Families Vale of York January-February 2018

FEBRUARY FROLICS LOADS OF UNDERCOVER FUN THIS FEBRUARY HALF TERM!

8th – 1 ry h t a 10 bru Fe

The Sheep Show, featuring dancing sheep. Lambing Live,Tractor trailer rides & Animal petting barn.

Bale Play Baaarn, with straw bale mountain, rope swing and so much more!

PIGLETS, NR YORK YO32 9ST PIGLETSADVENTUREFARM.COM

STOCKELD

PARK

Where magic is made & adventures

begin

February Fun 10-18 Feb

Forest, Skate, Maze & Indoor Inflatables,

Creative Crafts, Games & Building Fun in the Stockeld Rangers Den!!

www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Located between Harrogate & Leeds.

Sat Nav: LS22 4AN

BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL Independent Prep School for 2-11 year olds

Open Mornings 2018 Friday 9th March.

Friday 18th May. 10am to 11.30am

1 2 8 DUCH Y ROAD, Ha r ro g a te , HG1 2HE

Please contact us for further information or a tour of the school

t: 01423 508558

Issue 80 Jan/Feb 2018

www.brackenfieldschool.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Do you have a spare room in your home?

Are you caring, nurturing and supportive?

Become a Host Family for an international pupil at a local boarding school Attractive daily rates Occasional weekend and half terms only Contact Imogen to find out more on imogen@pippasguardians.co.uk or call 01684 252757

www.pippasguardians.co.uk

2 Families Vale of York

familiesonline.co.uk

in this

issue P4 news

P6

welcome

clubs

P7

P8

books

education

And it’s goodbye from me

Thirteen years ago I had a 2-year-old son and was about to embark on a very exciting adventure – launching Families Vale of York Magazine.

During that time I’ve not only been growing my Families Magazine, but also my own family which now consists of a strapping 6’2” son who is about to leave school, and a ten year old daughter currently treading the boards in Jack and the Beanstalk at York Theatre Royal.

Without my own family there would have been no Families Magazine. My children have been my inspiration and my support, together with their dad who has been accountant, deliverer, and even personal assistant when needed! My children have also provided me with endless editorial as they’ve tried out clubs and classes, helped me review days out and, of course, I’ve stuck them on the front cover a few times too. Much to their joy they are there again, for one last time.

At the risk of this sounding like an Oscar acceptance speech, I must say a few thank-yous. In particular to my designer Ellie, the numerous people who have helped deliver the magazine over the years, and all those who have contributed editorially or advertised in the magazine. I have met some of the most inspiring people whilst I have been in my role as editor, and many have become life-long friends along the way.

P10

health

P14

what’s on

P13

holidays

It’s time now to hand over to a new editor who will begin with the March/April issue. I will leave her to introduce herself – I am sure she will be brilliant and take Families into a new and exciting era. I wish her every success, and look forward to sitting down with a cuppa and reading Families myself!

Tel: 01405 860831 editor@familiesvoy.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk

With very best wishes, Circulation: 18,000

Editor of Families VOY

Deadline:

KEEP CALM AND TAKE FAMILY LEGAL ADVICE Call our experts today

01904 679 990

www.coles-law.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

The deadline for the Mar/Apr 2018 edition is early Feb 2018

Designed by: MOOIdesign Tel: 01405 869045 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 the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Families Vale of York 3

news

The Bloodaxe Book Challenge returns!

Brackenfield Pupils’ Rucksack Gift

There are an estimated 60 million of the world’s hungriest children who do not attend school.

Children at Brackenfield School in Harrogate have again taken part in the Mary’s Meals backpack project to try to help just some of these children to go to school. Eager to help children in poorer parts of the world, the children took rucksacks to school to donate to the charity filled with school essentials such as paper, pencils, rulers and pens.

Principal, Anthony Comerford was delighted with the children’s response.

“The children really enjoy choosing items to put into their rucksack and put a lot of care and thought into what might be needed. They know that their rucksack donation will go directly to a child of a similar age who is less fortunate than themselves and will help them to go to school. I am so pleased that Brackenfield can support such a worthwhile charity.”

The photo shows Brackenfield pupils with their rucksacks ready to be collected and sent away.

Girls from 36th York (Clifton Methodist) Rainbows celebrate the launch of the 2018 Bloodaxe Book Challenge

With storytelling a key part of Viking culture, tales of mythical creatures and heroic warriors would have been part of every Norse childhood, but their 21st century descendants are being set a novel challenge by the Vikings of JORVIK with the launch of this year’s Bloodaxe Book Challenge.

Created in association with York libraries, and running until 13 January 2018, children throughout the city are invited to read at least four books, and then report on each to their local library. For each book they read, they will receive one of four collectible stickers. Once they have all four stickers, they receive a certificate, and their name put forward for a chance to go to an exclusive ‘meet the authors’ event during the 2018 JORVIK Viking Festival.

The winners of the Bloodaxe Book Challenge will be invited to meet Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler, authors of the ‘Defender of the Realm’ series, at a special event on Wednesday 14 February 2018 during the JORVIK Viking Festival.

Children can sign up for the Bloodaxe Book Challenge at any York library.

Happy Birthday Little Stars!

It’s Emily Frances Little Stars Swimming School’s 5th birthday this January and Emily will be running a fun activity swimming session at her newest venue Willow Lodge Pool at Bubwith The sessions will run for beginners/weak swimmers, babies, toddlers, and intermediate and advanced swimmers.

Emily is also starting parent and baby/toddler aqua fit sessions where parents can learn to swim and dance with their baby. There’ll also be adult aqua fit sessions for those wanting to improve their technique or learn to swim mixed with aqua aerobics.

“Current customers can also benefit from a free lesson if their recommendation leads to a new full course booking,” said Emily.

For more information Contact Emily on 07970 694358 or visit www.emilyfrances.co.uk/15.html

Lack of Sleep Damaging for Children More than a third of primary school children are failing to get sufficient sleep, according to new research.

The study has linked poor sleep with difficulties in paying attention in class, keeping up with school work, forgetfulness and absenteeism.

The research, carried out by the University of Leeds has shown that despite the NHS recommendation of 10 hours, 36 per cent of primary age children get eight hours of sleep or less per night. Even more worryingly, 15 per cent get less than seven hours.

The researchers found links between poor sleep and children having access to mobile phones or computer devices in their bedrooms. They said parents should consider removing technology from their children’s bedrooms. The researchers further claim that where parents are able to encourage children to not have technology in the bedroom at all, sleep outcomes are much better.

