Families oxford july august 2018 (4)

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IN THIS ISSUE

WIN an annual pass to Warwick Castle

RECRUITING NOW Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or you wish to develop an extraordinary lifestyle, please call Diana Page 01235 533362 / 07747 086518

Issue 86 July/August 2018 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Oxfordshire 1

Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

What’s in this issue?

Summer is finally here... So begins long lazy days...time to get up and go on a walk, rediscover the pleasure of doing nothing at all with days spent lolling on the lawn while the children run squealing through the sprinkler as the smell of freshly cut grass fills the air.

And when you feel like doing something more energetic for the day, like visiting the beach, a summer festival or water park then this issue of families will give you some inspiration.

“Family is not an important thing; it’s everything.” - By Michael J. Fox

4 News and Views

The latest news for parents in Cambridgeshire

7 Pregnancy & Baby News

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

@familiesCambMag facebook.com/FamiliesUKOxfordshire

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

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

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk

The latest pregnancy advice, baby products and news for new mums including tried and tested products by our very own mums

8 What’s on this Summer

Great days out and events to keep you and your family occupied

11 Families Big Days Out – Our top 5

We have found 5 great days out, outside of Oxfordshire for something a little different

13 Coping with a ‘Tweenager’ Everything you need to help you with your child’s journey into teenage years

PUBLISHING Becky Lawrence ASSISTANT: admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Crystal McClean

15 Summer camps What’s On guide

DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net

Our guide to activities and workshops for children over the summer holidays

22,000 copies of Families Oxfordshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

WIN an Annual Family Pass to Warwick Castle!

Experience the fun of real history and enjoy spectacular daily shows and attractions!

Choose your side in the critically-acclaimed live action family show Wars of the Roses Live (selected dates until 2 September), complete with epic horseback battles, astounding stunt riding and swashbuckling sword fighting.

Get lost in time in the UK’s first Horrible Histories® Maze – watch your children’s faces light up as they explore the foul facts and fun games!

Witness The Mighty Trebuchet, the largest working catapult in the world, launch a cannonball 150ft into the air (selected dates) and don’t miss the spectacular Flight Of The Eagles Show (twice daily) featuring an impressive collection of eagles, buzzards and vultures!

For more information, visit www.warwickcastle.com TO ENTER

Email your answers to the following questions (and the name of the town/village where you live) to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk no later than 17 August 2018:

✸ Tell us in 50 words (or more) why you find Families magazine a useful tool for family life?

✸ How likely are you to respond to a piece of advertising you see in Families? a Very likely b Possibly c Unlikely

Terms and conditions apply. Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. See Warwick Castle website for full details.

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Families Oxfordshire 3

News & views

SHORT, SCENIC STROLLS FOR FAMILIES IN OXFORDSHIRE

An absolute gem of a book has recently been produced by John Prior. Perfect for the approaching summer holidays, ‘Weekend Walks South of Oxford’, details 12 short walks within the Oxford-Wantage-Henley triangle through scenic villages. Each route includes places of interest, somewhere to get refreshments (and find a toilet) and a playground, most are level and along footpaths or pavements. None is longer than 2 miles and some pass through villages featured in the series Midsomer Murders!

The culmination of family excursions made by John and his children (and later grandchildren) and published by his son-in-law, the book is everything family. Even the set-up is family focused in that it is a light booklet, so very easy to slip into a bag; each route is clearly shown and communicated with nice photos, including the all important playground, so is easy to use; and extra facts and information are separated from the route description to avoid distraction but to encourage further engagement with the walk either while doing it or at another time.

Walking is such a fantastic family activity for healthy time spent together and is often very economical! All ages can get involved and be together without too much effort.

Priced £5.95 and available in all good, local bookshops as well as Amazon.

HELP SAVE ENDANGERED STAG BEETLE

Between June and July, wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is asking families to record sightings of stag beetles on six summer evenings, as part of an ongoing European study into these impressive, yet endangered beetles.

Taking part in the European Stag Beetle Monitoring Network couldn’t be easier; all volunteers need to do is walk 500m, six times between June and July on warm, summer evenings, counting and recording any stag beetles they see.

Stag beetles are Britain’s largest land beetle with males reaching up to 7.5 cm in size. They are also one of the most spectacular looking insects, with a males’ huge mandibles (antler-like jaws) making them easy to spot!

To take part please visit: www.stagbeetlemonitoring.org.

Summer Phonics on the Beach

Some children starting school will already be able to read and some won’t yet recognise any letters. Don’t panic – it all evens out it the end!

Children learn to read at school using phonics, a method that teaches the correspondence between letters and sounds and how to blend them together.

Having fun introducing letters and sounds helps children. Here are some ideas for the beach this summer!

1. PHONICS PEBBLES - These are pebbles with a letter or group of letters written or painted on them. They can be bought, but it is fun making them. ‘Full Circle’ is a great game to help blend sounds together. Make a word such as ‘pin’. Then change one pebble at a time and see how many different words can be made until returning to the original word (pin – pit – pat – sat – sit – sin – pin).

2. PHONICS RUN - Around Write a few big letters or groups of letters such as ‘sh’, ‘ch’, ‘oo’, ‘oa’ in the sand in a hopscotch sort of pattern.

