2–5APR
30–31MAY
18–21JUN
23–26APR
5–7JUN 24–26JUL
HelloSpring!
AtlastWinterisnearlydone!Marchcan stillbecoldanddrearybutatleastfiner weatherisjustaroundthecorner...it’s timetodustoffthecobwebsandgetthe familyoutside!Wehavetheperfect incentiveinthisissuewitheightfamily projectsthatwillreconnectyourfamily withnature,eitherinyourgardenor nearby.
MeanwhileEasteriscoming!Makesureyougetyourcalendarand checkoutourWhat’sOnGuidefortheEasterholidays.Asalways, therearesomefabulouseventsandactivitiesforfamilies happeninglocallythroughoutCoventry&WarwickshireinMarch &April.
MeettheHeadisback!ThisissueweinterviewDanBrewer,Head ofSchoolatStratfordPreparatorySchool.Findouthisadviceon choosingtherightschoolforyourchildandhisveryunusualskill… itwillhaveyousniffingtheair!
WefocusonEarlyYearsthisissuewithgreatarticlesonspeech andlanguagedevelopmentandwhichtoddlerclassisrightfor yourchild.Plus,doyouknowhowtoimproveyourchild’s metacognition?FindoutfromaNeurocognativeTherapist. Don’tmissourfamily-friendlyairfryerrecipesforparentswith hecticfamilyschedules.Cookonce,eattwiceisagamechanger! Finally,inthisissue,wehaveKentandStoweGardeningToolSets togiveaway!Applyinside.Bydoingso,you’llalsoensureyou receiveadigitalversionofthemagazinetosharewithfriendsand familyPLUSmoregiveawaysandusefulinformationinourFREE newsletter.
Enjoythemagazine!
Outdoorfunandle
Springistheperfectseasontoembracethewondersofnaturewithyourchildren.Thebuddingtrees andconnectwithwildlife.Whetheryouhaveasprawlinggarden,asmallbalconyorjustawindowbo outdoorfunwithyourfamilythisspring.Eachprojectoffers
Buildabughotel
Bughotelsarefantasticforbiodiversityandprovidingshelterfor insects,includingbeetles,ladybirdsandsolitarybees.They’realso abrillianthands-onprojectforchildren.Startbygatheringnatural materialsliketwigs,pinecones,bark,bamboocanesanddryleaves. Useanoldwoodenboxorstackpalletstocreatethestructure, fillingthecompartmentswiththesematerials.Youcanalsorecycle everydayitemslikebrickswithholes,cardboardtubesorbroken terracottapots.
Tomakeyourbughotelevenmoreappealingtosolitarybees,create a‘beehotel’sectionbybundlingtogetherhollowbamboocanesor drillingholesofvaryingsizesintowoodenblocks.Thisprovidesideal nestingspotsfortheseimportantpollinators.Positionthissectionin asunny,shelteredspot,assolitarybeespreferwarmthanddryness.
Encouragekidstomonitortheircreationregularly. Buglife (www.buglife.org)hasafantasticbugdirectorytohelpyouidentify yourtinynewvisitorsandfindoutmoreaboutthem.Remind childrentovisitthehotelatdifferenttimesofthedayandobserve whichinsectspreferwhichareasofthehotel.
DomHiggins,HeadofHealthandEducationat TheWildlifeTrusts (www.wildlifetrusts.org)saysencouragingchildren’snaturalcuriosity caninstilalifelongloveofnaturethatbringsphysicalbenefits.He alsobelievesthatgettinghands-oncanhelppreventordispelfears aboutcreepie-crawlies. ‘Childrenhaveafascinationwithinsectsand creepie-crawlies.Isn’titoftentheadultswhoaresqueamish,rather thanthechildren?’
Needmoreideasforbughotels? Famly (www.famly.co)hasan excellentguidetocreatingdifferentkindsofbughotelsfromareally simpleten-minuteprojecttothemega-complex.
Hedgehogsarenocturnalwonderswithacrucialrolein maintaininggardenhealthbyeatingpestslikeslugsandsnails. Towelcomeourpricklyfriends,leaveasmallgapinyourgarden fenceforthemtopassthrough.Avoidusingslugpelletsasthey canharmhedgehogs.
Youcanalsomakeorpurchaseahedgehoghouse.Positionitin aquiet,shadedareaandfillitwithdryleavesorhay.Providing freshwaterandfoodsuchasmeat-basedcatordogfood(not milkorbread)canencourageregularvisits.Involveyourchildren insettingupandcheckingthehedgehoghouseandteach themtoobservefromadistancetoavoiddisturbingtheseshy creatures.
Transformyourgardenorlocalparkintoatreasuretroveof discoverybyorganisingaminibeasthunt.Equipchildrenwith magnifyingglasses,notebooksandachecklistofinsectstofind, suchasants,worms,spidersandcentipedes.Lookunderlogs, leavesandstonesforhiddencreatures,takingcaretoreturn everythingtoitsoriginalposition.
Thisactivityteacheskidsaboutthediversityoflifeandthe importanceofeventhesmallestcreaturesintheecosystem. Encouragethemtosketchtheirdiscoveriesorwritedownfunfacts abouteachspecies.
likethyme,mintandoreganoarealsoexcellentchoicesfor windowboxesorsmallspaces.
Childrencanhelpplantandcarefortheseflowers,learningabout thelifecyclesofpollinatorsintheprocess.Abutterfly-friendly gardencanalsoincludeflatstoneswherebutterfliescanbaskinthe sunandshallowwaterdishesfordrinking.
earningthisspring
andsingingbirdsarenotjustsignsoflifeandnewbeginningsbutalsoopportunitiestoexplore,learn ox,thereareplentyofwaystocreateathrivingminiecosystem.EllieMaltshareseightideastoinspire amixofhands-oncreativity,learningandthejoyofdiscovery.
Springisnestingseason,makingittheperfecttimetoinstallabird box.Insteadofusingtraditionalwoodendesigns,tryupcycling somethingfromaroundyourhometocreateauniquenesting spot.Anoldteapot,forexample,canbesecurelymountedwiththe spoutangleddownwardtokeepitdry.Anunusedwoodendrawer orevenasturdycardboardboxcoatedinweatherproofpaintcan alsoworkwell.Getcreative,letyourchildrendecoratethebirdbox withnon-toxicpaintstomakeittrulyone-of-a-kind.
