FamiliesWarwickshireJanFeb2019

Warwickshire

IN THIS ISSUE Coping with Winter Blues De-Stress Term Time Routines Turn Your Family into Eco-Warriors

Issue 45 January/February 2019

familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 1

Warwickshire County Council

COMPOSTABLE

Special Offer Caddy Liners 6 rolls x 25 liners

only £7.95 inc. P&P for Warwickshire residents

Order now online www.biobag-uk.com/warks for Warwickshire

Caddy Liner A4 Landscape Poster.indd 1

25/01/2018 11:22

Warwickshire County Council

Compost Bin from £10

d and gar de n

ked food wast e Coo

wa s

Green Cone from £20

Co

ed ok

nd food a garden

wa st

e

foo ked o o nc

te

U

Take a leaf out of our book and compost at home

Green Johanna from £30

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/composting or call 01926 412593 Compost Bin Advert Landscape.indd 1

2 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

13/02/2018 10:49

familiesonline.co.uk

Issue 45 | January/February 2019 | Families Warwickshire Happy New Year Readers!

I can’t believe we’re in 2019 already. With our busy lives of work, home, family, school and just dayto-day ‘stuff’, time flies by at an incredible pace.

It’s important to take care of ourselves as well as finding ways to relax and recharge. For me, my daily walks with Eddie are my saving grace, a break from my hectic life and the perfect way to blow out the cobwebs and clear my head. Having a dog gives you a reason to get out and get some fresh air, which is great for keeping fit and beating those winter blues.

If circumstances mean that you’re not able to have a furry family member, why not volunteer as a dog walker with The Cinnamon Trust (www.cinnamon. org.uk) a wonderful charity which helps find walkers for people who, for whatever reason, are not able to walk their own dogs. Or join www.borrowmydoggy. com which connects local dog owners with people (e.g. your family!) who would love to look after their dog. Wishing you and your families a happy and healthy year ahead.

Claire

Cover shot Thank you to The Children's Play Village for letting us use this fantastic setting to shoot the front cover photo. Our model, Seb, had great fun at one of his favourite places!

Treat your little ones to a visit to the magical, immersive village which has been lovingly designed to light up children's imaginations as they explore and play. www.childrensplayvillage.co.uk

Kids’ Debit Card and App Teaches Value of Money and Giving

Home from Home with Chilly Powder

Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both? Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, as well as unrivalled in-house childcare services. For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home.

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com

Cover by Liittle Beanies Photography www.littlebeanies.co.uk

Next issue: March/April 2019 Booking deadline: Friday 8 February

All content ©2019 Families Warwickshire Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents, covering Stratfordon-Avon and Warwick Districts with around 20,000 copies. Towns covered include Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welford-on-Avon, Shipston-on-Stour, Southam and lots of the smaller villages in between.

Advertise with us and reach 40,000+ local parents and carers Families Warwickshire 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 Warwickshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Warwickshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Warwickshire; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

familiesonline.co.uk

Parents can top up the card with a regular allowance or set tasks for their children to complete to earn extra money.

Parents can decide where the card can be used (online, instore or at cash machines) all within set spending limits.

Children can set savings goals and choose how much pocket money and earned money they save. Now gohenry has teamed up with the NSPCC to launch a new Giving function, allowing children to make a one-off or regular donation to the NSPCC (capped at 20 pence per week).

More info visit www.gohenry.co.uk/why-nspcc

Schools that Ban Mobile Phones Improve Results

Contact details Claire Jones on 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

gohenry is a prepaid debit card and app that allows parents to manage their children’s pocket money whilst teaching them good money habits and giving them financial independence.

Should children be allowed to take mobile phones to school?

Opinion is divided. Some advocate a complete ban because of the potential for distraction, while others promote the use of phones as a teaching tool in the classroom.

Schools in England and Scotland have complete autonomy regarding their mobile phone policy, which has resulted in large differences in the timing of the introduction of bans.

Schools that ban pupils from carrying mobile phones show a sustained improvement in exam results, with the biggest advances coming from struggling students, according to research published by the London School of Economics. The large-scale study found schools in Birmingham, London, Leicester and Manchester that banned mobiles enjoyed a boost in the proportion of pupils getting five good passes at GCSE, compared with schools that allowed pupils to keep their phones, even if switched off.

More info at www.lse.ac.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 3

Snippets

Newly Extended Children’s Nursery at Hatton Country World!

Hatton Country World has welcomed the opening of its newly extended Children’s Nursery to its family run business. Hatton Children’s Nursery offers day care and sessions for babies and children up to 5 years old, combining the best in care and nursery education interwoven with the adventure of Hatton Country World. Situated next to Hatton’s new private Swimming School, the nursery now offers 100 places.

Not only does the Nursery now occupy a modern, air-conditioned building with views over the Farm but children have the opportunity to play and learn in a clean indoor environment alongside free daily access to the Farm. This includes access to the indoor sensory and soft play areas and Forest School activities which will be available from this January. In common with all Ofsted registered childcare settings, the Nursery follows the statutory welfare and educational requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

The Nursery is open from Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm with early starts available from 7.30am. Nursery Education funding is available for eligible children aged 2 and over. www.childrens-nursery.hattonworld.com www.hattonworld.com

Art Exhibition by Local Schoolchildren East Lodge Gallery in Leamington Spa’s Jephson Gardens is once again hosting an exhibition by young artists. Key stage two pupils at Clapham Terrace Community Primary School have been working with local artist, Lynne Gougeon, to create a new show for the gallery. The theme is ‘Man’s Influence on the Environment’. Each class was given a different viewpoint and a different medium to use to bring their images to life. Lynne has not only taught the children new techniques but also encouraged them to use their imagination, and to open their minds and their eyes, to notice little details on their street or imagine the colours and beauty of outer space. Clapham Terrace Primary School is a firm believer in the importance and benefits of art for children. In fact, they are one of only a few primary schools to have been awarded the Artsmark Platinum Award.

‘Man’s Influence On The Environment’ will be at East Lodge Gallery from 6 February to 3 March.

Lynne Gougeon is a Leamington based artist with a diverse range of work, from sea and landscapes to portraits and murals.

To see more of her work or enquire about a commission visit www.thisismyartandsoul.co.uk or find her on Facebook @thisismyartandsoul.

Remembering Rosie Rosie’s Rainbow Pantry is a local charity that was set up less than a year ago as a legacy to Rosie Abbott who sadly died in January 2016 aged 15. Based in Coventry, the charity aims to provide food provisions for families caring for children receiving end of life care.