Call out different sounds and let the children jump on to the correct sounds.

3. SAND WRITING - Take turns writing the biggest letter you can in the sand, try to say it before a wave washes it away. Get children to look for things on the beach starting or ending with the sound that is written in the sand.

As soon as your child has learned the first few sounds, they can start to read. There are many fully decode-able reading schemes available, such as Phonics Bug, Floppy’s Phonics, Big Cat Phonics and Yellow Door Phonics.

For more information on phonics books and to access a variety of reading schemes, visit www.readingchest.co.uk.

Reading Chest offers Families readers £5.00 off their first month’s membership with the code FAM18.

HOW TO COACH YOUR CHILD THROUGH EXAMS – 10 TIPS 1. Ask how they learn best - Talk to them about how they’ve learnt something they’re good at and get them to identify what helped them to learn and remember it. Now ask them how they could use the same strategies to learn the new information.

2. Help them make a weekly revision timetable - The more they feel the timetable is ‘their baby’, the more likely they are to follow it.

4 Families Oxfordshire

3. Break revision sessions into short slots - The brain can only focus 100% for short bursts of time. A good guideline is to use the child’s age as the number of minutes for each timetabled revision slot.

4. Give them timed breaks - This will allow their brain to recover before the next revision slot.

5. Recognise small steps forward Encourage your child to mark off each successfully completed revision slot.

6. Acknowledge your child’s stress - Try to validate their feelings and show them that you understand. Then follow it up with a solution-focused question such as “What could you do to feel less stressed?”

7. Build their confidence - Attitudes are contagious so be positive, upbeat and let them know you believe 100% they can do it.

8. Help your child overcome obstacles If they’re struggling, ask what’s stopping them or getting in the way of their revision. Then ask how they could overcome it.

9. Remind them that their revision WILL make a difference - it’s NEVER too late!

10. Get your child to visualise success - Help your child to imagine successfully taking the exam.

Taken from Annie Boate, author of A Coaching Revolution (February 2018)

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News & views

Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge 2018 The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays. Kids can sign up at their local library and then read six books of choice to complete the Challenge. There are exclusive rewards to collect along the way, and it’s FREE to take part! Plus books need not be borrowed exclusively from the same library.

Run by the charity The Reading Agency, the challenge is aimed at children aged 4-11 years. But many libraries offer something for younger and older children too. This year’s theme, Mischief Makers, is inspired by the much-loved iconic children’s title Beano, which celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Most libraries in England will start the Challenge on Saturday 14 July 2018. The Summer Reading Challenge website can help kids keep track of reading all year round and also features games and competitions. For more details visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

The National Tenner Awards recognise Young Entrepeneurs from Oxfordshire

A 12 year old student from Oxfordshire’s Icknield Community College who set up a business as part of the National Tenner Challenge, run by Young Enterprise and supported by the Business Growth Fund, won the Most Inspiring Individual award for her company ‘Buddy in a Box’.

Students were given £10 and four weeks to set up a business and make as much profit as they could; over 27,000 students took part. The winners were announced in May at The Bank of England.

Icknield Community College Assistant Head Teacher, Vicky Pickford said “Tenner has been a fantastic opportunity for students to experience the challenges of starting a new business.”

The Tenner Programme gives students an opportunity to develop key employability skills. At the end of the month participants were asked to return their £10 pledges with a £1 legacy donation to enable Young Enterprise to support even more people the following year. Students can keep their remaining profits, though many donate to a charity. www.young-enterprise.org.uk

OXFORD MUM TO WALK 100km

Lisa Harman’s son Max was diagnosed with lifelong, incurable liver and bowel disease two years ago; PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis). This incurable and progressive liver disease currently has no treatment. It is a rare disease for a child to have and the rate of progression is unknown. The family live in hope that its progress in Max is far slower than the development of a treatment and ultimately a cure.

Last year Lisa walked 50km of Dixons Carphone Race to the Stones, which took just over 11 hours. This year, on 14 July, she will walk the entire distance of 100km on her own, non-stop for Max and the charity which supports people with PSC. If determination and the focus of seeing her boys at the finish are enough, Lisa hopes to complete the Race in less than 24 hours. Max has promised to bring chocolate at the finishing line!

To donate to PSC Support, please text MAXH24 £10 to 70070 or to contribute to Lisa’s fundraising, please visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fraggle_elle76 familiesonline.co.uk

PARENTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE: PROTECT DON’T PUNISH WITH HAANDLE

Today’s kids have more access to the internet than ever before, with an incredible 8.3 connected devices found in the average home. This brings dangers such as obsessive usage, cyber bullying and exposure to explicit content. It’s a real concern for parents who seem to have no where to turn.

A new device for the home, haandle, has been launched to help reconnect families by giving parents the ability to monitor usage, customise restrictions and manage access to the internet.

The small white box plugs directly into the home router to manage internet access to all devices connected to the network including mobile phones, tablets and games consoles. It can also block access to mobile data and external WiFi networks, as well as the home WiFi, meaning it doesn’t simply stop working as soon as your child leaves the home. The new content filtering option is a welcomed extra and allows parents to restrict access to certain categories of website or specific website addresses such as Facebook. haandle was created and founded by Paul Hague an experienced technology professional and father of three, who knows first-hand how excessive internet usage can affect children and family life.