Positiontheboxatleasttwometresabovethegroundina shelteredspot,awayfromdirectsunlightandpredators.Monitorit discreetly:watchingbirdsnestandraisetheirchicksisamagical experienceforthewholefamily.
Todeepenyourconnectionwiththewildlife,considersettingup asmallcameranearthebirdboxtoobservetheactivityinside withoutdisturbingthebirds.Alternatively,createasimplebirdhide usingbranches,camouflagenettingoranoldblankettowatch birdsfromadistance.Thiscanturnyourgardenintoaminiwildlife observationstation,sparkingcuriosityandteachingpatience.
Compostingisanawesomewaytoteachchildrenaboutthe naturalcycleofdecomposition.Asimplecompostheaporbincan provideahabitatforworms,woodliceandotherdecomposers whileproducingnutrient-richsoilforyourgarden.
Getchildreninvolvedbylettingthemaddfruitandvegetable scraps,eggshellsandgardenclippingstothecompost.Addtorn upplaincardboardtoprovidecarbonandrecyclehousehold packaging.Explainhowthematerialsbreakdownovertimeand whycompostingisessentialforreducingwaste.
Checkingthecompostheapregularlycanrevealfascinating insectactivityandfosteradeeperunderstandingofnature.
Evenifyoudon’thaveagarden,youcanstillattractwildlifetoyour homewithawell-plantedwindowboxorbalcony.
Chooseamixoffloweringplantsforpollinatorsandleafygreens forshelteringinsects.Childrencandecoratepotsandhelpwith planting,fosteringtheircreativityandnurturingskills.
Addasmalldishofwaterwithstonesforinsectstodrinkfromand hangtinyfeedersorseedballstoattractbirds.
Observingwildlifeatcloserangefromyourwindowcanbejustas rewardingasagardensafari. Explorethemagicof
Birdwatchingisarelaxingandeducationalactivitythatcanbe enjoyedyear-roundbutspringisparticularlyvibrantasmanybirds preparefornesting.
Setupbirdfeederswithamixofseeds,peanutsandsuetballsto attractavarietyofspecies.Youcanalsomakesimplefeedersusing pinecones,peanutbutterandbirdseedorstringappleslicesand raisinsontogardentwine.Consideraddingabirdbathfordrinking andbathing.
Encourageyourchildrentokeepabirdjournal,notingthespecies theyspotandtheirbehaviour. TheRoyalSocietyfortheProtection ofBirds (www.rspb.org.uk)canhelpwithidentificationandprovide tipsforbird-friendlygardening. Warblr (www.warblr.co.uk)isan iPhoneandAndroidappthatautomaticallyrecognisesBritishbirds bytheirsong.
Buildabirdboxandbirdhide
Startacompostheap
MeettheHeadofStratford PreparatorySchool
ThisissuewetalktoMrDanBrewer,Headof SchoolatStratfordPreparatorySchool,aleading, co-educational,independentdayschoolin Stratford-upon-Avon,forpupilsaged2-11.
Howwouldyourpupilsdescribeyou?
I’dliketothinktheywoulddescribemeasapproachableandfair.Ifthe childreninschoolfeeltheycanspeaktomeaboutanything,thenthey feelsecure.Iftheyfeelsecure,thentheyshouldbehappy.Happy childrenallowaschooltothrive.Ihopethattheywouldalsoseemeas alwaystryingtoliveuptoourschoolvaluesofkindness,honestyand hardwork.
Whatinspiredyoutobecomeateacherandlater,ahead teacher?
It’sdifficulttoanswerthisquestionasIthinktherewereseveral factors.AlthoughteachinghadbeenaconsiderationwhenIleft university,Idecidedtopursueacareerinpharmaceuticalsales.While Ithoroughlyenjoyedmytimeinindustry,Ialwayshadteachinginthe backofmymind.In2008Imadethedecisiontoleavesales,domy PGCEandsincethenI’veneverlookedback.WhenItoldfamilyand friendsaboutmydecision,allofthemtoldmethatitwasabsolutelythe rightdecision.I’vebeenluckyenoughtoworkwithsomegreatschool leadersovertheyearsandthosepeoplearetheoneswhogavemethe drivetodowhatI’mdoingtoday.
HowwouldyoudescribetheethosofStratfordPreparatory School?
Ourethosistodevelopthe‘happinessandconfidence’and‘skillsand knowledge’ofeachpupilsotheycanbesuccessfulintheiraspirations. Alongsidethis,ourcorevaluesofhardwork,honestyandkindnessare centraltoourschoolculture.Collectively,thiscreatesahappy, nurturingenvironmentthatfocusesonhelpingeachchildachievetheir verybest,irrespectiveoftheirstartingpoints.
WhatdoesbeingaHeadmeantoyou?
Forme,beingaHeadmeansgivingeveryoneassociatedwiththe schoolsomethingtobeproudof.IfIcanbepartofaschoolthathas childrenandstaffinitthatthatareworkingtogethertoachieve somethingworthwhileandmeaningfuleverydaythenIcanfeelthat I’mdoingagoodjob.
Whatarethequalitiesofagreatteacher?
I’vemetandworkedwithlotsofgreatteachersandmanyofthemhad verydifferentstylesofteachingandapproaches.However,thequality thatremainsconsistentacrosstheboardisaltruism.Knowingthatyour wordsandactionsshapeandinfluenceachild’sdevelopmentisone thing.Caringenoughtodothateverydaytodrivethechildreninyour schooltosucceedinwhatevertheywishtopursueisarealprivilege andiswhatmakesagreatteacher.
Whathave youbeen mostproud ofsincebeingHeadof StratfordPreparatorySchool?
I’vebeenHeadofStratfordPrepSchoolsinceSeptember2024.Priorto thatIworkedatoursisterschool,ArnoldLodgeinLeamingtonSpa and,beforethat,AlcesterGrammarSchool.I’mproudofbeingableto leadathrivingschoolwhichhassuchanamazingcommunitythat engageswithourschool’sethossofully.OurrecentInspectionReport fromDecember2024(availableatwww.stratfordprep.co.ukl)highlights everythingthatisgreataboutStratfordPrepandisindicativeofthe incredibleatmospherewehave.
