Hello!
Ican’tbelieveit’salmostsummer already!Withthelongerdaysand brighterweatherinsightthereareso manymoreopportunitiestogetoutand aboutandhavesomefunasafamily. OurbumperWhat’sOnguidehasyou coveredforMayandJunewithdetailsof excitingeventsandactivitieshappening throughoutCoventry&Warwickshire, includingovertheMayHalf-Term.
Wehavethelowdownontrendingkids’partythemessoifyour childhasabirthdaycomingup,makesureyoutakealook. Withthementalhealthofourchildrenincreasinglyuppermostin ourminds,takealookateightgame-changingproductsforthose whosufferfromanxiety.Wealsotackleahottopicforallparents atpresent-Preservingandprotectingchildhoodinnocence. Inourclubsandclassessectionyoucanfindoursummercamps guideandlocallistingstohelpyougetreadyfortheMayHalfTerm.Plus,anA-Zofthebenefitsofswimming. Wehavesomegreatadviceonwhenyoushouldapplyfora schoolplaceandhowtoengageyourchildinwriting.
Lookingforsomethingcreativeforthekidstodo?Whynotmake abughotel!We’vegotastep-by-stepguidewitheasy-to-follow instructionsforchildrenthatyoucancutoutandkeep. Finally,inthisissue,wehavetwogiveaways,includingaV-Tech SmartWatchandaLeapfrogBinocularCamera!Applyinside. Bydoingso,you’llalsoensureyoureceiveourdigitalmagazine andemailnewslettertosharewithfriendsandfamilywithlots morecontentandgoodiesonoffer. Enjoythemagazine!
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familieswarwickshiremag
Wearealocalfosteringcharityfocusedon creatinghappyfamilies.Ourpriorityisproviding thebestcaretoyoungpeopleandsupportingyou onyourfosteringjourney. Pleasecheckoutourwebsiteforthefactsandany oneofourfreeno-obligationonlineinfoevents. FostercaringwithStChristopher’soffersyou Extensivesupportandtraining Anoncallteam24/7asneeded CompetitiveFosteringallowances
Connectionwithourthriving carerscommunity www.stchris.org.uk fostering@stchris.org.uk 08002346282/01215253738 Contactourfriendlyteamandenquiretoday Wesupportfosterfamiliesextensivelywithin theWestMidlands.
AckersAdventure
Birmingham
Tryskiing,climbing,canoeing, bellboating,kayaking, archery,tubing,discgolf, bushcraft,zipwireorfan descender.Threeexciting outdooractivitiesperdayfor childrenaged8–16. www.ackersadventure.co.uk
ActiveCamps
Rugby
Newindoorandoutdoor activitieseverydayfrom dramatosports,treasure huntstoartsandcrafts.Fun forchildrenaged4–14at BiltonGrange www.oxfordactive.co.uk
CoolSportz
Warwick
Sociableandactiveholiday clubforchildrenaged5-16 featuringarangeoffun, game-based,multi-sport activitiesinasafeindoorand outdoorenvironment. www.coolsportz.co.uk /warwick
CVLife
Coventry
Fun-filledrangeofactivities andeventsforchildrenaged 5-11runningatCentreAT7,The AlanHiggsCentre,Xcel LeisureCentreandMoat HouseLeisureand NeighbourhoodCentre. www.cvlife.co.uk/childrensactivities/childrens-half-term KingsCamps
TheSportsandWellnessHub, UniversityofWarwick
Withover30sportsand gamesforchildrenaged5–17 andgreatindoorandoutdoor facilitiesincludingasports hall,climbing/boulderingwall, 4Gpitch,tennis/netballcourts andaswimmingpool. www.kingscamps.org
KitsAcademy
Coventry,Rugby,Warwick, Nuneaton
Dance,multi-sports, trampolining,gymnastics, archeryandfencingorfootball coursesduringtheschool holidaysforchildreninYear1 toYear8. www.kitsacademy.com
Leamington&Warwick GymnasticsClub Leamington Activeandfunpacked gymnasticsholidayclubfor childrenfromReceptionto Year11.Non-members welcome.FulldaysforYear2 andabove.1/2daysavailable forReceptionandabove. www.thegymnasticsclub .co.uk/holiday-clubs
OnsideCoaching Warwick,Stratford, Kenilworth,Rugby,Coventry, Shipston-on-Stour&Alcester Football,DanceandActive Kidscampsfor5–11yearolds tokeepchildrenactiveand developnewskills. www.onsidecoaching.co.uk
SuperCamps
TheStringsClub
TheKingsleySchool, LeamingtonSpa Childcareandmusicholiday campforchildrenaged4–7 &8–11.Instrumentalmorning sessions(FREEinstrument hire)andinteractiveafternoon workshops.Eachdayends withaGrandConcert! www.thestringsclub.org
WarwickHolidayCamps UniversityofWarwick Aninspiringrangeof educationalandcultural activitiesforchildrenaged 5–12.Discoverawiderange ofexperiencesthatoffers somethingdifferenteveryday. https://warwick.ac.uk /services/holidaycamps /multi-activity/
HolidayAction
Stratford-upon-Avon Dailyandweeklymultiactivity,legoorbushcraft campsofferingavarietyoffun, age-appropriateactivities designedtofuelimagination andencouragelearningfor childrenaged4-12. www.supercamps.co.uk /Venue/the-croftpreparatory-school
WarwickSchool,Warwick TheKingsleySchool, Leamington Extensiveprogrammeof holidayactivities,opentoall childrenfromReceptionto Year7(uptoandincluding 12-year-olds).Afunwayto experienceneworfavourite activities. www.warwickschool.org /holiday-activities
Trendingchildren’spartythemes
ByJodieHerron
Planningamemorablebirthdaypartyforyourchildisextraspecialwhenyoualightupon athemethatresonateswiththeirinterestsandsparksjoy.Lookingforinspiration?Here areeighttrendingpartythemesforchildrenages5to13,eachdesignedtocreatean unforgettableexperience.
