Family cambridgeshire magazine sept oct page1 24 final web rev

THE TRADE MAGAZINE FOR MUMS & DADS!

FREE! Cambridgeshire SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE #38

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Contents & Competitons

Contents

Dear Reader,

4 News and Views

As we make that familiar first walk back to school, I love the nostalgic smell of damp grass that takes me back to my own childhood and my boys’ first days at school. Conkers ripen on the trees, one of the first hints of autumn, and thoughts of long summer days turn to cosy nights in and comforting food. Make the most of those end-of-summer days with our selection of things to do in the regular ‘What’s On’ pages 8 & 9. If you have a not so little one just starting secondary school next year take a look at our helpful tips on choosing a school (pages 20 & 21) along with a list of school open days to help you plan your visits.

Quote of the day: ‘Enjoy the little things in life for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things’

7 Pregnancy & Baby News

Great days out and events to keep you and your family occupied this autumn.

11 What’s On this Halloween

A FAMILY TICKET TO MONSTERSAURUS Cambridge Junction is offering a Family Ticket to one lucky reader on Sunday 18th September Follow young inventor Monty as he creates a whole world of whacky inventions and incredible monsters in this energetic show full of thrills, spills, magic, mayhem, original music and plenty of audience participation.

Join them for a FREE pre-show, drop-in arts and crafts session in the foyer too.

To enter simply name the inventor on the website www.familiesonline/local/southcambridgeshire

Only one entrant from same e-mail address or household will be accepted.Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering.Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt.All decisions of Clip and Climbs are final and no correspondence will be entered into.No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize. Families Magazine is not liable for any delay or failure by the prize provider to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition.By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions.Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and contacted via the email address provided by the entrant. If the promoter does not obtain a response from the winner within 14 days, we reserve the right to select another winner at random.This competition is restricted to UK residents only.The competition is free to enter and no purchase is necessaryThe prize draw is governed by English law and disputes will be dealt with by the English courts. The closing date for entries is 11.59pm Monday 27th JULY 2016. No entries received after this date will be accepted

Families Cambridgeshire is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

19,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know. Cover image: ©National Trust Images

£18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

Competition winner is Jalil from Cambridge

The latest pregnancy advice, baby products and news for new mums

8 What’s On this autumn

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or

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The latest news for parents in Cambridgeshire

From frightening fairy tales to Monster balls, we have the best ghoulish goings on.

13 Schools Feature

Take a closer look at some of the schools in Cambridgeshire before planning your open day visits.

17 My child hates school: what can I do?

Not all children enjoy school, if your child isn’t keen, read our advice on what you can do to help.

19 Does size matter when choosing a school?

Nigel Helliwell head of St Faiths, a large prep school in Cambridge gives us his advice

20 Which secondary school is right for my child?

20 things you need to know when choosing ‘big school’ plus the school open day listings

23 Extracurricular activities

We have put together a list of some of the local clubs and classes in your area.

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Ajay Deora ajaydeora@yahoo.co.uk | www.ajaydeora.com PUBLISHING ASSISTANT: Becky Lawrence admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk LISTINGS EDITOR: Hayley Bryant assistant@familiescambridridgeshire.co.uk

La Dante in Cambridge Italian Cultural Centre 01223 315191 www.ladante-in-cambridge.org info@ladante-in-cambridge.org

Special offer ends Sept 14th Italian and Spanish for kids Italian on Fridays 16-17.00 Spanish on Fridays 16-17.00 66 hours at just £150 Classes start on Friday 23rd Sept

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News & views

One Million children have an undiagnosed eye problem It’s back to school time. A new uniform is hanging in the wardrobe.

New school supplies have been purchased, and a haircut booked.

Children should start learning languages at age five Our European neighbours shame us by their ability to converse in English. The Government would like that to be a thing of the past.

So would La Dante in Cambridge.

For years it was thought that teaching foreign languages to children as young as three was futile. Research findings indicate quite the opposite.

There are incredible psychological benefits of learning another language.

But how many parents have checked that their child will be able to see the white board?

Are they able to see from the back of the class to the front?

Children with an undiagnosed vision problem are likely to have a much more difficult time in the classroom. It is estimated that 80% of a child’s learning is visual. Poor vision can also adversely impact on a child’s ability to interact with others and take part in sports.

Here, Noelle Hamilton, senior optometrist at Optical Express, gives five reasons why your child needs a back to school eye test: 1 One million children have an undiagnosed eye problem

“Young children with poor vision may not realise they have a problem because they don’t know any different.

2 Eye conditions can be irreversible if not caught early enough. One of the most common childhood eye problems is amblyopia – also known as lazy eye - which results in reduced vision in one eye.

3 Short sightedness among young people has doubled over the last 50 years. A recent study found that one in five teenagers are now myopic (short-sighted), which causes distant objects to appear blurred. “There is increasing evidence that growing use of smart phones, computers and tablets is placing children’s eye sight under significant strain,” Noelle said.

4 Vision checks carried out in schools are not as comprehensive as eye exams

While some nurseries and schools carry out vision screening they are no replacement for a full eye examination carried out by an optometrist, Noelle advised.

5 Children should have at least an annual eye test

According to Noelle, going for an eye test should be like going to the dentist – an important part of your child’s regular health care.

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Pupils who learn a foreign language outscore their non-foreign language learning peers in verbal and maths standardised tests, indicating that learning additional language is a cognitive activity not just a linguistic one.

The brain, like any muscle, functions better with exercise.

Learning a language involves memorising rules and vocabulary, which helps strengthen that mental muscle.

Spoken Italian and Spanish are practised and enhanced through songs, stories and nursery rhymes, modelled and explored as the children enter their make believe world of role play.

At La Dante Italian and Spanish lessons are introduced and, without even realising they are learning a second language, the children follow the story book adventures of favourites such as Pinocchio. Using the mediums of music and drama, the children can be heard spontaneously singing along to Italian songs.

La Dante have a SPECIAL OFFER which ENDS ON SEPTEMBER 12TH and are offering 66 hours of Italian from September at just £150 per child. Enrolments start now: www.ladante-in-cambridge.org 01223 315191 To read the full article visit www.familiesonline.co.uk/ cambridgeshire

NEW ON-DEMAND BABYSITTING APP “bubble” lets parents find, book and pay the sitters that their friends already know, use and trust.

