Families Pennines Issue 6 January-February 2012

FREE Issue 6

January/February 2012 www.familiespennines.co.uk

Pennines

Here comes the sun Holiday ideas to warm you

Our nursery guide Helping you choose

In safe hands The importance of first aid

The really useful magazine for parents in the boroughs of Calderdale, Kirklees, Oldham, Tameside and Littleborough

Give your child a head start at school!

The online reading program for children 5 Years 3-4 Years

First Steps The playroom section is designed especially for 3 and 4 year olds.

Completing the activities with your child is a great shared activity that will help develop positive attitudes towards reading and learning.

Ready for School Your child can build on the reading skills they have been introduced to at school.

The team behind Reading Eggs has been creating successful reading materials for schools for the last 12 years, and this experience has resulted in the best online reading program.

6-7 Years

Fun Practice Makes Perfect Your child can take a placement test to ensure they are working at a level that matches their ability.

The program is excellent for older children who need more practice to increase their reading speed and comprehension.

Reading Eggs also develops key skills in spelling, vocabulary and grammar.

7-13 Years

Continuing the Reading Journey Packed full of hundreds of great online activities and games, Reading Eggspress is a great way for your child to continue developing their reading skills.

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Where children become great readers! www.readingeggs.co.uk 2

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tel: 01457 870112

Welcome to Families Pennines I know that heavy snow can be a real nuisance for many people – not least magazine editors trying to distribute their January-February issues (!) – but I have to confess I love seeing the Pennines covered in a deep layer of fresh white flakes.

It’s such a thrill for children sledging on nearby hills. And building big snowmen that last a few days is far more satisfying than seeing a glorified snowball turn to a puddle overnight. Such home-based fun is easier on the pocket than heading off to the Alps too – though if you’re thinking of summer holidays already then do take a look at pages 10-11 for some family-friendly suggestions.

I’m off to put on my wellies!

CONTENTS Page 4 & 5

News – what’s happening near you Page 6

Coping in a crisis – why first aid matters Pages 7, 8 & 9

What’s in a nursery?

– Helping you make the right choice

Happy New Year,

Pages 10 & 11 Contact us editor@familiespennines.co.uk Tel: 01457 870112 www.familiespennines.co.uk Next issue: March/April Families Pennines is free to our readers thanks to our advertisers.

Design by Russell Finneran 01457 873300 www.stonehousecreativeservices.co.uk Printed by Warwick Printing Tel: 01926 883355 www.war wickprinting.co.uk Front cover: PRShots F&F at Tesco Copyright Families Pennines November/December 2011 Families Pennines is one of a group of magazines established in 1990. It is a Families Franchise independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families not its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

Pennines

Here comes summer – holidays on the horizon Page 12 & 13

Are we nearly there yet?

– Travelling with children Pages 14 & 15

What’s On – January & February

COMPETITION

Visit www.familiespennines.co.uk to win

Win a Tiger Photography

studio session & framed portrait

Stagecoach Huddersfield

now taking bookings for Spring Term.

Classes held in Slaithwaite

Call (01943) 510095

email huddersfield@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/huddersfield

Families Pennines has a Tiger Photography gift voucher worth £90 for you to win.

Pennines

To enter, visit www.familiespennines.co.uk/competitions Terms & conditions apply.

COMPE TITION Closing date for the competition is Wednesday 29 February 2012 Win family tickets to see

Visit www.familiespennines.co.uk to win

Congratulations to the winners of our Sept-Oct competition Michelle from Huddersfield and Rachel from Littleborough

Show your family at their best!

at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax

Please say you saw us in Families Pennines

Get your Christmas season off to a great start.

Families Pennines has two family tickets for you to win to the Saturday 10 December performance at 5pm.

To enter, visit www.familiespennines.co.uk/competitions Terms & conditions apply.

Closing date for the competition is Monday 31 October 2011

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News

What'shappening happeningnear nearyou you What's

Pudsey’s Pennine Delight Fundraising by four groups of Pennine children means the BBC’s Children in Need has benefitted by almost £3000 this year.

Over at Rishworth, Heathfield pupils collected £430.05 – with the privilege of throwing wet sponges at Headmaster, Anthony Wilkins, proving very popular.

Oldham Hulme Kindergarten children raised £150 by paying to wear stripes for the day.

Students of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy aged 5-17 pooled their efforts at the Academy’s 21 sites throughout the Pennines to raise a staggering £2,000.

You can read a full report at www.familiespennines.co.uk/pudsey2011 If you raised money for Children in Need and would like your exploits and total adding to the online report, email details to editor@familiespennines.co.uk

Hipperholme Grammar Senior & Junior pupils raised a total of £400 – plus, not forgetting the dads, an impressive £235 for the male health awareness charity, Movember.

Made to measure

Fruit kebabs and Christmas tree biscuits were on the menu for Hipperholme Grammar School Junior pupils in their new, purpose-built Children’s kitchen. The popularity of the weekly cookery club for those aged 4-11 inspired the School to invest in a children’s preparation area with child-height worktops, sinks and storage space. Headteacher, Louise Reynolds, explains, “ Our children understand the impact a healthy diet can have on their energy levels and concentration. They love to enjoy, smell, create and eat delicious food – and now they can cook a wide range of recipes. Who knows, we might even have our very own Jamie Oliver amongst us!”

When Niamh met Jacqueline Nine-year-old Niamh Coulter from Saddleworth was thrilled to meet her favourite author, Jacqueline Wilson, at Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms in Elland.

Mum & Dad, Naomi and Mike Coulter contacted Families Pennines to say ‘thank you’ for including the event in our October What’s On. 4

www.familiespennines.co.uk

“If we hadn’t read your magazine we would never have known about it.”

The Farrowdale House pupil took her signed copy of the author’s latest work, Sapphire Battersea, into school the next day to show to her friends who were very impressed.

tel: 01457 870112

Swimbabes teachers show how it’s done Congratulations to Holmfirth-based Swimbabes. They’ve raised nearly £1500 following a sponsored Swimathon as part of the Jane Tomlinson ‘Swim for all’ at Pugney’s Water Park in Wakefield. Eight members of staff took part, with Tanya the fastest – covering an impressive 1500m in 30 minutes. (Makes me tired just thinking about it – Ed) This year the money is going to the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund which enhances patient facilities and support, provides the latest medical equipment and

funds world renowned research dedicated to babies, children and teenagers with heart defects.

Swimbabes founder, Laura Molloy, was inspired to start Swimbabes after her son Joshua, who was born with a heart problem, benefitted from swim sessions.

“I had to go to Manchester,” she says, “so I wanted to make sure people in the Pennines had something closer to home.”

Swimbabes teaches in Ravenscliffe School & Warley Road in Halifax, Cedar Court at

Ainley Top, Calf Hey Cottage in Denshaw, Saddleworth and many pools in Kirklees.

Ring 01484 683570 to find out more – and please tell them you saw them in Families Pennines.

Winning ways at Labels4kids Congratulations to Ann-Maree Morrison, the driving force behind Labels4kids. She’s received the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Specsavers everywoman in Retail Awards. Ann-Maree started her business when she grew tired of her 3 young boys coming home with other children’s clothes. Labels4Kids produces vinyl waterproof

labels, iron on, stick on & sew on labels for children’s school clothing & general items. The judges were impressed with how Ann-Maree has created a dedicated following of supporters from across the globe through an active socialmedia strategy and online forum for parents and families on her award winning website www.labels4kids.com/fam

Money rolls in for CLIC Sargent Generous shoppers at Sainsbury’s in Salendine Nook near Huddersfield, helped West Yorkshire’s Hot Wheel Roller Derby team raise £332.20 for the CLIC Sargent Big Bucket Collection in December. The charity supports young cancer patients and their families from diagnosis onwards – including financial support such as a grant of £170 within 72 hours of diagnosis to help with immediate costs. The team were delighted to raise enough for almost two grants.

If you want to help CLIC Sargent, their Yummy Mummy week runs 10-18 March.

To register, ring 08451 206658 or visit www.yummymummy.org.uk

And if you want to find out more about roller derby – a full contact sport for women on roller skates - you can see the West Yorkshire team in action against Manchester at North Bridge Leisure Centre in Halifax on Sunday 29 January, see www.hotwheelrollerderby.com

What a difference a year makes February 2011 was a difficult time for Honley Day Care and Pre-Prep – they found themselves in administration. Within a week new owners bought the business and their confidence in the management and staff was rewarded just seven months later with an Ofsted report that deemed the nursery, “outstanding.” The delighted manager, Helen Blythe, is looking forward to 2012 with renewed confidence: “Staff have worked hard and parents have been so supportive,” she says. “Now we look forward to the spring when our pre-prep classroom extension will give the children more space indoors and out.”

Do you have a story to share with our readers?

Hot Wheelers collect for CLIC Sargent

Please say you saw us in Families Pennines

Email the details to editor@familiespennines.co.uk or ring 01457 870112 5

Coping in a crisis

“Are your staff trained to deal with an emergency?”

It’s rarely a question that is top of the list when parents are preparing to hand over their children to the care of others. But maybe it should be. Louise Bennett reports from a Kiss it Better course for those working with children.

Knowing what to do in an emergency can make a huge difference to the outcome. If someone is unconscious, knowing the right way to approach and stabilise them, then get help, can avoid disastrous delay or unhelpful movement of their body. For many parents, and certainly the professionals on the course I attended, the danger of a child choking is the really big fear – how do you do the right thing and not panic?

The course is designed to build your confidence through a combination of clear instruction and putting what you learn into practice – on each other! Olivia from West Vale Primary in Halifax found learning this way in a small group worked. “The information is much clearer and the hands-on really helps with learning. It makes it stick more.” Stacey from Oakwood Nursery in Huddersfield agreed, “The interactive side keeps it interesting.”

It’s never too soon to start learning!

At Oldham Hulme Kindergarten, we accept children in the term that they become 3 years old.

“Outstanding”

ISI inspection 2011

www.ohgs.co.uk tel: 0161 624 4497

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Those attending included nursery & school workers; yoga & pilates instructors who work with pregnant & new mums; and out-of-school sport instructors. All wanted to ensure they would react instinctively if the need arose.

Those who had done first aid courses before said the Kiss it Better approach - teaching in small groups up to 12, practising the skills on each other and specialist baby dolls so they become automatic , combined with Emerald Brook’s patient, personal attention to every detail - was a very effective way to develop and improve their skills.

If you, or the people who look after your children, feel they would benefit from a Kiss it Better course, the next Paediatric First Aid courses run on 26 & 27 January and 8 & 9 March from 9.30am4.30pm at Cote Royd House, Edgerton, Huddersfield. It costs £85 per person – though Heads and Deputy Heads who book their place before 1st April will receive a £30 discount if they mention Families Pennines. Group bookings for up to 12 staff trained onsite costs £600.

Parents can find details of courses for them in the Februar y what’s on, page 15. To book, ring Emerald on 07903 655195.

YOUR CHILDREN ARE AMAZING ALREADY. WE JUST HELP THEM PROVE IT.

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What’s in a nursery?

So, your little one’s growing up and it’s time to start thinking about nurseries. Day nurseries, nursery schools, pre-schools – nurseries come in all shapes and sizes and navigating your way through them can be daunting. Whether you’re going back to work or just want your child to benefit from all that nursery has to offer, Joanna Parry offers a guide to finding the best, and right, nursery for you.

Day nurseries

Nursery schools

Open usually 8am-6pm, day nurseries are a good option for working parents as many will take babies from 3 months. The day follows structured activities interspersed with naps, meals and outdoor play.

Day nurseries offer continuity of care. Your child doesn’t have to stay all day – many day nurseries will do half days or you can collect early.

Nursery schools are often more formal in the way they structure sessions. They usually take children from 2.5-3 years and provide a grounding for starting school, teaching letters, shapes, numbers and sometimes even early-stage reading. They give children the opportunity to make friends of the same age as most require children to do either 5 morning or 5 afternoon sessions, so the same children will be there every day. They are often smaller scale with a personal touch, too, but perhaps are not so convenient for working families.

Kiddywinks nursery in the centre of Halifax provides flexible sessions for people who work shifts, opening 8am-6pm on Saturdays as well as 7.30am-6pm Monday-Friday. Extended hours, for an extra charge, are a further option. With a holiday club and before & afterschool care available up to the age of 13, there is considerable scope for continuity of care.

To find out more, ring Kiddywinks on 01422 340493.

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Pre-schools and playgroups Playgroups usually take children from 2.5 years, offering short sessions to 'ease' your child out of the home and into a more sociable learning environment where they can play, learn and have fun. Playgroups have a varied mix of toys, games, singing, story-time, arts and crafts and usually an outdoor area.

Parents are encouraged to be active members of the playgroup and their small-scale settings are less daunting for shy children. They are also excellent value for money as they tend to be not-for-profit and are sometimes staffed by volunteers, with parents staying to help out.

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What’s in a nursery?

Nursery classes in schools

Hipperholme

The first step in ‘real’ school life, these can be excellent for children who are ready for school and structured, educational play. They are convenient if you already have siblings at the school, but again sessions are often only 3 hours long which may not be practical.

Nursery classes in independent schools are more likely to offer full school-day sessions but nursery classes attached to state schools are free! It’s important to remember that a school nursery place does not automatically guarantee a place in reception.

l small class sizes

For parents in the Pennines three to consider are Heathfield at Rishworth, the nursery at Hipperholme Grammar and Oldham Hulme Kindergarten. All three schools offer the prospect of educating your child through to 18, thereby removing the stress of choosing primary and secondary schools at a later date.

l outstanding pastoral care l academic excellence with traditional values l take children from 3 with entry in September, January & Easter l morning & afternoon sessions are offered, with morning children usually staying for lunch l before & after school clubs extend provision from 7.30am to 6pm l there is no nursery provision outside term time l provides a broad range of specialist teachers, including sport, music, French l see www.hgsf.org.uk or ring 01422 202256 for more information

Heathfield

Oldham Hulme Kindergarten

l take children from their 3rd birthday

l take children from the term in which they have their 3rd birthday

l parents may choose sessions to suit them l holiday provision includes a week at Christmas & Easter and four weeks in summer l nursery children have full access to specialist teachers for PE, swimming, art, music & dance, the extensive grounds with outdoor classroom areas, and facilities such as sports fields, ICT suite and 25-metre indoor pool l before & after school care extends provision from 7.45am to 5.45pm l meals are freshly cooked in the school kitchen l the Independent Schools Inspectorate judged the Foundation Stage provision ‘outstanding’ in November 2011 whilst 2010 assessments of the Foundation Stage showed every child working above the national average l see www.rishworth-school.co.uk or ring 01422 822217 for more information

l indoor and outdoor purpose-built facilities and resources l natural woodland to explore within the grounds l visits welcome at any time by arrangement l see www.ohgs.co.uk or ring 0161 624 4497 for more information

Montessori nurseries Montessori teaching is based on a method which fosters and guides children’s in-built curiosity for learning. In a Montessori nursery it is the children themselves who choose from the range of activities offered. Using sensory materials to provide intellectual, physical and psychological stimuli, Montessori schools aim to develop the child's whole personality. Tr y Mill Cottage Montessori, Brighouse on 01484 400500 or Glen House Montessori, Hebden Bridge on 01422 884682.

Now open Saturdays Caring for children aged 0-13 years Holiday club before and after-school care available

telephone

01422 340493 (daytime)

6 North Parade, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 1YQ 8

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How to find the right nursery – a parents’ guide: l Start early! “It sounds ridiculous, but I put my bump down for nursery when I was pregnant,” says Camille, mother of one. “OK, I wasted a few registration fees, but at least I got a place at the nursery I really wanted.”

l Consider your child’s routine. “My little one sleeps 1-3pm,” says Alice, a first-time mum, “so afternoon nursery is no good for me.”

Many parents also want a nursery that provides all meals – but do consider what your child is being fed & where it is cooked!

l Near or far? Think about the time it takes to get to nursery.

There’s a lot to be said for a nursery around the corner from home as your little one may not appreciate an hour-long journey home when they’re collected at 6pm.

l What does the nursery offer? How are the sessions structured? Look for a mix of fun along with quieter activities. Are there additional classes such as French and ballet? Do they take the older children on outings? How much is your child learning in preparation for school? Do you want them to learn letters and numbers?

l Does the nursery have a welcoming, happy, cheerful atmosphere? Some nurseries offer cosy, home-like environments whereas others have more room to run around in. A child-friendly outdoor space can be a real draw when choosing a nursery, especially for lively boys. Also, check basic things like security, cleanliness and equipment. l “Looks aren’t everything,” says Kate, mother of 3. “If a nursery is a bit shabby it could still be fantastic in terms of quality of care.

And perfect, pristine equipment is not being used!” l Watch the staff. Look at their ages – the younger staff may have energy but the older ones have experience and usually more patience. “My preference is always an owner-run nursery,” says Marianna, mum of 2. “It’s their own business and they’ll really care about it.” Are the carers interacting with the children or are they just chatting to each other? Look at staff turnover and ask if the nursery ever uses agency staff

Nursery grants explained Nursery fees vary greatly, depending on location, demand and what is offered. They start at around £100 a week and go up to 4 times that, but there are ways to get help with the costs: l Nursery Education Grant - all 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free early-education a week for 38 weeks of the year.

This applies until they reach compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday), and can be applied flexibly over a minimum of three days. Free early education places are available at a range of early years settings including nursery schools and classes, children's centres, day nurseries, play groups and pre-schools and childminders. Your child will be eligible for the Nursery Education Grant from the term after their third birthday.

l Communication is important. “I wanted a nursery for Annabel where her key worker would chat to me every day and tell me what she had been up to. Some nurseries I looked around seemed too busy to do that,” says Sarah l Read the latest OFSTED report - a great way for detailed info on everything from quality of care and education to cleanliness and opportunities for play. Although all nurseries follow OFSTED guidelines, there’s room for interpretation! l Flexibility helps. Can you swap a day or add an afternoon?

You'll soon discover how useful this can be l The best way to choose a nursery is gut instinct. Look at whether the children are relaxed, happy, stimulated and engaged. “If it clicks, it’s probably right,” says Jo

If you choose a nursery which costs more than the funding or use the nursery for more hours, the grant will be offset against your bill l Your employer may provide subsidised onsite childcare, or offer Childcare Vouchers as a portion of your salary. Download a guide at www.childcarevouchers.co.uk or find out more about Childcare Vouchers at www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/ccin.htm. Check if your nursery will accept Childcare Vouchers l You may be able to recoup some of your childcare costs through the tax credit scheme, depending on the number of hours you work and your household income. To find out if you are eligible go to www.payingforchildcare.org.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits

Check out our unique swim, holiday and outdoor shop online and in Holmfirth.

Baby and toddler swimming lessons at warm, local pools for ages 1 to 18 months.

www.swimbabes.co.uk t:01484 683570

Please say you saw us in Families Pennines

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All aboard for summer 2012 So there are still Christmas bills to pay and the days seem short and dark.

Let Joanna Moorhead lift your spirits with ideas for summer holidays that won’t break the bank. of lovely Blue Flag beaches – and everything on the website has been checked for familyfriendliness. Great pubs for lunches and suppers out, too – and Norfolk is also a very good option for families who love cycling.

Perfect for: Families with young children wanting to get away from the crowds Midsummer prices: from around £21 per person, per night www.recommendedfamilyholidays.com

Hideaway in Robin Hood’s forest Select Camp lodge suite

Affordable luxury – and abroad too Glamping is the way to go: much more reasonable prices than villas or hotels, and a wide range of family-friendly sites. And what’s new on the glamping block for 2012 is an ever-widening range of top-notch accommodation: for 2012, Select Camp has a new range of what it’s calling ‘lodge suites’ featuring a canopy bed, free-standing oval bath, fully-equipped kitchen, shower and toilet – and a separate junior lodge tent next to the main suite. Select Camp also has four new sites, three in Italy and one in Spain – and coming soon, a brand new website which should make browsing and booking a lot easier too.

Perfect for: Budget-conscious, adventurous families Midsummer prices: from around £24 per person, per night www.selectcamp.co.uk

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Poppyland cottages

Away from the crowds in Norfolk If you love Cornwall and Devon, but are frustrated by the prices and the crowds, why not head instead for Norfolk? Cottage prices for midsummer are cheaper, it will take you less time to get there and it’s much easier to get to and from the beaches and other attractions because the roads are far less clogged. For a comfortable, child-friendly cottage look on the Recommended Family Holidays website under the ‘East of England’ tab. Poppyland Cottages, for example, have a range of properties dotted around a series of beautiful villages, and within easy reach

What child wouldn’t be excited to be holidaying in the centre of the wood made famous by the legendary Robin Hood?

And what parent wouldn’t be happy to join them, now Forest Holidays are extending their venues to this one? The new lodges, which open this spring, will be set in the middle of 3,300 acres of forest, and include basic cabins to de lux ‘golden oak plus’ cabins with their own hot tub. Loads to do for all ages – Sherwood Forest has a glorious labyrinth of cycle trails, plus farm parks, arts & craft centres and play areas.

Perfect for: active families in search of a change from Center Parcs (and more of a bargain) Midsummer prices: From around £30 per person per night www.forestholidays.co.uk

Poppyland cottages

tel: 01457 870112

Camping meets boutique hotel Molly Dishwasher isn’t just an unusual name for a holiday experience – it’s an unusual experience, too. You stay in a shepherd’s hut nestled among acres of meadows and woodland in deepest Sussex. A comfy double for you, bunk beds for the children, all squeezed into a small but beautiful space with oodles of special little touches.

Young children adore staying somewhere different, and they love pulling their parents into their adventures – which is what makes Molly Dishwasher such a hit. Plus breakfast included, a BBQ and food on hand, and loads of places to explore in the area including Drusilla’s Zoo, Battle Abbey, Hever Castle and endless beaches.

Perfect for: families with small children who want a pint-sized adventure without having to travel too far.

Midsummer prices: Around £20 per person per night www.mollydishwasher.com

Mollydishwasher

visit www.recommendedfamilyhotels.com

Pamper yourself in Devon The word ‘barton’ means ‘a small country estate’ in Devon, so head for Libbear Barton and what you’ll be buying is a slice of laidback country high life, half an hour from the nearest beach. Libbear Barton is a 40-acre farm with four properties: the Georgian farmhouse (sleeping up to 14) and three cottages. Rent one if you’re holidaying with your immediate family, or rent two or even all of them if you’re bringing your extended clan or another family or families along (the maximum number of guests, if you take all the properties, is 39).

The whole place is kitted out with under-fives in mind, so you won’t need to worry about cramming the car with clobber – even buggies are provided. You won’t need to leave the farm every day, because there’s plenty to do there – an adventure playground, indoor swimming pool, woodland and meadows, a fishing lake, games room and loads and loads of play space. For those days when you do want to venture out, north Devon is teeming with family-friendly things to do, and the beautiful beach at Bude is only 15 miles away.

Perfect for: groups of families holidaying together Midsummer prices: from £36 per person per night, based on full occupancy in July/August More details: www.libbearbarton.co.uk

Mollydishwasher

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Further afield...

If you’re looking for something more exotic, recommendedfamilyhotels.com has a choice of hotels in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Africa, as well as Europe – all recommended by real families who’ve stayed in them. Scottdunn.com can help you craft the family holiday of a lifetime from farflung Thailand & Nepal to luxury in the Med. Markwarner.co.uk have wonderful familyfriendly resorts in Corsica, Turkey, Portugal, Sardinia and Greece – ideal destinations if you don’t want a long flight.

Add Sparkle to your party

www.FunAndGlitter.co.uk 0161 485 9809

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Structured 45 minute sessions Jumping, rolling, climbing, balancing Fun songs and rhymes Specially designed children’s equipment Separate classes for ages 7 months to 7 yrs Tuesday – Northowram, Halifax Wednesday and Saturday – Huddersfield Thursday – Holme Valley Friday – Denby Dale

To book, phone 01484 689467 or visit www.tumbletots.com/huddersfield

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Are we near It’s the question every parent dreads – especially when you can still see your home in the rear view mirror. Ben Hatch, author of Are we nearly there yet? 8,000 misguided miles round Britain in a Vauxhall Astra, his wife Dinah and their two children Phoebe (3) and Charlie (1) spent 5 months touring Britain’s familyfriendly attractions. In the course of 8000 miles they reviewed 900 attractions, slept in tents, mobile homes, castles, hotels, and, once, in their car. They were attacked by bats, had confrontations with puff adders, Nazis and Billie Piper's pyjamas.

Now much, much wiser, Ben shares 15 things he learnt the hard way: Always carry treats. Travelling with children minus treats is like walking through a vampireinfested grave-yard after midnight without a wooden stake. You might survive, but why take the chance.

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At Eureka!, the national children’s museum in Halifax, we learnt that queues in a play Post Office are

almost as long as in a real one. Recovering here from a tense afternoon at the Bronte Parsonage ("Daddy, this is so boring it's unbelievable") I fell blissfully asleep in a mocked up Bedouin tent, despite the surround-sound of toddlers at play being marginally higher in pitch than an apehouse at 10 minutes past feeding time.

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Not owning a sat-nav today is like being a 14th century sailor and trying to round the Cape without a nautical chart. We bought one halfway through our trip. Put it this way, if I’d a choice – brakes or sat-nav? - I’d gladly drill a hole in the driver’s footwell and use my feet to slow down.

Containing the world’s largest collection of David Hockneys, The 1 8 5 3 Gallery in Saltaire, near Bradford, has a café where staff heat up baby food and turn a blind eye while your toddler daughter completes, fittingly, her first mixed media work (a rabbit that involved crayons, a pencil and a sachet of Ketchup from her fish-finger sandwich).

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I now never to listen to my wife on health matters. In a serviced apartment in Leeds she advised me a pain in my side was trapped wind and I should “cycle in the air” to alleviate it.

I was eventually rushed (after she and the kids finished watching Nina and Neurones on Cbeebies) to the A & E department of St James’s Hospital, Leeds where a kidney stone was diagnosed.

In-car DVD players are a must.

They’re available for under £100 but don’t buy the cheapest. We did and it kept disconnecting from the cigarette lighter and returning the film to the beginning every time my wife scratched her leg in the passenger seat. Consequently

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Ben and Charlie at Saltaire

Forget I-spy.

It’s over in seconds as there’s nothing consistent to see from a speeding car window except the road, others cars and the sky. Instead play I-don’t-Spy, as in ‘I don’t spy with my little eye something beginning with P,’ where the p is then capable of being anything in the known universe unobservable from your car. Our kids once spent two hours guessing the word gnu.

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Eureka!

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www.familiespennines.co.uk

despite watching Finding Nemo 10 times during our 8,000 mile trip round Britain the kids are still unaware Nemo was eventually reunited with his father.

Enthuse your kids about where you’re going. Although never oversell the destination as we did visiting the Wensleydale Cheese Visitor Centre. On the strength of a Yorkshire

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tel: 01457 870112

rly there yet?

Tourist Board leaflet featuring Wallace & Gromit sticking their thumbs up, we rashly promised life-size models of the cartoon characters wandering around. The only thing Wallace & Gromit related was a chalk outline of them on the café’s specials board.

We’d driven two hours to a working cheese factory, where the kids had little interest in the processes of milling and tipping.

Adapt well-known children’s stories into tales involving your children themselves. You can do this by replacing the main character’s name in a classic fairytale with your child’s name so that for us it became, for instance, Phoebe and the Three Bears (‘And then Phoebe tried the medium-sized bowl of porridge…..’) or Hansel and Phoebe (‘And the wicked witch told Phoebe, I will eat your brother be he fat or thin.’). The thrill of an ego-centric toddler hearing themselves thrust into unlikely adventures involving beanstalks, glass slippers and evil witches buys valuable time.

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At the Jorvik Viking Centre in York it’s possible, through responding to a series of questions about your hair colour, and also, somewhat bafflingly, your sandwich filling of choice, to see how much Viking blood you possess.

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Lie about how far it is. As a rule of thumb under 50 miles is always “round the corner. “If it’s over 50 miles then divide how long it will take to get there by 4. Thus an hour becomes 15 minutes. You must divide by 4 again if this stills meets with disappointment. In fact repeat this division by 4 until your child says, “That’s around the corner.”

Colouring-in books and pens provide a welcome distraction.

Although be careful - our daughter, protesting about an arduously long drive through the Pennines after a day out at Ostrich World once employed the toddler equivalent of self-harming. She drew all over her face and arms in black felt tip.

Indelible pens are a bad idea.

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After almost being blown up in a field of live ordnance inside a Military Zone, near Otterburn in Northumberland, we’ve learnt to be careful taking the kids for nature wees and to look out for signs saying: “Warning: This may explode and kill you.”

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Finally, if all distractions in the car fail, turn up Classic FM to max volume and kid yourself you aren’t muffling the kids’ din with an even louder one. You're educating them about Haydn!

Are We Nearly There Yet? 8000 Misguided Miles Round Britain is available from all good bookshops and from Amazon for £5.

Mother Shipton's cave

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Mother Shipton's Cave in North Yorkshire is where a 17th century prophetess lived and predicted both the Great Fire of London and the advent of email.

Phoebe at Jorvik

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What's On January & February Thursday 5, 12, 19, 26 January

Sunday 1 January

New Year's Day treasure hunt A gentle, brisk walk around the scenic countryside of Mytholmroyd, suitable for all the family. Families will receive a sheet of clues.

The majority of the walk is on well-marked footpaths, taking in spectacular views along the Discount way.

The route starts & finishes at Mytholmroyd Card fire station where refreshments & cakes will be served. Start between 10am & 12.30pm Adult sed in conjuction with any£1; otherFamily offer £2; Child £5. Money raised donated to The Firefighter's Charity & The White Ribbon Campaign. Ring Billy Painter on 0776 886 3233 Mytholmroyd Fire Station, HX7 5QL

20% Off

Tuesday 3 January – 11 March

Bookstart Busy Babies Baby bounce and rhyme sessions for babies and toddlers. Sessions take place on Thursday mornings at 10.00 – 10.40am and 11.00 – 11.40am. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. £2 per child or free for Passport to Leisure holders.

For more information please contact Ben on 01422 392620. – Central Librar y, Northgate,Halifax HX1 1UN

Saturday 7 January 2012, 21 January 2012

Saturday art club, Bankfield Museum,Boothtown Road, Halifax HX3 6HG

Saturday 14 January 2012, 28 January 2012

Saturday art club, Smith Art Gallery, Halifax Road, Brighouse HD6 2AF While the adults go shopping the children can take part in a creative and fun workshop. characters. This family friendly exhibition The Club is for children aged 8 -12 years features illustrations from children’s books old. We explore a variety of arts and crafts and fun creative activities. Household names activities using the gallery exhibitions and in children’s book illustration such as Shirley museum collections for inspiration. £5 per Hughes, Anthony Browne, Jez Alborough and child 10.30-12.30pm. e-mail jeffrey.andrews@ Helen Stephens are displayed alongside new BENETTON calderdale.gov.uk or ring 01422 284459 work from emerging illustrators including Katie 0-12 Viggers. Sketchbooks and working drawings Saturday 7-14 January will give visitors an insight into the process and Ladies Store Snow White & the Seven Dwarves Card of Discount creating children’s books. FREE MondayHuddersfield Light Opera Company present % on production of this advertisement throughout Not to be used in conjuction with any other offer Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm.

Ground Floor their own take on the well known story with Gallery Oldham, Greaves St, Oldham, OL1 1AL PETERS some new twists and turns along the way, Ring 0161 770 4653 www.galler yoldham.org.uk Department including characters Edna Bucket and Chuckles, ETTON Store who create hilarious chaos wherever they 0-12 25-31 King Streetgo. Tickets £6-£13 Times vary. Lawrence Batley and Huddersfield Theatre, Queen’s Square, Huddersfield HD1 2SP es Store 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org nd Floor

Picture This!Store Illustrating Children’s Books TON 0-12 and Ladies Come along and say hello to Alfie, Duck in a King Street Huddersfield benetton-huddersfield.com Truck, Fleabag and many other much-loved

% Off

OURGreat CHILDREN ARE offers in Families Pennines MAZING ALREADY. Monday 9, 16, 23, 30 January Just mention us to get your offer TERS Eartment JUST HELP THEM Monday 6, 13, 27 February 2012 Benetton at Peters Bookstart Busy Babies Baby bounce and tore 10% Off OVE IT. Huddersfield rhyme sessions for babies and toddlers. Sessions King Street Discount Card www.benetton-huddersfield.com

10% discount throughout January & February See advert voucher on page 7. w.benetton-huddersfield.com

dersfield

Creation Station Buy one class, get one free See advert on page 9 for details

See feature on page 6, advert page 7 & February what's on achievable goals and guide for dates &numberworksnwords.com details

BOOK NOW! Huddersfield Ph 01484 487911

Number Works’nWords g the national curriculum Free maths & g Verbal Reasoning English skills assessment. tegies See advert on page 6 for contact details.

ing our own programmes nly qualified Maths and experts

Saturday 28 January

Imagine Creative Workshop. A fun, creative and hands-on workshop for children and their grown-ups. Have a go at weaving and knotting your own work of art with the help of Kerry Mosley, one of the LBT’s visual artists in residence. Take your artwork home or join it with others to add your contribution to a larger wall hanging for display at the LBT. Ages 5-10.

Child £2.50; Adult £4. Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Huddersfield HD1 2SP Ring 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org

Thursday 2, 9, 16 February

Bookstart Busy Babies Baby bounce and rhyme sessions for babies and toddlers. Sessions on Thursday mornings at 10.00 – 10.40am and 11.00 – 11.40am. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. £2 per child or free for Passport to Leisure holders.

For more information please contact Ben on 01422 392620. – Central Librar y, Northgate,Halifax HX1 1UN

on Monday mornings at 11:00 – 11:40am. by an adult at all times. per child or free for Passport Not to be used in conjuction with any£2 other offer to Leisure holders. For more information please contact Ben on 01422 392620. Hebden Bridge Librar y, Cheetham Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 8EP

Wednesday 11 January Wednesday 8 February )+< 67?

Mini Makers Aimed especially for the underfives and their families or child minders during term time. Come along and join in our craft activities revolving around the objects, art and Kiss it Better First Aid Courses festivals at Bankfield Museum and enjoy a story.  10% discount for parents this winter English Please bring your & ception to Year 11, hs at M own packed lunch. £2.00 per £30 off for Heads & Deputy Heads on T Works’nWords afterEN M SS SE child and £1.50 for passport to leisure. Bankfield AS EE FR uition brings out the courses Education Museum, Boothtown Road, Halifax HX3 6HG very student by: Be prepared..

ing their progress

Clowning Around. Slap on some make-up and some funny clothes and we’ll get you giggling as we teach you and your family how to clown around. Free with standard admission to Eureka!

Ring 01422 330069 or visit www.eureka.org.uk

Receive 10% on production of this Children must be accompanied advertisement throughout September

Helen O’Grady Drama Course First lesson free.

See advert on page 7

g lessons according to dividual’s needs

Saturdays 21/28 & Sundays 22/29 January

your child is Saturday 21 January-26 February

The games we played: Childhood counting on you!board and card games. A nostalgic exhibition exploring some of the mostAntenatal popular,First as Aid well as a number of lesser known, Workshop board and card games from - £12.50 the 1920s through to the 1970s. TuesdayParent First Aid Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday Course - £501-4pm. FREE Bankfield Museum, Boothtown Road, Halifax HX3 6HG Ring 01422www.kissitbetterfirstaid.co.uk 352334

Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 February

Science Museum Live on Tour - Unleash your inner Einstein - explosive fun for all the family!

Experience spectacular science, dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments as the Science Museum takes to the stage with a fantastic live show to blow your mind and challenge your brain! Saturday 7pm; Sunday 1.30pm Age 7 upwards. Over 16s £14.50; under 16s £12.50. Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax HX1 1BP Box office 01422 351158 www.victoriatheatre.co.uk

Contact: 07903 655195

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www.familiespennines.co.uk

tel: 01457 870112

For more events visit www.familiespennines.co.uk/whatson H alf - ter m Daily Saturday 11-Sunday 19 February Alice in Wonderland Don’t be late! Don’t be late! You have a very important date in Eureka! this half-term. Step into Alice’s wondrous world where everything just isn’t quite right. Free with standard admission to Eureka!

Ring 01422 330069 or visit www.eureka.org.uk

Tuesday 14 & Thursday 16 February

Family Orienteering Navigate your way around the orienteering course testing your natural history knowledge - and win a certificate & prize at the end. Family team tickets £5. 10.30-2.30pm Ring Sara Parsons 01422 841023 Hardcastle Crags, Midgehole Road, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AZ

Wednesday 15 February

Sparks! Come and play games from the past and from around the world. Then have a go at making your very own game. 11am-12pm & 1pm-2pm. £2.00 per child, £1.50 for passport to leisure. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Ring 01422 392756 Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park, Boothtown Road, Halifax HX3 6HG

Friday 17 February

East Riddlesden Hall Family Trail & Crafts Follow our family trail then get crafty and help us bring the outside, inside! An entire room will be turned into a giant white canvas for you to help create a springtime garden by adding your handmade insects, birds and flowers.10.30-4pm.

Ring Carla Weatherall, 01535 607075 £1 suggested donation for craft activities. East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley BD20 5EL Hardcastle Crags. Half-term activities, trails, crafts & things to explore. 1-3pm Booking not needed, normal admission charges apply. Ring Sara Parsons 01422 841023 Hardcastle Crags, Midgehole Road, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AZ

Monday 13-Thursday 16 February

Bookstart Busy Babies Baby bounce and rhyme sessions for babies and toddlers. £2 per child or free for Passport to Leisure holders.

Calderdale libraries, various times & locations.

For full details ring Ben on 01422 392620 or visit www.familiespennines.co.uk/whatson

Monday 13-Friday 17 February

Oliver’s Vegetables A Spring themed story time session based on the well-loved book by Vivian French. Each child plants some vegetable seeds to take home with them. These sessions are suitable for children aged 3-7 years. £3 per child or £2 for Passport to Leisure Holders.

Tickets must be purchased in advance from the relevant library hosting the event. Calderdale libraries, various times & locations. For full details ring Shelley Bullas on 01422 392638 or visit www.familiespennines.co.uk/whatson

Children’s Crafty Friday – Felting. Did you know you can make felt with wool, bubbles & water? Come and find out how. 1.30-3pm.

Tickets £5.

Ring Sara Parsons 01422 841023 Hardcastle Crags, Midgehole Road, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AZ Sparks! Come and create your own 3d artwork based on a sea theme. £2.00 per child, £1.50 for passport to leisure. 2pm-3pm & 3-4pm BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Ring 01422 392756. The Smith Art Galler y, Halifax Road, Brighouse HD6 2AF Fun Friday - Bat Boxes Come along for some half term fun and make a bat box to take home for your garden. 11am-2pm. Ring 01484 847016 Marsden Moor Estate Office, The Old Goods Yard, Station Road, Marsden HD7 6DH Sesame Street Live - Elmo Makes Music Mark your calendar for a musical event like no other...monsters making music! Big Bird's tweets, Oscar the Grouch's stomping trash can lids, Cookie Monster's crumbling cookie jars and many more become instruments to make beautiful music and have lots of noisy fun! See Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Bert, Ernie and all of your children's favourite friends. Under 16s £10; Over 16s £12. 2pm Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax HX1 1BP Ring 01422 351158 www.victoriatheatre.co.uk

Saturday 25 February

Hullaba Lulu Two eccentrics travel a strange, colourless world in their quirky land boat. One day their lives are turned upside down by a new arrival - the adorable and colourful Lulu.

Entertaining, hilarious and poignant, the show features exquisite puppetry, live music and songs. Age 5+. 11am & 2pm. £4.50 child; £6 adult. Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Huddersfield. HD1 2SP  Ring 01484 43028 www.thelbt.org

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 February

Kiss It Better First Aid for Parents Learn how to feel confident in a first aid situation with your child. 10am-2pm both days. £50, including first aid manual. Booking essential – ring Emerald Brook 07903 655195 QUOTE FAMILIES PENNINES & RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT. Cote Royd House, 7 Halifax Road, Edgerton, Huddersfield HD 3AN www.kissitbetter firstaid.co.uk

Sunday 26 February

Kiss it Better Baby First Aid Workshop For expectant & new parents (newborns welcome!). 3-5pm £12.50. Booking essential – ring Emerald Brook 07903 655195 QUOTE FAMILIES PENNINES & RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT. Cote Royd House, 7 Halifax Road, Edgerton, Huddersfield HD 3AN www.kissitbetter firstaid. co.uk

Sunday 4 March

The Chuckle Brothers in Return of the Pirates of the River Rother 2 'In Stranger Tights' Paul and Barry are visiting a Theme park for the day and decide to brave going on one of the daring water rides. Once inside, they are leaning on a wall when they accidentally fall through and find themselves magically transported back in time to a world of pirates and sunken treasures. Don't miss this spectacular pirate adventure! Magic, mystery and mayhem are guaranteed. Fun and laughter for all the family and grandmother as well! 2pm Tickets £14. Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax HX1 1BP Ring 01422 351158 www. victoriatheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 14 February

Sparks! Come and find out about the history of St Valentine and make your own Valentine craft.

1pm-2pm & 2pm-3pm. £2 per child,£1.50 for Passport to leisure. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Ring 01422 392756 Halifax Visitor Centre & Art Galler y, 1st Floor, The Piece Hall, Halifax HX1 1RE

Please say you saw us in Families Pennines

Families Pennines tries to get the details right – but sometimes things change so please check before you travel.

Want your event listing? email the details to editor@familiespennines.co.uk

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SUCCESS IS AFFORDABLE...

FROM AGES 3-18

Open Days:

Entrance Exam:

Junior School: Saturday 10th March 2012 Senior School: Friday 9th March 2012

Register now for Senior School Entrance Exam on 14th January 2012.

Academic, Music, Choral and Sports Scholarships for entry in 2012.

For further information, please email info@hgsf.org.uk or call 01422 202256

www.hgsf.org.uk 82 545 Halifax Courier A5 Landscape.indd 1

Project1:Layout 1 28/11/2011 08:39 Page 1

Please contact us for a prospectus or to arrange a visit

open doors

11/11/2011 09:40

C COME AND EXPERIENCE...

Open Afternoon Tuesday 6 March 2012 1.30 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.

C Please contact Mrs Keeble,

Admissions Secretary for further information or to arrange a visit

Heathfield The Junior School to Rishworth School

Heathfield provides a caring environment and a stimulating education for boys and girls from the ages of 3 to 11.

Tel:

01422 822217 01422 820911 Fax:

Heathfield School, Rishworth, West Yorkshire HX4 4QF Email: dkeeble@rishworth-school.co.uk www.rishworth-school.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 1115562

Please say you saw us in Families Pennines