Families Cambridgeshire January February 2019

FRE E

TAKE ME

HOM E

IN THIS ISSUE

WIN A Puffin Family Book Bundle

Twilight at the Museums Wednesday 20th February 4:30-7:30pm

Get out and explore Cambridge Museums after hours!

Issue 52 January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

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Expect more expertise and care when coping with separation or divorce.

Expert legal and financial advice in Cambridge.

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Discover who you are...

Super Science Morning Saturday 2nd February 2019, 0930 -1330 for children currently in year 5 A morning of discovery for children to find out more about the world of Science in our Senior School laboratories; spending time working on experiments and learning new skills with our expert teaching staff.

For this exciting opportunity, call 01945 586 750 or email marketing@wisbechgrammar.com to book your child’s place.

Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

The beginning of a new year is a time for celebrating all that’s been good about the previous year and anticipating the pleasures of the year ahead, a holiday, the spring or maybe a new school. During these cold winter days I like to take time to play a board game with my boys, light a candle, and warm up with a hot chocolate after a long winter dog walk, it’s important to make time for the little things that will create memories for a long @familiesCambMag time to come. facebook.com/FamiliesUKCambridgeshire DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

WIN

A PUFFIN FAMILY BOOK BUNDLE

Laugh yourself happy this February with a Puffin funny book bundle To coincide with national storytelling week, we are offering three lucky readers a bundle of laughs with three fantastic books from Penguin.

Charlie McGuffin changes into all sorts of animals when he feels worried while Matilda Wormwood resolves she has had enough of her father’s remarks and her mother’s bingo-playing ways. And the Heffleys’ escape to a tropical island resort isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be.

To enter look out for a post on Families Cambridgeshire Magazine’s Facebook page. The winners will receive a copy of Charlie Changes into a Chicken by Sam Copeland, the new paperback edition of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway by Jeff Kinney and a new edition of Matilda by Roald Dahl.

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What's in this issue?

4. News and Views 6. An Inspector Calls 7. Baby News 8. What's On Pages 11. Twilight at the Museum 12. Nursery Listing 13. Early Years Vocabulary 15. Music Lessons 22,000 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.

Families Cambridgeshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in

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LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents

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the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cambridgeshire. Every care

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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.

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Families Cambridgeshire 3

News & views

Spin a Tale during National Storytelling Week

The first week of February marks National Storytelling Week, a chance to reflect on one of the oldest art forms in the world. We are all immersed in stories — from conversations during which we re-tell events in our lives, to watching our favourite television shows.

Speech and language therapists believe that storytelling is vital for children’s academic success as it promotes narrative skills and strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer a child needs firstly to be a good speaker and listener.

Above all though, storytelling is fun. Whether we are listening to someone else’s story or telling our own, inventing and adapting narratives can open doors to exciting new worlds - both real and imaginary.

Super Science Morning at Wisbech Grammar School

We have an exciting opportunity to experience what it is like to spend time in our Science laboratories and discover more about the world of Science at our Super Science Morning on Saturday 2 February 2019 0930 – 1330.

This morning is aimed at children who are currently in year 5 and spaces are limited so whether your child is a budding Scientist or you would like them to improve their knowledge in this area, they will benefit from taking part and discovering more about the world around them.

We are also holding an Open Morning on Saturday 23 March 1000 – 1230 and this is another opportunity to look round our School and discover more about all the other opportunities available at WGS; from Sport, Performing Arts, Creative Arts, Academic and Music; we truly offer an all-round education that inspires. We are also proud to be part of The Good Schools Guide and pride ourselves on offering a positive environment for children to truly discover who they are.

National Storytelling Week takes place in storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, schools, hospitals, spoken word venues, and care homes.

To find a local event or to look through its extensive archive, visit www.sfs.org.uk

Schools that Ban Mobile Phones Improve Results Should children be allowed to take mobile phones to school? Opinion is divided. Some advocate a complete ban because of the potential for distraction, while others promote the use of phones as a teaching tool in the classroom.

Schools in England and Scotland have complete autonomy regarding their mobile phone policy, which has resulted in large differences in the timing of the introduction of bans.

Schools that ban pupils from carrying mobile phones show a sustained improvement in exam results, with the biggest advances coming from struggling students, according to research published by the London School of Economics.

The large-scale study found schools in Birmingham, London, Leicester and Manchester that banned mobiles enjoyed a boost in the proportion of pupils getting five good passes at GCSE, compared with schools that allowed pupils to keep their phones, even if switched off. More info at www.lse.ac.uk

THE BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from 26 to 28 January and is the largest wildlife survey in the world. The information collected helps monitor bird species in the UK, and is great fun for children.

To take part,you need to watch the birds in your garden or local park for just one hour at some point over the three days and report your results to the RSPB. You can request a FREE Big Garden Birdwatch pack from the RSPB which includes a bird identification chart and advice to help you attract wildlife to your garden.

To make it fun, challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park to look for birds, or make a day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place.

More info at www.rspb.org.uk

RAISING CONFIDENT CHILDREN WITH PERFORM

Sara has two children, Honor (8) and James (6) who have both been attending Perform classes since they were 4 years old.

“I’ve always wanted my children to feel confident speaking in public and chatting to all sorts of people. I think these are essential life skills these days” says Sara.

Sara was drawn to Perform because of its focus on developing confidence and self-esteem in a fun 4 Families Cambridgeshire

way. “It’s not a pushy stage school” she explains. “Each week, the classes focus on a topic like manners, making eye contact or introducing themselves, but this is wrapped up in a highly engaging way in the context of drama and songs.”