Other factors contributing to poor sleep were poor parental sleep patterns and lack of routine.

More information on the study can be found at www.leeds.ac.uk

4 Families Vale of York

familiesonline.co.uk

Woodlands Ward Refurbishment thanks to Belmont Grosvenor School

news David Fisher from Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity with Headteacher at Belmont Grosvenor Jane Merriman, Charities Co-ordinator Hannah Parker, PTA officials Jayne Johnson and Susie Linley and pupils.

Pupils, staff and parents at an independent Harrogate prep school have raised £10,000 to improve the lives of children in hospital.

A major refurbishment of the playroom at Harrogate District Hospital’s Woodlands Ward is planned, thanks to the fund-raising efforts of Belmont Grosvenor School.

During the past 12 months, Belmont Grosvenor’s pupils, teachers and parents have taken part in a wide range of fund-raising events to help reach the £10,000 total. These have included a charity walk through the village of Birstwith, where Belmont Grosvenor School is based, and a summer ball in the school grounds.

Jayne Johnson, chairman of the school’s Parent Teacher Association, said she was delighted to have raised £10,000 for a local charity that Belmont Grosvenor children can all relate to.

“Many of them have either been patients, or know someone who has stayed in Woodlands Ward at some point in their lives.

They know that having things to entertain them and distract them is really important, especially for those children who have longer stays in hospital. We very much look forward to returning to Woodlands Ward once the refurbishment work has been done and seeing how the money we have raised during the past 12 months has been put to good use,” she said.

Mums Want More Flexible Working Opportunities According to a survey by Workingmums.co.uk, almost three quarters of working mums identify flexible work as being crucial to getting more women into senior roles.

The survey shows that mums feel flexible working is vital for them to manage work and family life and that 60% of those who work flexibly would like even more flexibility.

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

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

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

• Research some case studies, ideally in your sector that shows how the work pattern you are suggesting can be mutually beneficial to you and your employer.

• If managers are dubious, suggest a trial period.

• Have a compromise solution as a back-up.

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

Maths Tops Popularity Poll for Children

New research has shown that when it comes to children’s favourite subject it’s a numbers game as maths comes out on top.

A survey carried by the extra tuition provider, Explore Learning has found that maths was the most enjoyed subject of four to 14 year olds (26%) followed by PE (20%) and art (16%). This was despite the fact that maths is also the subject that children admit to finding the most challenging, followed

by English and geography.

More highlights of the survey include: • The next generation may signal the end of the gender divide as seven in ten (69%) of children think boys and girls are equally good at maths • Nearly two thirds (61%) think a job in maths would be exciting!

• 90% think being good at maths will help you get a better paid job in the future

To inspire your aspiring mathematician there are great on how to make maths fun and engage young maths minds at www.murderousmaths.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families Vale of York 5

WINTER Clubs&Classes

With the nights closing in and the temperature dropping, the idea of sending your child out on to the football pitch, tennis court or athletics track is not an attractive one. But active after school activities offer children great developmental benefits including:

Enhanced Socialisation Skills

Making friends with children from outside their school allows children to broaden their social experience, whilst extra-curricular activities at school give children the chance to enjoy a different type of social experience with their school friends and other children in their class.

Better Health and Fitness

According to the National Association of Sport and Physical Education, kids aged 5-12 should exercise for at least 60 minutes of each day, and this figure shouldn’t be ignored just because it’s cold outside.

As parents, we are responsible for setting up opportunities for our children to keep active during winter months.

So here are our ideas for keeping your restless young one on the go – and the good news is you don’t have to force them (or you!) outside:

AS SEEN ON

Improved Academic Performance

Research has found that children from disadvantaged background who participate in after-school clubs get better results at age 11 than their peers.

Stress Relief

Exercise helps to relieve stress built up by homework, exams and peer pressures.

Trampoline Clubs and Parks These are popping up all over the country and classes are fun and social. The UK now has over 190 trampoline parks and most offer kids a safe environment to cut loose as well lessons and classes for children from as young as toddlers upwards.

Indoor Rock Climbing This activity is also growing in popularity across the country with a centre likely to be very close to you. Even the NHS recommends it as an activity that provides unique physical and mental benefits whilst at the same time catering for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. To find a centre visit www.thebmc.co.uk.

Girl Guides and Scouting Scouting and Girl Guides are experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. Why? Because they offer an antidote to the modern world with adventure being at the heart of everything they do. From as young as 6, children can get involved in learning outdoor skills and undertaking leadership qualifications, as well as enjoying camps and residential experiences. However, waiting lists can be long so act quickly! To register interest visit www.girlguiding.org.uk or www.scouts.org.uk

Ice Rinks/Snow Slopes Local snow slopes and ice rinks are great places to get kids active during the winter and offer kids the opportunity to try tobogganing, skiing or snowboarding, or get a pair of skates on. There are indoor and outdoor rinks and centres, depending on how you feel about braving the cold or damp weather.

Indoor Sports You can access indoor classes for most outdoors sports such as football, rugby, cricket and tennis at leisure centres or school recreation halls. Likewise for toddlers and pre-schoolers, multi-sport and ball skills classes are often run inside during winter.

How Many is Too Much? Whilst clubs and classes are important for children, be careful MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

TRY RUGBYTOTS

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

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

6 Families Vale of York

how many activities you sign your child up for. Some require significant time commitment. For example, joining a swimming class can involve two or more weekly training sessions, as well as competitions. Are you and your child up for that? What else will suffer or be sacrificed? If your child’s opportunity to have unstructured time for play will go by the wayside, then this is probably not a good thing. Children these days have much more structured lives than ever before and already often have less unstructured play time that previous generations. Research indicates that unstructured play with minimal adult supervision helps children to learn important social skills, use their imagination, concentrate and be more self-directed.

Fresh Air

If you do opt for indoor class and club options for your child during winter, try to get them some regular fresh air at weekends when time and weather permit.

Consider heading to the countryside or a beach (even at the darkest time of year), where you can breathe different air and be closer to nature. You don’t have to organise a full itinerary and it doesn’t have to cost much either. Simple games like running races on a beach or climbing a tree can be exhilarating for children after a week cooped up at school, and being outside is both refreshing and invigorating for everyone and will improve everyone’s mood!

