Families Cambridgeshire

F R TAKE EE ME HOM E

Issue 58 January/February 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

re exciting soft play cent e u n e v y t r a p e u iq n u d n a

buy 1 get 1 free TERMS & CONDITIONS: 1. This voucher entitles one free child admission when another child admission is purchased at Partyman World of Play. Only valid Monday - Friday during term time. 2. Lowest priced child admission goes free.

3. Voucher valid until 31th March 2020. There is no alternative offer or cash alternative. 5. This voucher can only be used once and must be given up at the time of use. 6. This voucher has no value and cannot be sold.

Partyman World of Play 8 Mercers Row Cambridge CB5 8HY Telephone: 01223 321203 Website: www.partymanworld.co.uk

CAMFamilies.indd 1

12/20/2019 11:12:43 AM

* Cambridge Park & Ride – Taking you into the heart of Cambridge

The Family Cycling specialist in Cambridge

Open seven days a week Buses depart every 10 minutes (Mon-Sat) until 6.30pm and every 20 minutes after Tickets: • *Park & Ride Return, £3 and with this ticket up to three children travel for free • Park & Ride Group Ticket, £8.50 (purchased from driver), allows a group of up to 5 people to travel together.

• Park & Ride Weekly Ticket, £14 and valid for 7 days • Every 15 minutes (9am – 6pm) Sundays and public holidays

Beat the school run traffic on a Cargo Bike or Tandem!

Contactless payments are now accepted on all Park & Ride services Concessionary pass holders travel for free with their passes after 9.30am Monday to Friday, and all day at the weekend and on bank holidays.

Parking is free for up to 18 hours. Charges apply for longer stays, see www.cambridgeparkandride.info for more

+ Kid's bikes by Expert Advice & Test Rides + 1 Year FREE servicing!

team@outspokencycles.co.uk

01223 789606

outspokencycles.co.uk

Further information: www.cambridgeparkandride.info

Contents & Crossword

Dear Reader, Welcome to the first edition of 2020!

A New Year, new things, new skills, new places, new plans, new experiences and for some a new baby! We had an early Christmas present last year and welcomed our little girl into the world in December. I know many of you will feel like hibernating for most of January after overindulging and over-spending during the festive season but we have other ideas. We have managed to find lots of things going on in Cambridgeshire to get you out and about this month and many of them are FREE. Please do mention Families when visiting any of our events.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

@familiesCambMag

facebook.com/FamiliesUKCambridgeshire

What's in this issue?

4. News and Views 7. Baby News 8.

What's On Pages

11. Nursery Listings

Wise words

12. The Importance of Imagination

Families are the compass that guides us. They are the insp iration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionall y falter. - Brad Henry

13. Educational Features 15. Activities Away from School 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.

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.

Families Cambridgeshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families 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 is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Cambridgeshire its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Rebecca, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SALES: Jean Stevens, jean@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net

PICTURE CROSSWORD

Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword?

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News & views

OAKS INTERNATIONAL – Weekly Care Home Visit Research shows that there are many benefits to young and old people spending time together, they can bring new energy, knowledge and enthusiasm to each others’ lives and joint activities can increase self-esteem and promote friendships.

These days traditional families are separated by distance, time and lack of understanding between generations, but at Oaks International Nursery we are bringing children and older adults together. The nursery, based in Cherry Hinton Hall, holds regular visits to a local Care Home and we find that the visits really help the children develop their social and emotional skills. They allow social interaction outside the nursery setting and for the children to feel part of the local community. It’s great for them to learn from a generation that have experienced life to the full.

During the visits the Care Home, residents read stories to the children, participate in games, jigsaws, craft activities and more recently flower arranging!

The Care Home Residents always look forward to the children’s visit. They said “The Children presence brings smiles and joy to our Home. Some of the residents are creating bonds with our little friends and the weekly visits have become a new positive routine in their life.”

Mrs Gibbard, Headteacher commented “The children really enjoy their visits to Cherry Hinton Care Home every Thursday. It is lovely to see friendships developing between the children and residents and it is so beneficial to see the generations interacting and working together.“

Sleep Lessons for Schoolchildren

Schoolchildren across Britain may be offered sleep lessons to help tackle the problem of insomnia in young people.

Children and young people’s sleep is being seen as an increasingly important issue.

According to the British Medical Journal, there is increasing evidence emerging that lack of sleep has a major impact on children’s mental and physical health, as well as learning. A recent study by the BMJ suggests that sleep has a greater impact on an adolescent’s mental wellbeing than bullying, physical activity and screen time.

The sleep lessons are aimed at children ages 7 to 16 years and are available as part of the PSHE curriculum. The lessons focus on giving children strategies for falling asleep and raising awareness of how sleep needs change in adolescence.

