Families Hereford & Worcester January/February 2018 Issue 49

FR E E

TAKE

ME H

OME

Hereford & Worcester

IN THIS ISSUE

Education

Being Happy At Nursery

Learning To Read Alone

New Year, New You Fitness Ideas For Parents Tips For Good Mental Health

Issue 49 January/February 2018

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Editor’s Letter

Big Garden Birdwatch

Dear readers

New year – new you!

Parenthood keeps you busy but does it always keep you fit? Temptation to eat naughty treats is all around when you have kids while finding reasons to put off doing exercise is all too easy when you are tired. Check out our fitness ideas to inspire busy parents.

It is just as important to look after our mental well being as well as our physical health. Maintaining good mental health is important for the whole family. In this issue we share the five-aday tips for good mental health.

We also discuss how to keep your children active and how to encourage them to enjoy reading alone. And you will find news on open days for the leading independent schools in our area.

Diane Clifford.

Editor, Families Hereford & Worcester 01684 770566 editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Advertise with us and reach over 44,000 Next issue March/April (Easter).

Booking deadline is Friday 9 February.

Families Hereford & Worcester is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Hereford & Worcester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Hereford & Worcester. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

You and your family can take part in this year's garden bird survey being organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). All you need to do is to count the different birds you spot in your garden over three days and record what you see. The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch takes place between 27-29 January. ww2.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch

Lack Of Sleep Is Damaging More than a third of primary school children are failing to get sufficient sleep, according to new research. The study has linked poor sleep with difficulties in paying attention in class, keeping up with school work, forgetfulness and absenteeism.

The research, carried out by the University of Leeds has shown that despite the NHS recommendation of 10 hours, 36 per cent of primary age children get eight hours of sleep or less per night. Even more worryingly, 15 per cent get less than seven hours. Other factors contributing to poor sleep were poor parental sleep patterns and lack of routine. More information on the study can be found at www.leeds.ac.uk

Register for Wear A Hat Day And Start Planning Your Event Wear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event. It takes place on Thursday 29 March. UK Brain Tumour Awareness Month is also in March. Schools and families across the country get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumors.

Brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Families are being left devastated by this dreadful disease.

Taking part can be as simple as putting on a hat and donating on the day, but most families like to create entertaining fundraising events. Many schools for example have inventive hat competitions, parades and fashion shows and raise hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

Register now on www.wearahatday.org and start planning your hattastic fundraising event.

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News & Views

Don’t Forget Applications for local authority Primary Schools must be submitted by 15 January if your child is due to start school in September 2018. www.worcestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200144/schools_and_education

More Flexible Working Opportunities

Fun and interactive educational classes for babies, toddlers and preschools in Bromsgrove, Redditch and beyond.

New! SEN - Adults & Children!

Music & Sensory Classes 58 Willow Close | Bromsgrove | B61 8RF 07518 287 598 becky@my-littleangel.co.uk

additional costs or challenges this might involve and discuss them honestly.

According to a survey by workingmums. co.uk, almost three quarters of working mums identify flexible work as being crucial to getting more women into senior roles.

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

The survey shows that mums feel flexible working is vital for them to manage work and family life and that 60% of those who work flexibly would like even more flexibility. So what can individuals do to help persuade their employers to agree to them working flexibly?

Research some case studies, ideally in your sector that shows how the suggested work pattern can be mutually beneficial.

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

If managers are dubious, suggest a trial period. And have a compromise solution as a back-up.

For more info www.workingmums.co.uk

Call 01684 770566 to put your business in front of 44,000 parents

New research has shown that when it comes to children’s favourite subject it’s a numbers game as maths comes out on top. A survey carried by the extra tuition provider, Explore Learning has found that maths was the most enjoyed subject of four to 14 year olds (26%) followed by PE (20%) and art (16%). This was despite the fact that maths is also the subject that children admit to finding the most challenging, followed by English and geography.

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

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

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

Maths Tops Popularity Poll for Children

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

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my New Year book selection.

Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website. Download the specially written reading activities for these books and buy the books online at www.EdontheWeb.com. Have fun reading!

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Safari Pug: The Dog Who Walked on the Wild Side by Laura James (Bloomsbury £5.99)

Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape by Dermot O’Leary

ED SAYS: “Pug is rather frightened when Lady Miranda wakes him with a very loud scream and tells him there is a lion in the bedroom. Lady Miranda’s housekeeper hurries into the room and searches everywhere. She assures them there is no lion – just a lot of crumbs under the bed!

The next day the friends set off for the safari park in order to meet a real lion and overcome their fears. But what if lions, or any other wild animals for that matter, liked pugs for lunch?”

Marge and the Great Train Rescue

by Isla Fisher (Piccadilly Press £5.99)

ED SAYS: “Have you met Marge who is arguably the best babysitter in the whole universe? Jemima’s little brother Jakey has a wobbly tooth that won’t quite come out but the children, with Marge’s help, find a rather unusual way of dealing with it. When the threesome set off on a journey by train, they are hopeful that Jakey will be able to drive the train but, when this looks doubtful, can Marge make his wish come true? And when they finally make it to the zoo, Marge entertains not only Jemima and Jakey but also crowds of other children.”

(Hodder £6.99) ED SAYS: “Toto the ninja cat and her brother Silver live in a town house in London but they were born in an olive grove in southern Italy where Toto learned to rely on her senses from a ninja cat master. During the day they appear to be ordinary cats but at night they love having adventures, starting with a tour of London by animal Tube. However things become more serious when a king cobra escapes from London Zoo. Toto has to draw on all of her skills to investigate and find the deadly snake before it’s too late.”

The Hippo at the End of the Hall

by Helen Cooper (David Fickling Books £10.99)

ED SAYS: “Come now or come never!

These are the words on the invitation delivered by bee-mail to Ben’s home.

There was no name on the envelope but Ben knew it was for him. It was strangely enticing to be invited to the Gee Museum but his Mum seemed very wary about it. It leads Ben into a curious world of unusual characters – some villainous and scary but some warm-hearted and lovable. Ben often wonders if he will ever find out the truth about his father’s mysterious disappearance.”

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 can contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com. See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.WalkWalk.co.uk.

Flyford’s Winter Wonderland !

Children of Flyford Flavell First School and Flyford Pippins Pre-School truly celebrated the end of last term with their Christmas Fayre, centring upon their Winter Wonderland. Only in its second year of existence, the Winter Wonderland has already become a firm favourite, and also of the wider community, to whom an open invitation to join in was issued.

The Winter Wonderland saw a complete transformation of part of the school’s massive, natural forest school area. Trees were festooned with fairy lights, illuminating the freshly-made pathways which were lined with presents. Elves galloped about the trees, shepherding excited children in to see Santa in his grotto. Wish lists delivered, children and 4

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adults alike enjoyed an outdoor serving of hot chocolate or mulled wine and a barbecue with mince pies or cookies, all accompanied by the delicate tunes of the deservedly well-reputed school choir.

Mrs Bortherton, Headteacher of Flyford Flavell First School, said of the occasion, “I am truly proud of our PTA and everyone else who had a hand in all of the planning, preparation and running of the fayre. Its success is a testament to their efforts and to the feeling of “family” that we’re so lucky to enjoy here. The Winter Wonderland is no small undertaking. It transformed the event into an incredibly extravagant and special occasion which we hope the children will remember forever.” www.flyfordflavellfirstschool.com familiesonline.co.uk

Education RGS Worcester The RGS Journey offers an outstanding education for boys and girls aged from 2-18 years. Whether a child begins their journey at RGS The Grange, RGS Springfield or RGS Worcester they will receive the very best preparation for life.

RGS The Grange is a Prep School full of opportunities. Set in 50 acres with its own Astroturf and forest school, the School combines superb facilities with a caring and supportive education designed to build confidence for each child.

RGS Springfield is the small school with a big heart.

Tucked away in beautiful Britannia Square, the School provides a city centre campus with a country school feel and a nurturing, supportive environment.

RGS Worcester Senior School begins in Year Seven and pupils join from the Prep Schools and over 40 primary schools, taking advantage of excellent transport links. With extremely strong GCSE and A Level results, the School provides academic stretch and support so that each pupil achieves their potential. The Award-winning Careers provision ensures they are well prepared for the world beyond school.

With a strong reputation for pastoral care, the Schools support pupils throughout all stages of their personal development, making sure that they settle in quickly and enjoy the exceptional opportunities available, both in and outside the classroom.

Co-curricular provision at all three schools is breath taking with over 20 different sports and 80 different clubs and activities. The Performing Arts are strong and work recently commenced on a £2.8 million building project to create a new Performing Arts Centre. Scholarships and Bursaries are available.

As one of the six oldest schools in the world, RGS Worcester combines the very best of independent school tradition with a forward-thinking modern education, designed to equip pupils for their future. An education at RGS Worcester is inspiring, unique and exceptional.

Please do come and see us at our Open Mornings or at a time convenient to you. We guarantee you a warm welcome and our pupils would be delighted to show you their School.

“RGS Worcester does what it does with a vision and panache that not many can match.”

The Good Schools Guide

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Education

Ensuring Your Child Is Happy At Nursery The process of introducing a child to a new caring environment can throw up a number of challenges.

However, some can be prevented if your child’s nursery gets to know upfront what both you and your child need and want from childcare.

By Kristen Harding Before a child arrives at a new nursery, staff should take time to fully understand your child’s home routine. In this way, potential issues can also be nipped in the bud early.

Settling In This is a key part of the adjustment process. A change in environment can upset a child and parents are generally stressed and worried when their child is unsettled. For this reason, it’s vital that your chosen nursery takes time to help your child gently settle in. Communication is very important at this stage. You need to develop a trusting relationship with the staff and settle into the new arrangement just as much as your child does. In fact, it’s often parents that have most difficulty leaving a child behind in a new setting! However, communicating Potty Training regularly can help ease your nervousness and worry. In turn, any This is another key milestone in your child’s development and insecurity your child is feeling will also lessen. reaching it may throw up stumbling blocks! Again, it is important to remember that each child is different and so will begin to Separation Anxiety learn at a different point and progress at a different speed to Regardless of the time taken beforehand, separation anxiety is a other children. A good nursery will ensure there’s no feeling of natural and sometimes unavoidable part of leaving a child at a peer pressure between parents or children! nursery. Generally, separation anxiety lessens over time but you can help by ensuring that nursery staff understand as much as Don’t start potty training as your child is starting nursery. When possible about your child’s individual needs, how they behave you do decide to begin, ensure it’s not at a time of change or a when they are sad, anxious or upset and what helps calm them. stressful period at home. Share training methods with your child’s nursery to ensure consistency of approach.

Often the anxiety of a child lessens when his nursery assigns a key worker to him. By identifying one particular carer who is Sleep going to form a strong bond and connection with your child, he It is important that home and nursery work together over nap will have the stability of knowing there is an individual there times, as the needs of individual children differ. When a child that he can rely on. starts at a nursery, the nursery should follow the child’s home routine before adapting it slowly to suit the nursery pattern. It’s Eating then helpful if you try to prevent your child taking extra naps, Meal times at nursery are important and can have a real impact as his routine is likely to be disrupted. If your child struggles to on the confidence and comfort of a young child. What your sleep at the nursery, a toy or blanket from home can provide child is used to at home may differ greatly from what occurs in comfort and help them drift off. the nursery setting.

Whilst challenges are bound to arise during your child’s time at When you visit your child’s nursery, try to do so at meal time nursery, most particularly at the beginning, these can generally occasionally. In a good setting, you will see nursery staff leading be dealt with as long as there is good communication between by example, engaging children with different food choices, you and your child’s setting. helping them to learn about what they are eating and introducing new foods gradually. Meal times at nursery, as at Kristen Harding is a childcare expert at Tinies Childcare UK. For home, should be unpressurised and enjoyable. more information, visit www.tinies.com

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Education

Two Junior Schools In King’s Worcester Foundation

Forest School at King’s Hawford is a specialised and inspirational child-centred learning approach that sits within, and complements, the wider context of outdoor education on offer. King’s Hawford has shown itself to have a strong commitment to its pupils’ all-round education by achieving a prestigious, national Learning Outside the Classroom Gold Mark. Awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, it indicates that the school is a leader in ensuring that all pupils have access to frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom.

R EG

The school is set in an idyllic location on the banks of the River Severn, adjacent to the King's Senior School and Worcester Cathedral. Bright, welcoming Pre-Preparatory classrooms complement the Junior School campus which, though steeped in history, combines up-to-date facilities with teachers who know and understand their pupils.

For more information call 01905 363592

A junior school of The King’s School, Worcester

ORNIENSIS VIG

Independent day school for boys and girls aged 2 to 11

ORNIENSIS VIG

IA SCHOLA

Come and experience our Forest School for yourself by visiting King’s Hawford on a normal working day. To register your interest, please call 01905 451292 or email hawford@ksw.org.uk

Headteacher, Richard Chapman, believes that the early school years are so important. “At King’s St Alban’s we believe passionately in offering an outstanding, all-round education to all of our children in small classes. Our enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff recognise that learning happens most easily when children are enjoying themselves. We work hard to ensure that the foundations laid in the Pre-Preparatory Department and developed in the Junior School are based on happiness and an eagerness to learn, inspiring pupils on their first steps towards leading confident, fulfilled and unselfish lives as adults”.

IA SCHOLA

Award-winning outdoor learning is at the heart of everything we do; our nursery environment brings elements of the outdoors inside. The homely theme continues throughout the nursery with a large-scale playhouse where children can learn transferable skills, allowing them to discover for themselves the different ways tasks can be completed.

At King’s St Alban’s (Independent co-education for ages 4-11’s we embrace each child’s individuality through creative and stimulating lessons and varied extra-curricular activities.

We pride ourselves on ensuring that every child develops a joy of learning which allows them to approach their education with enthusiasm and their futures with confidence.

R EG

The Kindergarten at King’s Hawford (Independent co-education for ages 2-11) is located in its own building in the heart of the school. It provides a rural, homefrom-home environment in the Worcestershire countryside for children to begin their early years education.

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01905 451292 www.ksw.org.uk/nursery familiesonline.co.uk

For more information please call Louise Robins on 01905 363592 or to book a place visit www.ksw.org.uk/booking Other opportunities to visit: Open Week – Monday 22nd to Friday 27th January 2018

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education

Teach Your Child To Love Reading Alone We all have that exquisite oft-repeated childhood memory, don't we? Nose in a book, legs dangling, miles from those meddling adults - metaphorically at any rate. So why is it so impossible for our own children to achieve literary independence; that feeling of wanting neither the chapter nor the afternoon to end?

By Justine Crow

siblings around, especially newborns, have a box of books the first child can escape to. Tell them it is theirs and nobody else's.

They can choose to share or enjoy by themselves.

4.When they are tiddlers, keep tablets and phones solely for games - preferably educational ones. Small children need the magic of a physical book to encourage their love of reading. As they grow older, e-readers have their place, such as on long journeys but don't forget, not only do children spend a lot of leisure time online, their schools increasingly use technology. For them, screens are the norm, not a refuge.

5.The switch from picture books to chapters is an exciting rite of passage. Now that they can actually read words, celebrate by going to the library or bookshop and allowing them to choose stories to try. It's okay for them to discover they don't like something they've picked out - they will find their preference in time. Don't put them off 'big' books - most modern kids manage to get through the Harry Potters without a problem. The arcane language of many children's classics is tough to make sense of, even for a seasoned adult reader, but let them have a go.

6.Get them to make a bookmark and feel proud of how many pages they clock up without interruption.

Instead, when your child proclaims that they are bored and you suggest they read a book, their sceptical facial expression says it all. But it is hardly surprising that there's a difference in our experience - we grew up without mobile phones, tablets, Xboxes, YouTube, or the lure of Minecraft. It was even customary then to have the telly rationed.

Now, it would be a miracle if they could concentrate long enough to watch a whole CBBC programme undisturbed. Here are my top ten tips for ensuring the book is as much of a distraction as its digital competition.

1. Start them young. Board books, cloth books, lift the tab. Show them how it works and then let them do it themselves. Don't be precious. Let them bite and chew and tear.

2. Encourage growing babes to turn the pages themselves. Not only will they get an idea of how a book functions, it will also help develop the essential fine motor skills for learning.

3. When choosing books for toddlers, consider their complexity.

Hardbacks are desirable but they are heavy for little hands. With 8

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7. Tintin is the perfect type of leave-alone-reading. Just because graphic novels are illustrated doesn't mean they lack in quality; just listen to the giggles when they get an Asterix book to themselves. Many favourite authors are available in accessible comic book form, especially the classics. Short story anthologies are less daunting and juicy fact books can be hard to put down.

8. Lead by example - if your child sees you gaining pleasure from the simple act of finding a corner and a book to retreat with, even for a mere five minutes, they will follow. Inevitably into the same corner as you!

9. Don't push them to read at bedtime when eyes and minds may be tired. Offer to finish a chapter aloud for them instead. It will keep them wanting more. And if they turn the light back on after you've closed the door to continue, is it really such a crime?

10. Don't use force. Reverse psychology is a wonderful device.

As an adult, there is nothing quite like the sheer heavenliness of being left in private with something thrilling and absorbing. Get it right and your child will long for that sensation all their lives.

Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury. Parent of three, she owns her very own bookshop with her partner, The Bookseller Crow on Hill. www.booksellercrow.co.uk

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Education

MSJ Is A Special Place.

Here’s Why …

“At Malvern St James we do things differently, and our starting point is creating a bespoke educational experience for all of our girls, from the youngest to the oldest. The Good Schools Guide says that MSJ is “full of girls who are going to change the world”, and it couldn’t be more right.

Enrichment opportunities abound, as diverse as Football Club, STEM Club, Young Enterprise, Art Club, Model United Nations, Drama, Swimming and Riding. Powerful role models are provided by older girls and alumnae: they create an environment of female leadership, aspiration and achievement. Our Prep Department and Seniors sit together on the same site, so all girls have access to the very best facilities: science labs, language labs, drama centre, swimming pool and a purpose-built Sports Centre.

The school is big enough to provide every opportunity, yet small enough that every girl is known. It is caring, friendly and inclusive. It is roughly 50/50 day girl to boarding, with full, weekly or flexi boarding options. For Day Girls, MSJ buses serve five counties; there is free after school care in Prep until 6pm, and senior school activities run until the same time. Our girls love it here. Why don’t you come and see us and find out why?” Says Mrs Olivera Raraty, Headmistress.

A Sense Of Freedom Flows From Abberley Hall Abberley Hall is a happy and vibrant co-educational boarding and day school for children aged 2-13 years. We prepare pupils for all major public schools, providing the academic, sporting and social grounding which is the foundation for sustained success. There is a 100% success rate at Common Entrance, and the pupils have an excellent scholarship record.

Where learning goes hand in hand with discovery

High-class academic education is delivered by dedicated, supportive staff. A wealth of opportunities allows pupils to explore the full range of their talents, however, the most important thing that we give the children at Abberley is their childhood.

Admission can take place at any point in the term. We do not have an entrance examination. Prospective pupils are invited to spend a ‘Taster Day’ with us to experience life at Abberley Hall.

Worcester, WR6 6DD T: 01299 896275 abberleyhall.co.uk

Co-education Boarding & Day Prep School for 2-13 year olds, based in 90 acres of Worcestershire countryside. Two hours from London, an hour from the Cotswolds and Birmingham Airport.

We warmly invite you to visit us to get a feel for life at Abberley Hall. We hold three Open Mornings a year, our next Open Morning Saturday 24 February.

To book your place at the open day please email victoria.beswick@abberleyhall.co.uk or visit www.abberleyhall.co.uk for more information. familiesonline.co.uk

Open Morning Saturday 24 February

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New Year, New You: Fitness Ideas to Inspire Busy Parents If you are sitting around in an adult unicorn onesie, eating crumpets, and musing about the extra pounds you can’t seem to shed, now is the time to take some action. The New Year is a good time to start a health regime or exercise routine.

If you have a Spare Ten Minutes Why not scoot to school with the kids? Having an adult scooter is a great way of keeping up with the kids, plus you’ll get home quicker. Jumping on your scooter not only saves time, scooting can also increase feelings of mental alertness and create better reaction times. Adult scooting is also a great way to build up fitness; it’s low impact and works major muscle groups. Further info at www.micro-scooters.co.uk If you have 20 Minutes Try a HIIT workout. The bestselling Body Coach Joe Wicks espouses the benefits of short 15 to 20-minute high intensity workouts and low carb eating. High Intensity Interval Training for the uninitiated is a timed set of exercises, which work the whole body. The idea is that you push the body hard doing the exercise for a short amount of time, followed by a short period of rest or transition. There are plenty of free apps and online tutorials available. Go to www.bodycoach.com

Photo credit: micro-scooters.co.uk

Health

swapping high intensity workouts and cardio for weightlifting and are enjoying the benefits of strong, lean muscles. Your local gym or a personal trainer should be able to give you a routine, or you could check our your local CrossFit class.

If you have 60 Minutes If you love to dance but your clubbing days are well and truly over, why not give Clubbercise a go? You can work out in the dark with disco lights, glowsticks and your favourite club classics. To find your nearest teacher go to www.clubbercise.com.

You could also try a swimming HIIT workout. Swimming is a great full body workout and leisure centres are offering lowimpact, high-intensity water-based classes, a great change from just swimming lengths.

Last but not Least If traditional classes and workouts leave you cold, you could try something simple or fun instead. Go walking. It’s good for the soul and so is being in nature. If you want to switch it up, try Nordic walking with poles; you burn more calories, and it is very sociable. Go to www.nordicwalking.co.uk. You could also look on www.meetup.com for local groups that meet for walks.

Relive your childhood and give hula-hooping a go, it’s great for thinning your waist and can be done in the comfort of your If you have 30 Minutes own home. You could get the whole familiy involved, Channel your inner Rocky and try a high energy boxing routine, Do a trampolining class. When you book the kids a session, the Boxx Method, in the comfort of your home. It’s an online don’t sit on the sidelines watching, make sure you join in too. platform, so you can do a workout that fits in with family life.

Many trampoline parks also offer adult exercise classes. Jumping The signature workout is BoxxHIIT, which is a full body fat is fun, good for your circulation and burns more calories than burning, muscle toning workout which combines intense most standard fitness classes. shadow boxing with high intensity interval training. All you need is a 1kg pair of dumbbells. www.theboxxmethod.com Get skipping! It’s a great full body workout and a great form of If you have 40 Minutes exercise for endurance training and conditioning. It’s low impact, and you burn more calories than running. It’s also a budget Try strength training. Hashtags like #fitisthenewthin are flooding option; you can pick up a decent rope for less than £20! social media platforms like Instagram. Many fitness fans are 10

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Health

“I Don’t Know How To Deal With Mental Health”

Your Five A Day For Good Mental Health

Hands up who feels like this?

Mental health is scary, right? We hear stories of someone with mental health issues shooting people, maybe stabbing their partners, or harming their babies.

things each day that you are grateful for. A good gratitude practice helps balance the mind as often we hold on to the negatives.

By Jessy Paston These are extremes but these are also the examples we are given of what mental health is. So when we are faced with anything concerning mental health, for many of us, there is a stigma attached, from society and from ourselves.

We’re not as bad as the stories we hear, so we don’t seek support or help. I have to say, awareness is growing and part of my work is to raise this awareness. First step is to be aware that we ALL have mental health, just as we have physical health. And just like physical health, we can have good and bad mental health.

We know a lot about physical health; what to eat, how to look after ourselves and we do things every day to keep our physical health good. Look around you though, not everyone is at their peak physical health are they? There are differences, because we are all different.

There are different levels because we all have different abilities. The same can be said for mental health.

We are all at different places with our mental health; some of us can bounce back from a crisis, some cope under pressure, some take changes in their stride, some are very positive. The majority of us though, I suspect, struggle a little every day but do not feel the need for support because this is how it’s always been.

For healthier mental health, let’s start doing a little bit every day; just like we do with our physical health (brushing our teeth, combing our hair, showering etc). I want us to start looking after our mental health.

The way I see it, if we found a lump; we’d be straight at the doctors. We wouldn’t wait until it was stage 4 cancer, would we? So why do we do this with our mental health? We wait until we are at crisis point before we seek help. This does not have to happen and we can start by simply getting into good daily practices.

As part of raising awareness and improving your mental health, I have put together Five A Day goals (see coloumn), just for mental health: All these things can be done on your own or as a family and would it be great to be able to teach your kids about good mental health from a young age.

Gratitude – Think of three

Highs – What was the best thing that happened to you each day? This is good to do at the end of the day so you finish remembering what was good.

Connections – Who did

you connect with each day?

How did they make you feel?

This helps to realise who gives you energy and who you need to set stronger boundaries with to feel safe and happier.

Achievements – Instead

of a ‘to do’ list, think of this as a ‘ta da!’ list. All too often we beat ourselves up about what we haven’t done, so instead, think of all the things you have done and feel a sense of satisfied achievement (and amazement!) at how much you can manage in a day.

Play – Life as a grownup

can be far too serious so make sure you try and do something fun and relaxing to recharge each day either by yourself or with your family.

Jessy Paston is a Qualified new parent counsellor, BACP member and mental health support worker. familiesonline.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Clubs and Classes

Keep Your Little Ones Active During The Winter

With the short days and low temperatures dropping, the idea of sending your child out on to the football pitch, tennis court or athletics track is not an attractive one.

But active after school activities offer children great developmental benefits including: Improved Academic Performance Research has found that children from disadvantaged background who participate in after-school clubs get better results at age 11 than their peers.

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

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

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

As parents, we are responsible for setting up opportunities for our children to keep active during winter months. So here are our ideas for keeping your restless young one on the go – and the good news is you don’t have to force them (or you!) outside: Trampoline Clubs and Parks These are popping up all over the country and classes are fun and social. The UK now has over 190 trampoline parks and most offer kids a safe environment to cut loose as well lessons and classes for children from as young as toddlers upwards.

February Half Term Workshops 2 Day Fun Musical Theatre & Craft Workshops Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 February

Open Day Sunday 21 January 1.00-5.00pm. @The All Sorts Studio Medway Youth and Community Centre, Worcester.

Opening by Warren Bullock, star of Channel 5's Baby Ballroom Workshops will include Musical Theatre, Street, Cheerleading, and lots more. Open to all from 3 Yrs

www.allsortsofpa.co.uk email: info@allsortsofpa.co.uk

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

Get Some Fresh Air

Girl Guides and Scouting Scouting and Girl Guides are experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. Why? Because they offer an antidote to the modern world with adventure being at the heart of everything they do. From as young as 6, children can get involved in learning outdoor skills and undertaking leadership qualifications, as well as enjoying camps and residential experiences. However, waiting lists can be long so act quickly! To register interest visit www.girlguiding.org.uk or www.scouts.org.uk Ice Rinks/Snow Slopes Snow slopes and ice rinks are great places to get kids active during the winter and offer kids the opportunity to try tobogganing, skiing or snowboarding, or get a pair of skates on.

There are indoor and outdoor rinks and centres, depending on how you feel about braving the cold or damp weather.

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

How Many is Too Much?

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

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

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

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

Established 1992 Fully Qualified Instructors Specialised Classes 4 – 16 years Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced

Train with Sensei Jags Shoker, 3rd Dan

Monday: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Droitwich Spa 5.00 – 6.00pm Wed & Fri: The Parish Centre, Barnt Green 5.30 – 6.30pm Friday: Parkside Middle School, Bromsgrove 3.40 – 4.40pm Saturday: St Peters RC First School, Bromsgrove 9.15–10.15 am Special offer 5 FREE www.kombatkids.com lessons

01543 473408 / 07730 899722 register@kombatkids.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Classes in the performing arts Drama, Dance & Singing Saturdays, Droitwich Term Time For Children aged 4 to 18

Principal; Lizzie McCabe 07787 346633 info@mtexperience.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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What’s On

Please check with the venue in case details have changed

Independent School Open Days Abberley Hall School, Board and day co-ed ages 2 – 13 years Saturday 24 February, 10.30am Contact 01299 896275 www.abberleyhall.co.uk Bredon School, Tewkesbury Board and day co-ed ages 3 – 18 years Tuesday 6 February,10am-12noon Contact 01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org Dodderhill, Droitwich Spa Day all girls ages 4 - 16 years Thursday 11 January, 10am-3.00pm Contact 01905 778290 www.dodderhill.co.uk Hereford Cathedral School, Day co-ed ages 3 – 18 years Tuesday 6 March, 8.35am-10.45am (Senior) Contact 01432 363511 www.herefordcs.com King’s St Albans, Worcester Day co-ed ages 4 – 11 years Saturday 20 January (Lego Worshop - lunch provided) Contact 01905 354906 King’s Senior, Worcester Day co-ed ages 11 - 18 years Saturday 21 January 10am-12noon Contact 01905 721742 www.ksw.org.uk

If You Do One Thing This Half-Term...

Book the kids in to Wild Explorers Holiday Club at All Things Wild Nature Centre, near Evesham from the 19 to 23 February 10am - 3.00pm. Allow the kids to let their hair down and go wild in a fantastic environment.

A fun, action packed holiday club includes lunch, drinks and snacks. There is lots to see and do, from animal and reptile encounters to messy play and nature walks. What better way for your child to spend half term, than getting some fresh air and fun!

Booking and pre-payment required. Book for any combination of days or all five, the choice is yours! Call 01386 833083 to book. www.allthingswild.co.uk

Safe Hands Action-packed, Ofsted registered childcare throughout the school holidays for children aged 4-14. Aspire Active Camps provide sports and activity childcare during every school holiday throughout the year.

Our number one aim is to ensure your child has fun. However, safety is paramount and as an Ofsted registered provider, we go that extra mile giving you peace of mind.

We provide early booking offers. We also offer discounts and a loyalty scheme to our valued customers. You are also able to pay via childcare vouchers. www.aspire-sports.co.uk

Spin A Tale During National Storytelling Week The first week of February marks National Storytelling Week, a chance to reflect on one of the oldest art forms in the world.

We are all immersed in stories — from conversations retelling events in our lives, to watching our favourite television shows.

Malvern St James, Board and day all girls ages 4 - 18 years Saturday 3 February Contact 01684 892288 www.malvernstjames.co.uk

RGS, Worcester Speech and language therapists believe that Day co-ed ages 2 – 18 years storytelling is vital for children’s academic Saturday 27 January (The Grange success as it promotes narrative skills and ages 2-11) 9.30am-12.30pm strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader Saturday 3 February (Springfield and writer a child needs to be a good speaker and listener first. But above all, ages 2-11) 9.00am-12.00pm storytelling is fun.

Saturday 20 January (Senior) 9.00am-12.00pm Whether we are listening to someone else’s story or telling our own, inventing and Contact 01905 613391 adapting narratives can open doors to exciting new worlds — both real and imaginary. www.rgsw.org.uk National Storytelling Week takes place in storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, The Downs, Malvern schools, hospitals, spoken word venues, and care homes.

Board and day co-ed ages 2 – 13 years Monday 7 May, 9.30am-4.30pm The Society for Storytelling has lots of information as “the home of UK oral Contact 01684 544 100 storytelling” and offers free packs for schools to download. To find a local event or to www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk look through its extensive archive visit www.sfs.org.uk 14

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What’s On

Please mention you saw this event in Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Theatres

The Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Welsh Wrestling The top rope flying, body slamming superstars of wrestling will dazzle you and amaze you in this one night wrestling extravaganza! Some of the top wrestlers in the country will be on hand. 19 January 6.30 pm.

The Jungle Book Filled with catchy music, audience interaction, and the chance to meet the characters after the show, you are invited to join Mowgli and his friends Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther on a madcap adventure in the jungle. 21 February 1.30pm and 4.30pm..

Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1AX 01527 577330 www.artrix.co.uk The Wizard of Oz The Oddsocks troupe invite you to meet Dorothy as you’ve never seen her before. 14 January 7pm.

Monstersaurus! Energetic show full of thrills, spills, magic and mayhem from the creators of Aliens Love Underpants. Plenty of audience participation. 22 February 11am and 2pm Evesham Arts Centre Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR114QH 01386 48883 www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Aladdin Phoenix Theatre Group take you on a magical, mysterious journey in search of wealth and fortune 24-28 January 7.30pm (Also a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday and Sunday) Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk Milkshake! Live ‘The Magic Story Book’ This all singing, all dancing, musical masterpiece, will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales.

25 February 12noon and 3.30pm.

The Monday Night Group The Civic Theatre Hall, Stourport-on-Severn 07593 175776 www.mondaynightgroup.org Aladdin Join in the fun filled family adventure and do your bit for charity at the same time. The Monday Night Group is a registered charity and donates its profits to local community groups.

26 January - 3 February Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, www.norburytheatre.co.uk Babes in the Wood The classic English Pantomime involving Robin Hood, Sheriff of Nottingham, Maid Marion and the two young babes... not forgetting the donkey!

12 - 27 January various times.

Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org Nick Sharratt’s Big Draw Along Join this much-loved children’s writer and illustrator in a family-friendly, fun filled draw-along for all ages.

19 February 2.00 pm familiesonline.co.uk

The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk The Princess and the Dragon STAC presents children’s theatre. Will Princess Petunia agree to marry the Black Knight and can a dragon be made to find dancing preferable to eating princesses?

6 January 10-.30am and 11.45am.

Mrs Blossom’s Magic Cakes STAC presents children’s theatre. How do magic hoppity cakes get on to the menu at Mrs Blossom’s café, when she herself doesn’t really want to make her customers hop about like rabbits? 3 February 10-30am and 11.45am.

Museums...

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Engineering Science! Book into one of the Engineering Science! Workshops. Unleash your engineers and scientists, they can take part in the activities and invent, build and experiment with science and engineering activities. You can visit the historic houses and also take part in the free children’s trail around the museum grounds. Prebooking is essential, the workshops will be timed sessions in the New Guesten Hall.

20- 25 February Admission to the museum applies, Engineering Science! workshops are an additional charge of £3.50 per child.

National Trust 0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW 01905 371006 It’s cold outside - Winter Tree Trail On your travels around the parkland at Croome see how many trees you can identify from the pictures on the trail sheet 10 - 25 February 10.00am-3.00pm Event ticket £1.00 per trail Berrington Hall, near Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 0DW 01568 615721 Falling in love with the Georgians trail Fall in love with the Georgians as we share stories and traditions of eighteenth century love and romance. 17-25 February 10.00am-4.00pm.

The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk A Real Alien Adventure Amelia Buttersnap, investigator of all things unseen and mysterious, inventor of gadgets marvellous and improbable, The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester WR1 wants to prove that aliens really do exist.

2HU 01905 361821 www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ 20 January. 11.00am (free pre-activity from museums/info/1/the_commandery 10.30am) Living History at The Commandery The Snow Baby Inspired by the powerfully Experience 2000 years of history come to life evocative tale of The Pixies’ Scarf by Alison with a weekend of living history encampments, Uttely, Soap Soup Theatre present a brand new military displays, vintage vehicles and more. theatrical treat for children and their families, set 17-18 February 10:00am - 5:00pm in the wet, craggy lands of Dartmoor.

17 February 11.00am The Market Theatre, Market Street, Ledbury, HR8 2AQ www.themarkettheatre.com Jack And The Beanstalk LADS’ traditional family pantomime. Expect the usual corny jokes (Oh Yes They Are!), with great music and loads of fun for all the family. 18 - 27 January

MORE

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Nearly New Sales...

Buy nearly new baby and children’s clothes, used toys and baby equipment at bargain prices.

Hereford Leisure Centre, Homer Road, Hereford HR4 9JD Herefordshire@mum2mummarket.co.uk Mum2Mum Market Hereford 3 February 101.00am-12.00noon RGS The Grange, Grange Lane, Claines, Worcester WR3 7RR Worcestershire@mum2mummarket.co.uk Mum2Mum Market Worcester 21 January 11.00am - 1.00pm

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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WIN

AWESOME LEGOLAND PRIZES!

®

When you enrol or re-enrol on swimming lessons

PLUS... KIDS GO FREE! For more details or to find your nearest leisure centre, visit:

www.everyoneactive.com/LEGOLAND

®

For prize breakdowns and full terms & conditions, visit: www.everyoneactive.com/LEGOLAND® or visit your nearest Everyone Active centre. Kids Go Free offer entitles one child (aged 3 – 15 years at The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort and 3 – 17 years at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester) to free entry when accompanied by a full paying adult.

10265_Bromsgrove Families Hereford HP Legoland.indd 1

06/12/2017 10:48

Ofsted

Action-packed childcare this

registered

February Half Term

19th - 23rd February Open from 8am - 6pm Hagley

Hagley High School

Bromsgrove (19th - 21st Feb) South Bromsgrove High School

Worcester

Nunnery Wood High School

Alvechurch

Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School

Fantastic early bird offer

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ Open daily from 10am. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day!

16

Families Hereford & Worcester

£15 per day

Offer ends 5pm Friday 2nd February 2018 8am-4pm. Xtra time available if required. Terms and conditions apply

We accept childcare vouchers

Lots of activities and sports to choose from

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 To advertise call: 01684 770566

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