FamiliesBhamSolSC JF18 #43

Birmingham

Stay Well in Winter Contact your local Juice Plus rep Rep Mrs L Woodstock today

web: Lwoodstock.juiceplus.com

07943 112186

#WaterInfusedWithLove

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 43 January/February 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

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Big Top Circus Show ZĞƚƵƌŶŝŶŐ ƚŽ ,ĂƩŽŶ

Join Birmingham Contemporary Music Group for a creative music workshop inspired by the music of Elliott Carter - then perform on Town Hall’s stage!

19191A 12/17

www.hattonworld.com

Free creative music workshops for 8-11 year olds Sunday 28 January 2018 Workshop: CBSO Centre, 10am-2pm Sharing Performance: Town Hall, 2.15pm

ϭϳƚŚ ƚŽ ϮϱƚŚ &ĞďƌƵĂƌLJ ϮϬϭϴ Book your circus ƐŚŽǁ ƟŵĞƐ ŽŶůŝŶĞ EKt

Music Maze

Everyone is welcome whether they play a musical instrument or not, and small percussion instruments will be available.

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Out

TIC FAN T A S Sunday CreWa t iRvKe SHOPS O

Day Nursery Schools Quality Pre-School Education and Care • CCTV and Door-entry security • Grant Funding processed • Teachers specializing in Music, Dance & French (subject to availability)

106 Wake Green Road Moseley, B13 9PZ. Tel: 0121-449-3673

19 Woodland Road, Northfield, B31 2HU. Tel: 0121-475-8416

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

JOIN ANNA THE ART EXPLORER FOR A FUN�FILLED MORNING OF ARTY ACTIVITIES! 12 JAN, 2 FEB & 2 MAR 10.30AM � 12PM AGES 3 � 5 YEARS £7 PER CHILD. PLEASE BOOK!

Book 2 ERM FAMIL LF-T YW HA O

ARE YOU 13 – 15? LOVE ART? WANT TO SEE AMAZING ARTWORKS, AND TRY OUT NEW IDEAS? 16 JAN, 13 FEB, 20 MAR 4.30 – 6.30PM £7, PLEASE BOOK!

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£6 PER CHILD PLEASE BOOK!

Families First at the Barber Institute

familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS In this Issue...

4 News 7 School holiday

4

Birmingham Editor: Suzanne Brown Design: Matt Walton Design Print: Warners Midlands PLC Copyright Families Birmingham

camps

8 Education 10 Clubs & Classes 12 Parenting 13 What’s On 15 Education News

10 13

© 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 the Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine; our distributors, 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.

Next issue:

March - April ‘Spring’ issue Booking deadline for advertisers: Tuesday 6th February m: 07807 352087 e: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Front cover image by Inessa Gulik Photography, www.inessagulikphotography.co.uk

This is your child’s 11+ year!

The New Year is a great time to start thinking about your child’s 11 plus future. Now they’ve had time to settle into their classes at school January provides the perfect opportunity to set goals.

Children who start their 11 plus preparation and practice with KSOL now will have plenty of time to tackle any weak areas and steadily improve their skills. It’s also a good time to look into mock

exams, so that children know what to expect when the big day finally arrives.

Using over 10 years of experience, KSOL can help your child achieve 11+ success with personalised online 11+ tuition and live exam experiences. Find out about more of KSOL’s New Year Offers. www.ksol.co.uk; 0121 733 6558

Award-Winning 11+ Specialists

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familiesonline.co.uk

Finalist 2012

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

3

News

To advertise call: 07807 352087

10 year anniversary for local stage school The Star Project Solihull is looking for 20 local youngsters who would like to join them for rehearsals for their West End performance at The Shaftesbury Theatre London, June 2018.

Over the past 10 years The Star Project has become one of the most successful theatre schools in the West Midlands with centres in Solihull, Barnt Green and Droitwich offering weekly projects and holiday workshops.

Star Project students have recently performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre and Adelphi Theatre, London. They have also filmed their own movie and attended a red carpet premier at mac Birmingham.

There are opportunities for their students to be represented professionally with a London agent, and attend West End auditions. One Star Project student recently secured a professional paid job starring in Harry Styles’ latest music video KIWI. Experience the magic of The Star Project and join them on stage at the West End this June!

07805 161533; info@thestarproject.info; www.thestarproject.info; facebook.com/thestarprojectuk

The Star Project Solihull Tel: 07805 161533 Email: info@thestarproject.info Web: www.thestarproject.info @thestarprojectuk @/thestarprojectuk

Explore Learning Tuition 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 033 0124 3802, and quote Families Birmingham Magazine. explorelearning.co.uk

4

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Wear A Hat Day is less than three months away!