Ifyouweren’tHeadofStratfordPreparatorySchool,what wouldyoube?
Havingstartedmycareerpathwayinthepharmaceuticalindustry,I’d likelystillbethere.Or,maybeapilot. Whatisyourmostuselessskill?
Iknowwhenit’sgoingtosnowbythewaytheairsmells. Whatisyourreal-lifesuperpower?
Managingabusyworklifewitheverythingmy12and13yearold childrendoduringtheweekandatweekends. NetflixorKindle?
Netflixmoreduringtermtime,Kindlemoreduringtheholidays. PremierLeagueorMusicFestival?
Musicfestival(butwithglamping!)
TimeMachineorMagicWand? MagicWand.
Whatadvicewouldyougivetoparentschoosingaschool? Ihavealwayschosenaschoolformyownchildrenbasedonhow muchtheschoolandmyfamilyvaluesaligned.Mysonanddaughter arequitedifferentintheirapproachtomostthingsinlife(despiteme andmywifeseeminglyraisingtheminthesameway!),andtheschool wechoseforthemmakesthemhappyanddrivesthembothtobe successfulintheirownways.Myadvicetootherswouldbetofollowa similarapproach.Ifyougetagoodinstinctfeelingaboutaschool whenyouvisit,youcan’tgofarwrong.
H
FunforallthefamilythisSpring
AguidetoWhat’sOninCoventryandWarwickshire
EasterHolidays
BrandonMarshNatureReserve
Coventry
Joininwithsomeoutdoorfunthis Easter!There’slotsofadventuresto behadhereovertheholidaysfrom ArtintheOutdoors&MagicalForest (14Apr),toBugHunting&Pond Dipping (16Apr) andOutdoor Survival (23Apr).Fulldetailsonline. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
BoomBattleBar Coventry
SchoolHolidayFamilyPackage Getthefamilytogetherandgame on!Pick3gamesofyourchoice(30 minpersession)£30familyof4. CrazyGolf,Shuffleboard,American Pool,KaraokeorDarts.Bookonline. www.boombattlebar.com/uk/coventry
DraycoteWater
Rugby
12-27Apr
TheEasterBunnyhasleftatrailof eggsaroundtheCountryParkat DraycoteWater.Followtherouteto findtheeggsandanswerthe questions.Oncecompletedreturnto theVisitorHubtoreceiveyourprize! Don’tmisstheAliceinWonderland AfternoonTeaon16&23Apr.Fancy dressencouraged!. www.stwater.co.uk/our-visitor-sites
HattonAdventureWorld
NrWarwick
SpringSpectacular! 12-27Apr
Springtimefunandfrolicsatthe farmthisEaster.TheSpringArrivals Marqueewillbepackedwithbaby animalsandifyouwaitpatiently,you mightevenwitnessabirth!Come rainorshinethere’splentytodowith indoorandoutdoorattractionsand entertainmentforallthefamily. adventure.hattonworld.com
ComptonVerney NrWarwick
Stunningparklandandlake,and woodlandadventureplayground. Award-winningartgallery. Restaurantandgiftshop.Brick Builderseventonuntil 27Apr. Closed MondaysexceptBankHolidays. www.comptonverney.org.uk
CoombeAbbeyCountryPark
Coventry
With500acresofbeautifulgardens, woodland,lakesidewalks,andbird hides,there’splentytoexplore.With greatoutdoorplayareas,acaféand avarietyofactivitiesfrompotteryto ponddipping,plusregulareventsin theparkandattheHotel,it’sagreat placeforafamilytrip,ascenicstroll orabikeride. www.coombeabbey.com
KenilworthCastle Kenilworth EasterAdventureQuest 5–27Apr
Getreadyforacrackingadventure questatKenilworthCastlethis Easterholiday.Huntforcluesinthe castlegrounds,trackdownthe Eastereggsandgetrewardedwitha tastychocolatetreat.£2perchildon topofentry.Bookonlineandsave 15%.
TheBigBrickBuild 12-21Apr10:30–16:00
Getcreativewiththemasterbuilders andhelpbringhistorytolifewith LEGO®bricks.Entryisfirstcome, firstservedandeachbuild experiencelasts15minutes.How manywillyoucomplete? www.english-heritage.org.uk
RugbyArtGallery&Museum
RugbyTownCentre SculptingtheMuseum! 12-26Apr
Craftyourownmasterpieceand celebrateallthingssculptingthis Easter.Low-cost,accessible workshopsandartadventures, perfectforchildrenupto12years. PlusFREEthemedscavengerhunt everyschoolholiday. www.ragm.co.uk
OutdoorFun
CountryParks
Warwickshire
Warwickshirecountryparksoffera diverseportfolioofgreenspaces withfivecountryparksandthree greenwayscoveringover1,200acres forfamiliestoenjoy.Enjoyaspring walk,abikerideormakeadayofit withfamilyandfriends. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk
FoundryWood LeamingtonSpa
Anurbancommunitywoodlandin theheartofLeamingtonSpaand Warwick.Learnaboutwoodland habitats,wildlifeconservation, traditionalwoodlandcrafts,and more.Regulareventsforfamiliesand wellbeingeventsforadults throughouttheyear.Seewebsitefor detailsandbooking. www.foundrywood.co.uk
RoyalShakespeareCompany Stratford-upon-Avon DiscoverShakespeareTrail 11Apr-18Jul
ExploreaNEWplayfultrailaround theRSCbuildingstodiscover Shakespearethroughitemson displayfromshows,funfactsand games.VisitTheWelcomeSpacein thePACCARRoomonLevel2,to imagineandplaywithshapesand worldsinspiredbyShakespeareand thetheatre.Suitableforthewhole family! www.rsc.org.uk/events/shakespe ares-birthday-celebrations
StratfordButterflyFarm Stratford-upon-Avon 12–27Apr
ThisEasterthewholefamilycan enjoytherelaxingpleasureof walkingamongstsomeofthe world’smoststunningandcolourful butterfliesinatropicalrainforest setting,completewithfish-filled pools,splashingwaterfallsand beautifulblooms.MeettheMiniBeasthandling,ButterflyLife-cycle, PupaeandBeetledemonstrations helddailyintheDiscoveryZoneat 11:00throughouttheEasterHolidays (exceptGoodFriday,EasterSunday andEasterMonday). www.butterflyfarm.co.uk TulleysTulipGarden Hatton,Warwick Opens5Apr