“Since my children started attending Perform, other parents frequently remark on their confidence and how well they speak in school assemblies. I’m really impressed with

how they chat to adults in places like shops and restaurants.”

Classes at Perform are small with two teachers per class. “The teachers are professional actors with amazing energy and enthusiasm. They go out of their way to understand and engage every child” reports Sara.

Perform offers a FREE noobligation dance or drama class in Cambridgeshire. Visit www. perform.org.uk/try to book. familiesonline.co.uk

News & views ONE IN THREE UK PARENTS CLUELESS IN BABY MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Fear and a lack of first aid understanding are rife amongst UK parents. A third of new and expectant parents admit they wouldn’t know how to react should their child experience a medical emergency, and one in ten say they live in constant fear their child will seriously hurt themselves.

Whilst accidents will still happen, arming parents with the first aid skills and knowledge needed to deal with medical emergencies will not only make parents feel more confident but also help ease the load on the NHS. According to research released by Baby to Toddler, the shopping event for modern parents, one in three new parents said their child had experienced a medical emergency in the first four years of their lives. This demonstrates the extreme frequency with which first aid skills are necessary.

Over three quarters of parents fear their child is at risk of an accident, but only one in

ten said they felt confident in how to react to such an instance. The emergency that caused the most uncertainly amongst UK parents is what to do should their child eat or drink something toxic; a huge 82% of new parents polled would not know how to act.

Jenni Dunman is CEO at Daisy First Aid, specialists in paediatric first aid. She says: “Choking is also one of the biggest worries for parents, particularly when weaning or when babies start putting everything in their mouth. There are really important techniques that we highly recommend all parents learn and practise (on mannequins, not real babies).

Learning these very simple steps could be lifesaving. It takes on average eight minutes for an ambulance to arrive in London but a child could die from choking in as little as four minutes so I can’t stress how important it is to learn and practise back blows, baby chest thrusts and child abdominal thrusts.”

Improving the Number Foundations of Pre-Schoolers A leading child psychologist from Kingston University has produced a series of number games for nurseries and parents which are proven to boost the confidence and ability of pre-school children in maths in just 5 weeks.

Dr Jo Van Herwegen created the games based on her research into the Approximate Number System (ANS), a mechanism used by the brain to differentiate between groups that have more or fewer items in them without counting.

The ANS games are based on two foundations - estimation and matching approximate large amounts.

“The activities we’ve developed are fun, rather than formal lesson plans, but they’re based on scientific evidence about the

cornerstones of mathematical learning and how to nurture this in young children.”

“It’s all about the child knowing which number is larger and which is smaller, but not to the exact number” Dr Van Herwegen explained.

Her research showed that playing these specially-designed games for 10 minutes a day for 5 weeks improved young children’s number foundations, the essential building blocks needed for mathematics. This improvement was still apparent 6 months later, when the children had started formal education.

To download the free games, visitwww. kingston.acc.uk/ research/researchshowcase/research-casestudies

The Baby Show returns to the ExCeL London Friday 1st until Sunday 3rd March. www.babytotoddlerevents.co.uk / www.daisyfirstaid.com

NOT SO ‘FREE CHILDCARE’

Most parents are paying to access the government’s 30 hours ‘free’ childcare scheme, according to research for the Department of Education.

The research confirms that 56% of parents are paying charges for additional items or activities when accessing the 30 hours offer. The majority of charges are for meals, snacks and other refreshments, while charges for special activities such as music, gym lessons or outings are less common, as are charges for consumables such as sun tan lotion.

Almost half of parents said that they had seen restrictions placed on when they could use the hours or that they had to be taken at times specified by the provider.

Additionally, the research found that 39% of providers reported a reduction in their profit due to the 30 hours scheme while 25% of providers said that they had moved from either making a profit to breaking even or even making a loss. More info at www.pre-school.org.uk/news

The Toxic School Run

Children in the UK are being forced to breathe dangerous levels of toxic air on their way to and from school and whilst in the playground, according to new research.

A study by Unicef and Queen Mary University in London reveals that young children are absorbing a disproportionate amount of tiny black carbon particles during the school day with potentially devastating health consequences.

Exposure to the these particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs, bloodstream and even the brain, stunt lung and brain growth and cause long term breathing conditions, is generally higher at school than when children are at home.

Unicef UK estimates that one in three children are growing up in places in the UK with unsafe levels of particulate pollution. It is calling on the government to take urgent action to protect children from toxic air before irreversible damage is done to their health and their futures.

More info at www.unicef.org.uk/clean-air-child-health-air-pollution

Sleep tight night light! www.jacksontrinity.co.uk 34 Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1TB familiesonline.co.uk

Available in 15 impressive designs, these magical nightlights are guaranteed to transform any bedroom into a tranquil, calming space. With adjustable brightness, multiple colour choices and a low light setting, Aloka SleepyLights can be left on safely all night, perfect for helping little ones drift off into a peaceful slumber.

RRP: £29.99 Available from: Cheeky Rascals www.cheekyrascals.co.uk/ Families Cambridgeshire 5

Families Education

An Inspector Calls! The Role of an

Ofsted Inspector in Assessing a Nursery Setting Whilst there are lots of important considerations when choosing a nursery or pre-school for your child, it’s unlikely you’ll make a final choice without at least a cursory glance at the setting’s Ofsted report. The acronym is one used frequently by parents but how many of us actually know what the acronym Ofsted actual stands for or how a nursery or pre-school gets its Ofsted rating?

