Families Vale of York March-April 2018

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EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA Easter egg hunt, lambing live, baby animals, magic hatter easter show, bottle feed lambs, chicken flappin’ & all the usual farm park fun PIGLETS, NR YORK YO32 9ST TEL 01904 499183 PIGLETSADVENTUREFARM.COM

Issue 81 Mar/Apr 2018

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2 Families Vale of York

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Welcome

And a big hello from me

It’s Springtime outside and as my favourite season it is all the more symbolic for me than usual this year. I’ve just taken over as the new editor for Families Magazine Vale of York and this is my first ever issue! I’m very excited to be able to take the Magazine on and simply can’t wait to get out and about in our communities so that I can keep families up to date with local events, what’s on, views and news.

Easter time in our house means only one thing: Mummy’s special egg hunt! It became a family tradition some time ago and I write cryptic clues which reveal the various locations of the chocolate eggs around our house and in the garden. At least one clue leaves my husband stumped every year! Easter is such a lovely time for families, with typically the best of the British weather on offer, local attractions re-opening their doors and visits to see cute new born chicks and lambs are booked on the family calendar. For all you need to know about what do this Easter, check out our What’s On guide. We have some Easter craft ideas and an alternative Easter guide for you too. Enjoy!

If you don’t already, be sure to Follow us on Twitter or like our page on Facebook so that you can keep up to date with all that’s going on for you and your family.

Editor, Families Vale of York Magazine

Get in touch E – editor@familiesvoy.co.uk T – 07794909820 @FamiliesValeofYorkMag @FamiliesVoYMag

Issue 4 news 7eductaion In this

8 parenting

12nutrition 13 easter fun

17 16 books easter

14 travel

what’s on

Tel: 07794909820 editor@familiesvoy.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk Circulation:

18,000

Deadline:

The deadline for the May/Jun 2018 edition is early Apr 2018

Designed by:

Anna Lawton

Printed by:

Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk

Families Vale of York 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 Vale of York are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Vale of York. 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

Open up the world for your child with our Montessori nurseries.

Outstanding care and education to inspire and guide each individual child.

Get in touch E – editor@familiesvoy.co.uk T – 07794909820 Facebook – @FamiliesValeofYorkMag Twitter - @FamiliesVoYMag

Fulford 01904 642666 Strensall 01904 490339

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FAMILY

News the world around them and jump in muddy puddles, like Entertainment One’s Peppa Pig, for a worthy cause. Whether you splash in puddles along a trail at the park or get creative and make your own puddles

Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children returns this spring for nurseries & families

This Spring will see the return of the UK’s muddiest fundraising event for little ones – Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children. Last year saw 160,000 children across the UK take part, raising an incredible £243,000 for Save the Children’s vital work.

Between 23 and 29 April 2018, nurseries, early years groups, families and children up and down the country are being encouraged to take part in a Muddy Puddle Walk to raise money for the international children’s charity.

Organising a Muddy Puddle Walk is a great way for your little ones to explore

4 Families Vale of York

Charity Community Usborne Book Pledge for the Children’s Ward at York Hospital.

indoors from paper and foil – your Muddy Puddle Walk will be a fun day to spend together that littles ones won’t forget.

By taking part in a Muddy Puddle Walk and raising money for Save the Children, you can help vulnerable children around the world have a safe place to play and learn.

Sign up now at MuddyPuddleWalk.org for your free Muddy Puddle Walk Fundraising Pack full of fun Peppa Pig inspired activities to help you get started – with tips for great walks indoors and out, fundraising ideas, fun activities to get your walkers ready for the big day and at the end of the walk, there’s a free Peppa Pig sticker reward for every child.

We invite you to make a donation to fund the provision of amazing books for the children’s ward at York Hospital.

York Teaching Hospital Charity is a registered charity (Reg. no. 1054527) and the charity helps to fund the extras to improve healthcare facilities; making the hospital experience the best it can be for all who visit and stay with them. www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ yorkchildrenward Any questions, please contact Anna Tuson – Anna’s Bookshop - Usborne Books Independent Organiser 07841922203 | annaloubell@gmail.com

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FAMILY

News

the best independent prep schools in the Harrogate area.

Independent School Charity Choral Concert at the Minster Inspectors Rate Harrogate Prep School ‘Excellent’ And ‘Outstanding’

A team of five ISI inspectors spent three days at co-educational Belmont Grosvenor School, which, along with its nursery, cares for children from three months to 11 years. It is set in 20 acres of grounds at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, just a few miles from the centre of Harrogate.

Across ALL ages, inspectors concluded, for the second ISI inspection in a row, that the quality of education provided at Belmont Grosvenor is ‘outstanding’ and ‘excellent’ and that the school has met all the ISI’s regulatory targets.

Headteacher Jane Merriman said she was delighted with the findings of the ISI report – and its praise for the school’s creative use of its 20-acres of grounds.

Home-Start York is a charity that offers support and friendship to parents in situations as diverse as isolation, bereavement, multiple births, illness, disability or those who are just finding parenting a struggle. They provide nonjudgemental practical and emotional support and help build the family’s confidence and ability to cope.

Tickets are now on sale for the HomeStart Choral Concert with the proceeds going towards helping this wonderful charity continue its important work in the community.

Over 500 Choristers from local schools and the award-winning Prima Vocal Ensemble come together to sing for Home-Start in the York Minster.

Wednesday 7th March - 7pm Call 01904 623568 to book tickets.

“This is the second inspection in a row that we have been awarded the ISI’s highest ratings and confirms what we have always known at Belmont Grosvenor - that we are both excellent and outstanding in educating and caring for children from three months to 11 years,” she said.

An independent prep school in North Yorkshire has been praised by education inspectors and awarded their highest possible rating.

For more information or to arrange a tour visit www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk or call 01423 771029.

Harrogate’s Belmont Grosvenor School and Magic Tree Nursery has been ranked excellent and outstanding by a team of inspectors from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) – the Ofsted equivalent for the independent sector.

Both the ‘excellent’ and ‘outstanding’ results are the highest accolades that ISI can award in both age ranges – under twos and two to 11 years - and reinforces Belmont Grosvenor’s reputation as one of

KEEP CALM AND TAKE FAMILY LEGAL ADVICE Call our experts today

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FAMILY

News

Cats & Kittens A Memory Game

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Cats & Kittens: A Memory Game from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and published by Laurence King in April 2018 is a cute matching card game which celebrates our furry feline friends. Match the cats with their kittens to win!

