, sleep outcomes are much better.

Other factors contributing to poor sleep were poor parental sleep patterns and lack of routine.

More information on the study can be found at www.leeds.ac.uk

4 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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Parenting

Help Your Child to Manage their Feelings

By Jane Rogers Recognising and understanding complex feelings in ourselves and others, and being able to deal with them in a healthy way not bottling things up, exploding with anger or descending into depression etc. - is known as emotional intelligence. Teaching your child to identify their feelings is the first step to managing them, and can have a positive effect and help to change negative behaviour.

A good way of doing this is to use Reflective Listening. Follow these steps: • • • • •

Listen for the feelings behind the words.

Accept that your child feels this way.

Reflect back what you are hearing.

Show that you understand.

Support your child to problem solve if you can.

Reflecting back to your child what you are hearing, “you seem angry, upset,” and showing that you understand and empathise, “It must be disappointing, annoying, frustrating etc. can really help them to feel validated. So often as parents we say things like, “Don’t make such a fuss”, “It’s not that bad” or “I’m sure you’ll be fine” and then wonder why we don’t get the response we want.

When you have really listened and empathized with your child, it can sometimes be a good idea to ask a moving on question, “What do you think would help?”, “Is there anything you could do to feel better?” or “Would you like some help with solving the problem?”

So next time you find yourself about to say “Don’t make such a big deal out of it”, “Cheer up, it’s not that bad” or “Calm down, or go to your room”, try using some Reflective Listening instead - it really can help.

Jane Rogers is a parenting expert and founder of The Cambridge Parent Coach. Her two short parenting books ‘How to encourage good behaviour so you can enjoy your children’ and ‘How to use positive discipline to improve your child’s behaviour,’ are available on Amazon. Follow The Cambridge Parent Coach on Facebook.

Mums Want More Flexible Working Opportunities According to a survey by Workingmums.co.uk, almost three quarters of working mums identify flexible work as being crucial to getting more women into senior roles. The survey shows that mums feel flexible working is vital for them to manage work and family life and that 60% of those who work flexibly would like even more flexibility.

So what can individuals do to help persuade their employers to agree to them working flexibly? Here are some tips: • Think through what the job requires and whether the tasks you have to perform can be done at a different location i.e. from home, or at times outside of the standard working day. Take account of any additional costs or challenges this might involve and discuss them honestly.

• Give examples of the ways in which your work can be successfully carried out under any new working pattern you are proposing, and show that it will not harm the business. Point out any business advantages.

• Research some case studies, ideally in your sector that shows how the work pattern you are suggesting can be mutually beneficial to you and your employer.

• If managers are dubious, suggest a trial period.

• Have a compromise solution as a back-up.

For more information and flexible work opportunities, visit www.workingmums.co.uk

New NCT Baby & Toddler Group in Kenilworth NCT Warwickshire Central has recently started a new group for parents, parents to be and families. Kenilworth Bumps, Babies and Toddlers meets on Wednesdays from 10am to 11.30am at Kenilworth United Reformed Church on Abbey Hill. Just £2 per family with refreshments included. For more information call Lilian Skinner on 07912 193285.

NCT Warwickshire Central Bumps, Babies & Toddlers Group United Reformed Church, Abbey Hill, Kenilworth CV8 1LW Wednesday 10:00 to 11:30

£2 per family session

Contact: Lilian Skinner at 07912193285 Find us on Facebook - NCT Warwickshire Central Bumps, Babies & Toddlers Group Kenilworth

www.facebook.com/NCTWarwickshireCentral

New Free Online Guides for Warwickshire Parents Warwickshire Public Health has purchased three acclaimed online guides (courses) to help build parents’ confidence: • Understanding Your Child (for parents of 0-18 year olds) • Understanding Your Baby (newborn) • Understanding Your Pregnancy These guides are designed to support mums, dads and carers in developing positive and responsive relationships with their infants, children, and young people. In turn, this will help to strengthen emotional resilience and

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wellbeing, so your infant or child is able to bounce back from life’s various challenges.

Start now …..

• Visit warwickshire.gov.uk/ parentguides • Find Warwickshire’s FREE codes • Click through to inourplace.co.uk • nsert your FREE code for the course you want to start For more information please contact: phadmin@warwickshire.gov.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 5

Clubs & Classes

What happens at a Rhythm Time baby class At Rhythm Time, the class sings, dances, exercises and explores. Music is crucial to language development and your baby will sing to you before they talk.

When you join a Rhythm Time class you can be assured of a warm welcome from the teacher and assistant. The class starts by singing hello to all the babies and grown ups in a happy way promoting belonging and security for the babies.

Gentle leg and arm exercises help to strengthen their muscles and limbs for rolling, crawling and walking. Then instruments are played to a strong beat helping the babies to walk more confidently, dance, and enjoy music.

Action-packed AC Academy!

January will be a busy month for AC Academy after-school choirs as rehearsals get underway for a performance at one of the most famous concert halls in the world.

Young singers from AC Academy choirs in Warwick, Coventry and Solihull will travel to London on 26 March to be part of the 2000-strong AC Academy Does The Royal Albert Hall. They’ll sing music from The Lion King to opera, and from Take That to a baroque medley.

The concert is the latest superb opportunity lined up for the AC Academy songbirds. Last October, they were joined on stage by Harry Potter actor Mark Williams for a brand new musical adaptation of Beowulf, and previous experiences have included singing at the wedding of Strictly Come Dancing stars Kevin and Karen Clifton, and performing at Symphony Hall Birmingham with Britain’s Got Talent finalists Richard & Adam.

AC Academy choirs rehearse in Warwick (Tuesdays), Coventry (Wednesdays) and Solihull (Thursdays). They are a fantastic chance for young people aged 7-16, of any ability (there’s no audition!), to have fun while learning to sing from Armonico Consort’s top professionals and enjoy the thrill of performing on world-famous stages alongside celebrity guests. AC Academy is Armonico Consort’s extensive and imaginative singing programme and is generously supported by Phillips 66 and JET. To find out more, visit www.armonico.org.uk

The count is on until showtime!