We need you to get involved in Wear A Hat Day – the UK’s premier Brain Tumour Research fundraising event. Join in the fun as schools and families across the UK get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumours.

Brain Tumour Research’s website makes registering much faster and you can explore their all-new Wear A Hat Day pages for ideas to make your Wear A Hat Day event a fantastic success!

Register today and you will be sent a fundraising pack.

Together we will find a cure.

Wear A Hat Day – Thursday 29th March | www.wearahatday.org familiesonline.co.uk

News

@familiesbirminghammag

Book now for The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair 2018 Exciting theatre shows, hands-on activities, interactive workshops, excellent careers information and much more!

Where can science and maths lead to? Let your children find out through life-sized table football, live squid dissections, planetarium, hands-on operating theatres, CSI investigations, coding, robotics, the deep ocean and much more!

Give your children a unique opportunity to explore where their future can take them at the UK’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people.

They will be spoilt for choice with 10 mind-boggling theatre shows, over 150 hands-on activities and the opportunity to talk to thousands of scientists and engineers from leading companies across the UK. From sport and fashion to medicine and space, The Big Bang Fair helps young people explore the amazing opportunities out there in STEM and the routes into them.

14-17 March; NEC Birmingham; FREE tickets: www.thebigbangfair.co.uk

COMPETITION

ADVENTURE. ANIMALS. ACTION.

WIN an Annual Family Pass to Hatton Adventure World

14-17 March 2018 at The NEC, Birmingham

Weekends 25th November - 24th December PLUS 18th - 22nd December 2017

dŝŵĞĚ ŶƚƌLJ Hatton Adventure World is a fantastic day out for all the family. Indoor and outdoor attractions, entertainment all year round, and animals ĂŶĚ DŝŶŝŵĂů from farmyard favourites to scales and tails!

Queues

An annual pass is worth £321 and includes up to 5 people. Benefits include unlimited entry into Hatton all year round, several exclusive &ĂŶƚĂƐƟĐ Ăůů ĚĂLJ member events, 3 newsletters a year, discounted entry to Enchanted ĨĂŵŝůLJ ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ Christmas Kingdom and exclusive member offers and discounts programme throughout the year.

A Truly Magical Experience www.hattonworld.com

TO ENTER simply email your name, phone number and address to editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk and write ‘Hatton’ in the subject DEADLINE Friday 16 February www.hattonworld.com (Competition Terms & Conditions will be issued on receipt of entry)

Book your FREE tickets for the UK’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths: www.thebigbangfair.co.uk

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“It’s been such a wonderful day, it’s free, there’s so much available.

If your children aren’t into things like this, this is the place to inspire them - so get on over here!”

Hafiza, Parent

Dear Zoo the timeless children’s classic book makes its stage premiere.

Join Ben and his friend Sally as they wait to see what the Zoo will send when they get Ben’s letter asking for a pet. All kinds of familiar animals big and small arrive, but will they make a good pet? Well... wait and see!

This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

The Core Theatre, Solihull | 19 & 20 Feb | 11am & 2pm | £14 familiesonline.co.uk

www.thebigbangfair.co.uk @bigbangfair /bigbangfair Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

5

News

Meet and be inspired by your favourite authors and enjoy interactive storytelling and hands-on fun at Bournville BookFest 2018!

From magical unicorns to Lego stop-animation; Hungry Caterpillars to a David Walliams drama - Bournville BookFest 2018 is going to be bigger and bolder than ever with 10 jam-packed days of inspirational events and interactive storytelling for all the family.

Expect top authors and lots of surprises at Birmingham’s only book festival for children aged 0-12 from 15th -25th March.

Highlights for this year include: • Birmingham Schools Programme with Michael Rosen and Nick Sharratt • New non-fiction events for fact-lovers. Horrible Science Day and Fantastically Great Women who Made History, by Kate Pankhurst • 3D paper engineering and scriptwriting workshops • Story walks and campfire tales

This year BookFest celebrates its fifth birthday, and can already claim to be Britain’s second biggest dedicated children’s book festival. The whole festival is run by Busy Parents Network on a not-for-profit basis and everyone is guaranteed a warm welcome.

There will be two festival zones, so no one has to travel far on a single day. The first weekend’s events (March 15th-18th) will be in Bournville/ Stirchley/Cotteridge/Northfield, and the second weekend’s events (March 24th-25th) will be in Harborne and the city centre.

Bournville BookFest tickets will go on sale on Friday 26th January 2018.

