HEY! MagazineNorth Somerset edition

FREE • NORTH EAST SOMERSET EDITION • ISSUE 48 • FEBRUARY 2016

INSIDE Happy Mother’s Day Understanding SATS Pre-school and Early Years Education HEYMAG.CO.UK

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ALL ABOUT SATs I

f you’ve a child in Year 2 or 6, it won’t be long before SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) start to be a key discussion point at the school gate, assuming they aren’t already.

Even if you have some experience of SATs with older children, you’ll find the goals posts have changed with 2016 seeing the introduction of new SATs. Confused about what all this means for your child? Read our guide.

To go back to basics, SATs are compulsory national tests carried out by all state schools.

Children in England are required to take SATs at the age of seven, 11 and again when they are 14.They are designed to assess how your child’s abilities compare nationally with other children in the same year group, and they comprise of a mixture of teacherled and test-based assessments, depending on the age of your child.

In the summer term of 2016, children at the end of Key Stages 1 and 2 will sit the new SATs papers. So, if your child is in Year 2 or 6, they will be among the first pupils to take the new test.

SATs have been overhauled in both KS1 and KS2 to reflect the changes to the National Curriculum, which was introduced from September 2014.

In the new SATs, reading and writing will be separate tests, and equal weighting will be given to all three SAT subjects including maths. This means that English is now more significant, with writing – namely SPAG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) – playing a prominent role.

MORE ABOUT THE TESTS KEY STAGE 1

Year 2 children will take SATs in three areas: reading; English grammar, punctuation and spelling; and maths. The Department for Education (DFE) requires schools to carry out KS1 tests during May 2016. However, specific dates have not been set and most schools will aim to carry out the tests as part of a child’s usual numeracy and literacy practice. Most children will be unaware that they are being ‘tested’.

The reading assessment constitutes two papers. Each paper is worth 50% of the marks, and should take around 30 minutes, but children will not be strictly timed as the tests are not intended to assess children’s

ability to work at speed. The texts in the reading papers will cover a range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and will get progressively more difficult towards the end of the test. Teachers will have the option to stop the test at any point that they feel is appropriate for a particular child.

Two separate papers will be set in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and two further papers for maths, for which children will not be able to use any tools such as calculators or number lines.

KEY STAGE 2

Year 6 SATs will be administered during the week starting 9 May 2016. The reading test is a single paper with questions based on three passages of text. Your child will have one hour, including reading time, to complete the test. The grammar, punctuation and spelling test will consist of two parts: a grammar and punctuation paper requiring short answers, lasting 45 minutes, and an aural spelling test of 20 words, lasting 15 minutes.

Children will sit three papers in maths; an arithmetic test of 30 minutes and two reasoning tests, with 40 minutes allowed per paper. Given the tests are timed and must be carried out within a certain week, Year 6 children will doubtless be aware that they are being assessed. Read ‘Preparing for SATs’ for some ideas about how best to support your child through the experience.

SCORES AND RESULTS

Although the tests are set externally for KS1, they will be marked by teachers within the school. In contrast for KS2, all papers will be externally marked.

Instead of the old National Curriculum levels, all children will be given a ‘standardised score’ (see ‘Standardised score’ box below for more detail). Other national curriculum subjects, including speaking and listening, science and computing, will be assessed by your child’s teacher based on their work throughout the year.

Overall, the consensus among teachers is that the new SATs will be more challenging.

Yet the Government is setting tougher targets for schools to meet. The DFE wants 85% of pupils to reach the expected national standard at the end of KS2, which is a sharp rise on the 65% marker formerly demanded.

STANDARDISED SCORES

Until September 2014, children’s progress was assessed using National Curriculum levels. The government has now removed ‘level descriptors’ from the National Curriculum and schools are expected to use a ‘scaled score’.

This scoring method is widely used for school assessments across the world.

To calculate a child’s scaled score, their raw score – in other words, the actual number of marks they achieved – will be converted into a scaled score. This is used to show whether the child has achieved the national standard for that subject.

In KS1 the score that your child is given may not be the result they achieved in their SATs, but a score based on SATs results, classwork and the teacher’s observations. In KS2, each child will be told their raw score, their scaled score, and confirmation of whether or not they achieved the national standard.

The scaled score needed to achieve the national standard has yet to be confirmed, but for Year 2 it will be roughly equivalent to a level 2b under the old system, while the standard for Year 6 will be similar to a level 4b.

PREPARING FOR SATS

Strictly speaking, it is your school’s job to prepare your child for SATs. But there is plenty you can do at home to offer additional support and alleviate your child’s stress levels if you think they may feel anxious.

Free sample papers for the new SATs are available via www.gov.uk. Getting familiar with the format of the tests well in advance of the actual assessments (especially for KS2), should help to build your child’s confidence and identify areas where further practice might be needed.

In the lead up to the assessments, keep your child’s other pressures to a minimum. Have a quiet weekend beforehand, ensure your child gets to bed early the night before each test and has a good breakfast on the day. Keep positive and remember that SATs are primarily for primary schools to measure pupils’ progress. Many secondary schools use their own or alternative/supplementary assessment methods to determine a youngster’s potential.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 3

WELCOME Director Tina Veater 07834 542955 | tina@ignyte-uk.co.uk Editorial Team Tina Veater info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Advertising Team Zoe Jenkins Theresa Saadeh Carmen Goodwin 01761 410141 | info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Graphic Designer Pamela Evans Published by Ignyte Media Ltd Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset Business Address: Ignyte Media Ltd, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH 01761 410141 info@ignyte-uk.co.uk While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in the publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Ignyte do not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All right reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher.

