Families Cambridgeshire Jan-Feb 2014

THE TRADE MAGAZINE FOR MUMS & DADS!

FREE! Cambridgeshire JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014 ISSUE #22

THE SWEET TRUTH g The frightenuin ar facts about s regn’s in our child diet.

NURSERY SPECIAL

Helping you to make the right decision for your little one

Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader, New Year – new diary! My plans and goals are outlined for next year and I feel more organised simply by writing them down.

Included in my goals every year are ‘Spend more quality time with the children’...no matter how much time I spend with them it never seems enough! Once all birthdays, sports days, holidays, bank holidays, term dates and parents evenings are noted down I feel on paper at least, that I can balance my work and home life and head into the New Year more organised than the year I am leaving behind.

Hopefully this issue will help you to become more organised with this month’s ‘What’s On’ pages including things to do for FREE with the children to beat the January blues. Plus, a special nursery and childcare feature giving you a real insight into some of the best nurseries in Cambridgeshire.

I am very excited by the plans for the magazine in 2014, including the growth in both circulation and content and I know the

What’s in this issue?

4 News & Views 6W hat’s On Great days out and events to keep you and your family occupied in the winter months that don’t cost too much!

8H ow to choose your child’s nursery

magazine will go from strength to strength.

Thank you for your lovely feedback and comments so far.

Don’t forget if you have an event you would like to mention or if you wish to distribute copies of the magazine please do get in touch.

Happy New Year!

It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve made for your child in his or her life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know?

9 T ake a close look at some of the nurseries in Cambridgeshire This issue we did a profile on a few of the nurseries in Cambridgeshire to give you a better insight to the setting and help you find the right nursery for your child.

@familiescambs

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

12 T oo much too soon At what age should your child enter in education?

Competition time!

13 N ursery listings Families have put together a list of nurseries in your area.

FOUR TICKETS TO SEE DINOSAUR WIN! ZOO, SUN 16 – TUE 18 FEB AT CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE. inosaur Zoo brings these prehistoric creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen before. Observe and interact with these extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this entertaining and highly imaginative live show.

But watch out - not all of these ravenous reptiles are as they seem! From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, meet the most recent addition to the Dinosaur Zoo, a carnivorous theropod known as the Australovenator, the most complete meat-eating dinosaur skeleton yet found in Australia.

Children can watch wide-eyed from a safe distance or dare to get right up close to the creatures.

HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning visit www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk/competitions by the 6th March and answer the following question ‘Who is the most recent addition to the dinosaur zoo?’

13 A ddictive, unwholesome and everywhere The toxic truth about sugar in our children’s diet.

Families Cambridgeshire is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license..

We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributers cant be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.

15,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants.

If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

was Alice Dixon of Tydd Gote

Last months winner of the Land’s End vouchers

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EDITOR: Lisa Exell editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk 01945 861336 DESIGN: David Slade info@sladecreative.com Cover image: ©The National Trust 2014

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News & views

Healthy New Year

EnergiZe is a FREE weight management programme for children aged 7 - 11 who are above their healthy weight.

Programmes run for 12 weeks where the children attend each week with a parent/carer for interactive workshops and fun, active games.

New programmes are starting in the New Year in Cambridge, Burwell, Cambourne and Huntingdon. To discuss in more detail, register an interest or to book a place on one of the programmes please contact the EnergiZe team on 01480 376300 or energize@nhs. net. Recruiting families now!

Why one hours home tuition can be the same as a day at school.

Tutor My Kids has spoken with families who home educate, and while advice from local authorities varies, it seems a common rule of thumb is that home schooled children require 1 hour of tuition a day, or the equivalent of 10 minutes for every hour they are in school, due to the one to one attention they receive.

This figure is also in keeping with the tuition provided by local authorities to sick children who are unable to attend school; they provide 5 to 8 hours tuition a week.

Therefore, as one hour of one to one tuition can often be the equivalent of a day at school, it can make a big difference.

For more information about home tuition, and how it could work for your family, then contact Tutor My Kids for a free consultation who can provide fully qualified teachers who have been CRB/DBS checked. www.tutormykids.co.uk

National Storytelling week This February brings seven days of reading, sharing and listening with the 14th Annual National Storytelling Week.

From 1st -8th February, schools, drama clubs and performance groups across the country will hold events to celebrate the joy of storytelling. Over the past decade National Storytelling Week has gone from strength to strength, with all areas of the community taking part in creating and enjoying storytelling – in fact, Storytelling Week is estimated to reach an audience of 17,000 this year!

Storytelling enriches lives everywhere, in nurseries and schools as well as community centres and theatres, and during Storytelling Week there will be a whole host of storytelling events near you, so why not join in? www.sfs.org. uk/nationalstorytellingweek

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Nursery inspections get tough Ofsted are to toughen up their inspections of nurseries, day-care facilities and pre-schools, as figures show that over 150,000 children are enrolled in substandard settings. In future, all nurseries will be expected to achieve an outstanding or good rating, while those with lower ratings will potentially face closure.