Be ready as they sell out fast! You can download the full programme and buy tickets online at the brand new BookFest website: • Special needs programme at the new Touchbase Pears Sense centre in BPN_ 180mm wide x 130mm Advert_Layout 1 07/11/2017 18:02 Page 1 www.bournvillebookfest.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Selly Oak. • FREE library programme across south Birmingham

15th-25th March 2018

Michael Rosen

Playbox Theatre

Nick Sharratt

Horrible Science illustrator Tony de Saulles

Lucy Worsley

Philip Ardagh

Gary Northfield

Kate Pankhurst

Julia Jarman

Helen Peters

Mr Bloom

A.F.Harrold

And many more!

Paul Stickland

Tickets on sale from end of January 2018

Don't miss out!

www.bournvillebookfest.com 6

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

familiesonline.co.uk

Activities and Holiday Camps

@familiesbirm

The Strings Club - inspiring 25K children in 2018!

2017 was a huge year for The Strings Club. So they are now offering even more opportunities for children in the West Midlands to enjoy high quality musical experiences than ever before.

Harborne-based director Amy Cunningham, was overjoyed to be honoured with the Great British Entrepreneur award in November 2017 - a national award in recognition of her hard work, and of her inspiration of thousands of children through music education. It has spurred on Amy and The Strings Club team to achieve even more, setting their sights on inspiring 25,000 children in 2018.

Amy said of the 2018 challenge, “Our vision is simple - we want all children to be inspired by music. I have made this my personal mission and I am hugely excited about inspiring the next generation of musicians in the West Midlands!”

In 2018 The Strings Club will be running their award-winning Holiday Camps every school holiday and Term Time Courses every school term. Details are online for upcoming Discovery Days where your child can try two new instruments and get two 20 minute lessons for free. thestringsclub.org; 0121 296 9204

Inspire your child THROUGH MUSIC -

Learn new skills

-

Build confidence

-

Make new friends

Action-packed, Ofsted registered childcare for the school holidays!

Aspire Active Camps are running several Active Camps throughout the Midlands during February Half Term including Sutton Coldfield, Walsall and Solihull. For children aged 4 – 14 years they have a range of activities such as Multi Sports Academy, which has an exciting timetable including scooters, nerf target games and skid bikes, Football Academy, Gym Beatz and Dance & Stage Beatz.

To provide the greatest affordability, Aspire provide fantastic early bird offers for those booking in advance.

As they are Ofsted registered you are also able to pay via childcare vouchers. www.aspire-sports.co.uk 0121 663 1979

Ofsted

Action-packed childcare this

registered

February Half Term

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

Solihull Alderbrook School

Sutton Coldfield Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Walsall

Queen Mary’s Grammar School

Fantastic early bird offer

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

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

familiesonline.co.uk

£15 per day

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

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, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

7

Education

To advertise call: 07807 352087

Explore Learning gets behind “more maths for everyone”

I

n November 2017, the government released their budget which stated they were committed to investing more money for maths teaching in schools. Whatever your political belief and aside from the debate, we can all get behind the chancellor’s sentiment of “more maths for everyone”.

Helping the next generation to master maths concepts, be confident mathematicians and proud problem solvers is our responsibility as educators and parents.

Charlotte Gater, Head of Education at Explore Learning added “This way we can help children to develop the skills needed, not only in so many jobs, but also to be financially healthy”.

Charlotte has put together some top tips to help you help your children develop good financial skills:

1) Get them involved with shopping. Give them a budget, and encourage

them to shop around different brands or supermarkets to see if they can get more for their money.

2) Teach them about interest rates. Does your child turn to the bank of Mum and Dad to borrow money? Give them some options. 1) They can either save up their pocket money or do jobs to earn the money. 2) You will give them the money upfront, but they then have to pay you back with interest. This way they will start to understand about the debt they could create by using loans.

how much disposable income they would have left over.

Let’s take the fear out of maths, relate it to real life situations and encourage children to get to grips with finances. More maths for everyone…yes please!

3) Learn about pay. A great activity we do with our older members at Explore Learning is to get them to research how much they would get paid for their ideal job. They then have deduct the costs of tax, rent, bills etc to see

Explore Learning is award-winning maths and English tuition for children aged four to 14, voted number one private tuition centre in the UK!

Call to book your FREE TRIAL with your nearest centre on 033 0124 3802

AGES 4-14 Voted no.1

PRIVATE TUITION CENTRE in the UK

With a huge range of courses and programmes mapped to the school curriculum, our centres are an environment where children of all abilities thrive. Of course we believe that maths and English are extremely important, but in addition to that we are truly passionate about inspiring a generation of ‘fearless learners’; children \MT HFS J]HJQ NS YMJ HQFXXWTTR GJ HTSǩIJSY NS J]FRX FSI FWJ WJFI^ YT YFHPQJ anything their future may hold.