“The internet is a great resource that has many benefits for young people, but it is important for parents to regain control so their child’s life is no longer dictated by a screen. I found myself in the same position as many parents with a child that was spending more time on the internet and less time engaging with the family and activities they once loved. Finding nothing to help, I thought it was time to put my experience to use and create something to do just that – haandle was born,” said Hague. www.haandle.com

RECEPTION CHILDREN MONKEY AROUND WITH FREE READING BOOKS

School starters in England will receive their very own copy of the book Little Monkey this September as part of Book Trust’s Time to Read campaign.

This funny and empowering picture book tells the tale of a little monkey in a big troop, in an even bigger jungle.

Monkey has enough of missing out, of being too small for big adventures, so she bravely heads off all alone to climb to the top of the tallest tree in the jungle.

Written and illustrated by renowned Marta Altés, Little Monkey (Pan Macmillan) shows us that the world is a big, wild and wonderful place where anything is possible.

BookTrust Chief Executive Diana Gerald said: “Children are more likely to read if they’re having fun with stories and we couldn’t think of a more colourful, enjoyable and entertaining book. At BookTrust we want to ensure all children have access to books and enjoy the adventure and escapism that comes with getting lost in a good book.

Little Monkey is beautifully illustrated and brilliant to read aloud.”

A panel of experts chose Little Monkey because of its fun, detailed illustrations and great message that no matter how small you are, or how big the world seems, you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it.

Every reception age child in England will start receiving Little Monkey at school from September. www.booktrust.org.uk/ timetoread Families Oxfordshire 5

ces for Funded Pla

S Y O B D E T N TALE

We have Funded Places that can be worth up to 100% of the fees at 13+. Radley is a top boys’ boarding school near Oxford.

Catholic independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2 to 13

“The quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning is excellent” ISI Inspection Report

To find out more about Funded Places join us at Radley on

10th November 2018 at 1.30pm To book a place please call the number below or, follow the web link.

01235 543174

www.radley.org.uk/funded-places

Goring Heath, South Oxfordshire, RG8 7SF tel: 0118 984 4511 email: office@oratoryprep.co.uk website: www.oratoryprep.co.uk

6 Families Oxfordshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Baby News ‘FINDING A RAINBOW’ TO SUPPORT FAMILIES FOLLOWING BABY LOSS Kicks Count, the UK’s leading baby movement awareness charity and Frugi, the best-selling organic children’s wear brand, launched

Finding A Rainbow project earlier this year

to help raise awareness of the importance of monitoring baby movements in pregnancy.

The project also provides invaluable support to families who have experienced the tragic death of a baby.

Parents expecting a “Rainbow Baby” (a baby

born following the loss of another) will receive two beautiful bundles as part of the project.

One will include a Kicks Count wristband to

help them monitor their baby’s movements as well as an “I’ve had a previous stillbirth/neo

natal death” antenatal sticker for their notes.

The second is a sibling bundle which

includes a copy of the book ‘We Will Always

PLUSH MONKEY CUDDLY

Matchstick Monkey, the award winning baby teether brand, is proud to introduce a new addition... soft, cute and cuddly Plush Monkeys!

As with all members of the Matchstick Monkey family, these new cuddly monkeys include a number of innovative features to provide warmth, friendship, fun and comfort when little ones are feeling out of sorts. Handy velcro hands make them perfect for hanging from cots, prams and pushchairs and enable the cuddlies to hold hands and look out for each other. A bottom filled with beans, allows them to sit upright so they’re easier to play with; while soft, crinkly textured feet will keep little ones intrigued for hours. Available in Small (21cm) £11.00; Medium (28cm) £17.00; Large (38cm) £27.00 www.matchstickmonkey.com

Dream sleep with Ewan the sheep The iconic Ewan the Dream Sheep has had a deluxe upgrade and now includes the MoonMode smartCRY sensor, which has been thoughtfully designed to automatically activate when baby stirs in the night.

That clever function means Ewan Deluxe can effortlessly work his magic to resettle little ones, while mum and dad stay tucked up in bed! Better still, the Ewan Deluxe also has a removable control pod so the iconic character can be washed when needed to ensure he is always clean. RRP £39.99 www.sweetdreamers.co.uk

Remember Our Baby’, written by Elizabeth Hutton to help explain baby loss to young children, and two teddies - one for the child to look after, the other to give to their newborn sibling when they arrive.

Launching the project, Elizabeth Hutton, CEO of Kicks Count said: “I know from personal experience that families who have lost a baby never forget the child that they have lost and it can often be difficult to explain to siblings who come before and after what has happened to their baby brother or sister. We hope that these two bundles will help to make that conversation easier and that they also help to raise awareness of the importance of baby movement.”

The packs are available through bereavement midwives and can also be purchased via the Kicks Count website at www.kickscount.org.uk/rainbow

BIRTH JOURNEY WITH PRIVATE MIDWIFE Private Midwives is the UK’s leading provider of private midwives, providing professional care to those looking for that extra peace of mind and reassurance throughout their pregnancy journey. The company offers a large network of regulated and fully insured midwives who are carefully matched to each family, according to their unique approaches and expertise.