NEWfor2025!Celebratespringin theWarwickshirecountrysideand seeover100differentvarietiesof tulips.Theperfectbackdropforyour familyphotosorapeacefulescape intonature.DutchStreetFood,Tulip CoffeeHouseandLiveRoaming Musiciansonsite.Bookonline. https://tulipgarden.co.uk
TwycrossZoo
Atherstone
AnimalHabitatOpening! 1Apr
Comefacetofacewithanexciting newhabitat,whichwillbecomethe homeforovertenawe-inspiring species,includingsomeofthe world’smostendangeredreptiles andinsects.Therewillalsobethe opportunitytogetcloser-than-ever tosomeofthezoo’scold-blooded creatures,includinganimpressive 3mlongboaconstrictor. www.twycrosszoo.org
HeartofEnglandForest
Warwickshire
Anadventureintheforestawaits yourfamilythisSpring!GuidedWalk 6Apr10:00–12:30. BluebellOpen Day 24-26Apr10:00–15:00. Wild TribeHolidayClubTuesdays& Thursdays.Bookonline. www.heartofenglandforest.org
NationalTrust Warwickshire
Getoutdoorswiththefamilyand explorethisSpringatourlocal NationalTrustproperties:Baddesley Clinton;CoughtonCourt;Packwood House;CharlecotePark;UponHouse andGardensandFarnboroughHall. Seeindividualwebsitesfordetailsof Easteractivitiesateachvenue. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Get Active
AirHopTrampolinePark Warwick
Theultimateplayexperienceforall ages!OpenJump,UnlimitedAfter SchoolJumps,Toddler&Family Takeover,SENSessionsandNEW Classic90Party.Bookthebounciest partiesintown.Save20%on weekdayparties. www.airhop.co.uk
GoApe Coventry
Thebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandmini-LandRoversat CoombeAbbeyforthrill-seeking adultsandfun-seekingchildren. www.goape.co.uk
JuniorParkrun Stratford-upon-Avon, Leamington,Rugby,Coventry AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold)Every Sundayat9:00.Childrenmustbeable tocompletethecoursewithoutan adult. www.parkrun.com
MrKarting Warwick
Junior&FamilyArriveandDrive KartingplusChildren’sKartingparties. Perfectforcompetitivekidsaged8+ (andtheirgrown-ups!)Open7daysa week. www.mrkarting.co.uk
PlanetIce Coventry
Skateforfun,learntoskate,booka partyortakethefamilytowatchanIce Hockeygameandsupportthe CoventryBlazethisSpring.See websiteforfixturesandbooking. www.planet-ice.co.uk www.coventryblaze.co.uk
SpotOnWake Henley-in-Arden TheUltimatewatersportsdestination! With3customdesignedlakes,try wakeboardingorSUP(6+)orthe AquaJungle(8+). www.spotonwake.co.uk
TheWave Coventry
Grabyourgogglesandenjoyafamily dayoutatoneoftheUK’sawardwinningindoorwaterparksinthe heartofCoventryCityCentre! www.thewavecoventry.com
WarwickSportClimbingCentre WarwickUniversity Schoolagechildrenandadultscantry climbingorboulderinginCoventry. JuniorPay&Play,Instructorled sessionsplusKidsParties. https://warwick.ac.uk/services /sport/climbing/junior/
Museums
BritishMotorMuseum
Gaydon
Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsandunderstand howacarworks.
www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryTransportMuseum
Coventry
Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthowCoventry changedtheworldthroughtransport. www.transport-museum.com
HerbertArtGalleryandMuseum
Coventry
Theperfectplacetodelveinto Coventry’shistoryandengagewith artandculture.PLUSvisitDippythe DiplodocusfromtheNaturalHistory Museum. www.theherbert.org
MADMuseum
Stratford-upon-Avon
Interactwithanimpressivecollection ofeccentricandingeniousartworks, contraptionsandmachinesatthe UK’sonlyMechanicalArtvenue. Bookingrequiredinschoolholidays. www.themadmuseum.co.uk
St.Mary’sGuildhall/TalesofTea Coventry Visitthishistoricalgemintheheartof theCity.Discoverits700yearold historythenvisitTalesofTeainthe stunningvaultedUndercroft. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
WarwickCastle Warwick E xplorethecastletowersand ramparts,groundsandgardens.With liveshows,eventsandextraordinary entertainmentforallthefamily. Short-breakpackagesavailable. www.warwick-castle.com
Events
FREEFamilyEvents
WarwickArtsCentre
FromMusicalPicnics (9Mar&13Apr) andFamilySundays (9Mar) toFamily singing (27Apr),there’salways somethinggoingonforfamilieshere. Justdropinandjoinin.Suitableforall andFREE. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
NationalBrickEvents Ryton-on-Dunsmore,Coventry 9Mar(10:00–16:00)
CallingallLEGOloversofallages! NationalBrickEventsaretheultimate destinationforanyonewholovesthe joyofbuildingwithbricks.Preparefor adayfilledwithcreativity,nostalgia, andpureLEGOmagic!Familytickets available.Under5’sFREE. www.nationalbrickevents.co.uk
StratfordButterflyFarm
Stratford-upon-Avon 29&30Mar(11:00)
ThisMother’sDaytrysomethinga bitdifferentandbringyourMumto “MeettheMini-Beasts!Special demonstrationsandhandling opportunitiesintheDiscoveryZone. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
CelebrateShakespeare! Stratford-upon-Avon
ShakespeareWeek ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust 24-30Mar