For more information visit

explorelearning.co.uk or call 033 0124 3802

Your nearest centres are in

MATHS AND ENGLISH Find out how we can help your child

MAKE PROGRESS

Independently proven results.

Since 2001 over 200,000 children have excelled academically, reached their potential and achieved the best possible results with Explore Learning.

FREE TRIAL SESSION!

MORE THAN JUST

Handsworth, Harborne, Kings Heath, Longbridge, Mere Green, Shirley, Wylde Green and Yardley.

BE EXAM READY

Is your child preparing to sit the 11 Plus, a local entrance exam, the SATs or an end of term test?

BOOST CONFIDENCE

(TSǩIJSHJ NX YMJ ǩWXY XYJU TS F child’s journey to success.

A FEARLESS FUTURE

Supporting children to succeed in school and beyond.

EducationInvestor

Maths

8

Problem solving

English

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Reading

Spelling

Comprehension

Awards 2016

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

@familiesbirminghammag

Improve 11+ Vocabulary in a Flash If you are preparing your child for the 11+, building up your child’s vocabulary needs to be top of your list.

Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards have been specifically created to improve your child’s verbal reasoning skills and ultimately help them succeed in the 11+ Entrance Examination. With clear, child-friendly definitions they are designed to complement tutor sessions and help parents work with their child.

This comprehensive resource includes 5 different packs, 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 focus on synonyms and antonyms • The fifth pack supports work on tricky compound words.

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

They can be used in many ways – as classic flash cards, placed around the house as words of the week, or a tool to make up your own games to challenge friends and family. An invaluable time-saving resource for busy parents.

For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS

Helping children with exam pressure

by Claire Winter

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

Recent research shows that parents who place a high value on education can have a positive impact on children.

However, with high expectations there must come a high level of parental support.

Setbacks are not failures

If children are taught that mistakes are opportunities to learn, rather than being made to feel a ‘failure,’ they are more likely to develop a growth mindset.

Avoid distractions

Revising with the television in the background, or with iPad/phone/XBox games nearby, means they are not fully concentrating! familiesonline.co.uk

11+ VERBAL REASONING VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS Expand your child’s antonym and synonym knowledge and achieve a higher 11+ score A comprehensive vocabulary resource with child-friendly definitions and a list of synonyms www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk

Take a break

Make sure your child still has hobbies, sees their friends, and has a life away from studying and exams. Also make sure they get adequate sleep.

Set them up for the future

Remember, you are setting up your children with good learning habits for the future. Tutor Sarah Brazenor says “It took the lighting pioneer Edison 1000 tries before he developed the light bulb.

Without him continuing to learn by his “failures,” we’d all be sitting in the dark.”

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

9

Clubs & Classes

To advertise email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Exciting NEW musical theatre course S

tars on Stage is a musical theatre course for 4-18 year olds at Dorridge Music School teaching vocals, drama, dance and performance skills. The course, lead by Naomi O’Borne DipLCM BMus (Hons), begins January 18.

Perfect for confidence building, the accredited course offers all aspects of musical theatre from beginner to diploma level with exams on-site as well as performance opportunities. Your child could appear on stage at Symphony Hall, Birmingham for its flagship event ‘a fusion of music and dance’ booked for April 2019.

Go and visit them on their Open Day and have a FREE TRIAL SESSION, Saturday 20th January, 3pm Booking ESSENTIAL. Hurry – the first 10 students to enrol receive a complimentary SOS t-shirt!

Call: 01564 772831 Email: leighperry@sky.com website: dorridgemusicschool.com

Winter clubs and classes

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

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage Find out more today: stagecoach.co.uk/edgbaston edgbaston@stagecoach.co.uk ™

01926 651159

10

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Creative Courage For Life

®

Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

In the winter the idea of sending your child out on to the football pitch, tennis court or athletics track is not an attractive one. But active after school clubs offer children great developmental benefits including: • Improved academic performance • Better health and fitness • Enhanced socialisation skills • Stress felief With such a variety of clubs and classes available in our region you are bound to find one which sparks your child’s interests.

It’s countdown until showtime!

Rutleigh Norris School of Dance are very excited to be putting on a weekend of productions of “Alice’s Adventures” next Summer. Over 60 pupils took part in auditions on October 2017 to secure the main roles, however, every child participating will perform a dance at The Palace Theatre, Redditch on the weekend of 21st July 2018. Costumes, stage manager and a full length ballet mean that rehearsals will begin in March 2018 so there’s still time to join RNSD but hurry! Once they’re full, they’re full!

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

@familiesbirm

Creative music-making workshops to celebrate a great composer of our time Children and young people are invited to CBSO Centre, Sunday 28 January, 10am, for a fun day of creative music-making workshops.