Match the cats and kittens of 25 breeds from around the world in this beautifully illustrated memory game. With all kinds of breeds included – from the British Shorthair to the Siamese, and from the Maine Coon to the hairless Sphynx – this fun and educational game will appeal to cat lovers everywhere.

Includes beautiful illustrations of each cat and kitten by Marcel George.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is one of the oldest and best-known animal rescue centres in the world. Since its foundation in 1860 the Home has cared for more than 3.1 million animals. Royalties from the sale of this product go towards supporting the work of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home www.battersea. org.uk

across the country. The cost includes the 8 week All Stars Cricket programme (1 x hour session per week for 8 weeks) and the pack; including a bat, ball, rucksack, cap and t shirt (personalised with their name) – all delivered to your door. The pack also includes an Activity book that allows children and parents to engage with the programme using several weekly challenges to earn ‘star awards’ like bowling, catching, running, and teamwork.

The programme is delivered by trained volunteers who deliver game-based activities that teaches basic cricket skills like catching, throwing, hitting a moving ball and social skills like team work and communication. Held at accredited cricket clubs these courses are a perfect way for children to learn about cricket and make friends in a safe, and most importantly, fun environment.

The Centres will be encouraged to deliver their programmes from May 11th through to July but some Centres may start slightly later than the 11th May.

Table Tots teams up with Families Magazine Vale of York

Table Tots York (Acomb) sale is on Saturday 12th May at the Energise Leisure Centre with a cake stall to raise money for Martin House Children’s Hospice. The event is sponsored by Families Magazine Vale of York. Delicious homemade bakes by Hill’s Home bakes of Snaith will be on sale.

Come along to grab a bargain or register online at www.tabletots. co.uk if you fancy getting a table to sell quality pre-loved items for mums-to-be, babies and children up to age ten. Then buy some of the lovely bakes on sale, helping to support Martin House Children’s Hospice. “Take some home for tea.”

Easter

Competition!

Available at laurenceking. com 30 Apr 2018 £12.99

Why your kids should try cricket All Stars Cricket was launched in March 2017. The programme has had an incredible first year with over 1,500 All Stars Cricket centres delivering the programme to over 37,000 kids. In addition, the end of year parent survey yielded very positive results with key headlines of 70% of families new to their local cricket club, 85% of parents want their child to return in 2018 and bring a friend!

All Stars Cricket provides boys and girls from 5 to 8 years old with an opportunity to become a star. The national curriculum of fun, cricket activities and games provide children with the basic movement skills to begin a lifelong love of physical activity.

The programme is a paid for product that has a RRP of £40, although this can vary

6 Families Vale of York

We have teamed up with Table Tots to offer you the chance to win a fantastic kid’s balance bike!

Reasons to join: For all boys and girls aged five to eight / Delivered nationwide at over 1,800 centres / Eight one-hour sessions, held over eight weeks / Emphasis on fun and being active / Focus on developing your child’s movement skills / Great first introduction to cricket / Safe and fully accredited / Valuable time with your kids – mums and dads are encouraged to take part too / Easy online registration / For more information or to register for a summer of #BigMoments please visit allstarscricket.co.uk

All you have to do is count the number of Easter eggs hiding on the pages of this issue and email the total number to editor@familiesvoy. co.uk. Ts & Cs will be emailed to you after you send your entry.

The closing date for the competition will be midnight on 5th April 2018. The winner will be announced shortly after by email and via social media. Good luck!

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Are we over-testing our children?

Education

T

here is a feeling among many that the tests children are required to take at primary school in England are overly complex and a source of “unnecessary” pressure on children at too young an age.

On the contrary, the Government says testing is an important part of ensuring that children master the basics of reading, writing and mathematics early on.

So what exactly are some of these tests that our children are taking?

The Reception Baseline Test It is proposed by the Government that reception pupils will face a “baseline assessment” when entering school from the year 2020. The test is intended to take place during the first six weeks of school and to provide a baseline measure to track your child’s progress during the primary school years. It probably won’t be a formal “test,” rather an assessment done over a period of time. The Government has said that if the Reception baseline is introduced, then key stage 1 tests will be scrapped.

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Taken by all children in Year 1 in June, this test is meant to demonstrate how well your child can use the phonics skills they’ve learned up to the end of Year 1 and to identify children who need extra phonics help. The check consists of 20 real words and 20 pseudo-words that a pupil reads aloud to the teacher. The assessment usually takes between four and nine minutes per child. Children should not realise that they are being formally assessed and the exercise should be perceived by the child to be part of their everyday phonics activities.

The Year 2 Key Stage 1 SAT Key Stage 1 SAT take place at the end of Year 2 in May. They consist of six tests in total, four of which are compulsory for your school to administer and two of which were optional in 2017. You should check with your school as to whether it will be running the optional tests in 2018.

The tests will be in your child’s usual classroom, with their usual teacher.

Children will be grouped in small groups or sometimes as a whole class and they will not be seated in an exam style arrangement so it’s quite possible your

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child will not even realise they are being tested. The tests are not strictly timed, as they are not intended to assess your child’s ability to work at speed but each usually lasts around 30 minutes. Although the tests are set externally, they are marked by teachers within the school.

The tests are: • Maths Test 1 Arithmetic (compulsory) consists of 25 questions involving calculations.

spelling test of 20 words, lasting around 15 minutes.

• Maths Test 2 Reasoning (compulsory) requires children to use maths to solve simple problems which are usually described with pictures.

Maths Test 1 Arithmetic takes 30 minutes and children have to give the correct answer to calculations, including long multiplication and division.

• Reading Test 1 (compulsory) requires children to answer questions about written information of about 400 to 700 words long.

Maths Tests 2 and 3 Reasoning requires children to answer questions in two separate tests designed to measure problem solving and reasoning skills with number, measures, geometry and statistics. Children have 40 minutes to complete each paper.

• Reading Test 2 (compulsory) requires children to answer questions about a more traditional comprehension exercise with a longer passage of text.

• Spelling Test (optional) consists of a 20 word spelling test involving the teacher reading 20 sentences which use the word in context.

• Grammar & Punctuation Test (optional) consists of a grammar, punctuation and vocabulary test, in two sections of around 10 minutes each involving a mixture of multiple choice and shortwritten answers.

The Year 6 Key Stage 2 SAT At the end of Year 6, children sit tests in reading, maths, spelling, punctuation and grammar. These tests are both set and marked externally and the results are used to measure the school’s performance via Ofsted reporting and published league tables.

Reading Test requires your child to answer questions on passages of text. The test lasts one hour.

Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Test consists of two parts: a grammar and punctuation paper requiring short answers, lasting 45 minutes, and an aural

Marking of Key Stage 1 and 2 SATs Children are given a score that is “scaled” across the whole country so the average score nationally is fixed at 100. This means if your child has a “scaled score” higher than 100 they are doing better than average and if it is below 100 it means they need more support. For KS1 SATs you won’t receive your child’s actual SATs scores unless you ask for them, but you will be told whether your child is working at the “expected standard”.

CATs Children aren’t required to take any formal tests between the end of Year 2 (KS1 SAT) and the end of Year 6 (KS2 SAT) but schools still have to assess achievement and attainment. In many schools, this takes the form of ongoing teacher assessments or internal tests, but some primary schools opt to use formal tests called CATs (cognitive abilities tests) instead.

For more information visit www.gov.uk and www.theschoolrun.com

Families Vale of York 7

PARENTING

Could shared parental leave work for you?

By Mandy Garner

S

hared Parental Leave (SPL) allows parents to share time off work during the first year after their child is born, with dads and mums both taking some of the leave, whilst being paid at a statutory rate.

When Craig Curran and Sarah Farquharson looked into sharing the time off after their baby was born they couldn’t believe their luck. They both worked for Virgin Money which offered enhanced shared parental pay for parents on SPL – meaning they would receive a higher level of pay than the statutory rate. Sarah also earned more than Craig so it made better financial sense for Craig to share the leave with her. Even better, the couple were able to take a month of leave together – Sarah took the first five months of leave alone, the couple shared the sixth month and Craig took the last two months.

The result for Craig and Sarah has been a closer family relationship and a greater sharing of parental responsibilities with neither parent’s career suffering as a result. “If anyone asks me about it, I say just do it. You never get that time again” says Craig. “I would 100% do it again.”

Both Craig and Sarah report that their managers and colleagues were very supportive of their leave plans. However, that is not always the case.

In its annual survey Workingmums.co.uk found that only 37% of respondents said they would consider taking SPL. The majority would not. Some of the reasons given were the negative impact on household finances, fears that the dad’s career would suffer and a lack of knowledge about SPL. Some 43% of respondents said they wouldn’t take SPL because it would not make sense financially but the majority of these said that even enhanced SPL pay wouldn’t make a difference to their decision. Clearly, the suggestion is that other non-financial factors are at play, such as the desire many women have to spend as much time as possible with their baby. 17% of mums said they didn’t want to share their leave.

ARE YOU ON MA TERNITY L EAVE AND AR E Y OU DUE TO...

Return to Work?

JO IN ME F O R A WO R KSHO P TO HE L P YO U TO P R E P AR E FO R THI S R E TURN AND TO F E EL R AR ING TO G O .

At the Poppleton Centre Saturday 24th March 9.30-12.00 To book go to Eventbrite: Return to work workshop W W W .ANNAK NOW LE SL IFE COACH.CO .UK Facebook Am I Me?

8 Families Vale of York

One of the benefits of SPL is that dads who have taken it feel much more confident about being in sole charge of their children.

They also have a greater sense of empathy about what looking after a baby involves, and there can also be a positive impact on mental wellbeing. One dad who took SPL is John Birrell from the law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner. His wife went through a traumatic emergency C-section followed by hospitalisation for an infection. Having her husband to share the months after the birth meant she was not left on her own to recover from major surgery while doing the physically exhausting work of looking after a young child. “Mental health is too often ignored and post-natal depression must be one of the most common forms,” says John.

Workingmums.co.uk collaborated recently with dadswebsite www.daddilife.com on a series of videos highlighting the need for parents to have open conversations around Shared Parental Leave. One couple who took part are Eulalia Pereira and Martin Stopher from London.

Eulalia said: “As a mother there is a sense you should be doing everything. I know (as a result of taking SPL) that Martin, on a day to day basis is there, that he is involved with the kids. I could not have hoped for more.”

Mandy Garner is editor of www.workingmums.co.uk, a platform dedicated to finding flexible, challenging work for mums. To view videos in which three couples discuss their choice to take Shared Parental Leave, take a look at the Workingmums.co.uk Youtube Channel.

Am I me?

By Anna Knowles

my baby just that bit tighter whenever I heard my workplace mentioned or any word associated with it and I kept my work outfits quite firmly at the back of my wardrobe.

I am a mum to 3 (generally) wonderful children and I have had 3 amazing periods of maternity leave. On the 1st 2 occasions, however, the last few months of my leave were tainted with feelings of misery and doubt over my inevitable return to work. I knew I didn’t hate my job, but I couldn’t shift the feeling of impending doom! If anyone mentioned work to me I would say I wasn’t thinking about it and change the subject. I became irritable and anxious whenever I saw an email from my work colleagues, even if they were just filling me in on the gossip and day to day events. I would become teary and hug

I wanted to stay off forever with my little ones. I wanted to be there for them when they hurt themselves, give them reassurance when they weren’t sure about something, and I wanted to see their enjoyment as they explored the world. I also wanted to keep seeing my new mum friends. They were my rock, my world, and I loved this new life. It was perfect, and my life when I went back to work would be awful. I would miss out on so much, I wouldn’t be able to concentrate in work, and I had no idea how I would get out of the door on time with everyone in one piece. familiesonline.co.uk

Self esteem in children

By Pippa Seed

In many areas, young people’s lives are improving, yet there is evidence of a growing mental health crisis amongst teens. Rates of anxiety and depression have increased by 70% in the past 25 years. According to the Office of Official Statistics, the number of young suicides each year is greater than it has been for 10 years with 1660 young people, under 35, taking their own lives in 2015. 10% of school children have a diagnosable mental illness. So, why is this? And what, as parents, can we do to prevent our children

All of this changed however, by the time of my 3rd maternity leave. I now had a school aged child, a pre-schooler and a baby. The thought of returning to work was actually looking a bit more appealing.

I could have time to be me, I could enjoy a hot drink, go to the toilet on my own, and not have to eat hiding in another room before someone decided they liked the look of what I was eating and demand to have it. I actually knew that I wanted to return to work. But how did I know this? Because I actually gave myself some time to think it through properly. I invested in myself and used a coach to help me untangle all of my thoughts and feelings. With questioning, I started to understand myself and work out who I was. I stopped looking at the negatives of returning to work and stopped telling myself that being at home was the most perfect thing for me. Yes, being at home was wonderful, but actually being in work was pretty fantastic too as it allowed me to be me. As I wrote everything down in terms of what I wanted out of life, and what fitted with me, I learned that my current profession wasn’t what I wanted.