DiscoveraseriesofunmissableeventstocelebrateShakespeare, attheShakespearefamilyhomesinStratford-upon-Avon,online andacrossthecountry. www.shakespeareweek.org.uk
ShakespeareWeekendEvent 29-30Mar
Don’tmissexcitingactivitiesandamazingperformancesright outsidethebirthplace! www.shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’sBirthday Variouslocations 26&27Apr
Fullprogrammeofeventsincludingparadeon26AprandThe ShakespeareServiceinHolyTrinityChurchon27Apr(11:15) www.shakespearescelebrations.com
BirthdayCelebrations RoyalShakespeareCompany 26Apr
FREEactivitiesandperformancestocelebrateShakespeare's Birthday,includingCommunityShakespeareStage,Craftand SpeakingShakespeareworkshops,andthereopeningofThe Play'sTheThingexhibition. www.rsc.org.uk/events/shakespeares-birthday-celebrations
FamilyShows Don’tmissthesegreatfamilyshows thisspring: BennHall,Rugby CharlieandTheChocolateFactory 3–5Apr
TheEnchantedPrincessBall 18Apr(13:00&16:30) https://uk.patronbase.com/_BennH all/Productions
MacreadyTheatre,Rugby TheFrog&ThePrincess 6Apr (Ageguidance5+) RabbitsOutoftheHat 17Apr (Ageguidance7+) www.ticketsource.co.uk/rugby-arts
WarwickshireWildlifeTrust FamilyBatNight TheParkridgeCentre,Solihull 11Apr(19:00–20:45) BrandonMarsh,Coventry 2May(19:30–21:00)
Uniqueeveningforallthefamily (age4+)todiscovermoreaboutthe worldofbats.Useabatdetectorona shortwalkaroundthereservoirand seehowmanyyoucanspot.Places arelimited.Familyticketsavailable. Bookonline. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk FamilyCookingClass TheFarm,Stratford-upon-Avon 12Apr(10:00–14:00) Spendqualitytimetogetherand perfectyourcookeryskillswiththis funandeducationalcookeryclass withaward-winningChefSophie Hyam.Suitableforchildrenfrom6-15 yearsofage.Limitedspaces,book early. www.cobbsfarmshops.co.uk
WolfRunJunior TheOffchurchBury,Warwickshire 13Apr
Childrenover7andteenagerscanget atasteoftheactionandenjoywild runningandobstaclesatWolfRun Junior.3kcoursewithoptionalsecond lap!Enterby10Apr. www.thewolfrun.com
EasterOpenDay&CraftMarket BlabersHallWineEstate,Fillongley 18Apr(11:00-16:00)
CelebrateEasterwithadayofwine, shopping,musicandfunatyourlocal vineyard.Takeapicnicorenjoyhot foodonsite.FREEtoenter.Children welcome.FREEEasterTrailandcraft activities.Bookonline. www.blabershall.co.uk
CoventryBookExtravaganza BelgradeTheatre,Coventry 19Apr(10:30–16:00) FREEBookFestivalinCoventry. Whetheryou'reseekinghiddengems, eagertosupportlocaltalent,orsimply lookingtoindulgeyourinner bookworm,there’ssomethingspecial foreverybooklover. www.rosiesretrobazzaar.co.uk
BelgradeTheatre
Coventry
Belongings Sat8Mar
Agerecommendation:7+ RoomontheBroom Wed23–Sat26Apr
Agerecommendation:3+ www.belgrade.co.uk
TheAlbanyTheatre Coventry
RabbitsoutoftheHat Sat22Mar Agerecommendation:7+ TheBaddies
Tue8-Sun13Apr
AngelicaSprocketsPockets Sat19Apr
Agerecommendation:4+ FarmBoy Fri25–Sun27Apr www.albanytheatre.co.uk
RoyalShakespeare Theatre
Stratford-upon-Avon FirstEncounterswithShakespeare: TheTempest Tue25–Sat29Mar Agerecommendation:7-13 www.rsc.org.uk
RoyalSpaCentre LeamingtonSpa
ShrekTheMusical-LWMS Tue11–Sat15Mar
PiratesLoveUnderpants Wed23–Thu24Apr www.royalspacentreandtownhall .co.uk
WarwickArtsCentre Coventry
DinosaurWorldLive Tue22–Thu24Apr
Agerecommendation:3+
MinnyStynker Sun27Apr
Agerecommendation:3-8 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
EDUCATION
Improvingyour child’smetacognition
ByUshaPatel
Inallthestagesoflearning,wewanttoencouragecuriosity, findouthowbestachildlikestolearnandexploitthistoits fullpotential.
However,whatcanmakethetaskoflearningverydifficult, especiallyforthosewithneurodivergentconditionssuchas dyslexia,DCD,ADHDorASDisthat,duetoweakexecutive functionskills,childrenmayappearboredeasilyandbeunable toengageforlongperiods.
Inmyexperience,thisstemsfrommanyfactors;someofwhich arephysical(poorco-ordination),othersbrain-based(cognitive).
Theresultisthatsuchchildrenlookforactivitieswhichdeliver instantgratificationandtheyareeithernotentertainedforlong orhyper-focusedandcan’tchangepaceoractivity.Thispattern, inturn,createsaviciouscycleofeventsleadingtothepoint whereeverythingisboringunlessitistheirchoiceofactivity, usuallyproceduralinnature.
Thislimitstheirpotentialtostretchtheirwayofthinking andhowtheyprocesstheirownthoughts–metacognition. Metacognitionis‘thinkingabouthowyouthink’ andthisselfanalysisisthebasisofself-improvement.
Sohowdoyouhelpachildimprovetheirwayofthinkingand engageindevelopingcuriosity?
Thefirstthingistostoptalkingandstartaskingmorequestions orallowsilencetogivethemspacetoworkitoutforthemselves. Parentswhoprovidealltheanswersallthetimearenotletting theirchildrenthinkforthemselves.Wewanttoplacethe responsibilitysquarelyintheirhands.
Whenevertheycan’tfindthebutterinthefridge,behindthe bowlofyesterday’seveningmeal,insteadofmovingthingsin therefrigerator,thecallcomesout:‘Ican’tfindthebutter!’This needstochange,soYOUneedtochange.Don’tdothingsfor themorprovideanswersuntiltheyhavetriedtoworkitoutfor themselves.