Nurseries will now be in line with schools, in that there will no longer be a ‘satisfactory’ category.

Instead, nurseries considered to be under-performing must improve dramatically within two years, while those rated as inadequate will be re-inspected in a matter of weeks, with the prospect of being de-registered and ultimately closed.

‘I wouldn’t have wanted my child to go to an inadequate nursery and I don’t

believe that any other parent would either,’ said Sir Michael Wilshaw, chief executive of Ofsted.

‘So we’re going to be less tolerant. When we go back to re-inspect an inadequate setting and it hasn’t improved, it’s likely that we may take steps to cancel the registration.’

This is all part of Ofsted’s overhaul of the early years inspection system, amid fears that too many young children are languishing in inadequate and substandard care. But is this move as positive as it sounds? Davina Ludlow, director of daynurseries.co.uk, said, ‘While we believe that every child deserves the very best education, we are concerned about the impact this ‘downgrade’ could have on nurseries and hard-working staff members. The change being brought in by Ofsted risks adversely impacting staff motivation, resulting in more harm than good.’

News & views

GCSE shake up

Will we see a revival of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen in Michael Gove’s new GCSEs? In the latest in a number of moves to make GCSEs more demanding, the Education Secretary has announced the introduction of a new curriculum. Under these more challenging examinations, students will be expected to memorise maths formulae and concentrate more on spelling, punctuation and grammar, plus studying more pre-20th century authors.

The new curriculum, beginning in September 2015 with the first exams being taken in English and Maths in summer 2017, has the aim of improving pupils’ achievement, compared with their contemporaries in other countries. While the Maths syllabus will include ratios, vectors and conditional probability amongst other topics, the new curriculum for English literature demands students study at least one Shakespeare play, one 19th century novel, a selection of poetry, and British fiction or drama from 1914 onwards.

In English language, the emphasis will primarily be on ‘unseen’ texts.

‘The new mathematics GCSE will be more demanding and we anticipate that schools will want to increase the time spent teaching mathematics,’ the Education Secretary said. ‘On average, secondary schools in England spend only 116 hours per year teaching mathematics, which international studies show is far less time than that spent on this vital subject by our competitors. The new GCSEs in English and mathematics set higher expectations. They demand more from all students and provide further challenge for those aiming to achieve top grades.’

The exams will also end the use of A* to G letter grades in favour of a numbered scale from nine to one, with nine being the highest grade. Plus, course modules and assessments will be dropped, with grades determined by only one exam for most subjects. The new curriculum for the rest of the GCSE subjects will be announced this spring.

It’s time to re-wild our kids with more wild time The UK’s biggest ever campaign to reconnect children with nature and outdoor play was launched in the autumn by the newly formed Wild Network, as it encourages the nation’s parents to swap some of their kids’ screen time for wild time.

Swapping thirty minutes of screen time for an extra half an hour of wild time every day would decrease children’s time in front of screens by ten per cent. This could help increase levels of physical activity, alertness and ultimately improve their well-being.

The Wild Network, which is made up of more than 370 organisations, large and small, is leading a campaign calling for more wild time for every child, every day. Members of the network include the National Trust,

RSPB, Play England and the NHS Sustainable Development Unit.

Andy Simpson, Chair of the Wild Network, said: “The tragic truth is that kids have lost touch with nature and the outdoors in just one generation”.

Starting this month the Wild Network will publish, over the course of the year, a series of short, focused policy asks to tackle the most serious barriers between children and nature.

These will put children, nature and outdoor play firmly on the agenda of the political parties in the run up to the 2015 General Election.

To view the full article and new research visit www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

Does your mind go blank as soon as you sit down with your child’s teacher?

Parents evening can be a hassle; fitting it in, dealing with childcare, and then remembering that thing you (or your other half) wanted to mention can be hard.

Here are some ideas to help parents evening run smoothly and make this important part of home school communication more productive.

Ask your child if there is anything they are concerned about or want to say to the teacher. Communication is two way, and it will encourage/ help the teacher to know how the children are feeling.

Make some notes and don’t be afraid to take them. What is the key thing you want to find out? e.g. How can I help at home? What is my child’s attitude to learning? What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?( If your child is on the SEN register) Can I see the IEP (Individual Educational Plan)? How can I communicate with you more/better?

Talk about the child rather than the school. If you feel the school is doing something wrong or you don’t like a certain policy e.g. homework or behaviour, you need to take it up with the leadership (headteacher).

Don’t store up big issues: make an appointment with the teacher if there is a big issue to discuss, or it can’t be covered then and there. Teachers need to get through a long list of appointments, so overrunning your time stresses out the teacher and makes them late for other parents.

Remember, parents evenings are only part of home school communication so don’t be surprised if 10 minutes is not enough. In most cases teachers are happy to talk more at a convenient time. www.kipmcgrath.co.uk .01366 384778

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W hat’s Olan ces

p Things to do, e had… to go, fun to b … for k ids of a

ll ages!

Stick man trail

9TH DEC - 31ST JAN

WHERE? High Lodge Thetford Forest Forestry commission england has teamed up with the popular children’s character stick man to encourage children and families to get out into the forest this winter. It has created a series of special adventure trails and activities inspired by the julia donaldson and axel scheffler character, designed to help children find out more about forests and the importance of wood and trees to their daily lives. www.forestry.gov.uk/highlodge

Robin Hood

5TH DEC - 12TH JAN

WHERE? Cambridge arts theatre

HOW MUCH? Child tickets from £10 Cambridge arts theatre’s traditional family pantomime is back. For the first time in nearly fifty years the adventure of robin hood will be brought to life by a spectacular cast on the arts theatre stage.

01223 503333 www.cambridgeartstheatre.com

Jack and the beanstalk 26TH DEC – 14TH JAN

WHERE? KD Theatre, The Maltings, Ely HOW MUCH? Family tickets £32 Audiences can expect everything from a traditional family pantomime and more; live music, lavish costumes and scenery, dazzling choreography and the messiest slapstick ever to grace the stage!

Box office 01638 781037 www.kdtheatre.co.uk

Joseph and the amazing technicolour dream coat 17TH DEC – 5TH JANUARY

WHERE? Broadway Theatre, Peterborough “Brilliant! It explodes like glittering fireworks” John Peter – Sunday Times Retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me. To book tickets 01733 822225 www.kenwright.com

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Mucky Pups: Winter Wonderland 15TH – 16TH JAN 10.30-11.15AM

WHERE? Wicken fen

only

£4.00

HOW MUCH? Pre-school event age 2+ price £4 per child Winter Wonderland is a mix of crafts and games indoors and outdoors (so wrap up warm); learning about some of the winter birds found at Wicken Fen. Booking essential on 0844 249 1895

Garden birds for beginners

22ND JANUARY 10AM-12PM WHERE? Discovery Den, Ferry Meadows Country Park.

HOW MUCH? Free Get to know your garden birds in winter and brush up on your identification skills ready to do your own big garden birdwatch at the weekend. Booking is essential.

Please call the nene park trust on 01733 234193 or visitor. services@neneparktrust.org.uk

Chinese new year 25TH JAN – 1ST FEB

WHERE? Peterborough Libraries HOW MUCH? £3 Per child.

Chinese New Year is the oldest Chinese festival and has many traditions.

2014 Will

Erth’s dinosaur zoo

16TH FEBRUARY – 18TH FEBRUARY WHERE? Cambridge Corn Exchange

HOW MUCH? Prices from £12.50 Per ticket Dinosaur zoo is at the cambridge corn exchange, watch these prehistoric creatures on stage. Observe and interact with these extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this entertaining and highly imaginative live show.

01223 357851 www.cornex.co.uk

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be the year of the horse, with stories, games and crafts. Make a puppet and more! Suitable for ages 6 and over. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

01733 864 280 or visit www. vivacity-peterborough.com

Anne Frank exhibition 5TH – 27TH FEBRUARY

WHERE? Ely Cathedral Lady Chapel A dramatic multimedia exhibition powerfully bringing the messages of anne frank into the 21st century.

Visitors are given the opportunity to explore the history of the holocaust alongside anne frank’s words, wisdom and values. www.elycathedral.org

Mucky Pups: All About Sticks

12TH – 13TH FEB 10.30-11.15AM WHERE? Wicken Fen

HOW MUCH? £4 per child All about sticks is a mix of crafts and games, indoors and outdoors (so wrap up warm), based around using sticks for a variety of different activities! Booking essential on 0844 249 1895

Families Fun

Snow Fun for all the family: Sledging, Ice Sliding & SnoPlay 1ST JAN TO 28TH FEB

Take your little monkeys along to your local library and enjoy an old favourite by renowned children’s author rod campbell. Lift the flaps and see which pet the zoo has sent: the perfect pet – in the end!

Contact 01733 864 280 or visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Cambridge book fair 21ST – 22ND FEBRUARY

WHERE? Cambridge Guildhall

HOW MUCH? Free The annual Cambridge book fair sees the Guildhall transformed into a book-lovers paradise, serving up

a treasure trove of books. www.cambridgebookfair.org

The Lego Movie in 3D and Tinkerbell: The Pirate Fairy THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

WHERE? The Luxe Cinema, Wisbech

WHERE? Sno! Zone, Milton Keynes

HOW MUCH? Family tickets from £22 Visit the luxe cinema in wisbech with comfy sofas and armchairs, waiter service and a bar for the adults; it really is home from homewhat could be better on a cold winter’s day! www.theluxecinema.co.uk

HOW MUCH? Prices from only £3.00 per child for SnoPlay to £12.99 for ice sliding – prices include equipment, sledges and ice slide tubes.