Rutleigh Norris School of Dance (RNSD) is very excited to be putting on a weekend of productions of ‘Alice’s Adventures’ in summer 2018. Over 60 pupils took part in auditions last October to secure the main roles. However, every child who dances with RNSD will perform a dance at The Palace Theatre in Redditch on the weekend of 21-22 July. Costumes, stage manager and a full length ballet mean that rehearsals will begin this March and there’s still time to join the dance school and be part of the show.

Enquire today to reserve your place in a free trial class to ensure your child’s participation in this wonderful and lifeenhancing experience. Email principal@ rnsd.co.uk. www.rnsd.co.uk/enrol

Throughout the class your baby’s vision is stimulated with pom poms, flashing balls and rope lights, disco balls and bubbles. These all help develop their eye muscles and build connections in their brains. Parents have a fun 30 minutes while babies are known to sleep for hours after Rhythm Time classes while their brains process all they have learnt.

To join these award winning classes in Leamington Spa, Kenilworth or Stratford-uponAvon please email rachelrtime@gmail.com or see rhythmtime.net/rt243

NEW Spanish and French Saturday class for 4-7 year olds in Warwick BilinguaSing Spanish and French language classes for primary school age children stand out from the usual language lessons on offer.

Children are actively involved in singing in Spanish or French from the moment they walk in until they leave the class. They learn purely through singing the funky bilingual Spanish and French songs with a healthy dose of drama, sign language and fabulous props thrown in for good measure! Children embark on a magical bilingual singing journey every session, where they meet animal characters, reach for the stars on a trip to the moon, swim with the fish in the sea and dance amongst the colours of the rainbow - all while learning Spanish or French!

The new French and Spanish classes take place in Warwick on Saturday mornings and the first class is a FREE trial. ¡Vamos! (Spanish) - 9.45am-10.30am On y va! (French) - 10.45am-11.30am No language skills needed as all levels are welcome. To book your child's place for a free trial class contact Mel@bilinguasing.com.

The Nikki Jay Academy of Dance celebrates 20 Years!

Over the years, The Nikki Jay Academy of Dance has expanded its timetable and now offers IDTA Ballet, Tap, Street and Gymnastic Dance, as well as Adult Tap, Ballet and Dance Fit! The academy, which takes children from the age of 2, has a small family feel and is now starting to teach the children of past pupils. This is a huge mark of the academy’s success, along with maintaining its 100% Pass Rate with one of the world’s top 3 boards and having one of its life long pupils accepted into London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire to train.

The Academy’s 20th anniversary celebrations started last July with the show 'Flashback' which went back to the year the Academy started. This was followed by a fantastic Celebration Ball in October at the Hilton Hotel - an absolute ball was had by all!

The Nikki Jay Academy of Dance now looks forward to the New Year with a new start at new venues! The youngsters’ classes will be held at Acre Close Community Hall in Whitnash with other classes at Offchurch Village Hall! Free Trials are offered to all so pop along and say hello in the New Year! www.njadance.co.uk

www.bilinguasing.com/coventrywarwickshire

6 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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Clubs & Classes

G i v ey o urb a b y t h eb e s ts t a r t !

Multi-sensory music classes for babies, toddlers & pre-schoolers C al lR ac h el : 0 7 4 6 9 1 86 0 4 2

DANCE CLASSES Spanish & French Classes in Leamington Spa, Stratford, Coventry & Rugby

H Southam Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat

Music, instruments, bubbles, sensory play, dance, puppets, elements of baby massage & yoga

H Leamington Fridays

H Shrewley Sundays

H Barford

ADULT CLASSES TOO!

Saturdays

H Cawston Mondays and Fridays

Book your FREE Trial Lesson

Call Claire on 07774 518949

rh y t h mt ime .ne t / rt 2 2 8 setas£5 ss te io r n*

NEW Family Swim Centre in Leamington

BOOK NOW! *Offer subject to availability. T&C’s apply.

Swim Works, Queensway, Leamington Spa, CV31 3LU www.swimworks.co.uk • hello-leamington@swimworks.co.uk

mel@bilinguasing.com

claire@loveballet.co.uk

07815 149877

www.loveballet.co.uk

www.bilinguasing.com

DANCE WITH DASH

• Quality dance classes in Shipston-on-Stour and Moreton-in-Marsh • From 18 months to adults • Ballet Tap Modern and Jazz • British Ballet Organization (BBO) syllabus • Pre-School Melody Bear class

T: 07970 742256

Age 3 - Adult 01789 731 000

principal@rnsd.co.uk

www.rnsd.co.uk

www.dancewithdash.co.uk

IDTA l Ballet l Tap l Street l Gymnastic Dance l Adult Ballet, Tap & Dance Fit

Celebrating

WE’RE MOVING!

years

Tuesdays & Fridays - Offchurch Village Hall Thursdays - Sydenham Community Hall Saturdays - Whitnash Community Hall, Acre Close

20

Dancing through another exciting year LoveBallet Dance Company has something for everyone, whether you would like to dance for fun, to have the challenge of progressing through exams or to work towards dancing as a professional career. The school teaches children from the age of 18 months to adults and offers all dance genres; Ballet, Tap, Modern, Musical Theatre, Street Dance, Boys Street Dance, Mini Movers, Baby Ballet, Acro-Gymnastics, GCSE Dance, Cheerleading, Mini Mix, Commercial, Contemporary and Adult Classes.

Last year, LoveBallet entered over 400 pupils for examinations, maintained the school’s 100% pass rate, of which they are very proud, and took 60 pupils to London to perform on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in the Round - an amazing experience! The dance company is excited about another successful year ahead and looks forward to more examinations in the spring, followed by ‘Peter Pan’, a charity show which will be performed in July. All pupils are invited to participate in the show which is wonderful experience for them.

LoveBallet offers a free trial class and would love to welcome new pupils. Please contact Lorraine@loveballet.co.uk or call 0721 853773. www.loveballet.co.uk

Warwickshire

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From January 2018

TO BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL!

Please Contact Miss Nikki On: 07958 643005 office@njadance.co.uk

www.njadance.co.uk

AC ACADEMY AFTER SCHOOL CHOIRS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 7 - 16

DO YOU LOVE TO SING? THEN COME AND JOIN...