Beautiful, inspirational Rosie was diagnosed in 2012 with a high-grade fast-growing brain tumour. Whilst battling her cancer for five years, Rosie continued to live her life to the full and raised thousands of pounds for various charities. She was awarded ‘Child of Courage’ during the 2015 Pride of Coventry Awards and received the BBC Radio 1 ‘Teen Hero’ award.

In June 2017, Rosie’s mum Louise had the concept about the charity in Rosie’s memory. Rosie’s Rainbow Pantry has had lots of support and is starting to work with other local charities, including Ronald McDonald House providing food for families in the communal kitchen and Zoe’s Place and Coventry Palliative Team who refer families to Rosie’s team.

However, the charity’s aim was to reach families at a national level and it has recently become a member of Together For Short Lives, the UK’s leading charity supporting children living with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

Rosie endured far more than anyone should have to go through and her fortitude in the face of cruel adversity was truly inspirational. Rosie put her illness aside and spearheaded multiple fundraising campaigns. She said, “It makes me happy to help others” and now her charity continues to do the work that she started.

You can find out more information and how to help at www.rosierainbowpantry.org

ChatHealth Parent Line Warwickshire School Health & Wellbeing Service and Warwickshire Young People Substance Misuse Service has launched a new way for parents and carers of school-aged children to get confidential advice and support about child health related issues. ChatHealth is an award-winning school nurse messaging service and is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. There will be automatic bounce-back responses to incoming messages out of hours.

Answering the text message will be a nurse who can assist with any queries about general health, child development, behaviour, toileting and emotional health and wellbeing issues.

The text number is 07520 619376. The opportunity to discuss any health issues relating to your child is always available and The School Health and Wellbeing Service can be contacted on 03300 245 204. www.warwickshire.gov.uk/healthchat www.compass-uk.org/compass-warwickshire-schools

4 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Warwickshire Promote your business and reach over 40,000 Warwickshire parents.

Call Claire on 01926 335004

familiesonline.co.uk

Snippets

Parenting Quote “When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen.

When they're finished, I climb out.”

Erma Bombeck

Cohabitation - Putting the Myths to Bed

By Alison Rolf

Dance your Days Away with a diddi dance Franchise If you’re looking for an award-winning, family-friendly business opportunity with a supportive franchise network then look no further!

Now is your chance to be in business for yourself, not by yourself!

Established in 2003 by professional dancer Anne-Marie Martin, diddi dance has, from day one, been the go to class for parents with active toddlers. diddi dance classes, parties and early years setting sessions are designed to engage and inspire children's own creativity by using action songs, dancing games and props all to our own original, funky music.

We are looking for more great franchisees to help us and join our mission to Get Children Moving! Our franchisees come from different backgrounds, but inevitably chose diddi dance because of what we stand for and are trying to achieve within the preschool sector.

Our low-cost franchise package of £4,995+VAT can suit anyone who wants to run their own business.

Contact franchise@diddidance.com or https://www.diddidance.com/franchise/

When Resolution did a survey of people, two-thirds of cohabiting couples still believed that the concept of common law marriage existed meaning that they believed that they had the same rights on separation and death as a married couple. Bearing in mind that numbers of couples cohabiting have more than doubled between 1996 and 2017, from 1.5 million to 3.3 million, this is very worrying!

If you are cohabiting you do not have the same rights as a married couple.

If one of you were to die, with no will, you are not entitled to their estate, this would go to their next of kin. Depending on how you own your property, this might even be the other half of the house you live in! If you live in property owned by your Partner and you separate, you have no automatic right to a share. Even if you jointly own the house, if you have done work to the house and you have nothing agreed regarding who will benefit from any increase in value, you may lose that as well. You have no right to claim maintenance for yourself following a relationship breakdown if you are not married. The right to child maintenance is governed by the Child Maintenance Service so this takes effect regardless of whether you are married or not.

It is possible to protect yourself in these circumstances by making a will and entering into a Cohabitation Agreement which sets out what will happen in the event that the relationship fails or your partner dies. Whilst that isn’t very romantic, you wouldn’t buy the house without taking legal advice so why not also take advice about the relationship?

For help with Cohabitation Agreements, contact Alison Rolf on 01926 357555 or email alison@davidsonmahon.co.uk

Alison Rolf, Family Legal Executive, specialising in all aspects of family law being divorce, financial provision on divorce, children, cohabitation and pre and post cohabitation/ marriage arrangements.

Healthy Drinks with Kids Meals The Oral Health Foundation (OHF) is calling for the introduction of healthy drinks as the standard drink option served with children’s meals in restaurants, insisting that it will significantly help to improve oral health. The call follows a pioneering law passed in California, which will see milk (and a non-dairy milk alternative) and still, sparkling or flavoured water being advertised on menus and served as primary drink choices with kids' meals in restaurants throughout the state.

According to the OHF, around one in four (24.7%) children age 5 years in the UK have tooth decay and new government data shows the number of 5 to 9 year olds admitted to hospital for tooth decay has risen for the second consecutive year. The charity believes rolling out a similar initiative in the UK will help combat the health effects of sugary drinks and protect thousands of children from tooth decay every year.

Please contact me on 01926 357555 to have a no obligation telephone conversation. I offer fixed fee arrangements as well as evening/ weekend appointments if you prefer at no extra cost.

I am a Consultant Legal Executive with Davidson Mahon Solicitors based at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth.

E: alison@davidsonmahon.co.uk www.davidsonmahon.co.uk

More info at www.dentalhealth.org familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 5

Dance – Movement with Purpose

By Andrew Campbell If your child is always prancing around the house practising their moves and can’t be dragged away from Strictly even if chocolate or ice cream are on offer, signing up for dance classes is a great way to tap into their enthusiasm for music and movement.

As well as being lots of fun, dance classes offer a host of other advantages:

Physical health

Dance improves flexibility, coordination, balance, range of motion, stamina, muscle tone, strength and posture.

Self-awareness

Coping with Winter Blues Most of us hate grey, cold winter days and feeling dispirited by them is quite normal. Just as it is natural for us to feel more energised and happy when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, research has shown that many of us feel miserable and lethargic, with a tendency to eat and sleep more in winter.

Get Outside

But, for around 7% of the population, the shorter days of winter can trigger the onset of a more serious form of recurring winter depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs regularly on a seasonal basis; usually in winter. It is twice as likely to affect women as men.

Keep Warm

Symptoms of SAD

SAD is characterised by a low mood (depression). Other symptoms include low self-esteem and self-confidence, a loss of pleasure in usual activities, loss of hope for the future, marked lethargy, feelings of guilt and social withdrawal. Unlike non-seasonal depression, SAD sufferers are more likely to sleep excessively rather than have disrupted sleep patterns. People experiencing SAD tend to eat more rather than less, usually craving carbohydrate-rich, and sweet foods, which can result in weight gain in many sufferers.