Experts say the increase in sleep problems is down to a combination of higher obesity levels, excessive use of social media before bedtime and a mental health crisis among young people More info: www.pshe-association.org.uk www.thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk/

Ofsted Ratings Driving Up House Prices

Families in England are paying a house price premium of as much as £100,000 to make sure their children live within the catchment of schools rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, new analysis suggests.

Researchers analysed the Ofsted ratings of 20,545 secondary and primary schools in England and found that average house prices often reflect the quality of the local school.

The average price of a house in England with top-rated schools nearby stands at £331,605, according to research by comparison website Confused.com. This is about £38,600 more than the average price of homes with schools rated ‘good’ by Ofsted nearby, about £78,000 more than in areas with schools that ‘require improvement’ and nearly £100,000 more than in postcodes with schools rated ‘inadequate’.

A similar study by the Department of Education found that house prices are 8% higher near the best performing primary schools.

To view the report, visit www.confused.com

4 Families Cambridgeshire

Does Your Child Need Help With Maths?

Billy told his Mum he was scared and worried about Maths; he struggled and dreaded Maths tests as he was sure he would fail.

Since starting Maths Club by Post, Billy’s confidence has flourished and he says he feels smarter as he gets most of his Maths correct. At parents evening the teacher commented that his engagement during lessons has improved significantly and he has a much more positive attitude towards Maths.

His Mum, Kelly says, “He likes to receive Maths Club by Post packs and he can’t wait to get started!!”

If, like Kelly, you can see that your child worries about Maths, get a FREE pack from Maths Club by Post and help your child flourish too.

Go to: MathsClubByPost.co.uk

THE BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from 25 to 27 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

When replying to adverts or listings, please mention Families

Help YOUR child discover their CONFIDENCE and enjoyment in MATHS Claim your FREE pack at MathsClubByPost.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

News & views

Freedom Awaits

Get back to nature with the family for a short break or for your annual holiday this year with Forest Holidays, offering idyllic locations for a relaxing cabin break in the UK’s most beautiful forests. You can stay deep in the woods, on the edge of a loch, or even in a bright forest meadow.

Whether you choose to unwind in the tranquillity of your own private outdoor hot tub, take part in the variety of outdoor pursuits or explore the nearby villages and countryside, where you can enjoy the freedom to connect with nature and make precious memories, the options are plentiful and entirely yours.

Forest Holidays offers the freedom to focus on what really matters, a place to escape and unwind from the daily chores of family life, work, screen time and a hectic lifestyle.

Each location has a resident Forest Ranger, an expert in the local wildlife who is ready and eager to share their woodland skills and the secrets of the forest with you. Stalking through the night time forest spotting animals, showing where the wild garlic grows or teaching you how to brew a pine needle tea, the Forest Rangers bring the forest alive for children and adults alike.

Whether holidaying with little ones who want to splash in puddles and spot squirrels, older children itching to explore the forest and build dens, or teenagers in search of Wi-Fi, pizzas and movies, a Forest Holiday brings the whole family together with time and space for

everyone to enjoy the little pleasures.

After a long family walk or forest adventure you can call at the Forest Retreat: where families can enjoy meals, drinks and snacks that are served all day. From sausage and bacon sandwiches or a full British breakfast in the morning, to delicious lunch-time meals and tea and cakes in the afternoon, you can enjoy a relaxed and friendly service with a view of the forest.

The forest and surrounding landscapes are a playground for adventure-seekers, wildlife lovers and even those just seeking some rest and relaxation, and we offer a wealth of activities for everyone to enjoy. Some of the adventures take place in the forest and some are off-location with their 3rd party partners.

Some of the activities you can expect to find include: • Forest Survival • Canoeing and Paddle boarding • Archery and shooting • Horse Riding and Pony Trekking • Adventure (microlight, caving, rock climbing, etc) Go Ape To book a stay with Forest Holidays visit www.forestholidays.co.uk

FEELING THE GRETA EFFECT

When it comes to making the world take notice, Greta Thunberg is certainly pulling punches. Her courage, tenacity and passion are some of the qualities that spring to mind when we think of our young girls at St Mary’s.

For Greta to cross the Atlantic, take the United Nations to task over climate change, despite an army of critics, is impressive in someone so young. And she is right. We are failing to protect our planet and we must take responsibility for our children’s legacy.

We believe educators have a responsibility to influence and guide where we go from here. Teachers find themselves on the frontline of this crisis, because we stand alongside young people. It is down to us to share the science, to build the creativity, resilience and innovative thinking that’s needed to face this challenge. Next year, schools in Italy will incorporate 33 hours of climate-related education in their annual curriculum, a move we need to see on a global scale.

Considering Greta’s powerful example of an individual’s role in effecting change, we at St Mary’s are adding our voices and efforts to actions which reduce our impact on the environment and urge others to do the same. Olympia Severis, English teacher, & Greg Ball, Head of Operations, St Mary’s School, Cambridge

PERFORM is celebrating its 20th anniversary!

Families chatted to founder, Lucy Quick.