Distribution: We deliver to 7000 families through primary schools and other outlets in North East Somerset.

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you had a fantastic Christmas break and enjoyed some quality family time together too?

As I write this piece, the weather is very cold and I am having to scrape the ice from my car each morning.

It is always important to ensure that you are eating well and drinking lots to keep the bugs away at this time of year. Make sure that you stay wrapped up in your winter woolies and that you are very careful when walking and driving on icy surfaces.

Our elderly friends also need our help more at this time of year, if you have a neighbour who struggles to get out of the house or to cook hot food for themselves, please visit these friends regularly and do as much as you can to help them.

The new year is often a time of change, following our new years resolutions. It may be a new job, a healthier lifestyle, weight loss or even the promise to spend more quality time with loved ones. Whatever you have promised yourself, the team at HEY! wish you good luck with your plans.

This edition of HEY! is focused on Mother’s Day. A very important time when we thank our Mum’s for everything they do for us. Many of us take these things for granted and it is vitally important that they know how much we love them. Every mum will always love a hand made gift so check out our craft pages and work with your children to make something special.

If you have a child in year 6, you will be very aware that their SATS are looming in May. These tests are changing this year. You can get up to date on all of the information you need about these changes by reading our article.

Please send us through the pictures of your children with their achievements so that we can include them in our WOW pages. All of our readers enjoy these pages and the children love being included too. Simply send me through the photo and a few words to tina@ignyte-uk.co.uk and we will print your child’s picture in our next edition in March.

Enjoy Pancake Day, Valentines Day and Mother’s Day and we look forward the highlights that 2016 will bring for us all.

Tina

The next edition is in March 2016 & is filling fast.

Hey Magazine

@hey_tweeter

www.heymag.co.uk

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 5

PANCAKE DAY TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9TH The perfect pancake batter For around 8 pancakes use: 110g / 4oz plain flour pinch of salt 2 large eggs 200ml / 7fl oz milk mixed with 75ml / 3fl oz cold water 50g / 2oz butter Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Make a hole or well in the centre of the pile of flour and break the eggs into it. Begin whisking the eggs, either with a whisk or a fork, catching every bit of flour from around the edge of the bowl.

Gradually add small amounts of the milk mixture, while still whisking; any lumps will eventually disappear. When all the liquid has been added, use a spatula or something similar to scrape in any bits of flour missed from around the edge or the bottom of the bowl, and whisk again. The batter is ready when very smooth with the consistency of thin cream.

Melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat. Spoon 2 tablespoons (30ml) of this melted butter into the bowl of batter, and whisk it in. Pour the rest of the melted butter into a spare bowl, to be used to lubricate the pan before you make each pancake, using some kitchen paper to smear it round.

To make the pancakes, get the pan really hot then turn down to a medium heat. For each pancake use about 2 tablespoons for an 18cm pan, spooned into a ladle first so it can be poured into the hot pan in one go. As soon as the batter hits the pan, tip it around from side to side so that it coats the base of the pan evenly. It should only take around half-a-minute to cook, until it’s a tinged gold colour; lift the edge with a palette knife to have a quick look.

Toss the pancake or flip using a pan slice or palette knife; the other side will only need a few seconds. Then simply slide it onto a plate. A good tip is to stack the pancakes between sheets of greaseproof paper on a plate fitted over simmering water, to keep them warm while you make the rest. Otherwise just stack them high and watch them go!

Take advantage of a FREE TRIAL at Midsomer Norton Kumon Study Centre

Now is the perfect time to help your child achieve their full potential.

Contact your local Kumon Maths and English Study Centre to find out more about our two-week Free Trial.

Midsomer Norton Study Centre

01761 453720

midsomernorton@kumoncentre.co.uk

Free Trial available from 1-29 February Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary.

Please refer to your local study centre.

Does your child lack confidence in Maths and/or English skills?

Does s/he find it hard to concentrate for sustained periods of time?

Is it holding your child back at school? If you have answered “yes” to any one of these questions, then Kumon study may be the answer you are looking for, to help your child thrive at school and begin to work independently, thinking for themselves without relying on adult support or intervention.

Kumon is the UK’s largest provider of after-school support for students ranging from 4 years to 19 years of age. It suits all abilities, as it is an individually tailored programme that promotes confidence, concentration and independent learning, whilst at the same time developing Maths and English skills to enable the student to solve problems and stay ahead at school.

Classes are held at Somervale School on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Students stay for about 30-40 minutes, where they are observed working independently, as well as receiving guidance from us. We are open from 3.30pm – 5.45pm: a window to suit your needs in terms of time and an opportunity for your child to make sound academic and work skill progress.

Established for over 50 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their study skills and confidently tackle advanced work.

The Midsomer Norton Study Centre is offering a two-week FREE TRIAL (14 days) for new students enrolling between 1st – 29th February. Take advantage of this opportunity to find out what your child can achieve through the Kumon maths and English programmes.

Don’t delay. Unlock your child’s true potential and watch them motivate themselves towards success.

For more information, please contact Instructor Janet Russell on 01761 453720 or email midsomernorton@kumoncentre.co.uk

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UNDERSTANDING

PRESCHOOL AND EARLY YEARS EDUCATION; ESSENTIAL REVISION! I

t’s been a long while since I last needed to think about preschool education. My eldest daughter is now in Year 6 – just months away from ‘big school’, and her primary years have gone by in a flash. My youngest, also a daughter, is just 3.