I did a lot of research and I set out on a new path that fits with my personality and the lifestyle I wanted. I love being at home with my children, but I also love being in work being me.

There is no right or wrong answer in how you bring up your family, but there is a right and wrong way in how you feel about your decision. As a life coach I can give you the time to think, write and dream about your future to understand how you really feel and you can live the life you want, rather than the life you inherit. To find out more, please contact me at www.annaknowleslifecoach.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

from suffering from mental ill-health?

A common target for blame, is social media and the intense pressure teens face, to be perfect, successful and popular. However, not all children who engage with social media succumb to mental health problems so what factors may affect this?

I believe that a child with a good level of self-esteem or self-worth, confidence, who has healthy decision-making skills, can adapt to change and is able to rationalise situations will be pretty resilient to many of the pressures of current teenage life including social media.

As parents, we greatly influence our children’s level of self-esteem. This influence starts early in our child’s development. As babies and young toddlers, we have little concept of ourselves as individuals but as we begin to develop an awareness of this then, based on how our primary caregivers treat us, we start to form beliefs about our own value. If we are continually receiving messages that we lack certain qualities, won’t achieve much, have negative characteristics then we are likely to start believing these things. Conversely, if we are given positive messages telling us that we are loved, worthwhile and that our opinions and feelings matter, this will build our self-esteem …. which, unfortunately, is also vulnerable to erosion at any age.

As human beings we all have basic needs for food, water, warmth, comfort, safety, love and care and if we are not given these during our dependant years then it is highly likely that we will form the belief that we are not worth much. If our parents do give us these things, then this gives us a good base level of self-esteem. However, in the minefield of parenting, there are many ways of communicating with our children, that can erode their self-esteem or prevent it from developing healthily.

Below are some unhelpful actions from which children may interpret negative messages about their worth (accurately or not):

enables you to criticise the behaviour without criticising the child’s core being e.g. “I am cross that you lied to me” rather than “You are a liar”.

Parenting style has changed dramatically in the past 25 years. Once upon a time, a child aged 6 and above would spend time playing ‘out of parental range’. This may have involved going on a bike ride with friends, playing in a nearby park or a similar low-key activity. Without the presence of an adult, the child/children made decisions such as ‘shall I ride down that ramp on my bike?’ Decision making, time management, using initiative, adapting to circumstances and risk assessment were all skills that were being developed through practice and learning from outcomes. This resulted in children developing confidence in their own abilities. Children, 25 years ago, were more likely to sort out their own problems than children today. Today, children spend much more, and for some all, of their time being supervised by an adult -a parent, a teacher, the leader of a club etc and much of the decision making, risk assessment and trouble shooting is done by the adult.

As parents, we can present opportunities for our children to take some responsibility for some of the decisions, the risk assessment and the time management by delegating or consulting e.g. “Your swimming club starts at 5pm so what time do you think we need to leave the house to get there in time? You let me know when you are ready for us to leave”, or “I think that hill looks very steep ….do you think your brakes will stop you?”

If children are invited to take responsibility they often do and can raise levels of selfworth and confidence which will give your child greater resilience when feeling pressured.

Pippa Seed is a Life Coach and Course Facilitator for Positive Parenting, helping parents understand, support and improve their child’s mental health.

A sibling may be receiving better love, care or has more priority.

They are being put down or ridiculed e.g. “You’re a silly boy”. They are being compared negatively to others e.g. “Your brother is better than you”. They are labelled negatively. “Girls always sulk” .They are over-protected in a way that makes them feel inadequate e.g. “No, you can’t do it yourself because you will make a mess of it” They are unable to achieve the standards set by parents or school.

As parents, it can be difficult to get the right balance of soft love and tough love and it is inevitable that discipline is necessary. This can be done with your child’s self-esteem in mind. One way to do this is to separate ‘the child’ and ‘the child’s behaviour’. This Families Vale of York 9

Inside Little Gifted T

he gorgeous ‘Little Gifted’ opened on 4 Sept 2017 on Boston Spa High St exactly 15 years after ‘Gifted’ opened. Owner Judith Crossley was struggling to find room for all the new lines she wanted to introduce into both shops and so Little Gifted was born.

Favourites such as Moulin Roty, Tyrrell Katz, Ragtales, Orange Tree Toys, Rachel Ellen and Djeco have been joined by a whole range of new wonderful products.

Judith introduced a small selection of babygros from Joules, Little Green Sheep, Aden &Anais, Natures Purest and a wider range of baby clothes from Herdy, which feature embroidered sheep in delightful colours. Judith is also expanding the clothing ranges to include children up to age 4 this season. Swaddles from Isla & Wilbur and Aden & Anais made from beautifully soft organic cotton have been very popular. ‘Little Gifted’ has a selection of baby changing bags from Storksak and Babymel and baby bath products from Storksak and Cowshed.

A very unusual gift are the keepsake boxes in 3 different sizes from Freya Designs featuring lovely wooden designs with jungle animals, pink or blue prams and a ballerina. Djeco has been a best seller in ‘Gifted’ for many years as there are so many lovely designs in the range. Starting with very simple wooden jigsaws, castle and dragon shaped jigsaws and educational games alongside classic dominoes with animal pictures as well as numbers to help your child to learn to count. Djeco also has some lovely boxed gifts for creative children.

Beautiful hand embroidered Pyjamas from Lunn Antiques have designs of pirates, cowboys, gingerbread men and fairies in age 1 to 6 years. Tyrrell Katz is another favourite with a range of melamine dinner pieces, kit bags, backpacks, wash bags and drinking flasks in designs such as Dinosaurs, Working Wheels, Monsters, Princesses and Under the sea. We are excited to be welcoming a range of tutus for tiny tots to age 6. These are in lovely bright colours with fairy wings and headbands to complete the outfit.

Do pay ‘Little Gifted’ a visit and at the same time come to ‘Gifted’ also on Boston Spa High St where you will find a huge selection of cards and gifts for all the family. Stockists of Emma Bridgewater, Culinary Concepts, jewellery from Hult Quist, Claudia Bradby, Tutti and Danon. Candles from Harrogate Candle Company, True Grace, Max Benjamin, Branche D’Olive, Skandinavisk and Beefayre.

Lancaster & Gibbings photo frames and Cowshed body products.

Boston Spa has many other lovely shops and cafes so well worth a trip.

Happy shopping!

10 Families Vale of York

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Use the discount code FAMILIES to get yourself 10% off online or quote the same code in store to receive the same discount!