TWO LONDON DADS are behind a new app aimed at helping hard-working parents reclaim their social lives. “bubble” lets parents find, book and pay local babysitters in just a few taps of the app.

Leaving the traditional agency model behind, bubble is an on-

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Harvard University studies confirm that learning additional languages increases critical thinking skills, creativity and flexibility of the mind in young children.

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demand service that uses social and community data (e.g.

Facebook, schools & nurseries) to connect parents with babysitters that already exist within their wider personal networks – the sitters already used by friends and people they trust the most.

The bubble app is available for download: on iOS and on Android

www.joinbubble.com

Thumb-suckers and nail-biters ‘prone to fewer allergies’ It may drive parents mad but it has been suggested that children who regularly suck their thumbs or bite their nails are less prone to developing allergies.

News & views Loving homes needed in Cambridgeshire An event took place recently to welcome Cambridgeshire County Council’s newest foster carers. The last 12 months have seen 22 new families from across Cambridgeshire begin fostering with the local authority and many of these new carers attended to join the celebrations.

Jill Blose, Service Manager for Fostering said “We have had another very successful year and are delighted to see so many new and experienced carers begin fostering with Cambridgeshire County Council. However, we urgently need even more local people to follow in their footsteps and consider fostering. We are particularly keen to hear from people who feel they are able to foster older children and young people or who could offer homes to siblings to prevent brothers

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and sisters being separated while they are in care.”

To be a foster carer you need to be over 21.

Foster carers can be single, married, in a civil partnership or living with a partner. We welcome applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and from people who have their own children, as well as those who haven’t raised children of their own. You don’t need to own your own home to foster.

Cambridgeshire County Council offers foster carers comprehensive training, 24 hour support and generous allowances. Carers can also earn additional payments as they develop their skills and experience.

For more information on fostering please get in touch today on 0800 052 0078 or visit www. cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering.

Make your job work for you by negotiating flexible working hours or working from home where possible. This means you won’t miss out on things like the school run, or helping with homework. We’ve some great info that might help you get started Check your local Families website for events happening near you so you can plan your time together more effectively!

Have a look HERE! #FamilyFun Get creative! If you’ve limited time for family outings – create a world of adventure in your own home! From gardening, den making to treasure hunts and picnics, find loads of ideas of things to do by simply having a look around our site!

We hope you have #FamilyFun!

Save the date...

How families spend quality time Forget leisurely walks, visiting family members or going to the cinema...

New research reveals when it comes to spending time with family; watching television is the top activity enjoyed by British families.

We commissioned a study of 1000 parents and found that almost half of British families spend up to 47 hours a week watching TV together – despite only having 40 minutes of ‘quality family time’ to share each day.

Quality Time

Sitting down to watch television together over the weekend was deemed ‘quality time’ for 92 per cent of parents, along with other favourite activities such as going for walks (83%), paying relatives a visit (78%), a cinema trip (77%) or having dinner out (62%).

Biggest barrier to family time

Over half of those questioned (58%) described themselves as working parents/carers with many (33%) citing working late as one of the biggest barriers to spending time with their children. Many (35%) find themselves working late into the evening to ‘catch up’ or to deal with personal finances.

Pressures of modern life

With all the pressures of modern life it’s perhaps no surprise that parents/carers are feeling stretched when it comes to the amount of quality time they get to enjoy together. A staggering 75 per cent confessed they struggle to find time to help with homework, while two thirds spend less than an hour a week reading to their children.

Families find time to dine together

Interestingly, despite the busy schedules, almost half of families (46%) find the time to sit down to eat with each other, doing so for between 5 and 17 hours a week.

To help you get the most out of family life we have some great ideas to make the most of quality time together as a family.

Our top tips for having more fun with the kids:

Get cooking! If the pressures of family life prevent you from spending as much time as you’d like with your kids, get them involved in one of the things you have to do anyway! We have loads of great ideas of things to cook with the kids and even ideas to make things like chores a team effort!

Pencil Friday 31st March 2017 in your diary in big, bold writing because Wear A Hat Day is back for the eighth time and it will be EVEN HATTIER than last year.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

Brain Tumour Research is the only national UK charity that funds sustainable research into finding a cure.

Wear A Hat Day is the premier brain tumour awareness event, and is a great way to show your support and raise money brain tumour research during a day of hat-filled fun and games. Buy a hat, make a hat, take a photo and share it online #HATTASTIC Register now and start planning your event. We’ll send you an exclusive pack of fundraising goodies – including leaflets, posters, balloons and any other merchandise you ordered at time of registering – in plenty of time for your Wear A Hat Day. Stuck for ideas? OurHatter’s Workshop online at www. wearahatday.org is brim-ming with inspiration: event ideas, quizzes, additional poster designs and much more! Top 10 event ideas and fundraising tips are also available on our website.

So get those thinking caps on, and start counting down to 31st March.

Together we will find a cure.

Helping students reach their potential

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News & views

Learn more

Welcoming girls and boys from 3 to 18 years old

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Families Pregnancy & Baby News NEW ‘GOLD STANDARD’ IN PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID LAUNCHED FOR EARLY YEARS SETTINGS IN MEMORY OF BABY A new initiative to help improve paediatric first aid training in early years settings has been launched by Education and Childcare Minister, Sam Gyimah in memory of a nine month old girl who tragically died in 2012.

Millie Thompson passed away after choking on her lunch while at nursery in Stockport.

Since her death, Millie’s parents – Joanne and Dan – have campaigned for a new ‘gold standard’ certificate to be created in recognition of early years childcare providers that train all their staff in paediatric first aid, going above and beyond the minimum legal requirements.

The quality mark – which has been developed by the Department for Education, National Day Nursery Association (NDNA) and the Thompsons – will be known as ‘Millie’s Mark’ and will help to give parents assurance that every staff member that cares for their child is trained in these important, life-saving skills.

“Millie’s Mark will soon be well-known to parents all over the country as a clear indicator of the highest standards in keeping children safe from harm. Seeing that a nursery has achieved Millie’s Mark will help parents make informed decisions

Polarn O. Pyret has over 40 years experience designing clothes specifically for children. The much loved Scandi brand started in Sweden in 1976 and has earned worldwide appeal for its fun and functional designs. when they are choosing childcare and it will be great for nurseries to show how serious they are about providing the best services possible.”