Activities will be inspired by the works of American musical genius Elliot Carter. The young performers will then play their masterpieces to an audience on the Birmingham Town Hall stage at 2.15pm. BCMG musicians will lend their expertise throughout the day to help participants create compositions and improvisations.

Clubs & Classes Dizzyrs Dance Various ages welcome Based in Highgate, Birmingham.

0773 4651192 www.dizzydancers.org

Music Maze (for 8 – 11 years); Zigzag Ensemble (for 12 – 18 years) music composition workshops Sun 28 Jan, 10.00am-3.30pm, CBSO Centre, Berkley St, Birmingham, B1 2LF (Town Hall from 2.15pm). Suggested donation £6.

DANCE & DRAMA 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

Main Concert - Celebrating Carter, conducted by Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla Sun 28 Jan, 4.00pm, Town Hall Birmingham £12.50 - £20 To book: www.bcmg.org.uk; 0121 780 3333

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

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

Photos by Jakob Grubbstrom

Heading for the world!

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 5+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

Telephone: 0121 722 3761

After placing third at her first Midlands Regional Championships, Theresa Mills becomes the first Gra na Rince dancer to qualify for the World Championships of Irish Dancing.

www.masquerademusicaltheatre.com

She will represent the school and the region at the Worlds in Glasgow on Easter Sunday 2018. Good luck Theresa!

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

www.granarince.co.uk | 07790 876 345

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

THE STAR PROJECT THEATRE SCHOOL Opportunities for children who love to act, dance and sing.

Age 4 - 18 years.

Enrol now to join. 07805 161 533 www.thestarproject.info info@thestarproject.info

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 CALL

07807 352087

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

11

Parenting

To advertise call: 07807 352087

What are your goals for 2018?

To improve your health, or improve your lifestyle?

Why choose one when you can have both!

By Mrs Lesha Woodstock

Did you know only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year resolutions? One thing that makes goals more achievable is to make them specific.

Improve health - The Shred10™ program is a fun and do-able jumpstart to better health. For 10 days you will shred the food and habits that are not serving you and will focus on clean living and flooding your body with whole food nutrition. It is the beginning of a 4-month period of healthy changes that will revolutionise your health for years to come!

You can do anything for 10 days!

Text “SHRED10” to 07943 112186 for £10 off Improve lifestyle - Start an Online Business which gives you the opportunity to change your life by helping others change theirs for the better. Why not find out how to earn an additional income by inspiring others with your health journey while working flexibly from home?

Text ‘INFO’ to 07943 112186 to find out more.

What options could an additional income and a sense of fulfilment give you? Build your dreams in 2018!

2018 could bring you improved health, more family time, new career prospects and a better work-life balance. Contact Mrs Woodstock for details

Mums want more flexible working opportunities According to a survey by workingmums.co.uk, almost three quarters of working mums identify flexible work as being crucial to recruiting and retaining more women into senior roles.

What can individuals do to help persuade their employers to agree to them working flexibly?

• Think through what the job requires and whether the tasks you have to perform can be done at a different location, e.g. from home, or at times outside of the standard working day. Take account of any additional costs or challenges this might involve and discuss them honestly.

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

If managers are dubious, suggest a trial period, and have a compromise solution as a back-up.

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

2008|2009

2008|2009

RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL

Children aged from 3 months to 5 years

Ofsted Outstanding

• Daily home cooking • Interactive Whiteboard/Table • CCTV cameras in every room • Free Grant places available for age 2, 3 & 4 years • Free 30 hours grant available for age 3+

Tel: 0121 777 4902

130 Russell Rd, Hall Green, B’ham B28 8SQ

Other sites

621 Fox Hollies Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.

B28 9DW Tel: 0121 777 3778

12

Small World Nursery, 975 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 8BG Tel: 0121 693 3071

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Infant Colic

A survey, conducted on behalf of Infacol, questioned over 4,000 parents about the effectiveness of simethicone in treating infant colic. Simethicone drops, such as Infacol, can be added to breast or bottle milk to help release bubbles of trapped air in a baby’s digestive system.

The survey found that the vast majority of parents (63%) diagnosed infant colic themselves by recognising typical symptoms such as squirming and excessive crying (more than 3 hours a day).

Infant colic affects 1 in 5 babies in the UK, yet 1 in 3 new mums admit that they don’t know what it is.

The NHS urges concerned parents to speak to a GP or pharmacist. Support groups, such as Cry-sis, can also offer help and advice on 0845 122 8669 familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

Quote FAMILIES BIRMINGHAM when booking!