LITTLE

Lunn Antiques Boys Pirate PJ's

Emma Bridgewater Men at Work Melamine Set

Herdy Embroidered Baby Sleepsuit

Storksak Maternity Bag

Ragtales Tooth Fairy Princess

Ragtales Knitted Puppy

BO FIN ST D U O S IN N SP A

Apples to Pears - Make Your Own Tiny Clanger

Sophie Allport Hedgehog Shaped Cushion

Tyrrell Katz Dinosaurs Backpack

Djeco Silhouette Puzzle Knight At The Dragon's

Aden & Anais Swaddles

Daisy Roots Baby Shoes Zebra on Blue Shoe

Moulin Roty Musical Dog

Herdy Mini Backpack Green

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Teether Rattle

Paddington Bear classic design

154 High Street, Boston Spa LS23 2BW. Tel: 01937 918 300 www.giftedbostonspa.co.uk

NUTRITION

Snack Time T

he new Change4Life campaign on snacking is encouraging parents to “look for 100 calorie snacks, two a day max”. As a Nutritional Practitioner, I can understand why the campaign has been raised but I do feel it misses the point and perhaps causes confusion to parents.

The problem with the advice in the campaign is the focus on calories, as oppose to sugar content. Low calorie foods can still be very high in sugar and high calorie foods can be low in sugar, yet high in healthy fats and protein. A 14g serving of raisins has around 9.5g of sugar, yet is under 50 calories. Compare this to 1 tbsp of almond butter which has 101 calories but less than 1g of sugar. Consider also how good fats, specifically omega 3 rich foods which are important for children’s concentration and metabolism are typically high in calories. Would we therefore discourage these important foods because they are considered high in calories?

Calorie intake is important but excess sugar needs to be considered. Sugar that is not utilised is why we are battling with obesity, diabetes, inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Low calorie diets may still be very high in sugar and this is where I feel the campaign misses the point.

I advise parents to not fixate on calories but rather look for foods that contain less than 5g of sugar per 100g. Take a look at your kid’s cereal bars or fruit yogurts and you may see that they are as high as 15g of sugar for a 30g serving.

yogurt with 1 tsp of sunflower seeds and handful of berries Many parents ask me frequently, how can I stop them asking for food constantly?

The answer lies with protein rich foods at each meal and snack as this helps to regulate sugar intake. Protein slows the release of sugar into the blood stream, as can choosing complex rather than refined carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates such as fruit with skin, root vegetables and wholegrains are broken down much slower in the digestive system so there is a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream. This avoids highs and lows, with a more even blood sugar. This helps to control cravings and melt downs!

Use snack time as a means of boosting your child’s nutrition by offering protein rich foods, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats and you will help to control cravings.

Here are some good snack suggestions that are around 100-150 calories without the sugar fix; 20g of cheddar cheese chunks with 10 grapes (this is one serving of fruit!)

12 Families Vale of York

Sliced boiled egg with 1⁄2 orange 1 chocolate energy ball – see my recipe!

Nathalie is a Nutritional Practitioner who lives in Yorkshire with her husband and two children. She is a member of BANT, CNHC and IFM. Nathalie takes a functional approach to her practice with a special interest in fertility and children’s nutrition.

She is available for consultations and regularly speaks in schools and nurseries to educate parents on children’s nutrition.

For more information about Nathalie and her practice, please visit www.nathaliegudgeon.com

20g of good quality raw dark chocolate (70-85%) and half an apple 1 x 125ml natural yogurt pot/coconut

Ingredients

Directions

Dairy Free – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Nut Free

I use a Magimix food processor for this recipe.

Ingredients (makes around 20 balls depending on size)

Start by adding the sunflower, pumpkin, flaxseeds and chia seeds to the blender and process for around 1 minute until a crumb texture develops. Add the pitted mejadool dates, coconut oil, hemp, raw cacao and maple syrup. Process for another minute. The mixture should be sticky and firm, ready for rolling. If you are adding the chocolate, chop into small pieces similar to chocolate drop size. You will need to transfer the mixture to a bowl and work the chocolate in evenly. Take around 2 tbsp of the mixture and roll into a ball. Sprinkle raw cacao powder onto a plate or tray and coat each ball by rolling in the powder.

2 tbsp ground flaxseeds

These are my daughter’s favourite snack.

She loves to help me make them and as they are nut free they are suitable for the school lunch box if you omit the chocolate.

The recipe was adapted from one found on the Deliciously Ella website; a great resource.

Cold meat balls x 2/slice of turkey/small sausage and chopped carrot sticks

1 tbsp of Almond butter/Peanut butter on 1 rough oatcake

3/4 cup pumpkin seeds

Energy Balls

2 dark chocolate brazils and 1tsp of goji berries

2 tbsp of Hummus or guacamole dip with chopped vegetable sticks (carrot, pepper, celery)

3/4 cup sunflower seeds

Raw Chocolate

1⁄2 small banana with 200ml of whole milk/coconut milk

2 tbsp chia seeds 1 cup pitted mejadool dates 1 tbsp hulled hemp seeds 1 tbsp cocount oil 2 tbsp maple syrup (grade B is preferable) 2 tbsp raw cacao powder (plus extra for coating) 80g 90% dark chocolate (optional)

Store the balls in a sealed glass jar or container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the balls. familiesonline.co.uk

Easter family fun

Alternative Gift Guide Compiled by Claire Winter

Bored of chocolate? Do you want to give your loved ones a special Easter gift this year that isn’t edible? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s our alternative guide for 2018.

Personalised Egg & Solider Board - £25

Personalised Bunny Dining Set - £39

Greatest Egg Hunt Ever Jumper - £23

Snazaroo, Mini Theme Pack - £2.99

hugosworkshop.co.uk

ellieellie.co.uk

ellieellie.co.uk

snazaroo.com

This fun personalised Egg & Solider board is made from upcycled oak kitchen worktops and is personalised with the name of your choice. It is a beautiful, unusual gift that will last for years.

This cute, personalised bunny plate set is a great way to add a touch of fun to any table this Easter. Each set includes a dinner plate, side plate and mug and every item includes a bunny silhouette with your chosen name.

Perfect to wear on an Easter hunt & an ideal gift for the little adventurers and the all- round mini-sleuths in your life. Made from a cotton blend these unisex sweatshirts have a soft feel with a fleecy lining and are designed for a ‘relaxed’ fit.

Available in fuchsia and pastel blue.

Snazaroo has launched these pocket-friendly face paint packs. They’re just £2.99 per pack, with instructions and face paints included. They have ten designs to choose from including an Easter bunny and chick. It’s a really fun, budget friendly present for boys and girls.