Take family and friends for an enjoyable and exciting day out!

Fun activities require no prior experience whatsoever, and are easy, safe and suitable for everyone! Including Sledging, SnoPlay and IceSliding in giant rubber tubes. from ages 3+ to grandparents. www.snozone.co.uk

Burwash Manor nest box day

16TH FEBRUARY 11AM-4PM

Nest box day is part of a national scheme to get everyone to put bird boxes up in their gardens. The rspb will be on hand to help and advise on ways to assist birds and to help build a bird box. info@burwashmanor.com

Museum menagerie 17 – 21 FEB 10AM-5PM

WHERE? Peterborough Museum

HOW MUCH? Under 5’s free Follow a safari trail, meet some real-life animals with jungle jo (monday-thursday only) and make your own animal crafts to take home. Join in hands-on activities with our partners from the natural history museum .

Contact 01733 864 663, or visit www.vivacity-peterborough.com

Denny at twighlight

18TH FEBRUARY 4.30-7.30PM WHERE? Denny Abbey Farmland Museum

HOW MUCH? Free The farmland museum and denny abbey look very different in the dark – lots of different activities! Bring a torch and wrap up warmly – hot drinks will be available from the tea room. www.dennyfarmlandmuseum. org.uk

Dear Zoo – Story and craft fun 18TH - 19TH FEBRUARY

WHERE? Various libraries in Peterborough HOW MUCH? £3 Per child.

Suitable for ages 6 and under.

The Chuckle Brothers 21ST FEBRUARY

WHERE? Kings Lynn Corn Exchange

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash

HOW MUCH? Tickets from £14 per person Paul and Barry visit a toy shop to buy some water pistols. Whilst trying them out they notice a toy space ship which they get in. “Don’t touch anything” the shop keeper shouts out! “Especially that button”! “This button” they ask? “Yes” he replies. But being the chuckle brothers they can’t resist it and press the button!

All sorts of noises go off! “Oh dear! Oh dear!” They cry out as they magically and accidentally go into space on a new adventure! www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk

1ST – 2ND MARCH

WHERE? Cambridge Corn Exchange HOW MUCH? Family ticket £54 Fresh from the success of Peppa Pig’s Party and Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt comes Peppa’s brand new show, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash.

01223 357851 www.cornex.co.uk

Twilight at the museums 19TH FEB 4.30PM-8:30PM WHERE? Across Cambridge

HOW MUCH? Free As darkness falls, museums and collections across cambridge are opening their doors into the night for an exciting evening of free drop-in and bookable family events.

Taking place in twelve venues across the city, set out and discover the extraordinary world of cambridge museums and collections after dark. Whether it’s experiencing the sights and sounds of ice at the polar museum, journeying by torchlight through the botanic garden glasshouses or creating amazing photographs in the evocative setting of the museum of technology, there will be plenty to explore! Get ready for the adventure by visiting www.cam.ac.uk/museums/twilight

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Nursery Special

How to choose your child’s nursery It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve made for your child in his or her life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know? Joanna Moorhead shares some tips… here are all sorts of different nurseries out there. Big ones, small ones; ones run by the local council, and ones run by independent companies.

There are nurseries attached to primary schools, and there are stand-alone nurseries.

When you start out looking for one, the plethora of what’s out there can make it all seem very daunting.

But here’s the first, the most important, and possibly even the only thing you need to know about how to make your choice.

Listen to the voice inside your head, heed your instinct about what’s right for your child, and you’ll almost certainly make the ‘correct’ choice. Because the truth, of course, is that there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one; there is, however, a nursery that will suit your child best, because it will mesh in with your own and your partner’s ideas about how to raise a child, and what matters most in his or her life. All of which is why what you feel inside you about a nursery will give you the biggest guide as to what to go on.

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LOOKING ROUND To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area (or

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perhaps in the area where you work, if you’re thinking your child can be cared for at nursery while you work nearby). Comb through the nurseries in your area online; look at the Ofsted reports for any you think sound promising. Think about what factors matter most to you in a nursery (see our checklist) and then make appointments to look around a selection of those that have, or might have, vacancies.

When you look round, don’t be too anxious about all the questions you need to ask or whether you’re going to miss something vital.

Instead, switch on all your ‘vibes’ and take in the holistic sense of the place. Does it feel friendly, and welcoming, and a fun place to be, from what you can see of it? Do staff treat you warmly – are you convinced by what they’re telling you? Do you, in a nutshell, feel a sense of confidence about the place; would you feel confident about leaving the most important person in your life, your child, here in the care of the people you’ve met? If the answer is yes, the nursery you’ve just seen is a possible one for you; if you have any doubts whatsoever about this most crucial thing, whether you’re confident about leaving your baby there, cross it off your list at once.

YOUR NURSERY CHECKLIST

What are the most important things you’re looking for in a nursery? Here are some things you need to think about:

ü FOOD: How important is it to

you that food is organic? Do you like the idea of nursery children eating alongside staff – ie, the family model – which some nurseries practice?

ü OUTDOOR PLAY SPACE:

This varies hugely from nursery to nursery. Think about how important outdoor play is to your child, and decide how much importance you’re going to attach to whether the nursery has a garden, how big it is, and how many activities take place in it

ü WIFI: do you have worries about

wifi and its potential impact on young children? If so, make sure you ask about whether there’s a wifi network at the nursery, and how extensive it is.

For more stories on choosing a nursery see www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

Nursery Special The nursery runs regular book weeks to encourage children and parents to enjoy new stories and re-discover some old favourites

Words are worth it at Scallywags t Scallywags day nursery, there is an ‘Forest School’ so the children learn to experienced and talented pre school understand and respect nature and animals team dedicated to nurturing each child, in a very hands on way! and helping them to develop important skills A dedicated outdoors activities team for the future. creates wonderful games and challenges For children preparing for ‘big school’, the in the spacious grounds, whatever the pre-school curriculum is varied and exciting weather! The Forest School ethos echoes – as well as some basic numbers that of Scallywags – quality time and letters work, cooking, spent outdoors every single gardening, Spanish and day builds confidence and e b n ca Parents music are all tackled creates happy, healthy d il ch r sure that thei in a friendly, fun, and children. y ll u erf will be wond stimulating way.

Its not just the d cared for an As part of this, the children themselves appy nursery runs regular who benefit from the extremely h s! a at Scallyw g book weeks to encourage pre-school curriculum children and parents to enjoy at Scallywags – the team new stories and re-discover guides parents through the some old favourites, with themed transition from nursery to school, activities to create wonderful experiences offering advice and help at every stage. with language. Every child is given the Scallywags has an excellent reputation for support and help they need to develop pre-school activity and families benefit from naturally, and at their own pace. the strong links and supportive relationship Scallywags is famous for its daily outdoors the nursery has with all the local schools. activities – the nursery is an accredited Also, parents can have 15 hours of pre-school

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activities free through the nursery education funding scheme.

With its beautifully re-furbished Girton nursery, nestled in the heart of the village, and the Westwick nursery, set in 5 acres of woodland, parents can be sure that their child will be wonderfully cared for and extremely happy at Scallywags!

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Nursery Special

Focus on learning and development uring a child’s first years they develop quickly and an Early Years education helps form a foundation to promote future learning. Forming positive relationships and creating an enabling environment that stimulates children’s curiosity, children can learn to be independent and develop a positive disposition to learning ready for school.

At Chestnut Nursery we provide a rich and stimulating environment to support children learning and developing through this crucial time in their Early Years.

David Saunders and Steven Davies opened the first Chestnut Nursery School in Newham in 2002. They have since expanded to eleven nursery schools across Newham, Barking and Dagenham, opening their first in Chesterton, Cambridge in September 2013.

The newly opened nursery in Chesterton is a purpose-built nursery attached to Chesterton Primary school. Open from 8am until 6.30pm they cater for children from 0-5 years. The nursery has three classrooms for

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different age groups and a large outdoor space enabling free flow play with children making their own choices of where they play.

In May 2012 Government policy introduced free early education places for two year olds aimed at reducing the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers. Families who meet the eligibility criteria will be able to have up to 15 hours a week (term time) in Early Years education. In September 2013 around 20% of least advantaged two year olds will be entitled to this funding and in 2014 this will increase to 40% being eligible.

At Chestnut Nursery we offer flexible sessions with the family deciding how they want to use their hours. We also give families the option to spread the 15 hours per week over the year, enabling children to attend for 50 weeks.

Whether you are looking for funded only places, part time sessions or full day care please call Alison on 01223 728390 to discuss options available.

Creating an enabling environment that stimulates children’s curiosity

ch Providing a ri ng ti and stimula nt to support environme ing and children learn h this roug developing th their crucial time in Early Years.

Nursery Special

Naturally inspiring childcare ocal nursery chain kidsunlimited pride WOLFSON COURT kidsunlimiteds’ Wolfson themselves on their passionate staff Court nursery in Cambridge is located just off and the happy and stimulating way in Madingley Road, with links to all the main which they care for your babies and children. transport networks. There is an excellent They follow the government guidelines, the outside play area, which houses a climbing Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), as a frame, large wooden playhouse and sand pit. framework within which to provide care and The highly experienced management helped education for children who are aged 5 years the nursery to secure an ‘outstanding’ rating and under. in the latest Ofsted inspection.

At kidsunlimited, they recognise the importance of working in partnership with ELY kidsunlimited’s nursery in Ely is located parents and are committed to meeting the on the Cambridgeshire Business Park — needs of the children by consulting with parents just five minutes from Ely train station, and carers on a regular basis. The children enjoy making it an excellent location for a wide range of activities including parents working in the area or ku:physical, ku:cookery, ku:music commuting elsewhere. The am and ku:art. nursery has extended the nursery te kidsunlimited have six opening hours to cater is made up of fied care nurseries across for parents highly quali ls who a n Cambridge including one commuting to and io ss fe ro p ng a that will relocate to a from London. rive on creati

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brand new, purpose-built nursery early next year with each setting boasting its own individual appeal.

th ndly warm and frie atmosphere.

CAMBRIDGE SCIENCE PARK kidsunlimiteds’ nursery in Cambridge Science Park is a purpose built nursery ideally located for companies on the Science Park.

The nursery features extensive in and outdoor areas for each age group.

LONG ROAD kidsunlimiteds’ Long Road nursery is located on

the grounds of Addenbrooke’s Hospital, making it an ideal location for parents who work at the site. The nursery is purpose built and houses five home bases, each designed specifically for the different age groups as well as a spacious and secure external area.

BUNNYBROOKES kidsunlimiteds’ Bunnybrookes is located within Addenbrooke’s Hospital and is available for Addenbrooke’s NHS Trust employees. The nursery has five rooms, each equipped for the appropriate age groups and a spacious external play area in which the children can engage in fun and stimulating activities.

FULBOURN kidsunlimited is relocating in early 2014 to a brand new, purpose-built nursery on Capital Park. The nursery is currently located on the Ida Darwin Hospital site with two large external play spaces and an on-site area which enables the children to take part in the Forest School curriculum. In the new facility, the nursery will boast huge external play areas, set on green belt land in a tranquil setting, there will also be home-bases tailored to each different age group. kidsunlimiteds’ enthusiastic nursery team is made up of highly qualified care professionals who thrive on creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. This dedicated staff team now welcome a new manager, Tamara Pusic who brings with her a wealth of experience from previous nursery roles.

For more information about any kidsunlimited nurseries please call 0845 365 2160 or email enquiries@kidsunlimited.co.uk Quote ‘Families Cambridgeshire’ to save 50% on your registration fee.* JA N UA RY / F EBRUA RY 2014

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Nursery Special

WHAT’S THE RIGHT AGE TO START SCHOOL? A fierce battle has broken out between the Department of Education and a group of campaigners who say British children are being disadvantaged by going to school aged four.

Joanna Moorhead investigates. hat is it that children start much too early at four, that stems their creativity and reduces their chance of good exam results further down the line?

According to a growing group of educationalists, thinkers, teachers and parents, the blight on the lives of young children is... school. Or at least, it’s too much school too soon – and that, according to the backers of a new campaign, is exactly what’s happening to thousands of British four-year-olds each year.

The argument put forward by the Save Childhood Movement, which is running the ‘Too Much, Too Soon’ campaign in favour of waiting until children are six before they go to school, is that young children need the chance to play, and should not be shoehorned into ‘learning’ too early. The campaigners say that in other parts of the world, early childhood is recognised as a valuable phase of development in its own right – whereas in Britain, it’s seen solely as preparation for school.

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MISCONCEPTIONS There’s a misconception in Britain, say the campaigners, that starting early with school means settling down to learn more quickly, and achieving more in the long term. But, they say, that’s not borne out by what happens in other countries. “Children who 12

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enter school at six or seven – after several years of high quality nursery education – consistently achieve better educational results as well as higher levels of wellbeing,” said 127 senior educational figures in a letter to the Daily Telegraph in September. “The success of the Scandinavian system suggests that many problems in English education – such as the widening gap in achievement between rich and poor, problems with boys’ literacy, and the ‘summerborns’ issue – could be addressed by fundamentally re-thinking our early years policies.”

LINK WITH MENTAL HEALTH

One Phonics Screening Check in English primary schools is unnecessary and say there’s little correlation between the results of the phonics check and a child’s reading achievements at the end of Year 2.

They point out, too, that prescriptions of Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, have quadrupled in the last ten years, and many believe the drug is being used to ‘normalise’ behaviour that may partly have come from having too many expectations heaped on them at too young an age. Mental health disorders among children and young people are also on the rise – again, the question the campaigners ask is whether that could be linked with early pressure at school.

The Department for Education has hit back at the Too Much Too Soon campaign, saying it amounts to a call for dumbing down. Those behind it were a “powerful and badly misguided lobby who are responsible for the devaluation of exams and the culture of low expectations in state schools,” according to a DoE spokesman.

For the Too Much Too Soon lobby, the emphasis on formal education from a young age is part of a mindset that sees testing and academic pressure as good for young people – whereas they believe it’s harmful rather than helpful. They point out, for example, that the now-implemented Year

“We need a system that aims to prepare pupils to solve hard problems in calculus or be a poet or engineer – a system freed from the grip of those who bleat bogus pop-psychology about ‘self image’, which is an excuse for not teaching poor children how to add up.”

Specifically, the Too Much Too Soon campaign is calling for: • The early years to be re-established as a unique development stage in its own right • Protection for the rights of young children to develop naturally • A n end to baseline testing • A new emphasis on the importance of play

Nursery Special

Families’ local nurseries listings Helping find the right place for your little ones – our guide to some of the nurseries local to Cambridgeshire kidsunlimited Cambridge Science Park - is a purpose built nursery ideally located for companies on the Science Park.

(Ofsted rating: Good)

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kidsunlimited Wolfson Court Located just off Madingley Road, with excellent links to all the main transport networks, including the A14, M11 and Cambridge City Centre.

(Ofsted rating: Outstanding)

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kidsunlimited Ely Located on the Cambridgeshire Business Park — just five minutes from Ely train station, making it an excellent location for parents working in the area

Scallywags Westwick Nursery is the larger of the Scallywags nurseries, It is a modern spacious, purpose build nursery located in 4 acres of grounds. Within this setting the children from both nurseries enjoy our Nature Nursery and all our

or commuting elsewhere.

(Ofsted rating: Good)

wonderful animals. 01223 232400 (Ofsted rating: Good)

kidsunlimited Long Road Located on the grounds of Addenbrooke’s Hospital, making it an ideal location for parents who work at the site.

(Ofsted rating: Good)

Chestnut Nursery in Chesterton One of ten nurseries and part of an established group Chestnut nursery is attached to the newly opened Chesterton Primary School, this newly refurbished nursery is the first in Cambridge, with good links into Cambridge Town Centre and the nearby Science Parks. www.chestnut-nursery.co.uk 01223 728390 (Ofsted rating: not yet inspected this is a new nursery)

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For all kidsunlimited nurseries contact 0845 365 2160 www.kidsunlimited.co.uk

Scallywags Girton was the first Scallywags to open in 1994 and is very much part of the Girton community, nestled in the heart of the village. Following on from our recent refurbishment, our gorgeous, spacious and open plan building make it a happy, energetic place for children to spend their day. 01223 277400 (Ofsted rating: Satisfactory)

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kidsunlimited Bunnybrookes Located within Addenbrooke’s hospital and is available for Addenbrooke’s NHS Trust employees.

(Ofsted rating: Satisfactory)

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kidsunlimited Fulbourn

Relocating in early 2014 to a brand new, purpose-built nursery on Capital Park. The nursery will boast huge external play areas, set on green belt land in a tranquil setting.

(Ofsted rating: Good)

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Blackberry House Day Nursery Believes in creating experiential learning opportunities by offering environments and resources that inspire the imagination and natural curiosity of the

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developing mind. Blackberries is an outstanding nursery provider for children from 0-5 years in Wisbech, March and Peterborough. www.blackberryhouseday nursery.co.uk 01945 428747 (Ofsted rating: Outstanding) Downham Montessori 11 Nursery is a coeducational independent day school for pupils aged 2-11 years. The school is non selective and there is no entrance exam. Their aim is to help all children, regardless of academic ability to reach their maximum potential. www.dpsmn.norfolk.sch.uk 01366 388066 (Ofsted rating: Outstanding) SNAP For Kids is committed to the development of all children aged from 3 months and offers a relaxed

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and happy environment for playful and creative learning in partnership with parents and carer’s in Cambridge and Hauxton. www.snap4kids.co.uk 01223 477413 (Ofsted rating: Satisfactory)

ACE Nursery is a popular nursery school located in the heart of Cambridge staffed by qualified and enthusiastic Early Years Practitioners. The school welcomes up to 40 children from 2 1⁄2 to 5 years alongside the ACE Day Nursery,

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a 17-place nursery for 1–3 year olds. www.ace-nursery-school. org.uk (Ofsted rating: Good) Histon Early Years Centre is made up of Histon Nursery school and childcare and the villages children’s centre. The sure start centre offers integrated universal services for families with children up to the age of 5.It aims to provide a positive setting, where children and their families are happy, secure and feel valued and in which there is an atmosphere of mutual trust and cooperation.

(Ofsted rating: Satisfactory)

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Unfortunately we don’t have enough room to include all of the nurseries in Cambridgeshire so for more local nursery listings visit our website, www.familiescambridgeshire. co.uk

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Families Feature

Addictive, unwholesome and everywhere The toxic truth about sugar in our children’s diet.

By Elisabeth Dolton

o you sent your child off to school this morning on a full bowl of cereal and some fresh orange juice.

Thinking this is a good start to the day, you may have already given them over half their recommended daily allowance of sugar. This scenario is common across many families. Over the past 10 years the use of sugar in foods has undergone a transformation, resulting in us potentially providing a diet for our children that contains too much sugar than their bodies can cope with.

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A SILENT REVOLUTION Essentially, the mass development of a cheap, highly sweet, glucose-fructose syrup, produced from surplus corn, started in the 70’s, and was soon pumped into every conceivable food: pizza, coleslaw, meat. It provides a ‘just baked’ sheen on bread and cakes, makes everything sweeter, and helps to keep foods moist so extends shelf life from days to years. At the same time low fat foods were being embraced by dieters, so as fat was taken out of foods, sugar replaced it to maintain taste.

Unsurprisingly, sugar consumption has trebled worldwide over the last 50 years, and this purified sugar (known as ‘added’ sugar) is now an alarmingly major part of the Western diet. As

sugar is now found in almost all processed foods and not just obviously sweet foods - glucose-fructose syrup is found in everyday products, such as cereal, salad dressing, sausages, making it easy to send our children over the recommended limit, sometimes with just one product.

INCREASING ADDICTION Moreover, recent research has been looking into a worrying trend that the more sugar we eat, the more we want, and concluding that the addictive nature of sugar for our children is much higher than previously thought.

Added sugar dulls the brain’s mechanism that tells you to stop eating, by reducing activity in the brain’s anorexigenic oxytocin system that gives the body the ‘full’ feeling. Without this, our appetite becomes insatiable, making it very easy to overeat.

n 31% of childre in the UK are as now classified overweight

a result, the amount of sugar going into our bodies has been silently revolutionised.

UNAVOIDABLE UK guidelines recommend that added sugars shouldn’t make up more than around 50g a day, equivalent to ten teaspoons of sugar for adults and nine for five to ten-year-olds. Added 14

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THE DANGERS

“Sugar is ubiquitous, and the problem with refined sugar as opposed to natural sugar,” says Tracey Harper, Nutritional Therapist, “is that this sugar is an empty food with the goodness striped away, so when eaten it actually robs the body of vital nutrients, resulting in a depleted immune system.” She goes on to explain that sugar feeds bad bacteria in the gut, the gut lining becomes exposed, so toxins can enter the blood stream, causing allergens to develop and other auto-immune deficiencies. Studies confirm this, showing that excess sugars cause a fifty-percent drop in the ability of white blood cells to fight off bacteria.

The growing problem of obesity in the UK with 31% of

Families Feature children now classified as overweight and the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes, once associated with old people, also points to the overconsumption of sugar in children’s daily diet. Excess sugar rots teeth and let’s not forget, poor memory, low moods and depression all have been linked to the over-consumption of sugar. The recognisable ‘sugar high’ you get after eating sugar resulting in more energy and improved mood is temporary. After some time, the body crashes, energy levels plummet, leaving lethargy and tiredness. Further effects can include hyperactivity in children, crankiness and eczema.

So, as we scratch our heads on how to get our kids to eating less sweets and exercising more, perhaps we also need to start looking more closely at what are putting on their plates at meal and snack times.

CHECK THESE OUT! • 1.5l bottle of Volvic Touch of Fruit Lemon and Lime – 16 ½ teaspoons of sugar • McDonald’s milkshake - 16 teaspoons • Orangina 500ml - 13 teaspoons • Tesco Pure Orange Juice Smooth, 250ml - 6 teaspoons • Dolmio Bolognese sauce, 500g - 6 teaspoons • Walls soft scoop vanilla ice cream, 200ml – 4 ½ teaspoons • Serving of Kellogg’s Frosties - 4 teaspoons • Two McVities Jaffa Cakes - 3 teaspoons • Muller Light Strawberry yoghurt, 175g – 2 ½ teaspoons (Source: Dailymail.co.uk)

HOW TO SPOT A HIGH SUGAR FOOD?

Look for ‘Total sugars’ on the label which include natural and added sugar. A food with less than 5g ‘total sugars’ per 100g is classified as low, more than 15g per 100g is high

REDUCING ADDED SUGAR IN YOUR FAMILY’S DIET

REMEMBER NATURAL SUGARS ARE GOOD - Soak apricots, whizz them in a blender, and use that to sweeten foods ENSURE EVERY MEAL INCLUDES PROTEIN. Have meat, fish, vegetable or salad with pasta or pizza, so your child is getting everything for the body to function properly EAT FROM SCRATCH. Eat real food not processed food – Porridge with a dash of honey has everything a young child needs to start off the day MAKE YOUR OWN PASTA SAUCE, stuffed with lots of pureed vegetables (carrots, peppers, greens.) Make a large batch then freeze on small portions MAKE SMOOTHIES USING A HAND BLENDER AND A JUG. Add in a vegetable, e.g. avocado and strawberry.

Cheaper and as good as any supermarket brand CHILDREN EAT WHAT IS THERE. Keep sugary snacks and junk food out of the house, instead offer oat biscuits, hummus, chopped vegetables, Whole Earth peanut butter.

FURTHER INFORMATION

• Thanks to Tracey Harper for her contribution to this article: www.traceyharpernutrition.co.uk • www.hungryforchange.tv/sugar-is-a-drug (Jamie Oliver’s TED Award speech) • www.nhs.uk/livewell/goodfood/pages/sugars.aspx