AC ACADEMY WARWICK

TUESDAYS | 4.45 - 6PM COTEN END PRIMARY SCHOOL

WEEKLY SESSIO NS

£3.50

FIRST SESSION

FREE

07587 700740

www.armonico.org.uk Registered charity no. 1103159

Promote your club or class and reach over 40,000 Warwickshire parents.

Call Claire on 01926 335004 or email editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 7

Education

Here’s some advice from local parents: Anne says, “Make it fun. No pressure, early nights in the week and treats at weekends.

There’s more to life than exams.”

Karen says, “Don’t make it a chore, be light-hearted and don’t let them feel it’s going to dictate the rest of their life or reflect their academic potential.”

Mark says, “We don’t focus on academic achievement, we tell our children to put maximum effort into their studies and to do their best. We value emotional intelligence, above exam results.”

How Parents can Help Children with Exam Pressure

By Claire Winter Children are facing an increasing amount of pressure when it comes to exams, whether it’s SATs, the 11+ or school entrance exams. Here’s how parents can help their children cope with the stress.

Although SATs will eventually be phased out for younger children over the next five years, year 2 and year 6 pupils will still have to sit their SATs this May. Many children also have entrance exams for prep schools, private secondary schools and the 11+ to prepare for too.

Expectations are important

Recent research shows that parents who place a high value on education and have high academic expectations can have a positive impact on children. However, with high expectations there must come a high level of support. Children who don’t get this are more likely to struggle. They also need to learn how to build up resilience. We need to teach them how to cope with the highs and lows of life, and how to handle exams.

Setbacks are not failures

Children are often well aware of what their parents think about failure. If they are taught that mistakes are opportunities to learn, rather than being made to feel bad or a ‘failure,’ they are more likely to develop a growth mindset.

Using the word ‘yet’ is incredibly powerful and encourages the growth mindset. “I am not good at spelling yet.” When your child faces a setback remind them that the more they learn and try, the more their brains will grow. There are some great TED talks about the growth mindset by Carol Dweck on YouTube.

Find the revision techniques that work for your child Does your child remember best by what they see or hear, or do they learn by doing?

Children may find learning easier if they know their learning style. There are lots of online quizzes, which children can do to find out whether they are visual, auditory or

kinaesthetic learners. This may help them work out what revision style works best for them.

Agree on a plan

Talk to your child about the schoolwork they need to do and devise a realistic programme of revision and work that they can realistically achieve. Remember they will need additional support from you, so make sure you can stick to what you have agree.

Avoid distractions

Children can’t multi-task; revising with an iPad, mobile phone, television or XBox means they are not fully concentrating. The average person checks their phone over 80 times a day. If you set them up to study without outside distraction from the get-go, they will hopefully continue to revise this way when they go to secondary school.

Take a break

Make sure your children still have hobbies, see their friends and have a life away from studying, exams and schoolwork.

Educational specialist and children’s author Leysa Henderson, who taught Year 6 pupils for 15 years says, “We need to help children feel good about themselves when doing exams and not feel under pressure. I would recommend lots of creative and fun mental stimulation that isn't necessarily exam/ content focussed.

“In fact, it is important to give them space from content. Helping children to make links in life also encourages independent thinkers.

Laughter is also a fantastic stress reliever, so go out and play silly games with them. I always gave this advice to my pupils, and I always got extremely good results.”

Sleep matters

Children ages 10 and 11 should be getting 9.5 hours of sleep a night, and this doesn’t really change when they become teenagers. Make sure they get adequate sleep by taking digital distractions out of their rooms. Give them an alarm clock, so they don’t use their phone as an alarm.

8 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Clare says, “Support them to relax and switch off when the pressure feels intense. My son regulates by listening to a relaxation CD at bedtime to help switch off his busy brain.”

Bhavna says, “I rewarded my children for actually studying. I never focused on the results when it came to the SATs. However, I was like a woman possessed with my eldest for the 11+. Again, we rewarded her effort before we even got the results. A successful result did make her realise that you get what you put in. I feel that this is a valuable life skill to learn so early in life.”

Gill says, “Be organised, don't spring work on them, agree on a revision plan or work schedule with lots of breaks and treats.

Help them revise - make them know they have a team helping them. A 'we are all in it together' approach, has really helped support my girls.”

Set them up for the future

Remember you are setting up your children with good habits for the future. Sarah Brazenor, a tutor from Connective Learning (www.connective-learning.co.uk) says, “It’s really important as parents to help your child get through these first serious tests in the best possible way. Once they go the secondary school there will be more exams, and some schools are not very good at using motivational language, so learning coping strategies now can set them up for the future.

“Find family mantras that work for you and your children. We have, ‘There’s no such thing as failure, just feedback.’ We have to get things wrong to learn from them. It took the lighting pioneer Edison 1000 tries before he developed the light bulb. Without him continuing to learn by his “failures,” we’d all be sitting in the dark.”

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

Maths Tops Popularity Poll for Children New research has shown that when it comes to children’s favourite subject it’s a numbers game as maths comes out on top.

A survey carried by the extra tuition provider Explore Learning has found that maths was the most enjoyed subject of four to 14 year olds (26%) followed by PE (20%) and art (16%). This was despite the fact that maths is also the subject that children admit to finding the most challenging, followed by English and geography.

More highlights of the survey include: • The next generation may signal the end of the gender divide as seven in ten (69%) of children think boys and girls are equally good at maths • Nearly two thirds (61%) think a job in maths would be exciting • 90% think being good at maths will help you get a better paid job in the future To inspire your aspiring mathematician there are great on how to make maths fun and engage young maths minds at www.murderousmaths.co.uk

KING HENRY VIII PREPARATORY SCHOOL An Independent Day School and Nursery for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-11

FIND YOUR

SPARK #KHVIIISpark

Open Morning Saturday 3 February 9:30am – 12noon

Entrance Assessments for girls aged 7+ Monday 26 February

Bridge Field, Banbury Road, Warwick CV34 6PL admissions@warwickprep.com | 01926 491545

www.warwickprep.com

|

@warwickprep

Warwick Preparatory School is part of the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, together with King’s High School and Warwick School, providing high quality education for boys and girls aged 3-18.

familiesonline.co.uk

• A first class education from 3 to 18 years of age • ISI Inspection 2016: Excellent in EVERY category For entry September 2018 to Years 3-6, the Entrance Exam is

SATURDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2018 King Henry VIII Preparatory School, Kenilworth Road, Coventry CV3 6PT Telephone: 024 7627 1 307 | Email: admissions@khps.co.uk | www.khps.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 9 Prep Families Ad Jan 2017.indd 1 14/11/2017 11:06:50

Education

Independent Schools Contact Details and Open Days Arnold Lodge Leamington Spa (Ages 4-18) T: 01926 778050 E: info@arnoldlodge.com www.arnoldlodge.com The Kingsley School Leamington Spa (Ages 3-18) T: 01926 421368 E: registrar@kingsleyschool.co.uk www.thekingsleyschool.com Bilton Grange Rugby (Ages 4-13) T: 01788 810217 E: admissions@biltongrange.co.uk www.biltongrange.co.uk Sat 3 Mar, 10.30am: Open Morning

New Year Book Reviews

By Justine Crow Most of the books featured are a little on the large size and all are most definitely sublimely illustrated, even the titles for older readers. And why not? It seems to me to be short sighted (excuse the slight pun) to ration the visual representation of storytelling - or indeed science and history - just because a child has learned to read. Imagery on paper has a subjective permanence that we all enjoy and often it is the pictures over text that we recall from our own childhood.

Ages 0-2 Deep in the Forest Seek & Find Adventure

Bablake Junior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1260 E: jhmsec@bablakejs.co.uk www.bablakejuniorschool.co.uk Sat 20 Jan, 10am-12noon: Open Morning

Created by a French duo with backgrounds in televisual animation and decorative art respectively, there are over 50 animals to find in this beautiful bright and feisty big book full of flaps to lift and names to shout out in triumph.

Obviously it's in English but double points if you know what an anteater is in French.

Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery Kenilworth T: 01926 514444 E: post@crackleyhall.co.uk www.crackleyhall.co.uk Tues 16 Jan, 10am-3pm: Open Day The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 293795 E: office@croftschool.co.uk www.croftschool.co.uk Sat 17 Mar, 10am-12noon: Early Years and Pre-Prep Open Morning Henley Montessori Primary and Merrydays Montessori Nursery Henley-in-Arden T: 01564 792427 E: helen.everley@henleymontessori.co.uk www.henleymontessori.co.uk King Henry VIII Prep School Coventry T: 024 7627 1307 E: admissions@khps.co.uk www.khviii.co.uk Tues 6 Feb: Open House

Parrots Don’t Live in the City

By Lucy Reynolds & Jenna Herman Scribbles and Doodles RRP £7.99

There’s a nice townie vibe to this breezy distraction that features a special surprise right at the end. But for now, your toddlers will relish peeking through the trees and spotting the green feathered interlopers that are pretty much ubiquitous to our civic parks. Crikey, you can add your own squawks if you like. If not, you can guarantee the real thing will.

Ages 3-5 The Glassmaker’s Daughter

Stratford Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 297993 E: secretary@stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk Warwick Preparatory School Warwick T: 01926 491545 E: admissions@warwickprep.com www.warwickprep.com Sat 3 Feb, 9.30am-12noon: Open Morning Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Sat 20 Jan, 10am-12noon: Open Morning

SENIOR SCHOOLS Bablake Senior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1200 E: info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk www.bablake.com King Henry VIII Senior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1111 E: admissions@khviii.net www.khviii.co.uk Tues 6 Feb: Open House King’s High Warwick T: 01926 494485 E: enquiries@kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk Princethorpe College Rugby T: 01926 634201 E: admissions@princethorpe.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk

50 Cities of the USA

By Josef Anton & Lucie Bruniellere Abrams RRP £10.99

PREP AND JUNIOR SCHOOLS Bablake Pre Prep Coventry T: 024 7622 1677 E: bablakepreprep@bablakejs.co.uk

Ages 6-8

By Dianne Hofmeyr, illustrated by Jane Ray Frances Lincoln RRP £12.99 This clever picture book depicts the actual history of glassmaking in Venice through the tale of Daniela, an inconsolable craftsman’s daughter who spends her days staring into the dark depths of the canals in existential torment. Eschewing her father’s gift of a glass palace, her smile is finally revealed when a young man discovers the secret of making mirrors. Suddenly, splendidly, the pages explode with splintering glass and the city is rocked with laughter.

Amazing Dinosaurs

By Matt Sewell Anova RRP £12.99

This author-illustrator has a knack for bringing natural history to life especially through his books about birds. Here he aims his deft brush at the pre-historic periods that produced the incredibly diverse gigantic reptiles that roamed our planet a gasquillion years ago, yet still absolutely intrigue today’s digital kids.

Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Tues 27 Mar, 2pm-3.45pm: At Work

10 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

By Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sol Linero Wide Eyed Books RRP £20.00 I found their previous title 50 States of the USA absolutely compelling and this is no less addictive for its fascinating detail presented in artful bite-sizes. Along with the more obvious candidates of New York and San Francisco, we learn that as well as the famous Kentucky Derby, Louisville hosts the oldest Shakespeare festival in America; that Memphis as well as being home to Graceland, is where Justin Timberlake was born.

And that huckleberries are a real thing and they grow in Boise. So there!

The World of Moominvalley

By Tove Jansson Macmillan RRP £35.00 A super-sized price but what value for money this exquisite gift edition is, thanks to the many drawings and facts about the magical bohemia created by Finland’s most famous writer. Once you develop a love for the Moomintrolls, Snufkin, the Snorkmaiden and Little My, it can’t be shaken off.

Ages 9-12 The Gritterman

By Orlando Weeks Penguin RRP £17.99 A softly penned graphic novel from a musician that speaks of stoicism and patience through many winters and questions the definition of loneliness through the eyes of a dignified man who knows his place in the universe. Thanks to him the traffic travels, pedestrians pass and life goes on.

Norse Myths Tales of Odin, Thor & Loki

By Kevin Crossley Holland & Jeffrey Love Walker RRP £18.99

It’s never too soon to point out to the kids that long before Tom Hiddleston stepped into a leather frock and green tights to play Marvel’s movie version of Loki, stories about him and his brother Thor as well as Odin, god of all gods, were captivating listeners as far back as Roman times, and not just from the Viking period. Imagine being a youngster a thousand years ago hearing whirling adventures of sorcery and battles from across the land, passed on by mouth to future generations. How lucky we are now to be able to take images for granted. What a page-turner!

