Families Leeds Sept-Oct 2012

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 Leeds’ Favourite Parenting Magazine // SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012 // ISSUE 24

ASHVILLE COLLEGE Harrogate

Open Day

Sat 6th Oct 1.30 - 4.30pm

SOUTHERN DAILY ECHO

6 NOV - 8 DEC Box Box Offi Office ce 0844 0844 848 848 2700 2700 leedsgrandtheatre.com leedsgrandtheatre.com

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Have some Halloween fun at Leeds Museums and Galleries leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries

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What’s inside…

Welcome Back…

I always feel a little bit lonely during the first weeks of the new school year. After having the girls by my side all summer, settling down to a days work in an empty house feels a little odd. On the plus side, it’s nice to have a break from picking up clothes and turning down TVs. And for the first time in two months I appear to have some money in my purse.

Eliza has gone into Year 2 and is now, officially a big girl. But there’s been some resistance. She’s my youngest and while I’ve spent the summer trying to find the pause button, I know she’s growing up.

She returns to school to take on new responsibilities and rise to new challenges. She’ll be expected to help the younger children in the playground, and begin to organise herself a little better than before.

I know she’ll enjoy being a ‘helper’ but my experiences over the past few months lead me to her organizational skills need some work!

It was on a gentle stroll in the Spanish sunshine that I decided to raise the issue of the new term.

“Are you looking forward to being a big girl?”

Silence.

“Eliza. I asked if you’re looking forward to going into Year 2 and begin a big girl?”

Nothing. Then she started to cry.

“I don’t want to be a big girl Mummy. I’m only a little bean. I’ll still need help getting to school and doing my homework. And actually I am still quite little.”

As her tears flowed, and my own heart broke a little, I realised that as parents, we spend a lot of time focusing our children’s minds on growing up when in actual fact most of us don’t want them to grow up too quickly. I like the fact she writes me notes telling me she loves me.

I love peeping round the corner to see the game she created with her teddy bears and I love that a hug from me can solve just about anything.

When I think about it, I don’t want my 6 year old to pack her own school bag or get herself ready for the day without me. I want her to need me when she falls over or has had a cross word with a friend.

As I watched her dry her tears and give her teddy a hug, it dawned on me that I’m not ready for her to be a big girl yet either. We’ve decided that can wait until Year 3.

Enjoy the new term!

Sarah Butters Families Leeds® is distributed free of charge to schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes, selected retail outlets and sports centres. Distribution is across ALL LS postcodes. Families Leeds® is part of a larger group of magazines headed by Families SW London®. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care when preparing this magazine, but publishers and distributors – which include schools – cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor any consequences.

4

News

7

Mums Mean Business

8

Class News and Reviews

11

Toddler TANTRUMS

12

SLAPPED CHEEK – the risks

13

The BEST Classes in Leeds

18

COMPETITIONS

22

Support for LEFT HANDERS

26

What’s On THIS AUTUMN

CIRCULATION: 18,000 copies printed NEXT DEADLINE: Thursday 11th October .

If you want to advertise contact adverts@familiesleeds.co.uk CONTACT US: PO BOX 403, BARDSEY, LEEDS LS17 1EP 01937 579 065 • 07764 943 789 editor@familiesleeds.co.uk DESIGNED BY: www.jgl-design.co.uk COVER PHOTO: Huge thanks to Robling Photography with their wonderful picture of Tom Savage. Look at more of their work at www.roblingphotography.com.

PRINTED BY: Warners, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9PH

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

Families

NEWS…

AUTUMN FAYRE at Boston Spa School Roll up, roll up for a fun packed Saturday to raise funds for a Boston Spa school. St Edwards Catholic Primary on Westwood Way is hosting an Autumn Fayre on 29th September from 12noon – 4pm. There’ll be a bouncy castle, inflatable sumo wrestling, face painting and a children’s disco.

Entry for adults is £1 and for children, it’s free! Join in the fun, and help raise money for a great local school!

SWIMMING LESSONS

Join the celebrations at…

Every 2 year old needs a party and Treasures toy shop in Wetherby is no exception.

They’re having a party to celebrate on Saturday 15th September. Zhara Armstrong and her team will be giving away prizes from Lego and Schleich. Every child who comes along in fancy dress will also get a treat.

The party begins at 11am and there’s FREE face painting until 1.30pm. Come and join in the fun! www.treasurestoys.co.uk

Baby Beats with FAIRY ENCHANTICA Enjoy the magic of Stockeld with your little one. Under the expert eye of visiting fairy Enchantica, Stockeld Park are running a series of indoor music workshops for pre-school children called Baby Beats.

“We want children of all ages to come and see where the magic is made,” explains Amy Thornton from Stockeld Park.

The 40 minute classes will run every Wednesday from 7th November until 12th December, with sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am and 1pm. Book for all 6 weeks and you’ll receive a discount. The class cost includes entry to the Forest and a drink in the café. www.thechristmasadventure.com

Small class sizes • Teacher in pool • All ages & abilities

Say it Personally…

Classes at The Grammar School at Leeds Mercure Parkway, Bramhope Moorlands School & Temple Moor High School

0844 264 1102 (Local call rate)

info@splishsploshswimmingschool.com www.splishsploshswimmingschool.com

Forget saying it with flowers! Yorkshire based Say it Personally has a better idea. The company specialises in unique, quality gifts delivered to the door to make any occasion extra special. We like these ‘alternative bouquets’ which use practical items such as baby clothes and bibs instead of flowers. There’s also gift sets to celebrate First Days at School and support someone needing a Get Well Soon message. www.sayitpersonally.co.uk • 01482 638 355

Clear out your TOY BOX for Charity With the children back at school, it’s a good time for a clear out and Wetherby toy shop, Treasures wants your unwanted toys. They’ve teamed up with local charity Martin House to recycle the toys your children no longer play with. In return for bringing them into Treasures, you’ll get 10% off your next purchase.

“They’ll be sent to Martin House charity shops across Leeds to go to new homes while raising funds for a great charity,” says Zhara Armstrong from Treasures. www.treasurestoys.co.uk

KRAZY Halloween Party Book your place at the spookiest party in town. Cooking Cathie from Stir Krazy Kids is hosting a Halloween party on Wednesday 31st October. You’ll get to join in with a day of creepy cooking in North Leeds, and finish with a firework display.

“There’ll be blood punch, spooky cupcakes, apple bobbing and lots of party games,” says Cooking Cathie.

Places are limited so book early! www.stirkrazykids.co.uk • 07725 083 959

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October 5

Ballet Success for Olivia Local schoolgirl Olivia Chang Clarke has won a place as a Royal Ballet Junior Associate. Olivia, who is a Year 5 pupil at Gateways School, has already had a string of successes in her ballet career including performing with the National Youth Ballet. She won her place with the National Ballet over thousands of young hopefuls across the country.

“Olivia’s achievement is remarkable especially at such a young age,” says outgoing Gateways Head Yvonne Wilkinson. “We are extremely proud of her.”

Beat the Bullies with FLEXDANCE Schools are always looking for new ways to tackle the problem of bullying. As part of anti-bullying week in November, Yorkshire based dance company Flex Dance Inc is running a series of school based workshops to support the message. The children will learn choreography and songs that relate to the anti-bullying message, ending the day with a performance in front of the whole school.

“These sessions were really popular last year,” says Stephanie from Flex Dance. “It’s a great way to communicate the anti-bullying message in a way children can relate to.”

To book a workshop at your school, contact Flex Dance Inc on 07921 222 710.

Teach your baby the enjoyment of water!

Sing and play through our structured awards programme and see your baby progress to a confident little swimmer.

Babies from 6 weeks old to 6 years old.

Swims at... Batley l Ossett l Leeds l Bradford l York l Harrogate l Pocklington

For details call 01757 229880 or visit babyswimmers.co.uk

Where magic is made & adventures

begin

BACK TO SCHOOL with ARMADILLO It’s time to jump start that brain as the children head back to school and Armadillo Toys can help. The Leeds toy shop is offering you 10% off all educational toys and games to help ease your little one back into the new term.

“We’re a specialist in educational products,” says Lisa Clay from Armadillo.

“Choose from Orchard Toys, Brainboxes, science kits, maths aids and home learning books. We’ve got some great toys in store.”

Armadillo’s Chapel Allerton store is celebrating its 1st birthday this month. You can keep up to date with competitions and special offers on Armadillo’s Facebook page. www.armadillotoys.co.uk

NCT Nearly New Sales…

Find out where your nearest Nearly New Sale is this Autumn.

29th September 1.30 – 3.30pm HARROGATE & WETHERBY BRANCH Rossett School Sports Hall sale@nctharrogate.org.uk

30th September 10am – 12noon WHARFEDALE BRANCH Ilkley Clarke Foley Centre wharfedalenctsale@hotmail.com 7th October 2 – 4pm LEEDS BRANCH Ramgarhia Sikh Sports Centre nns@nctleeds.org

Book for the NEW Term now…

Wetherby, Selby & Kippax on 0113 210 3505 Alwoodley on 01943 817 414 Horsforth & Morley on 01757 248 884 Roundhay on 0845 678 7778 www.stagecoach.co.uk

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

The ➚

Diary of a

IMPERFECT MUM…

THE WORLD

DAD… FAMILIES LEEDS’ columnist Claire Bottomley reflects on some unexpected separation anxiety I feel that here is an appropriate place as any to admit that, as a self confessed imperfect mum, there are times when the idea of jumping on the nearest train to the opposite end of the country is very appealing. Not often, you understand. Just that odd occasion, say, when I’ve dealt with my third tantrum of the day, scraped play-dough from my new carpet and have nowhere to sit in my house since every sofa and chair has been disembowelled. And it’s only 9.30am.

My nearly-four-year-old is an inquisitive and chatty child, given to Jeremy Paxman-esque bouts of questioning about how ‘we started off as dinosaurs’. Proud as I am about this early intellectual vigour, it can be rather exhausting.

So when a bone fide reason arose to travel to Brighton – for my sister’s graduation ceremony – I relished the prospect. Nine hours worth of train journeys to read, get some work done, daydream and drink coffee in peace? Yes please.

However, a few days before I was due to leave, my little boy’s behaviour seemed to improve markedly.

“I’ll carry that for you mummy,” he said, taking a bag.

We spent a happy morning in the park together, tantrum-free with no naughtiness. Happily enjoying an ice-cream, for which he’d said please and thank you unprompted, he uttered the ultimate phrase of heart-melt,“I love you Mummy.”

As my hour of departure grew close, I felt guilty and sad to be parting from him. I fought a last-minute urge to take him with me and boarded the train, leaving him in the capable hands of his father and nursery.