Last month, early year’s settings in England were eligible to apply to be accredited with this unique quality mark that will provide parents with the assurance that their child is being cared for by safe and knowledgeable staff. The quality mark will be in addition to the existing statutory requirements for paediatric first aid that all early years providers must meet as a legal requirement.

Ask your nursery if they will be applying for Millie’s Mark.

’S AT WH W NE

Sleepybobo aka ‘Gerry the Giraffe’ has been designed by parents to help soothe, settle and relax baby with a gentle, automated, rocking motion. The universal design means Sleepybobo is capable of rocking everything from car seats and bouncers, through to cribs and Moses baskets, up to 11kg in weight. With a 30min timer, it can calm the most fractious and colicky baby, whilst allowing parents the freedom to carry on with other tasks, or simply to take a much needed rest!

Being lightweight and portable, Sleepybobo can be easily moved around the home and packed away in the car for

holidays and visits to friends and family. The child-friendly giraffe design with soft, tactile features provides Sleepybobo with plenty of ‘cute appeal’, and helps add a level of familiarity to any environment – at home or away.

Sleepybobo incorporates a variable motion and touchspeed control, with an intuitive lock feature, to prevent little fingers pressing buttons by mistake. The stability platform ensures Sleepybobo remains in an optimum position to gently rock baby, whilst an extendable neck (£8 RRP) is also available for high-reach items, such as cribs.

Priced at £85 RRP, Sleepybobo is available to purchase from:

www.innbp.co.uk

Families LOVES these little Tag blankets These adorable Tag Blankets from Dotty Fish are handmade in England from a lovely assortment of fabrics (including some beautiful Cath Kidston fabrics). Each have 16 different textured ribbons around the edge and are backed with a soft fleece, which is super snuggly. Priced at £8.49

www.dottyfish.com

OFFER

Forget baby blue, pale pink and boring creams… Get the Scandi style that’s SO on-trend with clothes that let children be children!

Rock baby’s world with Sleepybobo

Parents can wave goodbye to aching arms and tired legs, having rocked their little one into a slumber, thanks to Sleepybobo – the first, handsfree, portable rocker, with universal adaptability!

Warning: the kids’ clothes that are addictive!

LOVE

Many of the clothes are designed in vibrant colours and funky patterns (that kids LOVE to wear) and are made from the best quality fabrics so they are ideal to pass on to several new owners. Great for your pocket and the environment!

The majority of the range is playful, colourful and distinctive - they are not mini versions of adult clothes.

Don’t forget to use your exclusive POLARN O. PYRET 15% off discount code FAM15 to save on the latest Scandi styles!

www.polarnopyret.co.uk

This year the Cambridgeshire Baby and Toddler Show

will be at the Wood Green Animal Shelter on Sunday 18th September 2016 from 10am till 4pm (last entry 3pm).

The Show is made up of over 100 businesses, running stalls and free activities covering every aspect of pregnancy to preschool.

Early Bird tickets are available on-line and cost just £3.50 each. There are 500 fantastic Goodie Bags to give away to the first 500 advanced ticket holders, so you need to be quick (goodie bags are limited to one per family)! Alternatively, tickets can be bought on the door for £4.50 (please note we only accept cash on the door). Children under 16 go FREE.

www.yourlocalbabyshow.co.uk

QUALITY NEARLY NEW SALES Cambridge, St Neots & Huntingdon September & October www.babyand childrens market.co.uk 07951 210250

BOOK ONLINE

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Families Fun

Life Above and Below Stairs When: 3rd – 18th September

Where: Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden 11am – 4pm Costumed characters bring Audley End back to its Victorian heyday.

How much: Child £11.00 www.English-heritage.org.uk Fre

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Heritage Open Day

When: 8th – 11th September

What’s On Sledging and IceSliding When: September and October

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

Cambridgesh ll ages! … for k ids o f a

Where: SnoZone Milton Keynes Snozone offers Snowsports on real snow located in the Xscape centres in Milton Keynes and Castleford and have taught 1.8m people of all ages to ski or snowboard- and to have fun sledging too!.

Age 2 years + and Adults

Where: Sandringham Estate 10am – 6pm Horse-boarding, working ferrets, Pony Club games as well as falconry, dog arena, food festival and crafts. Hilarious disobedient sheep and ducks! Something for everyone all day long.

How much: Adults £13.00 Children £4.00 (under 5s FREE) www.livingheritagecountryshows.co.uk.

Campfire cooking for Kids Fre

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Whittlesey Festival

How much: Child £19 under 5’s go FREE www.iwm.org.uk/ 8

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How much: Child £9.95. Under 2s FREE www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

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The Cambridge Food Garden & Produce Festival

When: September 10th - 11th

Where: Duxford Cambridge 08.00-18.00 Experience the speed, power and agility of historic and contemporary fighter aircraft as they dominate the skies over IWM Duxford at The Duxford Air Show.

Where: Shepreth Wildlife Park 10.00 – 17.30 Dedicated to raising funds for this endangered species, with lots of fun activities, auctions and scheduled talks.

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Sandringham Game & Country Fair

When: 10th-11th September

When: 17th September

How much: Prices start from £3.50 www.snozoneuk.com

Where: Cambridgeshire Discover local, hidden gems.

Churches, museums, railways, gardens: an array of heritage venues open their doors to the public. Booking recommended. www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Duxford Air Show Meet the fighters

Red Panda Day

When: 11th September Where: Market Square, Whittlesey 10am - 4.30pm Over 100 attractions, including bungee trampolines, pony rides and RAF Lancaster and Spitfire Flypasts!

Food, gift stalls and much more. www.fenland. gov.uk/ whittleseyfestival

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When: 11th September

Where: Ferry Meadows Country Park 10.30-12.00 and 1.30-3.00 Have a go at cooking and eating some simple campfire recipes. Booking is essential and due to uneven ground this is not suitable for all abilities.

How much: Child: £5 visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk

When: 17th & 18th September Where: Parker’s Piece, Cambridge 10:00 - 5pm Enjoy fresh and baked produce tent. Ian Cumming 2015 Bake Off Finalist to judge baking entries, including a brand new category - The Cambridge Cake. www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

Monstersaurus When: 18th September

Where: Cambridge Junction 11:30 & 2:30pm Young inventor Monty creates incredible monsters. FREE pre-show, drop-in arts and craft sessions in foyer.