SAD symptoms generally begin as the days start to get shorter in the autumn.

Many sufferers cite the clocks going back in October as being the start of their symptoms. November through to February are the worst months for most and for the majority, symptoms start to improve by spring time, and may even disappear completely over summer.

SAD is believed to be triggered largely by lack of exposure to natural sunlight. Here’s what you can do to relieve symptoms:

Keep Active

Research suggests that a daily walk is helpful in beating the winter blues. As well as exposing you to natural daylight, exercise also boosts energy levels and the immune system.

Get as much natural daylight as possible, especially at midday and on bright days. If you are at home with pre-schoolers, head to the park. If you are working, go for a walk or eat lunch on a park bench. Try to plan some outdoor activities with the family at the weekends too.

Being cold makes you more depressed and staying warm can reduce psychological distress, such as the winter blues, by half.

Keep warm with hot drinks and food, layered clothing and efficient heating in living areas.

Eat Healthily

A healthy diet boosts your mood, provides energy and prevents weight gain. Try not to give in to a sweet tooth as putting on weight will have on impact on your selfesteem and confidence.

Lighten Up

Make your home environment as light and airy as possible and sit near windows when you're indoors. Light therapy is also a popular treatment for SAD. This consists of sitting in front of a light source that is much more powerful than ordinary domestic or office lighting.

Through dance, children develop spatial awareness, become less clumsy and pay more attention to others sharing their space.

They can feel more at home in their own skin.

Self-expression

Children struggling with language can express their feelings and creativity with immediacy in a positive way through dance and movement.

Socialisation

Dance is a highly social activity. In a dance class, children learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and co-operation, and make new friends.

Cognitive Development

Children strengthen their cognitive abilities and memory skills through learning and remembering choreography.

Behaviour

Dancing requires intense focus, discipline and co-ordination. This can have a calming effect and help children release pent-up energy.

Self-confidence

Dance helps build self-confidence with each new routine they practice and master.

There are a wide range of dance classes available – for both boys and girls – from pre-school ballet classes to primary ballet, tap, street dance, contemporary dance, pop dance and many more.

Take a Winter Holiday

If you can afford it and it fits in with your children’s school holidays, going away somewhere sunny in the winter months will provide some respite from the SAD symptoms. Unfortunately, this will only last while you are away and the symptoms are likely to return once you are back home.

Talk it Through

Talking treatments such as counselling, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you cope with SAD symptoms. Contact your local GP for further information.

More info: www.nhs.uk/conditions/ seasonal-affective-disorder-sad

6 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

¡Hola! Bonjour! Welcome to BilinguaSing!

BilinguaSing runs fun Spanish and French music classes for babies and toddlers in Leamington Spa, Warwick and Coventry. Well-known nursery rhymes and popular children’s songs are sung in English and also in French or Spanish. You don't need to know any languages to join the classes but you’re guaranteed to be singing along in no time! The songs are accompanied by a range of instruments, puppets, sensory play, bubbles, dancing, and elements of baby massage and yoga for the babies. So each group has a lot of fun playing and at the same time learning a new language together.

To book your first FREE taster class contact mel@bilinguasing.com or call 07815 149877. www.bilinguasing.com/coventry-warwickshire

DANCE CLASSES Spanish & French Classes in Leamington Spa, Warwick and Coventry Music, instruments, bubbles, sensory play, dance, puppets, elements of baby massage & yoga

H Southam Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat

H Leamington Fridays

H Shrewley Sundays

H Barford

ADULT CLASSES TOO!

Saturdays

H Cawston Mondays and Fridays

Book your FREE Trial Lesson

Call Lorraine on 07921 853773

mel@bilinguasing.com

07815 149877

lorraine@loveballet.co.uk

www.bilinguasing.com

www.loveballet.co.uk

New Classes at LoveBallet With their ever-expanding timetable, LoveBallet Dance Company now offers even more Dance Classes.

Their huge Air Track has enabled the school to offer Tumbling & Tricks Workshops which will run once a month on the last Sunday of every month. They also now offer Ballet Barre Fitness for Adults, in addition to Adult Ballet and Tap, and specific over 50s classes too. There is something for everyone at LoveBallet, from Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Cheerleading, Street Dance, Boys Street Dance, Tumbling & Tricks, Musical Theatre, Baby Ballet, Adult Classes, Commercial, Contemporary, Mini Movers, and more...... www.loveballet.co.uk

Beautifully decorated indoor tipi and outdoor bell tents for children’s and adults’ parties. www.boutiquepartytenthire.co.uk M: 07903 670620

Boutique Tipi Parties Boutique Tipi Parties based in Stratfordupon-Avon, Warwickshire offer a party with a difference. They provide luxury tents for those wishing to create a unique and memorable celebratory event. Their indoor tipi tents will deliver a magical sleepover party for your child and their guests, whilst their boutique bell tents will provide a stunning setting for your outdoor celebration.

Boutique Tipi Parties offer a variety of themes for children’s parties including; Woodland Fairy, Mermaid, and Pirate to name a few, and they also provide a bespoke service where they will style the tent according to your own special theme. They pride themselves on the quality of their products

familiesonline.co.uk

and attention to detail to make your child’s dreams a reality. Their Alice in Wonderland theme comes with 4-foot-high wooden Alice characters, stacking cup and teapot centre pieces and even a flamingo croquet game.

Adults are not left out either! An outdoor 100” inch screen and projector can be provided with their ‘Movie Night’ theme and the gorgeous mis-matched vintage china tea service with retro record player will wow your guests as you host an afternoon tea garden party. You could mix the Alice theme here and have fun with a “Mad Hatter gin party’. The possibilities are endless! www.boutiquepartytenthire.co.uk

UDIO ANIMATION ST hday Parties rt

Workshops & Bi

.uk nimate.coe.c www.letsa o.uk llo@letsanimat

0797 3354567

he

Promote your party business here and reach over 40,000 Warwickshire parents.

Call Claire on 01926 335004

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 7

Prevention is better than cure so here are a few tips!

1 Try to eat warm, nourishing food and drink. Ginger in food and drink helps the stomach and is also warming. Garlic is good for the immune system and clementines are great for natural vitamin C. Too much rich and cold food will deplete your children’s energy making them more vulnerable to disease.

2 Layer your child up – a warm hat, vest and warm socks are a must. If they get wet, get them warm and dry again as soon as you can afterwards. Wellies without an inner lining are not good in the frost and snow.