That evening, I found myself alone in a hotel room. Double bed to myself, full control of the TV remote, peace, quiet. After five minutes I rang home. “He’s really, really missed you,” said my husband.

“He couldn’t sleep, got very upset.”

It was agonising. I felt so far away and as though I’d abandoned him. A good night’s sleep and a lovely day of celebration helped put things in perspective, but I was pleased to get home.

So here I am, happily reunited with my darling little boy. Of course, the exemplary behaviour has slipped somewhat. At present I’m struggling to make the theory of evolution stand up as a credible argument.

He’s already thrown himself on the floor in a fit of rage because we’ve run out of his favourite cereal. And of course there’s nowhere to sit…

Our Dad columnist Jim Cardwell reflects the ingredients for a successful family camping trip Camping is a bit like marmite in that you either love it or hate it.

I am in the former group due to the straight forward equation that I’m happy if the kids are happy; which they are, a lot.

Having said that we like camping, that’s only when it’s on our terms. The first of these is temperature and a lack of precipitation.

Yes, we’re fair weather campers. That means it’s a short season from late June to early September. Furthermore, like a good beer, we don’t travel well. So, that’s Yorkshire only then. And then there’s the two-night rule: we’ve never been away for longer. Finally, the other successful ingredient is to go away with friends. Our kids enjoy it more when there’s a ready-made pool of campsite buddies.

Mum and dad also appreciate a pool of parents for a spot of kiddy herding.

With all these conditions you may be surprised that we ever get away. This summer we had just two expeditions: a music festival and a camping trip to our favourite haunt in Nidderdale. There was a bit of a first this year in that the Short Suffering Wife didn’t accompany us. Just me and the kids then… umm.

Bedtime was quite entertaining on our first expedition. Little Miss Fidget demonstrated the much hailed ability of daughters to look after their dads when she solemnly pronounced that she would put her bed in my sleeping compartment to keep me company. That worked OK. However, my second night’s sleep wasn’t improved when Boy Wonder came to join in the team hug. He claims he was a bit cold in his own sleeping compartment. I think he sensed weakness on the basis we were down at 50% parenting power.

Whatever the reason, it was a bit of a squeeze.

I think the camping naysayers are a little bit put off by the thought of lack of creature comforts (which there are) and maybe the total exhaustion (which there is). The kids tend to keep on going until they drop, and then they’re up again at first light. Moreover, it’s the only time I can recollect in the year when I find myself hoping they collapse soon since I’d rather like to go to bed myself.

As our camping season comes to an end for another year the combination of fresh air and quality family activity without the distractions of TV and the like remains a winning recipe for our brood. Looking forward to next year, I wonder if we dare change the winning formula. Don’t hold your breath.

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October 7

.Clare Whittaker is. .in the middle of telling. .me how business is. .booming, and I’m. .not listening..

mumsmean

{BUSINESS} It’s not because I’m not interested. It’s because she’s stood in front of a pair of purple Boden trousers that would look great on my daughter and they’re £8. I’m worried that if I let her finish, another bargain hunter will sweep into Still Gorgeous and steal them from under my nose.

It’s pretty easy to be distracted in the cosy boutique set on Cold Bath Road – one of the most vibrant streets in Harrogate. The labels on the clothes that line the rails and hang from the walls are designer, and top end high street, but the price tags are not. These clothes are pre-loved but they’re not second hand.

“We only take really good quality stock,” explains Clare as I shake off the distraction of those purple pants. “No marks, no tears, no stains. I’ve got a reputation for being very choosy about what I take in, but I think that’s a good thing. It means customers are only offered clothes that I’d be prepared to buy for my own children.”

September marks this unique boutique’s 3rd birthday. Clare has come a long way from the sleepless nights she had worrying about whether parents would turn up with clothing to fill the rails. Now those rails are not only full, but there’s extra ones out on the pavement at the front of Bringing Arts, the shop, filled with great labels. The stock comes, not just from local families here in Harrogate Crafts & Cooking to the but from right across the north of England as Clare explains.

CREATIVE ANIMALS “People come from Durham, Newcastle, Manchester, Selby, Hull, Sheffield and of course I get in your life! loads of people from Leeds. I’ve been really surprised how far people will travel. I think that huge Exciting new themed catchment is what keeps the stock standard so high.”

ARTS, CRAFTS & COOKING PARTIES specially tailored for you and The idea behind Still Gorgeous is simple. You bring in your child’s clothing – washed, ironed your child’s imagination and ready to sell. Clare puts it on the rails for 2 months and at the end, you receive 50% of Contact Kathryn on 07982 239377 or the sale price. The items that aren’t sold are yours to take home or you can donate them to check out our website for more information Still Gorgeous’ chosen charity – the Yorkshire Aid Convoy. It’s a great way to clear out and make www.artyanimals.co.uk a little money in the run up to Christmas, especially if you’re bringing in popular brands.

“Jack Wills is really popular and Hollister as well. We are getting more and more of that,” says Clare. “Joules and Boden are also snapped up quickly and Ralph Lauren for boys. From September our big sellers will be coats, ski wear and branded hoodies.”

The new term and the change of season marks Still Gorgeous’ busiest time. Parents bring in winter wear their children no longer fit into and Independent Toy Shop three year after it first open its doors, they’re now making this boutique LEGO, Playmobil, Sylvanian Families, Baby Toys, Wooden Toys, their first port of call when shopping.

Name Plaques, Puppets, Games & Jigsaws, Craft & Science Kits, “People are now trying me before they head to the high street.

Bath Toys, Animals, Knights & Dinosaur Figures, Castles, You won’t always get what you want here, but it’s worth coming in.”

Doll’s Houses, Farms & much, much more...

And it was. I bagged my bargain purple trousers, and Clare was right.

20 Town St NEW LARGER SHOP Horsforth 112a Harrogate Rd They are still gorgeous.

Leeds Chapel Allerton Still Gorgeous is on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate. Open Tuesday – Friday 9.15am – 3.45pm and Saturday 10.30am – 4pm. Now taking Autumn stock. 01423 560 402 • www.still-gorgeous.co.uk

LS18 4RJ 0113 258 8777

Leeds LS7 4NY 0113 266 7500

www.armadillotoys.co.uk Follow us on facebook for our latest events and special offers

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

Class NEWS… NEW FRANCHISEE – NEW CLASSES… Leeds North Tennis Tots has a new face at the helm. Luke Davis is taking over running these popular sessions in Horsforth, Cookridge, Alwoodley and Roundhay. Luke has been coaching tennis for 15 years and has been with Tennis Tots since last November. He’s off to a flying start, launching new sessions in Headingley at Rose Court on a Saturday and Wednesday classes at Tumble Town Soft Play in Guiseley. We wish him well. www.tennis-tots.co.uk

NEW CLASSES

Based at: Moorlands School – Leeds & Belmont Grosvenor School, Birstwith, Harrogate.

This bug is infectious! Rachel Fraser is running classes in Leeds’ newest yoga space. Yoga Kula in Chapel Allerton will play host to pre-school YogaBugs as well as classes for 5 – 12 year olds.

They’ll run every Wednesday in term time.

“I’d also ask YogaBugs fans to watch this space for news of classes starting at DL Kids at David Lloyd soon,” says Rachel. www.yogabugs.com • 0113 250 6972.

Swimming Lessons take place on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings Intensive courses are also available during every holiday

NEW CLASSES

We teach all standards of swimmers

Caroline and Cath from Diddi Dance go from strength to strength. They’re launching new sessions in Wetherby and Pudsey in September. These fun pre-school dance sessions are great for boys and girls, giving them an energetic introduction to everything from disco to ballroom. Check the website for days and times. www.diddidance.com

FROM 3 YEARS

For more information please call Nick on:

07870 562 365

Baby & Toddler Yoga and Children’s Dance Classes for all ages Starting from September classes offered to non members Baby & Toddler Yoga priced at £24 for 6 week course Dance 4 Fun priced at £4 per class To book call 0113 2699010 Mercure Leeds Parkway Otley Road Leeds LS16 8AG

NEW YOUTH COMPANY The ever ambitious duo at the helm of Flex Dance Inc are launching a Youth Company. Steph and Sam say they’ll be holding auditions for the new Flex Dance Amateur Performers Company in the Autumn. Keep an eye on www.flexdanceinc.com

WEBSITE AWARD Congratulations to Sara Hall from Pyjama Drama in North Leeds. Her class has been voted best pre-school session by users of the Netmums website in Leeds. If you’re wondering what it’s all about, take a look at our review on page 10. It certainly gets the thumbs up from Families Leeds! www.pyjamadrama.com

NEW CLASSES Nicola Lawlor is launching a Baby Bugs class at Alwoodley Children’s Centre.

The sessions are for babies from birth to 12 months and are a multisensory session combining some old favourites, with bright new Music Bugs songs.

Classes start in September so book now. www.musicbugs.co.uk

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KIDDYCOOK WHAT & WHERE?

CONTACT?

Cookie Tots (2– 4 years) in Horsforth (Monday) & Headingley (Friday).

Monthly Kiddy Cook (4–11 years) sessions in Horsforth on a Saturday afternoon.

Katherine Reynolds on 07737 966 786

Katy Custard isn’t behaving well at this Monday morning Cookie Tots session in Horsforth and there’s not a parent in sight to take control.

She’s hidden lemons in the Kiddy Cook allotment and is making the other children laugh with her pesky antics. Thankfully Katy – Kiddy Cook’s popular puppet – can be returned to her box when it’s time to see what’s on the menu today. Forget cup cakes and biscuits, these mini masterchefs are tackling the Greek dish of Spanakopita. As they get to work rolling puff pastry and picking the tough stems off the spinach, Katherine Reynolds from Kiddy Cook Leeds explains why these sessions are a real education.

“We try to incorporate foods you wouldn’t expect children to like. Because they’re cooking with spring onions, garlic, spinach and nutmeg it’s amazing what they’ll nibble on. It’s getting them to try new things, which is really hard when they’re this age.”

Katherine is mum to a fussy eater so has struggled to get her own daughter to try new tastes. She says involving children in the cooking process is the key and these sessions do just that.

The children are cutting onions, squeezing lemons and crumbling feta cheese into a bowl before wrapping it all up in a puff pastry blanket. The food is then packed up to take home and cook.

“Parents tend to do ‘nice’ cooking at home – cakes, biscuits that sort of thing,” explains Katherine. “These children have cooked their lunch and their proud of it. They’ll now take it home, cook it and enjoy all those new tastes and flavours.”

As well as these Cookie Tots sessions, Katherine also runs a monthly Kiddy Cook class for older children. There’s more independent work in these sessions – weighing and measuring ingredients as well as taking part in food experiments – but the principals are the same. It’s about learning to understand food and enjoying preparing it.