Justine Crow is co-founder of the famous South London bookshop ‘Bookseller Crow on the Hill’ based in Crystal Palace. As well as being a blogger and reviewer, parent of three and qualified swimming teacher, she also co-authored The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury.

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

ISI Inspection 2017

Excellent in every area!

Pupil achievement and academic development

Excellent

Pupil personal development Excellent

Congratulations to Crackley!

Crackley Hall School in Kenilworth has received the highest possible ratings across all criteria from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) following an inspection in October 2017.

Headmaster, Robert Duigan, commented, “We are thrilled with the report which is a real vote of confidence for everything we do at Crackley. I am delighted that the positive impact that a Crackley education has on our children’s lives has been recognised. Being rated as ‘excellent’ in both pupil achievement and personal development shows we are a leading prep school and demonstrates the incredible talent, commitment and professionalism of our staff and the outstanding attitude and approach of our pupils.”

To find out what Crackley Hall could do for your child, come to our Open Day on Tuesday 16 January from 10.00am to 3.00pm

For information call 01926 514410 or visit crackleyhall.co.uk

Crackley Hall School An independent school for 4 -11 year olds

A Princethorpe Foundation School. Registered Charity Number 1087124.

The ISI Inspectors commented that, ‘As pupils leave the school, they are well-prepared for the next stage of their education and ready to take on their future challenges as capable, resilient and confident young people’.

A full copy of the report and more information about Crackley Hall School can be found on the school website. www.crackleyhall.co.uk

How to prepare for an 11 Plus Mock Exam 1. Speak with your child to explain that 11 plus mock exams are designed to allow them to experience examination conditions before their real 11 plus exam.

2. Advise your child to try their best and not to worry. It can sometimes be useful to relate any experiences you have had with mock interviews or mock driving tests etc that have helped to improve your final performance.

3. Discuss the importance of following examination instructions. The ability to listen carefully and follow instructions (both recorded and from invigilators) takes practice for most children.

4. Remind your child that if they make mistakes during their mock exam not to worry. Mock exams are designed to highlight problems so that they can be corrected before the real 11 plus. We recommend a series of mock exams so that children have a chance to overcome their weaknesses.

5. Arrive for your child’s mock exam at least 15 minutes early. This will allow your child to become comfortable in the examination room before their mock exam begins. We also ask that parents leave their child at the registration point, since in the real exam parents are usually not permitted to enter the examination rooms.

You can book 11 plus mock exams in Birmingham and Warwickshire at www.11plusmocks.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 11

New Year

www.micro-scooters.co.uk

Fitness Ideas to Inspire Busy Parents

By Claire Winter If you are sitting around in an adult unicorn onesie, eating crumpets, and musing about the extra pounds you can’t seem to shed, now is the time to take some action. The New Year is a good time to start a health regime or exercise routine. It may be as simply as just giving up cake and walking to work, or it could be taking up boxing or giving weightlifting a go.

If you have a Spare Ten Minutes

Why not scoot to school with the kids? Having an adult scooter is a great way of keeping up with the kids, plus you’ll get home quicker.

Jumping on your scooter not only saves time, scooting can also increase feelings of mental alertness and create better reaction times. Adult scooting is also a great way to build up fitness; it’s low impact and works major muscle groups. You can also burn around 300 kcals per hour. You could even use it on your commute to work!

Further info at www.micro-scooters.co.uk

If you have 20 Minutes

Try a HIIT workout. The bestselling Body Coach Joe Wicks espouses the benefits of short 15 to 20-minute high intensity workouts and low carb eating. High Intensity Interval Training for the uninitiated is a timed set of exercises, which work the whole body. The idea is that you push the body hard doing the exercise for a short amount of time, followed by a short period of rest or transition. You don’t need to sign up to an expensive course to join in; there are plenty of free apps and online tutorials available too.

Further info at www.bodycoach.com

If you have 30 Minutes

Why not channel your inner Rocky and try a high energy boxing routine, the Boxx Method, in the comfort of your home? It’s an online platform, so you can do a workout that fits in with family life.

The signature workout is BoxxHIIT, which is a full body fat burning, muscle toning workout which combines intense shadow boxing with high intensity interval training. All you need is a 1kg pair of dumbbells. Further info at www.theboxxmethod.com

If you have 40 Minutes

Try strength training. Hashtags like #fitisthenewthin are flooding social media platforms like Instagram. Many fitness fans are swapping high intensity workouts and cardio for weightlifting and are enjoying the benefits of strong, lean muscles. Your local gym or a personal trainer should be able to give you a routine, or you could check out your local CrossFit class.

12 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

If you have 60 Minutes

If you love to dance but your clubbing days are well and truly over, why not give Clubbercise a go? You can work out in the dark with disco lights, glow sticks and your favourite club classics. To find your nearest teacher go to www.clubbercise.com. You could also try a swimming HIIT workout. Swimming is a great full body workout and gyms like Virgin Active are offering low-impact, high-intensity water-based classes. These incorporate long distance and sprint swims as well as resistance activities, a great change from just swimming lengths.

Last but not Least

If traditional classes and workouts leave you cold, you could try something simple or fun instead.

Go walking. It’s good for the soul and so is being in nature. If you want to switch it up, try Nordic walking with poles; you burn more calories, and it is very sociable (Further info at www.nordicwalking. co.uk). You could also look on www.meetup.com for local groups that meet for walks.

Relive your childhood and give hula-hooping a go, it’s great for thinning your waist and can be done in the comfort of your own home. You can also attend classes across the UK. More info at www.hulafit.com Do a trampolining class. Trampoline parks have sprung up all across the country. When you book the kids a session, don’t sit on the sidelines watching, make sure you join in too (you can always have coffee and cake afterwards!) Many trampoline parks offer adult exercise classes too. Jumping is brilliant fun, good for your circulation and burns more calories than most standard fitness classes. Visit Jump In Warwick www.gojumpin.com Get skipping! Boxers skip for a reason. It’s a great full body workout and a great form of exercise for endurance training and conditioning. It’s low impact, and you burn more calories than running. It’s also a budget option; you can pick up a decent rope for less than £20!

familiesonline.co.uk

What's on

Days Out – places to go and things to do!