BLUEYADVENTUREPARTY
InspiredbythehitAustralianTVshow,fillyour Bluey-themedpartywithvibrantdecorations, engaginggames,piñatas,blueandorange balloons,banners,cardboardcutoutsand character-inspiredactivities.Setupabackyard obstaclecourseorscavengerhuntinspiredbythe show’sadventures,hosta‘keepyuppy’balloon challengeandprovidethemedpartybagsfora trueBlueyexperience!
HARRYPOTTERWIZARDING WORLD
BringthemagicofHogwartsto lifewithhousebannersand themedtablesettings.Sort youngwizardsintohouseswith aSortingHatceremony,thenlet themmixbubblingpotionswith colourfuldrinks.Organise broomstickracesfora Quidditchmatch,setupa wand-makingcraftstationand layonwizard-themedtreatslike chocolatefrogsfora spellbindingexperience.
DINOSAUREXPEDITION
Adinosaur-themedpartywouldbeperfectfor youngpalaeontologists!Transformyourhome intoaprehistoricjunglewithlushgreenery, dinosaurcutoutsanddinofootprintsleading theway.Setupa‘dinodig’sandpitforfossil excavations,organiseathrillingdinoegghunt andplanadventurousgameslikeaT-Rexrelay race.Completetheexperiencewithdinosaurthemedtreats,tablewareandroaringlygood partybags!
JUNGLESAFARI ADVENTURE
Createanadventurousjungle atmospherewithvibrant hangingvines,inflatableanimals andtropicalleaves.Offeranimal facepaintingandsafarihuntsto exciteyoungexplorers.Provide explorerhats,binocularsand mapsforascavengerhunt featuringhiddenanimalfigures. Servejungle-themedsnacks suchas‘monkeybananas,’‘lion cupcakes’and‘snakepretzel sticks’forawildexperiencelittle oneswilllove!
HOLLYWOODREDCARPETEVENT
Rollouttheredcarpetforadazzling,glitzyHollywood-themed birthdayparty.Decoratewithgoldstars,moviereelsandspotlights. Encouragegueststodressastheirfavouritemoviecharactersand setupaphotoboothwithfunpropslikesunglassesandfeather boas.HostBestDancer,BestActororBestCostumeawards ceremonies,completewithminiawards.
Eachofthesethemesoffersuniqueopportunitiestocreateamagicaland memorablebirthdaycelebrationtailoredtoyourchild’sinterests.Fora comprehensiveselectionofpartysuppliesanddecorationstobringthese themestolife,explorethefullrangeofthemesatwww.partyrama.co.uk
COQUETTEAESTHETIC SOIRÉE
CreateadreamyCoquettethemedbirthdaypartywithsoft pasteldecor,laceaccentsand vintagecharm.Setupan elegantteapartywithpapertea cups,floraltableclothsand tieredtraysofsandwiches.Offer aDIYflowercrownstation, necklacecraftinganddaintyfan decorating.Justaddfairylights, classicalmusicandribbonsfor awhimsical,refinedcelebration!
BARBIEDREAMHOUSE CELEBRATION
ThrowtheultimateBarbie partybytransformingyour homeorvenuewithpinkdécor, shimmeringbackdropsand chiccostumes!Setupdressupstationswithtiaras,tutus andglamaccessories.Kidscan enjoyDIYjewellerymaking,a minirunwayshowandBarbiethemedgames.Completethe celebrationwithastunning Barbiecake,themedtableware andstylishpartyfavours!
