Families Hereford & Worcester March-April 2018 Issue 50

FR E E

TAKE

ME H

OME

Hereford & Worcester

IN THIS ISSUE

Leading Schools The Best Schools In The Region

Outdoor Learning

Fresh Air Boosts Minds

Be Cyber Smart

Stay Safe Online

What’s On

Hunt For Those Easter Treats

Issue 50 March/April 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Editor’s Letter Dear readers

Spring is here and for some of us it will be time to start thinking about the choice of a new schools. We have a bumper Education section in this issue featuring some of our region’s leading independent schools as well as a look at the benefits of outdoor education for under 5s.

We also have some great ideas for family days out and holiday camps to keep the children busy during the Easter break. I hope you find it useful.

Diane Clifford.

Royal EGGstravaganza At Eastnor

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

Advertise with us and reach over 44,000 parents in the region.

Next issue May/June - Booking deadline is Friday 6 April.

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.

The much-loved family treasure hunt at Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, will be taking place over the Easter weekend from Good Friday 30 March to Bank Holiday Monday 2 April between 11am and 5.30pm.This year’s treasure hunt is a Royal EGGstravaganza around the castle and grounds. Visitors will need to follow a map and solve clues to work out which famous Royal wedding couples the bunnies are dressed up as. The Knight’s Maze, junior obstacle course, adventure playground, treetop walkway, woodland play area, castle shop, ice cream parlour and tea room will also be open throughout the weekend. www.eastnorcastle.com

Sleeping On Your Side Decreases Rick Of Stillbirth In the UK, there are nearly three stillbirths for every 1,000 pregnancies after 28 weeks.

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

Where learning goes hand in hand with discovery

Researchers from the University of Manchester have found that mothers who sleep on their backs in the last three months of pregnancy are more than twice as likely to have a stillbirth.

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.

One of the largest to date, the study of just over 1,000 women found the risk doubles if women go to sleep on their backs in the third trimester.

One reason proposed for this increased risk is reduced blood flow to the uterus due to the baby and stomach putting pressure on major blood vessels. Researchers say the position which women fall asleep in is most important - and they should not worry if they are on their back when they wake up.

The pregnancy charity Tommy's has started a campaign to raise awareness of the study and to encourage women to sleep on their side. www.tommys.org/sleeponside

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Don’t Forget British Science Week

News & Views Photo Credit: National Trust

9-18 March. A ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. Check out our great science experiment that you can do with the children at home! See page 12. www.britishscienceweek.org

Register For Wear A Hat Day

More Risky Play For Kids The Chief Inspector of Schools recently announced new training for School Inspectors to ensure they are properly focusing on child safety but not at the expense of opportunities to broaden and enrich young minds.

Calling all schools, parents and teachers! Please get involved in Wear A Hat Day 2018. Taking place on Thursday 29 March, this is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event. Don’t worry if you can’t make it that day, just choose another. Join in the fun as schools and families across the UK get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumours.

“Wear A Hat Day is a perfect opportunity to bring the whole school together and support this game-changing charity.” – Mr Dan Gross, Deputy Head Curriculum, Beachborough School.

It’s very easy to register online at www.wearahatday.org (it works really well on mobiles!) and then we can send out your fundraising pack. In 2017, families and schools came together alongside other organisations and communities across the UK and helped raise over £300,000 to fund our vital research.

With your help we can double this in 2018. We’re aiming for £600,000, enough to keep a group of researchers funded for a year. www.wearahatday.org

Amanda Spielman, the Head of Ofsted, expressed concern that children are being deprived of rewarding experiences and the ability to cope with normal everyday risk because of an overzealous approach to health and safety.

Ms Spielman said “Making sure children are safe at school is, of course, an important part of our work, but I want to be sure we look at the right things in the right way, without going overboard”.

Recent research has also shown that in today’s society only 21% of children play outside today compared to 71% of their parents when they were children. www.gov.uk/government/speeches

Bakers Arcade, 52 High Street, Pershore WR10 1DP 01386 304128 www.rochellemorfill.co.uk

Rochelle has a keen interest in treating babies and children. She is about to complete her paediatric osteopathy diploma. Kerri has an interest in the performing arts, women’s wellbeing and pregnancy. The Clinic is now based in Bakers Arcade, Pershore. Call 01386 304128 if you would like to discuss how osteopathy could help your family. familiesonline.co.uk

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

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Education

Camp Fires, Dens And Mud Kitchens We all wish that our children were out in the fresh air more, exploring and roaming, avoiding televisions and screens, and generally getting all of the benefits of outdoor play that we experienced as youngsters.