Sangeeta Gardiner has been an Inspector for The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) since it was set up in 1992 and has conducted well over 150 inspections of nurseries, pre-schools, and child-minders. Becoming and remaining an inspector requires rigorous, ongoing training and examinations, meaning that Ofsted Inspectors are very knowledgeable.

Inspectors check to make sure safeguarding policies are implemented, that staff have the relevant legal background checks, and have been properly recruited. “I’ll ask staff members how they got their jobs” reports Sangeeta.

“Being a friend of a friend is simply not good enough. I also probe more deeply if I discover staff members have moved around a lot.”

Checking safeguarding arrangements also involves monitoring how children enter and leave the setting and what provisions there are for visitors. “It’s also important that children are being taught how to keep themselves safe” comments Sangeeta. “For example, they

need to know that it’s dangerous to walk while holding a pair of scissors.” Changes in the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework place more emphasis on the importance of a child’s emotional security, so Inspectors also observe how confident and secure children feel in their environment and in their interactions with others.

Early Year’s Education is all about learning through play but the word “teaching” is still used in the EYFS framework. Staff “teach” children about their world by asking them open ended questions. “I observe the language teachers use and how they’re interacting with a child” says Sangeeta.” I’ll ask staff why they have chosen a particular activity and how it contributes to a child’s learning. “ Ofsted Inspectors also observe children and then question the Key Person responsible for those children about them. “If a child is upset, the Key Person should be able to tell me about the child’s circumstances, for instance, if they are new to the setting” says Sangeeta. “There should also be information about a child’s development, and planning for a child’s next steps.”

So what happens if there are issues with teaching methods? A lot depends on whether the majority of staff are working positively, and, where there are staff who are performing less well, that the manager of the setting recognises this. “Part of the inspection is a joint

observation with the manager” says Sangeeta. ”If a staff member has set up an activity that hasn’t worked well and the manager isn’t aware of this, that needs to be addressed. However, if the manager is aware and can support a staff member to improve their skills, then this provides good evidence that the nursery is working well towards improving its provision.”

Sangeeta owns two settings in Greater London. How does she ensure they meet Ofsted’s high standards in her setting? Good communication and reflective practice are vital.

As a team, each setting regularly fills out a selfevaluation form, so that everybody involved can reflect on what works and what doesn’t, and a clear direction can be formulated.

Sangeeta is always aware of what is happening at each nursery, but also stresses that the quality of her managers and teachers is exceptional. “The managers of my settings are experienced and well-established members of the team, and have known many of the children and their families for a number of years.”

You can find Ofsted Reports for settings in your local area at www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk/

St Mary’s girls love learning.

Junior and Senior School Open Mornings

15 February 2019

Sixth Form – personal visits anytime BOOK A VISIT: stmaryscambridge.co.uk/visit 6 Families Cambridgeshire

familiesonline.co.uk

Baby News

NANNIES AND CHILD-MINDERS: the same or different?

By Sarah-Jane Butler

There is sometimes a perception that a nanny is superior to a childminder. After all, a child-minder looks after your child alongside others in their home, whereas a nanny is personal to you, works in your home and, unless you have a nanny share, looks solely after your child and, often, your house as well.

Child-minders must be Ofsted registered and have certain childcare qualifications. Some nannies may have higher level qualifications than child-minders, such as an NNEB Level 3 in Childcare or a Childcare Degree. However, many actually have no qualifications at all and, in some cases, little experience either.

Unlike child-minders, nannies are not regulated and don’t have to be registered or have any qualifications. All a nanny needs in order to care for children is a DBS (formerly CRB) check and even that doesn’t have to be up to date.

A good nanny agency will ensure that your nanny has the right qualifications and/or experience and is appropriately screened. However, the rise of internet search sites often drives parents to find a nanny online in order to avoid agency fees. Unsuitable nannies can therefore slip through the net and may be much cheaper than a child-minder.

Many parents also pay their nannies cash in hand without accounting to HMRC for the tax and national insurance they owe, so the savings overall may seem substantial. Do remember though that not paying tax or NIC is illegal and can carry substantial penalties if discovered. Not only that, but it unfairly deprives your nanny of any state benefits in the future.

If you decide to employ a nanny, do make sure she has the right skills, experience and/or qualifications. However much money you save, there is really no advantage in 1:1 care in your own home if the nanny you employ is inadequate or unsuited to the job.

Sarah- Jane Butler is CEO and founder of Parental Choice, a one stop shop for advice and guidance on all your childcare needs, including payroll and employment contracts for nannies.

For more information, please visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk

Everyone loves jumping in muddy puddles!

We LOVE these super-cute personalised wellies. Perfect for splashing in puddles on a rainy day and making the dull January days a little more exciting! Made from natural rubber, they are soft, supple and flexible. These wellies come with a choice of cream, pink or grey - welly socks are personalised for free. £25 www.my1styears.com

Ollie Swoops in to Rescue Parents from Sleep Deprivation To celebrate Groclock’s 10 year anniversary the company have unveiled a brand-new design for the iconic sleep trainer.

Ollie, the wisest night Owl, is here to help toddlers learn about sleepy time and wakey time! As night time falls Ollie waves goodnight, falls asleep and the screen turns blue. Parents set when they want Ollie to wake up, at which point he opens his eyes and the screen turns yellow.

With one sold every 3 minutes around the world, the clock has been heralded by many as the must-have gadget to support the bedtime routine, especially during the clock change period. This genius product has clearly helped hundreds of thousands of parents!