Yes, it’s a big gap and don’t I know it.

Things have changed. And this seems to be especially the case when it comes to pre-school education. I can’t remember my eldest having a curriculum as such to follow, but there’s definitely one now.

So as I get to grips with her nursery and its way of working, having agonised for months over which one would be best (for more on that theme check out my ‘Questions to consider when choosing a nursery’), I’m also trying to get my head round the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In the process, I’m hoping that all the acronyms that litter her term reports will mean more.

After plenty of research and chats with nursery staff, I can safely say, this much I know…

Introduced in 2008, the EYFS framework sets out welfare and development goals for children five years and younger in Ofsted registered childcare. More than ‘just a curriculum’, the EYFS actually covers both the welfare and development of children, with the welfare aspect covering things like the suitability of facilities and equipment, as well as the qualifications and suitability of staff.

The development side covers six key areas. In short, these – and their usual abbreviations – are: • Personal, social and emotional development (PSED) • Communication, language and literacy (CL) • Problem solving, reasoning and literacy (PSRL) • Knowledge and understanding of the world (UW) • Physical development (PD) • Creative development (CD)

It follows that my first piece of advice to anyone about to send a child to preschool would be to learn these acronyms, I guarantee that your child’s reports will make a whole lot more sense.

It’s also worth knowing that an EYFS check is carried out at age two. This bit of the foundation stage was introduced in 2012. It applies only to children in England who attend pre-school, Ofsted registered settings, such as nurseries or childminders; the aim of the check is to ensure that any child who may need additional support is identified so that when the time comes for them to start school, they will be ready.

For those new to the EYFS it will also soon become apparent that a Key Person is very central to your child’s preschool education.

A key person is the individual selected to build up a strong relationship with your little one so that your child always has someone there who they can go to if they are feeling upset, happy or just want a cuddle.

The role of the key person is considered to be so important that it is looked at as part of the Ofsted inspections. And that makes sense to me – children need a constant, dependable adult they can trust. To be on the safe side though, every child will have a second person allocated to them at nursery as a sort of deputy to the key person in case they’re not available.

Generally, the aim of the EYFS is to make sure that all children get a good start both socially and academically.

Preschool education now certainly seems a lot more involved than when I went to nursery way back in the 1970s. Mind you, all I can really remember is making a mouse with cotton wool and a pipe cleaner tail. It’s a memory I treasure.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 7

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A NURSERY Do the children look well-stimulated? Are they sitting down at activities, engaged by the staff?

• How is the day structured? What sort of activities are built into the timetable?

• Does the building look well-kept, safe and secure?

• How many of the staff are qualified?

• Does it have good quality outdoor play areas?

If so, how often do children get access?

• Does indoor and outdoor equipment appear of good quality?

• Is food cooked on the premises?

• What are the menus like? Do they include a good combination of fresh (rather than tinned) fruit and vegetables? And how about the snacks?

• Do you have confidence that the nursery manager possesses strong leadership skills, is well involved and has a ‘hands on’ approach?

You could have been reading your advert instead of this!

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Longvernal Nursery Ofsted outstanding early years education and childcare provision.

Open term time 9-3 for children over 2 years old.

Provisions for extra hours after school and holidays for children over 3 years old 2 and 3 year old Nursery Education Grant accepted.

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WHISTY PRE-SCHOOL Mon, Wed and Fri (term time only) 9.00am-2.30pm

• We are an independent community Pre-school and offer flexible hours to suit parents’ needs • Fully qualified staff • Friendly atmosphere • Children welcomed from 2 years old • Can begin at any time during the year • Funding available for 3 & 4 yr olds and eligible 2 yr olds Places still available Email: whistypreschool@aol.com or contact Charlotte on 01761 439346 for further details

I N S P I R E D . A LWAY S .

PRE-PREP & NURSERY OPEN MORNING WEDNESDAY 9 MARCH 2016 PRE-PREP RECEPTION OPEN MORNING WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2016 JUNIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING THURSDAY 10 MARCH 2016

For further information please visit www.kesbath.com or contact our Registrar on 01225 820 399

8 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

WHY BOTHER BUDGETING? W

e are told from an early age that it is important to budget but does the process really help us take better control of our finances?

Martin Lewis, founder of moneysavingexpert.co.uk says the problem with most budgets is they just don’t work. “They look at a typical months spending, yet we don’t spend by the month - what about the daily coffee, weekly shop, annual holiday?” Most people can work out what their monthly costs are - e.g. mortgage, utility and phone bills, transport, food, etc. but it is the more sporadic outgoings that can trip us up. Jackie McKeown, a single parent said one of the hurdles she faces at this time of year is the bills following Christmas. She claims to make ends meet by borrowing what she needs for the annual extras on a loan payable over a year.

This way she can include the cost of the bigger outgoings in her monthly budget, and pay for them in equal monthly payments.

“That way, I know what I am doing and don’t suddenly face costs I can’t deal with from my take-home pay”.