HOW DID PERFORM START? I was a musical theatre actress in Oliver! at the London Palladium and I loved working with children. I had a vision for a drama school that wasn’t about talent or auditions; where performing arts would be used to develop what we now call the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration.

WHERE IS PERFORM AT NOW? Starting with two classes in 2000, we now run 472 schools across the South East and West, employ over 250 teachers and have almost 8000 children attending weekly.

What’s the secret of Perform’s success?

We put child development at the heart of everything we do.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? Opening more Perform schools across the country – we’re just launching in Nottingham - and continuing our confidence crusade to help children fulfil their potential through drama, dance and singing.

WHAT ARE YOU PROUDEST OF? My teachers. They are the most inspirational bunch of talented and enthusiastic people you’ll ever meet.

Try a FREE no-obligation dance or drama class in Cambridgeshire Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book.

NATIONAL STORYTELLING WEEK National Storytelling Week takes place from 1 to 8 February and is 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 familiesonline.co.uk

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.

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 Families Cambridgeshire 5

Embracing the individuality of every learner, in a supportive environment of international mindedness Now Accepting applications for entry into Reception Class in September 2020 OAKS International School Cherry Hinton Hall, Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge CB1 8DW admissions@oischool.co.uk | 01223 416938 www.oaksinternationalschool.co.uk A small and flourishing independent day school, for children aged 2 – 11 years old

Marvellous Maths Saturday 8 February 2019, 0930 – 1230 Come and join us at our latest event ‘Marvellous Maths’ for children currently in year 5. Discover your child’s potential, build their confidence and unlock their understanding. ‘ It just adds up!!’

You can also book a personalised tour of our Kindergarten, Prep or Senior School to find out how we deliver an all - round education that inspires our pupils to

Discover who they are...

Contact our Admissions Team on 01945 586750 admissions@wisbechgrammar.com to book your son or daughter on this ‘marvellous’ event.

Families Baby News Major Study Shows Folic Acid Improves Children’s Cognitive Development If Taken THROUGHOUT Pregnancy

The results of a follow up study from a randomised controlled clinical trial (FASSTT Offspring Trial) published in BMC Medicine (31st October 2019) show that children of mothers taking folic acid throughout pregnancy scored significantly higher in terms of cognitive development at age 7 years compared to those when folic acid supplementation was replaced with a placebo after the first trimester. This study is the first to demonstrate that there are benefits for infant neurodevelopment from continued maternal folic acid supplementation beyond the first trimester.

70 children completed the assessment at age 7 years, and 39 at age 3 years. ‘At both time points, great proportions of children from folic acid supplemented mothers compared with placebo had cognitive scores above the median values.[i].

It is well known that folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects and although some women know it’s important to take folic acid in early pregnancy, few realise that it is essential for maternal tissue development throughout pregnancy. Furthermore, the results of this recent study concludes that continued folic acid supplementation throughout the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can influence the cognitive performance of their children up to 7 years of age which challenges the advice that women planning a baby should take a supplement containing 400mcg of folic acid until the 12th week of pregnancy.

All Pregnacare supplements have always contained the exact 400mcg of folic acid as it contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy which can be crucial in later pregnancy (24 – 42 gestational weeks), where it is recognized to be an important period for foetal brain growth.

familiesonline.co.uk

GREEN LIGHT GIVEN TO LANDMARK GROUP B STREP TRIAL

A major new trial to prevent a potentially fatal infection being passed on to newborn babies has been granted ethical approval.

The multi-million pound trial, which will involve 80 hospitals in England, Wales and Scotland, received the go-ahead from the Health Research Authority in England and Health and Care Research in Wales. The trial will involve at least 320,000 women, with recruitment beginning in Spring 2020.

Group B Strep is the most common cause of life-threatening infection in newborn babies, causing a range of serious infections including pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. The results of this ground-breaking trial will be used to inform the future of pregnancy care across the United Kingdom and could help save babies lives every year.

Health Minister, Nadine Dorries said: “Every baby deserves the best start to life, so I’m thrilled this hugely important trial has been given the green light”.

The £2.8 million trial, funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), will look at the effectiveness of two different tests compared with standard care – a lab-based test, the Enriched Culture Medium (ECM) test at 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy, and a ‘bedside test’ at the start of labour. The ECM test is currently recommended for use on high-risk groups in late pregnancy by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ clinical guidelines.

Group B Strep infections in newborn babies can usually be prevented by giving antibiotics through a vein to women during labour, which reduces the risk by up to 90%.

The UK currently does not routinely test pregnant women for Group B Strep, and instead identifies pregnant women with ‘risk factors’ for their newborn developing the infection.

Jane Plumb MBE, Chief Executive of Group B Strep Support, said: “We are delighted that the GBS3 trial is progressing and has the support of the Government.