Recommended for ages 3+ How much: Child £6 www.junction.co.uk

Families Fun Prickwillow Ploughing Festival When: 1st – 2nd October

Where: Prickwillow Museum 10.00 – 18.00 Festival with vintage/classic tractor ploughing, heavy horse and working displays. Crafts and entertainment for all the family.

How much: £7 Adults; Under 16s FREE www.prickwillowmuseum.com

The Big Draw When: 2nd October Where: Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon 11.00 – 15.00 Arty session for adults and children with activities both inside and, weather permitting, outside.

How much: £2 www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/ hinchingbrookecountrypark

Witches and Wizards When: 17th – 30th October

Where: Church Farm, Stow Bardolph 10.00 – 17.00 Magical trip down the fictional lives of loved witches and wizards, such as Harry Potter and Merlin.

Soham Pumpkin Fair

How much: Child £6.90 www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk

When: 24th September

Where: The Recreation Ground, Soham Pumpkins and other produce, funfair, BBQ, and prize giving ceremony. Children’s ‘Beatrix Potter’ fancy dress competition.

How much: Adults £2. Under 12s FREE. www.sohampumpkinfair.co.uk

The Tiger Who Came to Tea When: 20th – 25th September

Where: Cambridge Arts Theatre 10.30 & 13.30 How much: The tea-guzzling tiger is back in this delightful family show. £15.50 www.cambridgeartstheatre. com

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Fr Playing Up: Live Art for Kids & Adults

When: 25th September

Where: Cambridge Junction 12.00 – 16.00 Come as teams of families. Follow the instructions, invent your own piece of Live Art! Booking essential. www.junction.co.uk

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Apple day Where: Burwash Manor 8th October 10am Bring apples to be identified and / or to be pulped and juiced! Cook with Ursula Ferrigno and tuck into appleinspired treats. Steam train rides, chainsaw sculpting and much more.

How much: £3.00 Adult, under 12s FREE www.burwashmanor.com Fre

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Ely Apple Festival Palace Green Ely

Nene Valley festival finale When: 25th September

Where: Ferry Meadows Country Park 11.00-3.00 Enjoy a celebration of history and heritage of the Nene Valley.

See Roman re-enactors firing artillery, find out about the Roman remains found in the park and the latest plans for archaeological digs and much more!

How much: Free event although some activities may incur a charge. visitor.services@neneparktrust.org.uk

When: 15th October 10-4pm East Anglia´s biggest celebration of the great British apple with apple identification, wood turner demonstrations, apple & spoon race, apple shy, storytelling, cookery demonstrations, folk music and morris dancing. www.visitely.org.uk

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The University of Cambridge Festival of Ideas When: 17th – 30th October Times – Various

Where: Events are held in lecture halls, theatres, museums and galleries around Cambridge.

The festival will see a host of inspiring sessions for people of all ages. Visit the Families website for details of family events. www.cam.ac.uk/ festivalofideas

Windibops When: 23rd October

Where: Cambridge Junction 11:30 & 2:30pm Volta Flatulence, Caroline Windybottom and Daisy Parphead investigate flatulence and its impact on global warming.

How much: Child £6 www.junction.co.uk

Gangsta Granny 25th – 29th October

Where: Cambridge Arts Theatre 14.30 & 19.00 Best-selling children’s book is brought alive on stage, from the company that brought you Horrible Histories!

How much: £23.00 www.cambridgeartstheatre.com SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

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Cambridgeshire

Follow your local Families Cambridgeshire site : www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/south-cambridgeshire Contact your local site if your are a business looking for advertising options

27th November to 24th December 2016 Early bird bookings Let your festivities begin with Santa at the Nene Valley Railway where the whole family will enjoy themselves on this Christmas outing. Get the dates you want - BOOK IT and look forward to it

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SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

Families Fun Ghoul School

When: Friday 24th October Times: 6:00 pm younger children 7:30 pm older Children Where: Wisbech Grammar School Spooky tours of the oldest parts of Wisbech Grammar School will send shivers down your spine at a ‘Ghoul school’ event staged for Halloween.

With terrifying tours and ghostly tales topped off with a fearsome feast of hot dogs and pumpkin soup washed down with a blood red brew of cranberry juice, fruit juices and spices.

01945 583631 www.wgs.cambs.sch.uk

What’s On

ee n w o l l Hags to do, places to Thin had... go, fun to be o f a ll … for G hou ls ages!

Hallowee n Spooktacular

Scarefest, Alto n Towers resort

When: 24th – 28th October Where: South Angle Farm Park, Soham Take a walk through the haunted wood, follow a trick or treat trail and hold a tarantula if you dare!

Price: £6 Child advance price. £2 Adult. Under 2s Free. www.southanglefarmpark.co.uk

Ride the Wizard’s Express

When: 28th & 29th October Where: Nene Valley Railway – Peterborough 18.30 for 19.00 start Join Harry Spotter and his friends on The Wizard’s Express.

Booking recommended.

Price: £13.50 www.nvr.org.uk

Autum n Trail for Childre n

When: 8th – 31st October Where: Alton Towers Experience spine tingling spooks as the theme park is transformed into a haunted resort. Book tickets online: save 30%. www.altontowers.com

Hallowee n Trail

When: 22nd – 30th October Where: Ferry Meadows, Nene Park Trust 10.00 – 15.00 Hunt for clues as you walk around Ferry Meadows. Collect trail sheet from Visitor Centre.

Price: 50p www.neneparktrust.org.uk

Hallowee n Days

When: 22nd – 30th October Where: Dinosaur Adventure Park 9.30 – 16.00 Join for some spooky fun this half-term.

Price: Child £16.95 (under 3s FREE) www.dinosauradventure.co.uk

When: 29th October

Week of Wicked ness When: 24th - 31st October Where: Skylark Maize Maze March 10.00-16.00 Giant, spooky maze and usual fun yard attractions plus apple bobbing, zip-wire, pumpkin carving and giant games.

01354 741212 www.skylarkmaizemaze.co.uk

Spooky Stories

When: 24th -30st October Where: Audley End – Saffron Walden 11.00 -16.00 Chilling storytellers reveal the terrifying truth behind the bedtime fairytales you’ve grown to love. Show off your spooktacular costumes and frighten our fearless staff in our fancy dress competition.