An accurate budget can be very valuable, because it should work out whether you spend more than you earn and also what you

can afford to spend. Jackie worked out that the repayments on a short term loan of £1000 were manageable over a year. Like most people, she didn’t want to build up a debt on a credit card knowing it wouldn’t be managed. By budgeting and including loan repayments in that budget she knows where she will be from month to month. Martin Lewis added that it is always surprising to see quite how many different things you spend cash on. ‘Worse still is how much money you truly spend on them. Yet there are always ways to save. It’s worth considering that as you write them down - are you getting the best value for your money? Can you get them cheaper elsewhere?’ His website offers a Money Makeover article which includes a budget planner. It will take about an hour to complete and you will need at least three months bank and credit card statements to get an accurate picture of your spending.

At the end of the exercise you will know whether you spend more than you earn, or earn more than you spend - and the difference can be crucial to managing your finances without getting into problem debt.

a season of work inspired by william shakespeare including shows, films, masterclasses, a quiz and a free family open day Box Office: 01225 823409 www.theatreroyal.org.uk/the-egg

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 9

Suzie’s Diary Dear Diary,

2016 has kicked off to a good start. My business has picked up after a lull, the kids are all happy, our new kittens have settled in well and I’ve finally got hubby to repair our garden fencing (a small triumph!).

But there is a ‘but’. Part of the reason that my eldest child Scarlett is so full of joy for life is her discovery of an online vlogger (video blogger) called Lillybelle.

Scarlett has become obsessed with everything to do this vlogger, copying her hairstyles and even adopting her turns of phrase. Whenever Scarlett has a free moment, she pours over Lillybelle’s videos of things like trips to the supermarket, nights in with friends and musings about what to have for tea. It’s all pretty mundane stuff, but Lillybelle’s constant presence in our home is driving me nuts!

So what should I do?

We’ve already set a limit on how much Scarlett can use her tablet/the internet. A complete ban seems a bit much seeing as Lillybelle is harmless enough - she’s just not exactly the kind of progressive female role model I had in mind for my first born.

Scarlett now wants to be a vlogger when she leaves school and is gathering her ideas together for the vlogs to post. These include ‘ten ways to plait hair’, ‘best lipsticks for springtime’ and ‘the best bath bombs money can buy’.

Hoping this is all another short fad. Mind, I have to admit that Lillybelle is a canny business woman, who looks like she calls all the shots in her life.

Amen to that!

Suzie xx

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Craft Corner

Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for full instructions on how to make these crafts

Love You Mum jar

A special mug of love

Flower jam jar I Love You card

Ice cream dreams

Pencil flowers in a pot

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 11

A (FLOWER) POTTED HISTORY

OF MOTHER’S DAY B

efore we go any further let’s get one thing straight. The mid Sunday in Lent is not strictly ‘Mother’s Day’ but, in fact, ‘Mothering Sunday’. The former happens in America and the latter label is supposed to apply in Britain. Both, of course, celebrate that most important figure in most people’s life – Mum (irrespective of which side of the Atlantic she lives).

To continue untangling these two celebrations…In America, Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May, as proclaimed by none other than President Woodrow Wilson in 1914.

It is marked on that day following a successful campaign by Anna Jarvis (1864-1948) to celebrate the tireless work of US mothers and pay tribute to her own mother (who had died on 9 May, 1905).

To delve even deeper, Anna’s campaign was actually the culmination of her mother’s previous mission to establish a ‘Mother’s Friendship Day’, the purpose of which was to reunite families divided by the American Civil War. The origins of the British date are more opaque. Some believe that Mothering Sunday may have originated from a 16th century practice of visiting the ‘mother church’ – the main church in the region on Laetare Sunday, that’s the forth Sunday of Lent. Historically, this was also a time when domestic servants were given time off to visit their families.

Over time, the religious connotations of Mothering Sunday have waned and, true enough, the modern British tradition is pretty closely linked to its American cousin.

In 1913, Constance Penswick-Smith (1878-1938) was inspired by reading a newspaper report about Anna Jarvis’s campaign in America. She too wanted to establish/re-establish a day devoted to maternal praise in Britain. However, its wide scale revival only came about with the influence of US soldiers serving in Britain during the Second World War. By the 1950s, Mothering Sunday was a big deal; for mothers - and for card companies.

But you don’t need a big budget to spoil your mum, in fact you don’t need any money at all (as our handy tips list makes clear).

Interestingly, neither Constance Penswick-Smith nor Anna Jarvis ever became mothers themselves.

TEN WAYS FOR KIDS TO SPOIL MUM ON 6TH MARCH 1. Write her a card – tell her what she means to you 2. Make her a lovely lunch – why stop at breakfast in bed?

3. Do something together.

No distractions, no telly on in the background or the like; just share an activity like a walk or a jigsaw puzzle 4. Offer her a back or foot massage.

This is one way to bring the spa experience home!

5. Plan a family photo shoot to remember the day in future years 6. Draw or paint her a bunch of flowers, a picture lasts forever!

7. Find out more about her. Ask about her favourite memories, her future hopes 8. Invite one of her friends round to share that lovely lunch 9. Run her a bath in the evening 10. Give her a HUGE hug

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What’s On February 6 - 21

Half term trips at the Avon Valley Railway.

February 6 - 21

Petal Power at Bristol Zoo Gardens Get the creative juices flowing and join in our giant flower collage and flower pot decorating, let the kids burn-off some energy with the petal power trail and of course don’t miss our animal talks and feeds throughout each day!

February 12

Labyrinth at the Midsomer Norton Palladium Town Hall in Midsomer Norton 7.30pm.

February 13

The Ruff Guide to Shakespeare at The Egg Theatre, Bath Age 5+ The Life, the times and every single play – all in one hour!