Here are a few ideas for fantastic days out. See the What’s On pages of www.familiesonline.co.uk for more!

British Motor Museum Gaydon A great day out whatever the weather.

Sat 10-Sun 25 Feb, 10am-5pm Star Cars February half term family fun. Join us for two weeks of ‘Star Car’ fun and frolics. Join Parker or Penelope on a family tour and explore our collection of Star Cars. Get creative with ‘Star Car’ crafts and have a go at the ‘Star Car’ family trail. All activities are included in normal Museum admission and are suitable for 3+ years.

T: 01926 641188 www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

Stratford Butterfly Farm Stratford-upon-Avon Sat 17-Sun 25 Feb This February half term, walk amongst some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies and find out all about the Maya, an ancient rainforest civilisation.

In the Discovery Zone see for yourself some of the crops that the ancient Maya farmed in the rainforest and are still being farmed today; maize, sweet potato, pineapple, avocado, and chilli peppers. Take part in daily Mini-Beast handling sessions with one of our friendly team members and hold creatures such as a Giant African Millipede, African Land Snail and a variety of stick insects. The Minibeast Metropolis is teeming with life and is home to an amazing leafcutter ant colony, one of the largest on display in the UK. Watch in fascination as the ants take leaves back to their nest along overhead ropes.

T: 01789 299288 www.butterflyfarm.co.uk Kenilworth Castle A great place to let kids run free and get plenty of fresh air. Explore the ruins and have a great day out.

Mon 19-Fri 23 Feb, 10.30am-3.30pm A Royal Academy Budding courtiers can transform themselves into a courtly Lord or Lady with tips on everything from curtsies to combat.

T: 01926 852078 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ kenilworthcastle Hatton Adventure World Nr Warwick Fantastic day out for all the family.

Indoor and outdoor attractions and entertainment.

Sat 17-Sun 25 Feb Big Top Bonanza The spectacular circus show is returning! Marvel at the amazing acrobats and awesome aerialists.

Applaud the comical clowns and champion jugglers. PLUS all the usual Hatton Favourites with Animal Handling, Funfair Rides (for younger children), Laser Combat (8 years +) and Thrills and Spills for all in Snorty’s Superslide Mania.

T: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com/adventureworld familiesonline.co.uk

Herbert Art Gallery Coventry See website for regular art and activity sessions for pre-schoolers, as well as sensory play days with SEN sessions.

Sat 20 Jan, 10am-4pm Family Celebration Day - Crafts of the Punjab Listen to traditional Punjabi tales, enjoy stunning dance performances and try your hand at calligraphy in a free artist-led workshop. Free, drop in.

Craft activity is £2 per child.

Sat 17-Fri 23 Feb, 10.30am-3.30pm February Half Term: Poptastic Art Get colourful and creative as we delve into the world of Pop Art, with a different activity each day. £2.50 (under 2s are free). Suitable for age 3+, but all are welcome.

Thurs 1 Mar, 10.30am, 11.30am & 1pm World Book Day: Dear Zoo Storytelling £1 per child. Drop in.

Suitable for ages 0-4.

T: 024 7623 7521 www.theherbert.org Coventry Transport Museum Coventry This huge museum offers a whole FREE day out of fun and discovery for visitors of all ages.

Sat 13 & 27 Jan, 10 & 24 Feb Dad’s day out workshops A series of workshops giving dads (and granddads) of all ages an opportunity to spend quality time with their children, exploring the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). £5 per family (1 adult and up to 2 children age 3+, additional child at £2.50) per session.

T: 024 7623 4270 www.transport-museum.com Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Discover where William Shakespeare was educated and inspired to become the world’s greatest playwright.

Explore the very building where he learnt to read, write and first enjoyed professional theatre. Lots of fun for the family including dressing up Tudorstyle, Tudor games, Medieval wall paintings and brush up your Latin with our Tudor School Master!

T: 01789 203170 www.shakespearesschoolroom.org All Things Wild Honeybourne A fabulous all-weather, year round family attraction. Lots to see and do indoors and outdoors. Get up close to some amazing animals. Step Through Time Dinosaur Experience where you come face to face with the creatures of the past and learn all about them. Play areas, dino land train, go karts, soft play and much more!

T: 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk Compton Verney Nr Warwick A great day out for all the family whatever the weather. Lots of activities and special events to enjoy all year round. Woodland adventure playground, explore the galleries with an ‘art explorer’ backpack or take part in a range of craft activities during the school holidays.

T: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk

Action-packed childcare this

Ofsted registered EY476056

February Half Term North Leamington School Leamington Spa CV32 6RD

19th - 23rd February Open from 8am - 6pm

Lots of activities and sports to choose from

Fantastic early bird offer

£15 per day

We accept childcare vouchers

Offer ends 5pm Friday 2nd February 2018 8am-4pm. Xtra time available if required.

Terms and conditions apply

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 01926 298 178

COMPETITIONS Win an Annual Family Pass to Hatton Adventure World Hatton Adventure World is a fantastic day out for all the family. Indoor and outdoor attractions, entertainment all year round, and animals from farmyard favourites to scales and tails!

An annual pass is worth £321 and includes up to 5 people.

Benefits include unlimited entry into Hatton all year round, several exclusive member events, 3 newsletters a year, discounted entry to Enchanted Christmas Kingdom and exclusive member offers and discounts throughout the year.

Simply email your name, phone number and address to editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk and write ‘Hatton in the subject. DEADLINE Friday 16 February (Competition Terms & Conditions will be issued on receipt of entry)

Win a Family Ticket to A Tiger’s Tale A Tiger’s Tale runs at Warwick Arts Centre from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 February. Based on the extraordinary story of Fenella, the Holmfirth Tiger, A Tiger’s Tale is a high spirited balancing act of circus, puppetry, live music and song.

For your chance to win a family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) simply email your name, phone number and address to editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk and write ‘Tiger’ in the subject. DEADLINE Wednesday 14 February (Competition Terms & Conditions will be issued on receipt of entry)

continued overleaf...

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 13

What's on continued from overleaf...