GAMINGANDMINECRAFT MANIA
Throwtheultimategamingthemedpartyforyoung gamingenthusiasts,with decorationsinspiredby populargameslikeMinecraft, SuperMarioorFortnite.Think pixelatedbanners,gaming postersandthemedtableware. Setupgamingstations,host buildingchallengesand organiseatreasurehuntwith game-relatedclues.Kidscan crafttheirownpixelart,enjoy gaming-inspiredfacepainting andcompeteinminitournaments.Completethe celebrationwithagame controllercakeandparty favourslikestickers,keychains andgaming-themedtreats!
Preservingand protectingchildhood innocence
ByCatherineLobleandLisaWander
Childhoodinnocenceischaracterisedbyanunfilteredview oftheworld,anabilitytofindjoyinsimplethingsanda naturaltrustinthegoodnessaroundthem.Thisuntainted perspectiveisnotonlyheartwarming,itisessentialfora child’sdevelopment.
However,manychildrenwillexperiencesadness,grief,fear anddisappointment,someearlierandingreatermeasurethan othersanditcannotalwaysbeavoided.Theglobalpandemic wasacompellingreminderthatnochildisexemptfromdifficult emotionsandexperiences. Sohowcanwepreservechildhood innocenceinourunfilteredworld?
Spanningbirthtoadolescence,childhoodischaracterisedby growth,discovery,learningandthedevelopmentofphysical, emotional,socialandintellectualabilities.Thisfleeting,magical phaseoflifeisbrimmingwithcuriosity,innocenceandjoy,atime whenimaginationknowsnobounds.Yet,intoday’sfast-paced, digital-firstworld,preservingandfullyenjoyingchildhoodhas becomeincreasinglychallenging.
Weareallsobusyandourchildren’slivesreflectthat,withlong schooldays,extracurricularactivities,playdatesandaconstant streamofentertainmentandstimulation.Childhoodflashes byandbeforeweknowit,theyareteenagersimmersedinthe worldofsocialmedia,theirinnocencelonggone.
Moderndaylife‘dictates’thatweneedtoprovideourchildren withconstantstimulation,structuredactivities,thelatesttoys toenhancedevelopmentandevenstartthematanurseryas babiesinorderthattheydevelopsocialskills.Consequently, fromaveryyoungage, ourchildrenareinarelentlessroutine, withinwhichtheessenceofchildhoodislost.
Thegoodnewsisthattherearemanywaystostepoffthis treadmillandallowourchildrentothriveandenjoytheir childhoodwithoutthecontinuoustediumofbusyschedules.
Whilstsomeextracurricularactivitiesarefunandbeneficial, bemindfulofoverscheduling.Chooseoneortwowhich yourchildenjoysand strikeabalancebetweenstructured activitiesandfreetime. Childhoodistheperfectopportunity
Whydoeschildhood innocencematter?
Thesimplicityofchildhoodinnocenceallowschildrento experiencelife’sjoyswithouttheweightofadultworries. Innocenceallowschildrentodeveloptrustandformhealthy emotionalbonds.
Aninnocentmindisacreativemind.Seeingtheworldwith fresheyesfuelsimaginationandcreativity,essentialtraitsfor problemsolvingandinnovation.
Innocenceiscloselylinkedwithchildren’ssenseofright andwrong.Protectingtheirinnocencehelpsindevelopinga strongmoralfoundation,guidingthemtobecomekindand ethicaladults.
tocultivatecuriositythroughunstructuredplaywhichinturn fosterscreativity,problem-solvingandemotionalresilience,for examplebuildingforts,roleplay,exploringnatureandoutdoor adventures.
Protectyourchild’sinnocencewhileteachingresilience:children areborninnocentandwiththatinnocencecomestrust.Whilst weshouldstriveto shieldourchildrenfromunnecessarystress ortheseverityofthegrimnewswhichdominatesourworld,it’s equallyimportanttoequipthemwithage–appropriatetoolsto navigatechallengesanddealwithdisappointmentandtheworld aroundthem.
Bymonitoringandfilteringtheirmediaexposure,wecan createandfosterasafeenvironmentwhereourchildrenfeel comfortabletotalk.
Childrenoftenemulateadultssowherepossible model enthusiasmforlife toinspireyourchildrentoembraceitwith joyandcuriosity.Bemindfulofhowyoutalkabouttheworld aroundyouandmanageyourownemotionsandfearswithout amplifyingyourchildren’sworries.