“We learn how bread rises and experiment with carbon dioxide,” explains Katherine. “It constantly amazes me what children will eat if they’ve made it themselves.”

Just as the novelty of cutting, crumbling and squeezing has worn off the pace of this Cookie Tots class changes and it’s time for a final game. Katy Custard reappears and the children are

A fun and educational tennis play and skills programme for children from 2 years E FRE IAL

TRSSON LE

Classes in Ilkley, Harrogate, North Leeds & Wetherby For information call Caroline Buncall on 07843 342 662 • www.tennistykes.co.uk

enthralled as she shares her snack of freshly picked peas with them, and helps them to dig for vegetables in her mini allotment.

After the group has identified beetroots, carrots, leeks and garlic it’s time to wash hands and head home hungry, happy and full of… peas. Fresh peas, from Katy Custard’s allotment! www.kiddycook.co.uk

Give them a party they won’t forget!

Completely safe for 4–9 year olds.

Bring your party to one of our indoor venues.

Contact Geoff on 01422 351 981 www.go-kartpartyleeds.co.uk

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New collections arriving daily Autumn/Winter brands include Converse, I Love Gorgeous, Frugi Seven One Seven & Toffee Moon 105b New Road Side Horsforth Leeds, LS18 4QD Tel: 0113 259 0548 We’re on Facebook Simply type in Ragamuffins Horsforth

PYJAMA DRAMA WHERE? Birthdays, Christenings, Parties, Baby Showers, Thank You Gifts & More! Covering Leeds & West Yorkshire Call 07516 434 232 or e-mail: i_love_cupcakes@live.co.uk to discuss your requirements

CONTACT:

Alwoodley (Monday AM & Wednesday PM), Chapel Allerton (Monday PM), Wigton Moor (Tuesday PM), Little Bees Soft Play Centre (Wednesday PM), Headingley (PM) and Stainbeck (Saturday AM) Sara Hall on 0844 504 0964

Delivery available www.michelles-cupcakes.co.uk

In a hot hall in Alwoodley, there is magic at work.

A group of children are sat in a circle, dressed in their capes, getting to grips with their new wands while singing along to a song. These little witches and wizards are having their first Pyjama Drama session and the only props in the room are their big imaginations.

Town theme with Shop, Cafe & Petrol Station Freshly prepared food daily • Separate baby area Private Parties catered for (centre closed for parties) Unit 2 • South View Business Park Guiseley • Leeds • LS20 9PP (straight on past Argos, we're 3rd on left)

01943 870 189 www.tumbletownadventureplay.co.uk

Unique toddler calming classes for parents of 1 to 3 year olds. ToddlerCalm help parents to cope with toddler tantrums, picky eating and sleep problems. Classes available: Tantrum Workshop: £35 Sleep Workshop: £35 4 Week ToddlerCalm Course: £75 - includes free CD Courses held regularly throughout Leeds Private sessions also available

Contact: Email: Twitter: Facebook:

Sara Hall runs these sessions across North Leeds for children from 18 months up to 7 years old. She says the classes are not about finding the next child star, they’re about building confidence and having fun.

“It’s not about performing. It’s about creative play,” explains Sara. “Children learn about their world through role play so all our sessions are a real learning journey.”

Today the children listen to a story about a naughty witch who turns up at a birthday party uninvited. Sara asks them questions about the story and the children answer with enthusiasm. Then they all chat about how they should react to the naughty witch’s behaviour. There’s angry faces, quizzical arms and lots of energy in the room as the group explore the piece with the help of Sara’s enthusiasm.

“The confidence of these children will grow with every class,” explains Sara. “Parents tell me they’ve seen an increase in self esteem because of Pyjama Drama and the children are taking that back into their playgroups, pre-schools and nurseries. That’s what it’s all about.”

It’s a very different sort of class. There are very few props and some games, but this is about getting the children thinking and exploring their own imaginations. Sara says the younger the children are, the more she asks the parents to join in with the role play. However that can be to their benefit as she found out from a Leeds mum.

“I had a letter from someone who said she felt coming to my classes had made her a better mummy. Before Pyjama Drama this mum said she hadn’t thought to role play with her child. Now they’re both taking the role play element of the class home and using it. I think that’s great!”

With spells cast, cakes baked and fun had today’s party is about to come to an end. The final spell cast by Sara is to send her group to sleep. After watching the energy they’ve all used at today’s class, I don’t think there’s any need for magic.

Kate on 07814 757 174 kate@toddlercalm.co.uk @BabyCalmYorkshire BabyCalm & ToddlerCalm West & North Yorkshire

www.pyjamadrama.com

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October 11

Tackling YOUR TODDLER’S Tantrums |They can happen anytime, any place, anywhere and if| |you’re not prepared, they can leave you feeling completely| |helpless. Why not get yourself ready for your toddler’s| |first tantrum with some advice from ToddlerCalm’s| |Kate Chandan.|

T

ODDLERS have tantrums because they are frustrated. They’re frustrated they can’t communicate with you. When you take a toy away from them, they don’t understand. It’s like someone coming up to you and taking away the newspaper you are reading. It’s frustrating and annoying, but your toddler can’t tell you that so they communicate with a tantrum. But are there ways to prevent a tantrum in the first place? >> USE YOUR TODDLER BRAIN Toddlers don’t understand how grown-ups feel. In their world they are the only person who matters and they think everyone thinks like them. There’s no point in forcing a toddler to share – they don’t understand it.

They will do it naturally in their own time but there’s no point in forcing it. >> AVOID TRIGGERS If your child always has a tantrum when you go to the supermarket, don’t take them.

Shop online! If getting dressed in a certain outfit causes a tantrum, don’t introduce it.

Make your life easier. An overtired toddler is one prone to tantrums. Make sure they are getting enough sleep both in the day and at night. >> STOP SAYING ‘DON’T’ Listen to the way you speak to your child.

Even when they are pushing boundaries, if you begin every sentence with ‘don’t’ there’s a danger they will stop listening.

Change the language you use. Instead of saying “Don’t hit Sam� try “Use your kind hands with Sam�. A slight change in language can change they way your toddler listens. >> GIVE CHOICES As your child grows, they want more control over their life. Choices can avoid tantrums but make sure they are limited choices. For instance, offer two cereals at breakfast or lay out three outfits on the bed. By limiting the choice you make the options deliverable. Don’t offer something you can’t deliver. That’s a fast track to a tantrum! >> TANTRUMS ARE NORMAL Honestly! Once you accept this, it makes a tantrum easier to parent. You’ll feel better knowing every parent has seen their toddler having a tantrum. It’s part of growing up.

HOW SHOULD YOU DEAL WITH A TANTRUM? >> GIVE THEM A HUG It’s easy to be angry with a toddler having a tantrum. However consider this. They may be scared, frustrated or angry. A hug from you may help. >> CHANGE YOUR APPROACH If what you’re doing isn’t working, change it. Sometimes it’s easy to get locked in a battle of wills. Remember that YOU are the

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adult. It’s up to YOU to find the solution.

It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about having a happy child with happy parents. >> TAKE A PARENT’S TIME OUT Take a deep breath and if you need to, walk away. You need to stay in control. When you’ve taken your time, get down to their level and make eye contact with your child.

Introduce some humour to take the heat out of the situation. It will relax both you and your toddler. >> DISPLAY A UNITED FRONT It’s no good if the rules change at 6pm or when the weekend comes. Make sure you react to a tantrum in the same way regardless of the parent who is in charge. Children get confused at a lack of consistency. >> GET SOME EXPERT ADVICE If you feel you’ve tried everything and need some support sIgn up for a Toddler Calm Tantrum Workshop. These popular three hour sessions will teach you coping strategies and with the help of other mums, you’ll find your own solutions to your toddler’s tantrums. When it comes to your child, you are the expert!

To find out more about the ToddlerCalm Tantrum Workshops call 07814 757174 or email kate@toddlercalm.co.uk

•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:37 Page 12

12

FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

SLAPPED CHEEKa‌ngers?

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hood illness which isI ild ch on m m co a is e reatI ISlapped Cheek Diseas can pose a serious th it , er ev w Ho . ts nd.I ul ad and ley found out first ha om tt Iharmless to childrenI Bo re ai Cl st ni m Families Leeds’ colu Ito unborn babies, as

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IKE most second-time mums, I already knew what cheeses to avoid and to wear gloves for gardening when I became pregnant with baby number two.

But there was one risk that I was less aware of, until I was faced with a sign at my son’s nursery.

It read: We have had a case of Slapped Cheek Disease. Pregnant women should consult their GPs. I brought my little boy home again and started to trawl the internet for information.

Slapped Cheek Syndrome, or Parvovirus B19, is a common childhood illness which 60% of adults have had, and are therefore immune to, by the time they are 20.

Symptoms can include a red rash on the cheeks, hence the name, but can also be a temperature, sore throat and a rash which spreads to other parts of the body.

Not all symptoms are necessarily present and in around 25% of cases there are no symptoms at all. In adults symptoms are more likely to include achy joints. Crucially, sufferers are infectious from around two weeks before symptoms appear, and by the time a rash can be seen they are no longer infectious. It is not dangerous, but can pose a threat to foetuses between 9 and 20 weeks gestation.

Lion Learners

The first thing to do is find out if you are immune, via a blood test, and I wasn’t.

The next thing to do is get re-tested four weeks later. My son had only a faint rash on his cheeks and no other symptoms.

I didn’t present any symptoms at all.

However, when I had a second blood test it showed I’d had it.

“Parvovirus is highly infectious and we advise women who have been in contact to seek advice from their doctor who can, by undertaking a blood test, check for immunity. If there is evidence of infection or no immunity then women are referred to the fetal medicine unit for investigations.�

Spokesperson for Leeds Teaching Hospitals Midwifery Department

I made sure I was referred straight to a consultant at Leeds General Infirmary.

The chance of the virus passing from me to the baby was small – less than 10% – but the only way to detect it was through regular scans.

Unfortunately, in my case, the baby did get the virus and became anaemic as a result. At 18 weeks fluid could be seen in its abdomen and the blood flow through the brain was higher than it should have been – the tell-tale signs.

A fetal blood transfusion was the only thing that would correct the problem and protect the baby from the risk of heart failure. But at only 18 weeks, this in itself was very risky. We decided we had to go for it and thankfully it was a success.

Days after the transfusion, the fluid had disappeared from the abdomen and the blood flow through the brain was back within the normal range. Amazingly, there are no long-term complications to be expected from the virus, the anaemia or the transfusion, and although we are anxious, in theory we are back on track with a healthy, normal pregnancy.