“After routine testing was introduced in the United States, the rate of early-onset GBS infection dropped by over 80 per cent and is now less than half that of the UK. Were the same to happen in the UK, approximately 350 babies every year would be protected from group B Strep infections, saving 15 babies’ lives and preventing another 15 from developing life-changing disability.”

Research has shown that: A 31% rise in the prevalence of Group B Strep infections in babies under three months old since 2000 in the UK and Ireland with 65% of the mothers of affected babies showing no risk factors.

The bacteria are present in approximately 1-in-5 pregnant women, usually causing no harm to the carrier, but may be passed unknowingly from a mother to her baby around birth.

1-in-1,750 newborn babies will develop a Group B Strep infection.

1-in-19 of these babies will die and 1-in-14 survivors will be left with long-term disability.

Families Cambridgeshire 7

W hat’s Onto places Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all

Cambridgeshir

PERFORM

WHEN: January & February

WHERE: Across Cambridgeshire

From weekly drama and dance classes, to that unique “Holiday Club”, Perform has everything to offer to your child from ages 4 and up.

Book now for a free trial or look at their February Half Term Holiday Club, Trial FREE www.perform.org.uk

e

Drop-in Family Events WHEN: January and February WHERE: Cambridge Botanic

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

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

Mucky Pups – Wintery Wicken WHEN: 8 & 9 January:

10.15 - 11.45 WHERE: Wicken Fen, Ely 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

Messy Church

WHEN: 11 Jan & 8 Feb:

15.30-17.30 WHERE: Queen Mary Centre, Wisbech Monthly fun crafts, Bible stories and songs. Explore faith and enjoy a tasty home-cooked meal at the end. FREE - donations welcome. messywisbech.org.uk

Family Orienteering

Clip’n Climb

Snowdrops: The Tour

WHERE: Coldhams Common,

WHERE: Cambridge

WHERE: Angelsey Abbey

WHEN: 11 January 1-3 pm

Cambridge An easy, fun way for juniors and families to try orienteering. Three different courses and friendly advice to get you started.

Family groups £5; Child £2 www.waoc.org.uk

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.

Prices start at £13.00 www.clipnclimbcambridge.co.uk

WHEN: 27 January and onwards

Snowdrops are one of the first signs that spring is on its way and Anglesey Abbey is famous for them. Fun day for the entirely family to be had. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01223 810086

Public Open Evenings WHEN: January & February

WHERE: Institute of Astronomy,

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

Sound of Music

WHEN: 22-25 January

Nature Tots

Fill your heart with a story of bravery and love as Cambridge Operatic Society revive the beloved musical The Sound of Music in a sparkling new production. £18-£33 www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 01223 503333

10th Feb. WHERE: Ferry Meadows 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

WHERE: Cambridge Arts Theatre

Little Bugs Club – Great Fen WHEN: January/February - Fridays

WHERE: Countryside Centre, Ramsey Heights

A fantastic introduction to the natural world for pre-school children.

Each weekly session is packed with activities, walks and games….be prepared to get mucky. £4 per child. www.wildlifebcn.org

WHEN: Monday 13th Jan and

Baby Sensory

WHEN: January & February WHERE: Cambridge,

Cambourne, Ely 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

Big Garden Birdwatch WHEN: 25-27 January

WHERE: Green space near you

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 8 Families Cambridgeshire

Snowdrops and Daffodils WHEN: 8 February (for the

month)

WHERE: Chippenham Park

Gardens 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

familiesonline.co.uk

Families What’s on WINTRY WILDLIFE

WHEN: 19 February: 10.30 and onwards WHERE: Wicken Fen, Ely

Explore the fens and get in touch with your creative side. Learn about the fens in winter, and gather natural materials along the way – then use the materials to create a natural masterpiece £6.50 Suitable for ages 3 to 10. 01353 720274 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

GeoCache Challenge

WHEN: 21 February: 10.30 and

onwards

Mucky Pups – Feathery February

WHERE: Wicken Fen, Ely

WHEN: 12 & 13 February: 10.15 - 11.45 WHERE: Wicken Fen, Ely

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

Pebbles Club – 2020

WHEN: 15 February: 10.00-12.00

HOLIDAY BUSHCRAFT

WHERE: The Norris Museum

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

Wild Wednesdays WHEN: 18 February

WHEN: 17 to 19 February

Country Park Wild and Seasonal Craft event for children and adults. Drop in event, so no booking required. FREE 01733 234193 neneparktrust. cloudvenue.co.uk

Holiday Bushcraft at Wandlebury is designed for children aged 5-12 and is run by experienced qualified teachers from Wild Thyme & Embers, who will inspire children and share their knowledge and skills of surviving in the wild. £38 per child www.cambridgeppf.org

WHERE: Ferry Meadows

WHEN: 18 February, 11am – 3pm WHERE: IWV Duxford

WHEN: 15-22 February:

11.00 – 16.00 WHERE: Audley End House and Gardens Learn about the experiences the troops went through at this exciting history event at Audley End. Your child can either chose to become a Home Front Hero or Super Spy. Adult £14.30; Child £8.60 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ visit/whats-on familiesonline.co.uk

WHEN: 19 February: 16.30-19.30

Embark on a journey at Twilight as the museum bring alive historic pioneers of Antarctic discovery!