Price: From £11 www.english-heritage.org.uk

Fe nla nd Spooktacular

When: 28th October National trust Where: Wicken Fen, Ely 10:30-12:30 & 2:00-4:00pm Ages 3 – 10yrs Spooky Fun with ghostly games, crafts and outside activities.

Booking essential.

Price: £5.25 0844 249 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wickenfen

Where: Peckover House Wisbech 11.00 – 16.00 Follow the autumn children’s trail in the garden.

Price: £1.00 per child, plus normal admission.

01945 583463 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ peckover-house

Hallowee n Fu n Day

When: 29th October Where: Fossils Galore, March Some of the oldest spooks ever inspire this creepy event. See website for details.

01354 278089 www.fossilsgalore.com

Little Mo nsters Ball When: 29th October Where: Wicksteed Park 11.30 – 14.00 Wicky bear and friends host spooktacular dances, party games and disco. Come in fancy dress!

Price: £5 for kids, £1.50 adults 01536 512475 www.wicksteedpark.co.uk

Apples, Pumpki ns a nd Spooks

When: 30th October Where: Denny Abbey – Waterbeach 10.30 – 16.00 Price: Child £3, under 5s FREE Pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, lots of songs and stories. Come dressed to scare! www.dennyfarmlandmuseum. org.uk

SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

| 11

News & views

An HMC Independent Co-educational Day School for Pupils Aged 4-18

An all-round education that

inspires...

OPEN EVENTS:

WHole SCHool Saturday 24 September 10.00 - 12.30

SIxtH ForM tuesday 18 october 18.00 - 20.00

Individual visits and tours of the School available at your convenience 01945 586750 Admissions@WisbechGrammar.com

To| find out more visit: WisbechGrammar.com 12

SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

Families Education St Faith’s St Faith’s has a reputation for an outstanding all-round education with a strong academic core and excellent pastoral care. Each child is encouraged to achieve their best across a staggering breadth of subjects and activities.

Inclusive in nature, valuing diversity, we welcome children from all religious and cultural backgrounds. St Faith’s offers small classes and teaching by subject specialists. Over a third of our pupils gain one or more scholarships to their senior schools of choice, 31 scholarships to senior schools were awarded in 2016.

In recent times St Faith’s has received national and international recognition for our curriculum innovation in Spanish, science, maths and computer science. This year we became the first school in the UK to introduce Engineering as a core curriculum subject for primary age pupils and endorsed by the James Dyson

Foundation.

The Good School Guide reports “a childcentred educational philosophy, turning out sparky individuals with high all-round expectations and the skills to meet them. St Faith’s does well for all but can really extend those at the top, encouraging them to achieve at a national level.”

As the largest prep school in Cambridge we have the best range of specialist teaching facilities, extensive sports facilities and wide open spaces to enjoy. Our foundation with The Leys also provides access to over 20 acres of sports playing fields, an indoor swimming pool and the wonderful new performance facilities in Great Hall. www.stfaiths.co.uk

The Perse Pelican Nursery & Pre-Prep From their very first visit to the Perse Nursery and Pre-Prep (known as the Pelican), we make each child’s experience of school happy and exciting. They skip eagerly through our doors: classroom routines are quickly established, friends made, balanced meals eaten, grazed knees cleaned and lost teddies located.

Most girls and boys join us age three, in Nursery, but we also take a small number into Reception. Every day, with our encouragement, they take the small steps that will develop their curiosity, confidence and passion for learning.They can count on the support of excellent teachers and a broad, stimulating and challenging curriculum.

Our buildings began life in 1911 as a boarding house. The ‘family home’ feel remains, but facilities are bang up to date: children enjoy

a dedicated IT suite, programmable toys and iPads. Our library was once the old housemaster’s drawing room and the bay windows flood the room with light. Children snuggle into bean bags, engrossed in books.

In the mature, leafy grounds are our outdoor classrooms, with scope for physical and mental challenge, and for learning social skills, and our pond, perfect for wildlife spotting.

Inspectors who visited our school earlier this year concluded that we offer an ‘exceptional’ education. Why not come and judge for yourself?

Book a tour Contact Marianne Hipperson, the Head’s PA on 01223 403940 or pelicanschoolsec@perse.co.uk www.perse.co.uk

Whitehall School & Nursery An Inspiring Education Whitehall School provides an Individual program of learning for children in small classes, following an engaging and exciting curriculum. Come and see us to find out how this could help your child flourish, become happy and confident in their learning and reach their full potential.

We offer an inspirational education with support and extension where necessary, toenable every child to progress at their own pace. Our results are consistently high and children succeed in an engaging environment.

Our dedicated team offer personal attention in a school where learning is fun and produces enquiring minds. We prepare children for the modern world through the use of innovative

technology and challenge them to explore and learn independently.

Whitehall School is situated in the Cambridgeshire village of Somersham with established grounds and excellent facilities; a heated covered swimming pool,sensory garden and games field. We also provide a wide range of exciting extra-curricular trips and clubs.

Our Nursery provides an outstandingand caring environment for children from 6 months.

Contact us now to book a school visit: 01487 840966 office@whitehallschool.com www.whitehallschool.com

SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

| 13

St Christopher School Truly Independent

OPEN MORNING Saturday 24th September 9.30am – 1.00pm Highly successful Day and Boarding school Excellent Independent Education for girls and boys from Nursery to Sixth Form Outstanding results at Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form Fantastic facilities on a 38 acre site For further details, or to arrange a private tour of the school, please contact Michelle on 01462 650947 or admissions@stchris.co.uk We look forward to meeting you.

www.stchris.co.uk

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Six exceptional co-educational schools for ages 2-18

Giving dreams a great foundation 14

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SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

11:19

Families Education Stephen Perse College At the Stephen Perse Foundation we applaud success but nurture a diverse, inclusive community in each of our six schools where friendship and support are just as important as doing well. We celebrate diversity and encourage students to choose a path that’s right for them. We’re small enough to know each other but large enough to provide challenges and stimulate debate.

We recognise potential in every child in all its forms and opportunities, to excel in sport, on the stage or in the arts is integral to learning.

We inspire young people to achieve their dreams and guide them every step of the way.

There is no doubt the digital revolution has taken its hold, with successful schools now supporting their learners using an everincreasing variety of digital tools. At the Foundation we rolled out iPads to all of our schools from Pre-prep through to 6th Form

– the use of digital media in lessons provides invaluable insight into the learning process.