Preservingandenjoyingchildhoodisasmuchaboutusasitis aboutchildrenthemselves.Bybeingpresent,creatingnurturing environmentsandencouragingexploration,wecanhelpchildren savourandenjoytheiryouthwhilestillpreparingthemfortheir futureadultlife.Theseformativeyearsareagifttobecherished, protectedandcelebrated.
LisaandCatherineareco-foundersofEmparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk),supportingchildren,parentsand familieswiththeinsights,skillsandtoolsneededtonurturethe developmentandwell-beingofthenextgeneration.
Tipsforprotecting childhoodinnocence
Appreciate,value,activelylistenandparticipateinyour child’sinterests. Simplifyexplanations-providesimple, truthfulanswerstoquestions.Avoidoverloadingwithtoomuch informationandkeepadulttopicsforadults. Weaveandcreatespecialmemories oftimespenttogether. Stepintonatureandexploretheworldtogether. Maintainajoyfulenvironment. Laughtogetherandshare spontaneousfun.Itfeelsgreatandstrengthensbonds. Ensurelimited,age-appropriateandmonitoredscreentime.
GetActive
AckersAdventure
Birmingham
Getinvolvedwiththeactionat Ackers,includinglearntoski lessons(4+),tubingor tobogganing,discgolf,sessionsfor homeschoolersandmore. BirthdayPartiesandHolidayClubs available. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk
AdventureZone
Rugby
SoftPlaycentreforchildrenaged 0-12.Plus10pinbowling,darts, crazygolf,pooltablesand shuffleboardsinStrikesBar. www.theadventurezone.co.uk
AirHopTrampolinePark
Warwick
Theultimateplayexperienceforall ages!OpenJump,UnlimitedAfter SchoolJumps,Toddler&Family Takeover,SENSessionsandNEW Classic90Party.Bookthe bounciestpartiesintown.Save 20%onweekdayparties.
www.airhop.co.uk
GoApe
Coventry
Thebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandmini-LandRoversat CoombeAbbeyforthrill-seeking adultsandfun-seekingchildren. www.goape.co.uk
MrKarting Warwick Junior&FamilyArriveandDrive KartingplusChildren’sKarting parties.Perfectforcompetitive kidsaged8+(andtheirgrownups!)Open7daysaweek. www.mrkarting.co.uk
RedKangaroo Coventry
BouncerightintoRedKangaroo trampolinepark!There’ssomuch todoalongsidejumpingfunto keepthekidsentertainedfor hours!
www.redkangaroo.co.uk
SpotOnWake Henley-in-Arden TheUltimatewatersports destination!With3custom designedlakes,trywakeboarding orSUP(6+)ortheAquaJungle (8+).
www.spotonwake.co.uk
TheWave Coventry
Grabyourgogglesandenjoya familydayoutatoneoftheUK’s award-winningindoorwaterparks intheheartofCoventryCity Centre!
www.thewavecoventry.com
WarwickSportClimbingCentre WarwickUniversity Schoolagechildrenandadultscan tryclimbingorboulderingin Coventry.JuniorPay&Play, InstructorledsessionsplusKids Parties. https://warwick.ac.uk/services/ sport/climbing/junior/
DON’T MISS!
RagleyHall,Alcester 30May–1Jun
TheMidlandsAirFestivalreturnsforaseventhyearoffamilyfun! ThisspectacularaviationeventwillshowcaseNightfire,airdisplays andhotairballoonlaunches.Plus,therewillbegreattradestands, children’sridesandmoreentertainmentthaneverbefore!
Withover100hotairballoonsandmorethan45aircraftdisplaying includingWarbirds,ClassicJets,Helicopters,amazinghighenergy aerobatics,parachutedisplayteams,aerialballet,flyingcircusand someofthelargestradio-controlledmodelsintheworld,thatare sobigyoucanalmostclimbintothem!
ThelegendaryRAFRedArrows,willheadlinetheshowonallthree days,flyingtheirninedistinctivebrightredBAET1Hawkjetsin theirfirstdisplayintheUKthisyear.Don’tmissthisopportunityto seetheworld’sfinestandmostrespectedjetaerobaticteam performtheirsignaturemovesrightaboveyouwithastonishing precisionatbreath-takinghigh-speed. Youdon’tneedanyspecialistaviationknowledgetoenjoythe show,theinternationalcommentaryteamwillprovideallofthe informationyouneedtohaveastunningandmemorablefamily dayout.