3 If a cough develops, keep socks on at night and rub a drop of eucalyptus essential oil into the soles of their feet beforehand.

4 Good hygiene is also important so try to get your child to wash their hands, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.

Moxibustion treatment

Natural Chinese Therapies can help with winter illnesses.

Moxibustion is a lovely warming treatment that can nurture a child back to health and will help stomach problems, aches and pains and lift a child’s energy to enable them to fight off internal and external pathogenic factors infection and disease.

Gua Sha and Cupping are very effective treatments in bringing down fever, expelling wind cold and dampness in the body such as coughs, colds, phlegm and snotty noses, and bringing up the body’s natural defences.

Help Prevent Illness the Chinese Way

By Kathleen Conway Christmas has been and gone but the cold, cough and flu season is still here for many people. Children become more susceptible to ill health in the winter months and it’s not just because of the spread of the flu virus. Winter is a time when our energy levels reach their lowest point so the most Yin time of the year, it is darker, colder, more damp and windy. Our energy internally is also at its lowest and we need more sleep, and warm clothes and food to protect ourselves from the external elements.

Running up to and during the festive season, children end up getting more excited and busier which is kind of going against the natural laws of nature’s wintertime. “Winter is a time of rest, hibernation, preservation of resources and energy, restoring and returning to nature’s womb, ready to return with vitality and new vigour in the spring.”

Tui Na is a very nurturing massage especially useful for younger children and babies which can help them recover from coughs, colds and flu like symptoms or stomach flu like vomiting and constipation or diarrhoea.

Herbs are a very good remedy for some children if you are able to administer them. They can be combined in food and in a warm drink but can often have a somewhat bitter taste so not all children will like them or accept them. For the ones who do or perhaps older children, this is also a very effective form of enhancing the body’s natural defences and getting rid of phlegm.

Acupuncture is also a very effective way to enhance your child’s natural healing agents and can be used in combination with any of the above treatments. Shonishin, a Japanese type of acupuncture which uses non-needle technique, can be used as an alternative for children who are a little bit more sensitive or worried about needles.

Contact Kathleen for more information or for an informal chat about how she can help you or your child.

Kathleen Conway LicAc MBAcC MATCM Dip Paed T: 01926 470038 M: 07813 120747 www.kathleenconway.co.uk

Road Safety for Children Road accidents are a major cause of death and injury among the young, with the risk rising as children reach secondary school age and have more independence.

Danger from traffic is also a big factor dictating whether children and young people are safe to walk and cycle to school, to the park or to see friends, and therefore can impede their ability to be healthy and socially active.

Whatever your child's age, road safety is one of the most important lessons they'll learn but it can take years before they are fully competent as they need to make so many judgements.

The Green Cross Code: Stop, Look, Listen and Think!

Your child may already be familiar with the Green Cross Code from school, but it's up to you to reinforce it. Give them time and space to practise it, even if it means walking a few yards behind them. Here are some basics:

Find the Safest Place to Cross Encourage your child to look out for safe crossing spots e.g. pedestrian crossings, islands and subways. Aim for them to cross at a spot where they can see clearly in all directions and where they can be seen, so not between parked cars.

cross – even if they are feeling impatient or running late!

Stop Just Before Reaching the Kerb Teach your child to position themselves so they're not too close to the edge of the kerb.

This means they are safe to take their time looking around for traffic.

More info at www.think.gov.uk

When it’s Safe, Go Straight across the Road - but Do Not Run Encourage your child to keep looking and listening as they cross.

Look and Listen Teach your child to look all around to see if any traffic is coming and check that drivers can see them. Point out that they need to listen carefully for traffic too because sometimes you can hear traffic before you see it.

If Traffic is Coming, Let it Pass Children find it hard to judge the distance and speed of vehicles. Tell them that it is always better to take their time and wait for all traffic to pass, rather than rushing to

8 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Education “tired but wired” and often in bed later than is ideal or struggling to switch off and go to sleep. It also means we’re more tired too. It definitely works for us to give our daughter 30 minutes of wind down time when she gets home, but then, homework is ON! Tip Two: Do Preparation with Your Child Before Bed Retrieve the items of uniform strewn around the house – your child will need to help you find items that are hidden behind the couch or the curtains! Put dirty items in the laundry and lay out the remainder for the next day. Check all homework and sports kit are bagged up for the next morning. Make showers/baths and hair washes part of the night time routine, rather than obstacles to overcome in the morning. It works to make sure you get a really good chat in with your child before they get into bed – otherwise, in my experience, they will delay going to sleep until said chat has been had!

Top Tips for De-Stressing Term Time Routines

By Linda Stone After the long school holidays in the summer, I guiltily look forward to getting our daughter and by default, our family, “back into routine.” I suspect I’m not alone.

Once I’m deep into term time again though, I find myself wishing the “routine” was a little less demanding, easier to cope with and didn’t involve the brains of my husband and I being packed full of “Don’t forgets…” and “Remember…” – often communicated between us last thing at night when, of course, they are most likely to be forgotten and unremembered….

Having chatted with other parents, I know we are not alone in this experience. So, here are some tips from my parent network for making the all-important “stress points” of the term time week – before school, after school, weekend – a little easier.

Before School Tip One: The Crucial 10 Minutes Experiment with getting up 10 minutes earlier. This may give you a chance to grab a cup of tea or coffee, have a shower and get dressed in less of a rush than usual. Being up 10 minutes earlier does, in theory, also give you a fair chance of making sure both you and your children are ready 10 minutes before you have to leave! This will give you time to gather your thoughts and make sure you have everything. No more (or perhaps

familiesonline.co.uk

just less) rushing out of the door and rushing back to pick up forgotten items!

Tip Two: Have a Checklist Either write an actual checklist for your child’s school morning routine, or just verbally repeat the jobs they are expected to do until they remember them. A checklist could include: eating breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, packing lunch and water bottle, putting on shoes and coat. It’s good to have a plan of their weekly school routine somewhere handy too so that you know when school library books are due back, which day is swimming or games and so on.

Tip Three: Use Devices Set reminders on your phone for special tasks such as remembering to give your child signed permission slips or leaving early for a school club. Think about an alarm for children who struggle to wake up. Set a timer for tasks such as 15 minutes to eat breakfast or 5 minutes for showering, so that you can keep your children on schedule.