February 13

Labyrinth at the Victoria Hall in Radstock, 4.30pm.

February 13

Grand Pier Fireworks at Sea The best views will be from the Grand Pier, Weston Super Mare at 5pm.

February 13

Meet the Avon Gorge goat keeper Search for the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project’s herd of goats on this strenuous walk in the Gully. Along the way, find out how they’re helping to make space for the Avon Gorge’s rare plants. From 10.30am to 12pm.

February 15

Romeo and Juliet at The Egg Theatre, Bath Age 9+ Let’s All Dance’s edgy, explosive production engages audiences of all ages with this high energy Hip Hop step.

February 15

Family Garden Activities “Plot your veg plot’ at The Bishops Palace in Wells. Book in for a fun session to plan what to grow in your garden this year. Find out more about what is grown at the Palace. 11am to 3pm.

February 15 - 16

Michael Jackson’s Thriller live at the Bristol Hippodrome Thriller Live visits Bristol Hippodrome direct from London’s West End, a spectacular concert that celebrates the career of one of the world’s greatest entertainers.

February 16

Family activity Birds at the Bishops Palace in Wells from 11am to 3pm. Make bird feeders, feather fans and starling finger puppets, then follow the twitchers trail through the house and gardens.

February 17

Half Term workshop “calligraphy’ at Wells Cathedral Have a go events for families taking place in the Cathedral’s Education Room from 1pm to 3pm.

February 19

Youth Circus Showcase at Circomedia in Bristol Circomedia’s celebrated Youth Circus will be showcasing their skills on 19th and 20th February at St Paul Church, Portland Square, Bristol.

February 13 - 21

February 24

Kidz World Fun Fair at Avon Valley Country Park, Saltford This February, Kidz World comes to Avon Valley Park. The Fair arrives on Saturday 13th February and will be open every day from 12noon until 6pm until Sunday 21st February.

Meet a Barn Owl expert at Glastonbury Town Hall You can find out more about Somerset’s brilliant barn owls, hosted by Somerset Wildlife Trust and birds of prey expert, Chris Sperring at 7.30pm.

February 14

February 25

Alice in Wonderland at the Victoria Hall in Radstock Box Tale Soup invite you down the rabbit hole into a timeless world of wondrous fantasy from 4pm.

Paper Town, Radstock’s own Baby Cinema event Bring your Little Pitchers along to the pictures at Victoria Hall, Radstock at 10am.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 13

February 26 - March 6

Bath Literature Festival across the City The festival is 21 and to mark this special anniversary twelve events are available to enjoy. For more information visit www.bathfestivals.org.uk/literature.

March 25 - May 7

Mama Mia Bristol Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol.

March 25

Victorian Explorers Easter Egg Hunt Tyntesfield House, Wraxall from 10am.

February 27

Hotel Transylvania 2 at the Midsomer Norton Palladium Town Hall in Midsomer Norton at 2.30pm.

March 6

March 26

The Good Dinosaur at the Midsomer Norton Palladium Midsomer Norton Town Hall at 2.30pm.

Gert Posh Mother’s Day Tea 4pm Treat mum to a very special Gert Posh Tea at Farrington’s!

A selection of home-made sandwiches, home-made scones and cakes. Served with tea or coffee. Booking is essential!

Please phone the Café on 01761 452266 (Opt 2) or email sally@farringtons.co.uk

March 26 - 27

March 7 - 12

Medieval Falconry at the Bishops Palace, Wells 10am to 4pm A day of fantastic flying displays, entertaining information and beautiful birds in the Romantic setting of the South Lawn.

Hairspray the Musical Bristol Hippodrome Theatre, Bristol.

March 12

Pan, Victoria Hall, Radstock at 4.30pm Find out how a 12 year old orphan finds himself in Neverland and discovers his destiny.

March 13

Bath Half Marathon Line the streets of the City and encourage the runners on their way.

March 13

Easter Craft Market Victoria Hall in Radstock from 10am to 2pm.

March 19 - 20

Tadpoles at The Egg Theatre, Bath Age 5+ A highly visual and energetic play about rivalry, strengths, weaknesses and superheroes.

   

    

Festival of Cars at the Bath and West Showground This popular event sees 140+ dealers, 10am to 4pm.

March 28

If you are organising an event you would like included in our What’s On pages,

send the details to zoe@ignyte-uk.co.uk

14 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

RECIPES

Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk to find out how to make these Mother’s Day ideas

Crumpets

Plum fizz

Cupcake platter Strawberry cheesecake

Fruit bouquet

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 15

HEY! competitions WIN FAMILY TICKETS TO WEYMOUTH SEA LIFE ADVENTURE PARK Explore an amazing underwater world! Take a fascinating journey from the Jurassic Coast to the ocean depths at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park. Get up close to over 1,000 creatures including a playful family of otters, comical penguins, awesome sharks and magnificent rescued sea turtles. Find out how it feels to touch a starfish, crab and other creatures in our interactive rock pool. With fun talks, animal feeds, special events and a Dive Adventure Quiz Trail there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park offers a whole day of feeds, presentations and magical experiences for all the family. VIP Feeds and Animal Adoptions are available to make your day extra special. Head to “Castaway Bay” featuring Ray Lagoon with Cownose Rays!