Individual packages can be put together to suit mothers-to-be, whether birth support and antenatal care or postnatal care and breastfeeding support. Whatever the mother’s wishes, worries or queries, Private Midwives are there to support and offer reassuring expertise 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Antenatal Support package provides regular monitoring and frequent appointments, usually with the same midwife throughout, and helps to ensure a positive pregnancy and birth experience.

The Birth Care and Support package has been created to ensure the most positive birthing experience possible. Whether it is comforting hand-holding, reassuring advice or calming support, the midwife can also help to explain the birth choices available and assist with medicalrelated questions.

For extra peace of mind, flexible, scheduled appointments can be booked at the convenience of each family so that partners, children and loved ones can be part of the journey. www.privatemidwives.com

Monkey Music Oxford E: oxford@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01235 519806

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Families Oxfordshire 7

W hat’s Onto

FALCONRY IN THE PARK

WHERE: Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens WHEN: July & August

places Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all

Get eye-to-eye with Giraffe, watch Penguins being fed, explore the adventure playground, take a ride on Bella the Train. Every weekend and August Bank holiday Monday enjoy amazing Falconry!

Adult £16, Child (3-16 years) £10 and 0-2 FREE www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Ox fords h ire

Treasure Island

WHERE: Trinity College gardens WHEN: 10-21 July: 20.00

The Oxford Theatre Guild’s vibrant production of this coming-of-age tale, takes on new energy weaving in elements of parkour and puppetry to bring the adventure to life.

Matinee 14 July, 14.30. £15 (£12 concessions) www.oxfordtheatreguild.com

Little Shop of Stories

Summer Fun Trails

Centre

Near Wheatley WHEN: 14 July - 2 September Enjoy orienteering around the ornamental gardens, using directions and clues, to find WHERE: hidden characters.

Complete your adventure and collect a prize! £3 www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

WHERE: John Lewis, Westgate WHEN: July & August: 12.30-

15.00 Appearing under the stunning Roses installation on the Ground floor of John Lewis, children of all ages can enjoy a story every Wednesday and first Saturday of each month delivered by The Story Museum’s team of expert Story Guides. www.storymuseum.org.uk e! Peter Rabbit Fre Mischief and Mayhem

Sense and Sensibility WHERE: Claydon House and

Gardens WHEN: 14 July: 18.30 Follow the sisters as they fall in love, make mistakes and experience heartbreak for the first time in their quest to find a balance between sense and sensibility, by Chapterhouse outdoor theatre.

Adult £17.60; Child £11; Family £49.22 www.chapterhouse.org 0344 249 1895

Giffords Circus

WHERE: Stonor Park and Gardens WHEN: 19-23 July

My Beautiful Circus – who wouldn’t want to run away with the circus? Celebrate the birth of circus with bonkers, surprising, diverse and life affirming art. Very popular. From £15/£10 www.shows.giffordscircus.com/ events/month/ Fre

e!

Hands on Tabla

WHERE: Pitt Rivers Museum WHEN: 21 July: 14.00-15.30

Go and listen to Indian tablas and have a go yourself; free drop-in session suitable for adults and families. FREE www.prm.ox.ac.uk 8 Families Cambridgeshire

WHERE: The Oxfordshire

Museum, Woodstock WHEN: July – 8 September Enter a playroom where visitors can have fun helping Mrs Tiggywinkle hang up the laundry or visit Mrs Rabbit in her burrow. Children can dress up as Peter or help plant carrots in Mr McGregor’s garden! FREE www.oxfordshire.gov.uk

Crocodiles of the World WHERE: Brize Norton

WHEN: July & August

See crocodiles in clear water habitats with incredible underwater viewing. Come face to face with some of the most feared predators on the planet and more!

Adult £8.95; Child £6.50 www.crocodilesoftheworld. co.uk

WHERE: Waterperry Gardens,

Wild West Maze WHERE: Millets Farm Centre

WHEN: 18 July – 3 September

With bouncy castle, trampolines, ride on tractors, pedal go-karts, crazy golf, sand pits, construction area, toddler zone and garden games. £7 www.milletsfarmcentre.com

Monday Morning Stories WHERE: Cogges Hall, Witney WHEN: July & August: 10.30-

11.00 After greeting the goats and feeding breakfast to the pigs, why not pop to the parlour to hear some familiar tales or new adventures. Enjoy nature play and den building too.

Adult £6.50; Child £4.50 www.cogges.org.uk

Teddy Beards & Fancy Dress Weekend WHERE: Cholsey

WALKING WITH ALPACAS WHERE: Fairy Tale Farm,

Chipping Norton

WHEN: July & August:

and Wallingford Railway

12.00 & 15.00

14 & 15 July Children travel for half fare when accompanied by a Teddy. And why not dress up too! Enjoy fun rides on old trains.