The Night Before Tip One: Get the Homework Done It’s SO easy to let your child leave it until they are too tired to do it. So beware the pleas to do homework after dinner. This is always a disaster for us as it leaves our daughter

Tip Three: Build in Quiet Time Our daughter seems to need at least an hour of “unwind” time after dinner, if she’s to go to bed and to sleep quickly. She would like to dress up, dance, sing, watch screens, and research online. Instead, we have a compulsory half hour (minimum) of quiet activity e.g. reading to herself or drawing.

Tip Four: Do your Prep Make packed lunches, sort snacks, fill in permission slips, ensure you’ve written in your child’s homework or reading diary, if they have these.

At Weekends Tip One: Don’t Over Schedule Having too much scheduled activity at the weekend often means our daughter doesn’t get to catch her breath and replenish her energy before Monday. Try to make sure there’s chill time for everyone.

Tip Two: Get the Homework Done Part 2 In my experience, like toothache, the longer you leave it, the worse it gets! Don’t let homework hang over the heads of the family all weekend. Try dividing the work into two parts and schedule one just after breakfast on both Saturday and Sunday.

Tip Three: Plan the Schedule As a family, we chat about the week ahead at dinner on Sunday evening. We check email from our daughter’s school to see what’s happening in the coming week, and make sure we annotate details of extra sport/music practices, Book Club books, late finishes, early starts etc on our calendar.

Good luck!

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 9

Education

Top Marks for King’s High

The Best of Both Worlds’ Education

King’s High, Warwick has been named The Sunday Times West Midlands Independent Secondary School of the Year, 2019. Richard Nicholson, Head Master of King’s High, says: ‘I am absolutely delighted for our girls, staff and parents. This is a tremendous accolade, recognising both the girls’ achievements, and the allround experience we offer.’

The Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, comprising King’s High with Warwick Preparatory School and Warwick School, is heralding a new era for the future of the schools, in particular King’s High School, by relocating from the central Warwick location it has had since 1879. The Foundation is unique in the Midlands, offering co-education for pupils aged 3 to 7, and single-sex education from age 7 onwards.

2018 saw the girls achieve outstanding exam results. King’s was ranked nationally 21st of Independent Girls’ Schools, and 49th of all Independent Schools, for A-Levels, and 31st of all Independent Girls’ Schools for GCSEs. Girls divide 50-50 between going on to study STEM and Arts subjects at university. King’s has two recent Old Girls in Game of Thrones and last spring, girls organised a live link-up with an astronaut on the International Space Station.

Head Girl, Emma-Jane Taylor Watts says: ‘Girls at King’s take it as a given they can achieve anything.’

The nomination comes at a momentous time in the school’s 139-year history. In September 2019, King’s moves to its new King’s High school – with world-class facilities for girls - alongside Warwick School, creating what has been called ‘the best of both worlds - single-sex education for girls and boys, in a shared social environment,’ and ‘An education powerhouse for the Midlands.’

Richard Nicholson says: ‘Whilst we are thrilled that King’s has been recognised in this way, we are not at all complacent.

All that we do is focused on ensuring that we offer each of our girls the very best of educations. In a rapidly changing world, that remains our commitment.’ www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk

Project One Campus sees the move of King’s High School to the Myton Road campus, joining Warwick Preparatory School and Warwick School on one spacious, green campus. Building commenced in 2017, will be fully completed by 2020 and will see the creation of new school buildings that have been sympathetically designed within an enhanced pedestrian-friendly campus, linked green spaces and courtyards, and a new play area for the youngest pupils.

The King’s High educational buildings, providing a stunning new home for the girls, will house large communal areas, specialist classrooms, pastoral bases and administration functions. As well as the main school building, the new school will also include a Sports and Technology ‘wrap-around’ built onto the existing Bridge Sports Centre. The new purpose-built high-tech shared Music School for Warwick Prep and King’s High will include a range of practice rooms, performance spaces and a music technology suite.

The Myton Road campus boasts a wide range of sports facilities designed to enrich pupils’ lives and through Project One Campus, these will be further enhanced by five netball and six tennis courts for King’s High and a state-of-the-art 3G rugby pitch for Warwick School. There will be a new play space for Warwick Prep, due for completion by September 2019, which will provide a safe and stimulating place for a child’s imagination to flourish.

To find out more please visit www.projectonecampus.co.uk or on Twitter follow @POC_WISF.

The Sunday Times West Midlands Independent Secondary School of the Year 2019

From 2019, King’s High School will move to its stunning new home. www.projectonecampus.co.uk

10 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

“Girls here take it as a given that you can achieve anything” Emma-Jane, Head Girl

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

Last few places available in Nursery 2019 Bridge Field, Banbury Road, Warwick CV34 6PL | admissions@warwickprep.com | 01926 491545

www.warwickprep.com

|

@warwickprep

Warwick Preparatory School is part of the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, together with King’s High School and Warwick School, providing high quality education for boys and girls aged 3-18.

180 x 130 Junior School All Round and Open Morn March 2019.qxp_Layout 1 05/12/2018 09:14 Page 1

An Outstanding Education and...

So Much More

Independent boys’ school (7-11 years)

To register and for further information: www.warwickschool.org/key-dates

01926 776414 | admissions@warwickschool.org | www.warwickschool.org

familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 11

Education Independent Schools – Contact Details and Open Days Arnold Lodge Leamington Spa (Ages 4-18) T: 01926 778050 E: info@arnoldlodge.com www.arnoldlodge.com Fri 18 Feb, 10am-12pm: Teddy Bear’s Picnic: A fun morning for 2 to 5 year olds.

Bilton Grange Rugby (Ages 4-13) T: 01788 810217 E: admissions@biltongrange.co.uk www.biltongrange.co.uk Sat 2 Mar, 10.30am: Open Morning The Kingsley School Leamington Spa (Ages 3-18) T: 01926 421368 E: registrar@kingsleyschool.co.uk www.thekingsleyschool.com Sat 2 Mar, 9am-1pm: Taster Morning for Y7 entry 2020

PREP AND JUNIOR SCHOOLS Bablake Pre Prep Coventry T: 024 7622 1677 E: bablakepreprep@bablakejs.co.uk Sat 26 Jan, 11am-2pm: Open Morning Bablake Junior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1260 E: jhmsec@bablakejs.co.uk www.bablakejuniorschool.co.uk Sat 26 Jan, 11am-2pm: Open Morning Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery Kenilworth T: 01926 514444 E: post@crackleyhall.co.uk www.crackleyhall.co.uk Thurs 24 Jan, 10am-3pm: Open Day Crescent School Rugby T: 01788 521595 E: post@crescentschool.co.uk www.crescentschool.co.uk Mon 21 Jan, 10am-3pm: Open Day The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 293795 E: office@croftschool.co.uk www.croftschool.co.uk Henley Montessori Primary and Merrydays Montessori Nursery Henley-in-Arden T: 01564 792427 E: helen.everley@henleymontessori.co.uk www.henleymontessori.co.uk King Henry VIII Prep School Coventry T: 024 7627 1307 E: admissions@khps.co.uk www.khviii.co.uk Stratford Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 297993 E: secretary@stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk

Zero plastic, zero waste. Zero.