Thebeautyofphysical‘survival’basedactivities
Whensurvivalisafactor,thebrainswitcheson.Anyactivity whichaffectsbalanceissomethingwehavetothinkabout
carefully-wecannotdoitroutinely.Thisiswhy climbingwalls aremyfirstpointofcallforbuildingmetacognition.
Childrenusingclimbingwalls(orclimbingtrees)needtodo manythingsbutmostofalltheyneedtoavoidfallingdown! Eachhandposition,eachfootpositionisthoughtthroughand hasconsequences.Thisiscriticalthinkingatitsbest.
Afterwards,thereisalotofself-analysis:wasIstrongenough? HowwouldIdothisnexttime?Thisisthemetacognitionwe wanttonurture.
Afterafewgoesofthesameclimbingwall,theactivitydoes becomeproceduralbutthat’swhenit’stimetoincreasethe challengetothenextlevelforalongerduration.
Howdoestheshipgetintothebottle?
Puzzleswhichmakeyouthinkbutdon’tburdentheworking memoryarealsogoodforbuildingmetacognition.Iliketouse simpleSudokupuzzles.Youdon’tneedequipment,aunique spaceorloadsoftime.
Unlikeaphysicalpuzzle,withSudoku,youcanseethesteps takentosolvethepuzzleandanalysethem.Youcanthenuse thisanalysisnexttime.Thishelpsbuildonthemetacognitionof howtosolvethepuzzleandhowyouthink.
TherearemanydifferentvariationsofSudokuandthelevelof complexitycanrangefrombeginnertorocketscientistlevel, makingthemhighlyadaptable.
UshaPatelisaNeurocognitiveTherapistatRavivPractice London(www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk)
IndependentSchools Coventry&Warwickshire
ArnoldLodge
LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18) T:01926778050 www.arnoldlodge.com
ReceptionOpenMorning: Fri7Mar09:30–11:00
OpenDay:Sat10May 10:00-13:00
BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13) T:01788810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk
OpenDay:Sat8Mar
TheKingsleySchool LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18)
T:01926421368 www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk
ForestSchoolTasterMorning (ages2–8):Sat29Mar 10:00–12:00
PrepandJuniorSchools
BablakePrePrep
Coventry
T:02476271285 www.bablake.com
OpenMorning:Sat8Mar 09:30-11:30
OpenAfternoon:Fri28Mar 13:30–15:00
BablakeJunior Coventry T:02473271248 www.bablake.com
CrackleyHallSchoolandLittle CrackersNursery
Kenilworth T:01926514444 www.crackleyhall.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat8Mar 10:30–12:30
CrescentSchool
Rugby T:01788521595 www.crescentschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat15Mar 10:00–12:00
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prep
Coventry T:02476271190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
KingHenryVIIIJunior Coventry T:02476271160 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
StratfordPreparatorySchool
Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789297993 www.stratfordprep.co.uk
OpenDay:Sat15Mar 10:00–13:00
TheCroftPreparatorySchool
Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789293795 www.croftschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Wed12Mar 10:00–12:00
WarwickJuniorSchool
Warwick T:01926776418 www.warwickschool.org
WarwickPreparatorySchool
Warwick T:01926491545 www.warwickprep.com
Registerforopeneventsonline
BablakePre-Prep
BablakePre-Prepisinvitingfamiliestoafree,fun-packedmorning ofSpringactivitiesforchildrenagedtwotosixyearsonSaturday 8thMarch2025.
From9.30amuntil11.30am,themorningwillbefilledwithavarietyof activitiesdesignedtoencouragecuriosityandtheloveoftheoutdoors. Littleonescancrafttheirownbirdfeeders,planttheirownbulbsand getcreativeintheArtroompaintingawatercolourmasterpiece featuringdaffodilsandspringflowers.
Setinsixacresofbeautifulgrounds,theeventwillalsofeatureForest Schoolactivitiesdevelopingchildren’soutdoorskillssuchasmaking clayandstickinsects.Ledbyaqualifiedleader,ForestSchoolsessions arealwaysarealhighlightaschildrendevelopaconnectionandloveof nature.
Formoreinformationortobookthisfreemorningforyourfamily,please visit bablake.com oremail: admissions@csfoundation.org.uk.
BablakePre-Prepisbasedat TheGrange,BrownshillGreenRoad, CoventryCV62EG.
Setinsixacresofbeautifulgrounds, BablakePre-Prepistheperfectplaceforyour childtostarttheireducationaljourneywithus.
KingHenryVIIIJuniorSchool
KingHenryVIIIJuniorSchooloffersabalancedmixofacademic challengesalongsideawidevarietyofextra-curricularactivities. Withsmallclasssizesofnomorethan24children,everychild receivesindividualattentionandtheopportunitytoexcel.
LocatedonthesamesiteastheirSeniorSchoolonWarwickRoadin Coventry,KingHenry’sJuniorSchooloffersanenrichedlearning environmentforchildrenaged6to11.Pupilsbenefitfromsharedaccess totheoutstandingfacilitiesincludinga25-metreswimmingpool, gamesfieldsandnetballcourts.
TheJuniorSchool,housedinapurpose-builtschoolbuilding,featuresa well-stockedlibrary,computersuite,musicroomsandadedicated sportshall.FromYear2,pupilsaretaughtbysubjectspecialistsinareas suchasswimming,musicanddrama,graduallybuildingindependence andconfidence.
AllpupilsprogresstotheSeniorSchoolwithaguaranteedplacein Year7.Discoverforyourselfwhatawarmandwelcomingschoolthey arebybookingapersonaltourtoday: kinghenrys.co.uk or 02476271190.
Yourchild’sspeech andlanguage development
ByKateLewisandKatieKennedy
Watchingyourchild’sspeechdevelopovertimeisvery excitingbutiftheydon’tmeetorhitexpectedmilestones,you mayconsiderittobeacauseforconcern.Pleasedon’tpanic though!Speechandlanguageskillsdeveloprapidlyinthefirst yearsoflifeandeverychildprogressesattheirownpace.
Thesemilestonesaregeneralguidelinesratherthanrigid expectations:
12–18months: Bythisage,childrentypicallysaytheirfirstwords andmayhaveavocabularyoffivetotwentywords.Theybegin tonamefamiliarobjects,imitatesoundsandunderstandsimple commandslike‘Givemetheball.’