Barber Institute of Fine Arts University of Birmingham, B15 2TS, barber.org.uk, 0121 414 2261 education@barber.org.uk

Black Country Living Museum

Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ, bclm.co.uk, 0121 557 9643 Open daily Time: 10am-4pm Admission: Adults £17.50; Children from £8.75; free for under 5’s

Hatton Adventure World

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OUT & ABOUT

Big Top Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 8XA, hattonworld.com Circus Show ZĞƚƵƌŶŝŶŐ 01926 843411 ƚŽ ,ĂƩŽŶ

NEC Birmingham

North Avenue, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT, thebigbangfair.co.uk 0844 338 8000 The Big Bang Fair Dates: 14 – 17 March Time: Wed – Fri 9.30 - 4pm; Sat 9am - 4.30.

Admission: FREE Come along to the UK’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. A fun-packed, mind-stretching day for the whole family.

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!

Bournville Bookfest

Little Artists Dates: Fridays - 12 Jan, 2 Feb & 2 March Time: 10.30am – 12pm Admission: £7 per child Age: 3 - 5 years Booking essential.

Join Anna the Art Explorer for a journey through the gallery. Act out the stories behind the paintings and explore colour, shapes and textures BEAST: Sonic Paintings Dates: Tues 20 Feb Ages and times: 11am - 12.30pm: 4 – 8 years; 1.30pm - 3pm: 8 - 12 years Admission: £6 per child Booking essential.

Discover new artworks in the gallery as you’ve never heard them before.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR, birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk 0121 454 1860 Family Activities and Events Open every day from 10am Admission: Adult £7.50; Child 5+ years £5.25; Children under 5’s free Plenty of family activities are always taking place at the Gardens. Go along to see amazing plants, brilliant birds, bugs and beasties and tremendous trees.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Chamberlain Sq., Birmingham, B3 3DH 0121 348 8000, birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag Weekend Family Arts Days: Saturday and Sunday Time: 11am – 1pm; 2pm – 4pm Admission: £2 per child Venue: the Mini Museum Get creative and make something new at Family Craft Activity sessions: January 6th/7th - Scratched Rainbow Tableau; 13th/14th – Tattoos; 20th/21st - Selfie Puppets; 27th/28th - Rainbow Weaving February - 3rd/4th Stamp a Rainbow Flag; 10th/11th Victorian Valentines; 17th/18th Wool Moustaches/Wigs; 24th/25th Make a Code Wheel Under Three’s stay and play “Little Rainbows Playtime” Date: Thurs 22 Feb Time: 11am – 1pm; 2pm – 4pm Admission: FREE Suitable for ages 12 months to 3 years.

The session is designed for babies and toddlers to interact and play with a parent or care giver.

familiesonline.co.uk

ϭϳƚŚ ƚŽ ϮϱƚŚ &ĞďƌƵĂƌLJ ϮϬϭϴ Book your circus Big TopƐŚŽǁ ƟŵĞƐ ŽŶůŝŶĞ EKt Bonaza Dates: 17 to 25 Feb www.hattonworld.com Time: 10am – 5.30pm General admission: £15.95; £10.95; £7.95 The circus is returning to Hatton! Get ready for clowns and capers galore.

19191A 12/17

Various locations in: Bournville, Stirchley, Cotteridge, Northfield, Harborne, and the city centre. bournvillebookfest.com

Collage Workshop with Eloise Renouf Date: Sun 11 Feb Time: 1pm – 3pm Admission: £25 Join artist, designer and illustrator Eloise Renouf for some paper play in this nature inspired workshop. Booking essential.

Ikon Gallery

1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HS, ikon-gallery.org, 0121 248 0708 Family Saturday Dates: the first Saturday of every month, 3 Feb; 3 March Time: 1pm – 4pm Admission: Suggested donation £3 Dates: 15 -25 March Details of activities/events, tickets and times on website Early booking essential.

10 days • 100 events • 19 venues • 6,000 guests!

From magical unicorns to Lego stopanimation; Hungry Caterpillars to a David Walliams drama – Bournville BookFest 2018 is going to be bigger and bolder than ever with 10 jam-packed days of inspirational events and interactive storytelling for all the family.

CBSO Centre

CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF, bcmg.org.uk/whats-on 0121 616 2616 info@bcmg.org.uk Music Maze (8-11 years), and ZigZag Ensemble (12–16 years) composition workshops Date: Sun 28 Jan Times & Venues: CBSO Centre, 10am – 2pm; Sharing Performance at Town Hall, 2.15pm Admission: £6 suggested donation Booking essential.

Join Birmingham Contemporary Music Group for a day of creative music-making inspired by the music of Elliott Carter then perform on Town Hall’s stage!

Everyone is welcome whether they play a musical instrument or not. Small percussion instruments will be available.

MORE

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Come along with your family, all ages welcome. Explore the latest Ikon Gallery art exhibition. Participate in activities which will challenge, intrigue and delight.

***ALWAYS check the venue’s website in case of changes to schedule. Thank you.

a r o f s u n i Jo t u o y a d t a e gr

Located less than two miles from Birmingham city centre, explore exotic glasshouses, Japanese gardens, traditional tea rooms and enjoy a variety of fun events for the whole family.

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Find us on: Thank you for your support it keeps our Gardens growing The Gardens are a registered Educational Charity, No: 528981

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

13

What’s On

Quote FAMILIES BIRMINGHAM when booking!

THEATRE Birmingham Hippodrome Hurst Street, Southside, B5 4TB, birminghamhippodrome.com, 0844 338 5000

Birmingham Royal Ballet The Sleeping Beauty Dates: 13 - 24 Feb Times: 2pm; 2.30pm; 7.30pm Tickets: £16+ Age: 5+ The Sleeping Beauty is transformed into one of the grandest ballets ever created

by BRB.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre

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

The Core Theatre

Solihull Theatre Square, Touchwood, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG, thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk, 0121 704 6962 Stories to Stage Date: Wed 7 - Sat 10 Feb Times: 2.15pm; 7.15pm Tickets: £11 - £14 The Dubarrie School of Dance and Masquerade Music Theatre are proud to present a celebration of all-time favourite storybooks brought to life through music, song and dance.

Age: 5+ Morgan & West present a magic show the whole family can enjoy, with daftness and silliness abound!

The Old Rep Theatre

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

Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella Dates: 6 - 10 Feb Times: 2.30pm; 7.30pm Tickets: £19.50+ Age: 5+ Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella is a thrilling and evocative love story - set in London during the Second World War. Birmingham Royal Ballet - First Steps, The Sleeping Beauty Date: Fri 16 Feb Time: 1pm Tickets: £12.50 Age: 3+ An hour-long, interactive show, specially adapted for small children. A perfect introduction to ballet for your little ones.

Penguins Dates: 1 - 10 Feb Times: Various Tickets: £7+ Age: 3+ An engaging show for children about friendship, fun, identity and the meaning of family.

Book quickly, it’s selling out fast!

SPRING FUN ‘18

and season highlights

Dear Zoo Dates: Mon 19 - Tues 20 Feb Times: 11am; 2pm Tickets: £14 Age: 2+ You’ll meet all kinds of familiar animals, big and small …but will any make a good pet? Well…..wait and see!

Sing-a-Long-a Beauty and the Beast Date: Fri 23 Feb Times: 2pm; 7pm Tickets: £15 (£10) A thrilling tale of magic, heroism, this is a screening of the hit 2017 film with lyrics on screen, not a live stage show. YOU, the audience, are the stars!

mac Birmingham

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH, macbirmingham.co.uk, 0121 446 3232 Red Earth Theatre: Mirror Mirror Date: Sun 11 Feb Time: 2pm Tickets: £10(£8) Age: 5+ A mischievous take on the ever-popular Snow White tale, loved by generations of children.

Based on the bestselling book Delightful fun show for family audiences.

Tickets £14 or a family ticket (2+2) £50

19 & 20 FEB 11am & 2pm

Leaping Frog Date: Thur 22 Feb Time: 11am; 2.30pm Tickets: £10 standard This puppet show follows the journey of Goggles – a woodfrog – who leaps unsuspectingly from Little Pond to Big Pond.

Sing-a-Long-a film fun with a live host, goody bag, optional dress up! £15/£10

FRI 23 FEB at 2pm & 7pm

Plus some shows to cheer up mum and dad!

26 Jan 30 Jan 2-3 Feb 14 Feb 17 Feb 24 Feb 1 Mar 9 Mar 14 Mar 15 Mar 29 Mar

Blake Classical pop harmony trio £23 An Audience with Rev. Richard Coles from Strictly! £20 Let’s Hang On Story of Frankie Valli & Four Seasons £23 Forever in Blue Jeans Country music & Rock’n’Roll £20 Hardeep Singh Kohli Live £14(£12) The Lionel Richie Songbook beautifully recreated £20 Wind in the Willows - A Folk Opera music & song £12(£10) Patrick Live at The Sandy Holes Hotel drama £12(£10) Boogie Nights Show feat. Heatwave & Odyssey £30 So Comedy Live with David Morgan & Robin Morgan £12 Alan Gardner - The Autistic Gardener £22.50

See the website for a full list of shows and events.

www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk Box Office:0121 704 6962 (10.30am-4pm Mon-Sat)

14

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Crafty’s Creepy Castle Date: Mon 19 Feb Time: 1.30pm Tickets: £10 This is a family show particularly suitable for 2 – 7 year olds, followed by a meeting, greet and treat with Crafty the Crow himself.