AS SEEN ON

Easter crafts Marbled Easter Bunting (Age 2+) This activity is a great intro to marbling, brilliant for learning about colour-mixing and for developing fine motor skills.

Grab an apron, cover your work area, have a tray ready for your finished art and let your little ones get creative!

What you’ll need: Paper or card / Shaving foam / Poster paint (a few colours) / Tray or baking tin / Brush or clean stick

What to do: Spray foam onto the tray and then add the paint.

Use a brush to make patterns in the foam before laying the

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

TRY RUGBYTOTS paper carefully on top and pushing down gently.

Lift off the paper and use an old piece of card to scrape off the excess foam.

Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment.

For more details, just call or email.

0345 313 6716

york@rugbytots.co.uk

Leave to dry and then cut the paper into egg shapes.

Thread with string and you’ve got some beautiful Easter bunting.

rugbytots.co.uk The world’s favourite rugby play programme

February compared to -12 in Lapland.

Skiing with children

By Paul Wojinicki

F

amily ski holidays are truly magical, but the season can feel a little short for families restricted to school holidaysespecially if they want to spend Christmas at home.

Northern Sweden however is snow-sure well into mid-April, which makes the Easter holidays a great opportunity for an unforgettable family holiday. It’s also the perfect place to learn to ski, with wide uncrowded slopes and an abundance of alternative snowy activities.

Here are my top five reasons to choose Vemdalen in Sweden following our New Year’s vacation there.

It’s the perfect place for little ones to learn to ski Let’s face it our little ones amaze us every day, but it’s still difficult to believe your own eyes when you see your tiny tot skiing down a slope by themselves for the first time. Vemdalen however is full of pre-schoolers zipping down the slopes because it’s the perfect place for them to learn. Even the longest slope on the mountain is a gentle green run, all the way from the top down to the apartments below. Harrison- aged 5 ¾ was skiing this run on his first lesson- under the close supervision of his instructor Anna of course.

But for those-like me- with no head for heights there are plenty of very small gentle runs at the foot of the mountain with travellator style lifts that are easily used by the youngest of children. Three year old Ella was skiing down this by herself after two days and was using the drag lifts that went further up the mountain by the end of the week.

The lifts in Vemdalen are so close to the accommodation- literally two minutes away- that you’ll be able to ski for an hour or two at a time, then spend time warming up in the apartment, before skiing for another hour or two again. This means you are never too cold or uncomfortable.

Wide, uncrowded slopes, with short queues for the lifts Another reason Vemdalen is such a great place to learn to ski is that the slopes are relatively crowd free, especially on the gentle green runs. Harrison and I skied from the top of the mountain to the bottom at a very leisurely speed- he is only five after all- and we had no-one take over us the whole way down. Only when the run merged with the advanced slopes at the bottom did the pistes start to fill up, but even here they were uncrowded and we were back on the lifts again a couple of minutes after getting to the bottom.

It’s like Lapland, only closer and slightly warmer When you’re in Vemdalen you’re still in a picture perfect winter wonderland that is, for all intents and purposes, just like Lapland.

But while Lapland is around four hours away by plane Vemdalen is around 2hrs 30. And crucially it’s several degrees warmer (or should I say less cold), with an average temperature of -8 in 14 Families Vale of York

Another advantage over Lapland is that the season lasts longer.

Lapland ski trips tend to run from December to February, while Crystal Ski run trips to Vemdalen from December until mid-April, which means you can ski in the Easter holidays which are much quieter than half term in February. And being so far north the snow is guaranteed in Vemdalen for the whole of the season.

There are plenty of other activities besides skiing We pretty much skied every spare hour of our seven day trip but we chose Vemdalen for our trip because it had no shortage of other options had the children not enjoyed skiing. On our first day Ella and I spent several hours sledging on a dedicated hill right next to the learner slopes. From here I could watch Harrison skiing while keeping Ella entertained as well. We also rode on a vesseltur (a tractor come tank designed for climbing up mountainous slopes) to a remote waffle cottage at the top of the mountain opposite our resort. The experience was magical and only cost around £10 for adults and £6 for children. Then there was a dog sledding trip through Narnia like scenery just a mile away from the hotel (book locally with Klövsjö Äventyr & Konferens) and snow mobiles designed for younger childrenwith nearby Vemdalen Experience. The latter cost us just £10 for ten minutes and was worth every penny as far as Harrison was concerned.

It isn’t as expensive as you’d expect There’s no getting around the fact that eating and drinking out in Nordic countries can be expensive, but most of the accommodation in Vemdalen is self-catering and there’s a decent sized supermarket within a five minute walk of the apartments.

We ate out twice during our week and had drinks in the café most days. The rest of the time we cooked in our ultra-modern and spacious apartment (we stayed in Sörgårdarna Apartments, complete with their own sauna and drying room) and we only spent £300 on food and drink for a family of four in the whole week. Lift passes for under 7’s were free and Crystal Ski were offering two for one ski passes for adults. Even Harrison’s private lessons with Anna started at a relatively inexpensive £60, which is a lot cheaper than private lessons at our local indoor slope.

Getting to Vemdalen We booked with Crystal Ski- who are part of the TUI Group and who just won Best Ski & Winter Sports Holiday Company at the British Travel Awards for the ninth time. One of the reasons that Crystal Ski consistently win this and other awards is their attitude toward families. Crystal’s excellent family friendly brochures and website recognises that families need very detailed information and support before booking a ski holiday. Don’t just take my word for it though download their brochure or go to crystalski.co.uk/ family-ski-holidays and you’ll see they provide all the information you need to decide on the perfect destination for you. familiesonline.co.uk

Race Ahead Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland). Company limited by guarantee number 08570737.

with reading!

familiesonline.co.uk

Through-the-post library of reading scheme books for 4 to 9 year olds.

3rd

1st 2nd

Book rental for young readers. www.readingchest.co.uk

Families Vale of York 15

BOOKS

Books for the season

By Justine Crow

Moo Cow, Moo Cow Please Eat Nicely!

There Was an Old Giant Who Swallowed a Clock

Fish Boy

By Chloe Daykin

By Jo Lodge

By Becky Davies

Faber RRP 6.99

Macmillan RRP 5.99

Little Tiger Press RRP 11.99

How are your table manners you little lot? I know the answer already.

Terrible! You are either slurping up the grub like a duck in the silt, chewing widely like a day-dreaming heifer or belching like a contented swine. Teatime resembles a veritable farmyard when it comes to you toddlers but this clever board book teaches all you mucky pups how to eat politely.