Local mums, Charlie and Marisa, met working as teachers and discovered they shared a passion for all things eco-friendly and reusable. They started Zero wanting to give consideration to the kind of world their young children are growing up in, specifically the problem of needless plastic packaging in many products. Having already been making changes to reduce plastic for a couple of years themselves, they were frustrated by the absence of options for plastic free everyday goods, which often come in nonrecyclable packaging. The result of this was their company, Zero.

They sell dried goods (such as pasta, oats and rice) by weight, eco-friendly cleaning products which can be refilled, plus a range of plastic-free toiletries and much more.

Importance is also placed on stocking the goods of other local businesses and encouraging a ‘shop local’ ethos. Any clean, dry container is more than welcome!

Operating via pop up shops, local markets and in-person delivery across Warwickshire, it’s plastic-free shopping made a lot easier. www.zerostore.co.uk

Warwick Preparatory School Warwick T: 01926 491545 E: admissions@warwickprep.com www.warwickprep.com Sat 16 Mar, 9.30am-12pm: Open Morning Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Sat 9 Mar, 10am-12pm: Open Morning

SENIOR SCHOOLS Bablake Senior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1200 E: info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk www.bablake.com King Henry VIII Senior School Coventry T: 024 7627 1111 E: admissions@khviii.net www.khviii.co.uk Tues 5 Feb: Open House

The Big Garden Birdwatch

King’s High Warwick T: 01926 494485 E: enquiries@kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk Sat 16 Mar: Taster Morning

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from 26 to 28 January and is the largest wildlife survey in the world. The information collected helps monitor bird species in the UK and is great fun for children. To take part, you need to watch the birds in your garden or local park for just one hour at some point over the three days and report your results to the RSPB.

Princethorpe College Rugby T: 01926 634201 E: admissions@princethorpe.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk

You can request a FREE Big Garden Birdwatch pack from the RSPB which includes a bird identification chart and advice to help you attract wildlife to your garden. To make it fun, challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park to look for birds, or make a day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place.

Warwick School Warwick T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org

More info at www.rspb.org.uk

12 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Family

Top Tips to Turn Your Family into Eco-Warriors

By Isabel Thomas

Saving the planet is easier than you think. And the whole family can get involved!

Go Herbivore for a Day

When it comes to gobbling up resources, meaty meals are the planet’s number one enemy. Each year, 7.6 billion humans chomp their way through meat from an amazing 65 billion animals. Raising these animals and getting them from farm to fork - puts enormous pressure on the planet’s resources and is a big source of greenhouse gases.

Avoid meat (and cheese) for just 1 day a week, and you could make a bigger impact than taking your family car off the road for 5 WEEKS.

Do Less Washing Up

You hate it, and the planet hates it too!

Happily, putting less effort into doing the dishes is a win-win situation. An average family washing up by hand uses around three sinks full of water per day - 10% of all their daily water. It’s possible to use much less if you avoid wasteful habits, like running the hot tap to rinse dishes. If your family uses a dishwasher, you’ll be VERY pleased to hear they can be kinder to the planet - as long as you don’t rinse the dishes first.

Ban Baths

One of the top ways to cut the volume of greenhouse gases our houses belch is to reduce the amount of water we heat up at home. Skipping even 1 bath a week can make a BIG difference. If you already prefer showers, don’t be too smug. Fast-flowing and rainfall shower heads use up to 17 litres of water per minute, meaning that an average 8-minute shower can use almost double the energy and water of a bath! To make showers eco-friendly, get out after 5 minutes.

fruit and veg aren’t put out on display or are left on the shelves by shoppers; and in our homes, where food is forgotten at the back of the fridge until it’s too mouldy and disgusting to eat. Play this game in the supermarket - who can track down (and take home) the strangest looking fruit and veg? No item is too blemished, big, small or gnarly - if they’re on the shelf, they’re safe to eat. Give them a home, so they don’t get thrown away - they’ll still taste delicious!

Plan a Rubbish Day Out

Imagine if your family stopped putting the bins out and stored all your rubbish at home instead. After a year, you’d be wading through more than a TONNE of packaging and food waste - the average for households in the UK. We’re lucky that our waste gets taken away every week or every fortnight, but it means we never get to see how much we really produce. So, find out where your rubbish goes once you’ve waved goodbye to the bin lorry.

Many landfill and recycling sites offer free tours for individuals or groups. Once your

family has seen the scale of a stinking land fill site, they’ll be inspired to reduce, reuse and recycle like never before. Plus, your house will look REALLY tidy in comparison!

Don’t Rush to Flush!

Around a third of the water we use at home goes straight down the toilet! Research has shown that flushing less often could reduce our water usage and bills much more quickly than turning off the tap while brushing our teeth, or even taking shorter showers. ‘If it’s yellow, let it mellow’ is backed by science!

Even easier is encouraging your family to take their first wee of the day in the shower - the focus of recent campaigns in Brazil and the UK. Doing just one daily wee in the shower could save 2,500 litres of water in a year - enough to fill a hot tub! (Though we definitely don’t recommend that - hot tubs are another eco-baddie!)

Isabel Thomas is the author of This Book is Not Rubbish: 50 Ways to Ditch Plastic, Reduce Rubbish and Save the World, out now in paperback from Wren & Rook, price £6.99.

Lose your Bottle

In the minute it took you to read this far, one MILLION plastic bottles have been bought, beginning a journey that all-too-often ends in the stomachs of zooplankton, fish, albatross chicks, whales and seals. So, what can your family do? Invest in bottles that are easy to clean and reuse. Fill up before you go out for the day, and while you’re on the move, look out for water fountains or ask at a café or restaurant. If you find yourself filling up your water bottle in a coffee shop while the adults around you clutch disposable coffee cups with disposable plastic lids, be sure to bring out your best hard stares.

Party for the Planet

Birthdays only come once a year, so most party goods are disposable. Wrapping paper, cards, decorations, paper plates and napkins, plastic cups and cutlery are all designed to be used for a few hours and thrown away. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Send invitations and thank you notes by email, make your own decorations, and ban napkins - provide a bowl of soapy water and a towel instead.

