Families Birmingham Sept-Oct 2017

Birmingham

Picky Eaters?

Contact your local Juice Plus Rep Mrs L Woodstock today

Alice in Wonderland at The Old Rep, Birmingham Monday 20 November - Saturday 30 December oldreptheatre.co.uk

Lwoodstock.juiceplus@gmail.com

07943112186

Fuelling Healthy Families Healthy Body = Healthy Mind

Tuition Plus

‘Helping students achieve their true potential’

Professional Tutoring Literacy & Numeracy Free Initial Assessment Harvest Fields Centre, B75 5TJ (Tues & Sat) Mere Green Centre, B75 5BT (Wed & Thurs) Tel: 07592 556 452

Email: info@tuition-plus.co.uk www.tuition-plus.co.uk

Age 3 - Adult 01789 731 000

principal@rnsd.co.uk

www.rnsd.co.uk

Issue 41 September/October 2017

familiesonline.co.uk

Explore Learning

editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Explore Learning: “It isn’t what you think tuition would be like” My name is Mo and my daughter’s name is Keira, aged 10. She has attended the Wylde Green centre for 11 months. Explore has helped Keira with confidence and has helped her to get to where she wants to be in her class. She feels happier knowing that she has covered topics before they are taught in school which gives her a real confidence boost. I would recommend Explore to any parent.

What advice would you give to other parents thinking about bringing their children to Explore?

It isn’t what you think tuition would be like, instead it is made to be fun and enjoyable for all children, from every background. The centre is inclusive and all children are treated equally.

Can you tell me what you think makes Explore Learning a unique tutoring service?

The tutors and the service motivate the children who perhaps wouldn’t usually want to go and do extra work. Keira always comes out saying how glad she is that she has been that day.

How do Explore tutors support your child in their sessions?

The tutors support Keira to develop skills to progress in her learning. They encourage her to challenge herself, step out of her comfort zone and to be independent whilst giving her the extra support she requires.

Mo and Keira

What does your child enjoy about their sessions at Explore Learning?

Keira enjoys the reward systems that are in place to encourage her to work hard and achieve her goals - when she gets a certificate it makes her feel on top of the world.

My name is Dainah and my son’s name is Raekwon, aged 5, a member for one year. We decided to sign him up as we felt he was ready and I wanted to prepare him for school. Rae demonstrated the urge to learn and Explore encourages him.

What advice would you give to other parents thinking about bringing their children to Explore?

Be completely honest about your child’s progression in order for the staff to help develop them further.

Can you tell me what you think makes Explore Learning a unique tutoring service?

Not only do they work to your child’s individual needs they set targets for your child to achieve. They stretch and challenge in a fun way!

How do Explore tutors support your child in their sessions?

The staff have built an honest relationship with Rae. They are clear on the goals that they want him to achieve. When Raekwon first joined, his reading ability with Oxford Reading Tree was level 1 and he has now progressed to level 9. His numeracy skills have also increased drastically.

What does your child enjoy about their sessions at Explore Learning?

Raekwon genuinely loves all the staff and has a great relationship with them all!

Raekwon and Dainah

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EducationInvestor

Awards 2016

2 Families Birmingham

familiesonline.co.uk

In this Issue...

4

4 News 7 Music News 8 Clubs & Classes 10 Health &

11

Wellbeing

11 Parenting 12 Education 16 Competitions 17 Fireworks Night 18 Half Term/

18

20 What’s On

20

Birmingham It’s back to school time!

Naturally, the main focus of this issue is education. You’ll see there are several tutoring companies offering your child the chance to boost their classroom confidence, and this term, many schools are holding open events for prospective parents and children.

Also check out our region’s best events, competitions, activities, health and well-being, clubs and classes. There’s Hallowe’en craft to try out with your children at home too - wooooo! There’s no need to look any further than Families Birmingham Magazine which is jam-packed with ideas of things to do and places to go for the under-12s.

Have a wonderful Autumn.

Suzanne Brown, Editor

Families Birmingham - covering Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth

Next Issue:

Advertisers: Book before Friday 6th October 2017 for our November – December ‘Christmas’ issue Call: 07807 352087 Email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk Design: Matt Walton Design

Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham

Hallowe’en

© Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine; our distributors ’the franchise company’, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Families Birmingham

3

News

editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

World class success at Spotlight Stage School L

ocal dancers who attend Spotlight Stage School in Castle Bromwich have just returned from the 2017 Dance World Cup held in Germany with an impressive medal haul.

The competition attracts 22,000 dancers from nearly 50 countries across the world.

Spotlight Stage School represented England in 11 categories and walked away with 7 golds, 3 silvers and a bronze.

The school’s success in the group sections meant that 62 youngsters left the international competition as world champions! Spotlight also won a trophy for the Most Outstanding Group in the entire competition.

Castle Bromwich & Kingshurst

The biggest and most successful dance/stage school in the area Professional tuition for boys and girls age 2-18 years in DANCE * DRAMA * SINGING * GYMNASTICS •In-school agency for professional stage, TV, film and modelling work •Regional, national & international competitions •Performances at top venues in UK and abroad •Government recognised exams

0121 242 3904 / 07775 631316 www.spotlightstageschool.co.uk

Principal Vicky Richards explains “Just to qualify for Team England is a real achievement as competition to get into the national squad is fierce, with hundreds applying for just 2 or 3 places”.

As well as their competition success, in the last 12 months Spotlight students have achieved the top examination marks in the country, appeared in various West End musicals and UK tours, travelled as far as Barcelona and Serbia to work on prime-time TV and film projects, and won scholarships worth thousands of pounds. Vicky explains “There are over 350 children aged 2-18 years enrolled at Spotlight and we are always working towards something exciting. It’s great to see so many local children experience the same success as those who attend the big London stage schools”.

Spotlight Stage School will be enrolling new pupils in September.

Contact Vicky on 0121-242-3904 / 07775-631316 or email vicky@spotlightstageschool.co.uk

Supporting families with elderly care Lucie-Anne, 21 years old, from Solihull is the founder of Friends of the Retired.

After being a support worker for over three years, and having her own nan pass with Alzheimer’s Disease, she is now launching her own business. F.O.R is a private companionship service for our Retired and Elderly community and their relatives. F.O.R’s aim is to reach out to families with elderly parents or relatives who need some extra support at home.

F.O.R works to address the gaps and faults within the health and social care systems. Our elderly quite often don’t get a say, or are very limited with choice. F.O.R works to make a true difference.

Just because you’re retired, doesn’t mean you’re retired from life or adventures!

Companionship, Housework, Activities, plus much more.

For more information, contact Lucie-Anne

07471 933278 | 0121 722 3342

Friends.o.f@hotmail.com | www.friendsofretired.co.uk DEMENTIA FRIENDLY

4

Families Birmingham

F.O.R is dementia friendly, well experienced with elderly care, DBS checked and has all the appropriate accreditations.

So far F.O.R has raised £197.00 for Alzheimer’s Awareness and will continue fundraising for various other charities linked to elderly communities.

Friends.o.r@hotmail.com | friendsofretired.co.uk | 07471 933278 | 0121 722 3342 familiesonline.co.uk

News News

@familiesbirminghammag @familiesbirminghammag

Birmingham Weekender invites you to look again at our city I ndoors, outdoors and every space in between, Birmingham’s biggest arts festival, Birmingham Weekender, invites audiences to look again at familiar spaces and places, experiencing the arts around every corner.

You’ll hear music inside Selfridges, a symphony on the canal, an orchestra in a multi-story car park, some cabaret on the trams, storytelling in the Bull Ring retail markets, and see dancing in the Bullring.

Come and see the city, celebrated and transformed over three days.