Pre-prepcan create a one-minute video providing a voice for each pupil to tell their learning story and share it with the teacher and their peers; Junior School can brush up on their language skills and learn about other cultures; Senior School can read a play and delve deeper into a science; 6th Form College can build their future and research University courses.

Digital learning is just one aspect of our unique education - integrated learning, Forest School and performing represent a small sample of the alphabet of opportunities driving creativity.

01223 454700 www.stephenperse.com

St Christopher School A Truly Independent School At St Christopher School in Letchworth Garden City we help children between the ages of 3 and 18 become self-disciplined, selfmotivated and creative thinkers and develop them as independent learners who are able to make informed choices.

We have been pioneering a distinctive and innovative approach to education for 100 years and our methods have stood the test of time. We believe – and universities, parents and employers tell us – that it produces wellrounded, highly capable individuals with the skills and confidence to thrive in the modern world. We can think of no better role for a School.

Words can never adequately describe the sense of purpose that exists within the School or reflect the levels of respect and trust

between all teachers and children. Only a visit can do this and this is a School that needs to be visited.

Travelling to St Christopher Located only five minutes from A1M Junction 9, the 40 acre campus is located in central Letchworth Garden City. We have a daily bus service and train links to Cambridge and Royston. If you have never visited us before then do come and have a look – you’ll be amazed at what you find.

If you would like to book an individual tour or would like more information please contact the Registrar at admissions@stchris.co.uk or 01462 650947 www.stchris.co.uk

Wisbech Grammar School Wisbech Grammar School is an HMC independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 4-18. The School was founded in 1379, making it one of the oldest in England and is set on a beautiful 34-acre site. It enjoys the benefit of excellent facilities, subjectspecialist staff and small class sizes.

Together with a programme of extended enrichment activities and exceptional levels of pupil care (across all ages) it is one of the leading co-educational independent schools in the region and continues to deliver it’s promise of delivering an all-round education that inspires.

At Wisbech Grammar School, we believe that it is our duty to develop and challenge all the pupils in our care. It is our firmly held belief that educational development is not simply confined to the classroom or laboratory, but

is also to be found in the drama studio, sports fields and music practice rooms. At Wisbech Grammar School we offer holistic education and dare to go beyond the narrow confines of exam specifications, giving a unique educational experience.

The School has a fantastically talented teaching staff who really know their pupils.

We are a tightly knit community who celebrate difference and diversity. Over the years staff and pupils get to know each other well. This gives boys and girls the confidence to approach teachers, whatever the situation, knowing they will receive a sympathetic hearing. It also allows them to negotiate their own individual learning pathway.

01945 586750 www.wisbechgrammar.com

SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

| 15

THE KEY THEATRE PRESENTS

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1 Dec 2016 - 8 Jan 2017 Peterborough’s original and best, traditional family pantomime plus a 10 piece show band!

The purr-fect Christmas treat for all the family Book your seats NOW on 01733 207 239 or visit vivacity-peterborough.com

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SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

Families Education How to cope with school refuseniks

Not all children skip happily through the school gateseach day. If yours isn’t keen on heading into the classroom, here’s what you can do…

My child hates school: what can I do?

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Try to keep everyone calm Mornings can be fraught if your child has developed a school aversion but it’s important to at least try and all remain calm (easier said than donewe know, especially if you’re under pressure from teachers to be punctual). If your little one starts to associate mornings with being told off and stressed, it could add to their anxieties.

It might just be a phase (here’s hoping…)

Many children have a few days now and then when they’re not keen on going to school, sometimes for no obvious reason. If your instincts and chats with your child indicate the situation isn’t serious, try to ride things out without too much fuss. By not making this into a big issue, it might resolve itself – this is especially important for children who crave attention.

Meanwhile if you’re sure they’re just ‘trying it on’ - perhaps they fancy a day watching films on the sofa (don’t we all sometimes…) -stand firm and make it clear that attending school is nonnegotiable.

Fake illnesses can be a headache…

Mysterious maladies are a common manifestation of not wanting to go to school; although it can be annoyingly

Mornings can be fraught if your child has developed a school aversion but it’s important to at least try and all remain calm

difficult to decipher whether kids are crying wolf or actually ill. If it could be the former, threatening a trip to the doctors/ call to NHS Direct will usually either get illness fibbers to confess,or provide a miracle cure.

For more persistent and serious school aversions, consider the potential causes If there’s still no improvement and/ or your child has a sudden but severe issue with school, it’s time tofind out the triggers in order to help them.

This can be challenging if they don’t evenunderstand their fear, don’t want to tell you about it or struggle to articulate it at all.

Work on getting your child to open up when it’s not the ‘heat of the moment’.

So not when you’re late for school and they’re in tears. If they won’t talk to you,

perhaps they will do so with someone else, such as their grandparents, or an aunt or uncle.

Common reasons for school aversioninclude bullying/ friendship problems, boredom, learning difficulties, a tricky relationship with a teacher or a major family event such as a divorce or bereavement. You could mention similar situations you experienced in your school days to encourage discussion.

Meet with their teacher Have a chat with their teacherto identify and work on any underlying issues going on in the classroom, playground or at home.They’ll probably have prior experience of all this, can provide extra reassurance or support for your child and you can carve out an action plan together.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and raising children: The Primary Years

Still struggling?

Further support for severe cases of school refusal could be available via your GP who might make a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or a private psychologist.

SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

| 17

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Families Promotion

DOES SIZE MATTER WHEN CHOOSING A SCHOOL?

layout of the buildings than the total Research has number of pupils. It is important that the youngest age groups have their own ‘safe haven’ with consistently shown classrooms, playground and separate from those that children learn at their lunchtimes of the older children. Class sizes are vital too and the ideal is between 16 and 20; large quickest in their early enough to produce a vibrant and stimulating atmosphere and years small enough to focus

As a head of a large prep school in Cambridge, I often meet prospective parents after they have toured the School with our Admissions Registrar.

‘Wonderful facilities’, they often remark, which is good to hear but not in itself a major reason why St Faith’s is as popular as it is. ‘Outstanding opportunities’ they often go on to say, which better explains why children thrive here. Occasionally, though, I hear a touch of anxiety in their voices when discussing the size of the school, particularly from parents of very young children thinking of joining at age 4. Will the School be too big? Will my child get lost? How does the school care for each individual? These are just some of the questions which parents quite understandably think about, if not always articulate to their prospective Headmaster!