Meet Frank Debenham, the founder of the Scott Polar Research Institute, or Lois Jones, who led the first all-woman science team to Antarctica. Free www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museum/ events

WHERE: Wandlebury Park

Aeroplane Investigators

Get Hands On With History

Twilight at the Museum

The perfect way to find out all about geocaching, if you've never had a go before. Activities to do for all the family! £10.00 for a group.

01353 720274 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

IWM Duxford is offering aeroplane fanatics the chance to assist in keeping its iconic aircraft in tip-top condition. Families are invited to get hands-on this half term, and learn how IWM Duxford conservators look after aeroplanes. Free (included in price of admission), drop-in www.iwm.org.uk

When replying to adverts or listings, please mention Families

Family Orienteering

WHEN: 22 February – 1-3pm

WHERE: Wimpole Hall Estate

Make a Bird Box WHEN: 21 February

WHERE: Ferry Meadows

Country Park 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 neneparktrust. cloudvenue.co.uk/ makeabirdbox

An easy, fun way for juniors and families to try orienteering. Three different courses and friendly advice to get you started.

Family groups £5; Child £2 www.waoc.org.uk

PBFA Book Fair

WHEN: 21 &22 February

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

Flight Academy

WHEN: 17 & 19 February,

11am - 3pm WHERE: IWV Duxford Families are invited to join IWM Duxford’s Flight Academy and earn their wings this February half term. Dressed up in flight jackets and goggles like real pilots, they can experience new pilot reflex challenges and games. Free (included in price of admission), drop-in www.iwm.org.uk Families Cambridgeshire 9

Families Nursery Listings Helping you find the right place for your little ones- our 2020 guide to some of the nurseries local to Cambridgeshire with the latest Ofsted ratings, correct at the time we went to press.

ACE NURSERY SCHOOL, Cambridge

HISTON EARLY YEARS CENTRE

ALL SAINTS INTERCHURCH PRE-SCHOOL, March

HOMERTON EARLY YEARS CENTRE, Cambridge

BLACKBERRY HOUSE DAY NURSERY, Wisbech

HUMPTY DUMPTY PRE-SCHOOL, Oakington

www.ace-nursery-school.org.uk 01223 357181 (Ofsted Outstanding)

www.histon.cambs.sch.uk (Ofsted Good) www.homerton.cambs.sch.uk 01223 508766 (Ofsted Outstanding)

www.allsaints.cambs.sch.uk (Ofsted Good)

www.blackberryhousedaynursery.co.uk 01945 428747 (Ofsted Outstanding)

www.humptydumptyoakington.co.uk 01223 237504 (Ofsted Good)

BRIGHT HORIZONS, Cambridge Science Park - Science Park

LITTLE TED’S DAY NURSERY, Haddenham

BRIGHT HORIZONS, Wolfson Court, Madingley Road

MAGDALENE HOUSE SCHOOL, Wisbech

BRIGHT HORIZONS, Ely, Cambridgeshire Business Park

OAKS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, Cambridge

BRIGHT HORIZONS, Fulbourn, Cambridge, Capital Park

PATACAKE NURSERY, Cambridge (Sedley Court)

www.brighthorizons.co.uk (Ofsted Good)

www.brighthorizons.co.uk (Ofsted Outstanding) www.brighthorizons.co.uk (Ofsted Outstanding) www.brighthorizons.co.uk (Ofsted Good)

LADYBIRDS DAY NURSERY, Wisbech 01945 466667 (Ofsted Good) 01353 741765 (Ofsted Good)

www.wisbechgrammar.com/Prep-School 01945 583631 www.oaksinternationalschool.co.uk 01223 416938 (Ofsted Good) www.pata-cake.co.uk 01223 411636

PERSE PELICAN NURSERY SCHOOL, Cambridge

BUNNYBROOKES DAY NURSERY, Addenbrooke’s

www.perse.co.uk/pelican 01223 403940

www.brighthorizons.co.uk (Ofsted Good)

SCALLYWAGS DAY NURSERY, Westwick Hall Farm

BUTTERFLY DAY NURSERY, Cambridge

www.butterflydaynursery.co.uk 01223 353164 (Ofsted Good)

CLARENCE HOUSE, Cambridge

www.scallywagsdaynursery.com 01223 232400 (Ofsted Outstanding)

SNAP4KIDS

www.chdn.co.uk 01223 778383 (Ofsted Good)

