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Issue 90 Sep/Oct 2019
familiesonline.co.uk
Don’t forget to tell advertisers you saw them in Families Magazine!
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2 Families North Yorkshire
18/02/2019 16:26
familiesonline.co.uk
Welcome
Well it’s that time of the year when most parents breathe a huge sigh of relief as the kids return to school and the house becomes a much quieter and more organised (well we can all hope) place. I am not too sure where the summer holidays went though, to be honest. This issue features our education section and we have plenty of information and advice for you on choosing the right school. Enjoy other articles on when to give your child a smartphone and read our Families review for our skiing holiday with the wonderful Chilly Powder in Morzine. Let’s not forget that this issue covers Halloween too! Get your pumpkins at the ready; take a look at our special Halloween cooking page and find out where to go this October ½ term for Halloween family fun in our popular ‘What’s On’ guide. Happy reading!
Editor, Families North Yorkshire Magazine
Get in touch E – editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk T – 07794909820 @FamiliesNYMag @FamiliesNYMag @Familiesnorthyorkshiremagazine
Competition time
Win a Balance Wonder Bike from Hape! Families North Yorkshire magazine have a Balance Wonder Bike from Hape to give away to one lucky reader. Hape’s Balance Wonder Bike is the two-wheeled scooter, perfectly-sized for speedy escapades. Giving children the confidence that they need to ride a bike, practising their sense of balance, encouraging children to stay active all while having fun and building strength provides the perfect opportunity to skip the training wheels. For all little girls and boys aged 3 years + the Balance Wonder is sure to be a big hit. This sturdy balance bike in a combination o f cool monochrome colours adds a stylish flair to this scooter, highlighting the rubberized wheels which are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use without scuffing up the floor. From short rides to all day excursions, cruise around the living room, hallway or garden - the world is your oyster. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:
Hape is the world’s largest producer of which type of toys? Email your answer, plus your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk
Closing date: 30th September 2019 at midday.
familiesonline.co.uk
Contents 4. Family News
6. Family Education 10. Family Health 12. Clubs & Classes 14. Halloween Family Fun 16. Family Reviews 18. What’s On? Clarification of Article in our July/ August Issue In our July/August 2019 issue we published an item entitled ‘Going to Nursery Improves Behaviour.’ This article was based on research of a sample population and the result was published by the British Medical Journal. As with any such research, its applicability to the wider population is not conclusive. In order to make this clear, we should have qualified the title of our article and the findings referred to in it by stating that the research shows that attending a nursery ‘may’ improve behaviour or children ‘may’ be better behaved or ‘may’ experience fewer emotional problems. We apologise to our readers if this article has led to any confusion or misinterpretation.
Where is Families North Yorkshire? Families North Yorkshire is distributed bi-monthly throughout North Yorkshire. You can collect a FREE copy from the scores of outlets: schools, nurseries, play groups, clubs & classes, sports centres, libraries, family doctors & baby clinics and children’s shops. If you would like to stock copies please let us know. For families from birth to twelve. Read by over 40,000 local families 6 times a year.
Thirsk
Ripon
Easingwold Boroughbridge Strensall
knaresborough Knarsborough Harrogate
Stamford Bridge York
Wetherby Boston Spa
Pocklington
Tadcaster
Selby
Snaith
Goole
Circlulation: 20,000 Deadline: Deadline for Nov/Dec edition is early Oct 19 Designed by: Anna Lawton Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk Families North Yorkshire 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 North Yorkshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families North Yorkshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but 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. Families North Yorkshire 3
FAMILY
News School Children to Tackle Speeding Drivers
An initiative in London is getting primary school pupils to confront speeding motorists, in a bid to enforce the 20mph speed limit near schools.
NEW quiet time lessons of 1:1 and 2:1 ratio at Cawood Park - inclusive BSL & autism friendly
The Junior Roadwatch scheme involves drivers who are caught speeding and pulled over by police officers being given the option of receiving a fixed penalty fine and points on their license, attending a speeding awareness course or being told off by children. Drivers “deemed suitable” to speak to the pupils following a police national computer check will face questions such as “are you aware of the consequences of speeding?” and “why do you think the speed limit is 20mph on this road?”. Collisions are a leading cause of serious injury, disability or death of children in the UK. In 2017, 48 children died in road collisions in the UK and over 15,700 children were injured.
Calls for Compulsory Climate Change Education in Schools A petition launched by four Oxford school girls calling for lessons on Climate Change to be made compulsory in schools has gathered over 75,000 signatures. The students are hoping to make climate change a “core part of the compulsory curriculum” to increase the next generation’s understanding of the global issue. They claim they have “barely learned about the climate crisis at school, even though it’s supposed to be part of Geography and Science.” According to the petition: “Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and it must be a part of our education if our generation is to understand it and help us to combat its effects. That’s why we want climate change to be made a core part of the national curriculum.” More info: www.change.org
Similar schemes are being used elsewhere, including parts of Hertfordshire, West Yorkshire and Northumberland. More info: www.tfl.gov.uk
Qualified Childminder or Nursery May Be Better for Children Children may experience a better outcome in early years care that is provided by Ofsted registered carers or in a nursery setting than in informal care settings such as with friends or extended family, a study has suggested. Specifically, the study found that education and care with childminders at age 2 was found to have had a significant positive effect on children’s language development and behaviour at age 3. Group based settings such as nurseries and playgroups were also shown to have positive effects on children’s socio-emotional development including how well they get along with other children. The Study of Early Education and Development (SEED) is conducted by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) in collaboration with the University of Oxford and is funded by the Department of Education. It is following the development of almost 6,000 children in England from ages 2 to 7. More info: www.natcen.ac.uk/our-research/ research/seed 4 Families North Yorkshire
Picky Eaters Still Grow Up Healthy Picky eating in toddlers is a well-documented phase when children don’t want to try new foods and/or show very strong preferences. It can create much worry for parents, and has created a whole market for advice, guidance and tools to encourage young children to try lots of new tastes and textures. But researchers from the University of Bristol using data from a study of children between the ages of 7 to 17 have found that instead of being harmed by their diets, children who had been picky eaters at age 3 were growing normally as adolescents with a healthy height and weight. The researchers claim the study shows that even children who are picky as pre-schoolers usually eat well enough over time to ensure they grow properly. More info: www.bristol.ac.uk/news familiesonline.co.uk
Competition time Families North Yorkshire magazine have a ticket for 2 to give away for you to enjoy an evening with Chris Packham.
Active Girls are Happy Girls A new report has found that girls that are physically active are happier and more resilient than those who are not. The findings are drawn from of a survey from more than 25,700 primary and secondary aged children by the national children’s charity, the Youth Sport Trust. More active girls showed higher levels of the qualities associated with wellbeing which are self-belief, confidence, resilience, happiness and empathy. The largest difference was seen in girls’ resilience. 77% of more active girls said they were resilient compared to 46% of less active girls. It also found that more active girls were happier with 75% stating so compared to 55% of less active girls. Ali Oliver, the Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust says: “We owe every girl the opportunity to become a confident mover, find a sport or activity that she enjoys, and through that experience improved physical health and emotional wellbeing.” More info: www.youthsporttrust.org/girls-active
Naturalist, TV presenter, writer and campaigner, Chris Packham CBE, presents a very special evening at the Royal Hall. Packham will talk about his life, photography, conservation work and memoir. 19th October 2019, 7pm. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:
What is the name of Chris Packham’s memoir? Email your answer, plus your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@ familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk Closing date: 30th September 2019 at midday.
Win 2 x tickets to watch Steve Backshall at the Royal Hall, Harrogate! Families North Yorkshire magazine have a ticket for 2 to give away for you to enjoy one of the best-loved wildlife presenters star at the Royal Hall. Adventurer, presenter, wildlife enthusiast and allround daredevil tells of his year of adventure, featured in his TV series and new book. For wildlife enthusiasts of all ages, the event includes an extended audience Q&A with Steve, and book signing. Voyages to Undiscovered Places: 19th October 2019, 3pm. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:
What is the name of Steve Backshall’s new book? Email your answer, plus your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@ familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk Closing date: 30th September 2019 at midday.
Is your workplace ready for Brexit? By Georgina Thomas As Britain continues to try and negotiate Brexit, we are increasingly getting asked by our employer clients:
Is there anything we should be doing to get ready?
To date, many businesses are adopting the “wait and see” approach. Regardless of how we leave Europe, one thing is certain: there will be significant impact on many employers, especially those employing EU nationals.
What might the impact be on us?
The main impact on your business, especially if you employ EU nationals, is likely to be job losses and restrictions on workers resulting in labour and skills shortages. The uncertainty faced by workers affected will also be having an impact and you can do a lot to support and assist these workers in the run up.
So what can we do?