Formoreinformationortobuytickets,pleasevisit www.midlandsairfestival.com
Museums&History
BritishMotorMuseum
Gaydon
Exploreover400Britishclassic cars,takepartinthemedtrails, experiencetouchscreenexhibits andunderstandhowacarworks. www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryPoliceMuseum
CoventryCouncilHouse,Coventry OpenThursdays&Fridays(10:00–14:00)
Learnaboutpolicingthroughthe years,uniforms,confiscated artifactsandcrimesthathave neverbeensolvedfromretired policeofficersandvolunteers. https://museum.westmidlands.police.uk/explore/cove ntry-police-museum/ CoventryTransportMuseum Coventry
Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthow Coventrychangedtheworld throughtransport. www.transport-museum.com
HerbertArtGalleryandMuseum Coventry
Theperfectplacetodelveinto Coventry’shistoryandengage withartandculture.PLUSvisit DippytheDiplodocusfromthe NaturalHistoryMuseum. www.theherbert.org
LuntRomanFort NrCoventry
ExploretheuniqueRoman Fortress,takinginthesitesofthe ramparts,thegranarybuildingand theworld’sonlyknowngyrus! OpenselectedSchoolHolidays. www.luntromanfort.org
MADMuseum
Stratford-upon-Avon
Interactwithanimpressive collectionofeccentricand ingeniousartworks,contraptions andmachinesattheUK’sonly MechanicalArtvenue.Booking requiredinschoolholidays. www.themadmuseum.co.uk
MidlandAirMuseum
Baginton,NrCoventry
Experiencetheworldofaviation withover45aircraftondisplay, Vulcanguidedtourandsit-in Meteorcockpit.TeaRoomand FREEparking. www.midlandairmuseum.co.uk
Shakespeare’sSchoolroom &Guildhall
Stratford-upon-Avon Visitthe600-year-oldbuilding whereWilliamShakespearesatin the1570sandwrotehisfirstworks andexperienceTudorschoollife, dress,artandstories. www.shakespearesschoolroom.org
St.Mary’sGuildhall/TalesofTea Coventry
Visitthishistoricalgemintheheart oftheCity.Discoverits700year oldhistorythenvisitTalesofTeain thestunningvaultedUndercroft. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
WarwickCastle
Warwick
Explorethecastletowersand ramparts,groundsandgardens. Withliveshows,eventsand extraordinaryentertainmentforall thefamily.Short-breakpackages available. www.warwick-castle.com
DaysOut
AllThingsWild
Honeybourne
Interactwithfascinatinganimals, learnfromexpertkeepers,enjoya rideontheDinoTrainandexplore thewonderfulworldofDinosaurs. www.allthingswild.co.uk
TwycrossZoo
Atherstone
Withover100animals,TheGruffalo DiscoveryLand,animal experiences,naturereserves,soft playandmuchmore!Payforaday andvisitFREEfor12months.NEW habitat,CloseEncounters:The WorldofReptilesandSnakes. www.twycrosszoo.org
RedwingsHorseSanctuary
Oxhill
Hometo80rescuedhorses, poniesanddonkeys.Café/gift shop.FREEentryandparking, donationsappreciated,adoptions welcomed.Bookingrequired. www.redwings.org.uk
AstleyBookFarm
Bedworth
Thelargestsecond-hand bookshopintheMidlands.Browse booksforthewholefamilythen grabadrinkandsnackinthe CoffeeShop&Yurtandrelax. www.astleybookfarm.com
IndependentSchools Coventry&Warwickshire
ArnoldLodge LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18)
T:01926778050
www.arnoldlodge.com
ReceptionOpenMorning: Sat10May
10:00–13:00
BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13)
T:01788810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk
TheKingsleySchool LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18)
T:01926421368
www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat28Jun 09:30–12:30
PrepandJuniorSchools
BablakePrePrep
Coventry
T:02476271285 www.bablake.com
BablakeJunior
Coventry
T:02473271248 www.bablake.com
OpenMorning:Sat28Jun 09:30–12:30
CrackleyHallSchooland LittleCrackersNursery
Kenilworth T:01926514444 www.crackleyhall.co.uk
OpenEvening:Thu8May 17:00–19:00
CrescentSchool Rugby
T:01788521595
www.crescentschool.co.uk
OpenEvening:Tue13May 17:00–19:00
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prep Coventry T:02476271190
www.kinghenrys.co.uk
StorytimeAdventures: Sat17May 09:30–11:30
KingHenryVIIIJunior Coventry T:02476271160 www.kinghenrys.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat21Jun 09:30–12:30
StratfordPreparatorySchool Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789297993 www.stratfordprep.co.uk
TheCroftPreparatorySchool Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789293795 www.croftschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Thu22May 10:00–12:00
WarwickJuniorSchool
Warwick T:01926776418 www.warwickschool.org
Year1TasterMorning: Sat10May 10:00–11:30
WarwickPreparatorySchool
Warwick T:01926491545
www.warwickprep.com
OpenEvening:Fri4Jul 16:30–19:30
SeniorSchools
BablakeSenior Coventry
T:02473271248
www.bablake.com
OpenMorning:Sat28Jun 09:30–12:30
KingHenryVIIISenior Coventry T:02473271190
www.kinghenrys.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat21Jun 09:30–12:30
King’sHigh
Warwick
T:01926494485 www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk
OpenEvening:Fri4Jul 16:30–19:30
PrincethorpeCollege
Rugby
T:01926634201 www.princethorpe.co.uk
OpenEvening:Wed4Jun 18:30-20:30
WarwickSeniorSchool
Warwick T:01926776400 www.warwickschool.org
Whenshould Iapply foraschoolplace?