18–24months: Vocabularygrowsrapidlyduringthisperiod. Toddlersmayhavearoundfiftywordsby18monthsandcombine twowordsintosimplephraseslike‘wantcookie’or‘gopark.’ Theyunderstandmorethantheycansay,followingdirections like‘putitinthebox.’
2–3years: Byage2,childrenoftenusetwotothreehundred wordsandstartformingthree-orfour-wordsentences.They beginaskingquestionslike‘What’sthat?’andcanbeunderstood byfamiliarlistenersabouthalftothreequartersofthetime.
3–4years: Atthisagechildrentypicallyuselongersentences andhaveavocabularyofathousandwordsormorebyage 4.Theycantellsimplestories,ask‘why?’questionsandbe understoodbystrangersmostofthetime.
Boostingspeechandlanguagedevelopment
Therearelotsofthingsyoucandotosupportyourchild’s speechandlanguagedevelopment:
Books,booksandmorebooks! Readingbookswithyourchild helpsthemtobuildvocabularyandlearnsentencestructure skills,whilesparkingimaginationandcreatingopportunitiesto connect.Keepthemengagedbyusingobjectsandtoysasprops –learningiswaymorefunwhenyoubringmeaningtowords throughreal-worldexperiences.
Copyyourchild. Byrepeatingthesounds,wordsandphrases yourchildsays,youbuildastrongerconnectionwiththem,
Takeamomenttopause
Lifecangetbusyandchaoticattimes,sogiveyourself permissiontopause.Pausingduringplaytoobserveyour childcanhelpyoutobetterunderstandwhytheymaybe interestedinaparticulartoyoractivityandyoucanuse thesepausestobuildanticipation.
Forexample,pausingbeforeyougiveyourchildsomething canhelptoprovidethemwithacommunicationopportunity. Pausingallowsachildspacetouseandexplorethe communicationmethodsavailabletothem.
whilealsolettingthemknowyou’reinterestedinwhattheyhave tosay,regardlessoftheformofcommunicationtheypreferto use.Itmightfeelstrangeatfirstbutremembertowatchtheir reactionswhentheyrealiseyou’rejoininginwiththeirpreferred communicationmethod!
Singsongsandnurseryrhymes
Songsandnurseryrhymesarerepetitive,whichhelpstobuildup achild’sunderstandingofthelanguageused.Childrenpickup onchangesintoneofvoiceusedwhenwesingwhichhelpsto engagethemandpiquetheirinterest.
Avoidaskingquestions
Foreveryfivethingswesaytoourchildren,onlyoneofthese shouldbeaquestion.It’scommontoaskrhetoricalquestions duringplaywithourchild,evenwhenwe’renotexpectingthem toanswerback.Changethesequestionsintocomments.Instead of‘Doyouhavethecar?say‘Youhavethecar!’
It’simportanttoremember…
Everychildisuniqueanddevelopingcommunicationshould befunandinteractive.Havinganawarenessofdevelopmental milestonesandsupportingthemwiththetipsabovewillstand youingoodsteadtoincreaseyourchild’scommunicationskills.
KateandKatiearespeechandlanguagetherapistsatMagic WordsTherapywhichprovidesabroadrangeofexpertspeech andlanguagetherapyservicesforchildrenandadults. Findoutmoreatwww.magicwordstherapy.co.uk
Connectwithus
StorieswithSymbols
Asaboosttoyourhomebookshelf,StorieswithSymbols (www.storieswithsymbols.com)isacomprehensive,free onlineresourcedesignedtosupportchildrenwithlanguage andcommunicationneeds.Itfeaturescompellingvideos thatpairstorytellingwithon-screenWidgitcommunication symbols.Thevideosaimtosparkaninterestinreadingand bookswhileteachingnewwordsandconcepts. Bookscanbeaccessibleandenrichingforall-every booksharedisasteptowardsstrongerlanguageand communicationskills.
Warwickshire
Whichtoddlerclassis rightfor yourchild?
ByAndrewCampbell
Choosingclassesforunder5scanbeanexcitingwayto supporttheirearlydevelopment.Whileparent-toddler playgroupsofferinformalinteractionandplayforsocialisation, structuredtoddlerclassesfocusonthedevelopmentof specificareaslikemusicormovement.Ledbyinstructors, thesesessionsopenupaworldofpossibilitiesforyourchild. Butwithsomanyoptionsavailable,itsimportanttoconsider thebestfit.
Yourchild’sinterestsandpersonality. Dotheyenjoymusicand rhythm,physicalactivitieslikeclimbingandrunningorcreative pursuitslikecrafting?Selectingactivitiestheyarenaturally drawntowillincreasetheirenthusiasmandensuretheyenjoy theexperience.
Classsizeandatmosphere. Smallergroupsoftenprovide moreindividualattention,whichisidealforyoungchildren.The settingshouldbeencouragingandsupportive,withafocuson havingfunandlearningthroughplay,ratherthanacompetitive atmosphere.Toddlersandpre-schoolersthriveinpositive environmentswheretheycanexplorewithoutpressure.
Qualified,caringinstructors. Teachersshouldbeskilledin theirfield-whetherit’sarts,musicorsports-andexperienced inworkingwithyoungchildren.Patience,understanding andcreativityarekeyqualities.Observingaclassorasking otherparentsforrecommendationscanhelpyouevaluatethe instructor’ssuitability.
Trialclasses. Manyprovidersofferthesetrials,sometimesfree, givingyouandyourchildthechancetoseewhattheactivityis likebeforeenrollingforaterm.It’sanexcellentwaytoensurethe
Toddlerclassoptions
Thereareusuallyplentyoflocaloptions,somebookableby thetermorhalftermandotherspay-as-you-goonaweekly basis.
Forthecreativechild,messypre-schoolplayclassesaregreat funandtakeheartfromthefactthatyouwon’tberequiredto clearupafterwards!Alternatively,childrenwhoenjoydressing up,roleplay,dancingorsingingmayenjoyperformingarts classes.Classesareavailableforunder5sinmanyperforming artsanddanceschools.