Sad Dads
It is well recognised that new and expectant mothers can experience mental health problems, but little attention has been paid to new fathers. Amidst recent research suggesting that at least 10% of new fathers suffer from depression, a new study has found new fathers can be beset by feelings of guilt and failure to live up to societal expectations to be stoic, strong and providers of support. The researchers found that fathers often interpret their struggles as a personal failure as a man and father, and refuse to regard their own problems as legitimate compared to those of their partner. This leads to reluctance in reaching out or seeking advice, further compounding any issues and making isolation a significant problem. New fathers also reported a lack of prior knowledge or awareness of the mental health challenges they could face as a result of having a baby. More info visit: www.nct.org.uk/life-parent/dadsand-partners familiesonline.co.uk
Our advice to employers is that they carry out a few early actions including an audit of workers looking at UK nationals working elsewhere in the EU and nationals from those countries working in the UK. This will help identify possible labour shortages or other scenarios and enable you to make contingency plans for situations that might arise post-Brexit. Looking at whether structural change in your business might be necessary post-Brexit is also sensible, as is identifying how your business would fill any skills or service gaps if Brexit affects customer demands for products or services. Early review of expat workers is also sensible to make sure key dates are recorded along with any residency or citizenship rights.
Communication is essential too.
Workers may now face altered right to work status, leading to confusion and anxiety and there is a lot you can do to help to support them. Communicating early and keeping them up to date with proposed changes and key application deadlines will all help reassure, as will offering assistance with applications for immigration status or citizenship. Such steps can do a lot to minimise worry and retain staff who may be contemplating leaving Britain even if they are eligible to stay due to feelings of not being welcome or concern about the future. It may also help manage risks to them that may be caused by future immigration restrictions.
What about the EU Settlement Scheme?
This is another thing you may want to communicate with your staff about. Whilst there is no obligation to do so, and the application has to be made by the individual themselves, it is something that you may want to highlight with your staff and support them with, in recognition of the valuable contributions made by EU citizens to businesses and organisations across the UK. The above steps, along with early review of policies and documents to identify any that may need amending post-Brexit will ensure that, whilst you cannot be expected to make final decisions yet, you will be in a better position to move forward and adapt once the outcome is known. If you or your business would like any advice on this or any other aspect of employment law, please contact the team on 01904 360295. Families North Yorkshire 5
FAMILY
education
The Mount School A recent study in London asked school children to draw a firefighter and give them a name. The group produced 61 pictures of men, and only 5 pictures of women. Earlier this year, when teachers at The Mount School York asked their children in Reception through to Year 2 to complete the same task, they were delighted to see that over 80% of the pictures drawn were of a woman firefighter. In both scenarios, the children’s choice for gender was completely unprompted. Why are girls at The Mount School so apt to see women in those roles? “The girls are part of a whole learning culture where whatever they do, be it in or out of the classroom, School Council or any of the student committees, their leaders and role models are older girls. They know that girls can do anything because they see it around them in their environment, every minute of every day,” says Rachel Capper, Head of The Mount Junior School. As they develop socially and academically, the girls are nurtured by a team of primary-specialist professionals who truly understand the mindset of girls. Staff teach the girls in a way that they instinctively learn, they are leaders in understanding girls and their needs.” “The staff encourage the girls to feel that they can take risks, that it’s okay for them to stand up and articulate what they want to say without the fear of getting it wrong,” says Rachel. “By feeling confident to take such risks, their learning can stretch beyond the boundaries of the traditional curriculum.” “We are incredibly fortunate to have fantastic facilities,” explains Rachel. “But that’s not what makes The Mount Junior School so unique for York’s parents. The entire focus of the school is that “girls can”. That’s what we do, we inspire confidence in young girls.” The Mount’s latest inspection report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate noted, “Pupils lead conversations, respond well to the frequent use of open questions in teaching and are encouraged to celebrate mistakes as part of their learning journey. Pupils display excellent social skills and awareness of others. They support and encourage each other frequently and unselfconsciously.”A current parent says, “The Mount provides everything our girls need, a creative and beautiful atmosphere with excellent teaching in stunning surroundings – my girls are growing up to be who they want to be. I wish I was a Mount girl!” The school is York’s only all-girl school from the ages of 2-18 years. A Quaker school, The Mount’s ethos promotes the values of peace, equality, truth, simplicity and social justice.
Brackenfield School help Bettys Celebrate their 100th Birthday Brackenfield School is well known as a school that excels in performing arts, most notably locally with the choir winning first prize with Distinction for the primary choir at the Harrogate Music Festival this year, despite some very tough competition. Part of their winning performance included a special Yorkshire medley written by their Head of Music, Miss Helen Leaf. To co-ordinate with the centenary celebrations of another famous Harrogate institution, this inspirational music teacher also wrote a special song for the Infants in honour of the art of taking afternoon tea at Bettys, called “Bettys for tea”. Bettys staff saw the performance on the school twitter feed and invited Brackenfield School children to sing it at the café on Parliament Street on the centenary date itself. The children, some as young as 4 years old, were very excited and delighted to be part of Betty’s celebrations, including singing live on BBC Look North. After their performance, the children and staff enjoyed sandwiches and Bettys’ famous cakes. What a delicious start to the summer holidays! The school term ended with productions by Little Brackens nursery children, by the Infants and the Juniors. Each was a spectacular performance in its own right, with every child taking part in the songs, acting and dancing. They will be remembered by all the audiences as a superb finale to the academic year with three extremely impressive productions written by the talented staff at the school. The Infant nativity play at Christmas also won a Regional Prize from Virgin Media as the most original nativity, having been written by the same staff. The school have also performed this year at a Remembrance concert at St Wilfrid’s church, the Mayor’s Annual concert and at his annual luncheon and in a joint concert with a 100 member senior college choir from Florida. These events, and normal school activities, mean that Brackenfield school musicians have had a very busy year. The performing arts ability at the school, along with the inclusive nature of all the arts, result in all the children leaving the school as confident, clearly-spoken, polite children ready for whatever the future may hold. 6 Families North Yorkshire
Eco award for pupils at harrogate independent prep school Pupils at Harrogate independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor are celebrating after winning an Eco-Schools Green Flag for their drive to create a more environmentally-friendly community. Children at the co-educational school join a select band of pupils at schools up and down the country who have been awarded this prestigious honour – and the right to fly the Eco-Schools Green Flag from Belmont Grosvenor’s flagpole. The Green Flag is an internationally recognised award for excellence in environmental action and learning – and aims to encourage schools, and the wider school community, to become more environmentally aware.Assessors spent a day at Belmont Grosvenor, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, meeting members of the school’s Eco Committee and hearing about their environmental projects, before deciding to award the Green Flag. More than 40 pupils at Belmont Grosvenor, which welcomes children from three months to 11 years, are involved in the Eco clubs at school, which run from Year 1 to Year 6. Their BGS eco activities range from litter picking and recycling, to organising beach clean-ups and building a greenhouse from old plastic bottles! Green Flag assessors praised BGS pupils for “all the time and effort that has been invested in environmental education at school” and recognised the “strong commitment” to the eco programme within school. Nicola Shillam, Eco co-ordinator at Belmont Grosvenor School, said: “We are delighted to receive the Eco Schools Green Flag award. As a school we feel that our impact on the environment is extremely important and we are dedicated to making a difference.Belmont Grosvenor School’s next Open Day is on 3rd October 2019. For more information or to arrange a visit, contact www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk
Queen Mary’s School Builds new Hockey Pitch & Sports Pavilion Work is now well underway on Queen Mary’s School’s new floodlit synthetic pitch certified for Hockey, Netball and Tennis and Sports Pavilion. The new facility in the grounds of Queen Mary’s School, between Ripon and Thirsk, will benefit all pupils at the school from Reception to Year 11. Alongside the pitch a two-storey Sports Pavilion will provide changing rooms for up to four teams, a central multi-use space and a viewing platform. Queen Mary’s sporting achievements are highly regarded in the region. The new floodlit, all-weather synthetic pitch will allow pupils at the school to access these top-class facilities to practise for longer, and inspire the next generation to enjoy exercise and succeed in sport. In addition to the new pitch, Queen Mary’s pupils of all ages enjoy activities on the River Swale that runs through the grounds including Canoeing, Kayaking and take on the Climbing Wall and the WOLF Run. Gymnastics and Trampolining are also popular alongside Riding, Ballet, Tennis and team sports such as Netball and Hockey.The facilities will also benefit the local community and be available to hire for everything from sport fixtures to birthday parties, alongside potential opportunities to watch Hockey clubs and prestigious matches played within the grounds of Queen Mary’s School. Joint Heads of Sport Emma Lindsley and Danielle Pegg are delighted to see work underway: “Queen Mary’s pupils already achieve national success in Trampolining, Gymnastics and Riding. Additionally, 18 of Queen Mary’s Hockey players have qualified for the Area Teams and three girls have been part of the Junior Academy Centre. This new facility will especially enhance our school’s sporting facilities for team sports including Hockey and Netball, allowing pupils to spend more time on the pitch and benefit from this state of the art surface.” Queen Mary’s Hockey player, Jemima Berry, Year 9 agrees: “The plans look amazing. I am very excited to start playing on the new pitch.” Mrs Carole Cameron, Head at Queen Mary’s School stated: “At Queen Mary’s we inspire pupils to believe anything is possible. The new synthetic pitch and pavilion will give all our pupils even more confidence to achieve. With such great opportunities available, we may see some of them following in the footsteps of the GB Women’s Hockey Team who won gold at the last Summer Olympics or the England Netball Team, winners at the Commonwealth Games.” Queen Mary’s offers a broad curriculum, allowing pupils to pursue their interests within small classes designed to encourage their development and achievement. For more information please call 01845 575040.