Explore the Rainforest with new creatures! Take on a new voyage on our new adventure play set, unwind in our sensory garden; or cool off in our Splash Zone and Pool! Continue to your journey down the seafront to Jurassic Skyline for breathtaking 360 degree views of the Jurassic Coast from 174ft.

Valid for 2 adults and 2 children to Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park and Jurassic Skyline for 1 year at the time off issue. Visit www.visitwsealife.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions.

To win, answer this question: How high is the Jurassic skyline tower?

WIN 2 CHILD MEMBERSHIPS TO COWTASTIC FARM PARK! Guaranteed adventure come rain or shine at the Cowtastic Farm Park at Farrington Farm, Farrington Gurney, Nr Bristol.

Valid for 1 year, membership entitles the card holders to the following discounts off standard entry prices. 30% off normal entry to the Farm Park, 20% off at the Playbarn, 20% off Birthday Parties..

To win, answer this question: What colour is Gert, the Farrington cow?

WIN FAMILY TICKETS FOR CHOLDERTON CHARLIE’S FARM Cholderton Charlie’s Farm Park is a Rare Breeds Farm located in Salisbury.

We offer a great value, fun-filled family day out for all ages and interests: from our indoor three-storey playbarn, outdoor play areas, to our café and gift shop; as well as feeding, cuddling and petting baby animals, our daily tractor rides* and infamous Pig Racing.

To win, answer this question: What is the name of the tractor at Cholderton’s?

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO WOOKEY HOLE Revamped, restored and totally remarkable, the new Wookey Hole experience is bursting onto the 2016 holiday scene in an explosive mix of history, mystery and fun.

To win, answer this question: What is the name of the new chamber which is now open?

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL AT THE BRISTOL HIPPODROME Hairspray is back, with a brand new production of the smash hit musical comedy.

It’s Baltimore, 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national TV. Tracy’s audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her newfound fame to fight for equality, bagging local heartthrob Link Larkin along the way!

Ticket valid for Tuesday 8th March at 7.30pm.

To win, answer this question: What year was the hit film Hairspray released?

WINNERS Austin Hazzard Bishop Sutton Amirah Pickaver–Sword Shepton Mallet Harry Burris Stockwood, Bristol Oliver Brookbank Doulting Jessie Woodford Peasedown St John

HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning these fantastic prizes, simply visit www.heymag.co.uk and click on the Competitions button, complete the form and enter your answers.

It couldn’t be easier!

Closing date for entries: 4th March 2016

16 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

BEDWETTING:

THE HIDDEN PROBLEM P

erhaps the most surprising thing about bedwetting is how many young people are affected by the condition. One in 15 sevenyear olds wets the bed, along with one in 75 teenagers.

Dealing with bedwetting can have a huge impact on sufferers and their families. The condition can knock youngster’s confidence and be a source of embarrassment, causing huge stress (which in turn can exacerbate the problem). Understanding why bedwetting happens can help manage and overcome the condition.

Children should generally stop wetting the bed at around the age of five. Most children gain day-time bladder control by age three, with night-time control taking a little longer. Bedwetting is only really considered a problem by doctors after the age of five, if the situation bothers the child and the parents. If the child is not bothered, bedwetting is difficult to treat – they may simply not be ready to be dry at night.

Bedwetting in later childhood happens for a variety of reasons – pinpointing the most likely cause for your child is the first step to resolving the issue.

CONSTIPATION IS ONE CANDIDATE.

An enlarged bowel may press against the bladder at night causing bedwetting. If you suspect this could be the case, you’ll need to take your child to the doctor for an assessment and a prescription for medication that could ease bowel problems.

HORMONAL. A few children lack enough of a hormone called vasopressin. This hormone works on the kidneys and slows down the production of urine at night. Symptoms that a child lacks vasopressin include; bedwetting that happens every night, often early at night and more than once a night; the urine is like day-time urine – pale yellow; the child tends to remain asleep all night. If vasopressin is the cause of your child’s bedwetting, a doctor is likely to prescribe an artificial form of the hormone called Desmopressin.

AN OVERACTIVE BLADDER. In this case, the bladder sends a signal to the brain to empty it before it is full.

Indications of the problem include the need to urinate frequently

during the day (in excess of eight times), and bedwetting more than once a night. A medication called Oxybutinin might be prescribed to address the problem.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI). An UTI tends to be noticeable during the day and will require a trip to the doctor to resolve. Symptoms include unpleasant smelling urine; pain while urinating; constant thirst and wetting problems during the day as well as the night.

STRESS. If your child was formerly dry at night and then develops a problem, this could be due to stress caused by a variety of factors. Consider any changes that may have happened in your child’s usual routine to cause upset. Possible stresses might be an illness, starting school, the arrival of a new baby or any other life changes.

GENETIC PREDISPOSITION. If a child has one parent who wet the bed into later childhood, there’s up to a 40% chance that their child will too. And if both parents wet the bed, this chance jumps to 75%.

FACTS ABOUT BEDWETTING

• Boys are more likely to wet the bed up to the age of 12 • It is estimated over 500,000 children in the UK regularly wet the bed between the ages of five and 16 • Bedwetting can be resolved – there are many causes and a variety of treatments available • Bedwetting runs in families • Bedwetting is a never a child’s fault. It happens when the child is sleeping when they have no conscious control • The impact of bedwetting on a child’s self-esteem and mental wellbeing can be huge. Get help!

For more information about the causes and treatment for bedwetting, visit the website of children’s incontinence charity Eric at www.eric.org.uk.