Theatre Warwick Arts Centre

Coventry Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk Hush-a-Bye Weds 7-Sun 11 Feb An interactive, multi-sensory production for the very young, with live music, puppets and an enchanting environment. There are two versions: one for babies and toddlers aged 6 months to 2 years and one for young children aged 3 to 5 years.

Don’t Dribble on the Dragon Sun 11 Feb This spectacular musical adventure about growing up and the importance of family is the perfect feel good show for big hearted adults and loving little ones alike. For ages 2+.

Jay Foreman's Disgusting Songs For Revolting Children Sat 17 Feb Enjoy a devilishly cheeky hour of songs, poems and comedy for children of all ages in this family friendly show. For ages 6+.

The Gingerbread Man Tues 20-Thurs 22 Feb Hiccup Theatre cook up a brand new version of this classic tale adding delicious original live music, tasty storytelling and dollops of fun. For ages 3+.

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Awful Auntie – Live on Stage Tues 20-Sat 24 Feb The world premiere of David Walliams’ amazing tale of frights, fights and friendship, featuring a very large owl, a very small ghost and a very awful Auntie!

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon Box Office: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk

A Christmas Carol Until Sun 4 Feb A brand new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic - one of the most loved short stories ever written.

In one ghostly Christmas night, cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge learns to pity himself and to love his neighbour – but is that enough? A festive tale of redemption and compassion. For ages 7+.

Royal Spa Centre

Leamington Spa Box Office: 01926 334418 www.royalspacentreandtownhall. co.uk

A Tiger’s Tale Fri 23-Sun 25 Feb Based on the extraordinary story of Fenella, the Holmfirth Tiger, A Tiger’s Tale is a high spirited balancing act of circus, puppetry, live music and song. For ages 4+.

The Doodle Dance Show Fri 23-Sun 25 Feb A playful, interactive show that will get the whole family doodling, moving and imagining together. For ages 3+.

Pub Quiz for Kids with Patrick Monahan Sun 17 Mar This brand new family fun quiz is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Fronted by the quiz master who makes everyone from toddlers to grannies helpless with laughter. For ages 5+.

The Blue Electric Wind Sat 17 Mar Performed by Warwick Arts Centre Connections Company senior youth theatre group, this is a play about why we remember what we do; it’s about bravery and about growing up.

Stan and Mabel and the Race for Space Sun 11 Feb Stan & Mabel are joined by a whole carnival of animals as they escape from the School for Wild and Dangerous Animals in search of a safe place to call their home. Family concert ideal for ages 3 to 8.

Milkshake! Live: The Magic Story Book Sat 17 Feb Starring Milkshake! Favourites and set amongst Milkshake's magical bookcase, this brand new live show is sure to amaze and delight! The Milkshake! cast will be singing songs and sharing stories that audience members, young and old, will know and love.

Stratford ArtsHouse

Stratford-upon-Avon Box Office: 01789 207100 www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk Hoot Owl Weds 21 Feb Original songs, colourful puppets, animation, hilarity, ridiculousness and rapid costume changes abound in this wildly inventive show.

For ages 4+.

14 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve Coventry Brandon Marsh runs regular Nature Tots sessions for pre-school children, Wildlife Watch after school clubs, plus activity sessions during school holidays, including crafts, den building and pond dipping. Learn about different animals and have lots of fun!

T: 024 7630 2912 www.warwickshirewildlifetrust. org.uk

Redwings Horse Sanctuary Oxhill Open every Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon, 10am to 4pm Home to almost 90 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Café and gift shop, plus the opportunity to adopt a horse. Entry and parking are free and dogs on leads are welcome.

T: 0870 040 0033 www.redwings.org.uk/visiting Shakespeare Houses In and near Stratford-upon-Avon Visit Shakespeare’s Family Homes in and around Stratford-upon-Avon.

There are children’s activities to help bring their visit to life and special events throughout the year.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage Shottery Fri 16-Mon 26 Feb, 12pm-4pm 1540s: Hathaway Times Discover the gruesome facts, rebellions and intrigue of Tudor England in the ‘Hathaway Times’. A newspaper trail sheet that leads you through the cottage.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon Fri 16-Mon 26 Feb, 12pm-4pm Leather Working Week Discover the world of William’s father, John Shakespeare. Step into the workshop and have a go at stretching and working leather.

Learn about life in Stratford over 450 years ago.

Shakespeare’s New Place Stratford-upon-Avon Fri 16-Mon 26 Feb, 12pm-4pm Magical Shadow Puppet Theatre Discover the magical story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Play in the shadow puppet theatre and bring to life characters from Shakespeare’s spellbinding play.

Halls’ Croft Stratford-upon-Avon Sat 24 Feb, 12pm-4pm Winter Sniffles Join the Live’n History team for a lesson on Tudor medicine. Discover what ingredients the Tudors believed would cure their colds.

T: 01789 204016 www.shakespeare.org.uk Royal Shakespeare Company Stratford-upon-Avon FREE drop-in activities all year round including Dressing Up Box, Play Cart, Adventure Bags plus special events and workshops during school holidays.

T: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk/families Swan Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon The Play’s the Thing Family-friendly exhibition for families and children aged 7+. Take a magical journey through 100 years of theatre-making in Stratfordupon-Avon. Immersive, hands on and engaging. www.rsc.org.uk/theplaysthething

The MAD Museum Stratford-upon-Avon Housing an impressive collection of eccentric and ingenious creations.

Interact with eccentric artworks, contraptions and machines, build marble runs on the giant MAD Marbles wall. A fun place to visit for all the family. Free family activity sheets.

T: 01789 269356 www.themadmuseum.co.uk Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum Fri 19 Jan-Sun 15 Apr Lights of Leamington In the 1950s a festival called The Lights of Leamington drew 300,000 visitors to the town. Thousands of coloured electric lights turned Jephson Gardens into a wonderland until the last event took place in October 1961. Lights used during the historic festival will be on display alongside light emitting objects linked to Leamington’s history, such as lights used in medical spa treatments, and paintings and photographs depicting or utilising light.

T: 01926 74200 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ royalpumprooms The National Trust Rain or shine there's always something to discover, plenty of space to run around and an outdoor adventure to be had at our local National Trust properties.