We are, as parents, protective. We want to know that our children will be nurtured and cared for at school, and this overwhelming desire is at its strongest when our children are at their most vulnerable - when they are very young. I don’t often hear parents of teenagers doubting the size of senior schools. They know that with size comes greater opportunities, a wider range of subjects, more after-school clubs, sports teams, musical groups and drama productions, probably more specialist teachers and almost certainly, better facilities and resources than a smaller school. Well, I would say that these factors are just as important for a six year-old as they are for an adolescent.

Research has consistently shown that children learn at their quickest in their early years. How inspirational is it, therefore, for a four-year old to be taught a foreign language by a specialist, native speaker?

At St Faith’s, our youngest age groups also have lessons with specialist teachers, using specialist facilities, in Music, Sport, Computing, and from the age of 7, Art and Design, Science and Engineering. We know that without expert teaching at this young age and this exposure to such high class facilities, our children would not achieve outstanding results - well over a third of our leavers gaining scholarships to senior schools each year, for example.

But how does a large school provide a caring and nurturing environment?

Well, that’s more to do with the ethos of the school, class sizes and the

on each individual.

Look out for the presence of teaching assistants in classes as this brings the staff-pupil ratio down considerably.

And crucially, if a school is to provide an environment where children are nurtured there must be an ethos of inclusivity.

‘How do I know what my daughter’s talents will be?’

One parent of a four-year old recently asked to me. We don’t know. But if the child is in a large school which values each individual, offers a broad and extensive curriculum and bags of extracurricular opportunities, there is the best possible opportunity of finding out.

When choosing a school, do look for a kind, caring and nurturing environment but don’t underestimate your child’s thirst for learning and ability to absorb the wonders of a large school, even at an early age. Think big.

Nigel Helliwell Head of St Faith’s School, Cambridge

To read the full article visit www.familiesonline.co.uk/local/south-cambridgeshire SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

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Families Education

WHICH SECONDARY IS RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?

Joanna Moorhead on the 20 things you need to know when choosing ‘big school’

1

Make your own mind up. It’s amazing how many parents never even look round a school because of what they’ve heard.

A school that doesn’t suit another family could be just right for yours

2

Listen to your child’s feelings as well as your own. Choosing his or her primary was down to just you and your partner; but your 10 or 11-year-old deserves a say.

3

Use open days wisely. If you can, go to a daytime visit (especially to a school that seems a strong contender) because you’ll see it in working mode.

Nothing advertises a school like its pupils. Do they seem happy?

Are they polite? If you have time, hang around in the area at home time. Are they wellbehaved?

4

How about the staff – do they seem happy and fulfilled working there? Take opportunities to chat to them.

5 20

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SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

6

Listen to your instincts. If a school doesn’t feel right, move on. You don’t have to explain yourself or your reasons for doing so to anyone else (although you do, of course, need to discuss it with your child if your instincts are different).

7

Don’t get bogged down in the detail: what you’re aiming to get is a sense of the school.

Does it feel happy, productive, calm? Is there a sense of order and caring? These things matter more than the nitty-gritty.

8

Think about your child’s talents and interests and ponder carefully whether they’ll be catered for. But think too about what the school offers that might be harder to pick up at home. We’re a family of journalists, where literacy is easier for us as parents; so I’m glad my girls went to a school that specialised in maths and science, even though these weren’t their strongest subjects.

9

Pay attention to what’s on the walls – and not just the artwork.

What are children being warned about, or encouraged to do?

Are there any school visits being advertised? What clubs seem to be thriving?

10

Look at the school’s league tables, but don’t pin everything on them. Read the Ofsted report too and pay particular attention to how the school has done over time. If it’s had a dip, are there signs of improvement or suggestions that it could turn round?

11

Where do pupils go on to from this school? You want to see at least some youngsters doing well academically and aiming for good courses at top universities.

12

Go to the head teacher’s talk and take your notebook. This is an important part of the event: not only do you need to pick up on the head’s attitude and values and what matters most to him or her, but you also need

Families Education to pay special attention to anything that’s said about the entrance criteria. Understanding that is the crucial next stage.

13

14

17

If you like a school, do your homework about whether your child fits its entrance requirements.

However much you love the school, and however much you think your child would thrive there, you’ll only get a place if you fulfil the criteria. Read the school’s entrance policy through very, very carefully. If you don’t fulfil the requirements, could you change something so you do? If not, move on: there’s no point in wasting a choice or railing against something you can’t change.

You’re bound to talk to other parents, and you want to talk to other parents, but don’t get pulled along by their tide. Do your own research and develop your own views: knowledge is power.

15

16

Keep telling yourself (because it’s true!) that there is no perfect school. Every school has strengths and weaknesses.

There’s more than one school that can be right for your child.

When the time comes to fill in the forms, allow yourself lots of time and do it extremely carefully. There may be supplementary forms, and there may be complicated arrangements for giving them in (especially if you’re applying to faith schools). If you find it all too confusing, talk to your child’s primary teacher or primary head, or call the education department at your local authority.

Have a plan of action for what you’ll do if you don’t get the school you’re hoping for. Just having that plan will make you feel more relaxed.

18

Remember that there’s a lot of movement in the first few weeks after places are allocated, and many children get in from waiting lists.

19

Don’t underestimate how much hard work an appeal can be, or how emotionally draining. That’s not to say don’t do it: just be prepared.

20

Remember that, at the end of the day, parents make more difference to a child’s future than a school does. Even if your child doesn’t get into your first choice of school (and one in seven didn’t last year) your attitude to that could be a much bigger factor in what happens next for your child than the school itself. Have confidence, first and foremost, in your child.

And believe that, together, you will work things out if and when you come up against problems.