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 17

News and Reviews LATEST SCHOOL NEWS

EVENTS

BABY BOOM AT CHEW STOKE!

No don’t be alarmed – it is all in the name of science and they are not real babies they are 1Kg bags of flour!

Fox Class, Year 5 from Chew Stoke Church School, have been learning about nurturing and responsibility in their science classes. Over the course of a week, each child in the class was tasked with looking after their “baby” 24 hours a day, ensuring it was fed, watered and changed – some inmagination was also involved in the task! Babies were not even allowed to be left, unless they were with a responsible babysitter. At the end of the week, the babies were weighed to ensure that they had not lost weight. Definitely a lesson that these children will not easily forget! (PS. We made a great cake out of our “baby” at the end of the week and some pancakes too!)

Pictured: Pupils from Fox Class with their Flour Babies.

DIARY DATES

YOUR SUCCESSES

YOUNG VOICES AT HIGH LITTLETON

On Monday 11th January 2016 a choir from High Littleton Church of England Primary School travelled to Birmingham to participate in a concert called Young Voices. The 6000 strong choir performed to an audience consisting of friends and family.

Nothing could prepare them for the sound of thousands of voices singing in harmony. Young Voices have managed to combine the power of singing together as one, with accompaniment from a wide range of musicians and artists, to create this amazing performance.

As well as singing, they enjoyed watching and participating with performances from Urban Strides, (a street dance troupe), a beat boxing trio (who were international champions!) and Laura Wright who sang at the Rugby World cup. They were all amazing! What an amazing day they had!

18 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

RESIDENTS URGED TO SIGN UP FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANT Grants of up to £6,000 are available to make energy saving improvements to your home through Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Energy at Home scheme.

This grant is available to all home owners, private landlords and privately renting tenants. You do not need to be on a low income or an elderly person to be eligible for this grant, but you do need to be signed up by the end of February.

It can be used to help cover the costs of improvements including: • heating systems including gas, electrical and oil fired systems, • internal, external, or cavity wall insulation, and loft insulation, • glazing including secondary glazing, double glazing and external doors, Measures such as these can improve your home’s energy performance, reduce the amount you spend on your energy bills, and will help keep your home warm and cosy during winter.

The Energy at Home scheme provides free expert guidance on all aspects of home energy including: how to get the best deal on your

energy bills; which energy saving improvements might be most appropriate for your home; and which grants and support are available to help you.

Cllr Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “This home improvement grant is coming to an end very soon so I’d encourage residents to contact the Energy at Home Advice Service as soon as possible to find out what help they can get to improve their home’s energy performance.”

The Energy at Home scheme will continue to be available after this particular grant ends, with access to other local and national grants, however funding to this level, accessible for so many people, and for this range of measures is unlikely to be available again.

Contact the Energy at Home Advice Service Freephone 0800 038 5680 available Monday to Friday 9am-6pm, and on Saturday mornings 9am-12pm.

Email advice@energyathome.org.uk or visit www.energyathome.org.uk The grant money has been made available from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

MIDSOMER NORTON SCHOOL CELEBRATES OFSTED SUCCESS Ashley Ayre People and Communities Strategic Director congratulate Headteacher Kerrie Courtier, Deputy Headteacher Karen Bazeley and pupils from Longvernal School on their excellent Ofsted Report.

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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 19

MIDSOMER NORTON FOREST SCHOOL CELEBRATES OFSTED SUCCESS ‘The inspirational Headteacher is the driving force behind the school’s rapid improvement.’ This is the strong opening statement from Longvernal Primary School’s latest Ofsted report.

Longvernal Primary School, for the first time since it opened in 1975, is celebrating Good or Outstanding in every category in the latest Ofsted inspection which took place in October. The school’s success is particularity outstanding as the school was classed as “Requiring Improvement” just two years ago.

Mrs. Courtier, who was previously Assistant Headteacher at Weston All Saints Primary School in Bath, was seconded to the school as Acting Head in May 2014 before being made substantive Headteacher in December 2014. With the support and hard work of the governors, teaching and support staff, Mrs Courtier has driven forward a programme of rapid improvement. This collective effort has seen Longvernal Primary School dramatically turnaround from a school that was ‘Requires Improvement’ in every category of the inspection in October 2013 under the previous Headteacher to Outstanding or Good in every category.

Pupils were judged to be outstanding with regard to well-being and personal development and good overall in behaviour. Inspectors went on to praise the school with regard to pastoral care and that the school was justified in referring to itself as ‘The Longvernal Family.’ Parental feedback for Ofsted saw 100% response stating that they would recommend the school and that their child was happy and safe at Longvernal Primary. The inspector jovially stated that the children appeared to regard their Headteacher as ‘walking on water’ - such had been her impact on their learning environment, achievement and overall school experience! He reported that pupils were full of admiration and praise for their Headteacher who they feel has made a real difference to their lives.

“Longvernal has become a school that we as governors are extremely proud of. Our strength lies in the combined efforts of all staff, pupils, parents/carers and governors alike and it is because of our ‘Longvernal Family’ attitude that we succeed as a school,” said Kelly Antonowicz, Chair of Governors. “The Ofsted inspection has celebrated all our efforts and achievements and has encouraged us to strive for greater future accomplishment and growth.”