One thing that really still worries us, however, is how little awareness there is about the dangers of Slapped Cheek Disease. Since this experience, so many people have said they knew nothing of it, and if it wasn’t for the good practice of my son’s nursery in detecting the illness and putting a clearly visible sign on the door, we probably never would have picked up on the problem.

We have written to the nursery to thank them, and we want to say to other expectant parents, please, be vigilant against this potentially fatal disease.

Educational Experiences Limited

Franchises Now Available Across Yorkshire!

At a Lion Learners party children can meet, hold and learn about exotic and familiar animals from around the world.

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•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:37 Page 13

FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October 13

Our Guide to LEEDS’ BEST CLASSES…

COOKING PARTIES ACROSS NORTH LEEDS Book now for Halloween Party Places Limited Children’s Parties

A recent survey reveled that some children spend the equivalent of a day a week either playing sofa based games or glued to the TV. If you’re looking to get your child off the coach and into a regular class, we’ve taken a look at some of the best in town. Our reviews, previews and listings should help you decide.

From pre school soccer to after school street dance there is something for everyone.

Make sure you say you saw it in Families Leeds!

www.stirkrazykids.co.uk 07725 083959

Get ACTIVE at…

TENNIS TYKES – AFTER SCHOOL SESSIONS AVAILABLE WHERE? Chapel Allerton (Saturday) Wetherby (Wednesday) and Ilkley (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday) CONTACT: Caroline Buncall on 07843 342 662 caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk After a summer of sport, you may be inspired to get your mini Murray involved in a spot of tennis. This pre-school sport session is run by Caroline Buncall and aims to give children from 2 years old an introduction to tennis in a fun way.

“We teach ball skills, agility, balance and coordination,” says Caroline. “This is about giving the children basic tennis skills.”

Each session begins with a warm up, followed by some coordination work and age appropriate games. Then the class moves onto specific stroke work – forehand, backhand, volleys and smashes. It’s 45 minutes of activity which appeals to parents looking to keep their kids active.

“Under 5s should be doing 3 hours of activity every day,” says Caroline. “A class like Tennis Tykes helps parents make sure their children are meeting that requirement.”

By the time the children are ready for school, many are ready to progress to tennis clubs around Leeds for more formal tuition.

“The coaches I work with at Ilkley Tennis Club say they can see a big difference between the children who start at school age, and those who have been through the Tennis Tykes programme,” says Caroline. “For me, that’s brilliant. I want these children to start at 2 years old, and still be playing at 82!” www.tennistykes.co.uk

Or try ...

SOCATOTS • www.socatots.com Pre-school soccer sessions for children from 6 months up to 4 years old. Classes in Alwoodley (Monday), Roundhay (Saturday, Monday), Little Bees, Seacroft (Tuesday) and Moortown (Sunday). COMING SOON: Crossgates, More Roundhay sessions. Contact Claire 07910 329 675 • c.ward@socatots.com.

Classes in Cookridge (Thursday), Horsforth (Saturday & Sunday) and Pudsey (Friday). Contact Colin 07952 579 580 • c.oates@socatots.com Classes across Wharfedale. Contact Jenny 07872 136 925 • j.white@socatots.com

Our dance and movement classes are a great introduction to physical exercise for kids aged 6 months to 4 years Singing Dancing Skipping Hopping Music Instruments Colours Numbers Balance Confidence Coordination Interaction Fun Certificates Contact Katie to find out where your local classes are...

T: 0113 287 6252 M: 07834 266350 www.kids2dance.co.uk

•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:37 Page 14

FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

DANCEWORKS

14

At DANCEWORKS we have a range of classes to suit all types of students, from exam classes to fun classes.

Street Jazz to Ballet.

From little tots to boys classes.

For more information CALL: 0113 2950126 AGE: 3-18 years WHERE: Fir Tree Lane, Moortown, Leeds

LEEDS GYMNASTICS • www.leedsgymnastics.com Inspired by the Olympic medal winning Team GB gymnasts? This brand new centre provides a great place for children to learn gymnastics. Daily session for pre-schoolers at 9.30am. Recreational classes every weekday at 4.30pm and at 9am and 3pm on a Saturday and Sunday for school aged children.

0113 265 6662.

TENNIS TOTS • www.tennis-tots.co.uk Unique coaching programme introducing children from 2 – 6 years old to tennis. Classes in Tumble Town, Guiseley NEW (Wednesday) , Roundhay (Thursday), Cookridge (Monday), Horsforth (Wednesday & Thursday) Headingley NEW (Saturday) and Alwoodley (Monday & Friday).

07753 800 723 TODDLER YOGA • www.mercureleeds.co.uk Have fun and get fit with your child at the Seb Coe Leisure Centre near Bramhope.

Learn yoga with your toddler using rhymes and games to stretch and exercise. 6 week course on a Wednesday morning beginning September.

0113 269 9010 YOGABUGS • www.yogabugs.com Adventure led storytelling incorporating simple, fun yoga postures, stretching the body and the imagination. For children from 2 – 12 years old. Classes in Otley (Monday), Yoga Kula, Chapel Allerton (Wednesdays). COMING SOON: DL Kids at David Lloyd, Moortown (Friday). Non members welcome.

0113 250 6972 • yorkshire@yogabugs.com

Get Dancing at…

KIDS2DANCE – NEW CLASS WHERE? Polka Dots Play Centre, Garforth LS25 2JY WHEN? Tuesday & Wednesday CONTACT: Katie Turner on 07834 266 350

Kids can Kids Cookk Coo Ages Ag ges e 2 - 11 Hands-on recipes rec and gastronomic gastronom experiments.

Pre-school classes . Cookery workshops . Parties

Call Katherine on 07737 966786 www.kiddycook.co.uk

Most children like to dance, and if you add a bit of fun then you’ve got the perfect pre-school class. Leeds based dance teacher Katie Turner has developed a class to encourage movement through music and laughter for children from 6 months old.

“We want to develop key skills such as coordination, balance and stamina as well as both fine and gross motor skills.”

In the early years it’s not about ability. This is about enjoyment. There’s Bouncing Babies sessions for children from 6 – 18 months. They’ll then progress to Adventurous Toddlers sessions from 18 months. These are well delivered, well developed sessions that help physical and social development, but most of all they’re good fun!

“Our classes help children feel safe, confident and happy.

Dance with laughter is a great combination!” www.kids2dance.co.uk

Or try ...

As seen on TV

Tennis Tots is the UK’s leading tennis play and coaching programme for boys and girls aged 2-6 years of age

To book a free trial call Leeds: 07753 800723 Harrogate: 07725 339257 www.tennis-tots.co.uk

DANCEWORKS • www.danceworks-leeds.co.uk Dance classes run by the fantastic Laura Jakes in North Leeds.

For pre-school children, there’s Dance Bugs (Friday), beginners Ballet (Monday), beginners Tap and Modern for children from 6 years old (Thursday) and Street Dance from 7 years old (Thursday).

0113 295 0126 DANCE 4 FUN – after school class www.mercureleeds.co.uk After school keep fit classes at Seb Coe Leisure Centre near Bramhope.

Come along and enjoy a range of different dance styles, from street dance to jazz. Classes for boys and girls from 4 years old on a Thursday at 4.30pm. Running from September.

0113 269 9010

•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:37 Page 15

FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October 15

Diddi Dance • www.diddidance.com Funky pre-school dance classes. Sessions running in Boston Spa (Monday), Churwell (Monday), Church Fenton (Tuesday), Garforth (Friday), Gildersome (Thursday), Guiseley (Wednesday), Horsforth (Tuesday & Friday), Roundhay (Thursday) and Ilkley (Thursday).

COMING SOON: Pudsey and Wetherby.

07917 757 556 • caroline.cath@diddidance.com Flexdance • www.flexdanceinc.co.uk Musical Theatre and Street Dance for children from 5 – 11 years old. Sessions on a Saturday at David Young Community Academy, Crossgates and Armley.

07921 222 710 Creative Cr eative fun for 2 - 4 year olds.

Themed Craft Parties for all ages also available.

Katie Louise School of Dance • www.kids2dance.co.uk IDTA dance school offering lessons in ballet, tap, jazz, freestyle and street dance.

Sessions Monday – Thursday evenings in Aberford.

07834 266 350

Contact Sarah on 07973 773048 or email Sarah@gomakeit.co.uk to book your fr free ee trial.

Be Dramatic at‌ STAGECOACH – 2 WEEK TRIAL AVAILABLE WHERE? The Grammar School at Leeds, Alwoodley WHEN? Friday and Saturday CONTACT: Cris Salvador 01943 817414 Imagine stepping into the pages of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. That’s what the children at Stagecoach Alwoodley will be doing this term under the expert eye of Cris Salvador. Cris and his team will be helping the children, aged between 6 and 16, prepare a series of different fairytales to perform at the end of the term. It’s ambitious, but that’s Stagecoach Alwoodley for you! “I wanted to work on three different shows to challenge the age groups in different ways,â€? explains Cris. “We’ll divide the students into groups: 6 – 8 year olds, 9 – 11 year olds and 12+. We’ll have them all working to their own abilities. We’ll also get the Early Stages (4 – 6 years old) working on their own production.â€?

It’s been a busy few months for Stagecoach Alwoodley. The summer school was oversubscribed and before the term has begun, some sessions are full. Cris says that’s down to his ambition and the added value he gives to the pupils who come along. “For instance next term we are going down to London to perform at the West End. I’ll choose 16 children to step onto the same stage that hosts Phantom of the Opera. They’ll perform in front of 3,000 people. That’s an amazing experience.�

There’s also plans for Cris’ Stagecoach pupils be stars of their own music videos in 2013. With the support of professional editors and the expert coaches, the students will step into the shoes of their pop idols.

It’s not the sort of experience you’d associate with Stagecoach but it’s one Cris thinks the children will love. “I want to give my pupils the chance to learn something different.

I want them to have an excellent experience!�

Stagecoach is a performing arts school for 4 – 16 year olds.

Early Stages sessions (4 – 6 year olds) are 1½ hours with 3 hours for Main School (7 years +).

Schools in Alwoodley (Friday & Saturday) Wetherby (Saturday), Roundhay (Saturday), Kippax (Sunday) and Selby (Friday), Horsforth (Saturday), Morley (Sunday).

For Wetherby, Selby & Kippax call 0113 210 3505.

For Alwoodley call 01943 817 414.

For Horsforth & Morley call 01757 248 884.

For Roundhay call 0845 678 7778. www.stagecoach.co.uk

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Music is Fun with Jo Jingles!

Music

Singing

Movement Classes

for babies & pre-school children 3 months to 5 years NO JOINING FEE

For details on classes in:

WakeďŹ eld (Sandal, Stanley & Newmillerdam), Ossett, Pontefract, Normanton, Ackworth, Garforth, Wetherby, Boston Spa & Harrogate Call Paula on 01977 650455 jojinglesleeds@yahoo.co.uk www.jojingles.com/leeds

•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:38 Page 16

16

FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

• Stimulating Stimulating m multi-sensory b baby aby cclasses lasse • EExciting xciting ttoddler classes odd • Educational pre-school Educational p ssessions. essions.

Call for your FREE trial session

C Call all E Elizabeth lizabeth o on n0 0113 113 2 232 32 8 8131 131

Award winning Art & Craft sessions for 12 months – 11 years old You create, we clear up!

s also available

Sessions in Yeadon & Horsforth • Partie

0 8 4 5 3 0 3 9 4 41 www.thecreationstation.co.uk

Or try ...

Get Cooking at‌

PYJAMA DRAMA – review on page 10 www.pyjamadrama.com Voted best pre-school class by Netmums in Leeds. Drama classes for children from 18 months old – 7 years old. Sessions in Alwoodley (Monday & Wednesday), Chapel Allerton (Monday), Wigton Moor (Tuesday), Headingley (Friday), Stainbeck (Saturday) and Little Bees, Seacroft (Wednesday).

0844 5040 964 sara@pyjamadrama.com

KIDDY COOK – review on page 9 www.kiddycook.co.uk Weekly hands on cookery classes for 2 – 4 year old. Children make a recipe, play a game and have some fun with the naughty puppet Katy Custard. Cookie Tots (2-4 year olds) sessions in Horsforth (Monday) and Headingley NEW (Friday). Monthly Kiddy Cook (4 – 11 year olds) sessions every Saturday in Horsforth.

07737 966 786 • leeds@kiddycook.co.uk

Get Musical at‌

Get Creative at‌ ARTBUGS • www.artbugs.co.uk Fun, educational and informal art and craft classes for children from 18 months old.

Classes run at the purpose build Artbugs studio in Pudsey. Stay & Create sessions run on a Tuesday for children from 18 months. After school Art Club for 6+ on a Monday. Also Saturday Art Club for 2 – 4 year olds, and separate session for 5 – 11 year olds.

0113 257 2783 (Catherine) catherine@artbugs.co.uk GO MAKE IT – coming soon Creative craft play for 2 – 4 year olds across Leeds.

07973 773 048 • sarah@gomakeit.co.uk THE CREATION STATION www.thecreationstation.co.uk Award winning messy craft sessions for children aged 1 – 5 years. Create and make then leave your mess behind!

Sessions in Horsforth, Guiseley, Yeadon & Burley in Wharfedale.

0844 854 9130 hayley@thecreationstation.co.uk

CATERPILLAR MUSIC www.caterpillarmusic.com Themed weekly music classes for pre-schoolers using instruments, props, puppets and lots of parental involvement. Chose from Caterpillars (Birth – 36 months) or Butterflies (18 months – 5 years). Sessions in Cookridge (Monday), Menston (Tuesday), Meanwood (Wednesday), Rawdon (Thursday) and Bramhope NEW (Friday). COMING SOON: Kippax, Garforth, Aberford and Rothwell.

0113 391 0210 louise.watmough@caterpillarmusic.com JO JINGLES • www.jojingles.com/leeds Music and movement class aimed at giving babies from 3 months old a fun introduction to singing. Sessions in Wetherby (Monday), Crazy Tykes (Tuesday) Kidzplay, Harrogate (Wednesday & Friday) and Garforth (Wednesday). COMING SOON: Boston Spa (Jan 2013).

01977 650 455 • jojinglesleeds@yahoo.co.uk MUSIC BUGS • www.musicbugs.co.uk Lively 40 minute music and singing classes from birth – 5 years old. Classes in Alwoodley (Monday), Farsley (Thursday), Guiseley (Wed), Headingley (Friday), Horsforth (Tuesday, Friday), Menston (Tuesday), Otley (Monday), Roundhay (Wednesday).

0844 578 1043 • leeds@musicbugs.co.uk

Baby Ballet & Socatots classes here

OPEN FOR PLAY 7 DAYS A WEEK

Classes in North Leeds To try a class or for more information please contact Sara on 0844 504 0964 or email sara@pyjamadrama.com

Adventure Play Area ~ Separate Toddler Area

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat-Sun 10am-6pm

Suitable for ages 0-11 especially pre-schoolers www.littlebeesplay.co.uk

Unit B, Seacroft Trade Park, Coal Road, Leeds, LS14 2AQ. Tel 0113 2329822

•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:38 Page 17

FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October 17

RHYTHM TIME • www.rhythmtime.net Fun music courses created to develop confidence, creativity and co-ordination from birth – 5 years old. No baby is too young!

Running in Alwoodley (Friday), Barwick in Elmet (Tuesday), Horsforth (Wed & Friday), Pudsey (Monday) Roundhay (Monday) and Scholes (Thursday).

0113 232 8131 • ElizabethH@rtfg.uk

BABY Classes at…

BABIES CAN SIGN • www.babiescansign.co.uk Signing classes for babies from 6 months old. In Horsforth (Wednesday), Pudsey (Thursday), Yeadon (Friday) and at Children’s Centres across West Yorkshire. Tiny Signers Drop in session running in Rothwell.

07742 296 160 • enquiries@babiescansign.co.uk BABY YOGA • www.mercureleeds.co.uk Baby yoga has lots of benefits. It can help with colic, sleep issues and feeding problems. But most of all a yoga class taken with your baby is a great time for you to have some uninterrupted bonding time. 6 week sessions starting at Seb Coe Leisure near Bramhope from September on a Wednesday.

0113 269 9010

Soft Play Classes Combine your favourite class with a visit to a soft play centre.

More and more are hosting sessions to give parents great value for money. Here’s the ones we have heard about.

TUMBLE TOWN, GUISELEY • www.tumbletownadventureplay.co.uk Monday: Rhythm Time Wednesday: Diddi Dance, Tennis Tots (NEW for September) Friday: The Creation Station (NEW for September) Saturday: Socatots LITTLE BEES, SEACROFT • www.littlebeesplay.co.uk Tuesday: Socatots Wednesday: Pyjama Drama (NEW for September) CRAZY TYKES, WETHERBY • www.crazytykes.co.uk Tuesday: Jo Jingles KIDS CLUBHOUSE, HORSFORTH • www.kids-clubhouse.co.uk Tuesday: MusicBugs

VIVERE • www.learnbabymassage.co.uk Baby massage classes from birth – 1 year old with Victoria Iball.

Sessions in Alwoodley (Tuesday), Chapel Allerton (Thursday) Farsley (Friday), Guiseley (Friday), Otley (Tuesday), Horsforth (Monday & Wednesday), Roundhay (Monday).

0113 258 3847 • Victoria@massage-vivere.co.uk

PERFOMING ARTS ACADEMY SPORTS ACADEMY LITTLE TOTS ACADEMY 10% Families Leeds Discount

If your child is age 3 – 14 give them the chance to be part of an amazing experience at either one of our specialist camps.

Helping children grow, our camps equip children through building life skills, confidence, team work and a whole lot more, and of course have lots of fun while doing it.

Leeds Venues: Gateways School, Harewood Richmond House School, Headingley

Head Office: 15 – 17 High Court Lane, The Calls, Leeds, LS2 7EU

BOOK NOW on 0113 2376 535 www.campxplode.com • enquiries@campxplode.com

Fitness, Fun & Friends!

NEW EAST LEEDS VENUE

MUSICAL THEATRE & STREET DANCE for children from 3–11 years across Leeds BOOK NOW FOR SATURDAY CLASSES IN ARMLEY, CROSSGATES & SEACROFT

FLEX DANCE PARTIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE

0 7 9 2 1 2 2 2 7 1 0 • w w w. f l e x d a n c e i n c . c o m

•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:38 Page 18

18

FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

WIN… WIN…WIN… IENTRIES CLOSE MONDAY 29TH OCTOBER • WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL.I

WIN… A SLEIGH RIDE WITH SANTA AND VIP TRIP TO STOCKELD PARK When Santa arrives at his Yorkshire home why not be there to welcome him. We’ve teamed up with the magical Stockeld Park to give one lucky family the chance to join Santa on his sleigh ride through the Enchanted Forest before he takes up residence in his new purpose built chalet with his elves.

You’ll get VIP access to the sleigh which will pass by the waiting crowds pulled by Santa’s reindeers on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th November. After arriving at Santa’s newly refurbished grotto just outside the magical forest, you’ll get to pay him a private visit to let him have all your Christmas wishes.

The prize includes a VIP pass to all the great activities at this superb attraction. Head to the REAL ice rink, have a go on the Nordic ski trail, get lost in the magic maze and finish your day with a twilight walk retracing your sleigh ride through the Enchanted Forest.

To be in with a chance of winning this magical prize, simply send your child’s name, age and address to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk with the word SLEIGH RIDE in the subject line. Winners will be notified via email. For a full list of events at Stockeld Park take a look at our What’s On guide on page 26. www.stockeldpark.co.uk

WIN… MEET BEN AND HOLLY IN YORK Ben and Holly are paying a visit to Yorkshire and you could be in with a chance of meeting them. They’re bringing the first ever stage version of Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom to York Barbican on the 7th & 8th November and we’ve got our hands on some VIP tickets.

The show will bring to life the Little Kingdom which is home to Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf. Along with Gaston the Ladybird they go on a musical adventure. You’ll see them take a trip to the Big World with Nanny Plum, clean up Gaston’s cave and prepare a surprise party for King Elf which, of course, ends in a jelly flood. The tickets are for a family of four on Wednesday 7th November at 4pm.

You’ll meet Ben, Holly and some of their friends onstage. To be in with a chance of winning send your child’s name, age and address to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk with the words BEN AND HOLLY in the subject line. To find out where Ben and Holly are visiting take a look at www.benandhollylive.com.

•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:38 Page 19

FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October 19

WIN‌ TICKETS TO SEE OLIVER IN LEEDS It’s been called one of the greatest productions of Oliver! you will ever see, and it’s coming to Leeds.

Fresh from its record-breaking run in the West End. Cameron Mackintosh’s ever popular story of the boy who asked for more will be at the Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 6th November – 8th December. And you could be there on opening night! Oliver! starring Neil Morrissey as Fagin vividly brings to life Charles Dickens’ timeless characters and Lionel Bart’s sensational score.

By the time the curtain comes down, you’ll be asking,“Please Sir, can I have some more?�

To be in with the chance of winning a family ticket to opening night (Tuesday 6th November at 7.30pm) simply send your name, address and contact number to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk with OLIVER in the subject line. The winner will be notified by email. If you’re not a winner, you can book your tickets at www.leeds grandtheatre.com or call 0844 848 2700. Good luck!

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WHEN BOOKING PLEASE QUOTE ‘FAMILIES LEEDS’ 0871 222 5671

•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:38 Page 20

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

The Day I Discovered that IC T IS T U A S A W R E T H G U A D Y M tism.| the diagnosis of a child with Au

aling with |More and more families are de ry of her| el mum Bev Moore shares the sto Ad ds, Lee s ilie Fam for ce pie t |In her firs at she’s called The Boo Files.| |own daughter’s diagnosis in wh

B

OO is the second of my three beautiful daughters. She was a delightful, happy baby, but often screamed for hours on end, as if she was in acute pain.

At routine check-ups, the doctor seemed to want to focus on all the things Boo couldn’t do. She failed to meet the ‘normal’ milestones for rolling, sitting, crawling, talking. My feeling was, so what? She’ll do it in her own good time! Let her be! But at 12 months Boo still wasn’t performing for the doctor, or anyone else for that matter.

That prompted a referral to Early Intervention Services in our then home town on the North Shore of Chicago. I put it down to American over-the-top nonsense.

But it was too late, I had felt that first edge of fear. Maybe she’s not OK. A couple of months later, watching Boo receive physiotherapy to encourage her to move, something in me shifted. Already pregnant again with Baby #3, feeling sick and scared, I knew I couldn’t do this on my own.

I needed to be home – near my family, my friends, familiar faces and places, and good old British common sense.

Fast-forward 9 months to Boo’s second birthday, and we are back in the UK.

We are now a family of five. She is now toddling well and talking A LOT, but not to anyone in particular, and she is only using words and phrases that she has directly lifted from DVDs or talking toys. There is little or no eye-contact and she doesn’t respond to her name when we try to get her attention. She lines up her toys obsessively, but doesn’t play with them.

The word AUTISM flashes in my brain.

I sweep the thought away, quickly.

My eldest daughter used to line up her toys too, it’s nothing to worry about. Maybe Boo just can’t hear me when I speak to her.

I take both girls for a hearing test. Big Sis has a slight hearing problem. Boo’s hearing is perfect.

We are referred for ‘Complex Communication Disorder Team Assessment’. Before this takes place, my husband asks the paediatrician outright: do you think our daughter is autistic? Yes I do, she answers, and I feel that stab again. But I do my research, and I find out that the Autistic Spectrum covers a vast range of difficulties and behaviours, many of which I have never seen exhibited in our precious child.

I convince myself that the doctors, the early intervention assessor, the health visitor, the paediatrician… are mistaken. My Boo is perfect.

We are visited by a specialist health visitor and a speech therapist, who assess Boo at home. Then a few weeks later we take her to a special playroom at the health centre where she is encouraged to participate in a series of games and activities in front to a series of specialists.

These are the last moments that I can kid myself that I have a perfectly normal child, and I hold onto them for dear life.

At the end of the morning, Boo is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I am not at all surprised; I knew it of course… but I feel my hopes die, my heart turn to stone for a moment. It’s a sickening feeling. The next few hours are a blurry haze; I’m on auto-mummy. I go home, feed the baby, make lunch, put the girlies down for their naps, do the laundry, do the afternoon school run.

As I arrive at school a little early, I wait in the car for a few minutes, not wanting to face anyone. I know people will ask me how the morning went, and I’m not ready to say it out loud, not yet. I’m not ready for the look on their faces when I tell them, not ready for their concern. So I sit, close my eyes, try to ignore the ringing in my ears and just breathe. Finding me finally unoccupied and seizing its moment, the grief washes over me like a wave. All the dreams I had for my little girl and the woman she would become are crashing and tumbling and rolling away with the tide.

A true story of sadness, heartbreak, shattered dreams… but not the whole story. Because later that day, as I watch my three girls playing happily together on the rug, I realise that in reality, nothing at all has changed. Looking at our family through their eyes, all is exactly as it should be.

Toys and crumbs all over the floor, baby Peanut babbling to her sisters, Big Sis drawing pictures, Boo doing a jigsaw puzzle; just like any other day. Watching Boo smiling contentedly, I see she is exactly the same little girl she’s always been: delightful, odd, cheeky, funny, stubborn, at times baffling, but always my Boo. She looks up at the TV and beams at her favourite characters on the screen, shouts in delight and begins to dance. She’s still my Boo. And she’s perfect, just the way she is.

•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:38 Page 21

Why choose EXTRA Tuition? |Making decisions about your child’s | |educational needs is one of the most| |important decisions you will ever have| |to make.|

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Providing supplementary or extra tuition can have advantages and unexpected results in other areas of their development. Angela Standish, from KUMON Educational in Leeds has seen first hand the benefits of additional maths and English learning outside of the school day. n Extra tuition allows children to work at their own pace and spend time on topics where they feel they need it. The ability to practice one topic over a number of weeks supports students and often prevents them from using coping strategies like counting on fingers to add numbers (QUICK: what’s 13 +7? Did you use mental arithmetic or your fingers? How does your child approach this sum?). Did you learn your tables via 7,14,21,28,35? (QUICK: what’s 7 x 7?). Regular repetition of particular topics for students can really help develop these strong calculation skills. n Having work tailored to a child’s own individual level helps the child master the basics, which results in a more confident student.

Children receiving extra support often have a ‘can do’ attitude and are not afraid to make mistakes or to be tested on their learning. Children can often access work beyond their current school level and have a greater challenge with their studies. n Extra tuition can develop strong study skills not only in the academic content of learning (i.e. times tables, fractions, paragraph formation) but in developing skills that children can apply in all areas of their learning. For example, the ability to concentrate for longer, to revise work, and to take ownership and organisation of their own learning. n Many parents seek out extra tuition as they themselves found part of maths or English difficult and they don’t want their child to have a similar experience. It’s hard to be both parent and teacher so it’s sometimes best to gain help from another person.

Kumon maths and English Study Centres across Leeds are offering a FREE assessment to all families before they enrol.

Classes run throughout the year. www.kumon.co.uk • 0800 854 714

Through singing, dancing and acting we aim to give children the confidence to be whom and what they want to be.

Your children are the future!

Leeds Venues: Gateways School, Harewood

BOOK NOW for SEPTEMBER on 0113 2376 535 enquiries@theactingfamily.com

Head Office: 15 – 17 High Court Lane, The Calls, Leeds, LS2 7EU

Moorlands School A unique school offering Opportunity, Quality and Achievement Founded in 1898, Moorlands School is dedicated to providing a first class education for girls & boys aged 2 to 13 in a warm, friendly environment.

The school is conveniently located in Weetwood, North Leeds, within its own beautiful grounds and offers ample off road parking as well as: • Dedicated computer, art & music facilities • Science laboratories • Indoor heated swimming pool • Sports hall and climbing wall • Sports fields • Specialist subject teaching • 7.30am - 6pm wrap around care Access to weekly swimming, IT, dance and music lessons for all our nursery children

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Friday 5th & Saturday 6th October, 9am – 12 noon For further information, please telephone:

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•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:39 Page 22

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

Supporting your L eft h a nded C hi l d 1 in 10 children are left handed, but many fail to get the support they need in the early years of their education. Experts say teachers aren’t given appropriate training and often schools don’t have the right resources. Sarah Butters is mum to a left handed daughter.

She takes a look at some of the most common problems faced by left handers and some tips for helping them out.

MESSY HANDWRITING

If you have a child who is left handed, chances are they haven’t been taught to write. Most are simply allowed to use their left hand. As the right handed parent of a left handed child I admit to having that same attitude. I now know that I was completely wrong.

Left handers push the pen across the page, whereas their right handed friends will pull. This can lead to smudging and untidy work which in turn leads to anxiety on the part of the child. At an early stage a left handed child should be encouraged to master the correct handwriting position and paper placement to avoid problems as the writing assignments increase.

The paper should be rotated to 45Âş with the hand and wrist below the writing. Any pen needs to be held in a strong 3 point grip.

In Early Years this can be supported with a triangular bodied pencil or a moulded grip around a regular pencil. If your child can get into good habits from the start of their school life, they will avoid problems when they graduate to a fountain pen and longer writing assignments.

HOOK GRIP

Some left handers use a hooked grip to avoid the problem of smudging, and angle the pen in the same way a right hander would. This causes more problems than it solves. The hook grip becomes more uncomfortable the more you write. It leads to an overtight grip and aching hands which in turn lead to messy handwriting. The wrist should always be below the writing line.

If your child is developing a hook grip, consider introducing a sloped surface to resolve the problem.

ELBOW COLLISION

At some point your child will have to share a desk and if they’re left handed this can be a problem. “I always end up banging elbows,� explains my 9 year old daughter. “That makes my writing messy.�

Your child should always be placed at the left hand side of a shared desk or next to another left hander. This gives them plenty of space to get their paper positioned correctly and avoid knocking elbows with a right handed neighbour.

WHITE BOARDS

They’re a teacher’s best friend but a left handers worst nightmare. White boards and chalk boards are a great learning tool in the modern classroom – pupils can get rid of mistakes easily without using endless pieces of paper. However, if you’re left handed you can end up erasing as you write. Good grip and placement of the board gives left handers half a chance. However if your child isn’t completing white board work quickly or neatly enough, it may not be their fault.

MIRROR WRITING

I remember being hugely concerned when I discovered that my daughter had completed a Reception assignment using mirror writing.

She had begun her words on the right hand side of the page and written from right to left. It’s common in left handed children and

when you think about it, it makes sense.

If they are sat next to a right hander, they are simply mirroring their work. Encourage them to start on the left hand side of the page by placing a coloured star in the margin as a reminder.

COMPUTERS

Most ICT rooms are set up with the computer mice on the right hand side of the keyboard. This gives left handed children an automatic disadvantage because they either need to move the mouse or attempt or use their right hand. Don’t presume the teacher knows your child is left handed. Be sure to let all the staff involved with your child know they’re a left hander and will need a different workstation set up.

THE ‘RIGHT’ EQUIPMENT

Many left handed children learn the basics with the wrong equipment. Give a left handed child some right handed scissors and they’ll find the blade is upside down and so they can’t see the line they are cutting. It means the child has less control and think of themselves as messy. This can be a real problem in the Early Years. Check your school has left handed scissors to offer your child. Ambidextrous scissors don’t exist – trust me!

As they progress to writing, shiny barrelled pens are to be avoided. Make sure whatever pen you choose has a good grip so it’s easy to hold even when hands get hot and tired.

Left handed fountain pens are available from www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk. They’re worth the investment for older children as they have an angled nib.

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•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:40 Page 23

45Âş ANGLE ideal for left handed writing position LACK OF UNDERSTANDING

As a right hander, I never appreciated the challenges faced by my daughter. Until she mastered left handed writing, she was labeled untidy in her written work and lost enthusiasm for putting pen to paper. It wasn’t until I began researching this piece that I realise how much of her attitude is linked to the hand she writes with. The bad news is she’s had a more challenging time than her right handed pals.

The good news is she’s in good company.

Barack Obama, Leonardo Da Vinci and Bill Gates are all lefties. Now that’s not a bad club to be in!

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Keith Milsom campaigns for better support of left handed children in our schools and offers some advice about what to expect from your child’s school.

“Despite decades of campaigning and a string of promises from government ministers and teacher training authorities, there is still virtually no guidance provided to teachers on helping left-handed children and no process for identifiying left-handers in schools.

Make sure you talk to your child’s teacher to make sure they know that he/she is lefthanded and may need assistance and advice.

Ask your child’s teacher to talk YOU through the support they’re going to give it so you can be sure they really understand. If you’re concerned, refer them to the teacher guidance sheets available from www.anythinglefthanded.co.uk. The school should have left-handed scissors available and pens that will help left-handers write in the correct style.

If children are left to their own devices it is very unlikely they will find writing and cutting out easy. Apart from the practical difficulties this can mean they are working more slowly than the rest of the class and lose some of confidence – especially if the teacher tells them off for ‘not doing it right’. Lefthanders can end up underperforming at school and having difficulty with written exams as a result of a lack of informed guidance at an early stage. It’s important parents keep the pressure on schools to support their left handed children.�

USEFUL RESOURCES

www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk has some great left handed guidance sheets for parents and teachers. It’s also a super source of left handed equipment. www.lefthandedchildren.org another great website with some top tips for parents looking to support their left handed child.

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•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:40 Page 24

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

OUT OF THIS WORLD…

kumon.co.uk

|Teachers love bringing subjects to life but school trips can be expensive and| |difficult to co-ordinate. Families Leeds has been along to a school in Headingley to| |see how they’re using an educational specialist from Yorkshire based Make A Wish| |Entertainment to bring learning to life without going out of the schools gates.| AIRY ENCHANTICA is going through the final safety checks on a magical flight. 20 children from the nursery at Rose Court are preparing to head off on an adventure. They will meet a wizard, make snow angels and help a Christmas elf, all without leaving their school. This is a school trip with a difference.

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Suzanne Kaye Vaughan from Make a Wish Entertainment visits schools across the UK to provide educational workshops for children of all ages. Today she’s working with pupils from Early Years.

“I try to bring to life any subject the school is trying to focus on,” explains Suzanne. “In today’s story we explore weather, climate and different countries.

We develop cognitive thinking skills. We’ll be asking the children to think about what they should pack for each part of the journey, what they should wear if it rains.”

The story begins with the children meeting Fairy Enchantica – Suzanne’s first character. She asks for the children’s help to complete a task and together they pack their imaginary bag for the different climates they will face. After a brief plane journey they meet Bobby the Christmas Elf who needs help understanding his toys.

There are no show stopping props, no cast of thousands, There’s just Suzanne, 20 children and buckets of imagination.

It’s an approach that supports the work teachers do.

“Teachers have so many demands on their time to keep up with the curriculum objectives,” says Suzanne. “To have an external provider like me come in and

explore a topic for an hour, it adds excitement and energy to the children.

That makes a teacher’s job so much easier.”

Today’s session is being observed by Rose Court’s Deputy Headteacher Ann Campbell.

It’s the first time the school’s invited Suzanne in to carry out a workshop but there’s no doubt she’s impressed by the visit.

“I love the way, with very few props, the children are completely enchanted. They were engrossed in the imaginary journey,” reflects Mrs Campbell. “As teachers we always try and find an imaginative way of learning. This certainly fits that.”

After fun in the snow, the children journey to the seaside to meet a pirate, before finishing their adventure in a forest with Wizard Wesley. There the children help him stop the rain and make a rainbow. As they celebrate their success Wesley asks the children to make a wish. Looking at their faces, I would imagine that wish would be to have Fairy Enchantica and her friends back again soon.

To learn more about the educational workshops run

by Suzanne Kaye Vaughan visit www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk

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•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:41 Page 26

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

What’s On HALL WEEN… Dust off you witches hat and dig out your cauldron. It’s time to prepare for some spooky goings on at our favourite attractions here in Yorkshire. You don’t need a magic wand to find out what’s on over Halloween half term. Just your Autumn copy of Families Leeds! Make sure you check before you travel.

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TOP FIVE

VISIT WIZARD MALIN SATURDAY 27TH OCTOBER – FRIDAY 2ND NOVEMBER STOCKELD PARK Wizard Malin has got wind of the fantastic facilities at Stockeld Park and he’s coming for a visit over Halloween.

He’ll be showing magic to those who visit his Den every afternoon from 1pm – 6pm. If you’re good, Malin will let you take a dip into his creepy cauldron for a bewitching gift. If you’ve not been turned into a frog, you can go on to enjoy Pumpkin Biscuit Decorating, a Magic Hatter show and the chance to strut your stuff on the Halloween Cat Walk. Strike a spooky pose! www.stockeldpark.co.uk

AUTUMN GLORY SATURDAY 27TH OCTOBER – SUNDAY 4TH NOVEMBER HAREWOOD HOUSE The beautiful Harewood grounds are about to come to life and you could be there to see it. Enjoy spooky trails through the Autumn leaves and lots of great craft activities. Visit the Bird Garden and blow out those creepy cobwebs with a trip to the Adventure Playground. If you fancy a real Halloween treat, book your place on the Twilight Tales. As night falls over Harewood you’ll be taken on a storytelling adventure. Great family fun all week long. www.harewood.org

FOLLOW THE PUMPKIN TRAIL SATURDAY 27TH OCTOBER – SUNDAY 4TH NOVEMBER BOLTON ABBEY Watch out for low flying witches at Bolton Abbey this half term! Head to one of our favourite spots for some spooktacular Halloween fun. Take the Pumpkin trail through Strid Wood and spot the hidden pumpkins.

There’s family fun around every corner.

10am – 4pm daily. www.boltonabbey.com

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL THROUGH OCTOBER HALF TERM THE FARMERS CART Hitch a ride on trailer to pick your own pumpkin at this super seasonal event at the popular Farmer’s Cart. After your trip to the pumpkin patch, try your hand at carving. If you’re not the artistic type, the pumpkin Sling Shot may be more up your street or head out on the Wicked Witch Hunt. The food here is fabulous – there’s a BBQ amongst the activities and a super café if you fancy some great homemade treats. End your visit by listening to the Spooky Story Telling session. It will make sure you stay awake for the journey home! www.thefarmerscart.co.uk HALLOWEEN EXPRESS SATURDAY 27TH – SUNDAY 28TH OCTOBER Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway All aboard a train ride you won’t forget.

The Halloween Specials departs from Embsay for a terrifying destination.

There will be ghoulish treats as you travel along the line to Bolton Abbey, returning to Embsay desperate to get off! The first train runs at 10.30am, with the final daytime journey at 4.30pm on Saturday and 3pm in Sunday. For the very brave, there will be a truly terrifying twilight train ride on Saturday. Tickets are available online… if you dare! www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk

•Sept & October Fam Leeds 2012_Layout 1 08/08/2012 21:42 Page 27

Wednesday 5th September Little Scientists ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Brand new session for curious under 5s.

Creative science fun begins at 10am and 2pm.

Friday 7th- Sunday 9th September Steam Days ARMLEY MILLS www.leeds.gov.uk Come along to meet Jack the 100 year old Hunslet locomotive. Great family day out.

Begins at 11am.

Saturday 8th September Back to the Workhouse Also on the 22nd & 29th September THACKRAY MUSEUM www.thackraymuseum.org Make gruel and grind corn in the workhouse at the Thackray Museum.

Thursday 13th September Knights, Dragons and Princesses KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk Under 5s drop in session for budding knights, princesses and dragons. Come dressed up but prepare to get messy! Starts at 10am.

Saturday 15th September Back to the Workhouse THACKRAY MUSEUM www.thackraymuseum.org Try oakum picking and wool combing as part of September’s In the Workhouse theme at the Thackray.

Saturday 16th September Make a Nest Box LOTHERTON HALL www.leeds.gov.uk Learn how to make a nest box for your garden.

Get tips from 11am.

Thursday 20th September Fairy Fun KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk Calling all fairies. Get dressed up but be prepared to get a little messy. Creative fun for under 5s.

Begins at 10am.

Friday 21st September Playground LEEDS ART GALLERY www.leeds.gov.uk Multisensory event for under 5s inspired by the artwork in the gallery. Can get messy!

Starts at 10am.

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd September

The Magic has arrived...

WHERE? WHEN? SPECIAL OFFERS?

Stockeld Park, Wetherby. For sat nav directions, use LS22 4AN Open from Wednesday 24th October.

Family season tickets frozen from 2011/12 season. £140 per family.

This gives you unlimited access to the Enchanted Forest, real Ice Rink, Nordic Ski Trail and the maze.

|Hidden in the Enchanted Forest, just| |off the A661 between Wetherby and| |Spofforth are the Stockeld fairies.| |They’re hard at work preparing for| |another busy season at one of the| |most successful visitor attractions| |in Yorkshire.| Top of the agenda is putting the final touches to the new Magical Gift Emporium and expanded Café before completing the brand new Grotto by the Forest. Santa arrives in November but before that, there will be a visiting Wizard in residence to help us all celebrate Halloween Half Term.

“We passed on feedback from our customers to the Stockeld fairies and they’ve spent the summer making sure that this year all our visitors will have an improved experience here,” explains Amy Thornton from Stockeld Park. “There’s new toilets, a more magical gift buying experience and a better café. Stockeld Park is the best it’s ever been in 2012.”

And the fairies have clearly had a hand in the events calendar this year. Over Halloween Half Term you can decorate biscuits, pick your own pumpkin and meet some creepy creatures. You can watch the story of a dream thief in the wonderful Theatre in the Woods (Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th October), visit ‘Malin’ the Wizard in the new forest side Grotto (Sat 27th October – Friday 2nd November) and enjoy the spectacular Stockeld Fireworks display on Sunday 4th November at the earlier time of 5.30pm.

The magic begins on Wednesday 24th October and goes on until January with some fantastic activities running daily throughout the school holidays and at weekends. Watch out for a visit from some faces you may recognise from the Harry Potter films during Stockeld Park’s Hogwarts Weekend (Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th November). Only a Muggle would miss it!

Book online at www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Superhero Weekend EUREKA! www.eureka.org.uk Do you have a super hero in your home? Bring them along to the National Children’s Museum this weekend for some planet saving fun.