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Little Angel Theatre: Little Red Riding Hood Dates: Wed 21 – Sun 25 Feb Times: 11am & 2pm Tickets: £10 (£8) Age: 7+ The wolf in this story is polite and very gentle. In fact, he’s an all-round nice guy.

Come and hear the wolf’s side of this familiar tale.

Morgan & West’s More Magic for Kids!

Date: Sun 25 Feb Times: 11am & 2pm Tickets: £10 (£8)

Upper Clifton Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 6AB townhallsuttoncoldfield.co.uk, 0121 296 9543 Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves Dates: 6 - 10 Feb Time: 12pm; 5pm; 7.30pm Tickets: £12.50; £10.50; £9.75

Will Ali Baba, assisted by Marjan – a slave girl, Mustafa Screwloose – the village simpleton and Dame Fatima Fandango, thwart the plans of the king of the thieves? ***ALWAYS check the venue’s website in case of changes to schedule. Thank you. familiesonline.co.uk

@familiesbirminghammag

Kimichi School

Education - the Kimichi way H

ere at Kimichi we’re dedicated to giving our pupils the best possible education. We stay proudly independent in order to do what we do so well, while keeping our costs as low as possible. We’re like a large family with a 1-3 ratio of teachers to pupils, so we can really personalise learning.

We’ve recently come back from a trip to the beautiful country, Iceland. It is one thing to use a textbook to learn about waterfalls, but it’s awesome when our pupils can stand in front of a waterfall as epic as Gullfoss. We firmly believe that’s how learning should be. Whenever we get the chance we make sure that book work is consolidated by real life experience.

Next term we’re off to Bletchley Park and Hadrians Wall. Perhaps your child could be coming with us?

If you’re looking for something alternative in the world of education, we are it. We pride ourselves on being innovative, in fact, Headteacher Sally Alexander recently won Most Innovative Teacher of the Year at the Education Awards in Birmingham.

We enrol new pupils throughout the year. Why not come and see if we’re the school that makes the difference for your child? Our door is always open. enquires@kimichischool.co.uk | 0121 679 5298

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

15

11 Plus Tutoring Academy W

e are delighted to announce the expansion of 11 Plus Tutoring Academy into the Birmingham area. They are launching courses beginning September 2018 for both Year 4 and Year 5 pupils. They have previously helped to prepare pupils for their CEM 11+ exams elsewhere around the country over the last few years, in Gloucestershire, Buckinghamshire and the Bristol area, and have an excellent track record of pupils who regularly gain entry into the country’s leading grammar schools.

The founder of 11 Plus Tutoring Academy, Philip McMahon, is an experienced and professional tutor, and is also the author of the 11 Plus CEM books published by Letts.

Philip McMahon works alongside Laura Stutes. Laura is an experienced specialist nurse practitioner with an extensive background in providing nurture and well-being to children within primary schools. Laura is also the allocated specialist nurse for two grammar schools, providing regular therapeutic support and consultation advice to pupils and teaching staff, to enable children to reach their full potential.

Laura is delighted to be able offer free workshops to students of 11 Plus Tutoring Academy, and their parents, to support them during this period of hard work and pressure. Students will have the opportunity to learn and develop a variety of skills to understand and manage their feelings and pressures and to develop resilience.

Parents will have the opportunity to learn how to become more mindful in building their child’s resilience.

11+ TUTORING Laura Stutes & Philip McMahon

ACADEMY

11 Plus Tutoring Academy will be holding Mock Exams in Birmingham in Summer 2018. The courses are well structured, and are based around their own highly acclaimed online resources.

11 Plus Tutoring Academy offer a professional and comprehensive approach in preparation for the 11 Plus exam whilst easing the pressure through the provision of specialist support for both children and parents.

To register your interest, or to book, contact: 11plustutoringacademy@gmail.com | 01242 221271 11plustutoringacademy.co.uk

11+ TUTORING ACADEMY

11 Plus Tutoring Academy launch Birmingham 11+ Group Tuition Courses for Year 4 & 5 • Managed by professional tutor Philip McMahon (published author of the highly acclaimed Letts 11 Plus books for the CEM exam) • High quality resources for tuition and homework • Specialist professional support for parents and children throughout the course • Support in developing student well-being and resilience • Proven results, with numerous children qualifying for the highest ranking Grammar School in the country.

• Sunday courses available in convenient location • Private Tutoring Company of the Year Finalist 2016 and 2015 • Contact us now to register your interest and to secure a place for a September 2018 start Summer 2018 Mocks available for booking now.

Early registration advised.

11plustutoringacademy.co.uk | 11plustutoringacademy@gmail.com | 01242 221271