Arriving to pick up your child from Eckington Under Fives Forest School and watching as the children run, in a friendly group, across the playing field to meet you, fills you with confidence that you have found somewhere special. Nothing beats the excited hug of your little one (usually covered in mud and smelling of wood smoke) and the beaming smile they wear after they have accomplished climbing to a new branch in a tree, cooking their own bread on the fire or making a new den with their friends. You just know this place is good for your child!

Eckington Under Fives: Learning In The Great Outdoors

Under Fives

Pre-school Daily sessions for children aged 2-4 years

Baby & Toddler Play & Stay

Tuesday 10:00-11.30am Warm welcoming pre-school, £3 per family with an emphasis on outdoor Singing, music and movement learning and natural activities resources Sensory play activities

Encouraging creativity, curiosity and thinking skills as children explore our ever-changing activities

Light refreshments for adults and children

Forest School

Forest Tots

Tuesday morning 9am-12pm for children aged 3-4 years

Friday 10.00-11.30am £5 per family

Tree climbing, cooking on camp fires, den building, ropes and pulleys, natural craft activities, using tools and more!

A weekly Forest School for toddlers and carers Craft, cooking, tools and exploring

ATIONAL LEARNING THROUGH P INSPIR LAY Please call 07582 452024

or email underfives24@outlook.com for more info Registered charity number: 700305

The Recreation Centre, Pershore Road, Eckington, WR10 3AJ 4

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Eckington Under Fives Preschool and Forest School, based in Eckington near Pershore, is a blessing for anyone seeking this kind of open, outdoor education for their youngster. It’s a preschool with an emphasis on outdoor learning and natural resources. As well as daily preschool sessions for 2-4 year olds, it already runs a well-established weekly Forest School for 3-4 year olds. It’s now extending this to a weekly Forest Tots session for 1-3 year olds (accompanied by a parent or carer).

With a beautiful rural village setting, almost hidden from the outside world, the children here experience a learning environment that constantly changes throughout the seasons.

In this special place, with low child to adult ratios, children are able to enjoy a range of activities; from climbing trees and using tools, to cooking on a camp fire, identifying insects and plants in their natural habitat and many more wonderful, creative activities. Whether they are swinging on a rope swing, drilling holes in wood, making mud pies in a den, or working out how to use the ropes and pulleys, children here are always gaining key life skills. As well as becoming more competent physically and playing more imaginatively, they are developing their ability to assess risk and make their own decisions, while building selfesteem and resilience.

Enjoying sessions under dappled sunlight, hearing bird song and rustling leaves, smelling damp woodland and using their hands to touch textures of bark, soil, and leaves undoubtedly has a positive impact on children's mental wellbeing and disposition for learning.

If you would like to see the difference it could make to your child, why not grab the wellies and waterproofs and visit Eckington Under Fives Forest School? Spend a morning in the fresh air with your little one and remember just what you had forgotten about the joys of being a child in the great outdoors!

Eckington Under Fives Pre-school and Forest School The Recreation Centre, Pershore Road, Eckington, WR10 3AJ Tel: 07582 452024 Email: underfives24@outlook.com To advertise call: 01684 770566

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Education

A school where everyone knows your name!

Dodderhill Independent Girls School is unlike others, with deliberately small classes enabling girls to have a successful start to school life. All staff know every girl, as an individual, as she grows from age 4 to 16. Girls thrive in an environment that can support and challenge them, without the distraction of boys. Every subject is a girls’ subject and every leadership opportunity goes to a girl.

limits. Our GCSE results regularly put us at the top of the Worcestershire league tables.

Official-Dodderhill is an excellent school!

In March 2017 the Inspectors found an excellent school in all regards and a place where the girls learn to love learning.

Dare to be Different!

Dodderhill Independent Girls have the unusual privilege of belonging to a school where you do not need to be ‘cool’ or feel under pressure to conform. It is the norm, Dodderhill: Girls Thrive here at Dodderhill, to want to study hard and be involved in a wide range of activities. The girls describe Dodderhill as their second home.

The smallest girls learn in bright, spacious classrooms with access to the outdoor play area and Forest School on site. All Please contact us and book a visit to appreciate the Dodderhill girls enjoy the use of our purpose built sports, music, drama difference; you will see a school that epitomises what an and science facilities. excellent education should look like. Bursaries, to the full amount of the fees, are available.

A new 3 Year GCSE Option Join us in Year 9 for the start of our new 3 year GCSE courses Our next open day events are on 8 March and 3 May. We in September. There can be no better investment to secure the accept applications for entry throughout the year. best GCSEs for your daughter, to give her a future without www.dodderhill.co.uk We pride ourselves in giving girls the tools to ‘break through the glass ceiling’ by building their confidence and encouraging them to be independent learners. They find their own voice and thrive in the most competitive sixth forms when they leave us.

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

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Education The Downs Malvern: Happy And Supportive

A Very Special Place To Be Alastair S Cook, Headmaster of The Downs Malvern, is thrilled to be able to use quotes that current parents at the school have passed on to the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate, such as this: “The Downs Malvern is where children are encouraged to use their initiative and to keep their minds and eyes wide open. It is very special… an unforgettably happy experience.”

The Head says: “Comments such as these hearten and inspire both me and all the staff at the school, as this is exactly the sort of friendly, safe and creative environment that we have been looking to create on this side of the beautiful Malvern Hills.

“It is our deepest wish that the children who attend The Downs Malvern are wonderfully happy about coming to a school where they all know that they are cared for to the

highest possible levels. In addition, not only are they taught through a very broad academic curriculum, but they are also encouraged, at every turn, to develop into delightful and resilient members of the school and wider community, with a clear and confident understanding of their own individual learning processes.

“We focus on a happy and supportive school where each child, member of staff or parent, respects and celebrates each other’s achievements and where all involved in the school feel a strong bond of friendly fellowship. This is bound together by a clear understanding of what is best for each other through the development of very high standards and expectations. Seeing bright eyed, very happy and successful children skipping into school each day is a true delight and the most rewarding aspect of my role as Headmaster.” www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk

Co-educational • 3 – 13 years Day, Weekly, Flexi and Full Boarding

May Open Day Bank Holiday Monday 7th May 9.30 – 16.30 Private visits available throughout the year

Mrs Katherine Cox, Registrar 01684 544108 registrar@thedowns.malcol.org www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk 6

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Education Happy To Learn...

King’s St Alban’s, an independent school for children aged between 4 and 11, is situated in the heart of Worcester, next to the KIng’s Senior School and close to Worcester Cathedral.

ST ALBAN’S

It is a community which strives to make excellence the norm, whether that be in academic work, on the sports field, in the creative arts or as a cathedral chorister. At King’s St Alban’s, each and every child is valued and challenged to fulfill their potential in all they do.

“The early school years are so important. At King’s St Alban’s we believe passionately in offering an outstanding allround education to all our children in a happy, vibrant and stimulating environment,” says Mr Richard Chapman, Headteacher at King’s St Alban’s.

For our pupils, the journey begins here at King’s St Alban’s but then, for the great majority, it continues on into the senior school next door. www.ksw.org.uk

...Time To Grow King’s Hawford is a long-established independent school for boys and girls from the ages of 2 to 11. The School is housed in a beautiful, Georgian house which stands in 23 acres of parkland and playing fields, conveniently located with ease of access from the A449 to the north of Worcester.

ST ALBAN’S

“At King’s Hawford we aim to provide a nurturing environment in which children can be children, exploring our site and learning to enjoy education both in the classroom and outdoors,” says Mr Jim Turner, Headteacher at King’s Hawford.

We are very much a family school - something that will become apparent when you visit us! With a focus on outdoor education, a broad range of facilities, a varied curriculum, and passionate teachers, we aim to give each boy or girl the very best possible start to their school life, within a happy, nurturing and secure environment. At Hawford we are also proud to hold the prestigious ‘Learning Outside the Classroom Mark (Gold)’ which we achieved in 2017. www.ksw.org.uk

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Education

Raising Children In A Digital Era ‘How can I retrieve my child from the far away land of screen time’ and ‘how much screen time is safe for my child’ are the frequently heard cries of parents today.

Research has shown that parental concern about children’s media use across TV, online, mobile phones and gaming has increased since 2016. Parental concern, it would seem, is not unfounded and the statistics do not always make for comfortable reading. Research has shown that eighty percent of under 2’s have already experienced considerable exposure to screen time and Ofcom’s most recent report (November 2017) shows that: • 53% of 3-4 year olds go online for nearly 8 hours a week.

• 79% of 5-7 year olds go online for around 9 hours a week.

• 94% of 8-11 year olds go online for nearly 13.5 hours a week.

• 99% of 12–15 year olds go online for nearly 21 hours a week.

• Almost a quarter of 8 – 11 year olds and three-quarters of 12–15 year olds have a social media profile.

• Childrens TV viewing time has increased and children site watching TV on mobile devices as a strategy to avoid parents censoring viewing or a way to spend time when they are alone.

• 12% of parents of 3-4year olds and 41% of parents of 12-15 year olds say that they find it hard to manage their children’s screen time.

presenting to our children. However, would it be more accurate to say that as parents we have unwittingly been seduced by the ‘information age’ in an attempt to give our children what we think they need. As becoming a parent is increasingly a ‘conscious choice’ in today’s society we strive hard to give our children what we believe they ‘need’.

Five Ways To Help Young People Stay Safe Online

Prioritise Safety Teach children not to give out personal information like their name, address, telephone number or name of school.

Set Parental Controls Agree a list of websites that you child is allowed to visit and remember to check the minimum age limit on social media services.

Discuss their activity Take an interest in their online world.

Talk to them about their favourite websites, videos and their online friends.

Research shows that increasing digital peer connection and screen time is leading to our children ‘tuning out’ in the home environment prompted by an information overload and being exposed to information that they simply are not ‘ready’ to digest.

Obesity rates are on the increase and this is not helped by children’s increased screen time. These may be the most common concerns among parents. However, is the more damaging and least well considered aspect of our children’s screen use the subsequent reduction of time spent in play..

The research tells us unequivocally that children need time to play with their parents or carers. Parental/carer Set Boundaries Establish time limits for activities such as interaction, family rituals and traditions using the internet and games consoles. that integrate us into our own given Make sure to set aside time for culture. These are what we know to be the unplugged play and family activity. building blocks for healthy brain Be Open

development, the ability to form healthy Let them know that they can tell you relationships and the resilience to sustain about anything that happens on the the losses and disappointments that are internet and you will listen without inevitable in life. judgment.

Some authors describe an ‘information age’ ushered in by the ‘digital revolution’ as being bigger than the industrial revolution.

Unlike the industrial revolution, the ‘information age’ is spreading like lightning speed. It would be easy to say that parents have become complacent about screen time and blind to the potential damage that the ‘digital revolution’ may be

We regularly berate ourselves for our shortcomings as parents. Rather than allowing this to be the case can we become more mindful about the time we spend with our children. Maybe the question that we, as parents, could ask ourselves is not how much screen time is safe but how can I increase face to face time with my children and simply enjoy each other’s company?

Dr Elise Kearney, mother of three and Chartered Consultant Child and Family Psychologist trained as a Clinical Psychologist in Glasgow. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and families in the NHS and privately. Dr Kearney offers 1:1 assessment and treatment sessions for a variety of difficulties including; difficulties stemming from family separation, bedtime or sleep problems, feeding difficulties or “fussy eating”, dealing with anger or “temper tantrums” and separation anxiety, difficulties around potty training, sibling rivalry or difficulties with sharing, starting nursery/school and transition to high school or College/University, anxiety, panic, phobias, low self-esteem, attachment difficulties, low mood and depression, behavioural problems, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bereavement (this list is not exclusive).

She runs a clinic at The Therapies Centre, The Fold, Bransford. Dr Kearney can be contacted on elisekearney@btinternet.com and 07713755224 or find out more about the service she offers at www.thefold.org.uk/natural-therapy-centre/ consultant-child-family-psychology/ 8

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Education

RGS The Grange

“As Headmaster of RGS The Grange, when I say goodbye to our Year Six leavers each summer, it can be hard to equate them with those same children who started some years before. Many started all the way back in our Nursery and I am always astounded at the developments they have made over the years. I see children who are ready to embrace the step up to our Senior School and they have all the tools needed to make a seamless transition, something that makes me extremely proud.

They have the confidence to deliver a presentation, a poem, or musical piece; they have listened, learned, quizzed and questioned their teachers as they build an academic base to see them tackle a tougher curriculum at Senior School; they have represented their House and the School in matches and internal competitions, forging friendships and understanding how to be part of a team; they have learned different skills on external trips and expeditions, some residential, which means staying away from home for the first time; they have tried countless new things, from Philosophy and Forest School to Spanish; they have learned good manners and social skills which means they can look me directly in the eye as they say goodbye.

In addition to academic rigour within a nurturing environment, the end of the day sees a co-curricular programme which is second to none. There is a rich and varied range of clubs and societies on offer such as Fencing, Sailing, Golf, Coding and Chess. A provision that also proves most popular with our parent body is the daily wraparound care (7.45am-6.00pm), which is inclusive in the school fees. We run a Holiday Club and every holiday break has an exciting programme that suits the needs of children between the ages of 2 to 13. And of course, one cannot forget the 50-acre site in which we sit – a wonderful setting to start your formal education.

If we, as a school, endeavour to know the children as the parents do, which is essentially, not just by name but by nature, then we are a school which I am proud to be part of.”

Gareth Hughes Headmaster of RGS The Grange, Worcester

RGS Worcester 01905 613391 RGS The Grange 01905 451205 RGS Springfield 01905 24999

www.rgsw.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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Education

Embrace The Child You Have Rather Than The One You Want Them To Be Most parents will love their children more than life itself. To bring new life and raise a child, you inevitably want the very best for them and for them to have the best opportunities, life skills and job prospects. You want them to be happy and fulfilled, and most of us would like them to be the very best version of themselves.

By Olivera Raraty In choosing schools, parents will be motivated by a strong sense of wanting to help each child to fulfil his or her potential. They will be looking for a school that will help their child to realise not only academic potential, but also to develop their confidence and a positive sense of self. We want our children to be successful and we Personal Development And Academic Achievement: MSJ Is Rated Excellent enjoy the pride that comes with their success. And this is the rub: in wanting this get on with different personalities and network effectively in the too much, perhaps we create expectations about what we might workplace. And of course, this is important, and independent want for them, as opposed to what might be right for them. schools do this especially well.

A highly selective school might be a miserable experience for a child who has to be prepped extensively to pass exams. In some parts of the country, parents send a small fortune on tutoring; and yet might they be better off approaching schooling in a different way, by looking at what their child’s particular needs are at that given time? Furthermore, what might be right for one child isn’t necessarily always right for another. The character and strengths of one school might suit one child better than another.

Sending siblings to the same school at senior level might possibly be logistically easier, but I have always been impressed by parents who take into account each child’s unique personality and characteristics when choosing schools to allow each child to thrive on his or her own terms.

Acknowledging and embracing each child’s difference is important to developing their self-esteem and inner confidence. As a society, we place ever increasing store on outward confidence and outgoing personalities. We look for leaders and innovative thinkers who are independent, confident and able to engage successfully with others. This can make it harder for quieter and shyer personalities who have tremendous gifts, and often great empathy and emotional intelligence, to be fully acknowledged.

And yet, we need both in society and the workplace.

Very often, parents look for, and schools sell themselves on, their facility for nurturing and developing outward confidence and a strong social skills set that will help their pupils to make friends, 10

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

At Malvern St James (MSJ) we were recently rated excellent in personal development alongside academic achievement, because we have such a broad and varied extra-curricular programme with over 60 clubs and societies, that will help each girl to discover and develop her unique interests and talents that will build this confidence. This matters as it crucially helps build ‘inner’ confidence and a positive belief in one’s own self-worth.

At MSJ we feel it is important to nurture both – inner as well as outward confidence, and that means embracing the child you have, warts and all, and giving them focused attention and love. It means accepting them for who they are and working with where they are right now, rather than piling on the pressure to be something that they are not, or at least not right now. It might mean encouraging a girl to get out of her comfort zone to try something new if that is what she needs; or perhaps accepting that she isn’t going to pursue music or academia because she has a voracious passion for golf, and running with it.

The papers are full of stories of the growing epidemic of young people in our society with low self-esteem. Outwardly, you would never know it. The ones who are troubled are often outwardly confident, popular, attractive, have friends and achieve well, but at the same time don’t quite believe it, and still feel they are not good enough. Social media has a large part to play in the rise of teenage anxiety and depression. As parents we often place far higher expectations on our young than our parents’ generation

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Education ever did on us. We are a society expecting instant gratification and results and have perhaps forgotten that skills and qualities develop over a longer period of time. So we can’t rush them and expect that our children will develop them overnight. As parents and teachers we all have our own part to play in correcting this imbalance and not demanding too much too soon, or showing disappointment when they haven’t got there yet. A belief in the ‘growth mindset’ will help them to focus on the effort and enjoy the learning journey rather than fixate on results alone.

Never has there been greater societal pressure on young people to conform to particular images or expectations. So we do need to work harder at E-safety and educating young people on how to critically evaluate the messages they are receiving. At MSJ we are doing a huge amount of work in this area, including banning mobile phones during the school day to provide some respite to the unrelenting pressure of Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram for being ‘liked’ all the time. However, we need to do more, and that is to give each child more focused attention, listening to who they are and celebrating this. Our children have more in terms of material goods than ever before, and yet they are time poor with our attention. As a working parent, I know first-hand how hard it can be to provide this quality time, but as a family we made time, at weekends or on holidays to go for walks when we could spend hours walking and talking.

As any parent, I was immediately struck by just how different each of my two children were in terms of personality, interests, talents, strengths and weaknesses. From birth they observed the world completely differently and responded to it in their own unique way. Same sex, parents, genes, and yet such innate differences. And of course, these unique personalities inevitably generated different responses from each of us as parents.

Making Friends: Building Inner Confidence

No matter how hard one might try to treat each child equally and fairly, one finds oneself both charmed and delighted by their qualities, and worried in equal measure by any perceived deficiencies. The worry and frustration can turn into criticism and nagging to try harder, do better; if we are not careful, it can lead to unrealistic expectations and a sense of disappointment when they don’t measure up. This can lead to them not ever feeling good enough, which is what we have to fight against. They will all get there, with enough love, support, encouragement and belief in the power of their own possibilities. They will find their own path.

Our challenge is to help them to find that path.

Girls and boys learn differently, and a forward looking single sex environment can be right for many girls to help them to discover who they are without the added pressure of confirming to gender stereotypes and peer judgement. I am a passionate believer that the reason the Good Schools Guide observed that ‘MSJ is full of girls who are going to change the world’ is because we set great store here in getting to know each girl and valuing her for who is she is. This enables her to develop her own independence of mind, courage and inner confidence to find her own unique path and to make that difference.

I firmly believe that to help make a difference, we have to celebrate the difference that is already there.

Mrs Olivera Raraty is Headmistress, Malvern St James Girls’ School. www.malvernstjames.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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

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Clubs and Classes 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 beckycomer@hotmail.com

My Little Angel offer 1:1, specialist support sessions for children with SEN and autism.

The owner Becky has over 20 years of experience in education, support, voluntary and the community sector with children and adults with additional needs. My Little Angel offers sensory, music, song, puppets, poetry and support in a safe and nurturing way, providing confidence building, communication skills and most importantly, fun! As well as working with community groups, autism and disability groups and local SEN schools, I can come to your home,offering 1:1 support at evenings, weekends and after school.

Call Becky Comer 07518287598 or email beckycomer@hotmail.com www.my-littleangel.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

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

Call: 07730 899722 register@kombatkids.com

All Stars Cricket: Eight Weeks Of Jam-Packed Fun

Introduce Little Ones To Cricket All Stars Cricket is a brand-new initiative from the England and Wales Cricket Board aimed at providing children aged five to eight with a great first experience in cricket and an opportunity to become a star.

The course includes an eight week All Stars Cricket programme held at accredited cricket clubs in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, (1 x hour session per week) and a home-delivered pack that includes a bat, ball, activity book and personalised rucksack, cap and t-shirt. They are a perfect way for children to learn about cricket and make friends in a fun and safe environment.

The courses will be delivered by trained volunteers who deliver game-based activities that teach basic cricket skills like catching, throwing, hitting a moving ball and social skills like team work and communication.

The course costs RRP £40 (price may vary) and clubs will be encouraged to deliver their programmes from 11 May through to July. For more information or to register for a summer of #BigMoments please visit www.allstarscricket.co.uk

Aspire Active Camps: Ofsted Registered 12

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Enjoy a fun filled school holiday at Aspire Active camps! Active Camps provides sports and activities every school holiday for children aged 4 -14. We provide fantastic early booking offers, in addition to discount offers and a loyalty scheme to our valued customers. As we are Ofsted registered you can pay via childcare vouchers. Our next camps are during the Easter holidays at multiple locations across the Midlands. Hagley High School and will be running our Multi Sports Academy, Football Academy for those aged 7+, Gym Beatz and, for 12-14 year olds, Active Leaders. Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School will have our Multi Sports Academy, Dance and Stage Beatz, Gym Beatz and Active Leaders. Running at our Worcester Camp at Nunnery Wood High School will be our Multi Sports Academy and Active Leaders.

Call 0121 663 1979. www.aspire-sports.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566

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Theatre...

Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Easter Bunny’s Eggs Factor A family show particularly suitable for 2-7 year olds and lasts for 40 minutes, followed by meet, greet and treat with the Easter Bunny himself 2 April 2pm.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly This magical show has been written especially for grown ups to enjoy with their children. Sing along songs and colourful animal characters 8 April 2pm.

Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk The Jungle Book Funny, exciting and wildly entertaining, this larger-than-life musical promises to be the perfect familiy treat 21 April 4.30pm.

Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org Morgan & West: More Magic for Kids! a Marvellous magic show full of crazy capers for the young, old, and everyone in-between! Expect the unexpected and believe the unbelievable. Fun for all aged 5+. 11April 2.30pm.

What’s On Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs Get ready to go on an exciting prehistoric adventure as dinosaur aficionado Dr Ben Garrod talks you through the deadliest predators that ever roamed the planet. 10 April 2.30pm.

The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk Courtyard Family Saturdays Stuck for family activities? Want something different to do with your kids on a Saturday morning? Activities include workshops, films, shows and extra activities for all the family to enjoy, at an affordable price.

Garden Centres...ARDEN

Wyevale Garden Centre Kings Acre Road, Hereford, HR4 0SE 01527 860000, www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk Breakfast or Tea with the Easter Bunny Enjoy a delicious freshly prepared breakfast or tea. Meet the Easter Bunny and choose your very own cuddly toy, Decorate your own Easter cookie and munch on mini chocolate eggs 19 Match - 15 April

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Webbs West Hagley, Kidderminster Road South, West Hagley, Stourbridge, DY9 0JB 01527 860000, www.webbsdirect.co.uk John Lawson’s Circus Roll up! Roll up! With an entirely human cast performing aerial acrobatics, juggling feats, balancing acts, some crazy clown capers and more. 9-14 April

Museums...

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Various activities during the Easter holidays.

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Foregate Street,WR1 1DT 01905 25371 www.museumsworcestershire.org .uk Young at Art: Easter Pots Fun making session for the Under 5s. 22 March 10.30am.

You Will Need:

Honey Washing Up Liquid Water (try putting food colouring in to make it really stand out) Vegetable Oil A Large Glass

ther u t fur uids yo s? n e m q i i l a r o rd e r Exp e othe n cupb e of e m som nt itch a ga with your k n play you wa eve ! Or if of solid e in hav could ity erry wer You r or lo e dens e a ch ng k h i e t l o high ook at things ping p to l s, add lt or a hat ct w bo obje ato, a nd see a m s! l n o l t pe ba hap

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A simple way to demonstrate density, and the properties of different liquids to your children at home – using the kind of liquids that you most likely have in your kitchen cupboard. If you have the same amount, or volume, of two liquids, for example 100ml of honey and 100ml of water, the honey is more dense, and therefore weighs more. Using this principle, and a few other common household liquids, you can try something really cool.

Step 1: Honey! Squeeze some honey into the bottom of your glass, making sure it doesn’t drip onto the sides of the glass!

Step 2: Washing up liquid. Squirt this on top of the honey – again without touching the sides of the glass. See how it settles on top of the honey? That’s because the honey is more dense! If it mixes up a bit, just leave it to settle for a few minutes before…

Step 3: Water. We’re going to add this a little differently this time though – instead of carefully avoiding touching the sides of the glass, with the water it works best if you pour it carefully down the side of the glass. Again leave it to settle until you have clear layers if you need to.

Step 4: Vegetable oil. Trickle it down the side of the glass – just like you did with the water. Again, leave to settle if needed. And here you are – you’re very own density column. Cool huh?

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

Thanks to Chris Snowden STEM & Public Engagement Manager at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum for this experiment.

Science Week 9-18 March: Fun At Home

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What’s On

Please check with the venue in case details have changed

Easter Trees Workshop Working with natural material, paints and tissue paper to make delicate birds, eggs and blossom flowers.

31 March 11.00am – 3.00pm Steward’s Chemist Shop Open for Visitors Take a peek inside and hear the fascinating story of how it came from the High Street. 6 March and 3 April 11am-3pm

more! Children of all ages enjoy the variety of play and animal contact that is offered at Newbridge, which includes, feeding the animals, holding a rabbit, and having a lot of fun playing in our soft play areas, hay bale tunnels, rope swing, sandpits, zipwire, car track, trampolines and more! Our newly extended kitchen and shop will provide a variety of hot and cold food and drink choices, or bring a picnic and eat it on one of our many picnic benches around our barns, play All Things Wild Nature Centre, Station area and orchard picnic area.

Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7QZ 01386 833083 Severn Valley Railway www.allthingswild.co.uk Dino Eggstravaganza. Easter egg hunt, trails and lots of Dino fun for all the family.

30 March - 15 April 10am - 5.30pm.

Days Out...

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP 01993 823006, www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Daily Activities. Penguin feeding takes place every day at 11am and 3pm in the Walled Garden. There are keepers on hand to answer questions. Daily Lemur talks at 12noon. The narrow-gauge railway runs during April to October (weather permitting) and takes you all around the Park: Don’t miss the ‘Skymaze’ adaventure playgroud.

Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com Royal Eggstravganza Enjoy some right royal fun with our legendary Easter Treasure Hunt around the castle and grounds. Chocolate for everyone who takes part and a chance to win an enormous Easter Egg! 30 March - 2 April.

ChilliFest All things Chilli to try and buy! Live music, bars, hot food, children’s cookery school, Chilli Eating Competition and cookery demonstrations 6-7 May Newbridge Farm Park: bursting with fun

Newbridge Farm Park, Little Marcle, Little Marcle, Ledbury HR8 2QG 01531 670780 www.newbridgefarmpark.com Easter specials to make your Easter holiday memorable, with lamb bottle feeding, a treasure hunt, and lots of baby animals! Also new for 2018, our extended playbarns for more all weather fun, a new play frame set, improved giant sandpits, and 14

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Witley Court and Gardens, Worcester Road, Great Witley, WR6 6JT 01299 896636, www.english-heritage.org.uk Easter Adventure Quest Calling all valiant adventurers! Join us this Easter weekend on a hunt for legendary dragon eggs.

Set off on a quest to crack the clues, meeting characters from the past along the way, then claim your chocolate reward.

30 March - 2 April 11am-5pm

Worcester Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, Worcester, WR3 8SZ www.worcswildlifetrust.org Wild About Eggs – Easter Trail Join us at Lower Smite Farm this Easter holiday for our Wild About Eggs Easter trail. Bring a picnic and explore our nature trail to find out which animals have laid the eggs. Could it be a snake, spider, butterfly or frog? Find the answers Severn Valley Railway, Comberton Hill, to win a chocolate prize! Colouring and craft Kidderminster, DY10 1QX 01562 757900, activity also on offer. £2 per child, no booking www.svr.co.uk required. 12 -13 April 11am – 3pm PAW Patrol Visit See Chase and Skye who will appear at regular intervals throughout the National Trust 0844 800 1895 day at The Engine House, our Visitor Centre at www.nationaltrust.org.uk Highley. Magic Shows will also be taking place Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts Bring the whole with A Box of Tricks. 28-29 April family together for fun and nature-filled discoveries as you spot the first signs of spring at Three Counties Showground, Malvern, our special places. Follow bunny’s clues to finish WR13 6NW 01684 584900, your adventure with a delicious, chocolatey treat. www.threecounties.co.uk Join the hunt at one of the following properties.

Countrytastic Keep the children entertained Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW all day long with free activities, entertainment, Tel: 01568 615721 animals and much, more. Countrytastic has plenty Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, of indoor and outdoor fun and action for all the Herefordshire, WR6 5TB family! 5 April Advance tickets only.

01885 482077 Clent Hills, Nimmings Wood car park, The Hive, Sawmill Walk, between Hagley and Stourbridge, B62 0NL The Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PD 01562 712822 01905 822866, www.thehiveworcester.org Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, Mammoth Easter Egg Hunt Track down HR6 9PW 01568 780246 the Mammoth and her prehistoric friends in our Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Lost Landscapes treasure hunt. Mammoths do 01905 371006 not lay eggs but there will be a chocolate treat Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, for successful trackers! 30 March - 30 April.

Droitwich, WR9 7EA 01527 821214 Big Dreamers Festival Big Dreamers Festival, supported by Arts Council England, brings some of the best children’s theatre Eastnor Castle, Eastnor, Ledbury, HR8 1RN companies from around the UK to Worcester. As www.hearingdogs.org.uk well as the excellent programme of shows at The Great British Dog Walk Hearing Dogs are Hive, workshops and events will be taking place bringing this event to Eastnor. A family and dog at community centres across the city. 5-7 April friendly event 18 March

Charity Events...

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What’s On

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Visit Eastnor Royal EGGstravaganza Fri 30 March to Mon 2 April

Enjoy some right royal fun with our legendary Easter Treasure Hunt around the castle and grounds. Chocolate for everyone who takes part and a chance to win an enormous Easter Egg!

Buy fast-track

tickets online

Now in its 7th year

Sun 30 6 May & Mon 7 May Sun April & Mon 1 May

Stalls selling everything chilli – chutneys, chocolate, cakes, wine, plants… and much more!

FREE trail ’s with child admission

eastnorcastle.com

/EastnorCastle

@EastnorCastle

eastnor_castle

Re-opens for 2018 on Saturday 24th March.

Open Good Friday, Easter Saturday & Easter Monday. Closed Sundays.

Easter Holiday specials Treasure hunt*, lamb bottle feeding and lots of baby animals. *Easter week only

New for 2018 Larger undercover playbarns, improved giant sandpits & outdoor play area!

www.NewbridgeFarmPark.com

Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG

01531 670780

Dino Eggstravaganza 30th March - 15th April Egg hunt, trails and lots of dino fun!

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ

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

Open daily from 10am. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day

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

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Families Hereford & Worcester

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Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566

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

familiesonline.co.uk