22 – 24 September | birminghamweekender.com facebook.com/BhamWeekender

Birmingham Weekender Rangeeli - woman and child photo by Mihani Malhorta

Birmingham Heritage Week Birmingham Heritage Week will take over the city, 7 - 17 September, with over 100 events giving visitors the chance to discover more about the city’s vibrant heritage. Many of the city’s best historical venues and hidden gems will be open FREE of charge.

Why not attend an event at Blakesley Hall, take in some live music at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, do a tour of the Birmingham Oratory, or attend a family workshop at The Pen Museum?

Birmingham Historian Professor Carl Chinn says, “Birmingham Heritage Week provides an opportunity to highlight one vital constant in our history: Birmingham was made by all of us and Birmingham belongs to all of us.”

Full listings at birminghamheritageweek.co.uk

Blakesley Hall

Birmingham’s magical, illuminated trail

CHRISTMAS Botanical Gardens at the

29 NOVEMBER – 1 JANUARY cost 7ppm plus network access charge.

0844 873 7336 Calls Not open every day, check website for full details. birminghamchristmasgarden.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

AN EDUCATIONAL CHARITY

Raymond Gubbay

Families Birmingham

5

News

editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The most visited free attraction in the West Midlands

T

hanks to a varied programme of theatre, music, film and courses, alongside free events and exhibitions, mac Birmingham retains its position as the most visited free attraction in the West Midlands according to a VisitEngland survey.

mac Birmingham had 1.1 million visits in 2016 – a 10% increase on the previous year. In addition, the mac has moved up the national rankings, placed 11th, a three point improvement on its ranking of 14th in 2015. mac Birmingham is the only West Midlands attraction within the UK’s top 20.

Deborah Kermode, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of mac Birmingham said: ‘Our popularity is a true testament of the hard work and vision of mac’s staff and board in addition to the fantastic loyalty from our local visitors.’ macBirmingham.co.uk | 0121 446 3232

photo by Ben Fearnhead

Award winning head teacher Congratulations to head teacher of Kimichi School, Sally Alexander, the winner of this year’s Most Innovative Teacher Award at the Education Awards 2017. Everyone at Kimichi is super proud to have had her achievements recognised at a regional level.

More great news, Kimichi is extremely proud to have been nominated for Contribution to Education in this year’s Birmingham Awards.

Kimichi parents say: “The children learn in a unique, caring and engaging environment. Super school with a lovely ethos.”

“Incredible school with a difference, each child is treated as an individual... how refreshing!”

Open Days, 11th and 14th October;29th November and 2nd December.

KimichiSchool.co.uk | 0121 679 5298 | enquiries@kimichischool.co.uk

Nurturing fearless learners Explore’s tuition centres have a proven track record of delivering academic and social progress to children age 4 – 14 years. Their courses are tailored to each child’s ability.

To book a free trial at your nearest centre in Birmingham, Solihull or Sutton Coldfield call 0121 516 0434, and quote Families Birmingham magazine.

explorelearning.co.uk

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Make Christmas Magical at MAC

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas Thu 30 Nov - Sat 30 Dec / 3+

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE: ME...

Wed 15 Nov - Thu 30 Nov / 2+

macbirmingham.co.uk Registered Company no. 718349 | Registered Charity no. 528979

6

Families Birmingham

familiesonline.co.uk

Music News

@familiesbirm

Budding musicians add another string to their bow with Music Medals T he Strings Club are proud to be celebrating a record number of children reaching exceptional standards of music playing during the 2016/17 academic year.

Through their award-winning Term Time Courses - weekly, small group music lessons on ukulele, violin, guitar and cello - The Strings Club encourage children aged 4-11 to learn an instrument and develop a range of skills. Each 10-week term children are nominated by their Strings Club Course Leader for a Music Medal or a Minis Award, giving them something really worthwhile to work towards.

The Strings Club boast some of the UK’s best strings teachers who are handpicked for their experience, friendliness and professionalism. The next 10-week Term Time Courses will begin Saturday 23 September. Courses start at only £15 per lesson with payment plans available for those wanting to spread the cost.

For parents who are interested in inspiring their child’s love of music but have yet to choose an instrument, The Strings Club’s Discovery Days offer an opportunity for children to try out two new instruments and receive two 20 minute lessons for FREE! The special Discovery Days are taking place on Saturday 16 September in Harborne, Bournville, Sutton Coldfield and Solihull from 10.30am to 12pm.

The Strings Club will also be running their award-winning Holiday Camps across the West Midlands during October Half Term.

0121 296 9204 | thestringsclub.org/termtime

Create your own Canal Serenade and join the procession!

Free Canal Serenade

10 September, 1.30pm CBSO Centre, Birmingham Join BCMG at CBSO Centre for a free creative music workshop and create your own canal serenades!

Booking essential at bcmg.org.uk/family-workshop

bcmg.org.uk

On 10 September, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group throw the doors to CBSO Centre open as they invite your mini-Mozarts to compose their own piece of music based on their brand new Canal Serenade.

In a FREE creative music workshop specially designed for families, your child will create their very own Canal Serenade before performing in procession from CBSO Centre to the canal by Brindleyplace, where the world-class BCMG musicians will be performing their first ever Canal Serenade.

Canal Serenade is a brand new piece of music that will be performed on three separate narrow boats that will unite at the meeting point of the Birmingham Main Line, Fazeley and Worcester canals.

Using instruments, electronics and even a choir, the event is the first classical performance on Birmingham’s canals.

Bring your own instruments if portable, otherwise small

familiesonline.co.uk

photo by Robert Day

percussion will be available.

Workshop places are FREE but must be booked at bcmg.org.uk, 0121 616 6500 Sunday 10th September | CBSO Centre, Berkley St, B1 2LF: Workshop, 1.30pm; Canal Performance, 4pm

Families Birmingham

7

Clubs & Classes

editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

RNSD - Passionate about dancing

R

utleigh Norris School of Dance aims to provide boys and girls with the opportunity to not only be the best dancer they can be but to also become confident, happy and respectful individuals. Dance builds skills which can be applied to many disciplines, subjects and situations, such as creativity, strength, coordination, concentration, respect and courtesy.

RNSD offer RAD classical ballet, IDTA Tap and Modern with new classes in DDMIX (a full body aerobic workout, choreographed by Darcey Bussell, based on a wide range of different dance styles with easy to follow steps). RAD’s Silver Swans Adult Ballet is also available at RNSD.

Lessons are taught in a professional environment, where learners can enjoy excelling whilst feeling safe and valued.

Rutleigh Norris School of Dance has been providing boys and girls with a superior quality of teaching since 1959.

rnsd.co.uk, 01789 731 000, principal@rnsd.co.uk

Inspire your child THROUGH MUSIC -

Learn new skills

-

Build confidence

-

Make new friends

Razzle dazzle at Big Arena Performing Arts Big Arena Performing Arts aim to bring out the razzle dazzle in each child who attends their classes.

Award-winning Ofsted registered Holiday Camps, Term Time Courses and Parties for children aged 4-11 in Harborne, Bournville, Sutton Coldfield and Solihull

Quote FAMILIESWM2017 for up to 10% off! thestringsclub.org/westmidlands | 0121 296 9204 8

Families Birmingham

Their experienced and expert staff deliver quality lessons in each of the performing arts disciplines, Drama, Dance and Singing. They believe passionately in the ability of the performing arts to develop a child’s character and inner confidence, enabling them to achieve what they didn’t realise what was already inside them.

Big Arena meet every Saturday morning, 10am – 1pm starting from September 9th.

This term, they’ll be preparing for a show-stopping variety performance. Why not take your child along one Saturday for a FREE TASTER session this term and see for yourself?

BigArenaPerformingArts.co.uk | 07855 923371 @bigarenaperformingartssuttoncoldfield United Reformed Church, Sutton Coldfield, B73 6AA

familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs & Classes

@familiesbirminghammag

Dance yourself dizzy!

Why not give your child a dance-tastic start to the new school year? And a chance to have fun and meet new friends? The aim of Dizzy Dancers is to engage both children (age 2+) and adults in the love of dance, whatever their ability, and to also build self-esteem and confidence while pursuing a healthy hobby.

Dizzy Dancers is a voluntary run IDTA dance school, offering tap, ballet, freestyle and gymnastic dance lessons. The classes are held at Calthorpe School, Highgate, Birmingham, on a Saturday morning from 10.00 till 12:30.

The school aims to provide affordable dance lessons, exams and to give the opportunity to do dance demonstrations and performances.

With the backing of St Alban’s Trust Dizzy Dancers have recently completed a dance show at the Dovehouse Theatre and are currently working towards dance exams, which they hope to complete by spring next year. They have also started rehearsals for the Tapathon, which helps to raise money for Children in Need.

Dizzy Dancers School of Dance| dizzydancers.org | 0773 465 1192

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Solihull Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.com

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals.

CENTRAL STAGE SCHOOL Tap Street Jazz Musical Theatre Solihull: Adult & Children’s Classes Free places for nursery children Tel: Claire 07939 529 227 info@centralstageschool.co.uk

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Irish dancing classes for boys and girls aged 4 to adult Classes held in Selly Oak, Kings Norton and Redditch Call Louise on 07790 876 345 for information

www.granarince.co.uk

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 5+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

Telephone: 0121 722 3761

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage

Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

DANCE & DRAMA

Find out more today: stagecoach.co.uk/edgbaston edgbaston@stagecoach.co.uk ™

01926 651159

Creative Courage For Life

®

www.masquerademusicaltheatre.com

Dizzyrs Dance

Solihull Young Dancers Ballet & Tap Lessons Classes from age 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 07722 732678

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

MUSIC 1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location B I R M I N G H A M Rock School grades 1-8.

Ages 4 upwards.

Book online @ www.birminghamdrumschool.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 07807 352087 familiesonline.co.uk

Ages 3 - 18 years Tel: 07855 923371 Open: Saturdays 10am - 1pm Sutton Coldfield www.bigarenaperformingarts.co.uk

Various ages welcome Based in Highgate, Birmingham.

0773 4651192 www.dizzydancers.org Families Birmingham

9

Health

editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Five healthy back-to-school tips During the back-to-school hustle and bustle, your family doesn’t have to compromise healthy eating and living habits.

Here are five easy, convenient ways to maintain your family’s healthy diet and lifestyle: 1. Start each day with a Brainy Breakfast. Prepare a balanced breakfast full of proteins, fibre-filled carbs, Omega-3 fats and minerals to enhance your child’s behaviour and learning.

2. Simple snacks made easy. Smoothies are the perfect sipping solution, for a quick after school snack in between activities. Why not add Juice Plus+ Complete Shake for extra protein and fibre!

3. Model good nutrition to your children. As their role model, the healthy diet and lifestyle you promote will naturally become your child’s norm.

4. Encourage more movement. Whether you’re going to the park, or playing in the

garden, regular exercise will boost your child’s immune system.

5. Add a Juice Plus+ supplement to your family’s diet. Juice Plus+ is a great way to get good nutrition from fruits and vegetables into kids. New Juice Plus+ Omegas is great for brain health! www.Lwoodstock.juiceplus.com To get £5 off Juice Plus+ Plantbased Omegas 3,5,6,7 & 9 text the word ‘OMEGAS’ to 07943 112186

By Lesha Woodstock - regional Juice Plus rep |

@WaterInfusedWithLove |

@WaterInfusedWithLove

Register for Wear A Hat Day 2018 and start planning your event!

W

ear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event. It takes place on Thursday 29th March 2018. March is also UK Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Schools and families across the country can get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumors.

10

Families Birmingham

Brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Families are being left distraught by this terrible condition. This is unacceptable!

Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK that is purely dedicated to raising funds for continuous and sustainable scientific research into brain tumours.

Taking part can be as simple as putting on a hat and donating on the day, but most families like to create entertaining fundraising events.

Many schools for example have inventive hat competitions, parades and fashion shows and raise hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

‘On average, organisations raise around £250. But, whatever target you set yourselves, aim to smash it!

Register now on www.wearahatday. org and start planning your hat-tastic fundraising event.

Your fundraising pack will be sent out in early 2018 and will include leaflets, posters, balloons, wristbands and badges to help promote your event and smash your fundraising target!

More information, event ideas and fundraising tips can be found online: www.wearahatday.org

familiesonline.co.uk

Parenting

@familiesbirm

Being a parent could help you live longer Having children could improve your chances of living longer, a new study has found.

by Paul Travers

The research, from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, used national registry data to analyse the mortality rates of nearly 1.5 million Swedes aged between 60 and 100.

It found that those with children tended to live longer than those without.

The study also found that men benefited more from being parents than women when it came to longevity, despite the fact that women had a longer average lifespan overall.

At age 60 fathers had a life expectancy of a further 20.2 years, compared to 18.4 years for men without children. 60-year old mothers could expect to live for another 24.6 years compared to 23.1 years for childless women.

The researchers suggest that one reason for the findings could be that children are able

to provide better care, emotional support and argue for better treatment for their aging parents.

Councils issue £8.8 million in fines for unauthorised school absences

FIN E

Almost 150,000 families in England were served with penalties by their local authorities for taking their children out of school without permission during the 2015-16 academic year.

This equated to nearly £9 million worth of fines.

The figures, compiled by law firm Simpson Millar using Freedom of Information requests, found that local authorities in the North West issued the most fines, 2008|2009 2008|2009 penalising 25,000 families.

Separate figures revealed that RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL nearly 20,000 people were Children aged from 3 months to 5 years taken to court for failing to Ofsted Outstanding ensure their child attended • Daily home cooking school.

• Interactive Whiteboard/Table The figures were released • CCTV cameras in every room • Free Grant places available for age 2, 3 & 4 years against the backdrop of a • Free 30 hours grant available for age 3+ Supreme Court ruling against dad John Platt, who fought Tel: 0121 777 4902 a legal campaign after being 130 Russell Rd, Hall Green, B’ham B28 8SQ issued a £60 fine, which was Other sites later doubled to £120, after Small World Nursery, 621 Fox Hollies Road, 975 Stratford Road, taking his daughter out of Hall Green, Hall Green, Birmingham. school for a family holiday.

Birmingham

by Paul Travers familiesonline.co.uk

B28 9DW Tel: 0121 777 3778

B28 8BG Tel: 0121 693 3071

Another factor could be that parents tend to live healthier lifestyles than those without children.

Selly Oak Nursery School Rated as ‘OUTSTANDING’ in our last three OFSTED Inspections, we offer Full and Part Time places for 3 & 4 year olds.

Visit us and see the quality of our Teaching and Learning, our wonderful environment, the Forest School area.

Talk to our children and parents. Visit our website.

REGISTER NOW! We also have a Breakfast and After School Club Come and see what makes us so special!

Car Park available

Selly Oak Nursery School, 26 Tiverton Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6BP 0121 472 1700 www.sellyoak-nur.bham.sch.uk enquiry@sellyoak-nur.bham.sch.uk

Families Birmingham

11

Education

editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Improve 11+ vocabulary in a flash Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have been specifically created to improve children’s verbal reasoning skills and ultimately help them succeed in the 11+ Entrance Examination.

This comprehensive resource includes 5 different sets, each with 200 key words and over 1,000 synonyms: • Level 1 and Level 2 provide the foundations of a broad vocabulary • Opposites 1 and Opposites 2 take an in-depth look at antonyms and synonyms • The fifth box supports work on tricky compound words.

Flash cards are a powerful learning tool that fit easily into your daily routine; simple and versatile, used regularly they will boost both confidence and results. www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS

11+ VERBAL REASONING VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS Expand your antonym and synonym knowledge and achieve a higher 11+ score Recommended by tutors for the verbal reasoning element of the Durham CEM test

www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

A one snap solu�on - they’re re-usable too!

“A truly wonderful product—Snappy Tags takes the hassle and pain out of labelling.” www.verymummy.com

www.snappytags.co.uk 12

Families Birmingham

Steps to 11 Plus success

Keep Tabs on their clothes Recommended by

Tel: (01430) 819002

If you want to help your child achieve 11 Plus success we suggest: 1. Arranging an 11+ Assessment – The best time to do this is Year 3 or Year 4. The assessment should highlight strengths, weaknesses and the ability to pick up new concepts.

2. Starting preparations early – Often, children who have the potential to excel in the 11 Plus have not been allowed adequate time to prepare with enough rigour for the challenge of the exams.

3. Selecting a structured course – For year 3 and 4 students the 11 Plus foundations course is recommended. A strong foundation leads to improved performance in Year 5.

To arrange your child’s free assessment visit: www.elevenplus.com familiesonline.co.uk

Kimichi School

The Only Music Specialist School In Birmingham ADMISSION OPEN

FOR 2017

PRIMARY SCHOOL YEARS 5 & 6 - SECONDARY SCHOOL YEARS 7 - 11

OPEN DAYS:

Wednesday 11th October 6-8pm Saturday 14th October 11am-1pm Wednesday 29th November 6-8pm Saturday 2nd December 11am-1pm Learning is fun!

Our parents have made a lifestyle choice, and they’ve chosen us. We’re opening the school up to pupils and parents as well as prospective families. Now’s your chance to come and chat to current pupils, staff and to see just what a difference we could make.

Award-winning headteacher Sally will be there to share the school vision and ethos, and for those of you looking for something different...better...today’s the day. The world is changing. Shouldn’t our education as well?

LEARNING BENEFITS: Independent School specialising in music Small Classes and personalised learning Partners with Birmingham Conservatoire Music is 20% of the curriculum School trips and outside the classroom learning • Advanced skills tuition • • • • •

CALL US Tel: 0121 679 5298

enquiries@kimichischool.co.uk www.kimichischool.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Birmingham

13

Education

editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Starting a new school year

M

any children sail through the transition into a new class at the start of each school year, but for others it can be an anxious time.

Here are a few tips to help you support your child through this transition: Acknowledge feelings: It’s important that your child feels listened to, so rather than saying; ‘Don’t worry, it will be fine,’ let them know that you understand e.g.

‘It’s a bit worrying when you have to get used to a new teacher, isn’t it?’

Don’t feed their anxiety:

Talk to the school: Make sure the new teacher knows about it if your child is particularly anxious, and keep in touch with them in the early days of the new term.

And finally…

Give your child time to settle. You may find they regress in their behaviour at home during this settling in time, but if they feel secure and loved at home coping with new challenges will gradually get easier.

That said, there is a fine line between sympathising with your child and ‘feeding’ their worry. Stay upbeat, if you are feeling anxious try not to let it show.

Normalise: Tell your child that they are not alone, lots of other children will be nervous as well, nerves are perfectly normal.

Be prepared: Talk through any worries that your child may have and make sure that they know what to do in certain situations. If your child keeps asking questions don’t answer yourself, but get them to tell you the answer eg. ‘What could you do if you forget your PE kit?’ Get them to imagine themselves solving this problem.

by Jane Rogers – The Cambridge Parent Coach Find Jane’s books ‘How to encourage good behaviour so you can enjoy your children’ and ‘How to use positive discipline to improve your child’s behaviour’ on Amazon. Follow The Cambridge Parent Coach on facebook.

Getting your child’s 11+ foundations right!

Places at Grammar and Independent schools are highly sought after in Birmingham and every year, the competition continues to rise.

So when should you start your child’s 11+ preparation?

Research shows that with the right guidance, children who start their preparation in Years 4 and 5 have ample time to make progress in their studies. This allows time to expand key skills and identify any weaker areas and tackle them directly.

What can KSOL do for you and your child?

KSOL combine over 10 years of 11+ experience to create up-to-date personalised online programmes which are monitored by a team of qualified and caring tutors. Every child is considered as an individual and courses are tailored to help improve particular areas of weakness.

See KSOL’s “Back to School” offers at www.ksol.co.uk or try a FREE week trial. Call KSOL today on 0121 733 6558.

14

Families Birmingham

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

@familiesbirminghammag

Sleep Education, Education, Education A new school year presents an opportunity to create an improved daily sleep routine for your child, which promotes better academic performance and behaviour at school.

Here are some top tips to establish your child’s sleep routines: 1) Work out how much sleep your child needs each night. On average, 3 - 5 year olds need between 10

a relaxing bath and bedtime story could be used for younger children.

2) Make sure their bedtime works. If your child

4) Keep phones and other technology out of the bedroom overnight. These

to 13 hours sleep, and 6 - 13 year olds need 9 to 11 hours.

finds it hard to wake up in the morning and is groggy during breakfast, you will need to adjust their bedtime to an earlier time.

3) Allow your child a wind-down routine for about an hour before bed. Stop all computer games, homework, and social media during this time. Instead,

by Dave Gibson, www.warrenevans.com

emit a blue light which has a detrimental effect on the quality of sleep.

5) Get your child interested in sleep. Educate them about why a

sleep routine is important in terms of their brain development and health.

Unleash your child’s full academic potential

“Learning Today Leading Tomorrow”

D ITE ES LIMPLAC

Give your child a head start this new school year with Edgbaston Tuition Centre. Along with their Maths and English classes, and Homework Club, this is also an excellent time of year for Year 4 and 5 children to be signed up for 11+ tuition. Recently, Edgbaston Tuition has increased the number of GCSE Arabic lessons on offer to accommodate pupil demand! The centre aims to help KS2 children pass GCSE Arabic within two years.

Edgbaston Tuition Centre is centrally located in Birmingham, and is run by a team of carefully selected, dedicated and expert staff, all DBS checked, who bring with them decades of experience in the education sector. edgbaston Edgbaston Tuition Centre aims to: tuitioncentre • Make learning enjoyable for all • Help children to excel academically, whatever that means for them • Build children’s confidence across all areas of their life • Free up children’s time at home, allowing for more quality family time • Encourage social interaction amongst peers 0121 455 9211 | edgbastontuitioncentre@gmail.com www.edgbastontuition.com

Where Individuals Matter

OPEN

MORNING Thursday 28th September 2017 9am - 12noon

• Small Class sizes • A friendly caring environment • Children reach their full potential • Outstanding Ofsted since 2007 St James Place, Shirley, Solihull B90 2BA

Kingswood School 0121 744 7883

www.kingswoodschool.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Enjoy Learning | BUILD CONFIDENCE | MAKE FRIENDS

HOMEWORK CLUB MathS SCLMAASLLS English SIZES

11+ ARABIC QURAN

Daily Fun

Activities

REGISTER NOW! Central Edgbaston location

0121 455 9211

www.edgbastontuition.com

HOLI BOOS DAY COURSTESER

e-mail: edgbastontuitioncentre@gmail.com 6 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3BE Families Birmingham

15

Competitions

editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

WIN a family ticket to Birmingham International Tattoo 2017 With over 1,000 performers – including international marching bands, massed pipes and drums, field gun racing, dog displays, Irish dancers, the parade of massed standard bearers plus much more – the Birmingham International Tattoo is Britain’s biggest indoor event of its type. With three hours of entertainment, the Tattoo features something for all the family both young and old at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena on Saturday 25th November 2017 at 6pm and Sunday 26th November 2017 at 2pm.

To have a chance of winning a set of four tickets for Saturday’s Birmingham Tattoo answer the following question: The Massed Pipes and Drums will be playing music native to which part of Britain: 1. England

2. Scotland, or 3. Wales

Competition closes Monday 30th October Tickets £12.50+| birminghamtattoo.co.uk| 0844 33 88 22

Competition T&C’s on page 20

WIN a family ticket to see 64 Zoo Lane at The Old Rep Theatre

Experience the Pageantry & Spectacle of Britain’s Biggest Indoor Tattoo

Massed International Marching Bands Massed Pipes & Drums with Highland Dancers Massed Parade of Standard Bearers Exciting Displays including Field Gun, Dog Displays, Irish Dancing and more FEATURING OVER 1,000 PERFORMERS IN THE SPECTACULAR GRAND FINALE

Saturday 25th November 2017 at 6pm Sunday 26th November 2017 at 2pm

Box Office 0844-33-88-222*

*Calls 7p/min + phone company’s charge Tickets Special discounts available for groups of 10+ £12.50 to £30.00 Group bookings: 0800-358-0058 with reduced prices for www.birminghamtattoo.co.uk children & senior citizens formerly The NIA, Birmingham

64 Zoo Lane is a brand new family friendly musical based on the award winning children’s television series of the same name.

Join all your loveable favourite characters like Georgina the Giraffe, Nelson the Elephant, Molly the Hippopotamus, Giggles & Tickles and not forgetting the star of the show, Lucy.

With catchy songs, puppets and loads of fun, 64 Zoo Lane is a perfect introduction to theatre for children aged 3 and up.

For the chance to WIN a family* ticket (*2 adults, 2 children) to the performance of 64 Zoo Lane on Wednesday 25 October, 11am simply answer the question below: What is the name of the Elephant from 64 Zoo Lane? Is it: a) Nellie

b) Hathi

c) Nelson

Competition closes Thursday 12th October.

25 – 29 Oct | 11am & 1pm | Tickets £12 | oldreptheatre.co.uk | 0121 359 9444

TO ENTER the competition(s) of your choice just email us by the given closing date. Put the name of your chosen competition in the subject line of your message, and send your answer, your name, postal address and best contact number to editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk - Good luck!

16

Families Birmingham

familiesonline.co.uk

@familiesbirminghammag

Fireworks Night Book reviews

Remember, remember the fireworks code

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting book review website. See these reviews, download the specially written reading activities for these books and buy the books online at www.EdontheWeb.com Most of all, have fun reading!

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS The Night Box

by Louise Greig (Egmont £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘When Max turns the key in the Night Box, darkness swoops out and spills into the world. Thousands of stars begin to sparkle. Birds and animals that prefer the night come out to play.

‘This is a wonderfully atmospheric story about the magic of night-time. The beautiful illustrations enhance the calmness and serenity of this enchanting tale.’

The No 1 Car Spotter Fights the Factory

by Atinuke (Walker £5.99)

As the Diwali Festival of Light and Bonfire Night are fast approaching, and with all the excitement of rockets and Catherine Wheels among adults and kids alike, it can be easy to overlook the potential dangers of bonfire and firework celebrations.

Did you know: Fireworks can travel at speeds of 150 mph, the cruising speed of some biplanes!

Make sure the fireworks you buy are meant for home use, are suitable for the size of your garden and are marked with British Standard number (BS 7114).

You should also: 1. Store fireworks in a metal box with a lid during the display 2. Use a torch for checking instructions 3. Use a taper for lighting fireworks 4. Have a bucket of water close to hand 5. Have a bucket or other container of soft earth to stick fireworks in 6. Use a board or other non-flammable rigid surface for flatbottomed fireworks 7. Use supports or launches for Catherine wheels or rockets Now that you’re clear on keeping your family safe; enjoy your Diwali celebrations during 18th – 22nd October, and Bonfire Night on 5th November!

familiesonline.co.uk

ED SAYS: ‘No 1 gets his name from being the No 1 car spotter in his village or even in the whole of Africa. Although his village might not look very special, it is his family’s home and where they grow and catch their food. When problems arise, will No 1 be able to use his ingenuity to put things right?

‘This book is brilliantly written and with its lively illustrations will entertain young readers from start to finish.’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS Spy Toys: Out of Control

by Mark Powers (Bloomsbury £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘The Spy Toys are ready for their next mission. The secret code that controls all the Snaztacular Ultrafun toys has been stolen and toys everywhere are no longer playing nicely with the children who own them.

‘This story with its super illustrations is great fun and very entertaining.’

Moonlocket

by Peter Bunzl (Usborne £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘Darkness gathers in the lives of Lily and Robert when they find themselves part of the search for criminal mastermind Jack Door.

‘This gripping adventure will have you on the edge of your seat and the characters will take you on an exciting journey through Victorian London.

Families Birmingham

17

Half term

editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Hallowe’en Horrors!

Actionpacked, Ofsted registered holiday childcare For children aged 4-14

A

spire Active Camps provide sports and activity childcare during every school holiday throughout the year for children between 4-14 years old.

Their number one aim is to ensure your child has fun. However, safety is paramount and as an Ofsted registered provider, they go that extra mile giving you peace of mind in knowing that your child is cared for in the best environment possible. All Aspire’s child protection policies are in place and their coaches are suitably qualified in first aid and safeguarding.

To provide the greatest affordability, Aspire provide fantastic Early Bird offers for those booking in advance. They also offer discounts and a loyalty scheme to their valued customers. As Aspire are Ofsted registered you are also able to pay via childcare vouchers. www.aspire-sports.co.uk | 0121 663 1979

Ofsted registered

Action-packed childcare this

October

Trinity Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 6JD birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston 0121 348 8038

mac Explorers: Haunted Hallowe’en Hotel

Baddesley Clinton

Spooky Hallowe’en UV Art

Dates: 27-29 Oct Time: 11am – 4pm Admission: £8; £6; £3 Frightening fun for families! See the Hall transformed into a haunted mansion for this spooky season.

Family Fun Days Hallowe’en 2017

23rd - 27th October

Dates: 21-29 Oct Time: 11am – 3.30pm Admission: £12; £6 (+£2.50 per trail) A spooky outdoor trail with creepy take-home activities.

Solihull

Hatton Adventure World

Open from 8am - 6pm Alderbrook School

Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA hattonworld.com 01926 843411

Sutton Coldfield Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Walsall

Pumpkin Week

Queen Mary’s Grammar School

Dates: 21 - 29 Oct Times: 10am - 5.30pm Admission: £15.50 (under 2s free) Hatton will be full of ghosts, ghouls, cobwebs… and pumpkins! Wooooo!

Book before 6th October and take advantage of our

Early bird offers!

Packwood House

Packwood House, B94 6AT nationaltrust.org.uk/packwood-house 01564 783294 We accept childcare vouchers

Lots of activities and sports to choose from

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 Families Birmingham

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH macBirmingham.co.uk 0121 446 3232

Aston Hallowe’en

Baddlesley Clinton, B93 0DQ; nationaltrust.org.uk/baddesleyclinton 01564 783294

Half Term

18

Aston Hall

mac Birmingham

Family Fun Days Hallowe’en 2017

Dates: 21-29 Oct Time: 11am – 3.30pm Admission: £12; £6 (+£2.50 per trail) A spooky outdoor trail with takehome activities.

Date: Wed 25 Oct Time: 10am - 3pm Admission: £22 Age: 6-11yrs Check into the Haunted Hotel and create your own spooktacular retreat for all the ghoulish Hallowe’en guests.

Date: Fri 27 Oct Time: 10am - 3pm Admission: £22 Age: 6-11yrs Summon glowing ghosties, scary skeletons, eerie pumpkins, witches and monsters with ‘dark magic’ UV paint!

Hallowe’en Printing With Stencils

Date: Fri 27 Oct Time: 11am - 3pm Age: 6-11yrs FREE! Create Halloween themed printed artworks using a range of spooky stencils.

Young Comic Creators:

Creatures, Super Villains And Monsters Date: Fri 27 Oct Time: 11am - 4pm Admission: £18 Age: 11-17yrs Create a concept for your very own creepy comic character and learn how to draw and develop your design.

West Midlands Safari Park Spring Grove, Bewdley DY12 1LF, wmsp.co.uk 01564 783294

Spooky Spectacular!

Dates: 30 Sept - 29 Oct Admission: £19.55, £17.85, £15.30 Attractions include: Dino Quest, Chaos at Crocular Castle, Creepy Crawlies, and much more! familiesonline.co.uk

Halloweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;en

@familiesbirm

Creepy crafts for Halloweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;en

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Join Us fo

Have a fang-tastic time getting creative this Halloweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;en.

Halloweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;en decorations To design pumpkins, Frankenstein or ghouls you will need orange, green or white tissue paper respectively.

Wrap the tissue around a toilet roll, tuck in at one end and tie with a pipe cleaner at the other.

Then decorate with whatever you can get your hands on!

Take part in spooky story walks, creepy arts and crafts, freaky face painting and more at Birmingham Botanical Gardens this October half term.

23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 27 October 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3pm

FREE

admission for

under 16s

Pumpkin prints

Discover more at birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Cut an apple in half, dip in orange paint and have pumpkin shapes printed before your eyes!

Find us on:

Your support keeps the Gardens growing

Magic foaming potion Take a glass, and place it in a large container to catch overflowing liquid. Fill the glass about halfway full with vinegar. Then put a few drops of food colouring on a spoon with bicarbonate of soda (the more you use the bigger the foam!). Stir the spoon into the vinegar and watch the magic happen.

You could also add some glitter for extra sparkle!

Get cooking!

How about making some eerie edible treats?

Halloweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;en custard Layer broken-up chocolate brownie and custard into a short glass. Once filled to the top, use 2 mini marshmallows and chocolate buttons to create eyes.

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Muddy worms Make up a batch of chocolate Angel delight, and poke jelly worms out of the top as though theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coming out of the ground. Then sprinkle with grated chocolate to look like worm casts.

Happy Halloweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;en! familiesonline.co.ukâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;

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What’s On OUT & ABOUT

Quote FAMILIES BIRMINGHAM when booking!

Barber Institute of Fine Arts University of Birmingham, B’ham, B15 2TS barber.org.uk 0121 414 2261 education@barber.org.uk The 101 Dalmations - Half term Family Day Date: Sat 21 Oct Time: 10.30am – 1.15pm; 1.30pm – 4.45pm Admission: £5 Doggy-themed day of storytelling and art activities.

FREE

Ackers Adventure

Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B11 2PY ackers-adventure.co.uk 0121 772 5111 Thrillseeker Taster Day Date: Sat 16 Sept Time: 10am – 3:30pm Admission: 1–3 people = £22pp; 4+ people = £20pp Age: 5+ Pre-booking online essential.

Go along to Ackers to try a range of different activities.

Choose from skiing, archery, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, jungle challenge, zip wire, and tower drop.

There will be a BBQ on-site and FREE tobogganing for under 12 year olds with a paying adult.very 18 holes.

Adventure Island Mini Golf

Units 20/21, Star City, B’ham, B7 5SB, adventureminigolf.co.uk 0121 328 7474 Days & Times: Sun–Thurs 10.30am–11pm; Fri & Sat 10.30am-midnight A fun indoor golf complex for all the family with two themed 18 hole courses.

Built on three levels and winding round palm trees and volcanoes, through caves and behind waterfalls

Aston Hall

Trinity Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 6JD, birminghammuseums.org.uk/aston 0121 348 8038

Creative Hands An Animation - Half term Family Days Date: 24 & 25 Oct (24th at Ikon Gallery) Time: 1 – 4pm drop-in Create a drawing-based animation with your own hands. Suitable for the whole family.

Creative Sunday workshops Your children will be inspired to create wonderful pieces of art using a range of mediums and techniques. See website for themes, dates & times.

Book early to avoid disappointment!.

Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk 0121 454 1860

FREE

Edgbaston Family Fun Day Date: Sun 17 September Time: 12pm Calthorpe Estates is celebrating 300 years of the estate this year.

This free family event will comprise of vintage rides and traditional children’s entertainment including Punch and Judy, face painters and a children’s trail around the gardens.

FREE for under-16s October Half Term Fun Date: Mon 23 – Fri 27 Oct Start time: 12pm Bring along the little ones this half term for plenty of crafts, games, nature trails and more!

Baddesley Clinton & Packwood House

Baddlesley Clinton, B93 0DQ; Packwood House, B94 6AT nationaltrust.org.uk 01564 783294 Picturesque medieval moated manor house. There is a delightful garden with ponds, a lake and a nature walk. See how many of the Fifty things to do before the age of 11 ¾ your child can do this autumn!

20

Families Birmingham

Birmingham Weekender Dates: 22 – 24 Sept across the city Full programme available online birminghamweekender.com

FREE

Over 120 performances, 300+ artists and 26 new commissions over three days. The city’s streets, shops and squares will come alive with something to entertain and delight all the family.

Blakesley Hall

Blakesley Road, Birmingham, B25 8RN 0121 348 8120 birminghammuseums.org.uk/ blakesley

FREE

Heritage Open Day Date: Sat 9 Sept Time: 11am – 4pm Admission: Free Enjoy Blakesley Hall FREE of charge as part of Birmingham Heritage Week.

Free costumed guided tours are at 12.15pm, 1.15pm and 2.15pm. Call 0121 348 8120 to book onto a tour.

0844 847 1902

FREE

Birmingham Heritage Week Dates: 7 - 17 Sept across the city Full programme available online birminghamheritageweek.co.uk

FREE

Birmingham Heritage Week will take over the city again this September, with over 100 (mainly free) events giving visitors the chance to discover more about the city’s heritage.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Chamberlain Sq., Birmingham, B3 3DH, 0121 348 8000 birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag

FREE

This world class museum is situated in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

Opening days and times: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10.30am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm Admission: FREE Inspiration galore can be found at this

Children from £7.45; free for under 5’s There’s always plenty to do at BCLM! Meet the costumed characters, visit the shops and houses, see live demonstrations, face the harsh reality of a coal miner’s life in the mid 19th century, go to the fun fair, and have some fish and chips – 1930s style!

Hatton Adventure World

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

FREE

Heritage Open Day Date: Sun 10 Sept Time: 11am – 4pm Admission: Free Take the kids on a walk through the striking interiors and see the home that received royalty, and which was besieged during the English Civil War. Costumed tours are available at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Pre-booking is advised for the tours.

A Woman’s Work Date: Fri 15 Sept Time: 1pm – 2pm Admission: £8; £6; £3 Pre-booking essential.

A woman’s work is never done, so they say. Find out why at Aston Hall during Birmingham Heritage Week. This special tour focuses on the women at Aston Hall.

Usual admission fees apply.

museum! Bring your children to see art and objects spanning seven centuries of European and World history and culture.

There is a diverse exhibition programme that offers a series of changing exhibitions throughout the year.

Morning Explorers Date: 2 Dec Time: 9am – 10am Admission: FREE Places must be pre-booked on 0121 348 8263 Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery opens its doors early for families with children on the autistic spectrum.

Children and families will be able to explore in a quiet and welcoming environment, before the museum opens to the public.

Heritage Open Day: Restoration Day Date: Sun 10 Sept Time: 11am – 4pm Admission: Free Find out more about Blakesley’s history with trails, facts and quizzes.

See a special ‘restoration comedy’ - ‘The Hoodwink’ a 30 minute family friendly drama written especially for the day.

Pre booking essential.

Black Country Living Museum Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ bclm.co.uk 0121 557 9643 Days: Weds – Sun every week.

Time: 10am-4pm Admission: Adults £15.95;

Competitions. Terms and conditions.

1. Only one entrant from the same email account will be accepted.

2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering.

3. Entries must be received by the closing date stated on each individual competition. Proof of entering cannot be taken as proof of receipt.

4. All decisions of Families Birmingham are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

5. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.

6. Winners’ contact details will be supplied to the Promoter of each competition.

Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA hattonworld.com 01926 843411 Potato & Sweetcorn Picking September Weekends: 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th and 23rd & 24th Time: 10am - 5.30pm Admission: £15.50 (under 2s free) A firm favourite with Hatton visitors! Bring the kids to pick potatoes and sweetcorn.

Hoar Park, Shopping and Craft Village

B4114 Nr Ansley, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 0QU hoar-park.co.uk 024 7639 4433 Craft Fair & Big Bounce Day Date: Sunday 17 Sept Times: 10am – 5pm (Big Bounce, 11 - 4pm) Come along to Hoar Park, have fun and bag yourself a treat. You’ll find everything from fashion to interiors, arts and crafts.

There’s fun for the little ones too in the Children’s Farm and Pets Corner.

Hoar Park is open Tues-Sun every week.

Ikon Gallery

1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HS, ikon-gallery.org 0121 248 0708 Family Saturday Dates: the first Saturday of every month, 2 Sept, 7 Oct, 4 Nov (check website to confirm) Time: 1pm – 4pm Admission: Suggested donation £2 Come along with your family, all ages welcome. Explore the latest Ikon Gallery art exhibition. Participate in activities which will challenge, intrigue and delight.

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

75-80 Vyse Street, Birmingham, B18 6HA, birminghammuseums.org.uk/jewellery 0121 348 8140 The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is built around a perfectly preserved jewellery workshop offering a unique glimpse of working life in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. This season’s activities include Free Day at the Museum 9.9.17; and Heritage Walks 9.9.17 & 7.10.17.

7. Families Birmingham is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition.

8. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions.

9. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and contacted via the email account provided by the entrant. If Families Birmingham does not obtain a response from the winner within 24 hours, we reserve the right to select another winner at random.

10. This competition is restricted to residents of the West Midlands only.

familiesonline.co.uk

@familiesbirm

Packwood House

Packwood House, B94 6AT nationaltrust.org.uk/packwood-house 01564 783294 This autumn, why not pay a visit to this much restored Tudor House, with a huge collection of 16th century textiles and furniture, and view its stunning gardens.

Plenty for families to see and do.

Sarehole Mill

Cole Bank Road, Birmingham, B13 0BD, birminghammuseums.org.uk/sarehole 0121 348 8160

FREE

Middle Earth Festival Dates: 9 – 10 Sept Time: 11am – 5pm Sarehole’s annual celebration of all things Middle Earth!

See the Victorian Mill in full working order.

Activities will include: Elven Path Trail, Two Towers pop up brewery stand, re-enactors, crafts… and much more!

ThinkTank

Millennium Point, Curzon Street Birmingham, B4 7XG birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank 0121 348 8000

What’s On

@familiesbirminghammag Tim Peake’s Photos from Space Dates: 23 Sept - 1 Oct Time: 10am – 5pm Admission: £13.50; £9.75; under-3s Free To celebrate Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station (ISS) Thinktank is hosting an exhibition of Tim’s own photos taken whilst aboard the ISS. The images show remarkable landscapes on Earth taken from space and life on board the space station.

Morning Explorers Date: 21 Oct Time: 9am – 11am Admission: £6.50; £4.75 Admission is half price, plus one free carer place.

Places must be pre-booked on 0121 348 8263 ThinkTank opens its doors early for families with children on the autistic spectrum.

Children and families will be able to explore in a quiet and welcoming environment, before the museum opens to the public.

Three Counties Showground

Malvern, WR13 6NW malvernautumn.co.uk 01684 584 924 Malvern Autumn Show Date: 23 - 24 Sept Times: 9am – 6pm Advance tickets: £16; £5 (or £20; £7 on the day) Malvern Autumn Show returns for a weekend of home-grown family fun this September. Come and marvel at the giant veg, take in a class at the Cookery Theatre, bag a bargain at one of the 100s of stalls, and enjoy some live entertainment.

AUTUMN SHOWS & CONCERTS

Birmingham Hippodrome

Hurst Street, Southside, B5 4TB, birminghamhippodrome.com 0844 338 5000 ZooNation’s Groove On Down The Road Dates: Wed 27 - Fri 29 Sep Time: 7.45pm Tickets: £12 Age guidance: 5+ A hip-hop dance version of the story of Dorothy and her adventures with Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion on their journey down the yellow brick road to Oz. Hairspray Dates: Mon 9 - Sat 14 Oct Times: 2pm; 2.30pm; 7.30pm Tickets: £19.50+ Under 3s not admitted.

The smash hit comedy Hairspray the Musical is coming to Birmingham Hippodrome for one week only.

Arena Birmingham

(formerly Barclaycard Arena), King Edwards Road, Birmingham B1 2AA, barclaycardarena.co.uk CBSO Centre 0844 33 88 222 CBSO Centre, Berkley St, B’ham, B1 2LF Disney on Ice – Passport to Adventure FREE Dates: 18 - 29 Oct Canal Serenade Workshop and Concert Tickets: £17.68+ Date: Sun 10 Sept Arena Birmingham will be filled with Time: from 1.30pm Disney magic in every scene as you Pre-booking ESSENTIAL at discover four unique landscapes filled bcmg.org.uk/family-workshop with boisterous pirates, Caribbean beats 0121 616 6500 and tender moments. With Academy A free creative music workshop specially Award® winning musical scores brought designed for families with young to life by world-class skating, Disney on children. Your child will create their own Ice presents Passport to Adventure is composition, Canal Serenade, before an experience your family will cherish performing in procession from CBSO12:33:07 barber_FF_advert_solihull_families_AUTUMN17_PRESS.pdf 1 10/08/2017 forever.oles.

Centre to the canal by Brindleyplace.

MONSKI MOUSE’S BABY DISCO DANCE HALL SAT 23 SEPTEMBER 11AM TOWN HALL

STICK MAN

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TUE 26 DEC 2017–FRI 12 JAN 2018 VARIOUS TIMES SUN 7 JAN 2018 3PM RELAXED PERFORMANCE TOWN HALL

TIC FAN T A S Sunday CreWa t iRvKe SHOPS O

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IN THE ICC HALL 1

FAMILY DAY RM TE F-

CREATIVE HANDS:

AN ANIMATION

CREATE A DRAWING�BASED ANIMATION WITH YOUR OWN HANDS! TUES 24 OCT � IKON GALLERY WEDS 25 OCT � THE BARBER 1�4PM, FREE DROP�IN ANYTIME, SUITABLE FOR ALL THE FAMILY

FAMILY DAY RM TE THE F-

HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS

DOGGY�THEMED DAY OF STORYTELLING AND ART ACTIVITIES! SAT 21 OCT, 10.30AM � 1.15PM &1.30 � 4.45PM £5 ADULTS & CHILDREN UNDER�3S FREE

NEW!

BARBER ART SCHOOL FOR AGES 13 � 15

LEARN NEW SKILLS IN OUR NEW CLASSES

19 SEPT, 17 OCT £7, PLEASE BOOK

#PY PGåDF 0121 780 3333 www.thsh.co.uk Funded by

Town Hall renovation also funded by

Families First at the Barber Institute

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Birmingham

21

Shows & Concerts AUTUMN SHOWS & CONCERTS New Alexander Theatre Station Street, Birmingham, B5 5DS atgtickets.com 0844 871 3011

Peppa Pig’s Adventure Date: 4 & 5 Nov Times: 10am; 1pm; 4pm Tickets: £16.25+ Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. Full of games, laughter and live music!

Old Rep Theatre

47 Station Place, B’ham, B5 4DY, oldreptheatre.co.uk 0121 359 9444 Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful Date: 10 – 14 Oct Times: 1.30pm; 7.30pm Tickets: £12 Age 10+ As moving as the poetry of Wilfred Owen and as painfully memorable as white-hot shrapnel, comes a new adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s classic wartime tale.

Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaits the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back over his life and the senseless war that has brought him here.

Northern Rep: 64 Zoo Lane Dates: 25 – 29 Oct Times: 11am & 1pm Tickets: £12 Age 3+ A brand new family friendly musical based on the award winning children’s television series of the same name. Join all your loveable favourite characters like Georgina the Giraffe, Nelson the Elephant, Molly the Hippopotamus, Giggles & Tickles and not forgetting the star of the show, Lucy. With catchy songs, puppets and loads of fun, 64 Zoo Lane is a perfect introduction to theatre for children aged 3 and up.

Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Broad St., Birmingham, B1 2EA thsh.co.uk 0121 780 3333

Tickets: £5 DJ Monski Mouse’s musical selection is a combination of fun retro dance tracks and funky nursery rhymes, striking a balance between anthems the adults know and those that the children know.

Quote FAMILIES BIRMINGHAM when booking!

A feel–good, funny and full of yuletide Christmas show. Nativity! The Musical features all of the favourite sing-a-long hits from the films and a whole host of new songs filled with the spirit of Christmas!

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Lichfield St., Wolverhampton, WV1 1DE, grandtheatre.co.uk 01902 429212 Milkshake! Live Date: Sat 23 Sept Times: 1pm; 4pm Tickets: £10 - £22.50 Come and see all your Milkshake! favourites live on stage - Little Princess, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, two Milkshake! presenters, and many more.

The New Adventures of Puss in Boots Date: Mon 23 Oct Times: 2.30pm Tickets: £14.50 - £17.50 Clever Puss helps his Master marry the beautiful Princess, and become the richest man in all the land. This production promises music, magic and purr-lenty of fun. With meeeuw-sic to sing-a-long to and lots of audience participation.

CHRISTMAS THEATRE

Tickets: £12.50 Age: 3+ This heart-warming adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas is full of merry touches with plenty of live music, songs and playful puppetry. Escape into the world of Father Christmas as he prepares for his busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve.

Old Rep Theatre

47 Station Place, Birmingham, B5 4DY, oldreptheatre.co.uk 0121 359 9444

101 Dalmations

Dates: 30 Nov ‘17 – 13 Jan ‘18 Times: Various Tickets: £15+ Age Guidance: 5+ This heart-warming tale is the perfect festive treat and has been brilliantly transformed for the stage by Debbie Isitt. You know the book and film, now experience the wonderful story live on stage.

mac Birmingham

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH, macbirmingham.co.uk 0121 446 3232

Alice in Wonderland Dates: 20 Nov – 30 Dec Tickets: £16.50; £13.50 Go on a magical adventure down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland this Christmas! Will Alice ever find her way back home?

Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA thsh.co.uk 0121 780 3333 Christmas Festival Dates: 17 Dec ’17 1 Jan ’18 Times: Various A delightful varied selection of festive concerts at Symphony Hall: Christmas Spectacular, Musicals in Concert and Christmas Carol Singalongs. Something for everyone to enjoy!

Arena Birmingham

(formerly Barclaycard Arena), King Edwards Rd, Birmingham B1 2AA, barclaycardarena.co.uk 0844 33 88 222 Peter Pan - The World’s Biggest Panto Dates: 20 - 24 Dec Times: 11am; 1pm; 3pm; 7pm Tickets: £27.90+ ‘The World’s Biggest Pantomime’ invite you to watch their stunning new arena spectacular! Performed across three stages, you’ll never be far from the action.

Birmingham Hippodrome Hurst Street, Southside, B5 4TB, birminghamhippodrome.com, 0844 338 5000 Cinderella Dates: 19 Dec ‘17 - 28 Jan ‘18 Tickets: £15.50 Age guidance: 5+ Cinderella will feature all of the ingredients of the perfect Hippodrome pantomime: laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery and special effects… and plenty of boos and hisses.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre

Little Angel Theatre: Me...

Dates: Wed 15 - Thu 30 Nov Time: 10.30am & 1.15pm Tickets: £11.50 (£9.50) Ages 2-6 A highly visual and emotionally stirring production filled with live puppetry and performance. A lovely and touching story about a parent and their love for their child.

Blue Man Group Dates: 28 Dec ’17 – 6 Jan ‘18 Time: Various Tickets: £28 - £58 Venue: ICC Hall 1 The global smash hit Blue Man Group promises an outrageous multi-sensory experience that has captivated more than 35 million people of all ages worldwide.

Town Hall, Birmingham

Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ thsh.co.uk 0121 780 3333

Centenary Square, Broad St, Birmingham, B1 2EP, birmingham-rep.co.uk, 0121 236 4455

FREE

Musical Picnics Dates: 13 & 16 Sept; 11 & 14 Oct Time: 10.30am Age: 0 – 7 years Relax in a friendly space with your under-7s. Let them explore music, dance and story-telling and make new friends.

Town Hall, Birmingham

Victoria Square, B’ham, B3 3DQ thsh.co.uk 0121 780 3333 Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall Date: Sat 23 Sept Time: 11am

22

Families Birmingham

Nativity!

Dates: 20 Oct – 12 Nov Tickets: £15+

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas Dates: Thu 30 Nov – Sat 30 Dec Times: 10.30am, 1.30pm & 6pm

Stick Man Dates: 26 Dec ’17 – 12 Jan ‘18 Times: Various Tickets: £8.50 – £17.50 What starts off as a normal morning becomes quite the misadventure for poor old Stick Man! How will he ever get back to his family tree? ***ALWAYS check the venue’s website in case of changes to schedule. Thank you.

familiesonline.co.uk

Pre-Prep . Preparatory . Senior . Sixth Form /\ W\RS^S\RS\b aQV]]Z T]` UW`Za OUSR & gSO`a

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN DAY Saturday 23 September 2017 9:30am - 12:00 noon With talk from Dr Weeks, Headmistress at 10:30am

Register now for September 2018 entry 0121 454 5831 admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk

k o y p S e W e e k c n e i c S M on 23 - F ri

27 Oct

· Science of Fright Live Show · Spooky Science Busking · Wicked Witch Storytelling

SPOOKY HT SCIENouCt wEhaNtIG really Find

happens at Museum! ht Nig at the SAT 28 OCT Ç&#x; 30

birminghammuseums.org.uk/whats-on Funded by:

1 OCTOBER – 20 NOVEMBER KUMON MATHS AND ENGLISH STUDY CENTRES The two-week Free Trial offer is available between 1 October and 20 November

Book now!

Bearwood Bournville Erdington Four Oaks Great Barr Handsworth Wood

0121 5589 338 0121 2464 356 0121 7302 597 0121 2401 101 0121 3782 130 0121 2401 596

Handsworth Harborne Kings Heath Northfield Shirley Sutton Coldfield

0121 2189 503 0121 4273 007 0121 663 1322 0121 6476 757 0121 3668 206 0121 4130 620

Find out more by coming along to our event on Wednesday 25 October at the Bull Ring. We’ll be there from 9am - 8pm.

Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating study centres only.

Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.