Adult £10; Child £7 (usual); Under 5s FREE www.cholsey-wallingfordrailway.com/events

holidays visitors can walk with

WHEN:

Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer school alpacas! Take one of these enchanting creatures around a farm trail and learn the art of training an alpaca to walk. £2 per walker

www.fairytalefarm.co.uk

RHINOS ON THE LAWN WHERE: Cotswold Wildlife Park &

Gardens WHEN: August: 10.00-18.00 Daily talks at 14.00 by Keepers, near the Rhino Paddock, about these magnificent animals, the threats and conservation work Adult £16, Child (3-16 years) £10 and 0-2 FREE www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families What’s on Operation Earth: Investigating Oceans

PETER PAN

WHERE: Oxford University

WHERE: Blenheim Palace

Pleasure Gardens WHEN: 26-27 August Filled with catchy music, heaps of audience interaction and the opportunity to meet the characters after the show, this hilarious musical promises to have everyone hooked! www.immersiontheatre.co.uk/outdoor-peter-pan-2018

Steam Days

WHERE: Didcot Railway Centre WHEN: July & August

On specific days throughout the holidays, the railway will be running steam train rides and other activities. www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

WHEN: 20 August: 13.00-16.00

VINTAGE TRANSPORT FESTIVAL WHERE: Oxford Bus Museum WHEN: 29 July

Go and see a colourful array of vintage buses from the 60s! With frequent vintage bus/coach rides from Oxford Parkway; Witney and Woodstock.

Adult £6; Child £3 www.oxfordbusmuseum.org. uk

Pick Your Own

MINI-BEAST BOP

WHERE: Rectory

WHERE: Sutton Courtenay WHEN: 16 August: 9.30-11.30

Farm

WHEN:

July - August With Strawberries, Raspberries, Gooseberries and other fruits and vegetables until the end of October. Plus free bouncy castle, sandpit and hay stack. Tractor Shack open Tuesday-Sunday for snacks. www.rectoryfarmpyo.co.uk

Summer Holidays at Sulgrave

WHERE: Sulgrave Manor WHEN: 26 July to end August

Get outside and explore the grounds of Sulgrave Manor this summer holiday; with regular kids activities on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Family £22 www.sulgravemanor.org.uk

Elements Picnic

WHERE: Oxford Botanic Garden

and Arboretum WHEN: 28 July: 13.00-16.00 Discover more about earth, wind, water and fire and enjoy your picnic in a beautiful setting.

Live music, family friendly craft and gardening activities for the young, and for the young at heart. Free for children with paying adult www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Museum of Natural History Explore a whole new world under the sea with crafts and specimen handling. Drop-in www.oum.ox.ac.uk

Environmental Education Centre Discover all about the different bugs and beasties that live here through stories, songs, trails and creative activities. Suitable for children 18 months to 4 years.

Booking essential. £6 per child www.bbowt.org.uk sceec@bbowt.org.uk

Magical Meadows and Woodland Wonders WHERE: Sutton Courtenay

WHEN: 28-30 August: 10.00-15.00

Environmental Education Centre Explore the wonders of the natural world. Create spells, wands, and special homes for the creatures of the woods. Dress up as a magical woodland creature!

Booking essential. 4+ £4 per child www.bbowt.org.uk sceec@ bbowt.org.uk

Family Open Afternoons

WHERE: Soldiers of Oxfordshire

Museum WHEN: Wednesdays in August Just drop in between 2pm and 4pm. Each open afternoon includes a make and take craft activity with a different theme. £2 per child www.sofo.org.uk

Operation Earth: Brilliant Bees WHERE: Oxford

University WHEN: 6 August: 13.00-16.00 Museum of Natural History An exciting bee bonanza featuring Horrible Science illustrator Tony de Saulles who will be talking about his book Bee Boy. Drop-in but talk at 2.30pm must be booked; for 6+. www.oum.ox.ac.uk

Tiddler and other Terrific Tales

WHERE: Oxford Playhouse WHEN: 22-25 August

Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle ; these terrific tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and colourful characters from bestloved titles.

Adult £14.50; Child £10 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND WHERE: Waterperry Gardens, Near Wheatley WHEN: 27 July: 17.00

Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company.

Join Alice as she stumbles into a magical world and meet a whole host of colourful characters.

Adult £17.60; Child £11; Family £49.22 www.chapterhouse.org 01844 339 254

Families Cambridgeshire 9

Read to succeed this summer!

Keep children reading with regular deliveries of inspiring books perfectly suited to their level.

It’s easy to succeed with Reading Chest!

www.readingchest.co.uk Book rental for young readers

Big Days Out

ZSL WHIPSNADE ZOO, BEDFORDSHIRE

Around Oxfordshire

The long, lazy days of summer demand BIG family fun and can accommodate longer journeying times to reach prized destinations.

Check out our 5 picks of fabulous all-day adventure attractions beyond Oxfordshire’s borders!

The superheroes are taking over Whipsnade throughout 2018!

Celebrate the world’s most incredible wildlife at the UK’s largest Zoo. Meet ZSL’s own superheroes working to protect animals from some of the planet’s greatest villains and encounter over 3500 stars of the animal world on site. Sign-up to the superhero Academy then see the Lions of The Serengeti or delight in small wonders in the Butterfly House. Ride the Jumbo Express. Let your own heroes fly in the Hullabazoo farm and play area; might they be brave enough to try Nature Night Camping?

PRICE: Adult £22.90; Child £16.60 CONTACT: www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR, HERTFORDSHIRE

WOOKEY HOLE CAVES, SOMERSET

With over 20 attractions there’s something for everyone, whatever the weather! A spectacular guided cave tour, fairy garden, magical mirror maze, wizard’s play castle, paper making demonstrations, museums, vintage penny arcade, pirate island adventure golf and so much more. New for 2018 is Animatronic Dinosaurs in all their roaring, hissing, blinking and stomping gigantic glory! The 4D cinema opens its doors with Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs™ and Wookey Hole Circus Show is celebrating 250 years of circus this year. So travel on down for adventure!

PRICE: Online Adult £16.50; Child £12.75; Under 3s FREE CONTACT: www.wookey.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

A fascinating insight into the world of film and the Harry Potter movies through a series of sets, props and insight into the role of special effects. Who could resist the chance to step into the Great Hall or Forbidden Forest?

There’s even Diagon Alley and the Hogwart’s Express. The Puking pastilles and Whomping Willow however might be things to avoid!

An excellent opportunity to revel in all things Wizardy and learn something of the magic that goes into transforming the imagined into something called real entertainment. Timed, advanced bookings only.

PRICE: Saver Adult £41; Child £33; Under 4s FREE CONTACT: www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.

STONEHENGE, WILTSHIRE

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Berkshire

Kids of all ages adore this attraction. To get the best ticket deal it pays to book ahead. This year the park opens with even more attractions including iconic new landmarks in the world famous Miniland, an awesome digital LEGO® Reef, brand new NINJAGO themed hotel rooms and an exclusive LEGO® NINJAGO® 4D movie. With over 55 rides, the opportunity to craft things for yourself and seek out familiar characters, the theme-park is the building blocks of dreams – and for a real treat you could always spend the night!

PRICE: Tickets from £32 when booked online in advance CONTACT: www.legoland.co.uk

One of the best-known prehistoric wonders of the world set in an incredible landscape, you cannot fail to be impressed by Stonehenge and the opportunity to interact with it is a special treat. Explore the ancient landscape on foot and step inside the Neolithic Houses to discover the tools and objects of everyday Neolithic life. Visit the world-class exhibition and visitor centre with 250 ancient objects and come face to face with a 5,500 year-old man. Pick up a Children’s Activity Pack to use during your visit, or to keep everyone entertained on the journey home.

PRICE: Adult 17.50; Child 10.50 CONTACT: www.english-heritage. org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge

Families Oxfordshire 11

Oxfordshire Independent School Open Days ABINGDON SCHOOL Park Road, OX14 1DE Boys 4-18 Day and Boarding Open Morning

29 September 9.30 – 12.30, drop-in For other visits, contact admissions 01235 849011 or admissions@abingdon.org.uk ABINGDON PREPARATORY SCHOOL Frilford, OX13 5NX Boys 4-13 Open Morning 6 October 10.00 – 12.00 To visit privately, contact: admissions.manager@ abingdonprep.org.uk or call 01865 392303 www.abingdon.org.uk

CHANDLINGS SCHOOL Oxford, OX1 5ND Girls & Boys 2-11 For Admissions information and to book a visit contact the Registrar, Mrs Anna Poole 01865 730771 annapoole@chandlings.org.uk www.chandlings.org.uk

COKETHORPE SCHOOL Witney, OX29 7PU Boys & Girls 4-18 Whole School Open Morning 22 September 9.30 – 12.00 For individual visit contact Admissions Secretary on 01993 703921 or email admissions@ cokethorpe.org. www.cokethorpe.org.uk CRANFORD HOUSE Moulsford, OX10 9HT Girls 3-16 & Boys 3-11 Whole School Open Morning 6 October 9.30-12.00 openmorning@cranfordhouse.net.

01491 651218 www.cranfordhouse.net RADLEY COLLEGE Abingdon, OX14 2HR Boys 13-18 Boarding Funded Places Afternoon 10 November 13.30 Parents of potential pupils are welcome to register their interest and visit three years ahead of entry. Those registered are invited to open events. Prospective parents are encouraged to contact admissions to express their interest. admissions@radley.org.uk 01235 543174 www.radley.org.uk

MOULSFORD BOY’S PREP SCHOOL Moulsford-on-Thames, OX10 9HR Boarding & Day Boys 4-13 To find out about next open day visit www.moulsford.com or call 01491 651438 NEW COLLEGE SCHOOL Oxford, OX1 3UA Boys 4-13 For individual visits telephone the Registrar, Mrs Dee McCusker 01865 285560 or email office@ newcollegeschool.org.

Autumn Open events have yet to be confirmed. www.newcollegeschool.org OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL OX2 6XA Girls 4-18 Meet the Headmaster Senior 11 September, 26 September 11 October Senior School Open Evening 5 October Book online oxfordhigh.gdst.net/ visit-us/ 01865 559888

RYE ST ANTONY SCHOOL Pullen’s Lane, OX3 0BY Girls 3-18 & Boys 3-11 Day and boarding Open Morning 29 September 10.00-12.30 To request invite or to visit School contact Fern Williams, Registrar 01865 762802 www.ryestantony.co.uk THE MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL Abingdon, OX13 6LN Boys and Girls 2-11 (Sept. 18) Open Morning 29 September 10.00 - 12.30 To confirm attendance, email registrar@oratoryprep.co.uk or telephone 0118 9844511 www.oratoryprep.co.uk HEADINGTON SCHOOL Headington School Headington Rd Oxford OX3 7TD +44(0) 1865 759100 www.headington.org Whole School Open Day Saturday 6th October 2018

All details are correct at time of printing.

Please check each school prior to visiting.

All events require booking unless otherwise indicated.

Please mention Families Oxfordshire Magazine

An ‘Exceptional’ education from £3,000 per term Oxford’s leading day school for girls aged 4 to 18 www.ohsvisit.org.uk 12 Families Oxfordshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Parenting

COPING WITH A ‘TWEENAGER’

by Claire Winter

You’re at home, and suddenly your child starts eye-rolling, and saying ‘so what.’ You’ve guessed it… your child is becoming a ‘tweenager.’ As it will probably feel like just 5 minutes since they started school, this can come as a shock. The truth is though that children are becoming teenagers at younger and younger ages - as young as age 10 for some girls with the onset of early adolescence.

So what do you need to know about your

Parenting expert

child’s impending entry into teenagehood? I

Judy Bartkowiak

raising a teen is that your role is to give them

nlpkids.com) jokingly

adult. You are not there to save them from

problem young

think the best advice I have been given about

from NLP Kids (www.

the skills they need to become a successful

says the biggest

failure or be their best friend.

people face,“is

Understanding your teen

Seriously though,

often their parents!”

Remember you teenager’s body is changing rapidly, as hormones shift and surge; the brain and emotions are on a permanent

rollercoaster. Boys have to manage large

surges of testosterone and girls have to cope with the mood swings that arrive along with

oestrogen. At the same time, they are figuring out how to make decisions independently and how they want to live in the world.

According to Edward

Anthony, a mental health

educator from Mental Well Being in Schools (www.

mentalwellbeinginschools.org)

the biggest problem teenagers

it’s much easier for children to take

responsibility for

packing the right

books in their bags,

getting to where they need to be and doing their homework on time when parents

gradually hand over the responsibility

Parents need to teach children how to look after themselves and become more resilient

meaning of mental health. “They need

to be able to access resilience, happiness,

feeling, they can connect easily to others.

for this during primary school.

From that feeling, we make better decisions,

them, running into school

have difficult conversations with a feeling of

supervising homework, they

that any kind of negativity or bad behaviour in

By doing everything for

enjoy relaxed and loving relationships, can

with forgotten items and

ease and openness, and we see more clearly

effectively tell their kids ‘you

another person is simply a product of a poor

need me, without me you’d be

face is misunderstandingthe

a kind, open, loving and non-judgemental

useless.’ Parents need to teach children

how to look after themselves and become

state of mind and bad feeling. This enables us to not take things personally and completely transforms parent/child relationships.”

contentment, high performance, and peace of

more resilient.”

life, any other problems they face - anxiety,

How Can Parents Help their Teens?

Model the behaviour you want to see in

Edward and his team at Wellbeing in Schools

moderate their screen time, limit yours. If you

mind. When these qualities are in a teenager’s

peer pressure, bullying, academic stress, social media pressures - are easier to navigate.”

are changing young people’s understanding

of the impact of their thoughts. They remind them that thoughts are passing energy and

that when their thinking is settled, they will be happier.

“Mental illness is the result of chronic mental

stress. Humans experience chronic mental

stress when they actively engage their ability

to think. Generally speaking, when we actively use our ability to think to manage the tasks in our day, manage our feelings and behaviour,

analyse who we are and our beliefs, ideas and

expectations, we create chaos in our minds. A high level of thought creates a very low state

of mind. In a low state of mind, it is impossible for a human being to be resilient, happy,

innovative, loving or comfortable in their own skin.”

Edward says we can help our tweenagers

by learning how state of mind can impact a

relationship. “When people are experiencing familiesonline.co.uk

Top Tip for Parents your child. Judy says, “If you want them to

want them to listen, hear what they have to

say. If you want them to eat well, buy healthy food and cook healthy meals. They can’t eat

biscuits and crisps if you don’t buy them, the same goes for sugary drinks.”

Judy also says to remember to believe in

yourself. “You’ve done a great job bringing

them up and getting them through primary

school. Trust that this will stand them in good stead for secondary school. They’ll make

mistakes, it’s how we learn, and we build

self-esteem through getting that learning from the occasional failure. Be able to laugh about it, cuddle them and let them know you love them.”

One of the psychological goals of the teen

years is to become independent from adults

and to develop your own personality and place in society. Letting go of your teen might be

a bumpy ride but if you do it with love and a

sense of humour, you should make it through.

Families Oxfordshire 13

Do you have a budding writer in the family?

Get them professional help from published authors.

Online, one-to-one summer courses starting Mid-July.

Contact us for details and special summer fees. www.theoxfordeditors.co.uk

Wild Summer 2018 Starts Here Held in safari-style woodland camps, our back-to-nature adventures are packed full of exciting bushcraft activities all through the summer holidays.

3-day and 5-day camps available at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire for children aged 6-15.

Call: 01865 238066

Cornbury Park Oxfordshire

Book online at

www.campwilderness.co.uk 03332 004469 Hello@campwilderness.co.uk

Brought to you by The Bushcraft Company – the experts in real outdoor adventures.