Youmayliketheideaofanoutdooractivity,inwhichcase ForestSchoolwherelearningtakesplaceinanatural environmentviahandsonexperiencesmightworkforyour child.Oryoumightliketheideaofyourchildstartingtolearn alanguageorenjoyingasensoryplayclasswhichsupports braindevelopmentandcognitivegrowth.
Forthemorego-getting,activechild,therearesomanysports classesforunder5sinavarietyofdisciplines,including football,gymnastics,rugby,swimming,trampolining,martial arts–andnodoubtmorewehaven’tthoughtof!
classmeetsyourchild’sneedsandinterests.
Franchise-runorindependent? Thereareprosandconsto each.Franchiseclassesoftenprovideastandardisedapproach, consistentqualityandreliableresources.Ontheotherhand, independentlyrunclassesmayoffermoreflexibilityanda personalisedtouch.However,thequalityofsessionscanvaryso doyourresearchandtakeadvantageoftrials.
Safety. Thisshouldalwaysbeapriority.Ensurefacilitiesare child-friendlyandwell-maintained.Gymnasticsclassesshould havepaddedfloors,artsessionsshouldusenon-toxicmaterials andsportsactivitiesmustincludeproperwarm-upsand attentivesupervisiontominimiserisks.
Yourchild’stemperament. Quieterchildrenmayprefersmaller, relaxedmusicorartsessions,whilehigh-energyyoungsters couldthriveinmoredynamicsportssettings.Therightclasscan ignitealifelongpassionorsimplyhelpyourchildgrowwhile enjoyingafunandengagingexperience.Takeyourtime,trust yourinstinctsandenjoywatchingthemthrive.
Cookonce,eattwice
BySamMilner
Asparentswhoworkfromhomeandwithhecticfamily schedules,wetakeeveryopportunitytofollowthe‘cookonce eattwice’methodusingourairfryer.
Ifyouhavenotheardofcookingonceandeatingtwice,theidea isthatyoudoublebatchameal,providingenoughfoodfortwo mealtimesinsteadofone.Ittakesalotofpressureoutofmeal preparationsandifyoudothisjustthreetimesaweek,youwill soonhaveafreezerburstingwithmealsthatyoucanreheatin anairfryer.Thenonthosenightswhenyoudon’thavetimeto cookatall,youcangraboneofyourtrustedeattwicemealsand reheatitfromfrozen.
Ifyou’reworriedthatthismethodwilltakeuptoomuchtime, rememberthepreptimeformanycookonce,eattwicerecipes isoftennolongerthanthepreptimeforonemeal.It’salsoworth notingthatanairfryerisanindependentcookingmachineand unlikeapan,youcanleaveittodothecooking,freeingyouupto attendtootherjobsorsimplyspendtimetogether.
Whattypeofrecipesshouldyoubepreparingforacookonce, eattwicetheme? Anythingyouwouldbakeintheovenisa goodstartingpoint.Orsomethingthatwouldbefamiliartoyou fromthereadymealsaisleofasupermarket.Inotherwords,the kindofairfryermealsyoucanfreezeinfoilcontainersandthen cookinanairfryerinafoiltray,reducingyourwashingupwhen youcomebackforyoursecondbatch.
Myfavouritesinclude lasagne,moussaka,macaronicheese, enchiladas,curry andothersimilaroven-friendlyrecipesthat caneasilybecookedmuchfasterintheairfryerwithoutthe needforpreheating.
Makeadoublebatchoftherecipeandportionupthefirstmeal
HecticTuesdayVeggie LoadedMoussaka
Theideaforthismoussakarecipecameaboutbecauseour kidswerealloutatdifferentafterschoolclubsonthesame nightanditwasimpossibletofindawindowforafamily dinner.Wehadoursonoutat4pm,ourdaughterleavingat 5.45pmandthenoureldestsonleavingat7pm. Between4pmand7pm,wedidn’thavemorethantenminutes whenwewereallhome,plustherewerelotsofpick-ups goingon!Soourmoussakawasdedicatedtofamiliestrying desperatelytojuggleafterschoolclubswithawholesome week-nightmeal.
Youcanmakethemoussakaaheadoftime. Astherecipemakestwomeals,howabout makingoneforthisTuesdayandanother fornextTuesday?Themealcanbekept warmintheairfryeruntileveryoneisfinally hometobefedandisloadedwithvegto provideanutritiousboost.
fordinner.Then,asyouaredoingthewashingup,addthe secondmealtoafoiltray.Oncecool,labelandfreezeit.Oryou cankeepitinthefridge;ifyoulovetherecipe,youmaywant roundtwothenextday!Thenasyoustarttobuildupafreezer supplyyoucanhaveavarietyofmealsafewtimesaweek withoutfeelinglikeyouareinamealtimerut.
SamandDomMilneraretheco-authorsof AirFryerEasyEvery Day:140super-simpledeliciousrecipes (£20,WhiteLion Publishing)availablefromwww.bookshop.organdfoundersof www.recipethis.com
Nevermissanissue
Signupat familiesmag.co.uk/go
Wealsomadethisdeliciousenchiladarecipefollowingthe cookonce,eattwicetheme.Thistime,therecipecanbe usedeitherforquickaccessburritosorforenchiladas. Ourdaughter’sfriendgoestoalotofdancepracticeand gymnastics,soIwasthinkingofherwhenIcameupwiththis idea.Kidsaresobusythesedaysanddefinitelyneedtoeat plentyoffillingbutnutritiousfood.
Theseenchiladasareloadedwithbeansandvegandalong withthewrapswillleavethekidsfull forlonger.Thisrecipeisalsogoodfora triplebatchbecauseyoucanfreezeitas pre-loadedwrapstodefrostfromfrozen wheneveryouneedaquicklunchordinner onthego.
Werecommendfreezingtheseenchiladas infoiltraysforeasycleanupafterwardsor ifyouaremakinganextrabatchofloaded burritostofreezetheminfreezerbags.
FOSTERWITH F O S T E R W I T H COVENTRY C O OV E N T R Y
CoventryCityCouncil arerecruitingmore fostercarerstomake adifferenceto children’slives.
Findoutmoreat www.coventry.gov.uk/fostering 02476832828
fosterwithcoventry
@fosterwithcov