Available from Argos and the gro-store.com £34.99 familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 7

W hat’s Ocens to

AUDLEY BUTLER SCHOOL

WHERE: Audley End House and Gardens WHEN: 18-22 February: 11.00 – 16.00

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

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Learn about the etiquette of a country house, from dressing a table to folding a napkin. Be sure to pay attention, since sloppiness is not tolerated!

Adult £11.80; Child £7.10 www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ whats-on

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Public Open Evenings

Drop-in Family Events WHERE: Cambridge Botanic

Garden

WHEN: 6 January & 3 February:

11.00-15.00 Head to the Schools Garden for seasonal craft activities. Visit website for more information.

Garden admission for adults www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

MUCKY PUPS – Winter Wildlife

WHERE: Wicken Fen, Ely WHEN: 9 & 10 January:

10.15 – 11.45 Seasonal fun, crafts and adventure for under 5s. Event will take place outside, so wrap up warm and wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty.

Booking essential. £5 01353 720274 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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e!

Messy Church

WHERE: Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech WHEN: 12 Jan & 9 Feb: 15.30-17.30 Monthly fun crafts, Bible stories and songs.

Explore faith and enjoy a tasty home-cooked meal at the end. FREE donations welcome www.messywisbech.org.uk

Little Explorers

WHERE: The Polar Museum

WHEN: 14 January: 10.00 & 11.00

A different Polar story each session with renowned storyteller Marion Leeper. Earth sister sky sister theme this month. For under 5s only. Booking essential. £1.50 per child www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museum/ events

My Fair Lady

WHERE: Cambridge Arts Theatre

Documentary Challenge WHERE: IWM Duxford

WHEN: January & February

Make and feature in your own mini-documentary. Have your say and share stories ranging from spies to bomb shelters. Dropin. Pick up device from Visitor Centre. £10 per family (does not include admission) www.iwm.org.uk 8 Families Cambridgeshire

WHEN: 16-19 January

Fall in love all over again with England’s favourite flower girl in this fresh, memorable production of the classic musical. £18-£33 www.cambridgeartstheatre. com 01223 503333

WHERE: Cambridge Botanic

Garden

WHEN: January & February

Every Sunday at 14.30 from Glasshouse Terrace, take a tour of the first winter garden to be created at a botanic garden in the UK as it celebrates its 40th anniversary year. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

Baby Sensory

WHERE: Institute of Astronomy,

University of Cambridge WHEN: January & February Wednesdays 19.00-21.00. Talk by an astronomer followed by opportunity to look through the historical Northumberland and Thorrow good telescopes if weather clear. FREE www.ast.cam.ac.uk/public/ public_observing

Tours of the Winter Garden

WHERE: Cambridge,

Camp Fire Cooking for Kids

WHERE: Ferry Meadows

Country Park WHEN: 26 January: 10.30 & 13.30 Use basic bush-craft techniques to light a fire without using matches and then have a go at cooking and eating some simple campfire recipes.7+.

Booking essential. £5.50 www.neneparktrust.cloudvenue. co.uk 01733 234193

Clip’n Climb

WHERE: Clifton Road Industrial

Estate, Cambridge WHEN: January & February Climbing centre meets theme park: experience 20 challenges that twist, turn, light and excite.

East Anglia’s first such venue is suitable from 4 years. Pre-booking essential.

Adult £17.50; Child £12.50 www.clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk

Cambourne, Ely WHEN: January & February Designed to aid your child’s development from birth, with sounds, smells, sights, music, dance and more; classes run throughout the year. Book in blocks of 5 or 10; new clients can book free trial week. www.babysensory.com/en/ ClassDetails/cambridge

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Big Garden Birdwatch

WHERE: Green space near you WHEN: 26-28 January

Take part in the nation’s biggest bird watch exercise. Register with the RSPB online for your pack and further details. Check last year’s results too. FREE ww2.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/ activities/birdwatch

Skaters

WHERE: Mill Road, Wisbech WHEN: January & February

From Friday Groovy Tots session (no skates) to afterschool, home education and family skating sessions, there is entertainment for everyone; on skates and off!

From £3 www.skaterswisbech. co.uk 01945 882048

EASTERN REGION CYCLO-CROSS RACES WHERE: Milton Country Park

WHEN: 27 January: 11.00-16.00

A full cycle race with a family vibe for under 8s; 10s and 12s.

Plus adult races too. Sign-up in advance through British Cycling or on the day. www.britishcycling.org.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families What’s on Nature Tots

SNOWDROPS AND DAFFODILS

WHERE: Ferry Meadows

WHERE: Chippenham Park Gardens

WHEN: 28 January: 10.30

WHEN: 9 February – 31 March

Monthly outdoor parent and toddler group, with messy craft activity, time to explore the beautiful outdoors, story and songtime. 2+ years. £3.50 www.neneparktrust.cloudvenue. co.uk 01733 234193

Pebbles Club – On Ice! WHERE: The Norris Museum

WHEN: 9 February: 10.00-12.00

Drop-in crafts and family fun with story time at 10.30. Aimed at 3-6 year-olds, though all ages welcome. £2.00 per child www.norrismuseum.org.uk

Open at weekends, showcasing acres of naturalised snowdrops, ravishing aconites and glorious hellebores. Then daffodils and spring bulbs.

Tearooms open.

Adult £5; Children FREE www.chippenhamparkgardens.info/opening-dates

PBFA Book Fair

Make a Bird Box

WHEN: 15 & 16 February

Park

WHERE: Guildhall, Cambridge

Two days full of fun, surprises and everything to do with old books, prints, maps, manuscripts and book-related illustrations and objects. £2 www.pbfa.org Fre

e!