14 Families Oxfordshire 338 CW Ad_87x130_Cornbury Park.indd 1

13/06/2018 13:34

familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Clubs & Classes

On W hagts ’s to do this

CAMP WILDERNESS

Thin ay summer holid rt & , spo Drama, music ething m education...so e ry e for ev on

Days at camp are spent participating in a host of exciting activities, from traditional fire-lighting and shelter-building, to archery and wild swimming. And with evenings spent enjoying big bushtucker feasts, playing football and rounders in the fields, and roasting marshmallows over the campfire, Camp Wilderness is the perfect place to make great friends and long-lasting memories.

Ages 5-15 www.campwilderness.co.uk 03332 004 469

Ox fords h ire

Summer Story Makers & Story Adventurers WHERE: The Story Museum,

Oxford

WHEN: 23-27 July & 30 July-

3 August Go for a week of stories and activities and earn a Discover Arts Award on these brilliant full week Summer courses. Story Makers teaches story-telling to stand-up comedy, while Adventures work with comic artist and animators.

Early drop off and/or late collection is available, as are pack lunches. For 8-12 yrs. £160 www.storymuseum.org.uk 01865 807600

OXFORD EDITORS Do you have a budding writer in the family? Get them professional help from published authors.

Online, one-to-one summer courses starting Mid-July.

Contact us for details and special summer fees. www.theoxfordeditors Phone number 01865 238066

STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS

WHEN: July & August Workshops WHERE: Venues across

Oxfordshire Five-day summer workshops at Headington and Summertown for Juniors Age 4-10 - Pirates Versus Mermaids (£130) and Seniors Age 11-18 - Aladdin Jr (£170).

At Abingdon, ‘CINDERELLA & ROCKERFELLA’ (for ages 4-8) £140 and ‘SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN Jr.’ Summer Musical 2018 (for ages 9-18) £190. At Thame, The Bee Musical 1 £125. Three-day courses at Bicester, £56 and £108.

Faringdon and Aylesbury also holding summer workshops.

See website for details. www.stagecoach.co.uk 0800 915 0199

Bright Sparks Holiday Science Camps WHERE: Locations across

Active Camps WHERE: Oxford High

WHEN: 12 July – 31 August

All children (3-14 yrs) have the opportunity to participate in sports, arts & crafts, and icebreaker games to encourage all areas of development and to bond with other children and staff; plus talent shows, dancing, cooking, and off-site trips! £21/half-day £39/day £170/week www.active-camps.com 01865 594325 familiesonline.co.uk

Oxfordshire WHEN: 30 July – 31 August: 9.00-15.30 Designed to entertain primary school-aged children, they can experiment for themselves, take part in science challenges and investigate how things work. Jam packed with science tricks, messy experiments, fun games and science crafts. 5-11yrs. £28/day 01865 522 775 www.brightsparksscience.co.uk

When booking courses, please mention Families Oxfordshire Magazine

THE SONG ACADEMY SONGWRITING SUMMER CAMP WHERE: St Helen & St Katharine School, Abingdon WHEN: 30 July - 3 August: 10.00-16.00

For those with or without experience, aged 8-10, 11-14 and 15-18.

Topics covered include: Generating ideas for songs, Lyric writing, Melodies & Chords, Rhythm & Beats, Composition, Production, Recording & Performance. A fast-paced, fun-packed week learning from the Song Academy team of professional songwriters and musicians while making friends and collaborating with peers. £75/day or £375/week www.songacademy.co.uk/camp

Holiday Kids Club

WHERE: Soldiers of Oxfordshire

Museum WHEN: Fridays: 10.00-12.30 No Parents! Each week there’s a different theme and a quirky link to the museum’s collection.

Packed with trails, quizzes, games, craft, active learning, kitchen science and outdoor fun. Including Bubble Science, Fun with Floating, Colour Science and Get Wacky with Water! £8 www.sofo.org.uk/kids-club/ 01993 810211

Play in a Week: Rags to Riches

WHERE: Oxford Playhouse WHEN: 6 August

Inspired by pantomime Dick Whittington and his Cat, encourage your child’s imagination to set sail! This high-energy week will use improvisation, slapstick and rhyming to create a performance for friends and family at the end of the week. £125 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

ULTIMATE ACTIVITY CAMPS WHERE: Marcham, Abingdon,

Sandford on Thames, Headington, Farmoor Children can enjoy a brilliant mix of sports, games and creative activities led by inspiring staff at amazing locations.Ultimate Activity Camps offer great savings if you book early and they also accept childcare vouchers. For flexibility, book by the day or week and change dates for free up to 14 days in advance. Ofsted registered and all their staff is DBS cleared and qualified teachers or instructors .

Ages 4-14yrs. 0330 111 7077 www.ultimateactivity.co.uk

Hogwarts Classic Summer School WHERE: Iris Classics Centre at Cheney WHEN: 27-29 August: 9.00-12.45

Latin & Greek language Summer School with Harry Potter and Hogwarts theme for ages 7 to 14. Run by experienced teachers with activities as well as language learning. Attendees need to choose one language they would like to learn. £20 per child www.eoccc.org.uk/hogwarts-classics-summer-school-27-29-august Families Oxfordshire 15

WHAT COULD OUR FUTURES HOLD?

WHOLE SCHOOL

OPEN MORNING Saturday 6th October 10.00 -12.30 pm Book your place at

www.headington.org

SENIOR SCHOOL

NURSERY

SIXTH FORM

PREP SCHOOL