Baddesley Clinton Baddesley Clinton Try out Baddesley’s natural play trail with stepping stones, rope swings and a winding labyrinth. Follow the animal sculptures, made by local carver Graham Jones, over to the woodland for an animal adventure.

Packwood House Lapworth Pull on those wellies, wrap up warm and have an outdoor adventure. Run wild in the woodland, get stuck in and hands on with activities such as den building and tree trunk hopping.

Charlecote Park Nr Warwick Charlecote's a great place to start your outdoor adventure with 50 Things To Do Before You're 11¾! www.nationaltrust.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

What's on?

Foundry Wood Leamington Spa An urban community woodland in the heart of Leamington Spa and Warwick, offering visitors a unique and enjoyable experience and the opportunity to learn about woodland habitats, wildlife conservation, traditional woodland crafts, and broader environmental issues.

Regular Forest School sessions, storytelling, creative workshops and lots of special events. www.foundrywood.co.uk Ryton Pools Country Park Bubbenhall Over 100 acres to explore. The park has miles of flat, surfaced footpaths, picnic areas, lakes, two exciting adventure play areas, a visitor/ education centre and a café. The park is dog friendly and during school holidays, there is a whole programme of events and hands on activities.

Every Wednesday, in holidays and term time, 10am-11.30am Toddler Trundle A weekly event for the tiniest of tiddlers! £2.50 per toddler.

T: 024 7630 5592 http://countryparks.warwickshire. gov.uk Glasshouse in Jephson Gardens Leamington Spa Tues 20 Feb, 10am-12.30pm Jephson’s Jungle Club Make a bird feeder for your garden and create your own garden bird.

Turn up at any time, the activity takes around 15 minutes. FREE. E: laura.smith@warwickdc.gov.uk T: 01926 456754

& Nature Inspired Gift Shop

The UK’s Largest Tropical Butterfly Paradise!

Open all Year Butterflies • Birds • Iguanas Leafcutter Ants • The Ancient Maya and so much more….

Please check website for the latest news, events & last entry times All displays fully accessible Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS

Tel. 01789 299288

enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

Warwick Castle Warwick Enjoy a fun-packed, full day out at Warwick Castle. Lots to explore inside and out. Enter the Horrible Histories Maze and get lost in time! www.warwick-castle.com Hill Close Gardens Warwick A lovely place to visit. Children’s trail available. Explore the gardens and find the answers to all the questions.

T: 01926 493339 www.hillclosegardens.com

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ Open daily from 10am. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day!

Pancake Ideas for 13th February Putting the religious significance of Shrove Tuesday to one side for a moment, if we may, for frazzled parents managing busy families, it seems a bit of a shame that Pancake Day is mid-week. Standing at the stove and carefully creating crepes is the kind of catering best left to weekend mornings.

Fitting in the obligatory pancake fix around school runs, work, clubs and classes, homework and other meals can feel a bit flippin’ much on this February feast. So, here are a few of ideas to make the whole thing a bit easier.

Scotch pancakes

Tray-baked pancakes

The good thing about these are that you can do several in the pan at once, and place them on a warm plate in a big batch so that you can all sit down to eat them together. They can even be made ahead and toasted or microwaved to re-heat.

Here’s a novel idea. Make pancake mixture, then pour it into a large baking tray with some fruit sprinkled on top and cook in the oven.

Simple. Here’s the recipe:

Combine 120g of self-raising flour, a pinch of salt, 30g of caster sugar, one egg and 140ml of milk. Rub a large flat frying pan with olive oil using a paper towel, put it on a high heat until you can see the oil just starting to smoke a bit then turn it right down.

Now fill a tablespoon or small serving spoon with the mixture and drop it onto the pan.

When a few bubbles start to appear, flip it over.

It will only need a few seconds on the other side, then voila - it's done. Makes 12.

Buy them!

There are great Scotch and even traditional pancakes on offer in supermarkets now, which just take a quick heat on each side in a pan to prepare. Much less washing up and faffing, and so long as there’s something to put their favourite toppings on, the kids will be happy.

familiesonline.co.uk

Ingredients: 4 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 ½ cups milk 3 eggs 1 tablespoon melted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Blueberries or sliced fruit for topping Step 1: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar in a bowl Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract Step 3: Combine the two bowls Step 4: Spread the batter onto a 13x18-inch sheet tray lined with baking paper Step 5: Sprinkle the batter with lines of berries, chocolate chips, or other fruit (we used sliced strawberries and bananas) then place in the oven at 220oC. Cook for 10-14 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: When the sheet tray pancakes are fully cooked, remove from the oven and let cool for about five minutes. Slice the pancakes into squares, and serve with lots of lemon juice, sugar, honey, maple syrup, jam, chocolate spread or anything else you fancy.

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 15

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Star Car Family Fun

Big Top Circus Show Returning to Hatton

10 – 25 February Explore our famous cars from TV & film Star Cars Trail Parker & Penelope Tours Star Cars Crafts Lego Bricks for the under 5’s See website for more details

BUY 1 DAY GET 12 MONTHS FREE* * terms and conditions apply

£39 FAMILY

TICKET

17th to 25th February 2018

www.hattonworld.com

19191A 12/17

Book your circus show times online NOW

BOOK ONLINE

britishmotormuseum.co.uk J12 M40 . Gaydon . Warwickshire . CV35 0BJ

FamilY Hush-A-Bye

spring 2018

Don’t Dribble On The Dragon

Wed 7 - Sun 11 Feb Age 6mths - 5yrs

Sun 11 Feb Age 2+

Jay Foreman’s Disgusting Songs for Revolting Children

The Gingerbread Man Tue 20 - Thu 22 Feb Age 3+

Sat 17 Feb Age 6+

A Tiger’s Tale

The Doodle Dance Show

Fri 23 - Sun 25 Feb Age 4+

Fri 23 - Sun 25 Feb Age 3+

Warwick Arts Centre @warwickarts warwickarts

Box Office 024 7652 4524 warwickartscentre.co.uk

Warwick Arts Centre, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL

16 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Warwick Arts Centre – the region’s biggest arts and entertainment venue with restaurant, bars, café, gallery and FREE parking after 6pm

familiesonline.co.uk