‘The school provides a broad, lively and comprehensive curriculum.’ The Headteacher and Governors feel justifiably proud of their school and its pupils. The school also benefits from extensive grounds, including an orchard, which are used for Forest School which every pupil experiences for two hours per week with their experienced Forest Leader. Outdoor learning is exploited for cross-curricular links which were seen as an area of strength by the inspector. Their motto reflects a culture of creativity and outdoor learning, ‘Longvernal children learn with mud on their hands and smiles on their faces’.

The Headteacher said, ‘At Longvernal we strive to give pupils experiences to broaden their horizons; from Year 3 all pupils experience an annual residential camp. Last year pupils visited the Isle of Wight and this year trips to both London and France are planned; the latter complementing their specialist-taught weekly French lesson by a native French speaking teacher.’

In addition to already working towards outstanding by targeting specific identified areas, Longvernal is now supporting other schools in its areas of expertise such as SpaG, Forest School and Equality, with school senior leaders recently becoming qualified as Stonewall Champions. Longvernal continues to establish strong links with community stakeholders including Curo Housing, local businesses, the Town Council, RHS, National Trust and local churches and, contrastingly, with Zion Community School in Uganda.

The Headteacher and staff were thrilled that the Ofsted report commented, ‘Pupils are particularly courteous and respectful towards visitors and show pride in their school...Pupils say they love coming to school’.

20 | HEYMAG.CO.UK

WOW

EMAIL US YOUR WOW! PHOTOS AND DETAILS TO INFO@IGNYTE-UK.CO.UK

WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Emily aged 7 obtained her Entertainer badge at brownies.

Well done!

Charlotte aged 9 was awarded her entertainer badge at brownies.

Congratulations!

Mylee aged 7 got her swimming award for 5 metres. Fantastic achievement!

Albi aged 5 got his level 5 award for vault apparatus in gymnastics.

Brilliant job!

Ornella aged 4 obtained her level 5 award for vault apparatus in gymnastics.

Well deserved!

Ben aged 6 earned his stage 1 swimming award.

Fabulous award!

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Ellie aged 5 obtained two awards, one for swimming 5m Back stroke and one for Football level 1.

Wow, well done!

Archie aged 7 got an award for swimming 5m and another for martial arts. Great work!

Ellis aged 7 was awarded her Swimming 50m certificate! Great achievement!

Arther aged 8 was awarded his Tae Kwon Do 9th cup.

Fantastic!

Joshua aged 8 achieved a Beavers bronze award for activity badges, a 50 books certificate and a gold award for great enthusiasm.

Great work!

Rosie aged 10 achieved her Tae Kwon Do 9th Cup award.

Wonderful news!

Jayden aged 9 achieved his Stage 3 swimming Award.

Congratulations!

Alanis aged 9 obtained a reading medal and dance awards for both tap and ballet.

Well done!

Evie aged 9 got an award for 100m swimming!

Fabulous!

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Abe Mitchell aged 4 got his Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 swimming awards! Fantastic!

Carys aged 8 obtained her 100m swimming award! Brilliant!

Cordelia aged 9 won four swimming medals for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th places in various different strokes!

Great achievement!

Alexander aged 8 achieved his pen license and his level 4 handwriting.

Excellent work!

Suzie aged 7 got an achievers award and a certificate for 10/10 spelling!

Good job!

Cherry aged 6 obtained a martial arts award for smashing the board! Cracking!

Spencer aged 5 won Frome Rugby star of the week.

Go Spencer!

Isabella aged 5 completed the Roman Bath trail.

Good times!

Sofia Payne aged 8 achieved her Stage 1 swimming award! Excellent!

Isobel Murphy aged 7 achieved her level 5 gymnastics award. Great work!

Romy Mitchell aged 7 got five different awards for swimming and gymnastics!

Brilliant!

William Scarborough aged 7 obtained his swimming award level 3. Fabulous!

Arlo Fisher aged 6 obtained an award for Tae Kwon Do. Good job!

Megan Wright aged 8 obtain an amazing 10 different awards for gymnastics!

Go Megan!

Luke Harvey aged 10 won player of the week at football.

Fantastic!

Evan Parsons aged 8 achieved the 10th Kyu Ho Umai Dragon Freestyle Kickboxing certificate.

Awesome!

Harry Hill aged 9 got a Bayern Munchen trophy for football.

Fabulous!

Kaelun Mullins aged 8 obtained Man of the Match at football!

Well done!

HEYMAG.CO.UK | 23

Molly aged 8 got her pen license!

That’s great!

Emily Dryden aged 8 obtained her Stage 3 swimming award.

Congratulations!

Alice Forster aged 7 received her 50m swimming award and also a St. Johns Ambulance Badger of the Year certificate.

Good Job!

Natasha Grzelinski aged 6 obtained her level 4 proficiency gymnastics certificate. Great achievement!

George aged 11 obtained his Star award for creativity.

Awesome work!

Harmony aged 10 was awarded a trophy for best effort in gymnastics.

Great work!

Evie aged 10 was awarded the ‘To try is to triumph’ award at school.

Congratulations!

Harrison aged 9 has been awarded for his handwriting.

Excellent job!

Katie aged 8 got a certificate for the ‘Good fairies, bad fairies’ writing course at Kilve Court.

Fabulous work!

Maisy aged 8 passed her flute exam prep test.

Good work!

Freya Gwyther aged 5 received her level 6 gymnastics award.

Excellent!

Well done to Oscar and Gertie from High Littleton Church of England Primary School who have supported their Mum through 2015 in helping raise money for Cancer Research UK and The British Heart Foundation.

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