Draw – a – Saurus

WHERE: Sedgewick Museum

WHEN: 18 February: 10.00-13.00

Mucky Pups – Feathery February WHERE: Wicken Fen, Ely

WHEN: 13 & 14 February:

10.15 – 11.45 Seasonal fun, crafts and adventure for under 5s. Event will take place outside, so wrap up warm and wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty.

Wellies advised.

Booking essential. £5 01353 720274 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Learn how to draw dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals at this family drop-in.

FREE www.sedgwickmuseum.org

Spring Fun at the Fen WHERE: Ramsey Heights

Countryside Centre WHEN: 19-21 February: 10.30-15.30 Drop in and try different Springwildlife-themed activities. £4 per child www.wildlifebcn.org 01487 815524

WINTERSCAPES IN COLLAGE WHERE: Tindalls, Ely

WHEN: 9 February: 13.00 & 15.00

Kids craft club designed to inspire youngsters from age 7+.

Workshops held above shop.

Booking essential. £8 per child www.tindalls.co.uk 01353 669498

WHERE: Ferry Meadows Country WHEN: 18 & 21 February

Make a Bird Box to take home with you and provide a home for the birds in your Garden. All materials and tools provided. 8+.

Booking essential. £7 per box 01733 234193 www.neneparktrust.cloudvenue. co.uk

Family Drop-in Sessions WHERE: Paxton Pits Nature

Reserve, St Neots WHEN: 18-22 February: 10.00-14.00 Get stuck into activities about local wildlife. Activities both indoors and outside in the education centre grounds. £5 per child www.wildlifebcn.org 01480 473161 Fre

e!

Mooch and a Moo Walk

WHERE: Wandlebury Country

Park

WHEN: 20 February: 10.30-12.00

Meet the cows, find out why they are important, and see what else is braving the winter on a guided walk. 5+. Meet at noticeboard, carpark.

FREE but donations welcome www.cambridgeppf.org/events Fre

e!

Happily Ever After WHERE: Ferry Meadows

Country Park WHEN: 22 February Introduce children to the story of The Ugly Duckling and discover the wonderful world of ducks through crafts, activities singing and story-time.

3+. Booking essential £5.50 01733 234193 www. neneparktrust. cloudvenue. co.uk

The Inside View: The Lancaster

WHERE: IWM Duxford

WHEN: Until 28 February

A behind-the-ropes exploration of the iconic Avro Lancaster; tour includes 45-minute talk outside the aircraft, followed by a 10-minute session inside the rear of the aircraft with guide.

Adult £10; Child £5 (does not include admission) www.iwm.org.uk

TWILIGHT AT THE MUSEUMS

WHERE: Museums across Cambridge WHEN: 20 February: 16.30-19.30 Take a leap into the unknown and explore 14 local museums and collections after dark…

Experience museums and collections in a different way, discover somewhere new, and unearth some remarkable objects. FREE www.museums.cam.ac.uk/whats-on/twilight-at-the-museums familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 9

Twilight at the Museums Wednesday 20 February 2019, 4.30 - 7.30pm One night of unmissable family adventure www.museums.cam.ac.uk/twilight

FREE

!

Families Fun

TWILIGHT AT THE MUSEUMS

Get out and explore Cambridge museums and collections after hours 20 February 2019, 4.30 – 7.30pm

Twilight at the Museums is back… back for more adventure by torchlight… back to showcase Cambridge museums and collections in a completely different way… back to help families discover somewhere new, and unearth some remarkable treasures.

Twilight at the Museums is a FREE after-hours event for families where museums and collections across the city turn down the lights and open their doors for after-hours fun. With free, drop-in activities and themed trails across the venues, there is plenty for families to enjoy.

Pack a torch and experience some ‘Neon Navigation’ at All Saints Church, meet some Arctic explorers at the Polar Museum, and try your hand at code cracking with the Museum of Technology.

Twilight What’s On programmes will be available from all participating museums and other venues from mid-January, and a downloadable version will be available from www.museums.cam.ac.uk/ twilight

Neon Navigation

Starry Night

Use the UV torches to find fabulous fluorescent creatures hidden around the church; make shapes and patterns with light boxes; or tell a story using shadow puppets.

Drop-in www.visitchurches.org.uk

Museum of the History of Science Enjoy a star-lit adventure both inside and outside the museum. With special light displays, music, craft and astronomy. Bring your torches and see the museum come to life.

Drop-in www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

WHERE: All Saints Church

Torches, Trinkets, Treasure!

WHERE: Museum of Cambridge

Explore some weird and wonderful objects from the Museum’s collection in an interactive session with arts and crafts, object handling and more. Follow the trail and discover hidden secrets within the Museum – what might you find? Drop-in www.museumofcambridge. org.uk

Light, Dark and Luminosity!

WHERE: Kettle’s Yard

Discover the Gallery’s new exhibitions.

Complete your adventure by taking part in some creative interaction and activities that play with light, image projections, grids and lines. Don’t forget your torch… and watch out for the big spider! Drop-in Please note: the Kettle’s Yard House will not be open www.kettlesyard.co.uk

Historic Explorers

WHERE: The Polar Museum

Visit in the dark and travel back in time. The Museum will be bringing alive some of the amazing characters who have made polar history. Meet Martin Frobisher, an Elizabethan explorer with gold on his mind. Not to mention the Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton who led his men to safety after his ship sank.