Queen Ethelburga’s Judged ‘Excellent’ by Schools Inspectorate The Independent Schools Inspectorate has awarded Queen Ethelburga’s the top grading of ‘Excellent’ across all schools and areas, praising the pupils’ outstanding academic achievements and personal development. QE’s Early Years Foundation Stage provision in Chapter House, was also assessed as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas. The glowing ISI reports follow a three-day inspection in February this year, with inspectors observing every aspect of school life at QE through attended lessons, assemblies and extra-curricular activities. They held discussions with pupils, parents and staff across the school, in addition to examining samples of pupils’ work. Inspectors also visited boarding houses and the wider facilities, together with learning support and educational resource areas. Steven Jandrell, Principal said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has found Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate to be ‘Excellent’ across all schools, praising our pupils’ outstanding academic achievements and personal development.” “These are the Inspectorate’s highest possible ratings and are a ringing endorsement of the quality of teaching delivered, extra-curricular opportunities offered, and pastoral care provided to students here at QE. The findings reflect our collective determination to always provide our students with the best possible opportunities to develop successfully and happily.” “I would like to thank our staff, pupils and parents for their continued support in making the QE community the special place it is.” The full reports can be viewed and downloaded from the ISI’s own website and on www.qe.org. familiesonline.co.uk
An ‘Excellent’ rated, vibrant and supportive school
community, set in 220 acres
of beautiful North Yorkshire Countryside.
We welcome day students
from 3 months to 19 years
and boarders from 6 years to 19 years.
Academic, sport, music and
drama scholarships available
for students in Years 7 to 13.
The No.1 independent
secondary school in the North of England (QE College). Sunday Times Schools Guide 2019
Minibus service
across Yorkshire.
Open day 28th September 10.30am - 3.00pm
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate “To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS
FAMILY
education
How to choose the right school for your child By Claire Winter
W
hether it’s for primary or secondary school, in the next few months the majority of parents have to make big decisions about what school preferences to shortlist for their child. But, don’t panic! Families has asked parents across the UK to give their top tips on how to make the right choices.
What Type of School? Do you want to choose a fee-paying or state school? Day or boarding? Singlesex or co-ed? What sort of school will suit your child? There are lots of factors to consider when you start looking at prospective schools. Mandy says: “Our son is really sensitive, and we felt a busy state school would not suit his character at all. We were lucky his grandparents offered to help with the school fees, so we chose a local independent school that didn’t have an entrance exam. He loves it.”
Do your Research If you are looking at state schools, find out what catchment area you are in. Your local LEA website can help with this. If you feel you might be on the edge of a catchment area, it’s worth asking your local authority or the school whether children where you live have been offered places in previous years. Linda says: “When we filled in our preference list for primary school, we already knew we might not get our first or second choice because the local authority had told us we were on the edge of the catchment area. This was really helpful because we made sure that we were slap bang in the middle of the catchment for our third and fourth choices.” Make sure you research the admissions policy for all schools in which you are interested, state or independent, primary or secondary. Many primary schools have a siblings-first policy whilst schools that are affiliated to a church may have special requirements related to your family religion. You need to know whether you fulfil the entry requirements. Many independent schools have entrance exams which you need to understand. Similarly, if you live in a grammar school area you need to find out if you are in the catchment for the school and when the 11+ examinations take place.
Visit the School It is vital that you visit all the schools you are interested in. Independent school open days are widely publicised and it’s worth visiting them at least a year before you need to apply in order to come up with an initial shortlist. You can then visit again closer to the time of making your applications. You can search for state school open days online, as well as finding out more about the school from their website. Pay attention to the attitude of the school at open days. You want the school to be friendly and welcoming to you at this time. Lisa says: “I attended an open day at the school which was our first choice for primary because it is an Outstanding school with a very good reputation. But I found the attitude of the school towards parents really off-putting. Basically we were told at the open day that they wouldn’t be answering any questions about the school until we got offered a place. Needless to say, I scratched them off our list!” It’s very helpful to book an appointment to see the school during the working day. This way you get to see how the pupils interact with the teachers and you can see if the school will really suit your child. 8 Families North Yorkshire
What is the Head Teacher Like? Most Head Teachers make a speech at their school Open Days and these are well worth listening to. The Head is responsible for the ethos and vision of a school and is also a key decision maker. She or he are also responsible for employing key staff responsible for both teaching and pastoral care and so his attitude and outlook are likely to trickle down throughout the school and be very influential overall. Isobel says: “We put a lot of weight on what the Head Master/ Head Mistress was like. They really drive the culture of a school. Next up was the kids. Watching them interact with each other and their teachers. That was a real eye-opener in some classrooms! We chose our primary school because when the Head Master asked a question they all put their hands up. He picked a girl to answer but got her name slightly wrong. She was confident to correct him, politely, before answering the question. That stood out for me as both respectful and confident - two characteristics I’d want my children to have.”
Think about Logistics How far away is the school? If you work, do they have a good breakfast club and after-school care? Can your child get to school by bus or a coach or can they walk to school? Will you have to drive them? “I wanted my daughter to go to a school she could walk to” says Amanda. “She could have travelled further by bus to a school with better results, but I loved the small size of our closest school and the emphasis they put on play.” Clare agrees: “I wanted my boys to go to a local school, primary and secondary, which they could walk to and from and benefit from physical exercise. Especially at secondary level, I wanted them to have local friends so that they could develop their independence and social skills outside of the school day. The academic performance of the school was secondary to these factors as I strongly believe that these other factors also contribute significantly to doing well at school.”
Will the School Suit your Child? Some children may have special needs or find large, noisy schools scary; some may need to be challenged whilst others will do better in a school which is a bit more laid back. Think about what type of environment your child needs to thrive. An academic school or a school that is smaller and friendly? Do they need additional support and can the school provide it? Do they need an organised and more structured day? Or are they more creative and require a school that focuses more on art and creative pursuits? Does your child have any friends going to that school? Anna Louise wanted a friendly school for her daughter. “When it came to senior school, we visited the most academically successful school but found it very corporate. Then we went to a less academically successful school, but all of us loved its warmth and friendly atmosphere, so we chose it. Four years later, we have no regrets because the pastoral care has been superb. My daughter has been diagnosed with autism and anxiety, and the school has been wonderfully supportive. To succeed, children need to be happy and feel safe, and my daughter’s school does just that for her.”
Making the Decision Don’t be swayed by the opinions of other parents: you know what is best for your child. Choosing a school is down to individual choice and, once you’ve done the research and homework, remember to listen to your heart, as well as your head and, of course, prioritise your child’s wellbeing first and foremost. If your child is old enough, make sure you include them in the process of choosing a school. Let them look around the schools with you and ask them what they think. Talk with them about the decision-making process and make the decision with them. Then trust that you have all made the right choice and that all will work out for the best. familiesonline.co.uk
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Primary school open day directory - 2019 Please check with the school directly before leaving the house to confirm dates and times for Open Days. Whilst care has been taken to cover a wide range of areas within the North Yorkshire county, all schools are not listed. State school primaries rarely publish their forthcoming open days/evenings, so it has not been possible to list these, sadly. Please contact state schools directly or visit their websites for more information. Please contact editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk if you wish to list your school in the 2020 directory.
The Mount School, York Ampleforth College, York
12th October 10am – 2pm
28th Sep – morning
www.mountschoolyork.co.uk
www.ampleforth.org.uk
Pocklington School
Ashville School, Harrogate
5th Oct 1.30pm – 4.30pm
5th October – morning www.pocklingtonschool.com
www.ashville.co.uk
Queen Ethelberga’s Collegiate, York
28th Sep 10.30 am – 3.00pm
Belmont Grosvenor School, www.qe.org.uk Harrogate Queen Margaret’s School 3rd Oct 9.30am – 11.45am www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk
Bootham School, York
14th Sep – morning
www.queenmargarets.com
museumsandgalleries .leeds.gov.uk/lotherton
Spooky Scarecrow Trail
w/c 30th Sep
www.boothamschool.co.uk
Queen Mary’s School, Baldersby
5th Oct & 15th Nov www.queenmarys.org
Brackenfield School, Harrogate
Follow us into the night with our Spooky Scarecrow Trail, visit Skeletown and enjoy activities on our Halloween Fun Day, 31 Oct.
5th & 6th Oct 10am – 11.30am www.brackenfield.co.uk
*last entry 5.30pm
Highfield Prep School, Harrogate
The Read School, Drax
www.hlc.org.uk
www.readschool.co.uk
30th Sep
familiesonline.co.uk
Sat 26 Oct - Sun 3 Nov 10am—6pm*
lotherton
20th Oct 9.30am – 12.30am
Families North Yorkshire 9
FAMILY
health
Busting the Myths about ADHD By Tony Buckley October is ADHD awareness month and Families takes up the baton to raise understanding about this debilitating condition. When you think of ADHD, what comes to mind? Screaming children. Refusal to do schoolwork. Maybe even violence. But if your child is not displaying these symptoms, could they still be suffering from ADHD? The answer is “yes.” Sensational symptoms like screaming, violence and refusal are those that provoke the most sympathy when a parent discusses their child with other parents, or the ones that look most interesting and are easiest to identify when portrayed in the media. They are real symptoms that real children with ADHD can (and often do) exhibit. But these aren’t the only symptoms someone with ADHD might have – they’re simply the symptoms that a parent or guardian are most likely to notice, as they affect people other than the person with the condition. It’s important to understand that if a child is behaving in an unfocused or hyperactive way consistently then they may have ADHD. But, not all people with ADHD are unruly and unfocused. Simply believing that they are can make it more difficult for those who display less “textbook” ADHD symptoms to get a diagnosis, as well as creating a damaging stereotype of children with the condition.
So What are the Other Symptoms of ADHD? ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that affects both adults and children. People with this condition will often experience symptoms such as impulsiveness, poor concentration, hyperactivity, poor organisational skills and being easily distracted. But some will experience other symptoms, either as well as or instead of these more well-known symptoms. Symptoms tend to change with age, and will be different for each person. This is especially true if their symptoms don’t match those expected and recognised by society. Many people with ADHD will reach adulthood without even realising that they have the condition. Some adults may only find out that their symptoms are ADHD-related if their own child is diagnosed with it, and some symptoms become less obvious as a child matures and enters adulthood.
10 Families North Yorkshire
Many adults have no idea that their difficulty with social interactions or executive functions is a result of a hidden impairment, but, as parents, there are symptoms you can watch out for to find out if your child has the condition.
How Can Parents Recognise Symptoms of ADHD in their Children? Children with ADHD will be impulsive. They’ll find it difficult to prioritise the various tasks and responsibilities that they need to deal with, and you may notice that their peers are more organised than they are. If a child has ADHD, you may find that they struggle to focus on the task at hand. Multi-tasking is another thing that children with ADHD tend to struggle with and this can cause child and parents significant frustration. Children with ADHD may feel under much more pressure than other children and feel that they need to be more active and work harder than others in order to keep up. Understandably this contributes significantly to their stress levels as they try to deal with all the tasks they need to complete. Children with ADHD can find it hard to cope with this degree of stress and pressure and may act this out in a variety of ways, becoming angry, emotional, withdrawn, panicky, argumentative or displaying a range of other stress-induced behaviours. Equally though, a child with ADHD may simply appear to be trying to focus very hard on their learning to get through the day and keep up with their classmates. In neither of the above cases will a child with ADHD necessarily look like a child screaming and throwing things as portrayed in the media.
Where Can Parents Find Out More? For more information about ADHD, check out this helpful guide from Need2Know books at http://need2knowbooks.co.uk/product/the-essential-guide-to-adhd/ It answers essential questions and guides parents and teachers step-by-step through the actions they need to take to support a child with ADHD.
familiesonline.co.uk
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When to give your child a smartphone by Andrew Campbell It’s a question every parent will struggle with at some point: at what age should I get my child a smartphone?
•
Checking age-limits on games, websites and apps, especially ones that have a social media element.
Anyone who has investigated this question will soon find there is no clear advice or research which provides a definitive age, but Families will endeavour to provide some useful guidance.
•
Checking that online accounts are password protected and ensuring that your children are not putting out personal information online. If they do have a social media profile ensure they are only accepting requests from friends and request that you or someone you both trust follows them to keep abreast of their online activity.
Mobiles can be helpful to keep in touch with your child, and can give you the peace of mind which comes with knowing they can reach you in an emergency. And, of course, children can also do all sorts of amazing things online using devices; the internet can be creative, fun and educational. But, by giving your child an internet-connected phone, you are handing them an incredibly powerful communication tool for which they may not be ready. Not only can they send messages, create images and send videos to friends but they’ll also be able to access websites and upload images and videos online. Having unfettered access to the internet exposes children to many risks including cyberbullying, online grooming and inappropriate content. Many believe devices are also quickly changing the nature of childhood. Playing outdoors, spending time with friends, reading books and hanging out with family is being overtaken by hours of snap chatting, instagramming, and catching up on You Tube. In the US, a movement has sprung up among parents wanting to delay giving a child a smartphone until at least age 14 or 8th grade. Called Wait Until 8th, parents sign a pledge agreeing to delay giving their child a smartphone and it becomes active when 10 or more families sign in it from the same class at school. The pledge aims to provide a supportive network to parents who want to resist the the increasing societal pressure to provide their child a smartphone. According to internet safety experts the real question is not about the “right” age, but about whether your child is developmentally ready to have full access to the adult world and whether you have laid the groundwork to prepare them for healthy and responsible device use. Carolyn Bunting, CEO of e-safety organisation Internet Matters said: “Every child is different and whether it be a sign of maturity or peace of mind; parents know intuitively what the right age is for their child to be given a smartphone.” However, it’s vital that you take steps to ensure you child is able to navigate the internet safely before they are given a smartphone. These include: •
Having open and honest conversations with your child about their online world. Finding out what they like doing and getting involved.
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Setting boundaries for their internet use, which include where and when they can use their devices and for how long.
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Setting up parental controls on your home broadband as well their devices.
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Using a child-friendly search engine and setting their user account to only follow sites which you’ve deemed safe.
familiesonline.co.uk
• In considering the move to a smartphone for your child it may help to consider the following options: • If you believe your child needs to be able to get in touch with you, Ofcom advises using a basic handset. These are still readily available • If you are keen to keep you’re your child’s internet access contained to the supervised home environment, then tablet-usage can be easier to monitor. •
If you think your kids are ready for their own smartphone, pick up a childfriendly model. For example, devices like the monqi allow parents to set limits on data, calls, screen time and disapprove a game or app, all remotely via a parental app.
For more reviews of child friendly smart phones visit www.internetmatters.org & for information on internet safety for children visit www.net-aware.org.uk
Open up the world for your child with our Montessori nurseries.
Outstanding care and education to inspire and guide each individual child.
Fulford 01904 642666 Strensall 01904 490339
www.yorkshiremontessorinursery.co.uk Families North Yorkshire 11
Clubs & classes Arts, Crafts, Creative & Technology Clayfever Ceramic painting for everyone. Tadcaster. Open Tues-Sat. www.clayfever.co.uk / 01937 918100
Junction, Goole Electric Youth Theatre 5-18 yrs, School of Rock 12+, Ukulele Junction 12+. www.junctiongoole.co.uk / 01405 763652
Multi-sensory play for babies up to 13 months. Classes in York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Malton & Pocklington.
Pauline Quirke Academy
www.babysensory.com
York & Harrogate based classes in comedy & drama, musical theatre, film & television for ages 4-18. Based at Huntington School, York, Beverley Grammar School & Harrogate Grammar School. www.pqacademy.com
Little Bites Cookery School York cookery school for ages 2-5 in term time & ages 5-11 at weekends & in holidays. York. www.littlebitescookery.com / 07768 207839
Pots 2 Go Ceramic painting for everyone. Harrogate. www.pots2go.co.uk / 01423 524797
Rainbows Ceramic Café www.rainbowsceramics.co.uk / 01904 675533
Technology in Play STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) workshops weekly for primary aged children in York & Harrogate. www.technologyinplay.club
Performing
Badapple are a professional theatre company based rurally in Green Hammerton, North Yorkshire who tour their unique brand of comedy theatre to non-theatre spaces right across the country. They also run year-round Youth Theatre sessions for Y3-Y6 and Y7-Y9 from their village base where students can develop their physical theatre, devising and comic skills as well as perform in two Big Shows every year, under the expert tutelage of professional Theatre Director and Education Director Sue Rosser who also directs their highly acclaimed ‘Play In A Week’ Summer School. www.badappletheatre.com
Derwent Danceworks Ballet, tap, modern jazz, freestyle, street & more. www.derwentdance.co.uk
En Pointe Dance School Classical dance school for ages 2+ in York. www.enpointeyork.co.uk 12 Families North Yorkshire
Pay as you go pre-school dance class with no termly fees. Classes in Harrogate, Boroughbridge & Wetherby. www.boogiebabes.biz
Arts, Crafts and Messy Play from 0-5 years. Wed at Winkies, Harrogate Thurs at Wetherby Sports Association
Razzamataz York based classes in all Performing Arts – dance, drama and singing. Razz Tots – ages 2-3 years / Razz Minis – ages 4 – 5 years Razz Juniors – ages 6-8 years / Razz Inters – ages 9-11 years / Razz Seniors – ages 12+ Razz Parties and summer school (ages 4-8 and 8-18 years are catered for) are also available. For more information visit: www.york.razzamataz.co.uk
Stagecoach Classes in drama, dance & singing for students from 4-19. Offers training in performing arts & life skills, such as confidence & self-esteem. York, Harrogate & Wetherby. www.stagecoach.co.uk
The Music Rooms, Selby Tuition in ALL instruments with 6 teaching rooms, band rehearsal rooms, instrument repairs, choirs, workshops & music courses. www.themusicroomsselby.co.uk / 07976 250785
Pre-School Badapple Theatre Company
Boogie Babes
Creation Station
Creative Studio Creative Workshops for Children & Adults in York. Small groups in 3 different age categories, for ages 5-18, taught by qualified teachers and professional artists. Birthday Parties. 07505762450
Baby Sensory
ARTventurers Award winning, colourful, creative (often messy) art classes for babies, toddlers and children. Various locations throughout North Yorkshire. www.artventurers.co.uk
Babyballet Tinies for 18mths – 3 yrs, Movers 3-4 yrs, Groovers 4-6 yrs & tappers ages 3+. Classes in York, Tadcaster, Boston Spa & Harrogate. www.babyballet.co.uk / 07702 965932
Baby Bumpkin Yoga, York Our fun Baby Bumpkin Yoga-inspired classes combine storytelling, music and simple baby yoga movements that give babies from 10 weeks through to toddling a great physical foundation to development. www.tattybumpkin.com/york
Fri at The Art Lab, Ripon www.thecreationstation.co.uk/sharon-fisher
Diddidance Funky pre-school dance classes in Harrogate, Knaresborough & Boston Spa. 07917 757566 Classes also available in York www.diddidance.com / 07825 139457
Gym Gems Classes for under 5s at Wetherby Sports Association with North Leeds Gymnastics academy. www.gymgems.wixsite.com/home
Little Cricket Weekly classes run in York on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 07511 046890 / www.little-cricket.co.uk
Moo Music Contact Beth for sessions in York, Wilberfoss and Stamford Bridge – 07794201047 or email moomusicwithbeth@gmail.com Contact Sian for sessions in Pocklington and Market Weighton – 07725915304 or email sian@moo-music.co.uk
My Baby Can Dance Classes combine movement to music with activities, singing & musical instruments. Classes in York, Selby & Harrogate. www.mybabycandance.com / 07714 210814
Reading Fairy Classes to develop the crucial building blocks for reading & language development from 1-5 years. York www.readingfairy.com/york / 07739 961391
Rhythm Time Music & singing classes for babies, toddlers & pre-schoolers. York, Harrogate, Selby & Wetherby. www.rhythmtime.net / 07340 048804 familiesonline.co.uk
Sing and Sign Classes in Pocklington, Acomb, Fulford & York library.
Go Yoga Yoga for babies, toddlers, children & parents in Harrogate. www.goyogaharrogate.com
www.singandsign.com / 07811 651720
Singamajigs
Baby Swimmers
Sing & jig from birth – 5. Classes in Harrogate & surrounding area. www.singamajigs.co.uk / 01423 552 918
Rugby Tots
Sounds Right Phonics, York Multi-award-winning preschool phonics class, for ages 1-4 years, which open children and their parents to a world of literacy. Classes held Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri in various locations: Clifton, Acomb, Dringhouses and the Knavesmire. Find out more on Facebook: @soundsrightyork www.soundsrightphonicsclasses.co.uk
Tennis Tots
Rugbytots is the world’s favourite rugby play programme. Our dynamic weekly sessions enable boys and girls aged 2-7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment. Our motto is simple: “make it more fun”. We do this by delivering our specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm and excitement. This creates an atmosphere in the class that is totally unique and engaging for parents and children alike. Rugbytots runs all year round. Our classes are split into 3 age ranges; 2-3.5 yrs, 3.5-5 yrs & 5-7 yrs. Classes available throughout York, Pocklington, Selby & Goole. Classes are run on the weekends, with weekday sessions also available. To find your nearest class or for more information, please visit www.rugbytots.co.uk
Claire, Mum of James from Baby Swimmer’s Pocklington class: “From his very first bath, it was clear our son James had a natural love of water, but taking James to our local public swimming pool didn’t go to plan - he became clingy, easily distracted by other swimmers and disliked armbands with a passion. We were apprehensive at starting swimming lessons, but within just a few weeks we could see a big difference. Baby Swimmers encourages natural water movements in children, so we didn’t have the battle with buoyancy aids, and James has become content and confident in the water. Now he jumps into the water by himself, resurfaces and then holds on to the side before swimming towards his Daddy. Swimming sessions feel like they are more about making our child feel comfortable in the water than achieving a grade.” NOW booking for September 2019! 0333 8008345 / www.babyswimmers.co.uk
Tennis for ages 2-6 in York & Harrogate. www.tennis-tots.co.uk
Tumbletots Gym classes for ages 6 mths – 7 years. York & Selby
Little Stars Swimming
www.tumbletots.com / 01904 412381
Sports & Movement Fiit Like a Girl A specially structured fitness class for teenage girls working on confidence & self-esteem. Knaresborough. 07447436286
Football Tots Classes for 2-3 yrs & 3-4 yrs with the opportunity to then progress to Samarca Football school 5-16yrs. Classes in York, Thirsk, Ripon & Selby. To find out more contact 07595 297639 / www.football-tots.net
Summit Indoor Adventure Hang For £5
Every Monday between 4pm and 7pm enjoy 2 hours of fun. Climb and Play for just £5pp for both activities.
Inclusive
Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm join us on the Inclusive Climb and Play and enjoy two hours of family fun in the Climb and Play areas £5pp.
Quids In
Kids, don’t sit at home twiddling your thumbs on a Thursday night. Enjoy 2 hours of fun in the indoor skate park for just £1. Remember to bring your safety gear and ride.
Swimming Energise, York Programmes for all ages & stages. www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/york/energise
The Little Gym For every stage of your child’s development – from 4 months to 12 years – The Little Gym offers a diverse line up of classes, camps and parties filled with movement, music, learning and laughter. Your little ones will make friends, reach developmental milestones and build self-confidence while having Serious Fun. Harrogate, Leeds and coming soon in 2019 York. 01423 701560 / www.thelittlegym.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Puddle Ducks 0-4 yrs - classes in York, Selby & Hull. www.puddleducks.com
Selby Leisure Centre Swimtots & lessons for all ages. 01757 213758 / www.selbyleisurecentre.org
Emily Frances’ Little Stars Swimming School is where fun learning in water begins. We are dedicated to giving you and your child the best swimming experience possible. Our small team of experienced STA instructors are qualified to teach babies through to adults and those with additional needs. The warm quiet 5mx10m pools ensure a wonderful place to learn and develop technique. Changing facilities are warm and clean with changing table, playpen and seating on poolside. Progress recorded weekly, small groups of up to 5 in a class and with private lessons available too you can be assured of their progress. Classes held at locations in the Selby area: Cawood Park and Willow Lodge Pool, Bubwith. www.emilyfrances.co.uk
Swim Academy 4-10 yrs – York, Selby Hull & Wakefield. www.swim-academy.co.uk
Tadcaster Community Pool Programmes for all ages & stages from 2+ www.tadcasterpool.org.uk / 01937 833001
The Hydro, Harrogate Programmes for all ages and stages. 01423 556768 / www.harrogate.gov.uk/Hydro
Turtle Tots Lessons Tue - Sun - York / Aldwark / Harrogate & Leeds northyorkshire@turtletots.com Families North Yorkshire 13
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Things that go YUM in the night! Conjure up some ghoulish AND tasty Boo-meringue Pops this Halloween! BOO-meringue Pops are tiny spectres that sit quietly in their cups until an unsuspecting little someone gets within snacking distance. Our friends at Wonderbly have come up with this fantastic spook-tastic recipe. Follow the simple steps below to make your own.
Ingredients For the meringues 115g caster sugar 115g icing sugar a pinch of salt 4 large egg whites, at room temperature large freezer bags greaseproof paper tiny chocolate drops a bar of milk or dark chocolate
For the cups
paper cups utility knife paint brush Posca pen lollipop sticks masking tape a sheet of tissue/crepe paper scissors 14 Families North Yorkshire
Let’s make BOO-meringue Pops: Keeping little fingers safe, cut the bottom out of your paper cups with the utility knife. Preheat the oven to 100°C or gas mark ¼. Put the caster sugar into one bowl and sift the icing sugar into another (and be careful not to sneeze!)
and cooled, melt the chocolate (in a bowl) over a saucepan of boiling water. Using a toothpick or similar, give your ghouls some mouths, eyebrows, whatever you fancy!
Now for the cups…
Put the egg whites into a large bowl with a pinch of salt and use the electric whisk on medium power until the mixture forms soft peaks.
Place your cup upside down on the crepe/tissue paper and draw a circle about 1cm wider than the rim.
Whisk on high power, adding 1 tbsp of caster sugar at a time until you’ve used it all.
Cut out the circle and make small criss-cross slits in the centre of the crepe paper.
Fold in the icing sugar.
Paint your cups a deep dark colour. When they’re dry, draw on some cobwebs or other creepy patterns.
By now the mixture should be glossy with scared-stiff peaks. (If you want to keep the meringue really white, you can add ½ tsp lemon juice and bake on a lower temperature for longer.) Put your freezer bag into a glass and fold the edges over the sides. Spoon in your meringue. Take the bag out, twist the top shut and snip off the bottom corner. Make sure you hold the bag gently so the ghosts don’t escape! Put a sheet of greaseproof paper on a baking tray and place the cardboard circles (aka the cut-out cup bottoms) on the tray. Pipe a ghost onto each, add choc-drop eyes and pop in the oven for 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours. When your ghosts are cooked
Take your ghosts on their cardboard circles and tape the lollipop sticks to the cardboard. Pop your ghosts-on-sticks into their cups from above. (Tell them to prepare their scary face…) Glue the edges of your tissue circles to the inside rim of the cups. And voilarghh! You have a shroud of supernaturally cute treats ready to surprise lots of little monsters! Wonderbly create meaningful, magical personalized stories, which let children imagine themselves doing extraordinary things. Find out more at www.wonderbly.com familiesonline.co.uk
Families round up… Pumpkin picking & Halloween fun Pumpkin picking is a great activity for all the family around Halloween and half term. You can pick your own size and style of pumpkin and then carve it out into a super scary design ready for 31st October. We’ve picked out some of the best places across Yorkshire for pumpkin picking, ideal for a family day out this autumn.
Cannon Hall Pumpkin Festival Cannon Hall Farm in Barnsley is once again having a fun-filled pumpkin festival. Entry includes your pumpkin, which you can choose yourself from the pumpkin patch and then carve a spooky design into it. Your ticket includes all day entry into the farm and indoor and outdoor play areas and there’ll also be daily shows and challenges to complete. Don’t forget that fancy dress is encouraged! www.canonhallfarm.co.uk
Pumpkin Picking at Spilman Farming During the pumpkin picking season at Church Farm near Thirsk they have thousands of varieties in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colours for you to pick and then carve. There are also lots of family friendly activities, including face painting and spooky walks. www.spilmanfarming. co.uk
Pumpkin Picking at The Balloon Tree At The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Cafe near York you can choose your own pumpkin from the patch in a range of sizes. There’s no cost for entry - you just pay for the pumpkin. You can also take a break in the cafe, which serves a range of home cooked food, and there is a lovely children’s play area to finish off the day. www. theballoontree.co.uk
Farmer Copleys Pumpkin Festival Over the course of the Pumpkin Festival at Farmer Copleys near Pontefract there will be over 130,000 pumpkins for you to pick in a variety of colours and sizes, even the warty ones need a good home. This is the largest pumpkin festival in the UK! Dressing up is encouraged and there will be a daily fancy dress parade, along with spooky storytelling and face painting. www. farmercopleys.co.uk
Pumpkin Festival at Birchfield Farm At Birchfield Ice Cream Farm in Harrogate you can choose from one of the thousands of pumpkins in the field and then take it to the carving shed to create your spooky design. Other activities include farm tours, barrel ride and corn cannon. They also have an ice cream parlour serving a wide variety of delicious flavours. www.birchfieldicecream.co.uk
This Halloween visit England’s Oldest Tourist Attraction A good old-fashioned scare, suitable for all ages Follow the haunted trail through the histor ic woodland to find monsters, ghosts and skele tons hiding around every corner.The attraction will be transformed into a ghoulish event for all the family. Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd Nove mber, 10am to 4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm). See the Petrifying Well and Mother Shipton’s Cave . The park has scenic picnic areas alongside the popular River Nidd, an adventure playground, gift shop and museum. www.mothershipton.co.uk
Piglets Adventure Farm Park Pumpkin Festival Piglets in York is a fantastic place for a pumpkin picking day out for all the family and entry includes a free pumpkin and your tractor ride to the special pumpkin patch. There will also be spellbinding magic shows, Trick or Treat Tales, the Mischief Manor and a Mysterious Maize Challenge, as well as all the usual rides and attractions. www.pigletsadventurefarm.com
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Families North Yorkshire hit the slopes!
A
few weeks into January of this year, we made a choice to take our two boys out of school so that we could enjoy our first family ski holiday and boy did we have no regrets! Our oldest had just turned 8 and our youngest was 4, so not statutory school age even. My husband was apprehensive about our youngest and how well he would cope with the demands of a ski holiday, but as it turns out, we had nothing to worry about. Chilly Powder had it all in hand!
Catering for families Chilly Powder is a family run company that offers luxury catered and self-catered chalets in Morzine. We stayed in their largest catered chalet Au Coin du Feu, which boasts 16 bedrooms. All bedrooms are en-suite and the on-site creche, kids’ club, games-room, movie-room, private bar, outdoor hot tub, Wi-Fi access and luxury bathrobes all help to make the overall holiday just simply perfect. There is, without a doubt, a lot of thought and care that has gone into making your stay with Chilly Powder as relaxing, easy and enjoyable as possible. On any skiing holiday, a ski door to door location is of huge benefit, but even more so when you have little ones in tow, and this is what Chilly Powder chalets all offer. The evenings are carefully planned so that adults can relax and take time to enjoy the amazing food and drink on offer, whilst getting to know the other guests too. Mealtimes for the children are earlier, which suited us just perfectly. It allowed us to return from a day’s skiing to the hot drinks, cakes and roaring fire place, to chill with the families in the chalet before sitting the kids down to enjoy their evening meal. Afterwards, there was enough time for the children to play before bath and bed. Later, canapes and drinks are served in the private bar, followed by a 4-course delicious evening meal. Staff are on hand to go and check on the kids, if requested and there is a listening service too. The idea behind the creche and kids’ club is simple: happy children means happy parents! Chilly Powder was actually created specifically for family ski holidays. So, everything on offer is to make your life, as a parent, easier. Fully qualified nannies care for children as young as 3 months old, allowing parents to enjoy their time on the mountain, knowing their children are well cared for and entertained. The creche is available for babies and toddlers of pre-ski age. For older children taking part in the Chilly Powder ski school, the mornings have a drop off and
pick up service and then the children are brought back to the kids’ club, served lunch and then supervised in the playroom or taken out on a trip to the local ice-rink or on the land train nearby. We dipped in and out of using the kids’ club. Our oldest didn’t need it as in the afternoons, after Chilly Powder ski school, he could happily hold his own out on the slopes with his Dad! Our youngest needed some down time in an afternoon, however, and so we booked him in for a couple of sessions and he had an amazing time with his new ski buddies.
The people behind the chalet I have to say that it’s the staff who really make your stay with Chilly Powder so enjoyable. Right from the booking process through to your departure, you are made to feel a part of one big, happy family. Staff genuinely love their job, and this is evident all of the time. They make it their mission to learn the names of all of the guests staying in the chalet and nothing ever seems too much trouble. Francesca and her husband Paul are the owners of Chilly Powder. When Francesca ventured to Morzine, to get away from her busy lifestyle in London, running her own catering business, she made an instant connection to not only the beautiful little town nestled in the Aps, but also to her now husband Paul. 25 years later, they are French residents having settled in Morzine, bringing up their three children, Ben, Eloise and Jamie.
Morzine and Avoriaz – Portes du Soleil ski region I was lucky enough to benefit from a private ski lesson from Pierre Bayet, an instructor with more than 30 years’ experience, who works for Avoriaz Alpine Ski School, founded by Ian McKella in 1992. They are a small ski school offering private and group lessons and well worth a look if you are wanting to develop your skills as a skier or are learning for the first time. The ski resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz are a part of the Portes du Soleil ski region, which is one of the largest ski areas in the world and has one of the shortest airport transfers of any ski resorts. Because it is such a vast area, there are runs to suit all levels of ability and from young to old. It also means that you never have to do the same run twice, with new routes to explore each day!
Food The food on offer by Chilly Powder really is of high quality. Francesca prides herself in it being their niche. Evenings feel like a family dinner party, where award winning wine flows freely and guests leisurely chat. Staff choose this time to willingly share insider knowledge and information enabling you to get the maximum out of your ski holiday.
It’s not all about the skiing One night during the week, the chef takes a well-deserved night off, so we took the opportunity to head into Morzine centre and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this beautiful French Alps’ town, dining out at a recommended location and people watching those who were young enough to ski all day and then enjoy the delights of Morzine’s Après Ski! Indiana Adventures also offer an exhilarating option of night-time sledging. I took them up on their offer along with my 8-year-old son. What an adventure, but it’s not for the faint hearted. Skiing down the main blue run to Morzine centre, in the dark, on a plastic sledge with a head torch on and some important instructions of ‘watch out for the ravine!’ hurled your way every now and then is as mad as it sounds! Would I do it again? Of course, I would!
Verdict Without hesitation, I recommend Chilly Powder for a family ski holiday. I have a feeling that we will be back next year!
Top tips for a family ski holiday We got our ski equipment from All Mountain Rental, which made life so much easier. They provide specialist equipment with the added bonus that they deliver it direct to the door on arrival and collect at the end of your stay. It’s cheaper to eat lunch the further down the mountain you go! We actually enjoyed some brilliant food in a restaurant just along from our chalet most lunch times. Don’t pitch for the first one you come to. Be brave and go with the kids into the L’il Stash – a smaller version of the Stash – which is a series of natural and man-made jumps in amongst the trees. Chilly Powder put together a fantastic video to capture all of the kids learning to ski in their lessons and having fun in the kids’ club. Use a Go-Pro to get the best shots of the kids, follow behind them to capture the best memories! Go out of school holidays, not only does it mean the overall cost is lower, but you also don’t have busy ski slopes and hardly any queues for the ski lifts. 16 Families North Yorkshire
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Party with the Piglets
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By Amy Lund
rriving at Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe, York, is always the cause of celebration for my kids (age 8 and 5) but visiting for a birthday party meant excitement was skyhigh! With several different play areas to choose from, my eldest headed straight for the pedal go karts, and my youngest grabbed a club at crazy golf. Although there are several activities including playgrounds, a giant air pillow and a huge sandpit, it is easy for parents to see the different areas, which is so helpful when you have young, energetic kids who like to explore.
Once the guest had arrived our exclusive party host Vicki brought us all (approx. 20 children) together for an exclusive tour of the Farmyard Trail. The children loved meeting, petting and feeding the animals which included; sheep, goats, ponies, alpacas, guinea pigs, a giant tortoise and, naturally, pigs and brand-new piglets! The personal tour for the party meant that each child got to really interact with the animals and the host was a wealth of knowledge who could pitch the information perfectly for the young audience. Then it was all aboard the tractor’s trailer and off to the next stop… the Bale Plaaay Barn. This is the perfect spot for farm-yard fun, whatever the weather, as it’s under cover. However, there are plenty of covered areas in the main Farm Yard so rain doesn’t stop play at Piglets Adventure Farm. The kids let off steam, swinging across the bails of hay, braving the huge slide (or the little slide for younger guests). My son’s favourite activity is scooting around on the toy tractors, whereas my daughter headed straight for the sandpit. A fully dressed, piglet-themed table was reserved exclusively for the birthday party. This, along with the bursting-full-of-treats goody bags, provided as part of the party package, represent great value for money. It would have cost a lot to recreate the theming for a one-off party if you were to do it yourself. It was good to see the piglet plates and cups were all re-useable, which is better for the environment than traditional disposable partyware. The only thing the birthday boy needed was his own birthday cake, which was a fabulous, handmade, farm-yard inspired masterpiece made by his talented Grandma.
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sharing your child’s reading journey Regular deliveries of books at your child’s reading level.
Pizza and ice-cream were on the menu which was a big hit with our Piglet Adventurers. As a veggie family, what really impressed me was how dietary requirements were so well-catered for. Dairyfree pizza and ice-cream? No problem – just let them know with the party booking. After lunch there was more barn and farmyard fun and my daughter insisted on the fairy-tale trail before we headed home. A little piggy told me that in Autumn there’s pick-your-own pumpkin and heaps of Halloween fun, not to mention the opportunity to visit Santa at Christmas, so we’ll return to Piglets soon. The party cost £17.95 per child (minimum of 10 and maximum of 20 children). Further details of the party package, regular tickets, and new adventures can be found a t : www.pigletsadventurefarm. com
familiesonline.co.uk
www.readingchest.co.uk Book Rental for Children Learning to Read
Families North Yorkshire 17
Please check listings with the venue before leaving the house!
What’s On? Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon & Yorkshire Dales
7 Sep 1pm – 1.30pm – Brimham Rocks
Climbing Taster Session
Scale the heights at Brimham Rocks through this introductory climbing session. Discover how to climb the weird and wonderful rock formations and maybe uncover a new hobby. Perfect for adults and children aged 7+. No previous experience needed and all equipment will be provided.
7th Sep 7pm -late – RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Open Air Cinema – Mama Mia 2
Watch an open-air screening of Mamma Mia 2 in the beautiful surroundings of RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Screenings are outdoors in the garden so please dress for the weather; no shelter is provided. Please feel free to bring picnics, blankets camping chairs – sorry, no BBQ’s or dogs (except assistance dogs) allowed in the garden. Book tickets online.
21st Sep - Fountains Abbey, Ripon
Heritage Open Day
Enjoy FREE entry to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal to celebrate Heritage Open Day. Book onto a behind the scenes tour and see items from our archive.
23rd Sep – Royal Hall, Harrogate
Bradley Wiggins: An Evening With
Join Britain’s most decorated Olympian Sir Bradley Wiggins as he tours theatres throughout the UK with his insightful and at times hilarious live show.
19 Oct – 3pm - Royal Hall, Harrogate
Steve Backshall: Voyages to Undiscovered Places
Adventurer, presenter, explorer, wildlife enthusiast and all-round daredevil, Steve Backshall, heads to Harrogate for a special talk at the Royal Hall.
26 October – 31 October 10am – park closing Lightwater Valley, Ripon
Frightwater Valley Ghastly ghouls & beasties lurk around every corner this Shocktober....as once again Lightwater Valley becomes Frightwater Valley!
28 October - 1 November 11am –4pm – Knaresborough Castle
Creepy Castle returns! Join us for Marvellous Medicine and Taunting Textile workshops, explore the darker side of the castle with trails and backpacks, enjoy alarming arts and crafts! Small admission charge.
Throughout Oct ½ term – 10am – 4pm – Royal Pump Room Museum, Harrogate
Fiendish Friends We’ve got some Halloween friends from the museum collection for you to enjoy, along with ghoulish games and crafts.
Throughout Oct ½ term – Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate
Harrowing Halloween Our family activity space will have some seasonal activities for all the family. See what else you can find amid the amazing artwork by local artists in the Harrogate Open exhibition.
York & North Yorkshire Moors
15 Sep 10am to 11am – York Castle Museum
Museum Monkeys: Emergency Service
We invite early year explorers to play with the emergency services cars, find the toys that Burglar Bill has stolen and make a burglar mask. Activities for children aged 2 – 5 years old include songs, stories, games and craft activities. Sessions are now FREE! Museum admission charges apply for adults. Booking essential.
20 – 21 Sep – Beningborough Hall
Heritage Open Day
Visit for the full day or stay a short time making the most of the festival. FREE entry.
6 October – 13 October 10.30am to 5pm – Beninborough Hall
Apple celebration week Celebrate the humble apple & get stuck in with apple pressing, apple tasting, pick apples straight from the tree and have a go at the games.
11 October – 2 November open selected nights - York Maze
Hallowscream Prepare to be spooked as the maze reveals its history as an old Victorian circus with a dark secret. For older children and adults. Tickets must be bought online and in advance.
26 October – November 3 – 10am – 4.30pm – Mother Shipton’s Cave
Halloween at Mother Shipton’s Prepare to be spooked this Halloween. Be sure to put on your best Halloween costume as there will be daily costume competitions. 18 Families North Yorkshire
26, 27, 30 & 31 Oct 7pm North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Halloween Train 2019
Join us on board the Halloween Train, which will take you and your family on a spooky journey this Halloween! Children and their scaredy-cat grown-ups will be meeting our silly and sometimes spooky cast of storytellers. This will be an evening of Steam and Scream!
26 – 31 Oct - York Maze
HalloTween
Too old for witch’s tales, too young for Hallowscream? Welcome to HallowTween! The frightful new Halloween event for 10 – 15-year olds and scaredy cat adults!
26 Oct – 3 Nov – Beningborough Hall
The Magic of Trees
All week, you can follow the bird and tree trail around the gardens. Daily activities include leafy artrageous on Sunday and Thursday in the Hayloft; bushcraft day with Yorkshire Dales Bushcraft on Tuesday; apple Pip adventure – a story promenade with Eden from Stories Alive! on Wednesday; broomstick making on Wednesday & (Nearly) naked tree walk on Thursday and Friday.
Summit Indoor Adventure If you’re wondering how to keep the kids entertained visit Summit Indoor Adventure! There are 20 themed climbing walls, a three-tier soft play area, ten pin bowling lanes, an indoor skate park (remember to bring your safety kit) and a suspended obstacle course that will challenge both your nerve and stamina; there is certainly plenty to do. Afterwards, you can tuck into delicious pizzas, burgers and paninis in the diner which also serves hot, cold and alcoholic drinks. Summit Indoor Adventure is on Scott Rd, Selby right next to Selby leisure Centre. You’ll find plenty of parking space. It’s pay-and-display but you’ll get your money refunded when you purchase your activity on presentation of your parking ticket.
Tadcaster, Selby & surrounding areas
21 & 27 Sep
UCI Road World Championship road races
Tadcaster is one of four start points for the Para-Cycling International road races to be held on the first day of the championships, Sat 21. On 27 Sep, the district will see riders involved in the women’s junior and men’s under-23 road races, as they make their way from Doncaster to Harrogate. These races will come into the district at Little Heck, then take in Eggborough, Kellington, Beal, Birkin, Hillam, Monk Fryston, South Milford, Sherburn-inElmet, Barkston Ash, Towton and then through Tadcaster and out towards Wetherby.
table tots Baby & children’s indoor markets: pre-loved, nearly new sales, maternity - 10 www.tabletots.co.uk/events
Unless stated, all times are 1pm – 2.30pm
SEPTEMBER 1st MORLEY Morley Sports Centre 14th WAKEFIELD Kettlethorpe High School 15th BRIGHOUSE Brighouse High School 21st HULL Wyke 6th Form College 22nd PUDSEY Pudsey Leisure Centre 1.30pm start 28th BARNSLEY Horizon Community College OCTOBER 5th ROTHWELL Rothwell Sports Centre 3pm start 6th HORSFORTH Leeds Trinity University 19th YORK Energise Leisure Centre 20th HULL Malet Lambert School 26th SHIPLEY Titus Salt School 27th WAKEFIELD Queen Elizabeth Grammar Schoo l familiesonline.co.uk
19 Oct – 3 Nov – Askham Bryan Wildlife Park 26 Oct – Leeds Art Gallery
Mythical Beasts for Halloween
The beasts are back again – come and see how many of our magical creatures you can spot in the wildlife park!
Big Draw Campaign
Big Draw family fun using cartoon drawing skills and collage to make pictures that say something inspired by the New Contemporaries exhibition.
Halloween Adventure
This beautiful warming wintery tale brings the story of a bother of a boy, a mithered mother and a grand old brass band of a granddad. All set in the village of knitters with fingers flicking, needles clicking and where every new Christmas jumper tells a tale! Age 3+
Join us for spooky adventures when Stockeld Park comes alive for the Autumn ½ term!
EAST YORKSHIRE & THE COAST
1 – 5 Oct – 7pm – Grand Opera House, York
7 Sep - 11.30am & 2pm – Junction, Goole
IOU Storytelling Workshop
26 – 31 Oct Filey Bird Garden & Animal Park
Halloween
Have some fun at the family friendly Spooky Themed Areas, Halloween Treasure Hunt, Pumpkin Carving and Face Painting. You even get a free bag of animal food if you’re wearing Halloween Fancy Dress!
26 Oct – 1 Nov Northbay Railway, Peasholm Station
Halloween Come and see some spooky happens at the north Bay Railway. Trains will be departing every 30 minutes from 10.30am – 4pm.
26 October – 3 November - Burton Agnes Hall, near Driffield
Spooky Woodland Trail If you’re feeling brave this half term, why not venture over to Burton Agnes Hall and take part in the fantastically spooky woodland trail! Intrepid visitors are invited on an eerie hunt round the Hall’s atmospheric woodland, where clues are hidden amidst spooky Halloween scenes of witches, spiders and ghostly figures.
LEEDS
8 Sep – Lotherton Hall
Autumn Harvest
Join in with some appletastic fun at the annual autumn harvest. Take your pick of the bunch and taste freshly squeezed apple juice in the orchard. There’s vegetable sculpture making in the courtyard, garden games and a live brass band to keep the whole family dancing the day away. Lotherton cider will also be available from the Stables Café.
26 Oct - 3 Nov – Lotherton Hall
Spooky Scarecrow Trail
The Scarecrow trail is back and it’s bigger and better than ever before. The opening hours have been extended to make it even spookier with a scary walk through the haunted woods. Visit the Scarecrow Skeletown and experience the scary side of the Wild West, but only if you dare! With creepy crafts and activities every day, there will be plenty to entertain your little terrors at Lotherton this Halloween!
26 - 3 Nov – Temple Newsam
Beastly Creepy Crawlies
Spiders, bed bugs, carpet beetles and moths all want to set up home in Temple Newsam house, but they have other ideas! Find out how to spot them and what they do to stop them during a bug busting half term. Get crafty and make your own spooky spider or bed bug to take home.
26 - 3 Nov – Temple Newsam
Halloween at Home Farm
Home Farm will be dressed up in its spookiest finery throughout the half term holidays. Take part in Halloween themed crafts in the Joiner’s Shop from 10am-4pm each day.
‘til 2 Nov – Temple Newsam House & Estate
Hidden Temple Newsam
On this special tour learn how the servants got around the House unseen and follow the underground tunnel to get from one side of the building to the other Find out what was kept in the cellars, who the Blue Lady was and what happened to poor Phoebe Gray? Suitable for 7+ and the tour involves some steep steps and uneven surfaces.
Mum 2 Mum markets
Rossett Sports Centre, Harrogate 13 Oct 2019 2-4pm 26 Jan 2020 2-4pm
19 Oct – 10am – 3pm Harewood House
Muddy Dog Challenge 2019
It’s going to be bigger and better than ever before with brand new obstacles and even more mud! Join us and take on the UK’s first 2.5km and 5km obstacle runs that you can tackle with your dog. You can enter as a doghuman duo or go solo if your pampered pooch wants to sit out! familiesonline.co.uk
27 Sep – 4 Oct – 6pm (+ some matinee performances) York Theatre Royal
The Boy Who Cried Wolf!
26 Oct - 3 Nov - Stockeld Park, Wetherby
FREE. Join IOU for a creative workshop, to write and record your story inspired by a place, building or memory of Goole. A selection of recorded stories will be played on the IOU Storytelling Bus as part of Junction’s 10th Birthday celebrations. Running time approximately 2 hours. For more information on how to register, please contact boxoffice@junctiongoole.co.uk
Theatre
15 Mar 2020 2-4pm 17 May 2020 2-4pm 5 July 2020 2-4pm 20 Sep 2020 2-4pm www.mum2mummarket.co.uk joanne@mum2mummarket.co.uk
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s masterpieces, which comes to York. Dramatizing the story of Joseph in Genesis, the musical has received major West End productions at the London Palladium and Young Vic Theatre.
5 Oct – Harrogate Theatre
Hey Diddle Diddle A hilarious adventure filled with music and puppetry, for ages 3+. When the full moon shines bright there’s magic in the air, and all the animals come out to play. Stay up late with flying cows, jazzy cats and runaway crockery and as we jump and jive to the music in a brilliant new take on the classic nursery rhyme. Ever wondered how a cow jumped over the moon? Or why the dish ran away with the spoon? With original songs played live on stage, brilliant puppetry and lots of laughter, this new show is a wild and musical celebration about the importance of imagination.
10 – 14 Oct – 7pm (+ some matinee performances) York Theatre Royal
Malory Towers Nostalgic, naughty and perfect for now, Malory Towers is the original ‘Girl Power’ story. Darrell Rivers is starting school with an eager mind and fierce heart. Unfortunately, she also has a quick temper! Can she learn to tolerate the infuriating Gwendoline Lacey, or value the kind hearted Sally Hope? Can she save the school play and rescue terrified Mary Lou from the grip of a ranging storm? If she can do these things anywhere, she will do them at Malory Towers! This is a show for girls, boys and all us grown up children who still dream of midnight feasts and Cornish clifftops. Age 8+.
12 Oct - 2pm – Junction, Goole
Compagnie Animotion: The War of the Buttons
Tickets £6.50 (adult) £5 (child) Welcome to a tale of squabbles, scuffles…and buttons! George grows grapes. Bessie grows cabbages. One loves the sun. One loves the rain. A petty squabble grows and grows and grows into… the war of the buttons! This is a world where you can eat birthday cake, take sides and where a button can be a kiss, a wish or a trophy of war! Told through an energetic mix of music, puppetry, clowning, movement and sign language, Compagnie Animotion’s distinctive non-verbal vocabulary creates a show accessible to D/deaf, hearing and international audiences. Suitable for ages 3-11 and their families. Running time 50 mins.
Families North Yorkshire 19
BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL Harrogate’s Independent Prep School for 2—11 year olds
Open Mornings Friday 5th & Saturday 6th October from 10—11.30am.
Come and join us to see why our children are jumping for joy at our newly refurbished school...
All year round nursery. Come to meet our fantastic staff and pupils and discover what a wonderful place Brackenfield School is. 128 Duchy Road, Harrogate, HG1 2HE Tel: 01423 508558
Classes, Parties and Camps for children 4 months to 12 years
TRY US OUT! For every stage of your child's development, The Little Gym offers a diverse line up of classes, camps and parties filled with movement, music, learning and laughter for boys and girls.
Make it Your Story
Call us to book your free introductory class
Open Mornings: 5 October and 15 November
THE LITTLE GYM LEEDS 0113 3359915 leeds@thelittlegym.eu www.leeds.thelittlegym.eu
THE LITTLE GYM HARROGATE 01423 701560 harrogate@thelittlegym.eu www.harrogate.thelittlegym.eu
Call 01845 575040 Exceptional day and boarding school between Ripon and Thirsk for girls aged 4 -16 with a co-educational Pre-Prep.