The National Trust offers loads of activities at their sites across the UK including treasure hunts, nature trails, and even horse rides. The Woodland Trust has great expanses of woodland which are ripe for families to explore and provide a great natural habitat for nature walks. Some are very ancient and provide a great historical backdrop of legend and myth. It’s also worth checking out The Wild Network brings together thousands of people and groups across the UK to share the simple goal of getting children back in touch with nature. www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.woodlandtrust.org.uk www.thewildnetwork.com familiesonline.co.uk

NEW YEAR

By Justine Crow

Most of the books featured on this time round are a little on the large size and all are most definitely sublimely illustrated, even the titles for older readers. And why not? It seems to me to be short sighted (excuse the slight pun) to ration the visual representation of storytelling - or indeed science and history - just because a child has learned to read. Imagery on paper has a subjective permanence that we all enjoy and often it is the pictures over text that we recall from our own childhood.

AGES 3-5

AGES 0-2 Deep in the Forest Seek & Find Adventure

By Josef Anton & Lucie Bruniellere Abrams RRP £10.99 Created by a French duo with backgrounds in televisual animation and decorative art respectively, there are over 50 animals to find in this beautiful bright and feisty big book full of flaps to lift and names to shout out in triumph. Obviously it’s in English but double points if you know what an anteater is in French.

Parrots Don’t Live in the City

By Lucy Reynolds & Jenna Herman Scribbles and Doodles RRP £7.99 There’s a nice townie vibe to this breezy distraction that features a special surprise right at the end.

But for now, your toddlers will relish peeking through the trees and spotting the green feathered interlopers that are pretty much ubiquitous to our civic parks. Crikey, you can add your own squawks if you like. If not, you can guarantee the real thing will.

Gritterman

By Orlando Weeks Penguin RRP £17.99 A softly penned graphic novel from a musician that speaks of stoicism and patience through many winters and questions the definition of loneliness through the eyes of a dignified man who knows his place in the universe. Thanks to him the traffic travels, pedestrians pass and life goes on.

By Dianne Hofmeyr, illustrated by Jane Ray Frances Lincoln RRP £12.99 This clever picture book depicts the actual history of glassmaking in Venice through the tale of Daniela, an inconsolable craftsman’s daughter who spends her days staring into the dark depths of the canals in existential torment. Eschewing her father’s gift of a glass palace, her smile is finally revealed when a young man discovers the secret of making mirrors. Suddenly, splendidly, the pages explode with splintering glass and the city is rocked with laughter.

By Gabrielle Balkan, illustrated by Sol Linero Wide Eyed Books RRP £20.00 I found their previous title 50 States of the USA absolutely compelling and this is no less addictive for its fascinating detail presented in artful bite-sizes. Along with the more obvious candidates of New York and San Francisco, we learn that as well as the famous Kentucky Derby, Louisville hosts the oldest Shakespeare festival in America; that Memphis as well as being home to Graceland, is where Justin Timberlake was born. And that huckleberries are a real thing and they grow in Boise. So there!

Amazing Dinosaurs

The World of Moominvalley

By Matt Sewell Anova RRP £12.99 This author-illustrator has a knack for bringing natural history to life especially through his books about birds. Here he aims his deft brush at the pre-historic periods that produced the incredibly diverse gigantic reptiles that roamed our planet a gasquillion years ago, yet still absolutely intrigue today’s digital kids.

By Tove Jansson Macmillan RRP £35.00 A super-sized price but what value for money this exquisite gift edition is, thanks to the many drawings and facts about the magical bohemia created by Finland’s most famous writer. Once you develop a love for the Moomintrolls, Snufkin, the Snorkmaiden and Little My, it can’t be shaken off.

Norse Myths Tales of Odin, Thor & Loki

By Kevin Crossley Holland & Jeffrey Love Walker RRP £18.99 It’s never too soon to point out to the kids that long before Tom Hiddleston stepped into a leather frock and green tights to play Marvel’s movie version of Loki, stories about him and his brother Thor as well as Odin, god of all gods, were captivating listeners as far back as Roman times, and not just from the Viking period. Imagine being a youngster a thousand years ago hearing whirling adventures of sorcery and battles from across the land, passed on by mouth to future generations. How lucky we are now to be able to take images for granted. What a page-turner!

Justine Crow is co-founder of the famous South London bookshop ‘Bookseller Crow on the Hill’ based in Crystal Palace. As well as being a blogger and reviewer, parent of three and qualified swimming teacher, she also co-authored The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury. familiesonline.co.uk

50 Cities of the USA

03.02.18

The

AGES 6-8

OPEN MORNING

AGES 9-12

The Glassmaker’s Daughter

We are happy.

We are successful.

We are Cundall Manor School.

Enquire today about one of the north’s leading independent schools for boys and girls aged two to 16.

Find out for yourself.

Visit us on our next Open Morning.

Private tours available throughout the year. cundallmanorschool.com admissions@cundallmanor.org.uk 01423 360Families 200 Vale of York

7

Making

Maths Fun

By Kjartan Poskitt

I always say that maths is like broccoli. You either like it or you hate it but you have to have some because it’s good for you. Now I’ll tell you a secret. I do not like broccoli, but I do find it helps to have a bit of brown sauce on it!

Similarly, maths becomes more exciting when it’s spiced up a little.

It’s important that your children are comfortable enough with simple sums that they don’t have to rely on a calculator - that’s like using arm bands for swimming! If they can develop an instinct for numbers, simple sums become much easier. The secret is to spend some time playing around with numbers and getting to know them.

Here are a few little facts, games and tricks to share with your children to help them see that numbers have quirky behaviours and make fun patterns.

Trick 1

If you write out the digits 1 2 3 4, you can turn them into 12 = 3 x 4. You can also do this with 5 6 7 8 because 56 = 7 x 8.

Trick 2

Pick any three consecutive numbers (e.g. 4, 5, 6). Multiply the smallest by the biggest, and then add one. (So here we get 4 x 6 =24, then 24 + 1 = 25).

The answer is always the same as the middle number squared … i.e. times by itself. (Here we get 5 x 5 = 25 YAY!) This works with any three consecutive numbers, so let’s try 7, 8, 9. 7 x 9 = 63, then 63 + 1= 64 and that’s the same as 8 x 8!

Trick 3

The numbers in the 3 times table have a special trick, because if you add the digits together, the answer will always divide by 3. For instance 8 x 3 =24, and 2 + 4 = 6 which divides by 3. You can use this to test if any number divides by 3. Let’s test 71865. 7+1+8+6+5 = 27 which divides by 3, so 71865 also divides by 3.

Trick 4

Prime numbers are number which will only divide by themselves and 1. For example, 7 is a prime number because nothing else divides into it; 8 is not a prime number because 4 x 2 = 8.

Place seven playing cards in a pile face down with the bottom card as a joker.

Choose a magic number less than 7.