Drop-in. Please note: at busy periods the Museum will be operating a one-in, one-out policy www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museum

Red Alert

WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Did you know that one in five of the world’s plant species are in danger of becoming extinct? The good news is that botanic gardens (and you!) can help. Embark on an amazing journey around the glasshouses after dark.

Drop-in. Please note: entrance via Brookside Gate only. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

WHERE: Fitzwilliam Museum with the Whipple

Manuscripts and Music

by Candlelight WHERE: University Library

Experience beautiful decorated manuscripts displayed just as they would have been in the past – lit by candlelight. All accompanied by music of the period performed live by students of the Music Faculty. Please note: suitable for ages 7+ www.exhibitions.lib.cam.ac.uk

MAA’s Magical Mystery Tour WHERE: Museum of Archaeology and

Anthropology The Beats of Polynesia will be playing live at the Museum as you make your way around the galleries looking for musical instruments, dancing clothes and all things needed to put on a show. Drop-in. www.maa.cam.ac.uk

The Sedgwick Shadows

WHERE: Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

Explore the Sedgwick Museum after dark and search among the shadows to uncover fabulous fossils and marvellous minerals. Use your torch to hunt for secrets in the shadowy cabinets and discover something new. Drop-in Please note: queues may be likely at busy periods www.sedgwickmuseum.org

FURTHER AFIELD We’re Going on a Rat Hunt

WHERE: Cambridge Museum of Technology

Make your own rat mask, explore the Museum and track down all of the rats lurking in dark corners. Bring your torch to help you find them all. Drop-in. www.museumoftechnology.com

Science at Sundown T-wit T-who Comes Out at Night?

WHERE: Museum of Zoology

Is it an owl? Is it a bat? Explore the Museum after dark and discover nocturnal creatures with puppets and more. Drop-in Please note: queues may be likely at busy periods www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk

Torchlight Explorers

WHERE: Museum of

Classical Archaeology Torches at the ready.

The Museum can be a spooky place after dark.

Explore and complete the Twilight trail… if you dare. Drop-in www.classics.cam. ac.uk/museum

WHERE: Cambridge Science Centre

Get hands-on with science to reveal the mysteries of light. What will you discover as the sun goes down? Come along to find out.

Drop-in www.cambridgesciencecentre.org THIS YEAR, EXPLORE EVEN FURTHER WITH TWILIGHT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT Cromwell Museum www.cromwellmuseum.org Norris Museum, St Ives www.norrismuseum.org.uk Wisbech & Fenland Museum, Wisbech www.wisbechmuseum.org.uk Saffron Walden Museum www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org Check museums.cam.ac.uk/twilight or individual websites for up-to-date information Pushchair Park Baby Change Shop

Café Wheelchair Access

Families Cambridgeshire 11

Families Promotion

Oaks International School is launched Oaks International Nursery and Primary School at Cherry Hinton Hall is a small, flourishing independent day school, offering a varied and stimulating education to children of all

nationalities, aged from 2 to 11 years old. The school is formerly part of Cambridge International School and is delighted that it now specialises in the education of pre-school and primary aged children. The site recently underwent a £3.5 million redevelopment, ensuring that pupils have an inspiring and welcoming learning environment and in April last year opened a new 50 week a year nursery for 2-year olds. The newly named school will remain under the ownership of International Schools Partnership, with Mrs Philippa Mills as Principal.

This will allow the school to continue to benefit from ISP’s educational expertise and financial backing, with strong links to 32 other excellent ISP schools located all around the world, all of which prioritise the culture of amazing learning.

Whilst the School will have a new name, its ethos of supporting and nurturing children of all abilities will remain the same. Through small class sizes and a commitment to individualised learning, children are taught to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses in order to achieve beyond their expectations.

Oaks International recognises and nurtures each pupil’s gifts and talents so that they amaze themselves and inspire others.

The unique Mother Tongue programme ensures that

students continue to study in their own language through small group tuition by native speakers.

The English students at the school welcome the diversity and global understanding they gain from being part of the school’s wide community.

The school’s educational philosophy promotes creative thinking, self-motivation, curiosity about the world and the courage to take risks, without being daunted by failure. Instead, children are encouraged to use these as opportunities to learn and grow. At Oaks International an excellent academic education is underpinned by a culture of tolerance, an acceptance of differences and an understanding of diversity, all of which are longlasting skills that will accompany pupils throughout their lives.

Oaks International School is located in Cherry Hinton Hall, set in the beautiful Cherry Hinton Park. For admissions information please contact admissions@ oischool.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1223 455193 www.oaksinternationalschool.co.uk

HELPING YOU FIND THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES our 2019 guide to some of the nurseries local to Cambridgshire with the latest Ofsted ratings* ACE NURSERY SCHOOL, Cambridge. www.ace-nursery-school.org.uk 01223 357181(Ofsted Outstanding)

CLARENCE HOUSE, Cambridge www.chdn.co.uk 01223 778383 (Ofsted Good)

ALL SAINTS INTERCHURCH PRESCHOOL,March. www.allsaints.cambs.sch.uk (Ofsted Good)

EMNETH NURSERY SCHOOL AND CHILDREN’S CENTRE www.emneth-nur.norfolk.sch.uk 01945 582401(Ofsted Outstanding)

BLACKBERRY HOUSE DAY NURSERY, Wisbech www.blackberryhousedaynursery.co.uk 01945 428747 (Ofsted Outstanding) BRIGHT HORIZONS CAMBRIDGE SCIENCE PARK - Science Park. www.brighthorizons.co.uk (Ofsted Good) BRIGHT HORIZONS WOLFSON COURT Madingley Roadwww.brighthorizons.co.uk (Ofsted Outstanding)

FLUTTERBIES CHILDCARE, Benwick, March.

01354 677 733 www.flutterbieschildcare.com (Ofsted Outstanding) HARVEY ROAD DAY NURSERY, Cambridge www.harveyroaddaynursery.org.uk 01223 363860 (Ofsted Good) HISTON EARLY YEARS CENTRE www.histon.cambs.sch.uk (Ofsted Good) HOMERTON EARLY YEARS CENTRE, Cambridge www.hamerton.cambs.sch.uk 01223 508766 (Ofsted Outstanding)

BUNNYBROOKES DAY NURSERY Addenbrooke’s. www.brighthorizons.co.uk (Ofsted Good)

KRAZY DAYS NURSERY, Walsoken Wisbech www.krazydayz.com 01945 738083 (Ofsted Good)

BUTTERFLY DAY NURSERY, Cambridge www.butterflydaynursery.co.uk 01223 353164 (Ofsted Good) CHESTNUT NURSERY CHESTERTON www.chestnut-nursery.co.uk 01223 728390 (Ofsted Good) 12 Families Cambridgeshire

LADYBIRDS DAY NURSERY, Wisbech 01945 466667 (Ofsted Good)

PATACAKE NURSERY, Cambridge (Sedley Court) www.pata-cake.co.uk 01223 411636 PERSE PELICAN NURSERY SCHOOL, Cambridge www.perse.co.uk/pelican 01223 403940 SCALLYWAGS DAY NURSERY, Westwick Hall Farm www.scallywagsdaynursery.com 01223 2324 00 (Ofsted Outstanding) SNAP 4 KIDS Cambridge & Hauxton www.snap4kids.co.uk 01223 477413 (Ofsted Good) THE MALTINGS DAY NURSERY, Ely www.themaltingsdaynursery.co.uk 01353 661442 (Ofsted Outstanding) THE WILLOWS DAY NURSERY, Chatteris www.thewillowschatteris.co.uk 01354 461232 (Ofsted Good)

LITTLE TED’S DAY NURSERY, Haddenham 01353 741765 (Ofsted Good)

WISBECH DAY NURSERY Wisbech www.wisbechdaynursery.co.uk (Ofsted Outstanding)

MAGDALENE HOUSE SCHOOL, Wisbech www.wisbechgrammar.com/Prep-School 01945 583631

WISBECH ST MARY PRE SCHOOL www.wsmpreschool.com 01945 411864 (Ofsted Good) familiesonline.co.uk

* correct at the time we went to press.

BRIGHT HORIZONS ELY Cambridgeshire Business Park www.brighthorizons.co.uk (Ofsted Outstanding)

OAKS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, NURSERY www.oaksinternationalschool.co.uk 01223 455193

Is your Child’s Vocabulary Holding Them Back?

By Charlotte Gater

One of the biggest factors affecting your child’s ability to progress at school is their language skills.

If they cannot understand what is being said or articulate their own thoughts, then school can be a confusing and isolating place.

A recent speech by the Education Secretary, Damian Hinds,

highlighted the need for children to develop good language skills

“because when you’re behind from the start you rarely catch up.”

According to the Department for Education, nearly one third of

children ages 4 and 5 lack the language skills necessary to describe simple events or even to speak in sentences.

Here are some ideas you can fit into your busy family lives in order to

help your little ones develop their language skills.

Encourage Reading for Pleasure from an Early Age This ensures that positive reading habits are set up from the start.

Building a love of stories, books and reading are key to developing a child’s vocabulary. For very young children, create opportunities

for sharing books throughout the day, not just at bedtime. Lead by

example and let your child see you reading for pleasure as they become independent readers themselves.

Don’t be Scared of Using Challenging Language Children learn from what is being said around them, so if you model

using a variety of language then your child will learn more and start to

use different words. Use more challenging words and then explain what they mean to increase their vocabulary.

Join the Library Books can be expensive, and it may take time to find the types of

stories that engage your child. So join the library and tap into this free goldmine!

Attend Music Classes or Story Time Sessions These are also great ways to engage your child and build their language skills.

Label your House Involve your child in labelling items around the house so they can learn lots of new words. Write the words and get your child to trace over or

copy them if they are able. They can also draw pictures on the labels to help them remember the words.

familiesonline.co.uk

Make Word Learning Fun

Play quick and easy word games such as ‘word of the week’ where points are scored every time the word is used in context correctly.

Traditional games such as Hangman, Scrabble and Boggle increase literacy skills. ‘I Spy’ is good for younger children and can be adapted for older children to ‘I hear with my little ear’ and then giving a clue to the meaning of a word for example “a word that means the opposite of ‘agree’” or “a word that explains how plants get energy”.

Harness Technology Technology can help increase literacy skills if you use it in the right way. Some recommended resources are: Oxford Owl (www.oxfordowl.co.uk) has a series of free e-books 3 to 11 year olds, some of which you can listen to as well as read. There’s also lots of helpful resources you can use at home.

Audio books are great when you’re traveling in the car or getting ready to go out. Listen to stories and then talk to your child about the story.

Apps such as Pirate Phonics, Hairy Letters and Reading Eggs (www.readingeggs.co.uk) are great to get started with language learning.

When you are out and about let your child take some photos to make a picture diary. Then when you get home look through the photos and get them to describe what you did. You can also turn your adventures into a book. Book Creator (www.bookcreator.com) allows you to make 40 e-books of your own for free.

Talk with your Child

Conversation is key to building language skills. Whether it’s whilst having dinner, on the journey home from school or before they go to bed, take the time to have a chat with your child. Sometimes it’s hard to get anything out of children, and “fine” or “okay” are given as standard answers. Try a few open questions to get them expanding their answers like “what was the best thing about your day?” Or “Tell me about what you did at nursery”.

Charlotte Gater is Head of Curriculum at leading extra tuition provider Explore Learning.

Families Cambridgeshire 13

To advertise in

please call 01945 861336 or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

Eden Dance, Cambridge junior cast presents

THE LION KING 2nd & 3rd February 2018 at 2.30pm Comberton Sports & Arts West Street, Comberton CB23 7DU

Tickets from: wegottickets.com www.edendance.co.uk info@edendance.co.uk 01223 778655

Eden Dance, Cambridge

La

senior cast presents

Boutique Fantasque (The Magic Toyshop)

2nd & 3rd February 2018 at 5.30pm Comberton Sports & Arts West Street, Comberton CB23 7DU

Tickets from: wegottickets.com www.edendance.co.uk info@edendance.co.uk 01223 778655

Families Fun

MUSIC LESSONS: why your child should start right away!

Katrina Mason

Many parents encourage their children to play a musical instrument and the younger they begin, the more they can benefit. This guide aims to assist parents unsure of why their children should begin learning an instrument and what skills are required.

Firstly, and most importantly, learning a musical instrument is hugely beneficial to your child’s development. Whether they wish to be the next Chopin or Joe Satriani, the art of music can only be positive for your son or daughter as they navigate the choppy waters of adolescence.

All you need to know before your child starts to play a musical instrument…

be far more likely to practise.

Patience

books, however, most music can now be found

of patience and delayed gratification. Learning

HOW OFTEN SHOULD THEY PRACTISE?

the key elements of contemporary music and

You can buy music books including grade

for free or at a small cost online.

One lesson a week is ideal, so as not to over-

burden the youngster. Practice really is up to

move through into adulthood.

HOW DOES LEARNING MUSIC

Self-esteem

Academic studies

likely to meet new people, as well as master an

instrument is proven to help

Thinking about cost

Self-esteem will be boosted as your child is

art form that is tricky to say the least!

Learning a musical

A music lesson can vary quite considerably

your child in school-related

activities. If they are learning

in price, ranging from £15 up to £40. This

rhyme, in essence, they are

location. Make sure you shop around and get

will depend on the quality of the teacher or

about beat, rhythm and

also learning how to divide,

create fractions and recognise

patterns. The art of studying music

familiesonline.co.uk

In addition, some tricky instruments like the

earlier age, giving them an advantage as they

BENEFIT A YOUNG PERSON?

Notes in music range from A to G. As long as your children know this, forwards and backwards, they can start to read and learn music!

Obviously, an idea of co-ordination is useful.

Your child will need to have an idea whether they want to play left-handed or right-handed.

This will most often be the way that feels most natural to them, but as the adult it is important to know that left-handed equipment is often not as easy to find.

WHAT IS NEEDED? Purchasing the instrument is the easiest way to ensure your child is going to progress as quickly as possible, however, this is not the cheapest option! It may be worth talking to local schools and clubs about hiring the equipment in the first instance, but if the student has the instrument at home, they will

helps increase acceptance levels in the young.

so it teaches young people adult traits at an

if your child practices at least improve far faster.

WHAT SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT?

to play with others at different levels is one of

violin or piano, have a steep learning curve,

the individual, but research would suggest once more a week, they will

WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD BEGIN LESSONS? Although some parents start their children at three, most teachers would agree that seven is ideal for several reasons; they must be able to hold the instrument, be able to grasp simple music notation and have the attention span required.

Your child will also learn the key components

and lyrics will also help to improve a child’s short-term memory and, if continued, their long-term memory too.

It is also widely believed that the scientific

principles of strumming a guitar or playing a violin can aid the basic understanding of subjects such as physics. Cool, huh?

Physicality

Learning instruments such as the drums,

the teacher that you want. In essence, you

need to know what it is you want your child to gain from the experience and make sure the teacher you choose is the sort of individual

your child can learn from and grow a special bond with. There would be nothing worse

than spending money only for it to fail, but if

you choose your instrument carefully and the teacher, the craft of learning an instrument is

a gift you can give your little one that will last forever!

So hopefully it is clear to see the benefits of

percussion or even the double bass can

learning to play a music instrument. Whether

Co-ordination and motor skills benefit

benefits of learning could be limitless!

help youngsters develop physically too. most specifically, yet in addition, a lot of

instruments are high

energy, helping your child enjoy and feel

the creative flow of the

activity, while letting off excess energy!

Also, learning to cope

an African drum or the simple recorder, the

Kwan Music (based in CB22 5 minute walk from Shelford Station)

is offering professional tuition by qualified and highly experienced teachers and offers tuition on piano, music theory, organ, bassoon, musicianship and maths lessons from beginner level to A level/GCSE support lessons are available.

with uncomfortable positions for short

periods of time helps

increase ambidexterity and timing.

For more information and a free trial lessons with no obligation, sign up at

www.kwanmusic.co.uk phone: 07914 333901 Email: 20kwan@gmail.com Families Cambridgeshire 15

Find your fearless Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge 01223 359974

cambridge@stagecoach.co.uk

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.