Activities all weekend.

Friday 28th September Silly Streets ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Let’s go shopping! Get some retail therapy on the Victorian Streets, For under 5s.

Macmillan Coffee Morning BOLTON ABBEY www.boltonabbey.com Come along to Bolton Abbey Village Hall for coffee and home made cakes from 10am. All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Care.

Friday 5th October Light Night LEEDS ART GALLERY www.leeds.gov.uk Explore this wonderful gallery at night as part of Light Night. From 5 – 10pm.

Saturday 6th October Mask Making THACKRAY MUSEUM www.thackraymuseum.org Try making your own spooky mask as part of the Halloween themed craft activities at the Thackray Museum.

Saturday 13th October Magic Wand Making THACKRAY MUSEUM www.thackraymuseum.org Cast a spell with your own magic wand after making it here at the Thackray Museum.

Saturday 20th October Make your own Skeleton THACKRAY MUSEUM www.thackraymuseum.org Head to the Halloween inspired craft session at this marvelous museum which focuses on our medical history.

Great café for lunch.

Saturday 20th October Sunday 4th November Ghost Town EUREKA! www.eureka.org.uk Visit a haunted town where frightening events unfold and lost ghosts wander the streets.

Halloween half term fun.

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HALLOWEEN HALF TERM Saturday 27th October – Friday 2nd November Wizards Den STOCKELD PARK www.stockeldpark.co.uk Visit Wizard Malin’s den on the outskirts of the Enchanted Forest. Receive a gift and see some magic.

He’ll be there from 1 – 6pm daily.

Saturday 27th October – Sunday 4th November Autumn Glory HAREWOOD HOUSE www.harewood.org A week of great family activities. This is the time of year Harewood really comes to life. Enjoy walks, fun in the adventure playground and some Halloween themed craft.

Pumpkin Trail BOLTON ABBEY www.boltonabbey.com Great Halloween themed family fun. Walk through Strid Wood and find the hidden pumpkins. Free event with normal admission.

Spiders & Webs FOUNTAINS ABBEY www.nationaltrust.org.uk Drop in craft activities from 11am at Swanley Grange.

Spooky Events ROYAL ARMOURIES www.royalarmouries.org Halloween family fun.

Saturday 27th October Halloween at Temple Newsam TEMPLE NEWSAM PARK www.leeds.gov.uk Dress up and join in a night of terror-ific ghosts and ghouls.

Collect the treats around the house and farm but beware.

There are spirits lurking! 5.30 – 8pm.

Torchlight Tours LEEDS MUSEUM DISCOVERY CENTRE www.leeds.gov.uk Bring your battery powered candles and torches for a Halloween spook-fest. All the lights will be turned out as you discover the museum as you’ve never seen it before.

Book you place by calling 0113 214 1548.

Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th October Theatre in the Woods STOCKELD PARK www.stockeldpark.co.uk Journey through the Enchanted Forest on a magical story telling adventure. Follow the actors as they take you through the forest. This year is the story of the dream thief. Performances from 4pm.

Great event for young children. Book online.

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FAMILIES LEEDS | September/October

Sunday 28th October Scary Fun Day ARMLEY MILLS www.leeds.gov.uk Come along for a spooky movie, some scary craft activities and lots more family fun. Starts at 1pm.

Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th October Creepy Crawlies Box Making FOUNTAINS ABBEY www.nationaltrust.org.uk Create your own insect hibernation box at these craft workshops at Fountains Mill. £2.50 a box. Sessions at 10am and 1pm.

Pumpkin Biscuit Decorating STOCKELD PARK www.stockeldpark.co.uk Come along and decorate your own spooky biscuit.

Tuesday 30th October Geocaching Taster Day FOUNTAINS ABBEY www.nationaltrust.org.uk Join the digital treasure hunt. Find out how to hide and seek the geocaches and borrow a GPS unit to have a go.

Booking essential. 01765 643 176.

Meet the Magic Hatter STOCKELD PARK www.stockeldpark.co.uk Come and see some magic with the Magic Hatter.

Shows at 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Free event.

Halloween Craft THWAITE MILLS www.leeds.gov.uk Join in with this spooky craft session at the super Thwaite Mills. Starts at 1pm.

Tuesday 30th & Wednesday 31st October Halloween Tour ARMLEY MILLS www.leeds.gov.uk As night falls, do you dare take a tour of Armley Mills?

Starts at 6pm.

Animal Masks LEEDS CITY MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Free fun craft starting at 11am.

Wednesday 31st October Halloween Fun FOUNTAINS ABBEY www.nationaltrust.org.uk Spooky fun and games at Studley tearoom. Starts at 11am.

Halloween Party ROYAL ARMOURIES www.royalarmouries.org Join in the party from 6pm. Fancy dress competition, trick or treating, face painting and spooky craft. Book online.

Wednesday 31st October & Thursday 1st November Creepy Creatures STOCKELD PARK www.stockeldpark.co.uk Come along and meet a host of creepy Halloween inspired creatures. Have a hold, if you’re brave enough.

12noon – 5pm.

Wednesday 31st October – Saturday 3rd November Fright Night STOCKELD PARK www.stockeldpark.co.uk A truly terrifying Halloween night out. Join actors and lots of special effects in the Enchanted Forest. NOT for the faint hearted or for young children. Book online.

Entry from 5.30pm.

Thursday 1st November Silly Walks Competition FOUNTAINS ABBEY www.nationaltrust.org.uk Walking in a straight line is SO boring. Why not think of something different and join in with the competition to find the King or Queen of the silly walks.

Prizes for the winners.

ON EVERY WEEK… TUESDAY Muddy Monkeys KIRKSTALL ABBEY www.leeds.gov.uk Messy fun with natural arts and crafts. If the rain stops you’ll be getting creative outside. 10am starts.

Term time only.

Toddler Treasure Hunt ABBEY HOUSE www.leeds.gov.uk Running throughout September, these are treasure hunts around the Victorian Streets. Find it all and win a prize.

Starts at 10am and 2pm.

Little Lotherton Art Sessions LOTHERTON HALL www.leeds.gov.uk Art for under 5s from 10am – 12 noon. Runs on the first Tuesday of every month.

FRIDAY Messy Monkeys ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Messy fun for under 5s from 2 – 4pm. Your monkeys make the mess and you get to leave it all behind!

Term time only.

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SATURDAY Rory’s Saturday Club LEEDS CITY MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Themed art and craft sessions beginning at 11am.

Term time only.

What’s On at

Abbey House Investigations ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Grab you police helmet and a squeaky truncheon and become a detective. A new mystery every week.

Runs from 2 – 4pm.

SUNDAY Story Time LEEDS CITY MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Themed story telling for under 5s. Begins at 2.30pm.

Term time only.

Arty Smarties ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM www.leeds.gov.uk Two hours of relaxing craft in the Victorian Streets.

Themed each week. Begins at 2pm.

REMEMBER REMEMBER IT’S BONFIRE NIGHT… Sunday 4th November Fireworks at Stockeld STOCKELD PARK www.stockeldpark.co.uk One of the best displays in the area. These fireworks are set to music and the display begins at 5.30pm – slightly earlier than usual so it’s a great option for families.

Monday 5th November Bonfire and Fireworks ROUNDHAY PARK www.leeds.gov.uk/parks Bonfire to be lit at 7.30pm with fireworks at 8pm.

Always a popular display.

Bonfires from 7pm at: Woodhouse Moor East End Park

Pumpkin Trail Sat 27th Oct to Sun 4th Nov - 10am - 4pm A spooktacular week of fun, seek out the pumpkins in Strid Wood and see if you can you unravel the witch’s spell.

Free event, normal admission applies.

Father Christmas in Strid Wood 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd & 23rd Dec Find Father Christmas and his elves nestled in Strid Wood. Each child will receive a personalised gift. £5.00 per child. Booking essential. To book contact: 01756 718009 from 1st September.

Normal admission applies.

12 Days of Christmas Trail Wed 26th Dec to Sat 5th Jan Enjoy this special time of year with all your family and discover a magical walk through Strid Wood.

Experience the “12 days of Christmas” come to life before your eyes.

Free event, normal admission applies.

Bramley park Springhear Park, Rothwell Middleton Park

For further information please contact:

01756 718 009

www.boltonabbey.com

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An Exceptional Education

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield Girls’ High School

Mulberry House Nursery Co-ed 3–4 years Telephone: 01924 231618 Email: admissions@mhnursery.org.uk

A Proud Tradition

QEGS Junior School Boys 4– 11 years Telephone: 01924 373821 Email: admissions@qegsjs.org.uk

Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (Founded 1591) and Wakefield Girls’ High School (Founded 1878) together form Wakefield Grammar School Foundation - offering every member of your family the opportunity to succeed from the ages of 3 to 18 years.

Boys and girls are different in terms of attitude, physical skill and interests.

Within the classroom these differences must be recognised and addressed.

Conveniently located together, the schools of the Foundation offer the benefits of single-sex education in the classroom, with much co-curricular activity throughout the Senior Schools, with the option to study subjects taught jointly at Sixth Form. Students leave both schools as both academically successful and socially rounded individuals.

An Exemplary Single-Sex Education from 4 years of age The start of September 2011 was a poignant moment in the 400 year history of the Foundation with the extension of our exemplary single-sex model learning environment to all pupils from 4 years of age. Centenary House – the stunning new QEGS Pre-Prep is the perfect place for curious and cheeky little boys to embark on their QEGS Adventure. Girls from 4-7 years enjoy the bright and modern environment of Mulberry House, before progressing through Wakefield Girls’ High School to emerge as confident leaders well equipped with skills for life.

Mulberry House Nursery remains co-educational for 3-4 year olds, establishing firm learning foundations for the future.

A First Class Independent Education for your Son or Daughter is more affordable than you may think!

The Foundation is committed to ensuring that tuition fees (which are inclusive of lunches, text books and exam fees) remain competitive. Fee assistance is available from 7 years of age through Foundation Awards where net parental income is £40,000 per annum or less. In addition, each year in both Senior Schools there are prestigious Bursaries at 11+ and 16+ worth up to 100% of fees.

WGHS Junior School Girls 4– 11 years Telephone: 01924 374577 Email: admissions@wghsjs.org.uk QEGS Senior School Boys 11– 18 years Telephone: (01924) 373943 Email: admissions@qegsss.org.uk WGHS Senior School Girls 11– 18 years Telephone: (01924) 372490 Email: admissions@wghsss.org.uk

Now Open!

Single-sex Pre-Prep Schools from 4 years of age.

Information Morning Saturday 6th October 2012, 9.30am-1.00pm

Come and visit! www.wgsf.org.uk