School Open Days A list of private school open days in Cambridgeshire St Faith’s School Trumpington Rd, Cambridge, CB2 8AG 01223 352073 www.stfaiths.co.uk Saturday 1 October 2016

The Leys School Cambridge, CB2 7AD 01223 508904 www.theleys.net/ Saturday 17 September 2016 Open Morning - St Faith’s Year 6 Pupils (Sept 2019 entry)

Tuesday 18 October, 6.30 - 9.30 6th Form College

The Perse Upper School Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8QF 01223 403800 www.perse.co.uk Upper Saturday 1 October 2016, 9.30am-12pm Prep Saturday 8 October 2016, 9.30am-12pm

Pelican

Thursday 29 September 2016 Sixth Form Open Evening

Saturday 15 October 2016, 9.30am-12pm

Saturday 8 October 2016 11+ Open Morning

Sixth Form Wednesday 2 November 2016, 6.30pm-9pm

Saturday 12 November 2016 General Open Morning

The Stephen Perse Foundation Union Road, Cambridge, CB2 1HF 01223 454722 www.stephenperse.com Saturday 17 September, 9.30 - 12.30 Senior School Saturday 1 October, 9.30 - 12.30 City Pre-prep and Junior School Saturday 15 October, 9.30 - 12.30 Madingley Pre-prep

The Peterborough School Thorpe Rd, Peterborough, Cambs, PE3 6AP 01733 343357 www.thepeterboroughschool. co.uk Saturday 1 October 10:30am and 3:30pm

Dame Bradbury’s School Ashdon Rd, Saffron Waldon, CB10 2AL 01799 522348 www.damebradburys.com

Saturday 15 October 9:30am-12:30pm

Kimbolton School

Friends School Mount Pleasant Rd, Saffron Waldon, CB11 3EB 01799 523351 www.friendsschool.org.uk Saturday 15 October 10.00 am

King’s Ely School Ely, Cambridgeshire., CB7 4EW 01353 660707 www.kingsely.org King’s Ely, Junior and Senior Schools 24 September 2016 King’s Ely Sixth Form 8 October 2016

Wisbech Grammar School North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JX 01945 58363 www.wisbechgrammar.com Whole school open day - Saturday 24 September 2016

St Edmund’s College Mount Pleasant, Cambridge, CB3 0BN 01920 824247 www.stedmundscollege.org Open morning Saturday 24 September 2016

Kimbolton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0EA www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk Whole school open morning Saturday 1 October 2016

Whitehall school 117 High Street, Somersham, Cambs, PE28 3EH 01487 840966 www.whitehallschool.com Contact office@whitehallschool. com to arrange a visit

Sancton Wood 01223 471703 www.sanctonwood.co.uk Saturday 8th October

St Francis College 01462 670511 www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk Friday 14 October 2016 9am - 12.30pm Visit the school on a normal ‘working’ morning Saturday 25 March 2017, 10am - 12.30pm. The Headmistress will be speaking at 11am Friday 28 April 2017, 9am - 12.30pm. Visit the school on a normal ‘working’ morning

SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

| 21

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for ages 4-18 years Where: Cambourne Village College When: Wednesday evenings and Saturday Mornings Prices vary depending on age group Providing quality part-time training in the performing arts for children aged 4 to 18 years. The aim is to develop young potential through singing, acting and dance; stretching young imaginations and helping to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation. call 01223 359974 or www.stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge

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La Jolie Ronde French Classes

Where: Cambridge Rewarding and fun French classes for children aged 5 -12 years. La Jolie Ronde gives your child the opportunity to develop an enthusiasm for French through a unique recognised language programme.

01223 210900 www.lajolieronde.co.uk/parents

Eden Dance and Ballet

Where: Chesterton Sports Centre, Cambridge Eden dance prides itself on offering small classes and personal attention. Encouraging students to benefit from the pleasure of dancing and artistic expression which leads to development of character and confidence.

01223 778655 www.edendance.co.uk

Where: Hills Road Sports & Tennis Centre, Cambridge When: Wednesdays 4-5 pm and 5-6 pm See website for current prices Perform is a different type of drama school using a unique mix of drama, dance and singing – specially developed and written to bring out EVERY child’s true potential.

To book a free trial session call 020 7255 9120 or go to www.perform.org.uk

Where: Cambridge Regional College, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2QT When: Saturdays - Prices: £5.50 per week or £66.00 for a 12 week term The Cambridge Cangaroos is a recreational and competitive trampoline and DMT club suitable for children of any ability 4 years and older. Also based in Sawston and Saffron Walden. www.cangaroos.org

LEADA Cambs

Where: The Queen Mary Centre - Wisbech LEADA is a drama club currently providing classes for children and young adults from 5 years up to 18 years with highly skilled tutors, based in Wisbech, Fenland and beyond.

07523 712633 www.leada.biz

Adrenaline Martial Arts

Where: Cambridge, Chatteris, Wisbech and Oundle When: see website for days and times Price: £40 for a 4 week trial which includes welcome pack and uniform Karate is not just another after school activity: it’s about a child’s personal development through the physical discipline of Karate.

It improves focus, mental alertness, self discipline and self confidence. www.adrenalinemartialarts.co.uk

Perform: Drama, Dance & Singing

Cambridge Cangaroos Recreational and competitive trampoline club

SatYam Yoga – Children’s Yoga and Mindfulness Class Where: St Andrews Hall, St Andrew’s Road, Cambridge CB4 1DH When: Saturday Morning Class 5 - 11 yr olds 10am - 11am Prices: £36 for a 6 week block Fun and engaging, nurturing yoga sessions include physical movements, breathing games, songs and relaxation, which can have many benefits for children including flexibility, easing anxiety and boosting self esteem.

07940 530098 satyaroopini@gmail.com

Razzamataz Theatre Schools Cambridge

Where: CRC Sports Centre, Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2QT Saturdays Price: From £100 per 12 week term (dependant on classes, please contact) Musical Theatre, Street Dance, Pop Singing and Drama for ages 4-18 years.

Offering dynamic classes designed to develop confidence, improve health and fitness whilst learning fantastic performing arts skills in a safe, encouraging environment.

01223 755113 www.razzamataz.co.uk/schools/ cambridge

Paxton Lakes Sailing Club - Learn how to sail Where: Paxton Lakes, Little Paxton Prices: Adult £125.00 Child £85.00 An official RYA training centre that welcomes people of all ages and abilities, with a large selection of boats & equipment available.

Courses have a maximum of 6 places with qualified instructors to ensure personal attention. www.paxtonlakes.org.uk

For our full list of clubs and classes visit our website www.familiesonline/local/southcambridgeshire SEP T EM BER / OCTOBER 2016

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BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

Childcare vouchers now accepted

WE ARE NOW ENROLLING! Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage.

Classes after school and at weekends.

Find out more today: CAMBRIDGE AND CAMBOURNE 01223 359974 cambridge@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge

TM

Creative Courage For Life ®