EMNETH NURSERY SCHOOL AND CHILDREN’S CENTRE

www.emneth-nur.norfolk.sch.uk 01945 582401 (Ofsted Outstanding)

www. snap4kids.co.uk 01223 477 413

THE MALTINGS DAY NURSERY, Ely

www.themaltingsdaynursery.co.uk 01353 661442 (Ofsted Outstanding)

FLUTTERBIES CHILDCARE, Benwick, March

THE WILLOWS DAY NURSERY, Chatteris

HARVEY ROAD DAY NURSERY, Cambridge

WISBECH DAY NURSERY, Wisbech

01354 677733 www.flutterbieschildcare.com (Ofsted Outstanding) www.harveyroaddaynursery.org.uk 01223 363860 (Ofsted Good)

www.thewillowschatteris.co.uk 01354 461232 (Ofsted Good) www.wisbechdaynursery.co.uk (Ofsted Outstanding)

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Families Education

THE IMPORTANCE OF IMAGINATION

By Dr Neel Burton Einstein held that imagination is more important than knowledge: “I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” It’s hard to disagree. Imagination is the highest form of thought, and almost divine in its reach.

With enough imagination, we could identify and solve all of our problems. With enough imagination, we would never have to work again— or, at least, not for money. With enough imagination, we could win over, or defeat, anyone we wanted to. But our imagination is so poor that we haven’t even imagined what it would be like to have that kind of imagination.

Most children begin to develop pretend play at around 15 months of age. What are children doing when they pretend play? And why are they so absorbed in works of imagination?

When I was 7 years old, I would devour book after book and plead with my parents for those not already in the bookcase. By playing out scenarios and extending themselves beyond their limited experience, children seek to make sense of the world and find their place within it. This meaning-making is full of emotion—joy, excitement, awe—and finds an echo in every subsequent act of creation.

Think back to your favourite teacher at school: for me, a French teacher who wept silently as he read to the class from a novel by Marguerite Duras. The teachers whom we hold dear to our hearts, who changed the course of our lives, are not those who assiduously taught us the most facts, or fastidiously covered every bulleted point on the syllabus, but those who moved and inspired us, those who fired up our imagination and opened us up to ourselves and to the world.

Despite its importance to the individual

and society, our system of education leaves very little place for imagination. Our schools and universities and wider society are often forced to prioritise knowing over thinking, and equate thinking with reasoning, and reasoning with logic. This has done, and continues to do, untold harm. Instead of digging ourselves in deeper, we need to make more time and space for thinking, and we need to rehabilitate alternative forms of cognition such as imagination, inspiration, and emotion that can support, supplement, or supplant reason and return us to wholeness.

In recent years, I’ve been trying to recover the bright and vivid imagination that I left behind in primary school. For that, I’ve been doing just three things, all of them very simple to explain: • Being aware of the importance of imagination.

• Making time for sleep and idleness.

• Taking inspiration from the natural world.

How might that translate to you and your children? Don’t skimp on sleep. Don’t fill every hour of the day with scheduled activities. Make

time for idleness, for daydreaming, and long walks in nature. Above all, don’t worry about ‘wasting time.’ While we are idling, in bed, in the bath, on the bus, our unconscious mind is busy assimilating and processing disparate pieces of information, and making all sorts of novel connections and projections. Time is a very strange thing, and not at all linear: sometimes, the best way of using it is to ‘waste’ it.

Here are 12 tips for nurturing imagination in your children:

1. Allow for unscheduled down-time, even for ‘boredom.’

2. Discourage passive TVs, tablets, and other electronics.

3. Encourage reading, make sure there are plenty of age-appropriate books around.

4. Encourage story-telling and writing.

5. Encourage pretend play, even if it gets messy!

6. Spend time in botanical gardens, zoos, art museums, science museums, natural history museums.

7. Spend a lot of time outdoors.

8. Travel to different places: forest, beach, mountains, abroad.

9. Encourage contact with different people and cultures.

10. Encourage thought-provoking questions, and ask some yourself.

11. Try not to impose pre-conceived notions, especially pre-conceived notions of what it means to be successful.

12. Allow your children to follow their enthusiasms, however eccentric, impractical, or disruptive they may seem. You never know where they may lead!

Dr Neel Burton is a leading psychiatrist and author of Hypersanity: Thinking Beyond Thinking, out now, priced £12.99. To find out more, visit www.neelburton.com

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 11

Families Education

LEARNING AT HOME AND NURSERY Written by Helen Clutterham Nursery Manager Learning both at home and Nursery goes hand in hand. Learning happens every day, every minute, every second and as an adult everyday - I am still learning. Young children absorb their environment and the experiences they encounter. They learn from these experiences, build on their skills to develop and master them. It therefore is important children are nurtured in an enriched environment where adults model positive behaviours and encourage everyday learning opportunities.

At our Nursery in Chesterton we value the part parents play in the development and learning experiences of their children. We encourage working in partnership with our families and recognise that learning potential is endless if we work together.

We promote our children developing lifelong skills and a love of learning. We recognise what a child learns now is embedded in their development and why the early years is the ‘engine room’ of growing. The Early Years is where we learn all the fundamental skills needed to reach our full lifelong potential.

At Chesterton we share experiences with parents on how they can support their child’s learning at home. Through Parent workshops we share ideas of activities and opportunities for learning through everyday routines. From bath time, to mealtimes, to shopping trips to a walk in the park.

At our Ofsted inspection in November 2019

12 Families Cambridgeshire

key areas of our practice were noted in our overall good rating; “Children form close bonds with staff and secure friendships with other children. This helps to provide a positive contribution to children’s wellbeing.”

“Babies and toddlers have their curiosity and exploratory skills nurtured” “Children demonstrate a positive attitude to learning and are confident” “Children’s behaviour throughout the nursery is good” “Children benefit from a highly targeted approach to support their welfare and allround development” “Parents speak highly of the setting. They feel communication about their child’s time at the nursery is excellent.”

One key area of learning is the importance of books. The early introduction of you reading with your child everyday can make a positive difference to their language and future reading skills. I love that our reading area in our main entrance is well loved everyday by parents and children sharing stories before going home.

An environment where books are celebrated, valued and loved – is a place where children will model and develop a love for books, reading and learning.

If you would like to visit our Nursery, please do drop me a call or email to set up a visit. We look forward to welcoming you to Chestnut.

We have a strong emphasis on supporting early language and communication development and have our own Speech & Language Therapist who supports our children, parents and staff team.

Here are some top tips for supporting your child’s Communication & language Development at home: • Get down to their level and get their attention before speaking.

• Make it fun and be silly, this will keep them interested.

• Repeat back what they said (whether it’s “ba” or “oh, you liked the apple?”), and build on it this shows you are interested.

• Use simple, repetitive language.

• Keeping the TV quiet or off for short periods of ‘talking time’ to make it easier to listen.

• Children need time to put their thoughts together so give them longer to respond.

• Praise every effort, even if it isn’t perfect – simply model the correct pronunciation rather than point out it is incorrect.

Bethany Potter Speech and Language Therapist Magic Words Therapy LTD www.magicwordstherapy.co.uk bethany@magicwordstherapy.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Education

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES? We first met Rita at her home. With her kind eyes and happy nature, Rita made us feel welcome from the moment we stepped in, immediately offering us a cup of tea. “I’m always knitting, I knit toys and baby clothes,” she announced cheerfully as she brought us our cups, moving her knitting out of the way.

Her home was equally welcoming: countless photographs of international students she’s hosted adorned her walls: snapshots of birthday parties, days out and tea parties with her students spoke volumes about her commitment to providing the warmest possible welcome to all the international students she hosts.

To find out more about the art of hosting and what she’s learned from this experience, we took a quick sip of our tea and started asking away:

Thanks for having us to visit Rita. Let’s start at the beginning: What made you begin hosting international students?

Although I work part-time, I kept pondering and pondering what I could do to make a bit of extra money. My friend suggested hosting international students and that’s how it started. I’ve met some really nice people and made new friends on this journey; from time to time the students even write to me and get in touch.

familiesonline.co.uk

How do you greet the students when they arrive?

When students arrive, I introduce myself and I show them to their room. We take it from there.

You must have some great memories of the students who have stayed here.

How long have you been hosting for?

Do you keep in touch with your students once they leave?

That’s impressive! And this picture on the wall behind you – are these some of the students you have hosted?

Do they ever feel nervous when they arrive?

It’s been over three years now, and I’ve hosted over 80 students during these years. I haven’t got a computer, so I keep a record of everybody who has been here in a folder – it’s a neat record of students that have stayed with me and helps when they come back to visit, so I remember exactly who they were.

Yes! Last year, the school had an open evening and it happened to be my birthday. The school invited me to go and it was a really nice evening – I met lots of other host families. I told my students that I’d be away for the evening and when I came back home, the three girls I was hosting (from South Korea, France, and Japan) wouldn’t let me into the house! One of the girls said ‘you can’t come in, you can’t come in!’ After about twenty minutes they came out singing happy birthday, and when I stepped into the house, they had birthday tea set up, and even balloons all over the floor. It was a very nice surprise.

Yes, I still keep in touch with quite a few of the students. They send me texts from time to time or write letters.

One girl from Switzerland had a baby recently, so I made a few bits for her and sent her some knitted clothes for the baby: a blanket and a cardigan and a bonnet. Yesterday I received a parcel full of sweets from her for my birthday!

I had one girl from France – it was in September-October – and she was very scared at first, but as I sat and spoke to her she gradually settled down. When I got to know her a bit better, she told me it was her first time on her own away from her family and she was really frightened and wasn’t sure if she would like it here or like me or like the school. Thankfully she started feeling comfortable very quickly.

What’s the longest period of time a student has stayed with you?

Six months. And I have a few students arriving next week who are supposed to stay for eight months!

So lovely to meet you, Rita!

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us!

Thanks for coming! Lovely to meet you too!

Families Cambridgeshire 13

Eden Dance, Cambridge

The senior cast presents

SCROOGE

Eden Dance, Cambridge The junior cast presents

THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE at COMBERTON SPORTS & ARTS West Street, Comberton, Cambridge CB23 7DU SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2020 at 2.30pm SUNDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2020 at 2.30pm

SATURDAY 8th FEBRUARY 2020

at 5.30pm

Tickets online at: www.wegottickets.com/evenue Performance enquiries at Eden Dance: 01223 778655 www.edendance.co.uk : info@edendance.co.uk

SUNDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2020

at 5.30pm

Comberton Sports & Arts

West Street, Comberton Cambridge CB23 7DU

Tickets Online at: www.wegottickets.com/evenue Performance enquiries at Eden Dance: 01223 778655 www.edendance.co.uk : info@edendance.co.uk

14 Families Cambridgeshire

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Families Activities

Activities Away from School Activities that take place completely away from the school environment don’t just keep restless children busy or entertained and help working parents manage their child’s spare time, they can also offer great developmental benefits that will help them academically, physically and socially.

Sense of Commitment

New Friendships

A Brighter Future

Outside of the school environment, your child is likely to make friendships with children that don’t go to their school and get used to socialising with children of all ages outside the structure of the formal school day.

Improving Life and Social Skills

Outside school activities provide an ideal environment in which to nurture social skills and confidence. Many extracurricular activities work to teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal — a skill that will benefit them in their future endeavours.

Boosting Academic Performance Discovering that they have a talent can give a child a new source of confidence or a passion that translates into their engagement and behaviour at school. For example, performing in drama club can improve confidence in speaking up in class and inspire creative writing. Playing an instrument will help children understand music lessons.

Building Self-Esteem

Students who participate in outside of school activities develop a sense of commitment to whatever they are involved in. This is because they have to commit to them and give them their all, and this commitment starts to extend to other areas of their lives.

The skills and habits a child learns during his or her school years help to shape the kind of future they will lead as an adult. As a result, outside of school activities that promote everything from healthy-living habits, to leadership skills, good time-management, and better social or academic performance have plenty of advantages to offer.

Don’t Push Them

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t push children to over-do it when it comes to extra activities. It’s better for your child to choose something that they really enjoy doing and stick to it, rather than attempt numerous different activities that quickly become overwhelming, and may detract from their ability to concentrate on school work. Of course, you may also have the type of child that just wants to try everything, in which case, it may be best to let them do so and try to narrow down their commitments when you see which activities they particularly favour.

More info: www. nuffieldfoundation.org/out-schoolactivities-and-education-gap

In a busy classroom it can sometimes be hard for a child to make themselves heard. Outside of school activities will give your child the chance to build their selfesteem. Most groups or teams are more intimate than the typical classroom environment, making them less intimidating for children.

Children may also be more interested than they are in their lessons and will engage more easily with the activities involved.

Positive Role Models

Sports coaches, group leaders and other responsible adults who are sharing their skills provide role models and a valuable new take on the world for children.

Happier Children

Outside of school activities promote emotional well-being by allowing children to work off excess energy, relax their minds, and overcome the stress associated with school life.

Chance to Shine

Outside of school activities offer your child the chance to be themselves away from the influence of their school friends. Without being judged by their peers as “not cool” or “geeky” your child may thrive in developing new outlet for creative, sporting or intellectual pursuits.

Promoting Healthy Hobbies

Children with a regular activity are likely to spend less static time glued to a smartphone or screen and the interests that they develop during outside of school activities are likely to mean they spend more time practicing skills and pursuing their passions.

Explore Interests and Create Broader Perspectives

When children participate in multiple different activities, they get the opportunity to explore a range of interests which subsequently broaden their world view.

Time Management

As children get older and move on to secondary school, being able to juggle different aspects of their lives becomes increasingly important.

By attending classes, clubs or activities outside of school, your child will be taking on more responsibility for managing their schedule effectively. familiesonline.co.uk

Gymnastics Satellites

Delivering

Quality Gymnastics to the wider community

The Chesterton Academy

Monday - Chesterton Sport Centre 4.5 - 10yrs Gilbert Road, Cambridge, CB4 3NY

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Tuesday - Cambourne Village College 4.5-15yrs Sheepfold Lane, Cambourne, CB23 6FR

The Ely Academy

Wednesday - Ely College 4.5-15yrs Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH

The Impington Academy

Thursday - Impington Sports Centre 4.5-15yrs New Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9LX

The Bottisham Academy

Friday - Bottisham Sport Centre 4.5-15yrs 1 Lode Road, Bottisham, Cambridge, CB25 9DJ

07545075427 enquiries@cgagymnasticssatellites.co.uk www.cgagymnasticssatellites.co.uk

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.