Eat Ugly Food

Shockingly, a THIRD of the food produced every year gets thrown away. The waste happens in many different places - on farms, where crops that don’t look perfect are left to rot; in supermarkets, where ‘ugly’

familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 13

What's on

Theatre Listings Royal Spa Centre

Leamington Spa Box Office: 01926 334418 www.royalspacentreandtownhall. co.uk African Children’s Choir Tues 29 Jan This concert reflects the energy, beauty, dignity and unlimited ability of these incredible children through song, music and dance. The performances are both uplifting and humbling and are an opportunity to experience the vitality of the youth from this challenged continent.

This performance will feature 200 children from local primary schools.

Giddy Goat Sun 10 Feb Follow the trials and tribulations of Giddy, a young mountain goat who is scared of heights. This musical tale of facing fears and making friends is an ideal way to introduce children to classical music. Learn the songs and watch the video at www.musicintheround.co.uk. Family concert ideal for ages 3-7.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Fri 22 Feb Based on the classic children’s books, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant is a celebration of individuality and the power of laughter! Featuring a menagerie of 21 loveable puppets, this is a tale of an elephant that stands out but is loved by his friends for being unique. For ages 1+.

Warwick Arts Centre

Coventry Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk I Wish I Was a Mountain Weds 6 & Thurs 7 Feb Herman Hesse’s classic fairytale is reimagined using rhyme, live music, and just a smattering of metaphysical philosophy! For ages 7+.

Brendan Cole - Show Man Sun 17 Feb Brendan Cole leads his stunning cast in a thrilling extravaganza of music and dance, from beautiful Ballroom to high-energy Latin. The very first winner of Strictly Come Dancing showcases the superb choreography and dazzling performance that has kept him in the public eye for 15 years. For all ages.

Kite Mon 18 & Tues 19 Feb A recently orphaned girl discovers a kite which comes to life and takes her on a wild adventure. Inspired by the world of indoor-kite flying Kite is a play without words, with original music, dance, puppetry and, of course, kites. For ages 7+.

Wilton Dance - The Storm Tues 26-Thurs 28 Feb One of Europe’s most in demand dance companies presents a whirlwind of lightning fast athleticism where acrobatics, breakdancing, martial arts and contact work fuse to form dance that will blow audiences away. For all ages.

Nick Sharratt’s Right Royal Drawalong Sun 3 Mar Join acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt as he shows you how to sketch favourite characters like Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, sharing ways of creating fantastic creatures, such as dragons and unicorns, and giving loads of top tips. A family-friendly, fun-filled drawalong for ages 6+.

The Belgrade Theatre The Albany

Coventry Box Office: 024 7699 8964 www.albanytheatre.co.uk Giovanni Pernice - Dance is Life Thurs 21 Feb Smash-hit dance spectacular starring Strictly star Giovanni Pernice. A stylish and beautiful show exuding effortless charm with all the elegance and passion of Italy that pays homage to some alltime favourite dances - Quickstep, Samba, Rhumba, Paso Doblé, Argentine Tango and of course, Giovanni’s signature dance, the Jive.

For ages 5+.

Days Out – places to go and things to do this January and February

Coventry Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Billionaire Boy – The Musical Weds 21-Sat 23 Feb This hilarious new musical, based on the bestselling book by David Walliams, is a treat for the whole family. When Len and his son Joe become overnight billionaires, their lives are turned upside down. Whilst Mr Spud spends, spends, spends on fast cars, 100-inch TVs, and lavish gifts for his glamorous new girlfriend, Joe is left to fend for himself. Can money really buy happiness?

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon Box Office: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk

A Christmas Carol Until Sun 20 Jan A wonderful adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic - one of the most loved short stories ever written.

In one ghostly Christmas night, cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge learns to pity himself and to love his neighbour - but is that enough? A festive tale of redemption and compassion. For ages 7+.

14 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

British Motor Museum

Gaydon A great day out whatever the weather Sat 9-Sun 24 Feb, 10am-4pm Star Cars Explore POWER and the science behind it! Find out about the Museum’s jet powered cars. Have a go at making a jet powered car yourself! Enjoy our daily science shows with Professor Pickle and Doctor Pumpkin who will bring the science of power to life with a BANG! All activities are included in normal Museum admission and are suitable for 3+ years.

T: 01926 641188 www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/ events/family-activities

Stratford Butterfly Farm

Stratford-upon-Avon Sat 16-Sun 24 Feb Walk amongst some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies and learn about the Maya an ancient rainforest civilisation. In the Discovery Zone see some of the crops that the ancient Maya farmed in the rainforest and are still being farmed today. Take part in our popular twice daily Meet the MiniBeast handling sessions with one of our friendly team members and hold creatures such as a giant African millipede, African land snail and a variety of stick insects. The Minibeast Metropolis is teeming with life and is home to an amazing leafcutter ant colony, one of the largest on display in the UK. Watch in fascination as the ants take leaves back to their nest along overhead ropes.

T: 01789 299288 www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

Kenilworth Castle

A fantastic place to let kids run free and get plenty of fresh air. Explore the ruins and have a great day out.

Sat 16-Sun 24 Feb, 10.30am-3.30pm Knights and Princesses Step back in time and imagine life at Kenilworth’s Tudor palace. Test your steel with sword skills, show us your best Tudor moves and experience the best bits of life as a young Tudor royal.

T: 01926 852078 www.english-heritage.org.uk

The MAD Museum

Stratford-upon-Avon Housing an impressive collection of eccentric and ingenious creations.

Interact with eccentric artworks, contraptions and machines, build marble runs on the giant MAD Marbles wall. A fun place to visit for all the family. Free family activity sheets.

T: 01789 269356 www.themadmuseum.co.uk

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall

Stratford-upon-Avon Discover where William Shakespeare was educated. Lots of fun for the family including dressing up Tudorstyle, Tudor games, Medieval wall paintings and brush up your Latin with our Tudor School Master!

T: 01789 203170 www.shakespearesschoolroom.org

Herbert Art Gallery

Coventry Regular art and activity sessions for pre-schoolers, as well as sensory play days with SEN sessions and lots more.

Sat 16-Sat 23 Feb (excluding Sun) 10.30am-3.30pm The Earth’s Environments Explore the Earth's environments through arts and crafts. Make clay volcanoes, marbled moonlight scenes and ice cave carry lanterns.

For ages 3+, but all welcome. £2.50, under 2's free T: 024 7623 7521 www.theherbert.org

Coventry Transport Museum

Coventry This huge museum offers a whole FREE day out of fun and discovery for all ages. Regular mini museum engineers sessions and dad’s days out workshops.