ByMelanieSanderson
Navigatingtheschooladmissionsprocesscanbea dauntingtaskandit’snevertooearlytostart.Forselective independents,especiallythemostoversubscribedones,you mayneedtoregisteruptothreeyearsinadvancetoenter thehighlycompetitiveadmissionsprocess.Thestatesystem equallyhasrigiddeadlinesthatmustbefollowedtosecurea placeinyourschoolofchoice.Hereisalowdownonallthe variousprocessesandkeydeadlinestohelpyouplanahead.
Forstateprimaryschools,theadmissionsprocessbeginsinthe autumntermoftheyearbeforeyourchildisduetostartschool. AttendasmanyOpenDaysasyoucan intheyearprioras fewstateschoolsofferpersonaltours.Bookinearlyforthese–placesfillupfast!
TheapplicationdeadlineisusuallythesecondweekofJanuary. Primaryschooladmissionsareco-ordinatedbyyourlocal authoritywhichspecifiesdatesandprocedures.Aftersubmitting yourapplicationthroughyourlocalauthority’s Common ApplicationForm, youcanexpecttoreceiveyourschooloffer notificationinmid-April.
Mostsecondaryschoolapplicationsarealsohandledvialocal authorities,withtheapplicationprocessforYear7entryrunning from1Septemberto31Octoberintheprioryear.
Grammarschoolsmayhaveadditionalrequirementssuchas registeringforentrancetestsduringthesummertermofYear 5(yourprimaryorprepschoolwillguideyouthroughthe process),withexaminationsfromtheSeptemberofYear6.Offer notificationsaresentatthebeginningofMarch.
Keytipsforparents
Doyourhomeworkandresearchallyourschooloptionsas earlyaspossible.
AttendasmanyOpenDaysasyoucan.
Bearinmindschoolsandnurseriescanchangequickly, sowhileit’ssensibletolookatOfstedreports(orISIfor independentschools),ifitissometimesinceaschoolhas beeninspected,thegradingmaynotberepresentativeof wheretheschoolisnowat.
Makeanoteofallapplicationandexaminationdeadlinesand anyotherkeydates.
Askyourchild’scurrentsettingfortheiradviceonnextsteps–theyshouldbeveryfamiliarwiththeprocess. Researchtutoroptionsandbookinplentyoftime. Prepareforfinancialoutlayonregistrationsifapplyingto independentschools.
Goodsourcesoffurtherinformationincludeyourlocal authoritywebsite,www.gov.co.ukorwww.goodschoolsguide. co.uk
Mostindependentschoolshaveentrypointsat3+,7+and11+. Nurseryplacesareinhighdemandandusuallyofferedonafirstcome,first-servedbasis(Londonschoolsaretheexceptionwith sometestingatage3and4+)soit’scrucialyouconsideryour optionsassoonaspossible.
Forallindependentsettings yourfirsttaskistoregisteryour child. Thedeadlineisusuallyintheautumnoftheyearbefore youwouldlikeyourchildtostart.Theremaybearegistration feeandadepositlaterontosecureyourplace.Makesure youunderstandwhattheagreementinvolvesandunderwhat circumstancesyougetyourmoneyback.
Planlotsofschoolvisitsintheyearortwopriortowhenyour childwouldbeduetojointheschool.OpenDayseasonsare twiceayear–usuallySeptember/OctoberandFebruary/March and mostindependentschoolsoffersmallerorevenpersonal tours too.
MelanieSandersonisManagingEditorofTheGoodSchools Guide(www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk),whichreviewsthekey componentsofhundredsofschools,providingparentswith in-depth,unbiasedinsights.
Writingforapurpose
ByZuzuJordan
Forsomechildren,writingfeelslikeachoreratherthanan enjoyableormeaningfulactivity.AndwhenAIappsgenerate textinstantly,there’sdefinitelyadisincentivefortheless inclinedtodevelopwritingskills.Sohowdoweinspirea loveofwritingandencourageyoungmindstopickupapen? Firstly, childrenengagemorewhentheyunderstandthe purposeofwriting; whethertoentertain,persuade,informor recount.
Theyalsoneedatopictheycareabout.First-handexperiences helpgenerateideas.Forexample,ifwritinginstructionsfor makingasandwich,theyshouldmakeonefirst.Familyoutings alsoprovideexcellentmaterialforwriting,makingitmore personalandenjoyable.
Providingstrongtextexampleshelpschildrenrecognisethekey featuresofdifferentgenres.Showingthemformallettersteaches layoutandlanguageexpectationsforthese,whileanonchronologicalreportfollowsadifferentstructure. Understanding thegenrebuildsconfidence andimproveswriting.
Discussingthetargetaudienceandpurposealsoincreases motivation.Forexample,childrenwritingtotheirheadteacher torequestlongerbreaktimeswillbedriventocraftastrong argument! Knowingtheirwritingcouldcreaterealchange makesthetaskmoremeaningful andengaging.
Receivingaresponsecandefinitelyboostconfidenceand enthusiasm.Even SirDavidAttenborough hasrepliedto children’shandwrittenletters!It’susefultoresearchpotential recipientsinadvancesoyourchildisengagedwiththe writingactivity.Achildstudyingvolcanoescouldwritetoa volcanologist;onelearningaboutenvironmentalissuescould contact WWForGreenpeace.
Historicalcreativewriting
Writingabouthistorycanbechallengingaschildrencannot experienceitdirectly.
Pictures,videosandartefacts helpbringhistorytolife. Organisationslike TimeCapsuleEducation (www.timecapsule.education)offerimmersiveresourcesthat gobeyondsurface-levelwriting.Achildaskedtowriteasa Romanboyorgirlwithoutstimuluswillproduceweakerwork thanonewhohashandledartefacts,engagedinroleplayand watchedenactments.
Readinghistoricaltexts like Beowulf andmakingcrosscurricularlinksfurtherdevelopsideas.Visitinghistoricalsites andtakingpartininteractiveactivitiesenhanceswriting,while keepingadigitaldiaryprovidesprompts.
Ablankpagecanfeeldaunting,so sentencestartersand wordbanks helpkick-startwriting.Surprisingly,computer gamescanaidtheprocessbyofferingdetailedsettings thatinspiredescriptions.Accesstoathesaurus,onlineorin print,encouragesvariedvocabulary.Bycombiningresearch, experiencesandcreativetools,childrencanproducericher, moreengaginghistoricalwriting.
improvement.Italsoallowschildrentocelebratetheirefforts, particularlywhenwritingtoentertain.Positivefeedbackfrom peersandadultsfurtherbuildsconfidence,makingwritingmore enjoyableandrewarding.
Opportunitiestoshowcasechildren’swritingcanmakeitmore meaningfulforthemsosubmittingworktoschoolnewsletters, localnewspapersorwritingcompetitionscandeliverasenseof accomplishment.Athome,sharingstorieswithfamilymembers ordisplayingworkreinforcestheimportanceoftheirefforts.
Creativeapproachesincludingstorytellinggames,comicstrips orcollaborativewritingexercisescanmakewritingfun,while encouragingjournallingallowschildrentoexpresstheirthoughts freely,improvingtheirskillswithoutpressure.
Fosteringaloveforwritingrequirespurpose,engagementand encouragement.Withtherightsupport,childrenshouldbeable toseewritingasmorethanaschooltaskandenjoyitas atool forcreativity,communicationandself-expression.
ZuzuisaMasteryforMathsSpecialistwhohastaughtprimary for18yearsandisdirectorofArnettInternational.ForFREE resourcesandtips,findheronInstagramedumate_uk
Writingblocks
Findingspellingchallengingcandiscouragechildrenfrom puttingideasonpaper.Someevenrewritesentencesto avoiddifficultwords.Toovercomethis,explainthattheir firstdraftisnotthefinalversionandintroduceeditingusing adifferentcolouredpentoshowchanges.Thiswillhelp themseeimprovementovertime.Encouragechildrento attempttrickywords,underlinethemandcheckadictionary latertobuildindependence.
Usingaminiwhiteboardallowschildrentoerasemistakes easily,makingwritingfeellessdauntingwhileprovidingtopical vocabularysupportstheirspellingandboostsconfidence. Writingwithpeerscanmaketheprocessfeelcollaborative ratherthanisolatingandencourageschildrentoshareideas morefreely.Readingbacktheirworkaloudcanalsohelpthem spotmistakesandrefinetheirwriting.
Writer’sblockoftenstemsfrompressuretocompletetasks quickly.Mindmapsallowchildrentobrainstormwithout structure,creatingapoolofideastodrawfromwhenstuck. Breakingwritingintosmallerstepsmakesitmoremanageable, helpingchildrenapproachitwithconfidence.
Eightgamechangingproducts tocalmyouranxiouschild
ByEllieMalt
Empathy,hugsanddistractionarethefirstcallforanyparenttryingtocalmananxiouschild. Overthelongerterm,cognitivebehaviouraltherapyisoneofthemostwidelyrecommended therapies.But,ifanxietyisaregularfeatureofyourfamilylifethenyoumightalsoliketo exploresomeoftheever-increasingrangeofcalmingproductsonthemarket.Hereareeight ideastotry.
WEIGHTEDBLANKETS
In1965,anAmericanscientist withautism,TempleGrandin, inventedthehugmachine. Inspiredbythisidea, occupationaltherapistsbegan usingweightedblanketsfor childrenwithsensoryissues. Thelaunchofthegravity blanketsawthefirstblanket marketedtothegeneral public,asasleepaidand stressreducer. SensoryDirect (www.sensorydirect.com) offersawiderangeofoptions withdifferingweightsand fabricstocheckout.
LIGHTINGANDMUSIC
Purflo’s (www.purflo.com) dreamcloudisanightlight thatcombineswithsoothing soundsandisperfecttohelp yourchildfallasleep,featuring tenlullabies,fournature soundsandaheartbeatsound withvolumecontrol.It’salso veryportablesoperfectfor keepingbedtimeroutines consistentonholidayoron sleepovers.
EllieMaltisawriterand motheroftwogirls,living inSurrey.
MINDFULNESSREMOTES
Designedforchildrenages5-12, StixRemotes (www.stixmindfulness.co.uk)arehandhelddevicesthatguide kidsthroughscreen-freemindfulnessexercises.Withbuilt-in voiceinstructions,theyofferactivitiesrangingfrombreathing exercisestomovement-basedtasks,promotingcalmnessand focus.Developedincollaborationwithpsychologists,Stixsays theremotesaimtoimproveemotionalregulation.
FIDGETTOYS
Althoughthere’snostrong scientificevidencethatproves fidgettoyswork,manypeople saytheyfindthedistraction calming. FidgetsbyAmelie (www.fidgets-by-amelie. com)isaUK-basedcompany, specialisinginsensory productswithanextlevel designaesthetic.Theyhave afewdifferenttoys,each designedfordifferentsensory preferences.
CLOTHING
SQUEEZESEATS
TheLallooversionofa SqueezeSeatofferskids asafe,secludedpersonal space:greatforreducing sensoryoverload.The designcaterstoindividual preferences,offeringoptions fortight-fittingoroversized seats.It’sjustoneofseveral versionsforsaleatthenotfor-profitwebsite Fledglings (www.fledglings.org.uk)
Fromhoodiestocompression vests,there’sasurprisingrangeof weightedclothingtocreatethat portablehugeffect.Upuntilnow they’vebeenmoreabouttheir functionthanfashion,soit’sgreat toseethere’sevenaweighted denimjacketavailablefromthe UKbasedcompany Sensory Direct (www.sensorydirect.com).
EARPLUGS
Over-eardefendersandnoise cancellingheadphonesare helpfulforkidswithsensitive hearing.Earplugsshapedlike atubearerelativenewcomers andcanbemorediscretein noisyplaces.
Popularwithsoundengineers andteenagersatconcerts, theyarealsousedby thosewithsensoryissues. Manufacturersclaimtheystill allowallnoisesthroughbut softensoundstomakethem moretolerableandreduce cortisollevels. FlareAudio (www.flareaudio.com)make arangecalledCalmerKids whichfitinsidetheear.
BREATHINGTOYS
Theymaylookliketypical cuddlytoysbutthesefluffy buddiescanalsomakecute breathingandgentlesnoring sounds,thankstobattery operatedspeakersfittedinto theirtummies.
It’scommonknowledgethat ourheartratesandbreathing speedupwhenanxietystrikes. Manufacturersofthese breathingtoysclaimtheyhelp childrentoregulatetheirown breathingastheyhugthetoy closeandstarttomatchthe naturalbreathingrhythm.
Evora (www.evoraofficial.com) wereoneofthefirsttocreate abreathingKoalawhichhasa softlightupbelly,asoothing upanddownmotionto accompanyabreathingsound andaheartbeat.