(Let’s say you choose 4). One by one slide a card off the top and put it back on the bottom. When you get to the 4th card, turn it face up and then put it to the bottom of the pack. Keep doing this, turning every 4th card face up.

The last card to be turned over will be the joker! Try this trick again picking a different magic number – eg 5. It will always work! What’s more you can have any prime number of cards, so try the trick with 5, 11, 13 or even 17 cards!

The magic number can be any number smaller than the number of cards.

The Table Attack Game Try to play this game with your children regularly in short bursts of about 10 minutes.

You need two or more people and a pack of playing cards.

Remove the jacks, queens and kings from the pack and put them back in the box. Now take the aces, twos, fives and tens from the pack, and just one joker. The aces count as one and the joker counts as zero. Put the other cards aside for a moment. We’ll call these the power cards.

Shuffle the 17 normal cards then put the pack face down. Two players each take a card from the top without looking and then together they turn their cards face-up. Players must multiply the numbers on the cards together, and the first person to shout the right answer wins a point. Make sure you are multiplying and not adding! (So if you see 5 and 1, the answer is five not six.)

Now make it more exciting!

Without looking, pick a couple of the power cards and slip them in with the others, then play again. Once you’ve got used to the extra cards, keep adding a few more power cards until you have all the cards in play.

This is a fabulous, quick fire way to get your children to firm up on their times tables.

The Dice Challenge Throw three dice, but don’t let anyone else see how they land. Tell everybody what the three numbers add to, and also what they multiply to make. Who can work out the numbers on the dice?

So, for example, if the three dice add to 9 and multiply to make 12, what are the three numbers?

Answer: 1, 2, 6.

There – I hope some of these things help. And just to make you feel better, while you’re practising your numbers, I’m going to go off and eat some broccoli!

Kjartan Poskitt is author of the series of books Murderous Maths, published by Scholastic. He is also the Ambassador for the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards, the only team maths competition for primary schools in the country, run by Explore Learning in collaboration with the NRICH project at the University of Cambridge.

8 Families Vale of York

familiesonline.co.uk

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

By Claire Winter

How Parents can Help Children with

Exam Pressure

Although SATs will eventually be phased out for younger children over the next five years, year 2 and year 6 pupils will still have to sit their SATs this May. Many children also have entrance exams for prep schools, private secondary schools and the 11+ to prepare for too.

Expectations are Important

Recent research shows that parents who place a high value on education and have high academic expectations can have a positive impact on children. However, with high expectations there must come a high level of support. Children who don’t get this are more likely to struggle. They also need to learn how to build up resilience. We need to teach them how to cope with the highs and lows of life, and how to handle exams.

Setbacks are not Failures

Children are often well aware of what their parents think about failure. If they are taught that mistakes are opportunities to learn, rather than being made to feel bad or a ‘failure,’ they are more likely to develop a growth mindset.

Using the word ‘yet’ is incredibly powerful and encourages the growth mindset. “I am not good at spelling yet.” When your child faces a setback remind them that the more they learn and try, the more their brains will grow. There are some great TED talks about the growth mindset, by Carol Dweck on YouTube.

Find the Revision Techniques that Work for your Child

Does your child remember best by what they see or hear, or do they learn by doing? Children may find learning easier if they know their learning style. There are lots of online quizzes, which children can do to find out whether they are visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learners. This may help them work out what revision style works best for them.

Take a Break

Make sure your children still have hobbies, see their friends and have a life away from studying, exams and schoolwork.

Educational specialist and children’s author Leysa Henderson, who taught Year 6 pupils for 15 years says, “We need to help children feel good about themselves when doing exams and not feel under pressure. I would recommend lots of creative and fun mental stimulation that isn’t necessarily exam/content focused.

“In fact, it is important to give them space from content. Helping children to make links in life also encourages independent thinkers. familiesonline.co.uk

Laughter is also a fantastic stress reliever, so go out and play silly games with them. I always gave this advice to my pupils, and I always got extremely good results.”

Avoid Distractions

Children can’t multi-task; revising with an iPad, mobile phone, television or XBox means they are not fully concentrating. The average person checks their phone over 80 times a day. If you set them up to study without outside distraction from the get-go, they will hopefully continue to revise this way when they go to secondary school.

Here’s some Advice from Local Parents:

Anne says, “Make it fun. No pressure, early nights in the week and treats at weekends. There’s more to life than exams.”

Karen says, “Don’t make it a chore, be light-hearted and don’t let them feel it’s going to dictate the rest of their life or reflect their academic potential.”

Agree on a Plan

Mark says, “We don’t focus on academic achievement, we tell our children to put maximum effort into their studies and to do their best. We value emotional intelligence, above exam results.”

Sleep Matters

Clare says, “Support them to relax and switch off when the pressure feels intense. My son regulates by listening to a relaxation CD at bedtime to help switch off his busy brain.”

Talk to your child about the schoolwork they need to do and devise a realistic programme of revision and work that they can realistically achieve. Remember they will need additional support from you, so make sure you can stick to what you have agree.

Children ages 10 and 11 should be getting 9.5 hours of sleep a night, and this doesn’t really change when they become teenagers.

Make sure they get adequate sleep by taking digital distractions out of their rooms. Give them an alarm clock, so they don’t use their phone as an alarm.

Set Them Up for the Future

Remember you are setting up your children with good habits for the future. Sarah Brazenor, a tutor from Connective Learning (www.connective-learning.co.uk) says, “It’s really important as parents to help your child get through these first serious tests in the best possible way. Once they go the secondary school there will be more exams, and some schools are not very good at using motivational language, so learning coping strategies now can set them up for the future.

“Find family mantras that work for you and your children. We have, “There’s no such thing as failure, just feedback.” We have to get things wrong to learn from them. It took the lighting pioneer Edison 1000 tries before he developed the light bulb. Without him continuing to learn by his ‘failures,’ we’d all be sitting in the dark.”

Bhavna says, “I rewarded my children for actually studying. I never focused on the results when it came to the SATs. However, I was like a woman possessed with my eldest for the 11+. Again, we rewarded her effort before we even got the results. A successful result did make her realise that you get what you put in.

I feel that this is a valuable life skill to learn so early in life.”

Gill says, “Be organised, don’t spring work on them, agree on a revision plan or work schedule with lots of breaks and treats. Help them revise - make them know they have a team helping them. A ‘we are all in it together’ approach, has really helped support my girls.”

Families Vale of York 9

Winter

HEALTH

By Claire Winter

Woes During wintertime some health problems like colds, asthma and sore throats are triggered or worsened by cold weather. Here’s how to cope with winter illnesses.

COLDS

SORETHROATS

• It may sound simple but you can prevent colds by washing your hands regularly. • Sore throats are more common in the winter months, usually because of a viral This destroys the bugs you have picked up from touching objects and surfaces used by other people. Also remember to make sure household items like cups, glasses and towels are clean, especially if someone in your family has a cold.

• Use disposable tissues instead of handkerchiefs and make sure you cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

• Make sure you dispose of the tissue as soon as possible, don’t leave it hanging around in a pocket or up a sleeve.

• You can also provide your child with anti-bacterial hand gel, which they can have in their pencil case or school bag, so they can keep their hands clean during lesson times.

FLU •

Flu can kill vulnerable people. The over-65s, pregnant women and people with longterm health conditions are the most vulnerable.

• The best way to avoid flu is to have the flu jab or flu nasal spray, which is for children

aged 2 to 17. The vaccine gives good protection against flu and lasts one year. If you are in a high-risk group make sure you visit your GP. 10 Families Vale of York

infection.

• A traditional remedy that can relieve the symptoms of a sore throat is gargling warm, salty water. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in part-cooled boiled water and then gargle.

ASTHMA

• Cold air often triggers asthmatic symptoms, like wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthmatics should be particularly careful during the winter months.

• If you do go out on cold days, wear a scarf loosely tied over your mouth and nose.

• Also, make sure you take your medication regularly and have your inhaler close by.

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HOW TO DEAL WITH A FEVER

When your child has a fever it can be quite worrying. Claire Street, a specialist paediatric nurse, who runs the first aid training business Child Matters (child-matters.co.uk), gives her tips on how handle fever.

Rest assured that fever is a natural response to common viral and bacterial infections and rarely causes any harm.

Some children are prone to febrile convulsions or fits, but these are seldom serious, not caused by the fever itself, and most will grow out of them.

However, there are times when a child with a fever should be checked by a medical professional.

• If a child under three months has a temperature over 38 degrees centigrade.

• If a child between three and six months has a temperature over 39 degrees.

• If the fever lasts longer than five days or if there are other signs of serious illness.

NOROVIRUS •

it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Young children and the elderly are particularly at risk. Drinking oral rehydration fluids (available at pharmacies) also helps reduce the risk of dehydration.

“Drinking water is vital too as the immune system needs to be well hydrated in order to function properly. Cutting back on sugary foods and drinks may also help. Did you know that sugar blocks the immune cells that fight bacteria?

“Lastly, don’t forget a vitamin D3 supplement.

We get vitamin D from the sunshine and it’s very important for the immune system. You should take it in supplement form, from October to April.”

winter months. Janet Padfield, nutrition expert from Apples To Zinc (applestozinc.co.uk) says, “What we eat can really help or hinder our ability to stay well over the winter months. Try eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables each day (think 1 green, 1 purple, 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 orange, etc.) as this will provide you with a broad range of nutrients, which may strengthen your immune system and ward off coughs and colds.

Street, a specialist paediatric nurse who runs Child Matters, a first aid training business (child-matters.co.uk), says you need to trust your instincts.

“There is no one specific sign or symptom that 100% predicts serious illness. That’s why it’s important to look at the whole picture and seek help if you’re worried. However, always trust

The Norovirus also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ is a very infectious stomach bug. It can occur all year round but is common in schools, hospitals and care homes during the winter. It isn’t pleasant but is usually over in a few days.

• When people are ill with vomiting and diarrhoea

you are concerned about your child, make • You should also think about your diet during the • Ifsure you seek medical attention. Claire

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To make your child comfortable make sure they aren’t over-dressed, offer them cool drinks, and use paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Any sick child with a rash that is spreading and not fading on pressure should be checked urgently.

Any child who isn’t taking in enough fluid, possibly because they can’t keep it down, or is losing too much fluid, such as through diarrhoea, is at risk of dehydration.

Signs of dehydration include: • Lethargy (extreme tiredness) • Dry mouth • Less tears • Sunken eyes • Not passing much urine Treatment involves rehydration. My top tip for rehydrating children is to use waterbased juices or squash, jelly and ice-lollies.

Making ice-lollies from oral rehydration solution is a great way to ensure they have it!

your gut instinct, as you know your child better than anyone else. If you’re concerned, then get your child checked and always go back if they’re not getting better. You can get help by seeing your family GP, contacting an advice service like NHS111, or visiting A&E if it is an emergency.

“As A&E waiting times reach their worst levels since records began 15 years ago, new research shows more than a third (34.1 per cent) of patients admitted themselves simply because they were, worried and didn’t know what to do.

“The most common ways to help you get the best treatment is to have clear information of the appropriate services available to you and getting valuable first aid education. This will help people access the right type of care at the right point in time – which could ease some of the pressure on A&E, and reduce patient suffering.”

Families Vale of York 11

B ost your M od

By Christine Bailey

with Food!

Many people may feel sad or down during the winter months, when the days are shorter and temperatures drop. For some people, including children, this low mood can be ongoing.

The good news is that research reveals there’s a direct link between what we eat and how we feel, so changing our diet and lifestyle can have a profound effect on our mood. Fortunately, there are many foods and nutrients that can put a smile on your face and make you and your family feel great.

Here are my recommendations for top nutrients, foods and tips to boost your mood:

Top up on Vitamin D

Vitamin D is the reason we love the sunlight as this is the primary source for this essential nutrient. During the winter months it can be difficult to get sufficient amounts, so it’s worth checking your levels (home spot skin prick tests are available online) and supplementing as needed. Aside from sunlight, you can get some vitamin D from oily fish, butter, eggs and mushrooms.

Choose Healthy Fats

Oily fish (e.g salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel) is one of the best foods for both your mood and brain health. It’s a great source of omega 3 fats which help optimize brain function and production of neurotransmitters, including feel good serotonin. Aim for 2 to 3 portions of oily fish each week. Vegetarian sources of omega 3 fats include flaxseed, chia, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.

Get Your Bs

B vitamins are particularly important for brain health and mood. B12 makes you sleep better and feel more balanced. Good sources of B12 include shellfish, fish, beef, liver and eggs.

Vegans should eat plenty of nutritional yeast and B12-fortified products such as dairy free milks. Folate is another mood booster as it helps make our neurotransmitters affecting how we feel. Great sources include spinach, kale, black beans, black-eyed peas and lentils.

Yogurt and Kefir

Probiotic rich foods like yoghurt and kefir are “a must” for a healthy brain. Packed with beneficial bacteria, researchers have found probiotics can help fight depression and anxiety. It is thought that bacteria may decrease inflammation in the body and increase levels of tryptophan, the amino acid needed to make serotonin.

Pump Up the Iron

Iron is especially important for your child’s brain development. In fact, studies have shown that low iron affects cognitive function, energy levels and mood. Aim to include some lean red meat, dark chicken meat, duck, seafood, lentils and leafy greens.

Christine Bailey is a Nutritionist, Chef and author of a new book entitled ‘The Brain Boost Diet Plan.’ The book can be purchased at www.amazon.co.uk/Brain-Boost-Diet-Planoptimise/dp/1848993390

12 Families Vale of York

Balance Blood Sugar with Fibre

Highs and lows in blood sugar through the day are a common reason for changes in mood.

Small children are particularly sensitive and typically require regular meals and snacks

throughout the day. To keep blood sugar balanced always include: protein, healthy fats and slow releasing carbohydrates rich in fibre at each meal. Berries, vegetables, oats, beans, nuts and seeds are useful sources of fibre.

De-Stress with Magnesium

When we feel stressed our bodies require sufficient magnesium which is often low in our diets. Magnesium helps you relax, helping to alleviate depression and anxiety. Find it in leafy greens, oats, salmon, beans, sunflower seeds and blackstrap molasses.

Include Tryptophan Rich Foods

Tryptophan is an amino acids found in many foods which the body uses to make serotonin.

Foods high in protein, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6 which are also essential nutrients required to make serotonin contain large amounts of this amino acid. Good food sources include poultry, oats, banana, salmon, sesame seeds, dairy products and red meat. The best way to boost serotonin production is to include a little carbohydrate at the same time. So a banana with yoghurt would be a great mood boosting snack.

Exercise

Getting outdoors and exercising is an effective natural way to boost mood. Exercise has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels - two important neurotransmitters known to improve our sense of wellbeing.

Dark Chocolate

Another reason to eat a little chocolate - just make sure it’s the dark variety! There are over 300 naturally-occurring chemicals in chocolate, and some of them can affect the human brain via the release of particular neurotransmitters which affect how we think and feel. For example, phenylethylamine is sometimes called “the love drug”, because it arouses feelings similar to those that occur when one is in love. Tryptophan is also found in chocolate and causes the release of the feel good neurotransmitter serotonin. A recent study found that eating 40g (just an ounce and a half) of dark chocolate daily for two weeks reduced levels of stress hormones in highly stressed, anxious individuals. The researchers discovered that compounds in dark chocolate affected our beneficial gut bacteria which changed the metabolism of stress hormones reducing overall anxiety levels.

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NorthWales VISITING

by Paul Wojnicki

North Wales has always been a favourite destination for families, with an array of attractions that keeps visitors returning year after year. The rugged beauty of the coastline, plethora of world class castles and stunning mountains of Snowdonia are only a relatively short drive away.

What’s more once you’re there then many family friendly attractions have been springing up over the last few years to compliment those that have been wowing families for generations.

Here’s my pick of family friendly attractions to plan a visit to this year.

Greenwood Forest Park

Easily the best value park in Wales, if not the UK. So it’s no surprise that Greenwood has won Best Family Attraction six years in a row. You’re guaranteed a full day of fun at Greenwood with thrills and spills galore.

Harrison and Ella are aged 5 and 3 and fell in love with the park, we literally had to drag them away when it closed- even though it was on a drizzly day in October. It’s hard to say what they enjoyed most, the moon buggies, the jungle boats or the grass sledging! Virtually all the activities are included in the entrance and the few exceptions- tractor driving and diggers- only cost a pound. What’s more Greenwood makes you feel good about your carbon footprint too, with a solar powered water ride and the world’s first people powered rollercoaster; the park is green in every imaginable way.

Conwy Castle

Llandudno Pier and the Great Orme- It’s hard to say which of these three is the most fun. The pier, like all piers, provides plenty of fun for children and you can easily while away a few hours- though you’ll more than likely leave the pier with a lot less money than you arrived with. Conwy Castle on the other side of the Great Orme however is completely free to walk around on the outside and is one of the grandest medieval castles in the world. Even the most jaded of travellers would be blown away by the scale and beauty of the 13th Century castle and the picturesque harbour town that surrounds it, so it’s hardly surprising that the whole of town of Conwy is designated a World Heritage site. But don’t forget to take a trip up the Great Orme while you’re in town. What’s the Great Orme, I hear you ask. Well you really can’t miss itespecially if you’re on Llandudno Pier- it’s the massive chunk of limestone that separates the towns of Conwy and Llandudno. There are a variety of fun ways to get to the top, including walking and a cable car, but we opted for the Great Orme Tramway a unique cablehauled tramway that has been in operation since 1902 and had Harrison and Ella squealing with joy.

Zip World

Zip World has built up a reputation for white knuckle experiences, with the worlds fastest and longest zip lines allowing thrill seekers to zoom at over a hundred miles an hour through the Welsh mountains. But the FForest site in Conwy Valley has more serene adventures for younger ones looking for thrills at a more child friendly pace. The highlight of the visit for Harrison and Ella was the FForest Coaster- a one or two person Alpine style coaster that climbs to the top of the hill and then rushes along a track through the forest to the bottom again. I was a little worried that at 3 years old Ella might be afraid but her only squeals were those of delight. Reassuringly though you have full control of the speed, if you want to slow down at any point. Other highlights include a tree hopping experience, a zip safari and a treetop nets, a tree top trampoline experience that’s a great workout for all ages as well as an adrenaline rush for those members of the family (namely me) afraid of heights.

Snowdonia National Park

- If you’re in this part of the world it would be criminal not to spend at least a day in the mountains. Indeed the drive to Zip World Fforest will take you into the national park, and Greenwood Forest is only 8 miles away from Snowdon itself. So at the very least drive across to LLanberis and make the easy hike up to Dolbadarn Castle or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway all the way to the top of the highest mountain in England and Wales.

It can get a little windy at the top, especially in colder months, but on a clear day it’s possible to see the illuminations of Blackpool and the Isle of Man.

Surf Snowdonia-

Ever since Harrison watched Surf Snowdonia on the Let’s Go Club he’s been at me to take him there. Now that he’s five he finally got his wish and we took him along for a Little Rippers lesson, that stays well away from the main wave and allows children his age to build confidence while learning the basics of surfing. For those with older children there’s a more challenging beginner’s wave where they can master standing up and riding a few broken waves. I gave the beginner’s wave a go myself and spent most of my time watching teenagers riding waves while I struggled to stay afloat. Kids evidently do this sort of thing better than grown-ups! But whatever age your kids are there’s a level of instruction that’s right for them and Harrison has demanded we return next year so that he can see Lota again (his Dutch instructor) and hold her hand in the water.

Where to Stay

Travelodge have hotels all across North Wales, including exceptionally good value rooms in Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Anglesey, Caernarfon and beyond. We opted for their hotel in Bangor, which was out of town but had exceptionally good links to all of the above attractions and also the fast ferry to Ireland. We stayed for three nights and had no trouble visiting everywhere in this feature and a trip to nearby Caernarfon Castle too. Finding a hotel that accommodates a family of four is never easy but like all Travelodges we were able to book a family room that accommodated all of us- and also our dog- without the need to book a second room. And with so many hotels to chose from in the region you’re always going to find one of them at a bargain price; we plan to return in mid-March and there are plenty of rooms available for less than £30 a night.

Paul Wojnicki is a freelance journalist who now specialises in family and overland travel. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Vale of York 13

< February Fun at Stockeld Park Be sure to go along for February Fun from 10 – 18 February at Stockeld Park this winter where the thrilling adventure zones will be open to visitors wanting a full family day out.

Wrap up warm and beat the winter blues with a breath of fresh air on the real ice-rink or enjoy a series of interactive playgrounds set in the beautiful Enchanted Forest. Don’t forget to get lost inside the Giant Snow Flake shaped Yew Maze - where there are discoveries to be made at every twist and turn.

There’s also an indoor play area where the children can bounce about on a giant inflatable pillow and clamber over play equipment, while the adults can sit back, relax and enjoy the delights of the café. Visitors can also head inside to join the Stockeld Rangers in their den with organised games, arts, crafts, and creative building fun with lots of blocks and bricks!

Book online at www.stockeldpark.co.uk

what’son jan/feb 2018

UNTIL 21 JAN

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE Step through the wardrobe this winter into the magical kingdom of Narnia … and the Playhouse as you’ve never seen it before.01132137800 www.wyp.org.uk UNTIL 21 JAN

Beauty and the Beast HARROGATE THEATRE Packed with everyone’s favourite pantomime characters, this enchanting and spellbinding tale combines jokes, magic and sparkle, all of which makes Harrogate Theatre’s pantomime a festive family favourite throughout the region and beyond.

01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk UNTIL 28 JAN

Explore newly opened areas of Wildlife World at Lotherton this February half-term.

Lotherton Wildlife World tells conservation stories from around the world, while drawing on the travels of previous owners of the Lotherton estate, the Gascoignes. The penguins and exotic-looking flamingos are native to Chile, while bashful tapirs originate from Brazil.

When you visit you can: • Learn about endangered animals, plant species and our conservation initiatives as part of European breeding programmes.

• Journey through continents to discover wildlife native to countries the Gascoigne family visited on their travels.

• Meet the animals with special feeding experiences and meet the Keeper sessions.

• Get to know the animals, how they live and what we can do to protect their future.

14 Families Vale of York

Cinderella BRADFORD ALHAMBRA Starring Alhambra Theatre favourite Billy Pearce, singer and Loose Women panelist Coleen Nolan and stage star Shane Nolan. www.bradford-theatres.co.uk UNTIL 3 FEB

Jack and the Beanstalk YORK THEATRE ROYAL York’s traditional pantomime just grows and grows. It’s become a York institution with a loyal, dedicated fan base which stretches back through several generations of local families. Don’t miss it!

01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk 12 – 20 JAN

Aladdin CARRIAGEWORKS THEATRE Brought to you by the amazingly talented LIDOS, this is a fun family pantomime that is a must see by all!

0113 376 0318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

14 JAN

Family Funteering BRIMHAM ROCKS Are you looking for some family fun that can also benefit a place you love? Join the rangers for a day in the great outdoors, learning traditional countryside crafts and experience the site in a different way.

01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 17 JAN – 8 MARCH

Tim Peake’s Spacecraft NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM Tim Peake’s historic capsule has landed, along with a space-age virtual reality experience narrated by the astronaut himself. During the Principia mission, Tim Peake conducted experiments, walked in space and even ran a marathon. On 18 June 2016 he returned to Earth in the Soyuz TMA-19M descent module, which will be on display at the National Railway Museum, York, from 17 January 2018. Additional activities for the whole family will also be available on weekends and during February half term. www.nrm.org.uk 27 JAN

The Big Garden Birdwatch YORKSHIRE MUSEUM If you love birds & want to help them, then this is your chance to do something that really counts.

Join free guided bird spotting walks at 10.30am, 12pm & 1.30pm, each lasting an hour. www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk 27 – 28 JAN

Residents’ Festival at JORVIK JORVIK VIKING CENTRE As a thank you to the residents of York for their continued support all the attractions within The JORVIK Group are offering free entry over the weekend. Residents are invited to visit after 1pm across the weekend to explore the reimagined JORVIK experience. Visitors will be admitted on a first come, first served basis. No pre-booking is available for residents. www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk 1 FEB & 1 MARCH

Children’s Story Time RHS GARDEN HARLOW CARR Children can enjoy a storytelling session where tales of great garden adventures and little garden creatures will be told.

0845 265 8070 www.rhs.org.uk 10 FEB – 4 MARCH

Snowdrop Spectacular BURTON AGNES HALL Every February, millions of hardy snowdrops push through the cold winter ground to create a magnificent ‘white carpet’ across the woodland floor at the Cunliffe-Listers’ Elizabethan family home. After enjoying the charming sight of the snowdrops, visitors are welcomed to the courtyard, where you can find scrumptious

TABLETOTS

3 FEB Kettlethorpe High

School, Wakefield 1pm

4 FEB Sirius Academy, Hull

1pm 11 FEB John Smeaton Leisure Centre 1pm 17 FEB Lock Lane Sports’ Centre 1pm 18 FEB Guiseley Airborough Leisure Centre 1pm 15 FEB Pudsey LeisureCentre 1.30pm 4 MAR Brighouse High School 1pm

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locally roasted Fairtrade coffees and speciality teas, home-baked treats and warming meals.

The Home & Garden Shop and Gift Shop will be packed with the new season’s stock for a perfect gift or treat. www.burtonagnes.com 10 – 18 FEB

Half Term Fun WHITBY ABBEY Family fun this half term with interactive activities for all ages. www.english-heritage.org.uk 10 – 18 FEB

Family Fun Mud & Machines RHS GARDEN HARLOW CARR Mud, mud, glorious mud, there’s nothing quite like it for keeping the kids entertained!

Families are being encouraged to pull on their wellies, grab the waterproofs and enjoy a week of mud & machines at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. 0845 265 8070 www.rhs.org.uk 10 – 18 FEB

Building Week STOCKELD PARK Join the Stockeld Rangers inside their den for organised games, activities, craft & building and get creative this February. Building Week is included in your entry ticket so mums & dads can relax with a coffee whilst little builders get stuck in. 01937 586101 stockeldpark.co.uk 10 FEB

Lego Circus LEEDS CENTRAL LIBRARY Build the circus of your dreams, then bring it to life using stop motion animation.

0113 247 6016 whatson.leeds.gov.uk 10 – 18 FEB

Victorian Fairies Week BRODSWORTH HALL & GARDENS Psst, have you heard fairies have been seen in the gardens at Brodsworth Hall? Go along and join in the search for fairies around the gardens.01302 722598 11 FEB

Family Funteering BRIMHAM ROCKS Try your hand at making flower prints, learn to make a campfire without leaving a trace behind, find out about the incredible craft properties of birch bark, spice up your salads with a bit of wood sorrel. Activities will be dependent on the season and changing from month to month so feel free to go again for another fun-filled session! Booking essential, call 01423 780688.

11am to 3pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 12 – 18 FEB

JORVIK Viking Festival JORVIK VIKING CENTRE With an exciting programme of events that explore the impact of the Viking invasion on Anglo-Saxon England, including living history encampments, walks, talks, tours and of course, dramatic combat performances, there is something for everyone at JORVIK Viking Festival. www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk 13 JAN

The Wizard of Oz JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE The irresistibly anarchic Oddsocks Productions are bringing another classic adventure to life with a hearty dollop of their trademark comedy, new songs, familiar faces & laughs aplenty! www.josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk 14 – 17 FEB

Awful Auntie YORK GRAND OPERA HOUSE When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, Lord and Lady Saxby, she has no idea

FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN

With lots of undercover fun including Lambing Live, there’s so much February Frolics family fun at Piglets Adventure Farm.

Taking place from 10am – 5:30pm every day throughout half term from 10th to 18th February 2018, what will you do first?

Jump aboard the tractor and trailer ride, see cute animals in the Animal Barn and if you’re lucky you might even see some baby animals being born in Lambing Live and Piglet Maternity Ward.

Plus, be amazed at the hilarious Sheep Show Live stage show!

Featuring amazing dancing sheep, each with their own special theme tune, you’ll learn lots about sheep and their wonderful wool- you’d be baaarmy to miss it!

Don’t forget to explore the Bale Play Baaarn with straw bale mountain, junior tractor drivers’ area, giant drop slide, rope swing, dig’n’play- there’s a heated seating where you can grab some delicious food and drink too!

Discounted prices when booked online.

For full information go to pigletsadventurefarm.com Piglets Adventure Farm is located 15 minutes from the centre of York, on Towthorpe Moor Lane, between Strensall Road and the A64, North of York.

Piglets Adventure Farm Park, Towthorpe Grange, York, YO32 9ST. 01904 499700 her life is in danger! Waking up three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell Stella what has happened. But not everything Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she’s in for the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie! www.atgtickets.com 14 – 17 FEB

Little Red: Ridin’ in da Hood PANNAL MEMORIAL HALL Traditional fairy tale meets girl power this February half term in this Pannal Players action-packed pantomime. Will Little Red and her posse save mum and the Dame from the hungry mouths of the dastardly wolf and his band of cronies? Why not take a trip down to the deep, dark wood to find out! All proceeds to local charities supporting families affected by cancer.

Tickets are available online at www.jumblebee.co.uk/littleredridinindahood or from Pannal post office.

15 FEB

Moon on a Stick: Little Red Riding Hood HELMSLEY ARTS CENTRE Follow the courageous Little Red through the forest to her grandmother’s house. With the help of the audience Little Red finds her way through the trees along with her trusty friend Felix the fox who can’t stop sneezing! Moon On A Stick mix charming storytelling & side splitting comedy to tell a story of bravery, friendship and overcoming all the odds. A fun and fabulous fairy tale with a twist. www.helmsleyarts.co.uk 15 FEB

A Morning with Jacqueline Wilson CARRIAGEWORKS THEATRE A very special event with this best-selling & award-winning author. As well as talking about some of her much-loved characters like Hetty Feather & Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline will discuss her latest paperback, Wave Me Goodbye; her novel set at the start of WWII. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions & books will be on sale before & after the talk. Please note there will be no book signing after this event but printed bookplates with Jacqueline s signature on will be available with every purchase from the book stall. 11am 0113 376 0318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk

15 -17 FEB

Penguins WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE Penguins is a unique and engaging show for children about friendship, fun, identity and the ever-changing meaning of family.

01132137800 www.wyp.org.uk 16 FEB

Black Magic – The Little Mix Show in Bridlington BRIDLINGTON SPA The Little Mix Show is an exciting high-energy pop concert theatre show suitable for all ages. www.littlemixshow.com 17 FEB

Circus Skills with Mr Dan the Circus Man HELMSLEY ARTS CENTRE Spend a day learning how to juggle clubs, perfect the plate spin, master the stilts and even walk on a tight wire! A jam packed day of circus skills to entertain and amaze. Ages 8-12. £25. www.helmsleyarts.co.uk 21 – 24 FEB

First Encounters: Julius Caesar

BRADFORD ALHAMBRA – THE STUDIO This new version of Julius Caesar is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare for 7 to 13 year olds.

24 FEB

Wrongsemble: The Selfish Giant

JUNCTION, GOOLE Once upon a time there was a beautiful garden, filled with flowers, birdsong and laughter, where the gates were always open. Now there is a high wall around it, built by a monstrous selfish giant, which keeps out all the children. Climb through the cracks in The Selfish Giant’s wall, and find the beauty that lies within the garden, and us all. 2pm, for ages 3-7.

26 – 27 FEB

Dear Zoo

YORK GRAND OPERA HOUSE The timeless children’s classic book makes its stage premiere. www.atgtickets.com

Be sure to check before you set off.

These were correct as we went to print but may have changed. Check if you need to book ahead too.

Families Vale of York 15

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

A Ve n u e Fo r All Occa s io n s Flexible spaces for Christenings, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parties and other events large or small

Catering Services

Sports Hall

Pool

Bouncy Castle

events@ashville.co.uk

www.ashville.co.uk

leeds.gov.uk/ wildlifeworld