I’m always grateful for the traditional ‘I Know An Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly’ rhyme as it has rescued many a traffic tantrum by virtue of its unlikeliness alone – the children’s tears have stopped dead in their tracks by the time it gets to the swallowing of the cat as they digest the sheer incredulity of it all. This takes the fun one step further and swaps the old biddy for a giant, the insect for a clock and some knitting to stifle the ticking… (DO keep up).

This wonderful novel starts with chips.

Literally, chips poised for the oven while our hero Billy drips seawater on the kitchen floor and his dad demands no trunks at the table. This book may contain other teatime staples such as baked beans, tuna and even Twix bars but Billy loves the ocean most of all. It is both his refuge and his playground and when Patrick Green arrives with “fingers like steel,” the bullies no longer get to use “Fish Fingers” as an insult.

World Book Day – 1st March 2018

By Laura Macaulay

Celebrate stories. Love reading.

Every year, schools up and down the country celebrate World Book Day and whilst many parents sigh loudly at the prospect of finding ANOTHER fancy-dress outfit to be worn that day at school by their child, it is a day that I hope schools celebrate for many years to come! As an ex English teacher, reading is my life and it is a well-known fact amongst all English teachers that children who do well in our subject do so because they read. Reading takes children to places they could never go in real life; reading introduces new vocabulary and helps children to learn 16 Families Vale of York

about an infinite number of things from animals to life traumas.

Hopefully, your child has brought home their £1 book token from school. All you need to do is to take it to your local bookseller and swap it for one of TEN (exclusive and completely FREE) World Book Day books. Alternatively, you can put it towards one of the FIVE fantastic fulllength books for teens priced at only £2.50 each. Then all you have to do is take your book home and enjoy it.

The World Book Day book tokens are valid from Monday 26 February – Sunday 25 March 2018. familiesonline.co.uk

Easter 2018 What’s on?

Easter at Lotherton Hall

We’ve ordered everything according to start date – be sure to look out for all the events which run for several weeks/ weekends too. These were correct as we went to print but may have changed.

More online at www.familiesonline.co.uk

10 & 11 MAR British Science Weekend LOTHERTON HALL

Learn more about penguins in the Coastal Zone on Saturday with crafts in the Nestbox Education Centre and talks by penguin keepers. Explore the history of electricity at Lotherton on Sunday. Visit leeds.gov.uk/lotherton

10 & 11 MAR Mother’s Day

CASTLE HOWARD Celebrate Mother’s Day in style by indulging in a unique Afternoon Tea experience in the elegant Grecian Hall.

10 & 11 MAR Mother’s Day Treats NUNNINGTON HALL

Why not treat your favourite lady to a unique day out at Nunnington Hall with tasty treats in the tea-room and crafts for the kids?

11 MAR Mother’s Day

TEMPLE NEWSHAM Celebrate Mother’s Day in style this year and plan your special day out with all the family in the elegant setting of Temple Newsam Estate. Visit leeds.gov.uk/ templenewsam familiesonline.co.uk

11 MAR Mother’s Day

BENINGBOROUGH HALL Treat Mum to Sunday lunch (washing up included) and make her something special in the mum themed Artrageous! family art worshop.

24 MAR Easter Craft Making

TADCASTER LIBRARY

Come along and make some seasonal crafts with artist Kathryn Richardson. All ages welcome.

24 MAR Yorkshire’s Jurassic World exhibition YORKSHIRE MUSEUM & GARDENS

Experience each Jurassic world as the colossal creatures and their surroundings are brought to life using the latest research and ground-breaking technology.

Peter Rabbit Adventure

Follow the Mother Shipton’s Easter trail and meet characters from Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit stories. As you walk through magical woodland props and characters will bring the story of the mischievous bunny to life. Actors will be stationed as characters in the park to interact with children and help families complete a themed adventure quiz sheet.

Hop skip and jump through Mr McGregor’s Marvellous Easter garden.

Fun for all the family every day from Monday 26th March to Sunday 15th April. The Park opens 10am to 4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm).

See the famous Petrifying Well and Mother Shipton’s Cave. The park also has several scenic picnic areas alongside the popular River Nidd, an adventure playground and museum and gift shop.

For more information visit www. mothershipton.co.uk or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ mothershiptons.

Families Vale of York 17

Easter

WHAT’S ON

Easter egg hunt

Summit Indoor Adventure, Scott Rd, Selby is full of fun-filled activities all under one roof so no matter what the weather you’ll have a great time.

Can you find the giant eggs around the Castle site? Find them all and collect a chocolate prize! Free with admission.

Clip and Climb - scale new heights on over 20 themed climbing walls from a sheer rock face to a fantasy lunar landscape.

Lindt Bunny Trail 24 MAR - 15 APR Easter Egg-stravanganza Fun PIGLETS ADVENTURE FARM

Take part in the Egg Hunt, find hidden chicks around the farm, grab an egg from each one to receive a treat! The Magic Hatter returns with his comedy magic and Springtime silliness. www. pigletsadventurefarm.com 01904 499183

30 MAR – 2 APR Cadbury Easter weekend BENINGBOROUGH HALL

Explore new beginnings this spring time on the new trail around the garden to win a Cadbury chocolate prize.

30 MAR – 2 APR Cadbury Easter weekend FOUNTAIN’S ABBEY

Use your map to help Brother Thomas discover all of his escaped willow farm animals. They’re hiding in the corners of the abbey. Find them and claim your chocolate prize!

30 MAR – 2 APR Easter

HARLOW CARR RHS Easter babies; say hello to the Easter bunny and make Easter crafts!

30 MAR – 15 APR Cadbury Easter weekend NUNNINGTON HALL

Bunny has been up to his old tricks again trying to gobble up all the vegetables in the organic garden. The scarecrows are trying their best to protect them, but can you help by completing the garden hunt?

18 Families Vale of York

30 MAR – 15 APR

Summit Indoor Adventure

Aerial Trek - navigate your way across obstacles including a swing bridge, cargo nets, beams and stepping stones all suspended high above the indoor skate park.

Ten Pin - strike it lucky and see who the kingpin, or queen, of the gang is with a game of ten pin bowls.

KNARESBOROUGH CASTLE AND MUSEUM

30 MAR – 15 APR Easter Delights

ROYAL PUMP ROOM MUSEUM, HARROGATE On arrival look out for Digger the Dog, who will guide you around the museum.

Pick up an activity sheet, enjoy new toys and games too. Pop in anytime to complete our Easter hunt and get your prize! Free with admission.

30 MAR-15 APR

Soft Play - kids can climb, crawl explore, run and slide through a maze of tunnels, nets and slides in Adventure Play.

Artists in Action

Ski - experience the thrill and excitement of skiing on the infinity ski slope. All equipment is supplied and it’s suitable for beginners and seasoned skiers alike.

Discover our 2018 exhibitions celebrating women and remembering World War II. The art trolley has been restocked to help artists young and old enjoy their visit.

FREE Admission.

Skate, scoot and BMX - whether you’re a scooter fan, skateboard addict or prefer BMX bring your gear and safety kit and ride in the indoor skate park with its ramps, jump boxes and rails.

Location Summit Indoor Adventure has plenty of parking, is open seven days a week and is next to Selby Leisure Centre on Scott Road.

MERCER ART GALLERY, HARROGATE

1 – 23 APR Lindt Bunny Trail

HARLOW CARR RHS Hop through the garden on the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny, following the clues to lead you to a delicious treat for your best Easter ever!

1 & 2 APR Easter Family Fun Days NEWBY HALL

Just in time for Easter Family fun, Newby Hall opens its doors on 30th March.

2 – 15 APR Easter & Springtime Babies

TEMPLE NEWSAM The cheeky chicks and bouncing new born lambs are thriving on the farm!

The whole family will love meeting the new born animals and taking part in the eggcellent Easter egg competition. familiesonline.co.uk

13 & 20 APR Birds of prey display and flying shows HARLOW CARR RHS

See birds of prey up close and watch spectacular flying shows.

17 APR Baby Friendly Curator Talk LEEDS CITY MUSEUM

Join Curator of Natural Science Clare Brown for a Baby Friendly Curator Talk.

Part of Leeds City Museum’s Baby Friendly Programme. Visit leedsinspired. co.uk for upcoming events

4 & 11 APR - 11.30 & 3pm Bad bunny! Court is in session Wednesdays

KNARESBOROUGH MUSEUM COURTROOM The Easter bunny is on trial. Find out why and join in our role play to decide if he’s guilty… Free with admission.

4 & 11 April - 12.30 - 2.30pm Pom Pom Animals

KNARESBOROUGH CASTLE TOWER Make your own Easter chick or lamb to take home. £1 per creature (usual admission charges).

14 APR Family Fun Day

KNARESBOROUGH CASTLE AND MUSEUM Enjoy a relaxing day of games, crafts and a chance to start your own Spring seedlings. £2 adults, £1 children.

table tots

March

Sun 4th Brighouse High Sch ool 1-2.30

Sat 17th Wyke 6th Form Coll ege, Hull

Sun 18th Bruntcliffe Academy,

1-2.30 Leeds 1-2.30

Sat 24th New College, Potefrac t 1-2.30 Sun 25th Leeds Trinity Universi ty 1-2.30

April

Sat 7th Titus Salt School, Ship

ley 1-2.30 Sun 8th Queen Elizabeth Gra mmar School, Wakefield 1-2.30 Sat 14th Rothwell Sports Cen tre 1.30-3

Sun 15th Mirfield Free Gramm ar School 1-2.30 Sun 22nd Malet Lambert Sch ool James Reckitt, Hull 1-2.30 Sat 28th Horizon Community College, Barnsley 1-2.30 Sun 29th Catterick Leisure Cen tre 1-2.30

20 APR - 10am – 12pm Playground

LEEDS ART GALLERY Exciting under-5s multisensory events inspired by a different artwork each month. These sessions are for very young people and their carers. Booking required, email art.gallery@leeds.gov.uk to reserve your place. Visit leeds.gov.uk/ artgallery

21 - 22 APR St George’s Weekend LOTHERTON HALL Follow the Dragon Hunt Trail around the house and gardens, plus the little ones will get the chance to dress up as a knight, dragon or princess. Visit leeds. gov.uk/lotherton

21 APR - 12-4pm ‘All about Me’ THE ENGINE SHED, WETHERBY Hosted by Table Tots. FREE ENTRY. Crafts for Adults; Mindfulness; Diet; Make-up; Fitness; Seeds nutrition; adult colouring.

At 1pm, speaker Andrea Morrison, Transformational Life Coach will share her essential understandings to enable you to change your life!

familiesonline.co.uk

Easter

WHAT’S ON Theatre

17 MAR - 2pm

The Boggle JUNCTION, GOOLE Using storytelling, comedy, puppetry, object manipulation and an original soundscape, The Boggle invites you into the fun and bizarre world of myth and folklore. Running time 1 hour. Suitable for ages 6+.

20 MAR - 6pm Wizard Presents: I Believe in Unicorns JUNCTION, GOOLE Enchanting and interactive, I Believe in Unicorns sparks imagination in both young and old. Running time 1 hour.

Suitable for ages 6+.

22 -24 MAR High School Musical JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE, YORK Join the students of East High this Spring, breaking free and unleashing their musical talents!

27 - 29 MAR Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf HULL TRUCK THEATRE Enjoy a new spin on a classic story – about two misfits who just want to fit in.

Suitable for ages 7+.

27 - 29 MAR Teletubbies Live HULL NEW THEATRE See the iconic, world famous Teletubbies in their first ever theatre show, created especially for your little ones.

27 - 29 MAR Topsy Turvey Theatre: Christopher’s Caterpillars JUNCTION, GOOLE Written especially for children aged 2-7 (& their big people too), this is a bright and beautiful tale of minibeasts and mystery!

Running time 1 hour.

Families Vale of York 19

SCIENCE, TECH, ENGINEERING, ART, MATHS WORK SHOP S & EVENTS. Introducing STEAM into play at an early age paves the way for developing essential life skills. In our activities we undertake; experiments, building, crafting, constructing, learn early coding and computing principles.

We inspire and instil the foundations of STEAM learning; creativity, co-operation, collaboration, tenacity, problemsolving, critical thinking, and the belief that mistakes are opportunities to learn.

Find out more about local; weekly sessions, in school codeclubs and events at our website or follow us on social media.

/technologyinplay-york @tip_york

YORK |

@tip_york

info@technologyinplay.club HAR RO GAT E

Easter Family Fun at Castle Howard

Farmyard | Magic workshops for families | Easter crafts, egg decorating, egg rolling | A bird themed ‘egg-straordinary’ treasure hunt around the grounds | Boat rides and bird spotting on the Great Lake | Adventure Playground | Cafés, ice-cream, home-baked Easter treats Find out more at www.castlehoward.co.uk Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA