Families Hereford and Worcester issue 23 September/October 2013

The really useful magazine for parents of children 0-12 years

Issue No 23 September/October 2013

Picture courtesy of Christy Blanch at www.cblanchphotography.com

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

News & Views

Editor’s Letter Dear readers I hope you have had a lovely summer holiday and were inspired by all the activities we featured in the Jul/Aug issue! I read my Editor’s Letter from last year which reminded me about just how awful the weather was then and how great it has been this year.

What a difference a year makes.

Daniel at Legoland

In our house, the girls did really well in their GCSEs and A Levels respectively and are going to Sixth Form College and Uni so we are thrilled and Daniel, my youngest at 6 pictured, enters Year 2 now at First School.

This is the biggest issue we have ever produced. I am really proud of the magazine and thank you so much to all customers, contributors and readers as always.

If you would like to advertise your business in the Nov/Dec issue of Families Hereford and Worcester and reach 44,000 parents then call me on 01386 791422 or email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk.

We offer free advice and a free design service.

Copy deadline is Friday 11th October.

Karen Craven (local Mum of 3, Step Mum to 2 plus Adoptive Mum to Salsa our retriever)

Editor, Families Hereford and Worcester

Contact details: Tel: 01386 791422 Mob: 07981 564053 email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

In this issue 02 02 04 05 18 20 26 27 28

Editor’s Letter News & Views Ed’s Reading Room Education Overcoming Shyness Clubs and Classes How to stop your child waking in the night Using acupuncture to aid fertility What’s On

Next issue: Nov/Dec 2013, Editorial and booking deadline: Friday 11th October

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All content Copyright 2013 Families Hereford and Worcester Circulation: 22,000 copies of Families Hereford and Worcester are available through nurseries, pre-schools, schools, libraries, soft play centres, selected shops and other distribution points throughout the county. If you would like free copies for your organisation or if you would like to subscribe so you don’t miss an issue please contact us.

Families Hereford and Worcester is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All 40 franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the content nor for any consequence.

Design: Natalie Schmidt at www.matobodesign.com, Tel: 020 8676 2857 Print: The Manson Group, St Albans at www.manson-grp.co.uk, Tel: 01727 848440 Cover Photograph: Christy Blanch at www.cblanchphotography.com, Tel: 01453 750311

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Thebestof Worcester and Thebestof Droitwich – involving local people to find and shout out about the best things in and around town. If you are looking to keep up to date with events, offers, news and great businesses, join in the social media chat, add your own events or be part of thebestof then visit our websites.

We work with you online and offline, with traditional and innovative marketing. You can register free to get your fortnightly newsletter going out to thousands of people – private residents and businesses – locally. It’s completely free to join and we’ll share all the latest news and events with you.

If you are looking to promote events – or know someone who does – share the link with them and get them to register free and add yours/theirs too. We’re so well connected that we can help you promote what you’re doing.

Talk to us too if you are interested in being showcased as the best in town. We’re here to help you get better connected.

And we’re proud to have Families Hereford & Worcester as one of our members, offering tried, tested and proven support to people in Worcestershire and the surrounding area. www.thebestof.co.uk/worcester www.thebestof.co.uk/droitwich

Local author launches new book in Tenbury Wells Worcestershire author Helen Wendy Cooper is hoping for a SPOOK-TACKULAR response to her latest book The Vegetarian Vampire: The Lost Fangs. It’s the second book in the Vegetarian Vampire series.

The book is launched at Tenbury Wells Library on the 7th of September at 10:30am with fun creative activities for children, a reading and free refreshments.

Helen is touring Worcestershire schools during September and October, providing guest appearances at Bewdley’s Bookfest, Martley’s Applefest, Cobhouse Fisheries Halloween Day, and many other events around the country.

The book is all about Vernon, a Vegetarian Vampire who has wobbly fangs. They fall out whilst he’s eating a veggie burger and he loses them. With help from his friends Veronica and Malcolm (and lots of trouble from Big Brian the Bully), Vernon sets off on an adventure. Will he find his fangs before the vampire tooth fairy visits?

Aimed at 5-8 year olds, the 50 page paperback is easy and fun to read, and has been illustrated by Helen herself.

The Vegetarian Vampire: The Lost Fangs (paperback £4.99 ISBN 978-170035-651-0) is available to order from any good bookshops or internet retailer, or directly from the publisher at www.fastprint.net/bookshop or for a signed copy order at www.helenwendycooper.co.uk Mum of two, Christy Blanch, based in Gloucestershire, photographs children and families. She centres her photography sessions around the children, which usually means she ends up muddier than they do! Sessions are outdoors, fun and energetic and this magic shines through the photographs.

For more information visit www.cblanchphotography.com or call 01453 750311 / 07805810504.

September – October 2013

News & Views The Big Draw in October The largest drawing festival in the world returns taking place in 20 countries across the world and offering 1400 events in the UK alone. The Big Draw connects people of all ages with museum and gallery collections and urban and rural spaces in new and enjoyable ways, offering unlimited scope for those who love to draw and those who think they can’t.

Why not hold a Big Draw event in your school or local library? Get inspired and find out how to organise your own event, plus discover what events are taking place near you at www.campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw

Help Roald Dahl Day raise money for seriously ill and disabled children Make a date with mischief and mayhem on Roald Dahl Day 13th September celebrating all the tricksy characters including George and his mayhemic medicine, those foulsome Witches plus Matilda and her parentscaring tricks. There are lots of ways to join in the fun: sign up for Puffin Virtually Live on 13 September to find out more about Roald Dahl and his characters, plan your costume for Dahlicious Dress Up Day on 27 September or throw your own Roald Dahl party.

For ideas see www.roalddahlday.info and help Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity raise money for seriously ill and disabled children.

The New Head Lice Assassin in Herefordshire The process of eliminating head lice in the home is usually a stressful one for both parent and child. The newly opened Hairforce company lounge in Leominster offers a fun and friendly environment in which to entertain children, whilst they are treated, by letting them engage in playing the latest games or watching a DVD. Studies have shown that over 50% of all 4-11 year olds will catch head lice at some time. The Hairforce company can eradicate head lice effectively without the use of chemicals and within two hours using the latest technology from the University of Utah and is proven to be safe and effective. They are also going to be offering local schools the use of a head checking service and an in-home service which allows children to be treated in the comfort of their own home. For more information contact www.thehairforce.co.uk/contact/leominster/

MH Garden & Tree Services

Family business based in Dunhampstead, Droitwich Spa which operates throughout Worcestershire • Specialists in tree felling & hedge cutting • Tree pruning, reshaping & reducing • Lawn mowing • Full garden clearance • All waste removed & recycled • No obligation quote • Payment on satisfaction • NPTC qualified with full liability insurance

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September – October 2013

Dermaflannel Revolutionary skincare brand Bravura London have re-launched their renowned product and beauty breakthrough Dermaflannel. Say farewell to acne, scars, fine lines, liver spots and blackheads with the easy to use, reusable and chemical-free flannel. The Dermaflannel is simply a chemical peel without the chemical or the peel – with the exact same effects!

Combining microfibers with a unique new weaving process, the Bravura London Dermaflannel is proven to significantly reduce or even eliminate pesky skin conditions. It offers the rewards of a chemical peel without the associated risks. It’s ideal for those who can’t have chemical peels for medical reasons and pregnancy and it’s also perfect for those who require a more cost effective treatment for a larger area of the body.

With phenomenal exfoliating and purifying capabilities that remove cosmetics, oil and dirt with ease, your skin will be left instantly softer and smoother.

The Dermaflannel is available at www.bravuralondon.com for £11.99.

Having a ball at summer fundraiser Hundreds of people gathered at Stanbrook Abbey in Worcestershire for a night of glamour, live entertainment and fine dining to raise £16,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The black-tie Wonderland Summer Ball was organised as part of the charity’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Highlights included 14 different musical performances and an illusionist in each of the Abbey’s three main rooms and a midnight feast.

The money raised will be used to support helping the provision of palliative care to the 2,000 and more life limited and life threatened children in the West Midlands. It costs £22,500 a day to run Acorns’ three hospices so the charity relies heavily on fundraising and donations for the majority of its income.

To find out more about the work of Acorns Children’s Hospice and how you can help raise vital funds call Acorns on: 0845 120 6892 or visit: www.acorns.org.uk

Happy Steps raise money for Acorns Local dance company, Happy Steps, produced Dance round the World at The Swan Theatre in June. This was an amazing journey of dance and song from around the world incorporating Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. Children from the age of 2 years to adult entertained the audience with a variety of songs and music. The show had great reviews and they raised £1800 for Acorns Children’s Hospice. For more information on dance classes from 2 years to adult, contact Debbie on 01905 345237. www.happystepsdance.co.uk

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Ed’s Reading Room FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

Short John Silver by Chris Inns and Dave Woods (Orchard £4.99)

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Autumn book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools.

ED SAYS: ‘The story of Short John Silver tells us what happened to this famous pirate before he grew up! Short John Silver needs the help of Captain Poopdeck and his crew of scoundrel pirates to help him find Treasure Island and he promises they can all share the buried treasure. After their adventures sailing the Seven Seas they are eager to get their hands on their reward. But things aren’t always what they seem!

‘This is a very funny tale on the high seas with super illustrations throughout – ideal for young readers on their own or reading together.’

Catch that Bat! by Adam Frost (Bloomsbury £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Tom and Sophie love living on a houseboat with their parents who both work with animals. In their latest adventure they learn a lot about nocturnal creatures that prowl and swoop while most humans are sleeping. They particularly become involved with a young bat who is in danger. Will Tom and Sophie’s moonlight vigil help to reunite the young bat with its family?

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www. edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating.

You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com.

‘This is a fantastic story that gives detailed information about working with animals. It is full of zoological facts and is great fun for boys and girls alike.’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

The Thunder Omen by Caroline Lawrence (Orion £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘It is the midwinter festival of Saturnalia. Threptus, the young apprentice of the soothsayer Floridius, is enjoying the feasting and fun. However, along with the celebrations, pantomimes and general mayhem, disaster is threatened by the thunder omen. Will Threptus be able to help Floridius overcome his latest dilemma? With Floridius and the sacred chickens, Threptus’ life in Ostia is always chaotic.

‘This is an exciting mystery full of historical facts about ancient Rome that will delight young readers.’

Binny for Short by Hilary McKay (Hodder £9.99)

Sytchampton Endowed First School We are a village first school with a strong family ethos. We can offer you enthusiastic and dedicated staff, a spacious rural environment, excellent facilities with an emphasis on each individual child. We are situated on the A449 between Worcester and Kidderminster. We are part of the Droitwich Pyramid of schools and feed into Westacre or Witton Middle Schools.

Places available in most year groups.

To make an appointment to visit us and meet our new Headteacher and friendly staff please telephone us on Tel: 01905 620418 Email: office@sytchamptonfirst.worcs.sch.uk

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ED SAYS: ‘Binny’s life has been difficult since her father died and her dog Max disappeared. When an aunt leaves Binny’s family her house at the seaside, it is a mixed blessing. Of course they will have fun by the sea with days full of sunshine and freedom but memories of the aunt loom large over Binny. And the memories of Max don’t quite go away. Is there any chance she will be reunited with him?

‘This is a brilliantly written story that is gripping in a gently humorous way. As you read it you feel as if you too are on holiday by the sea.’

Tonia Peters

BSc (Hons), PGCE, MEd (Ed Psych)

Educational Psychologist (Chartered by the BPS)

Independent assessment and advice for all special needs including autism, learning difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention problems

Tel: 07853 248311

Grafton Psychology Associates Ltd Trading as Tonia Peters Company Registration Number: 7853233. Registered in England and Wales.

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

September – October 2013

Picture credit: © kolett - Fotolia.com

Education

The best possible start at a new school

before your child’s first day at school; but the truth is that nothing prepared her for school as much as those weeks of simply living next door to it. The experience normalised what was going to be a huge change in her life: it showed her, better than any words from me could, that school was where children went when they were old enough.

Watching those happy-looking kids skipping past our door, hearing them calling to their friends and generally picking up a sense that school was fun and exciting, was the best possible way of introducing her to her new life.

How do you prepare your child for his or first day at a new school?

It’s all about finding the fun, says Joanna Moorhead The summer before my eldest daughter started at primary school, a rather wonderful thing happened. We were having work done on our house, and by chance a friend mentioned that a friend of hers was looking for a housesitter. It suited us perfectly to move out of our home for a few months, to escape the builders’ dust, so we did just that. And our temporary home, as it happened, was next door to the primary school at which Rosie would start in September.

We moved in May, so from then until the end of July she and I would watch, each morning, as the children walked and ran

September – October 2013

and scootered past our door, in their grey and purple uniforms. They looked happy and excited; they were meeting their friends, having fun. The street would then go quiet until about 10.30am when we’d hear them again in the playground; and then again after lunch, until at 3.30pm they’d all stream out again, and head back home with their mummies and the occasional daddy.

I’m sure I talked to Rosie about what it would be like in reception class, and I’m sure I taught her to open her lunchbox and get her own shoes on and off and all the other things you’re advised to do

In time my three younger daughters followed their big sister to that same school, and they – like Rosie – all took it in their stride. They, of course, were well-used to the primary by then: unlike Rosie, they would be there every morning and every afternoon, dropping off or collecting a big sister or sisters.

They would pick up on the excitement and happiness of school by osmosis, seeing their sisters and their friends as they bounced up alongside their buggy – and they’d be drinking it all in.

This, it seems to me, is the number one best way to get your child ready for primary school: as much as you can,

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Education show rather than tell. Try to be around the school sometimes as the children arrive or as they’re leaving for home; if you have friends with children already there, ask to go along with them sometimes for the drop-off or the pickup. Give your child every opportunity you can to imbibe the sense that school is an exciting and interesting place to be.

Every child, and every parent, gets a bit nervous before their child starts at a new school. Even after 17 years of being a parent with children in school, I’m feeling a bit worried about my youngest daughter’s move to secondary school in September. The fact that I’ve done school starts many, many times before doesn’t alter the fact that this is a first for Catriona, and because it’s a first for

Catriona it’s a first for me too. But what I now know is how important it is for me to be confident, and to be positive, about the move. Of course I have mixed feelings: of course I’m a bit worried about how she’ll cope in new surroundings, about whether she’ll find it easy to make new friends, about whether she’ll like the school food and about whether she’ll settle down to the work. And when she wants to talk about those fears – because, of course, she has them too and it’s important not to deny our children’s feelings – I do. But I always remember to talk to her as well about how exciting this new start is going to be: because every beginning is a bit scary and involves risks - but our lives move on and grow and become whole because we embrace them and we’re brave about them.

© Steve Reid Blitz Photography, Gosport 07540 972360

The Benefits of Inclusion

By Rachael Ross, Chair, Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

When I went to school in the mid ‘70s and ‘80s, children with any form of disability were not actively encouraged into mainstream education. This absence of anyone with a disability was also reflected in the wider community.

Consequently when I left school, and for much of my early adult life, I had never even met or spoken to a person with a disability, leaving me awkward and unsure how to interact in their company.

Thankfully times have changed, and children with a wide variety of additional needs are now commonplace in mainstream education. Children like my son Max. Max is eight and happens to have Down syndrome. Until the 1970s it was still widely believed that children with Down syndrome were uneducable, and they were denied that most fundamental of childhood rights; an education. We now know that with right specialist support these children can learn alongside their peers, and today, more children than ever before are being successfully included in

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Children worry when we worry, and they’re confident when we’re confident.

So if you’ve got a child starting school this autumn, the number one thing to do is find the confidence in yourself: empathise with your child, but empathise with the fact that her world is opening up and becoming more exciting as well as with the fact that there will be wobbles. Try not to worry too much about the problems: believe in your own, and believe in your child’s, ability to deal with these as they come along. Don’t even, for a minute, bother about things like maths and English and reading: no, honestly, I mean it. Those things are for further down the line: all you have to think about, this September, is delivering a child to school with a song in his or her heart.

Do that, and everything else will be easy.

mainstream schools. That’s not to say that special schools do not play an equally important role. It has to be a decision based on what’s best for each individual child and their specific needs.

For Max, the benefits in attending mainstream education are huge. Speech and language issues are a significant problem for nearly all children with Down syndrome, and can lead to frustration and isolation if not tackled head on. Studies show that when they attend mainstream school, these children develop at least two years faster with spoken language and literacy.

They also benefit from having positive role models. Max needs to be around his typically developing peers, not just for PE and playtime, but there needs to be meaningful interaction. He needs to feel that he is part of the class, part of the wider school community, with the same opportunities and responsibilities as the other children. Otherwise how can we expect him to interact successfully with society as an adult?

We are very fortunate that Max’s teachers have created a welcoming and caring environment where he is very much a part of school life. When we visit, I am always overwhelmed by the genuine affection and friendship shown to Max by both staff and pupils. Many of the children have grown up with Max, and see it as nothing unusual that he is in their class working with them.

In turn, I’m sure the children benefit from being with Max. They learn to celebrate differences. They learn acceptance and September – October 2013

Education patience, and will hopefully grow into more tolerant adults which will lead to a more accepting and integrated society.

Inclusion is helping to steadily improve society’s attitude towards Down syndrome, fuelled by more positive media portrayal. Several top retailers including M&S, Next and Boden have used children with Down syndrome in their advertising campaigns. Actors with Down syndrome have played characters in popular TV shows such as Glee and Downton Abbey.

Individuals are becoming role models, and are themselves changing misconceptions, like Simon Beresford, who in 2007 became the first person with Down syndrome to complete the London Marathon, and now eight marathons later is an inspiration for people around the world.

More is being achieved than ever before, but there is a still a long way to go. Down syndrome is the most common cause of intellectual disability and yet funding does not reflect this. The situation has worsened in the recent economic climate, and parents are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of access to specialist support like speech and language therapy, which help enable their children to participate in mainstream education. As the Coalition Government plans to ‘end the bias towards mainstream’, there is a real risk that 30 years of slow uphill progress will be undermined unless there is adequate investment in training, research, resources and specialist support.

We have seen glimpses of what can be achieved as children with the right skills and support go on to lead more independent and productive lives, enter employment, and become valued members of their communities. But as yet, there has never been an entire generation of children with Down syndrome that has passed through the system with adequate and sustained support in all areas of need, continuing into early adulthood. Until this happens, we will never be sure of their true capabilities.

Rachael is the Chair of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association (Footprints) which offers friendship, advice and a wide range of educational services to children, their families, schools and professionals in Portsmouth and across the South East.

To find out more visit www.footprintsds.org.

Ensure your child’s new school year gets off to a confident start with Kumon It is common for children to start their new school term with fresh notebooks and a crisp new uniform, but it is also important to ensure they are equipped with the most vital tools needed for a successful year ahead; a good grip on maths and English and the learning skills required for academic progression.

At your local study centre, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. Established for over 50 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their study skills and confidently tackle advanced work.

Through daily study of the Kumon programmes, your child will develop the ability to learn for themselves so they do not become dependent on – or limited by – the skills and knowledge of others.

All Kumon centres offer a Free Assessment. To locate your nearest Kumon centre visit kumon.co.uk or call 0800 854 714 today.

September – October 2013

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Education: Interview with a Head Mrs Sharon Cole, Head Teacher Ashton under Hill First School First of all, could you tell me a little bit about the history of the school?

I confess to not knowing too much about the history of the school just yet, but I did have the pleasure of meeting a former pupil at the wonderful Open Gardens Event in Ashton recently. He recalled the place with very fond memories, so much so that he subsequently served as a Governor at the school for many years. The oldest part of the school is our Early Years Base, but the school has been extended a lot over the years, so that we now have three further modern classrooms that all open out onto our super school grounds.

Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I began life in industry, but soon decided that my real passion was for teaching. So for over twenty-five years now, I have been in education in many different roles with experience of teaching the very young to teenagers. My last post was as Deputy Head at Inkberrow First School where I spent several very happy years.

Do you have children and what do you like doing in your spare time?

Yes, I have one daughter who is about to finish her A level studies at Pershore High School. She and I both share a love of food – cooking and eating it, so we like nothing more than creating meals together in the kitchen, usually whilst dancing to music!

What changes do you intend to make, if any, at the school?

I have only been in post at the school for a short while, but already we have made quite a few changes. Our revised format for the Friday Assemblies is proving popular with children having the opportunity to share their achievements with their families.

Our “Star Pupils” each week get to have squash and biscuits with me in the afternoon and it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to talk to them about their learning. One thing for sure is that it’s a super school and the Staff, Children and Governors are keen to move forward. We hope to make significant improvements to our ICT provision next academic year.

Is there anything unique that you offer that other schools (State or private) do not?

It’s perhaps rather early for me to say, and perhaps “unique” would be over-stating the case, but I have been incredibly impressed by the community feel that pervades Ashton. It is a wonderful village and the school feels at the heart of the community. We are fortunate to share our hall with the village, so school is a real hub of village life. The pupils are fortunate to enjoy a curriculum that is enriched by these links, such as going to our local Forest, pond dipping and visiting the Church.

What extra curricular activity clubs do you offer the children?

They are many and varied and take place every evening. We offer lots of sporting clubs, but also things like Lego and Chess… and I’ve already got my sleeves rolled up and enjoy doing Cookery Club every Monday with Mrs Kirk, our amazing Office Manager.

When was your last Ofsted (and what were the key strengths they identified and the key weaknesses.)

Our last Ofsted was in January 2011 and we were awarded Good with some outstanding features.

Do you have spaces available and in what years?

We do have some spaces still available, particularly in Key Stage 2, so we would always encourage prospective parents to come and take a look at our school in action. I would be delighted to show them around.

In terms of transition to middle school, where do most of your children go?

Our children are very fortunate to transfer to Bredon Hill Middle School just up the road and then move onto Prince Henry’s in Evesham which has recently been awarded Outstanding by Ofsted. Ashton is privileged to be part of a very strong pyramid of schools which work together for the benefit of the children.

If you could change places with someone for a day, who would that be and why?

That’s a great question. At the moment, and I genuinely mean it, I would not change places with anyone as I am just loving the job. However, I’m realistic enough to know that I’ll have a bad day. I used to think being Nigella, the Domestic Goddess, for the day would be great – sneaking into the fridge after a glamorous day on set for a secret chocolate brownie wearing perfect make-up and a silk kimono at midnight! However, given the press recently, I’m happy as me any day!

Ashton under Hill First School, Elmley Road, Ashton under Hill, Evesham, WORCS, WR11 7SW Tel: (01386) 881333

Maths & English tuition in Kidderminster Children Learning to Succeed…

We can help your child to: • Improve school performance • Gain confidence and self-esteem • Develop independent study skills For a FREE consultation contact: Andrew & Sara Wisdom

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Assessments for dyslexia, dyspraxia and other difficulties with learning. (Available Hereford and Worcester) Specialist tuition for dyslexia, dyspraxia or difficulties with learning. (Available in Hereford.) www.specialistteacher.co.uk sara@specialistteacher.co.uk 07816 414363 Sara Watts BA (Hon) PGCE, Cert of SpLD (OCR), CCET (BPS) Approved Teacher status (BDA and PATOSS)

September – October 2013

September – October 2013

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Education Abberley Hall School – Pupils chosen for prestigious choir

A group of pupils from a Worcestershire school are singing for joy after being selected to perform with one of the world’s leading orchestras.

The children from Abberley Hall School at Great Witley have won places with both the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Children’s Chorus.

A total of 13 pupils aged between ten and twelve from the preparatory school were recently told that they had passed auditions to sing with the CBSO. Martin Schellenberg, director of music at Abberley, said that he was thrilled with the news.

“It is wonderful that so many pupils from Abberley have been successful and will now enjoy the privilege of singing with such a renowned and prestigious orchestra,” he commented.

“The Children’s Chorus and Youth Chorus perform independently as well as with the CBSO and many other prominent orchestras and choirs.

“Although they will have to commit quite a lot of their free time to practice, I feel that this is an incredible and exciting opportunity for the pupils to be trained by top professionals and to sing with one of the leading symphony orchestras of the world.

“Here at Abberley we place a good deal of emphasis on musical accomplishments and have an excellent choir of our own and many talented musicians. This link with the CBSO only enhances our achievements further.

“It is also the perfect way for young singers to meet different people and make new friends while developing their musical education,” he said.

The pupils who have won places with the Birmingham choruses are Elise Black, Imogen Ghoncheh, Harriet Green, Amy Heptinstall, Katie Heptinstall, William Hope, Safia Kazim, Hermoine Martyn-Smith, Maddie Martyn-Smith, Elodie Mathews, Max Richardson, Katie Taylor and Freddie White. www.abberleyhall.co.uk

Personal Tutors

in Malvern, Worcestershire and Herefordshire Key Stage 1, 2, 3, GCSE, A level, Common Entrance, Scholarship, IB. Most subjects covered, including English, Maths, Sciences, Languages, Music, IT. For information & enquiries call or email kate@helptuition.co.uk/ 01684 562439/

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September – October 2013

Education Explore Learning An independent study into the effects of Explore Learning membership has recently been published by The University of Reading.

The study tested 1,539 Explore members compared to a control group of children who did not attend Explore, and found that: “Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group.”

“Building confidence, overcoming shyness to put up their hand to ask for help, being more independent and less reluctant to try without assistance were all elements that parents recognised in their children and directly attributed to Explore Learning.”

To read the full report, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

Change and Continuity at The Chase as Students Bid Farewell to their Current Headteacher and Welcome his Successor.

New Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman, the bestselling author of the award-winning Noughts & Crosses teen series, has been crowned the Waterstones Children’s Laureate for 2013–2015. As part of her role she wants to encourage teachers and parents to spend at least ten minutes per day sharing a book in an impassioned bid to get more children reading as well as working to make reading ‘irresistible’ for teenagers. ‘I am honoured to have been chosen as the eighth Children’s Laureate,’ says Malorie. ‘Stories have inspired and taught me to aspire.

I hope to instil in every child I meet my love and enthusiasm for reading and stories.’ www.childrenslaureate.org.uk

International Walk to School Month Each year primary school children from across the UK join forces with over 40 countries worldwide to celebrate the benefits of walking to school. Many parents know that walking can be quicker and less stressful than taking the car with the added bonus of spending quality time with their children whilst increasing air quality with fewer cars on the roads and strengthening communities where children and parents are seen in the streets! www.livingstreets.org.uk

L to R: Sarah Murray (Year 7), Holly Norridge (Year 12), Richard Jacobs, Kevin Peck, Jordan Platt (Year 13), Tom Bushell (Year 7)

As Chase Headteacher, Kevin Peck, approaches retirement this Summer, he has been delighted to welcome his successor, Richard Jacobs to a series of transition days at the school which will greatly assist in the transfer of responsibilities and building of relationships ready for September.

Mr Peck commented, ‘It has been a privilege to lead such a happy, vibrant and successful school for the past 11 years and I shall miss its wonderful students, staff and parents. Richard Jacobs has just the right combination of experience, expertise and personal qualities to take the school forward, and I know I will continue to hear great things about The Chase in future.’

Mr Jacobs responded, ‘It is an honour for me to succeed Kevin Peck as Headteacher of The Chase School. I am really excited by the opportunity to further develop his vision for The Chase as a highly successful, academic school that prepares its students well to face the challenges of tomorrow as lifelong independent learners. The Chase will continue to be a school that excites children about their education and one that has high aspirations for all its students.’ www.chase.worcs.sch.uk/ September – October 2013

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

11 Hereford & Worcester

© Jacek Chabraszewski – Fotolia.com

Education

Which Secondary school is right for my child?

Joanna Moorhead on the 20 things you need to know when choosing ‘big school’ 1.

Make your own mind up. It’s amazing how many parents never even look round a school because of what they’ve heard. A school that doesn’t suit another family could be just right for yours.

2.

Listen to your child’s feelings as well as your own.

Choosing his or her primary was down to just you and your partner; but your 10 or 11-year-old deserves a say.

3.

Use open days wisely. If you can, go to a daytime visit (especially to a school that seems a strong contender) because you’ll see it in working mode.

Heathfield Day Nursery offers a secure and caring environment where little ones develop play skills in a safe, secure and friendly atmosphere. At rising three, your child will begin to acquire essential literacy and numeracy skills and lay the foundations for a happy, successful and rewarding school life.

4.

Nothing advertises a school like its pupils. Do they seem happy? Are they polite? If you have time, hang around in the area at home time. Are they well-behaved?

5.

How about the staff – do they seem happy and fulfilled working there? Take opportunities to chat to them.

Between 5 and 11 years old, pupils join Heathfield Junior School. They will experience a wide range of activities to stimulate their thinking and awaken their curiosity and understanding of the world. Small classes and individual attention are the key to developing each pupil’s full potential.

By the time they enter the senior school, your children will be accomplished individuals ready to advance their academic studies, their prowess on the sports field and their appreciation of the arts.

6.

Listen to your instincts. If a school doesn’t feel right, move on. You don’t have to explain yourself or your reasons for doing so to anyone else (although you do, of course, need to discuss it with your child if your instincts are different).

7.

Don’t get bogged down in the detail: what you’re aiming to get is a sense of the school. Does it feel happy, productive, calm? Is there a sense of order and caring?

These things matter more than the nitty-gritty.

Because Heathfield has such small class sizes, every child is well known to members of staff. Teachers are supported by a full time Matron who is available to pupils and parents at any time throughout the school day.

8.

Think about your child’s talents and interests and ponder carefully whether they’ll be catered for. But think too about what the school offers that might be harder to pick up at home. We’re a family of journalists, where literacy is easier for us as parents; so I’m glad my girls went to a school that specialised in maths and science, even though these weren’t their strongest subjects.

9.

Pay attention to what’s on the walls – and not just the artwork. What are children being warned about, or encouraged to do? Are there any school visits being advertised? What clubs seem to be thriving?

Heathfield School is an independent day school and

nursery located in Wolverley near Kidderminster, Worcestershire. The school is easily accessed from the West Midlands, South Staffordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

A former pupil commented on her time at the school, “I left having gained 10 A*s at GCSE, but, more importantly perhaps, the confidence and knowledge that I could go on to succeed beyond the safe haven that Heathfield had provided for me.”

I enthusiastically encourage you to come and meet us and experience the happy, industrious and thriving community that is Heathfield School and Day Nursery.

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

September – October 2013

Education

10. Look at the school’s league tables, but don’t pin everything on them. Read the Ofsted report too and pay particular attention to how the school has done over time. If it’s had a dip, are there signs of improvement or suggestions that it could turn round?

11. Where do pupils go on to from this school? You want to see at least some youngsters doing well academically and aiming for good courses at top universities.

12. Go to the head teacher’s talk and take your notebook.

This is an important part of the event: not only do you need to pick up on the head’s attitude and values and what matters most to him or her, but you also need to pay special attention to anything that’s said about the entrance criteria. Understanding that is the crucial next stage.

13. If you like a school, do your homework about whether your child fits its entrance requirements. However much you love the school, and however much you think your child would thrive there, you’ll only get a place if you fulfil the criteria. Read the school’s entrance policy through very, very carefully. If you don’t fulfil the requirements, could you change something so you do? If not, move on: there’s no point in wasting a choice or railing against something you can’t change.

14. You’re bound to talk to other parents, and you want to talk to other parents, but don’t get pulled along by their tide. Do your own research and develop your own views: knowledge is power.

September – October 2013

15. Keep telling yourself (because it’s true!) that there is no perfect school. Every school has strengths and weaknesses. There’s more than one school that can be right for your child.

16. When the time comes to fill in the forms, allow yourself lots of time and do it extremely carefully. There may be supplementary forms, and there may be complicated arrangements for giving them in (especially if you’re applying to faith schools). If you find it all too confusing, talk to your child’s primary teacher or primary head, or call the education department at your local authority.

17. Have a plan of action for what you’ll do if you don’t get the school you’re hoping for. Just having that plan will make you feel more relaxed.

18. Remember that there’s a lot of movement in the first few weeks after places are allocated, and many children get in from waiting lists.

19. Don’t underestimate how much hard work an appeal can be, or how emotionally draining. That’s not to say don’t do it: just be prepared.

20. Remember that, at the end of the day, parents make more difference to a child’s future than a school does.

Even if your child doesn’t get into your first choice of school (and one in seven didn’t last year) your attitude to that could be a much bigger factor in what happens next for your child than the school itself. Have confidence, first and foremost, in your child. And believe that, together, you will work things out if and when you come up against problems. www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

13 Hereford & Worcester

Education SCHOOLS’ OPEN DAYS School

Age

Dates

Contact

BREDON SCHOOL

Co-ed 2-18

Tuesday 17th September 2.00 – 4.00 pm Wednesday 9th October 10.00 am – 12.00 noon

01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org

BROMSGROVE PRE-PREPARATORY AND NURSERY SCHOOL

Co-ed 2-7

Saturday 21st September Open Morning

BROMSGROVE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Co-ed 7-13

Saturday 12th October Open Morning (Entry into years 3-8)

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL

Co-ed 13-18

Saturday 5th October Senior School Open Morning (13+)

DODDERHILL

Co-ed 8wks - 3yrs, co-ed 3-7 and girls 8-16

Friday 11th October 10.00 am – 12.00 noon and 1.30 – 3.00 pm Saturday 12th October 10.00 am – 12.00 noon and 1.30 – 3.00 pm

01905 778290 or email enquiries@dodderhill.co.uk www.dodderhill.co.uk

HEATHFIELD SCHOOL AND DAY NURSERY

Co-ed 3mths - 16yrs

Friday 18th October 9.30 am – 12.00 midday

01562 850204 or email info@heathfieldschool.co.uk www.heathfieldschool.co.uk

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

Co-ed 3-11, 11-16, 16-18yrs

Saturday 21st September 9.30 am – 12.30 pm Open Morning

01432 363506 or email admissions@herefordcs.com www.herefordcs.com

HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Co-ed 3mths - 18yrs

Open Fridays 8.45 am - 12 noon No appointment necessary

01562 822929 or email office@holytrinity.co.uk www.holytrinity.co.uk

KING’S HAWFORD

Co-ed 2-11

Whole School Open Morning Saturday 19th October

Tel: 01905 451292 or email: Hawford@ksw.org.uk

KING’S ST ALBAN’S

Co-ed 4-11

Whole School Open Morning Saturday 28th September

Tel: 01905 354906 or email ksa@ksw.org.uk www.ksw.org.uk

MALVERN COLLEGE

Co-ed 13-18

Saturday 5th October 9.30 – 12.30 pm

01684 581515 or email registrar@malcol.org www.malverncollege.org.uk

MALVERN ST JAMES

Girls 4-11, 11-16, 16-18

Saturday 12th October

01684 892288 or email registrar@malvernstjames.co.uk www.malvernstjames.co.uk

OMBERSLEY ENDOWED FIRST SCHOOL

Co-ed 4-9

Wednesday 25th September 1.00 – 4.00 pm

01905 620384 or email office@ombersley.worcs.sch.uk www.ombersley.worcs.sch.uk

RGS SPRINGFIELD

Co-ed 21/2-11

Saturday 5th October 9.30 am - 12.30 pm

01905 24999 or email: springfield@rgsw.org.uk

RGS THE GRANGE

Co-ed 21/2-11

Saturday 12th October 9.30 am -12.30 pm

01905 451205 or email: grange@rgsw.org.uk

RGS WORCESTER

Co-ed 11-18

Saturday 5th October 9.00 am - 12 noon

01905 613391 or email: office@rgsw.org.uk www.rgsw.org.uk

ST MARY’S WORCESTER

Co-ed 3mths - 5yrs, Girls 5-11, Girls 11-18

Saturday 28th September 10.00 am – 12.30 pm

01905 357786 www.stmarys.org.uk

THE CHASE

Co-ed 11-18

Thursday 26th September 6.30 – 8.30 pm

01684 891961 or email office@chase.worcs.sch.uk www.chase.worcs.sch.uk

THE DOWNS, MALVERN COLLEGE PREP

Co-ed 3-13

Friday 11th October 9.30 am – 4.30 pm Saturday 12th October 9.30 am – 12.30 pm

01684 544108 or email registrar@thedowns.malcol.org www.thedowns.malcol.org

WINTERFOLD HOUSE

Co-ed 6wks - 3yrs, 3 - 7, 7 - 13

Saturday 12th October

01562 777234 or email: linda@winterfoldhouse.co.uk www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk

01527 579679 or email admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE SCHOOLS’ OPEN DAYS, PLEASE EMAIL editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Wear your jeans on Jeans for Genes Day on 20 September and help change lives.

In aid of Genetic Disorders UK, Jeans for Genes Day aims to change the world for children with genetic disorders, so get your school together and raise money by wearing your jeans and donating £1. Individually, genetic disorders are rare but together they affect 1 in 25 children born in the UK - that’s more than 30,000 babies each year. Their associated health problems mean that genetic disorders are the biggest cause of death of children aged 14 years and under.

You can help by signing up for your fundraising pack full of everything you need to know to plan your day, at www.jeansforgenesday.org 14

Hereford & Worcester

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Mark this 3 October with a nationwide celebration of poetry.

Poetry is for everyone everywhere, from assemblies, bus-queues, cafes, greengrocers, hospitals and ice-rinks to waiting-rooms, yacht clubs and zoos. This year’s theme is water, with Coleridge’s great phrase ‘Water, water, everywhere’ as inspiration. Check out the website for a myriad of poems on the subject, together with ideas on how to turn the theme of water into lines of poetry. Participants this year are challenged to smuggle poetry into the most unlikely places, not just in libraries and classrooms but on fishing boats and ferries, via postcards, mobile phones and announcements on station platforms.

Find out more at www.nationalpoetryday.co.uk September – October 2013

Education What a great year we have had at Wychbold First and Nursery School!

The new Early Years Framework gave us an excellent opportunity to review our provision and we now offer much more flexibility in our Nursery. Funding for 15 hours of free sessions can be taken as morning, afternoon or whole day sessions and additional 3 hour sessions can be taken at a cost of £10. We also admit ‘rising 3’s’ to our Nursery , children can begin to attend for sessions in the half term of their third birthday but these sessions do need to be paid for. Our nursery is open to all pupils, not just those intending to come to Wychbold School.

As our numbers are increasing, our pupil admission number is now 20 and a new classroom has just been completed which has significantly enhanced our school. Our oldest pupils will move into the new spacious classroom in September.

Through our focus on Learning Responsibilities our pupils developed a clear understanding of what we are all responsible for when we come into school and made every effort to improve themselves in all areas of the curriculum resulting in excellent progress. This was supported through a range of visitors, trips and open events including a very exciting visit to the Egyptian display in the British Museum, London.

If you would like to find out more about our school and all that we offer, please telephone and make an appointment. We would be delighted to welcome you.

Assessments & Learning Sara Watts is an independent educational assessor, specialising in assessing, supporting or teaching children, young people or adults with educational issues. She can offer an assessment, teaching or advice depending on the needs of the student.

A qualified teacher for over 15 years, she has taught Maths, Science and a variety of other subjects in different local schools. Working as a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) for many years, she has supported pupils with special educational needs in mainstream schools to learn successfully and to gain useful qualifications which lead onto the next stage in their educational pathway.

Her post graduate qualifications are impressive including OCR level 5, Certificate for Teaching Students with a Specific Learning Difficulty and a Certificate of Competency in Educational Testing, Approved Teacher Status from both the British Dyslexia Association and the Professional Association for Teachers of Students with Specific Difficulties.

She has also completed additional training, including Social and Communication skills, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, teaching reading and literacy skills, supporting struggling readers, visual stress and developing language skills.

Having worked in schools for many years she understands the systems and complexities which often operate and, as a parent herself, can fully appreciate the frustration, sadness and problems which arise when a child does not thrive and progress as they might. She is a strong believer in education being accessible to all and that barriers which inhibit learning should be removed, to enable all students to be as successful and independent learners as possible. www.specialistteacher.co.uk September – October 2013

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15 Hereford & Worcester

Education Advanced Foster Care – A brighter future for children, and you

fostering placements; from mainstream and sibling fostering to therapeutic fostering and fostering children with disabilities. Don’t worry, we’ll provide you with the training you would need to help any child.

We understand that fostering is a full time job and that you might not be able to work as well as foster to keep paying the bills. That’s why here at Advanced Foster Care, we’ll reward your dedication and hard work with an average allowance of £34, 000 a year to help you foster.

Fostering Director, Joyce Masson

At Advanced Foster Care we think our Foster Carers are amazing! They’re ordinary people like you and me but they do an extraordinary job. They open their hearts and make room in their home to look after some of society’s most vulnerable children. Our carers truly make a difference to the lives of young people by offering them a loving home, a listening ear and someone who cares.

Children often come into care through no fault of their own, and need us to help them for all different reasons. That’s why we provide many different types of

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Advanced Foster Care appreciate that fostering is a big decision, we know it’s a scary thought and that you’re probably worried about the ‘what ifs’. We’re here 24/7, 365 days a year. We’re only ever at the end of a phone or if you need to see us we’re just around the corner, ready to help out with anything you need.

Our Foster Carer’s come from all walks of life. We have people who are married, single, living together, divorced, have or don’t have kids, all with one thing in common – they want to make a positive difference to children’s lives. As long as you have a spare bedroom and are over 21 (there’s no upper age limit to fostering) then you could enjoy the

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

benefits of becoming a Foster Carer with Advanced Foster Care.

Whether you’re new to fostering or thinking of changing to the Advanced Foster Care team, there will be smiles all round.

We’ll support you 24/7, deliver up to date training, reward you with an average of £34, 000 a year and offer you career development which could lead to obtaining a foundation degree. If you’d love to help children who need it the most, our specialist team of experts will invest in you and provide the unrivalled support you need to love being a Foster Carer.

Become a Foster Carer and you and the children will enjoy a brighter future. Why not begin a new journey? We’ll be with you every step of the way providing you with Advanced training, Advanced support and Advanced rewards, all local to you.

Get in touch today! Our friendly team are on hand 24/7 to offer support and answer any questions you may have about fostering.

Call us on 0800 644 6230, email foster@advancedfostercare.co.uk or visit our website www.advancedfostercare.co.uk Advanced Foster Care – A brighter future for children, and you.

September – October 2013

Education

• • • • • • • •

Independent Christian day school for boys and girls aged 3-16 years Spaces in several year groups Small class sizes (maximum 20) Low fees (50% of ISC average 2009) Non-selective intake Excellent GCSE results “Outstanding EYFS” (BSI Inspection 2013) “Outstanding Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education” (BSI Inspection 2013) • Caring staff and parent community • Beautiful setting in 8 acres of arboretum and woodland For further information please telephone the school on 01905 457047.

Email info@riverschool.co.uk or visit www.riverschool.co.uk

Check our website regularly as we are constantly updating it with lots of local news, things to do and information – so please visit and register at

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk To advertise in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine and online...

Please call Karen on 01386 791422 for more information.

September – October 2013

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

17 Hereford & Worcester

Overcoming Shyness Say goodbye to being shy: How to help your child overcome their shyness

Christmas parties and family get-togethers at this time of the year can spell a worrying time if your child is shy. Take Holly’s experience with her 6 year old son, Thomas, “Thomas is a lovely little boy but when he met anyone he hadn’t met before he was unable to speak, he lost all his manners and just looked at the floor.” This is not unusual. Shyness is a perfectly normal trait in childhood, but when lives become restricted by shyness, we must take action as there is no question that shyness robs us of opportunities that other people take for granted. The good news is that there are a lot of practical things that can gently encourage a shy child to be more outgoing.

Mixing in society Start by inviting one friend over for half an hour at home, then moving to more friends, more time and then outside the home.

Children learn social skills from watching others so model the kind of interactions you want to encourage: be warm and friendly with people you don’t know, introduce yourself to new people, ask people for help, and compliment friends.

“I was just genuinely shy.

I’d always been a shy kid.”

Elton John

Drama queens (and kings) Shyness doesn’t necessarily mean low self-esteem; it usually comes from fear or feeling worried about what other people think. Simple acting techniques from drama classes soon equip children with the ability express themselves more clearly in front of others.

Equally, presenting ourselves in a confident manner by sitting up straight and making eye-contact, even when we don’t feel like it, will make any child feel bolder because of the positive way others will react to them.

Facing up to it

“I’m shy, paranoid, whatever word you want to use.”

Johnny Depp

Sources www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/advice/factfile www.babycenter.com www.psychologytoday.com/blog 18

Hereford & Worcester

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Perhaps the most effective way to help your child to be less shy is to talk openly with them about it. Refer to situations that are daunting and empathise “sometimes I feel worried about speaking up at work, but I always make an effort and feel good afterwards”. Holly added that she “used to read books to Thomas that had themes of facing fears or overcoming challenges”.

Dress Rehearsal Watch what situations trigger shyness in your child then role play them later at home, giving hints on how they can feel more courageous when next out in public. “Thomas always felt nervous going to birthday parties, so we decided to set up a party scene at home, using his favourite toys and acted out the different scenarios: giving the party boy their present; saying hello to other children; asking the adult where the toilet is; saying thank you on leaving. It worked a treat”, said Holly.

A karaoke machine or sing along DVD will encourage your child to be more adventurous with their speech and movement.

Record them pretending to be a news reader, or presenter interviewing their ‘celebrity’ friend.

September – October 2013

Overcoming Shyness I know this sounds strange, but as a kid, I was really shy. Painfully shy.”

Jim Carrey

Lights, camera, action Trying new activities in a gradual way helps overcome shyness.

Holly had always been encouraging Thomas to try out new things, “I knew Thomas had achieved an improved level of outgoingness when in the end-of-term football lesson, Thomas waited 30 minutes for his turn to kick a ball through the cones and straight into the goal – in front of everyone. He has really come out of his shell” Taking trays of nibbles round guests, being photographer at a family occasion, going into a shop and asking for the price are all great ways to take their mind off their shyness. But don’t force them into doing things that make them uncomfortable, play to their strengths. Your child’s shyness will vanish if he is encouraged to get better at things he already excels at.

Independent Speech & Language Therapy Service – for children from birth to 16 years old.

• Baby Signing Classes – have fun and support the development of your baby’s early communication skills • Assessment, diagnosis and therapy for children who have speech, language and/or communication difficulties.

• Flexible appointments offered at a time and in the setting that most suits your child’s needs (eg home, school, nursery) • Liaison and support with nurseries and schools when required • Outcome focused therapy – saving you money by ensuring we only provide the therapy you need • Appointments offered within 2 weeks Contact: Nicki Holmes nicki_mason@hotmail.com / 07890161792 or Nibbhaya dhnibbhaya@gmail.com / 07791593180.

Above all, being calm will soothe many a shy child. Relax Kids (www.relaxkids.com) sell a range of CDs that provide ‘chill skills’ that relax children and as a result boosts their confidence.

“Yes, and I had pimples so badly it used to make me so shy.”

Michael Jackson

Our attitude is crucial We all want our children to outgrow their shyness and latest research indicates that how parents respond to shyness is what makes the difference. Labelling our child as ‘shy’ would certainly be discouraged; they often turn into self fulfilling prophecies. In the same sense, we should always avoid dismissing any feelings of shyness e.g. “don’t be silly, big boys don’t get shy”. Comments like this lead children to feel that their worries are not valid, leading to anxiety. Be supportive by combining empathy with confident assertions, “Ahh, I can see you’re feeling a bit worried, but I’m really confident you’ll be able to handle it”.

A child’s ability to comfortably relate to a wide variety of people is one of the most important ingredients to happiness and success. The thing to remember is that the majority of children will find their way through all of this with a bit of guidance, and will soon be waving their hands in the air to answer questions, belting out songs during group singing sessions, and being the first in the queue for trying new things.

Shaking off shyness for a child with SEN Children with learning disabilities need to be given a healthy dose of praise and constructive criticism to develop into shy-free, confident adults.

• Positivity – A child with learning disabilities is prone to undergo more stress and frustration than the average child.

Praise all victories, big and small • Provide simple responsibilities in social situations – distraction from feeling shy • Pair your shy child with another child in each important setting • Coordinate your efforts with those of other relevant adults • Help them find his or her areas of strength – explain the significance to them and offer many chances to use them • Discuss the various aspects of your child’s life with them: school, friends, homework, teachers etc.

September – October 2013

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19 Hereford & Worcester

Clubs and Classes

Recommended local clubs and classes

Cecilia Hall Dance Centre

Cecilia Hall Dance Centre Cecilia Hall Dance Centre is an established dancing school in Malvern. We have classes for children and adults in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz Dance, Latin Fitness and Contemporary. Most pupils attend for fun as they love to dance. Some like the discipline of examinations and a few pupils go on to full time colleges such as Central School of Ballet, London Contemporary, Bird College and Millenium.

All pupils have the chance to perform in shows. We have also provided dancers and singers for professional shows at Malvern Theatres predominantly the Pantomime and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Tel: 01684 - 573663/07525 – 057492 or email ceciliahalldance@live.co.uk.

Kiddy Cook Worcester Themed children’s cookery workshops in Worcester for ages 4-11. Sat 28th Sept – A Taste of Italy, Wed 30th Oct – Horrible Halloween, Sat 16th Nov – Winter Warmers, Sat 14th Dec – Christmas Treats.

We also run regular CookieTots classes for children aged 2-4 or why not try one of our fabulous parties? Tel 07788 137836 or email worcester@kiddycook.co.uk. www.kiddycook.co.uk

Fun filled parties:

Lots of themed parties available please contact us for details

Age 6-11’s Age 3-5’s Football Soccer Stars High energy dance Sporty Stars Multi Games Active Story Parties are themed e.g. The Incredibles, Cars, Despicable Me, Pirates, Shrek.

01905 840396 or

email sales@kosport.co.uk www.kosport.co.uk

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Dance in Motion Dance in Motion prides itself in providing professional tuition in a variety of dance styles from ages 2yrs+. Whether you want to dance for fun or train at a professional level, there is something for everyone.

At Dance in Motion we believe each student is a true star! Tel: 01684 893119 or email gemmahinton@hotmail.co.uk. www.danceinmotion.co.uk

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September – October 2013

Clubs and Classes Start2exercise Start2feelfab – female focused outdoor circuits class 45 minutes of focused outdoor exercise that gets results to burn fat, tone up and make you feel fab in as short a time as possible!

Choose from 3 classes a week – attend any for a fixed price per month.

Traditional Old Fashioned Sweet Shop Sweets • Gifts • Pocket Money Toys & more

Party Bags to order – choose from a large range of sweets & pocket money toys.

10+ party bags = free party bag for birthday child

Start2push – new mums buggy fitness class Use your buggy to help you get back to your pre-pregnancy body with this outside exercise class for new mums. A fun, relaxed class, that allows you to exercise without the worry of childcare! Classes start from as little as £2.50 per class! Tel: 07968 292784 or email sue@start2exercise.com

27 Broad Street, Pershore 01386 553262 www.sweettraditions.co.uk

www.start2exercise.com

Dancefest

Girls Pamper Parties!

Dancefest is the dance development organisation for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and runs classes throughout the area for all ages in many different dance styles, including street, contemporary and breakdance , so if you fancy having a go at learning something new, or developing your skills, take a look at the website or get in touch. Tel: 01905 611199 or email info@dancefest.co.uk.

Age 3 + Dressing up, Nail art, Karaoke, Jewellery and magic wand making, Foot spas, Chocolate fountains and more!!

Very competitive prices.

Contact the pamper fairy to get a party tailored to you!

www.glitzngiggles.vpweb.co.uk

07817704933

www.dancefest.co.uk

Puddleducks Puddle Ducks swimming classes promote fun, safety and enjoyment in the water. Develop your child’s confidence the natural way. By engaging your child’s natural ability and affinity with the water, we offer simple steps to a lifetime love of swimming. Join at any time during the term and at age from birth to primary-school age. We also have fabulous aquanatal classes for mums-to-be. Tel: 07948 808629 or email worcestershire@puddleducks.com www.puddleducks.com

A great day out!

The award winning family orientated Mayfly Café and Cob House Fisheries welcomes you to visit Visit our our animals, timber “What’s on” pages trail play area and grounds at www.cobhouse.org for free. Why not partake in to keep up to date with lots of free some fishing, walks or just events pop to the café for a coffee with cake or a hearty breakfast or lunch.

To visit the animals is free!

• Children’s birthday parties • Educational visits • Angling lessons • Café… and lots, lots more!

Cob House, Worcester Road, Wichenford, Worcs WR6 6YE t: 01886 888517 www.cobhouse.org

Dance classes, projects and performances in Herefordshire and Worcestershire for all ages from 4 to 84!

• Mini Movers • Dance Clubs • Youth Dance • Contemporary • Urban Dance • Choreography • After school clubs www.dancefest.co.uk

01905 611199

Worcester PA Hire Affordable - Reliable - Easy To Use

Why book a DJ when you can do it yourself?

No experience necessary to operate our ‘easy to use’ PA and lighting systems. It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3 1. Choose the music that you want to hear from your own music collection.

2. Load the songs onto your iPod/mp3 player.

3. Plug your iPod/mp3 player into our PA system and press play.

Why not add a lighting package to really create a party atmosphere. tel: 07867801672 email: info@worcesterpahire.co.uk

www.worcesterpahire.co.uk September – October 2013

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

21 Hereford & Worcester

Clubs and Classes Happy Steps Happy Steps was created in 2006 by Debbie Harding with a handful of children. Fast forward seven years and classes run all over Worcester, Malvern, Pershore and Evesham, with many children enjoying Happy Steps classes.

Don’t forget to mention when you telephone that you saw the listings in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine

The classes start with pre-school children and also offer after school classes with the main emphasis on dancing for fun. Classes run in ballet, movement, jazz, tap, musical theatre and contemporary. Plus there are also adult classes for those parents who want to come and dance to stay fit and enjoy themselves.

Tel: 01905 345237 or email debbieharding1@me.com www.happystepsdance.co.uk

Lily Rose Hynobirthing HypnoBirthing is a complete childbirth education programme helping you achieve a calmer, more comfortable birth by eliminating the fear and anxiety that leads to a long, painful labour, using simple but very effective techniques to encourage the natural process of giving birth.

The course consists of five 2.5 hour classes, and teaches a mix of tailored breathing techniques, deep relaxation, visualisation and self-hypnosis to allow your body to birth your baby in the way it is perfectly designed to do.

HypnoBirthing can help: • Create a calm, easier birth experience • Shorten the length of labour • Eliminate or reduce the need for conventional pain relief methods • Reduce the likelihood of surgical birth • Provide a supportive role for your birthing partner • Promote bonding of baby, mother and father

Dance Classes for Young Children at Cecilia Hall Dance Centre, Malvern: Mondays and Fridays 2pm Pre-school Ballet Thursdays 9.30am Pre-school role-play and movement to music Saturdays 10.15am Pre-Primary Ballet (Reception & Year 1) and tap if required

Classes at Bishops Frome Village Centre:

Saturdays 10.30am Ballet ages 4 and 5 and tap if required 11.20am Ballet ages 6 - 8 11.50am Tap and Modern ages 6 - 9

Many more classes available.

Telephone: 01684 573663 or 07525 057492; alternatively, email ceciliahalldance@live.co.uk for more information.

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• Encourage a more rapid post-natal recovery Tel: 07889 055528 or email ann@lilyrosehypnobirthing.co.uk www.lilyrosehypnobirthing.co.uk

If you would like to advertise in Families Hereford and Worcester and reach 44,000 Hereford parents then please get in & Worcester touch either by email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk or tel 01386 791422.

September – October 2013

Clubs and Classes Chessgrove Swim – We have NEW opening hours for September and are now open and teaching children’s swimming lessons every day of the week, as well as hosting children’s swimming parties on Saturday afternoons. Laura McCullough has been promoted to the position of Swim School Manager and she is celebrating by running a competition to win one of our fantastic Learn to Swim Courses in the October Half Term, entries start on 12th September on our Facebook site. Chessgrove Swim, Ditchford Bank Road, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, B60 4HS. Tel: 01527 821978 or email info@chessgroveswim.co.uk www.chessgroveswim.co.uk.

Beat Breakerz Beat Breakerz is a street dance school catered to create professional training to people across Worcester and Droitwich of all ages (from 3 onwards) and abilities. We hold 3 classes per evening 5 days a week, Monday-Thursday and Saturday mornings. The styles focus on street, hip hop, breakdance and freestyle dance alongside jazz, contemporary, disco and street cheer.

Our services include School workshops, Dance birthday party packages, Adult classes, Private lessons, competition groups and much more. Our services are designed to improve your confidence, fitness and ability in all street dance areas covered. We believe that dance classes are a fun and encouraging way for children to express themselves by exploring the same passion and love for dance. No dance experience needed. Not only does dance boost confidence and self expression but children are able to socialise and interact whilst incorporating fitness. Tel: 07715 638711 or email Amie@BeatBreakerzSchoolOfDance.Co.Uk . www.BeatBreakerzSchoolofDance.co.uk

NTPL © Ian Shaw

Chessgrove

50 things to do before you’re 11 and ¾ We are on a mission my 11 and a ¼ year old and I – and we are up against a deadline. In six months time she wants to have completed the National Trust’s fifty things to do challenge before she is aged out!

The National Trust’s campaign is a brilliant antidote to the modern obsession with indoor screen-time and a glorious celebration of all that is fun about childhood and the great outdoors.

My daughter has climbed a tree, rolled down a big hill, skimmed stones, run in the rain, flown a kite, caught a fish in a net, played conkers, made mudpies, and picked blackberries growing wild. She has gone swimming in the sea, built a raft, tried rock-climbing, canoeing, and horseriding, walked barefoot, climbed a huge hill, explored a cave, gone star-gazing, explored rock-pools, played pooh sticks, visited a farm, and much more over the course of her childhood.

Indeed, I was surprised by just how many of the activities on the National Trust’s 50 Things to do list, she could tick off – so, perhaps, all is not lost for the current generation of children.

But, as the deadline approaches we have discovered some serious omissions. She says she has never caught a crab (I am convinced she has; she is adamant she hasn’t); she has never camped wild (sadly, the back garden doesn’t count!); cooked on a campfire (isn’t basic cooking challenging enough?) found frogspawn; (I remember doing that as a child); tracked wild animals, or found a geocache. Add to that list – damming a stream; setting up a snail race, making a grass trumpet and going on a night time nature walk, and it looks like we have a busy, but fun, summer ahead.

You can print off a 50 things to do list on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things.

Sign up to the challenge online to unlock special certificates, games, hidden secret challenges and rewards for the best explorers.

See our what’s on pages 30 and 31 in this issue for loads of activities at numerous Herefordshire and Worcestershire properties.

September – October 2013 www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

23 Hereford & Worcester

Clubs and Classes Extra-curricular activities

© elisabetta figus – Fotolia.com

By Ellen Arnison

Football or ballet, drama or Brownies – how do you know what, and how much, out-of-school activity is right for your child?

Not long after your son or daughter disappears through the classroom door for the first time, the choice becomes bewildering. Their schoolbags come home stuffed with leaflets from this or that organisation promising all manner of benefits from enrolling in their classes. You may find yourself feeling guilty if you don’t sign up to everything.

Please take a deep breath and relax. Extra-curricular activities are not essential; many children do perfectly well without them.

However, there are some benefits from a few well-chosen groups, clubs or classes.

With the best will in the world, school cannot teach all the skills you might consider essential for modern life. Swimming lessons, for example, or cycling proficiency are crucial for safety.

In addition, carefully selected activities can bring numerous other benefits that could help your child now and in the future.

They will get a huge confidence boost from participating in an enjoyable activity they are successful at. A shy child, for example, may flourish in a dance class.

As well as learning new skills, more subtle benefits include fostering a sense of community, increasing self-sufficiency and allowing a child – particularly one in a large family – something they feel is their own. Club time can also allow one-to-one time for other children.

While these advantages are very real, care must be exercised when choosing activities. Too many and the wrong ones will only leave everyone fed up and exhausted.

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www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

September – October 2013

Clubs and Classes The easy choices are the ones your children are desperate to do. Although beware of signing up for something just because your son or daughter’s best friend is doing it, this may not be a good enough reason.

Ask yourself if your child gets something from the activity that they don’t get elsewhere and that it complements what’s already going on.

For example, an active youngster who is already in the football team might be better balancing their activities with music or drama than adding another sport. Equally a child timid in the classroom may get great gains from being in a choir if it boosts their confidence.

A more tricky area is an activity you’d like your child to do when they’d rather spend their after-school time at home relaxing. Only you can tell if they are genuinely exhausted by a day’s education or not. However, do take their views into account as there really is no point in forcing a child into something they hate. And some school stages are more taxing than others.

After-school activities affect the whole family. No one wants to spend all their time ferrying children from one activity to another while dinner that still needs to be prepared and other children become resentful.

So only commit to out-of-school activities that fit comfortably into the schedule and budget. It may transpire that your time and money can be better spent on family activities at home.

When you do decide on a class or club – take some time to check it out. Find out how long it has been running, do other parents recommend it, are the staff Disclosure or CRB checked?

While extra classes keep your children entertained and active, it’s also important that they have some unstructured time – even that they are allowed to feel bored. If they bounce from one organised thing to the next, they’ll never learn the important skill of amusing themselves.

Liat Hughes Joshi, author of Raising Children: The Primary Years, told Parentdish: “If you decide to do none at all, you won’t be shortchanging her if her after-school activity consists of nothing more than a TV programme, a snack and some good, old-fashioned playing.”

SEN activities Children with special educational needs can benefit hugely from well-chosen extra-curricular activities.

Even with the best educational support, SEN children can often feel ‘less’ than their peers. They may be aware of their difficulties and differences and this can have a profound effect on their confidence.

HypnoBirthing offers an approach that helps women achieve a drug-free, calm, relaxed, comfortable labour and birth.

More and more people are discovering HypnoBirthing and experiencing calmer, easier and more comfortable births. Join them by reaping the benefits which can include: u Shorter labour u Eliminate or reduce the need for pain relief u Reduce the likelihood of a surgical birth u Provide a supportive role for birthing partner

L ily R ose H ypno B irthing, based in the Worcestershire area, will help you feel more relaxed and free of fear so you can enjoy your pregnancy and birth by teaching a mixture of specifically tailored breathing techniques, deep relaxation, visualisation and easy to learn self-hypnosis to allow your body to birth your baby in the way it is perfectly designed to do.

Contact me, Dr Ann Laight (DClinPsy), Affiliated HypnoBirthing Practitioner, at ann@lilyrosehypnobirthing.co.uk or call 07889 055 528

www.lilyrosehypnobirthing.co.uk

Therefore an activity they can participate in successfully is a huge boost to their self-esteem. For example a dyslexic child, for whom school is a struggle, may blossom as a leading light in the dance troupe.

Equally there are other more educational and developmental benefits that make extra-curricular activities important.

Dyspraxic youngsters, for instance, can find their co-ordination improves while doing karate or trampolining.

Clubs can be important social outlets for SEN children, perhaps giving them a chance to meet others facing similar challenges. The school or local authority will be able to advise about SEN groups in your area.

September – October 2013

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

25 Hereford & Worcester

How to stop your child waking in the night

By Kathryn Mewes

Do you walk around in a daze, feeling you are in a permanent cloud? Rest assured you are not alone. Deprivation of sleep is something that every parent experiences, but when it starts to become part of your everyday life then it is time to stop and ask “Is this how I want it to stay?”

First of all, it is important to understand children’s sleep cycles. Children tend to be awake for a 12–13 hour day before they reach their ‘window of tiredness’. If a child wakes at 6–7am they will need to be in their nursery by 6.50pm with lights out by 7pm if they’re to get to sleep easily. If you miss this window of tiredness your child will get their ‘second wind’, lasting for one sleep cycle (90 minutes). This means that they will not settle again until 8.30pm.

Secondly, it is good to remember that all of us, even adults, wake on average 6 times a night. The difference is we know how to settle ourselves and return to sleep. Babies are not born with this skill of self-settling and need to be taught.

You can’t make your baby sleep, but you can teach them how to put themselves to sleep.

A top tip to help your baby settle themselves is to keep their room dark. If your child comes into a light sleep and can see things around them they won’t be encouraged to go back to sleep.

Sprinkle water over the window panes in the nursery and press sheets of foil to the windows. Cut the foil close to the frame and this will block out 100% of the light.

By Kathryn Mewes, author of ‘The 3 Day Nanny’ published

by Vermillion, £12.99.

Kathryn also provides a bespoke service. Call 07787 821525 or go to www.bespokenanny.com.

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Samantha’s story: Enough is enough – I need someone to help me!

I called on Kathryn Mewes, author of The 3 Day Nanny, to help with my 5 year old’s sleep problems. We had got ourselves into a situation where we sat with him for up to 45 minutes each night until he fell asleep. It didn’t stop there. If he woke in the night he would come into our bed, and I would be breastfeeding my daughter while losing precious sleep space to my son. I had got to a stage of thinking my son would never sleep in his own bed. Kathryn claimed that she could solve any challenge in 3 days, but she hadn’t met my son!

However, Kathryn soon devised a reward system, giving my son incentives.

Night 1 When it came to bedtime the message was simple. A relaxing routine followed by saying ‘Goodnight. I’ll see you at breakfast time.’ Kathryn walked out of the bedroom with ease and confidence … only to be followed by my son! She returned him to his room with an air of calm even though he was protesting, and every step of the way she explained what she was doing.

After 30 minutes my son realised that this was the way it was going to be. This may sound a long time but it was taking longer when sitting on his carpet waiting for him to fall asleep.

He did wake that night, but instead of allowing him into my room Kathryn guided him back to bed. In the morning I found Kathryn and my son working on their reward system. I could see a change in him instantly – he had someone believing in him. He could sleep through the night.

Night 2 As you can imagine, my son gave me quite a run for my money, but the most important thing Kathryn taught me was how a child can sense your emotions.

If I wanted to get him to stay in his bed he had to believe that I was serious and that I was not going to back down. I had to remain calm yet in control, and 20 minutes later he stayed in his bed. That night he slept through until morning.

Night 3 By night 3 my son knew the routine. He let me put him to bed and leave the room.

It was all so straightforward. Why hadn’t I done this sooner?

Kathryn’s Top Tips for Solid Sleep • Remain consistent with the 3 B’s – Bath, Book/Bottle, Bed • Get your children to bed at the right time – aim to be leaving their bedroom at 7pm • Have your own little routine in the bedroom that should last no longer than 20 minutes. The longer you stay the harder it is to leave • Ensure the room is dark when you leave • Have the door closed or pulled to. The door only opens when it is breakfast time • Don’t react to your child’s requests. No more talking after ‘See you at breakfast time’ • Create a reward system for an older child to encourage them to remain in their bed A silent night can be achieved. Believe in yourself and your child, remain consistent and it only need take 3 nights. I promise!

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

September – October 2013

Ancient yet modern: Using acupuncture to aid fertility production and enhance the ovaries. Acupuncture can help increase the thickness of the lining of the womb so that good embryo implantation is more likely. It can be used to lower the risk of miscarriage. Acupuncture can be used specifically to help male fertility too, working to enhance the quantity, shape and motility of the sperm.

Acupuncture can be used alongside assisted conception to help increase the chances of success and to help you cope with any side effects of the fertility medication.

And remember once you are pregnant.... acupuncture can help expectant mums throughout their pregnancies, keeping you strong and working with any issues such as morning sickness.

And acupuncture can also be used to prepare for and during labour.... and onwards to keep mum, dad and baby in the best of health.

You may have heard that traditional acupuncture can help fertility alongside assisted conception procedures. Many people simply have treatments at the time, for example either side of embryo transfer in IVF. But did you know there is also great advantage in receiving earlier preparative treatments? And there’s the possibility of acupuncture alone helping fertility for both men and women. In my acupuncture practice I encourage people to take advantage of the full possibilities acupuncture has to offer for natural and assisted fertility.

So what is acupuncture and how can it help?

Acupuncture is a wonderful natural system of medicine that restores and maintains our health. Acupuncture points activate a person’s own recuperative and healing powers. Over 2000 years ago acupuncture was already well established as part of the repertoire of Chinese Medicine. Traditionally, acupuncture is seen as working with the “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy of the body. This energy flows continuously through the meridian system, an energetic network linking the acupuncture points which in turn influence the internal organs and other body systems. Traditional acupuncture aims to treat the whole person and looks at the causes of specific problems as well as the symptoms.

Acupuncture points can be treated by the shallow insertion of hair fine needles and the treatments are amazingly relaxing with no side effects!

To have the best chances of conception both you and your partner can use acupuncture to increase your general health and vitality. If possible plan some treatments to be taken a few months ahead of time, whether you are looking at natural or assisted conception.

Stress has a strong affect on the balance of our fertility hormones. Acupuncture is excellent for releasing stress and enabling you both to feel calm, positive and centred as you prepare for this special time in your lives.

Acupuncture can benefit fertility by working specifically to help you achieve regular periods and ovulation. It works to balance the fertility hormones and can be used to increase follicle

Sue Kalicinska, Founding Member of the British Acupuncture Council Sue has over 25 years experience as a practitioner of traditional acupuncture. She works with clients of all ages, including babies and expectant mums. Her practice now receives clients in London and Surrey for her treatments and Health-Naturally tailored packages. www.acupuncturehelps. co.uk The British Acupuncture Council, the regulating body for British Acupuncture, has information on relevant research here: http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/a-to-z-of-conditions/ a-to-z-of-conditions/female-fertility.html http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/a-to-z-of-conditions/ a-to-z-of-conditions/male-infertility.html

Competition

register on tition below, simply To enter the compe d go to an k ordandworcs.co.u www.familiesheref petitions om ordandworcs.co.uk/C www.familiesheref tic prize! tas fan ce of winning this to be in with a chan

WIN a family photoshoot and framed photo Helter Skelter Photography have 10 family photo shoots, each with a 6” x 8” photograph in a classic 8” x 10” frame, to give away.

Fun, relaxed family photography.

Come and have fun with your family and get some great photos too!

The shoot will take place in the studio in Hartlebury or at a location of your choice in Worcestershire. Shoots must be booked before 31st November 2013.

Enter online – deadline: Friday 18th October www.helterskelterphotography.co.uk

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk September – October 2013 www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Hereford & Worcester

27

What’s On Please check with the venue in case details have been changed and also please note that with some venues, it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line.

THEATRE Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Snow White - Vienna Festival Ballet A magical journey with a brand new production of Snow White.

Saturday 28th September 2.30 and 7.30 pm £18.50, £17.50 under 16s and £42.00 family The singing kettle presents wild wild party Scotland’s favourite children’s entertainers bring you this special singalong show, that is guaranteed to have the whole family dancing, laughing and singing with loads of audience participation.

Sunday 29th September 1.00 pm £11.00, £40.00 family How to catch a star - Blunderbus An irresistible blend of music, puppetry and storytelling - a must-see for small people aged 3-7 Saturday 19th October 2.00 pm £9.00, £7.00 under 16s, £28.00 family Little Words Launch event Books and Stories Drop-in Craft Session 1.00 pm. Come to a fun make and take craft session before the author events. £1 per child to cover materials - no need to book in advance.

Hubble Bubble 2.00 pm. Join Tracey Corderoy as she introduces her most recent book – there’ll be magic, mayhem and craft. Learn to make your very own cauldrons and frogs! For children aged 3-6.

Tales of Trouble 3.00 pm. Find out about the real-life inspiration behind the weird and wacky characters in Ceci Jenkinson’s hugely popular series, featuring the hilarious misadventures of Oli and Skipjack. A fun, interactive event with lots of audience participation. For children aged 6-11.

Saturday 26th October £6.00 adults, £4.00 under 16s Marty Mcdonald’s Farm Join Marty, Pongo the Pig, Molly-Moo the Cow & Sheena the Sheep for songs and adventures in a live and interactive theatre show for 3-8 years down on the farm! Sunday 27th October 2.00 pm £10,00 £8.00 under 16s Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Snow White - Vienna Festival Ballet A magical journey with a brand new production of Snow White.

Saturday 5th October 7.30 pm £19.00, £17.00, £13.00 child 28

Hereford & Worcester

We are now pleased to be working in conjunction with thebestof Worcester and thebestof Droitwich. If you would like your events included on their websites then simply complete a short simple registration process and you can add as many events as you like. Just go to www.thebestof.co.uk/worcester and www.thebestof.co.uk/droitwich.

Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk

How to catch a star A bewitching story with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and storytelling for ages 3-7.

Tuesday 8th October 2.00 and 5.30 pm £8.00, £6.00 child

Bin Men A play with music for young children and their families about Don and Sam who are bin men with dreams.

Saturday 12th October 2.30 pm £8.00, £7.00 child

The Butterfly Lion Based on the story by Michael Morpurgo following the adventures of Bertie and a white lion cub. Monday 14th – Saturday 19th October 7.30 pm 2.30 pm wed and sat matinees £26.50 - £11.50

Fireman Sam The Hero next door is back with his live stage show Pontypandy Rocks! Sunday 13th October 1.00 and 3.30 pm £13.00, £11.00 under 16s and £44.00 family

Andy & Mike’s Tick Tock Time Machine (CBeebies) A marvellous adventure in a time machine which sends them on a quest to collect things from the past to help in the future.

Suitable for 3 years and over. Sunday 27th October 11.30 am and 2.30 pm £12.00, £40.00 family Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, www.norburytheatre. freeserve.co.uk Children’s Theatre Short plays for Children.

Highly Entertaining for kids aged 4-10 years. Saturday 21st September and Saturday 19th October 2.30 and 4.00 pm £1.50 Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org.uk Big Red Bath A barmy bath time adventure for children 2-5 years with puppetry, music and storytelling.

Tuesday 29th October 2.30 pm £7.00, £6.00 under 16s Emil & the Detectives Join Emil on a fun packed adventure to catch a thief for children aged 6 and over.

Wednesday 30th October 2.30 pm £7.50, £6.00 under 16s The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk Tweedy’s Lost Property A one man family show about Tweedy the Clown who gives in to society and gets a real job in a Lost Property Office to try and find himself. Saturday 28th September 11.00 am £10.00, £8.00 child, £30.00 family

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

The Market Theatre, Market Street, Ledbury, HR8 2AQ www.themarketthetheatre.com East of the Sun, West of the Moon Based on a traditional Nordic story, this is a spellbinding tale of adventure, mystery and romance featuring a magical white bear, a young girl and an anarchic troll told with puppets!

Sunday 27th October 2.30 pm £6.00, £5.00

GARDEN CENTRES Evesham Country Park, Evesham, WR11 4TP 01386 41661, www.eveshamcountrypark.co.uk Craft and Gift Fair An array of exhibitors showcasing a range of wares from jewellery and jigsaws to hand bags and knits; woodcraft and paintings to photos and cards; soaps and ceramics to fashions and cushions.

Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September 10.00 am – 5.00 pm.

Little Heath Garden Centre, Lickey End, Bromsgrove, B60 1HY 01527 878174, www. littleheathgardencentre.co.uk Tea & Talk A different talk every month to help make your garden beautiful with a Q&A session.

Refreshments included. Pre-booking required by phone or email littleheathgc@hotmail.co.uk 1st Wednesday of each month 10.30 – 11.30 am £5.00 Webbs, Worcester Road, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa, WR9 0DG 01527 860000, www.webbsdirect.co.uk Riverside Ramble A fun trail around the riverside gardens.

All correct entries go into a prize draw.

Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Free

Half Term Fun for Kids: Pumpkin Scooping – choose a pumpkin, scoop it out and trained staff will help carve a Halloween face and Funtastic Fantasy Faces - facepainting.

Monday 28th October – Thursday 31st October 11.00 am – 4.00 pm £4.99 pumpkin and battery tea light and £2.50 facepainting Children’s Fair Rides Monday 28th October – Friday 1st November 11.00 am – 4.00 pm £1.50 per ride

MUSEUMS Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Young Tudors Students from the Living History group at King Edward’s School, Birmingham will be living the Tudor life in the Merchant’s House where you can see them carry out their daily domestic chores. Demonstrations of archery and Tudor games.

Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th September Apple Day Demonstrations of cider pressing, honey collection and milling.

Plant seeds to support Marie Curie’s “Mini Pots of Care” and try your hand at traditional country crafts, including corn-dolly making and willow weaving.

Sunday 29th September Trick or Treat Nights Spooktacular Halloween horror nights return to Avoncroft with all kinds of unimaginable terrors taking place in the darkened surroundings of the Museum’s grounds and buildings. Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th & Thursday 31 October.

6.30pm. Pre-booking essential. £7.00, £5.00 Members Halloween Half Term Activities Make your own Halloween lantern with the help of a team of expert pumpkin carvers, have a go at some devilish Halloween crafts and solve a gruesome Halloween prize quiz trail. Tuesday 29th - Thursday 31st October Pre-booking advisable £4.00 for pumpkin carving and craft workshop Commandery, 109 Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU 01905 361821, www. museumsworcestershire.org.uk Heritage Open Day Weekend Find out about the history of The Commandery through a series of FREE guided tours, talks and activities.

Sunday 15th September September – October 2013

What’s On Halloween Happenings Half - Term activities, crafts and trails full of haunting horrors, alarming alchemy and gory goings on.

Sunday 26th October – Friday 1st November Halloween Activities Organised by the friends of Fort Royal Park and Commandery Gardens, additional activities throughout the day with the Wildlife Trust. Evening activities to include: a spooky fancy dress competition and a ghostly trail around the park. No booking required.

For more information go to www.worcester.gov.uk/parks or 01905 722233.

Thursday 31st October Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY 01527 62509, www.forgemill.org.uk Heritage Open Day A day to celebrate local heritage. Event organised by the Redditch Local History Society. Saturday 7th September 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Farm Fun Day Encounter animals such as sheep, goats, a calf, rabbits, chickens, children’s craft activity, farmyard songs and performance with Indigo Arts. Sunday 22nd September 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Event FREE Entry into museum £2.00 adults, £1.00 child £5.00 family Museum Resource and Learning Centre, 58 Friars Street, Hereford, HR4 0AS 01432 383383, www.herefordshire.gov.uk

Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www. museumsworcestershire.org.uk Heritage Open Day Weekend Find out about the history of the museum through a series of FREE guided tours, talks and activities. Saturday 14th Sunday 15th September A Country Fair Traditional cider making outside the 300 year old Cider Mill, rural craft demonstrations and stalls, traditional music and entertainment, local produce and heavy horses. Sunday 6th October Autumn Magic – Holiday Activities Craft activities to highlight this mysterious time of year including pumpkin carving! Tuesday 29th October – Friday 1st November, 10.30 am-4.00 pm £1.00 plus small charge for pumpkins

ATTRACTIONS Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com Circus Skills Try your hand at juggling, stilt and tightrope walking, unicycles, plate-spinning, and much more. Workshops will run throughout the day. Sunday 8th September 11.00 am – 4.30 pm Summer Sunday Fun Whizz over the Valley Lawn on the castle zip wire and take part in the season’s new games. Sunday 22nd September 11.00 am – 4.30 pm

‘Day of the Dead’ Big Draw Activity Thursday 31st October 11.00 am – 3.00 pm

Gun Dogs & Ferret Racing Amazing displays from the gun dogs plus join in the fun of ferret racing! Sunday 29th September 11.00 am – 4.30 pm

The Elgar Birthplace Museum, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcester, WR2 6RH 01905 333224, www.elgarmuseum.org

Goodrich Castle, Castle Lane, Goodrich, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire HR9 6HY 01600 3331181, www.english-heritage.org.uk

Doodling with Elgar - Big Draw Activity Days Take inspiration from an exhibition of Elgar’s cartoons and doodles and have a go at blindfolded contour drawing! Touch, try-on and draw objects from the collection, create cool musical lines, and explore with a special Big Draw trail. Enter a monthlong competition to find a fun, new logo for the children’s events.

Sunday 6th and 13th October One child FREE with a paying adult or senior.

Spooky Halloween Trail Find the creepy clues hidden around the Castle grounds and solve the challenge to win a terrible treat. Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

Month Long Children’s Trail A month-long children’s trail themed around the various musical instruments on display, encouraging children to draw instruments of the future, along with an instrument ‘hunt’ outdoors.

Whole of October

September – October 2013

Hampton Court Castle and Gardens, Hope-under-Dinmore, Leominster, HR6 0PN 01568 797676, www.hamptoncourt.org.uk The Battle of Mortimers Cross 1461 Re-enactments of the Battle including Living History, children’s activities, Medieval Traders, Have-A-Go Archery and lots more.

Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th September 10.30 am – 5.00 pm Halloween Spooky Fun Saturday 26th – Thursday 31st October www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

29 Hereford & Worcester

What’s On Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Station, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX 01299 403816, www.svr.co.uk

Vale of Evesham NCT Saturday 5th October 10.00 am – 12.00 midday at Prince Henry’s High School, Victoria Road, Evesham, WR11 Email: valeofeveshamnns@yahoo.com

Classic Vehicle Day A Classic Vehicle Day to enjoy the autumn colours along the line as you get on and off at each of the stations to view the displays of iconic vehicles. Special attractions along the line with children and families in mind. Sunday 13th October

Worcester & Droitwich NCT Sunday 15th September 10.30 am – 12.00 pm at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Bilford Road, Worcester, WR3 8DX Tel: 0844 243 6334 or email: worcester_ nct@hotmail.com

Witley Court and Gardens, Worcester Road, Great Witley, Worcester, WR6 6JT 01905 726311, www.english-heritage.org.uk Spooky Halloween Trail Find the creepy clues hidden around the castle grounds and solve the challenge to win a terrible treat! Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

EVENTS NCT – National Childbirth Trust 0300 3300770 www.nct.org.uk NEARLY NEW SALES Bromsgrove NCT Saturday 12th October 10.30 am – 12.00 midday at Methodist Church Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove B60 1AS Tel: 01527 832309 or email: NearlyNewSale-Broms@hotmail.co.uk Hereford NCT Saturday 12th October 1.30 – 3.30 pm at Hereford Leisure Centre, Hereford, HR4 9UD Email nctsale10@yahoo.co.uk Kidderminster NCT Saturday 28th September 11.30 am – 1.00 pm at Stourport High School, Minster Road, Stourport on Severn, DY13 8AX Tel: 0844 243 6178 or email: kidderminsternct@hotmail.co.uk Malvern Hills NCT Saturday 21st September 10.30 am -12.00 noon at Malvern St James The Dome, Imperial Rd, Great Malvern WR14 3BA Tel: 0844 243 6201 or email: malvernnct-nns@hotmail.com Redditch NCT Saturday 19th October 1.00 – 3.00 pm at Woodfield Academy, Studley Road, Redditch B98 7HH Email: nnsredditchnct@yahoo.co.uk 30

Hereford & Worcester

National Trust

NTPL © Ian Shaw

Take the Ghost Train ‘Disco Daddy’ will be there to entertain you at Kidderminster station before your ghost train departs. There will be a fancy dress parade with a small gift. On the train you may meet up with some frightening staff who will be giving out spooky goody bags to all the children.

Saturday 26th, Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st October 5.30 pm onwards

0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 APPLE WEEKEND An extensive range of apples will be on display as well as cider making demonstrations and good food stalls.

Organised children’s activities too.

Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th October 10.00 am – 4.00 pm BERRINGTON FIREWORK DISPLAY Enjoy firework themed activities for the children in the afternoon followed by hot dogs, burgers and traditional firework night treats from 4pm then round off the evening with a fantastic firework display at 6pm. Sunday 27th October 10.00 am onwards MAKING BIRDFEEDERS Children can get creative by making their own bird feeders under the watchful eye of the rangers. Monday 28th October 12.00 – 3.00 pm £2.50 per feeder Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 482077 ALL THINGS DAMSON It’s damson season again in the orchards. Picking, displays, tastings, orchard tours and much more.

Saturday 7th – Sunday 15th September 11.00 am – 4.00 pm FREE ADMISSION DAY See what Brockhampton has to offer on our annual open day.

Saturday 14th September 10.00 am – 5.00 pm GEOCACHE CHALLENGE WEEKEND Find hidden ‘caches’ or treasures using GPS devices available to hire or bring your own. Great for all ages. Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd September 11.00 am – 4.00 pm £5.00 per item Clent Hills, Nimmings Wood car park, between Hagley and Stourbridge, B62 0NL Tel: 01562 712822 SPOOKY CLENT A spooky Halloween trail around the Clent Hills followed by craft activities in the adventure play area. Wednesday 30th October 10.00 am – 3.00 pm £1.00 child

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 REAP THE HARVEST Have a go at jam and chutney making, learn how to pickle, make syrup and more. There’s also a vegetable harvest trail for children. Thursday 19th – Sunday 22nd September 11.00 am – 4.00 pm HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Join an evening ghost walk in the castle or around the grounds to hear some of the reported hauntings at Croft. Children and family fun during the daytime with games races, broomstick making, face painting, storytelling and lots more.

Friday 25th 7.00 – 10.00 pm, Saturday 26th – Sunday 27th October 11.00 am – 10.00 pm HALLOWEEN TRAILS A Halloween trail. Find all the clues to collect your prize. Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November 11.00 am – 4.00 pm £2.00 per trail GO WILD WEEK Use natural materials to improve your survival in the great outdoors. Learn basic woodland skills, make your own natural den, camp fire, find food and much more. Monday 28th October – Friday 1st November 12.00 – 3.00 pm Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 HERITAGE OPEN DAY Old vehicles, re-enactments, guided walk vintage cars, and lots more! A free Art Takeover event is also taking place inc lace making, art, photography etc. Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th September 10.00 am – 5.30 pm SPOOKY STORYWRITING COMPETITION Enter Croome “Spooky Storywriting Competition”. Details to be released soon on the website.

Friday 11th October – Sunday 3rd November CROOME GHOSTBUSTING TRAIL Become a Croome Ghostbuster and spot the spooky characters hidden around the Court on the indoor trail.

Friday 11th October – Sunday 3rd November 11.00 am – 4.00 pm

SPOOKTACULAR CROOME! Have fun with a popular Halloween trail with a ghostly theme! Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November 10.00 am – 4.00 pm £2.00 per trail SPOOKY STORYTELLING HOUR Huddle round and listen to an hour of spooky storytelling in the basement of the Court. Two sessions: 2pm suitable for under 7’s and 3pm for 7+ years.

Saturday 26th, Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st October 2.00 – 3.00 and 3.00 – 4.00 pm ACTIVITY DAY – HALLOWEEN Have a go at our spooky activities and carve a pumpkin too! Sunday 27th October and Thursday 31st October 12.00 – 4.00 pm £3.00 Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA Tel: 01527 821214 GHOST WALKS Go on a ghost walk around the house and grounds to see if you meet any ghosts from Hanbury’s past on your way. Sunday 27th, Wednesday 30th, Thursday 31st October Various timed walks from 4.30 pm – 8.00 pm £7.00 adult, £3.50 child HALLOWEEN FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS Follow the Halloween themed trail around the garden, and collect your prize, then enjoy spooky ‘make and take’ activities. Tuesday 29th – Thursday 31st October 11.00 am – 4.00 pm 0.60 make & take, £2.00 trail Greyfriars’ House and Garden, Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2LZ Tel: 01905 23571 HERITAGE OPEN DAY A chance to explore The Greyfriars for free.

Saturday 14th September 1.00 – 5.00pm HALLOWEEN SPOOKY CRAFTS Make your own spooky crafts during the halfterm. Tuesday 29th October – Saturday 2nd November 1.00 – 5.00 pm The Weir Garden, Swainshill, Hereford HR4 7QF Tel: 01981 590509 HERITAGE OPEN DAY A chance to explore The Weir for free. Saturday 14th September 1.00 – 5.00pm September – October 2013

What’s On MEET THE BATS Head out with the ranger in search of some resident bats.

Use a bat detector to find them and learn more about their habitat, food and lifestyle on an evening walk.

Saturday 14th September 7.30 – 9.30 pm £5.00 adult, £2.50 child HALLOWEEN TRAILS Come and join in The Weird Garden trail during October half term. Find all the clues to collect your prize. Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November 11.00 am – 4.00 pm £2.00 trail

SPECIAL EVENTS, DAYS OUT AND FESTIVALS

delicious refreshments and a fun fair makes this the fireworks event of choice! Saturday 2nd November.

See website for times and prices.

Peopleton Autumn Show, Village Hall, Peopleton, WR10 2EG www.peopletonvillage.co.uk A great Classic Car Show, traction engines, vintage tractors & lorries, a traditional Open Fruit & Flower Show, live music & entertainment, an intervillage Tug O’ War event, Craft Fair, Village Fete stalls & much more.

Saturday 7th September, 12 noon – 6.00 pm

Luxury Family Hotel, Worcestershire The Elms is a beautiful Queen Anne mansion set within stunning gardens in rural Worcestershire. As a luxury family hotel and spa, we’ve rejected the notion of luxury meaning a silent retreat for adults and embrace all ages of children, welcoming you into our home from home.With an Ofsted registered den onsite for children aged from 3 months up to 8 years, parents can indulge in some ‘me time’ and enjoy lunch, afternoon tea or a day in the Spa, safe in the knowledge the little ones are, not only being cared for, but thoroughly enjoying the fabulous activities and facilities on offer to them.

Droitwich Spa Salt Fest, Vines Park and Town Centre www.saltfest.co.uk

Worcester Woods Country Park, Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2LG

Meet the Romans, living history and salt displays, street market and stalls, live music and entertainment, canal boat trips, dog show, Droitwich canal fun run and walk. Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th September

Worcester Lions Family Fun Day Sunday 15th September 11.00 am – 4.00 pm

Autumn Afternoon Spa Special

Family fun day and fun dog show Sunday 22nd September 10.00 am – 6.00 pm

A special Halloween event at St John’s library, Worcester

Table Top and Gift Sale, Cawley Hall, Eye, HR6 0DS

From 10.00 am – 1.00 pm on Thursday 31st October with lots of fun including pumpkin carving, scary storytelling, fancy dress, magicians, tombola, prizes, food and drink available from the Cafe and activities, free entry.

Lots of stalls with a wide variety of crafts, gifts, foods and bric a brac, refreshments available, indoors and out, so come along rain or shine.

Raising funds for All Saints Church, Eyton To book a table please call Sue 01568 611618. Saturday 7th September 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Unwind and pamper with a 30 minute treatment, spa facility use and a traditional cream tea.

Only £40 per person.

Our fabulous family friendly spa facilities include indoor swimming pool, hydro pool, thermal suite*, relaxation room*, fitness suite*, roof top terrace and treatment rooms.

Malvern Autumn Show, Three Counties Show ground, Malvern, WR13 6NW www.threecounties.co.uk The Malvern Autumn Show is a true celebration of food, the countryside, gardening and nostalgia. After a long year there’s nothing better than enjoying the fruits of the wonderful season. A show for food and gardening lovers, the event hosts a range of cookery demonstrations, gardening talks, vegetable displays, vintage tractors, crafts and more. Families and Friends can enjoy a day out to remember. Saturday 28th September – Sunday 29th September Malvern fireworks Don’t miss one of the largest displays in the county set to a fantastic soundtrack! Indoor and outdoor shelter and viewpoints,

Subject to availability, valid 1st September - 30th November 2013, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. *Areas restricted to over 16 year olds only.

Please Quote FAMILIESSPA1.

The Elms, Stockton Road, Abberley, Worcestershire WR6 6AT Hotel: 01299 896666 www.theelmshotel.co.uk Spa: 01299 891850

CHARITY EVENTS New Hope Worcester www.newhopeworcester.co.uk A 1970’s night at the Punch Bowl Pub, Ronkswood Worcester WR5 1NN. Tickets are £10.00 each and can be bought either in person at 35 Wells Road or by emailing jean.wilson46@yahoo.co.uk.

Saturday 12th October 7.30pm till late.

Community Fete at Oldbury Park Primary School, St Johns Worcester.

Live Music, pony rides, face painting, stalls, Zumba and games!

8th September 12.00 till 4.00 pm

If you would like to feature in the What’s On Section in Families Hereford and Worcester magazine and online, please email editor@ familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

September – October 2013

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31 Hereford & Worcester

For all your Business Phone System Changes/moves/ programming requirements We can offer a full range of services specialising in AlcatelLucent, Panasonic, Ericsson and Avaya systems including Cloud telephony across the West Midlands and UK.

If interested visit our website www.ikontelecom.co.uk or contact Gary on 07432 110476

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Hereford & Worcester

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

September – October 2013