Mon 18-Fri 22 Feb, 10.30am-3.30pm Family Crafts – Made in Coventry Explore the story of the London Taxi in Coventry. Make your own taxi to take home and have a go at making it run with a battery powered motor. £3 (cash only). Drop-In. Booking not required. For ages 5+.

T: 024 7623 4270 www.transport-museum.com

Compton Verney

Nr Warwick A great day out for all the family whatever the weather. Lots of activities and special events to enjoy all year round. Woodland adventure playground, explore the galleries with an ‘art explorer’ backpack or take part in a range of craft activities during the school holidays.

Check website for winter opening times.

T: 01926 645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk

Shakespeare Houses

In and near Stratford-upon-Avon Visit Shakespeare’s Family Homes in and around Stratford-upon-Avon.

There are children’s activities to help bring their visit to life and special events throughout the year.

T: 01789 204016 www.shakespeare.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

What's on The National Trust

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Oxhill Open every Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon, 10am to 4pm Home to almost 90 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Café and gift shop, plus the opportunity to adopt a horse. Entry and parking are free and dogs on leads are welcome.

T: 0870 040 0033 www.redwings.org.uk/visiting

Royal Shakespeare Company

Stratford-upon-Avon FREE drop-in activities all year round including Dressing Up Box, Play Cart, Adventure Bags plus special events and workshops during school holidays.

T: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk/families

Rain or shine there's always something to discover, plenty of space to run around and an outdoor adventure to be had at our local National Trust properties.

Baddesley Clinton Try out Baddesley’s natural play trail with stepping stones, rope swings and a winding labyrinth. Follow the animal sculptures, made by local carver Graham Jones, over to the woodland for an animal adventure.

Packwood House Pull on those wellies, wrap up warm and have an outdoor adventure. Run wild in the woodland, get stuck in and hands on with activities such as den building and tree trunk hopping.

Charlecote Park Charlecote's a great place to start your outdoor adventure with 50 Things To Do Before You're 11¾! www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Foundry Wood

Leamington Spa An urban community woodland in the heart of Leamington Spa and Warwick. Learn about woodland habitats, wildlife conservation, traditional woodland crafts, and more. Regular Forest School sessions, storytelling, creative workshops and lots of special events. www.foundrywood.co.uk

Hatton Adventure World

Nr Warwick Fantastic day out for all the family.

Indoor and outdoor attractions and entertainment. Full programme of events plus farmyard animals, Guinea pig village, scales and tales, indoor soft play, adventure play and more.

T: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com/ adventure-world

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum

The art gallery runs regular after school and holiday activity sessions.

Every Wednesday term time, 10.30am-11.30am Arty Tots Sessions include play, singing and arty fun for under 5s and their carers. £2 per child.

T: 01926 74200 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ royalpumprooms

Swan Theatre

Stratford-upon-Avon The Play’s the Thing Family-friendly exhibition for families and children aged 7+. Take a magical journey through 100 years of theatre-making in Stratfordupon-Avon. Immersive, hands on and engaging. www.rsc.org.uk/theplaysthething

Warwick Castle

Warwick Jaw-dropping history, magic, myth and adventure! Get lost in time in the Horrible Histories Adventure Maze. A great day out for the whole family.

T: 0871 265 2000 www.warwick-castle.com

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve

Coventry Brandon Marsh runs regular Nature Tots sessions for pre-school children, Wildlife Watch after school clubs, plus activity sessions during school holidays, including crafts, den building and pond dipping. Learn about different animals and have lots of fun!

T: 024 7630 2912 www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

All Things Wild

Honeybourne A fantastic all-weather, year round family attraction. Lots to see and do indoors and outdoors. Get up close to some amazing animals. Step Through Time Dinosaur Experience where you come face to face with the creatures of the past and learn all about them. Play areas, dino land train, go karts, soft play and much more!

Sat 16-Sun 24 Feb Animal Antics See website for details.

T: 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

Ryton Pools Country Park

Bubbenhall Over 100 acres to explore. The park has miles of flat, surfaced footpaths, picnic areas, lakes, two exciting adventure play areas, a visitor/ education centre and a café. The park is dog friendly and during school holidays, there is a whole programme of events and hands on activities.

Every Wednesday, in holidays and term time, 10am-11.30am Toddler Trundle A weekly event for the tiniest of tiddlers! £2.50 per toddler.

T: 024 7630 5592 http://countryparks.warwickshire. gov.uk

Orienteering Events

Outdoor fun adventure navigation sport for all ages. Just like a treasure hunt, find the control points placed around the parks and woods. Suitable for beginners and experienced orienteers.

T: 01926 632189 www.octavian-droobers.org

Action-packed childcare this

February Half Term

North Leamington School Leamington Spa CV32 6RD

18th - 22nd February 8am - 6pm

Book before 5pm on Friday 1st February

Hill Close Gardens

Warwick A lovely place to visit. Children’s trail available. Explore the gardens and find the answers to all the questions.

T: 01926 493339 www.hillclosegardens.com

Ofsted registered EY476056

Early Bird Offer

£17 per day 8am-4pm

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 01926 298 178

COMPETITION

WIN WIN WIN WIN A Family Season Ticket to Stratford Butterfly Farm for 2 adults and 2 children as well as a Visitor Guide, Children’s Activity Book and a Couple of Identification Sheets.

TO WIN, email your name, phone number and address to editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk and write ‘Butterfly’ in the subject.

DEADLINE: SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARY (Competition Terms & Conditions will be issued on receipt of entry)

familiesonline.co.uk

01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 15

COMPETITION WIN WIN WIN

See page 15 for your chance to win a Family Season Ticket to Stratford Butterfly Farm.

& Nature Inspired Gift Shop

The UK’s Largest Tropical Butterfly Paradise!

Open all Year

Butterflies • Birds • Iguanas • Ants Mini-Beasts and so much more….

Check website for latest news, events & last entry times All displays fully accessible, carers free entry Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS

Tel. 01789 299288

enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

20 – 23 Feb BOOK NOW www.belgrade.co.uk

The Science of 16 - 24 February Explore POWER and the science behind it with our family friendly half-term activities

BANG

• Family Trail - Find the Fastest Car • ‘POWER’ Science Shows

G BAN

• Make a jet powered car • Family ‘POWER’ Tour See website for more details

ZONK

K N G O N A Z B

BUY 1 DAY GET 12 MONTHS FREE*

* terms and conditions apply

PO ONK ZW

£40

POW

POW

FAMILY

ANNUAL PASS*

britishmotormuseum.co.uk J12 M40 . Gaydon . Warwickshire . CV35 0BJ

16 Families Warwickshire 01926 335004 editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk