Families Oxfordshire January February 2019

F R TAKE EE ME HOM E

IN THIS ISSUE

WIN A family ticket to Madagascar the Musical

TUE 30 APRIL – SAT 4 MAY Issue 89 January/February 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Oxfordshire 1

FRIDAY

29 TH MARCH #H attastic

An ‘Exceptional’ education from £3,000 per term Prep School Open Morning 9 January 2019 Pre-prep School Stay and Play 22 January 2019

www.oxfordhigh.gdst.net/visit-us

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 time to come.

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Li of fairness, children think tegrity, they caring, and in think of you. own Jr H. Jackson Br

4. News and Views @familiesCambMag facebook.com/FamiliesUKOxfordshire

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

WIN

8. What’s On 10. Nursery Listings 2019 11. An Inspector Calls 12. Our Ladies Abingdon 13. Early Years Vocabulary 14. Pranic Healing 15. Music Lessons 22,000 copies of Families Oxfordshire

TICKETS TO SEE MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL

Families Oxfordshire Magazine has teamed up with Madagascar the Musical to offer 1 lucky reader the chance to win a Family ticket to the opening night at Oxford New Theatre.

Join Alex (X-Factor 2016 winner Matt Terry), Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular.

This smash hit musical features all of your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

This brand new musical from Dreamworks (Shrek The Musical) will leave audiences with no choice but to ‘move it, move it’! Look out for the corresponding post on the Families Oxfordshire Magazine Facebook page this January for details on how to enter.

familiesonline.co.uk

7. Baby News

available through schools, nurseries,

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and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk PUBLISHING ASSISTANT: Becky Lawrence admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA & SALES: Jean@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net

Families Oxfordshire 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.

WEAR A HAT DAY

If you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family, look no further than Wear A Hat Day. The annual fundraising event takes place on Friday 29th March, 2019 and the Brain Tumour Research charity needs your help to make it the biggest, boldest and hattiest EVER! There are so many ways to get involved and the little ones will have so much fun, all whilst helping an important cause. From organising a hatty fashion show and making Easter bonnets, to hosting a bake sale and going on a hat-tastic walkabout, you can plan any type of event you fancy… just don’t forget your hat!

By taking part in Wear A Hat Day, you will be helping to raise vital funds for research into brain tumours. The disease is indiscriminate and it can affect anyone at any age. What’s more, brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet historically just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Register for Wear A Hat Day and your family can help change this; simply go to www.braintumourresearch. org/fundraise/wear-a-hat-day/wear-a-hatday-registration

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 way. “It’s not a pushy stage school” 4 Families Oxfordshire

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 Oxfordshire.

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book.

familiesonline.co.uk

News & views Will Gompertz, BBC Arts Editor, opens Abingdon School’s Beech Court Laugh yourself happy Will Gompertz, Arts Editor at the BBC, and this February with a former Abingdon School Headmaster Eric Puffin funny WIN! Anderson and his wife Poppy and daughter book bundle

To coincide with national storytelling week, we are offering one lucky reader 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 bingoplaying ways. And the Heffleys’ escape to a tropical island resort isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be.

To enter look out for post on Families Oxfordshire Magazine’s Facebook page.

The winner 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.

Kate, were the guests of honour at the official opening of Abingdon School’s Beech Court, which houses the new sixth form centre, library and art department.

Will gave a very entertaining talk to the assembled boys, staff and friends, highlighting the importance of thinking like an artist.

Speaking about the new facility he said, “Beech Court is a wonderful and important addition to Abingdon’s academic landscape, offering first-class spaces for art, the sixth form, and contemplation: a jewel to be enjoyed and shared with students from schools across the town.” The impressive new facility was lit up in Abingdon pink with two giant griffins illuminating the walls.

Sleep tight night light!

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/

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.preschool.org.uk/ news

Help your family to achieve a happy and healthy lifestyle both physically and emotionally Learn easy to apply techniques for every day situations to harmonise relationships and the home environment Discover the empowerment to transform your life and the lives of your loved ones WellBeing Seminars & Courses for Families Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire Personal Development Seminar Health & Positive Self Image Seminar Managing Personal & Professional Relationships Seminar Pranic Healing Level 1 Course www.ukpranichealing.co.uk/tara-mehmet www.ukpranichealing.co.uk/odette-meredith familiesonline.co.uk

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

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 preschool 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 speciallydesigned 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, visit www.kingston.acc.uk/ research/research-showcase/ research-case-studies Families Oxfordshire 5

• Top 3% of schools for value added at A Level • Strong academic results • Nurturing family ethos • Over 50 co-curricular activities

A place with a palpable buzz and vibrancy that gets the balance between giving children the freedom to be themselves, whilst maintaining a focus on traditional values The Good Schools Guide Review 2018

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OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 9 MARCH 2019 South Oxfordshire • 01491 683500 registrar@oratory.co.uk • oratory.co.uk HMC DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR BOYS AGED 11 TO 18

The Willow On The Farm

The Willow On The Farm Nill Farm, Hook Norton, Banbury, Oxon OX15 5D Nill Farm, Hook Norton, Banbury, Oxon OX15 5DQ 01608 730143 alice@willowonthefarm.co The Willow The Farm 01608 730143 On alice@willowonthefarm.co.uk

www.willowonthefarm.co Nill Farm, Hook Norton,www.willowonthefarm.co.uk Banbury, Oxon OX15 5DQ 01608 730143 alice@willowonthefarm.co.uk www.willowonthefarm.co.uk

Ask abou

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Indoor and Outdoor Learning with Highly Qualified Teachers Forest School * Tractor & Trailer Adventures * Farmyard Animals RULER Programme: Building emotional intelligence & resilience Indoor and Outdoor Learning with Highly Qualified Teachers - 4 year& olds.

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Morning, Animals For 2*1/2Tractor Forest School Trailer Adventures * Farmyard afternoon or full emotional day sessions available.& resilience RULER Programme: Building intelligence

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For 2 /2 - 4 year olds. Term time only. Morning, Forest School * Tractor & Trailer Adventures * Farmyard An ANGELS & URCHINS FINAL.indd 1

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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

Ollie Swoops in Best Baby Apps for New Parents baby can cause untold disruption to Rescue Parents Atonew routine and life in general. This is where the right apps can come into from Sleep their own and make life a little bit easier.

Deprivation

To celebrate Groclock’s10 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

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 familiesonline.co.uk

The following apps can help you track feedings, sleep times, decipher developmental milestones and build the most beautiful selection of photos.

White Noise There are lots of apps that play ‘white noise’ to help your baby go to sleep. White Noise Lite is on android and iPhone and plays ambient sounds such as waves crashing or rainfall. However, Spotify also has a great selection of white noise – and you reap the benefit of everything else Spotify has to offer. More info at www.tmsoft.com/white-noise British Red Cross Baby and Child First Aid A brilliant app created by the experts at the British Red Cross to help you keep your little ones safe. Packed with videos, easy to follow advice and a test section, it offers great reassurance on a range of baby-related issues at the click of a button, enabling you to act fast. More info www. redcross.org.uk/first-aid/first-aid-apps NCT Baby Change This helps you to locate changing facilities to use in your surrounding area and aims to take the stress away from being out of the house. The app relies on parents providing feedback on changing facilities after use and adding any new locations to the map. More info at www.nct.org.uk/ parenting/nct-babychange-app Baby Monitor 3G Allowing you to turn any connected device into a baby monitor, this app acts as a live audio and video baby monitor over Wi-Fi or mobile data and claims to have unlimited reach, working in a similar way to FaceTime or Skype. More info at www.babymonitor3g.com Baby Tracker This helps you track feeds, whether breast, bottle or solid so you can keep an eye on when and how much your baby is eating. There are also other baby feeding apps which can track things like which breast you last fed from, pumping sessions and how much breast milk you have stored in the fridge or freezer. www.nighp.com/babytracker/ Families Oxfordshire 7

W hat’s On

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

Ox fords h ire

Music & Lyrics in association with Churchill Theatre Bromley present

DOCTOR DOLITTLE THE MUSICAL

WHERE: The New Theatre Oxford WHEN: 15 - 26 January

Starring MARK WILLIAMS as Doctor Dolittle Book, Music and Lyrics by

YOU’VE NEVER SE EN ANYTHING LIKE IT!

LESLIE BRICUSSE

Based on the Doctor Dolittle stories by Hugh Lofting and the Twentieth Century Fox Film Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Ltd.

Cotswold Wildlife Park WHERE: Burford

WHEN: January & February:

10.00 – 17.00 Wonderful animals and seasonal events complemented by daily activities: penguin feeding, adventure playground, farm yard fun and single-gauge railway!

Adult £15; Child £10; Under 3s FREE www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Baby Ashmoles Exploring Islamic Middle East

Cinema Bambino: Fantastic Beasts Crimes of Grindelwald

WHEN: 11, 18 & 25 January:

Norton

WHERE: Ashmolean Museum

WHERE: The Theatre, Chipping

10.30 – 11.30 Singing and sensory play for babies. This session is for parents/ caregivers of babies under 1 who are not yet walking.

Booking is advised, email: families@ashmus.ox.ac.uk. £1 donation www.ashmolean.org/events

WHEN: 24 January: 10.30

Ashventure: Ancient Greece Myths and Legends

WHERE: Ashmolean Museum WHEN: 19 January

HIPPITY HOP

WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse WHEN: 12&13 January

Experience the poetry, puppetry, music and movement of the first ever interactive hip hop show for young children. With graffitibased designs, hip hop flavoured beats and the twinkling lights of the city. 2-5 years. £8 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

Regular Ashventures for stories, gallery hunts, games and crafts.

All ages are welcome. Particularly suitable for ages 4+.Just drop in.

Meet in Gallery 21. £1 donation www.ashmolean.org/events

WHERE: The

WHERE: The Beacon Wantage WHEN: 19 January: 14.30

A mysterious present has appeared in the school playground. Who can it possibly be for? What could be waiting inside? For 3-8 yrs. £10 www.beaconwantage.co.uk 01235 763456

Henley-on-Thames WHEN: 13 February: 11.00 Join Leo the Ranger for a led walk around Greys Court to learn to identify trees without leaves.

Book online. £3 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ greys-court 01491 628529

WHERE: Waddesdon Manor,

WHEN:

2 February: 14.00-16.00!

Learn about The New Year Beast through interactive storytelling, plus there will be dragon dancing and lots of arts and crafts. £2 per child or £5 per family www.oxfordshire.gov.uk

WHEN: 3 February

The Big Enormous Present

WHERE: Greys Court, Near

Family Cookery School

Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock

Didcot

WHEN: January & February:

Winter tree walk with Leo the Ranger

Celebrating Chinese New Year!

WHERE: Cornerstone Arts Centre,

WHERE: The Story Museum

8 Families Oxfordshire

Film club for babies and their grown-ups. Socialise with a free tea or coffee before-hand, change and feed wherever you need, relax and watch the film in a babyfriendly environment. £3.50 (plus membership) babies FREE www.chippingnortontheatre. com 01608 642350

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant

ABC Story

10.30-11.30 Explore a different story every Tuesday and Friday. Each session includes a welcome, a story, a stay-and-play time and an activity – messy play, movement or creative play. 0-3s. £5 per child www.storymuseum.org.uk

Join the eccentric Doctor, his human companions and his exotic menagerie of animal friends on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail. £13.00 - £66.90 www.atgtickets.com

Features a menagerie of 12 loveable puppets and tells the tale of an elephant that stands out with his patchwork-coloured skin and sense of humour. £12/£10 www.cornerstonearts.org 01235 515144 Fre

e!

Near Aylesbury WHEN: 16 – 24 February: 11.30-15.30 Have fun with the kids by whipping up tasty creations this half term. Booking essential.

Call to book. £25 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ waddesdon-manor 01296 820414

The Giant Jam Sandwich WHERE: Cornerstone

Arts Centre, Didcot WHEN: 17 February One hot summer’s day, four million wasps invade the quiet village of Itching Down. Join the villagers in their plan to help save the day.

For 3–7 years. £8/£6 www.cornerstonearts.org 01235 515144

WINTER FAMILY TRAIL WHERE: Museum of Oxford WHEN: Until 8 February

Follow the winter-themed trail around the new Micro-Museum and discover new things.

Available from the Gallery and the Gift Shop.

FREE www.oxford.gov.uk/events familiesonline.co.uk

Families What’s on THE CAT IN THE HAT

FIRE AND ICE

WHEN: 19 - 23 February

WHEN: 21 February: 10.30-16.00

WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse

WHERE: River and Rowing Museum

With riotous rhymes which have delighted children for over fifty years, infectious humour and spectacular circus for the grownups, this wonderfully anarchic show is the purrfect treat for all the family. 4+ £22.00/£18.00/£14.00/£10.00 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

Make a mini volcano and investigate all things meteorological. Discover the Icelandic myths that inspired William Morris and design a troll to feature in your own story.

FREE with admission www.rrm.co.uk 01491 415600

Chinese New Year Festival Show

WHERE: Oxford Playhouse WHEN: 18 February: 19.00

From the daring stunts of Chinese acrobatics to the magnificent 18-metre long Dragon Dance, this is a colourful party of Chinese cultural tradition. £18.00/£14.00/£11.00/£8.00 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

Love your Birds

Feathering the Nest WHERE: Sutton Courtenay

Environmental Education Centre, nr Didcot WHEN: 22 February: 10.00-12.00 Make a birdie pamper pack and ‘tweat’ the birds in your garden this winter. Booking essential.

Strictly 8+. £10 per child.

01235 862024 bbowt.org.uk

WHERE: The Theatre,

Chipping Norton WHEN: 18-19 & 21-22 February Two days of practical workshops, during which you will participate in drama games, improvisations and devise a play. For 5-7 years (21-22) and 8 – 12 years (18-19). Booking essential.

8-12 £50/5-7 £40 www. chippingnortontheatre.com 01608 642350

WHERE: River and

Rowing Museum WHEN: 19 February: 10.30-12.30 Make your own little mice from junk materials plus some habitats to hide them in. Learn mice language! 4 – 7 yrs. Booking essential. £8.50 www.rrm.co.uk 01491 415600

WHERE: Sutton Courtenay

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Centre, nr Didcot 19-21 February 10.00-15.00 Find out what the birds are up to and how you can help them through the chilly winter months.

4+. Booking essential. £5 per child. bbowt.org.uk 01235 862024

Centre, Didcot WHEN: 24 February Combining classical ballet, physical theatre, visuals and story-telling, this production will engage all children including those with special needs.

Teddies welcome. 0-8 years. £8/£6 www. cornerstone-arts.org 01235 515144

WHEN: Environmental Education

WHERE: Cornerstone Arts

Fun in the Box The Cat in the Hat Play in Two Days

Nice Mice!

WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse

WHEN: 20 – 22 February: 12.30-

14.00 & 15.50 – 16.30 Write silly things, solve thingyme-bobs and create thingy-mejigs - The Top Room will be full of activities that are easy to do, hard to solve so you’ll never be bored on a rainy day again. FREE www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

February half term trail

WHERE: Greys Court, Near Henley-on-Thames WHEN: 16 – 24 February

Explore the estate at Greys Court and learn about the work that takes place to protect it. £2 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greys-court 01491 628529

ANIMALCOLM Maths Madness with Kyle D Evans WHERE: Old Fire Station,

Pleae mention Families Oxfordshire when reponding to adverts familiesonline.co.uk

George Street WHEN: 21 February: 14.00-15.00 Whether you’re a mathsphile or mathsphobe, this show brings joyous number-play to the whole family. 8+ £6 www.oldfirestation.org.uk 01865 263990

WHERE: Cornerstone

Arts Centre, Didcot WHEN: 20 February A vibrant, energetic and gloriously funny musical.

Theatre, puppetry and storytelling bring David Baddiel’s comic story to the stage. 7+ £12/£10 www.cornerstone-arts. org 01235 515144 Families Oxfordshire 9

Nursery Listings 2019 HELPING YOU FIND THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES our 2019 guide to some of the nurseries local to Oxfordshire with the latest Ofsted ratings* ABC NURSERY & PRE-

SCHOOL, Headington.

01865 439051 www.abcnurseryoxford. co.uk Ofsted Good BEAR NECESSITIES

DAY NURSERY, Weston-

on-the-Green. www. bearnecessitiesnursery.co.uk 01869 351118. Ofsted Good BLEWBURY PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP, Didcot.

www.blewbury.oxon.sch.uk 01235 851786. Ofsted Good BUSY BEES DAY

NURSERY, Bicester. www.

busybeeschildcare.co.uk 01869 321 522. Ofsted Good

BRIGHT HORIZONS MILTON PARK DAY NURSERY &

PRE-SCHOOL, Abingdon.

www.brighthorizons.co.uk 0330 057 8988 Ofsted Good

BRIGHT HORIZONS LITTLE STARS NURSERY, Didcot.

DAFFODIL DAY NURSERY LTD, Witney. www.daffodil-

CHANDLINGS NURSERY,

LITTLE BEARS PRE-SCHOOL,

0333 122 3156. Ofsted Outstanding

Oxford www.chandlings.org. uk/nursery 01865 730771 CHARLBURY PRE-SCHOOL,

CHILD FIRST BANBURY,

MAGPIES PRESCHOOL,

www.childfirst.co.uk 01295 273743. Ofsted Good CHILD FIRST BICESTER,

www.childfirst.co.uk 01869 323730. Ofsted Good CHILDREY LITTLE DUCKS PRE-SCHOOL,

www.childreylittleducks.org Ofsted Good CORNFLOWER NURSERY,

SCHOOL, Wallingford.

CRANFORD HOUSE NURSERY SCHOOL, Cholsey.

0333 920 4333. Ofsted Outstanding

LORD WILLIAMS’S SCHOOL DAY NURSERY, Thame.

www.lwsdaynursery.co.uk 01844 260231. Ofsted Good

MONGEWELL PARK DAY NURSERY AND PRE-

Stadhampton. www.littlebears.com 01865 400 033.

Ofsted Good

Chipping Norton. www.charlburypreschool. org.uk 01608 811200 Ofsted Good

Headington School www.headington.org/ nursery/nursery-day 01865 759113

BRIGHT HORIZONS

nursery.co.uk 01993 883451.

Ofsted Good

01491 651218 www.cranfordhouse.net

Wallingford. www.puddleduckoxfordshire.co.uk 01491 521 217. Ofsted Good

SANDFIELD DAY NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL,

Headington. www.childbasepartnership. com/sandfield-day-nursery 01865 744200. Ofsted Outstanding ST ANNE’S COLLEGE DAY NURSERY, Oxford.

Kidlington 01865 842724. www. magpies.info/magpiespreschool Ofsted Good

www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk/ about/places/collegenursery. Ofsted Outstanding

OUR LADY’S ABINGDON NURSERY,

www.olab.org.uk/Nursery 01235 524658 PEAPODS NURSERY SCHOOL, Henley-on-

Thames. www.peapodsnurseryschool. com 01491 628 395. Ofsted Good PIPPINS DAY NURSERY & NURSERY SCHOOL,

PUDDLEDUCK NURSERY,

Headington. www. aurorachildcare.co.uk 01865 227872. Ofsted Good

ST CLEMENT’S CHURCH PRE-SCHOOL, 01865 202512

www. stclementschurchpreschool. co.uk Ofsted Good SMART TOTS DAY NURSERY, Banbury. www.

completechildcare.co.uk 01295 259393. Ofsted Good SUMMERTOWN MONTESSORI NURSERY,

www. montessorinorthoxford.org 01865 311364 / 554954 Ofsted Good

THE AUNTIES’ OLD SCHOOL NURSERY, Stanton-St-John &

Wheatly. 01865 351215 www.theoldschoolnursery. co.uk Ofsted (both) Outstanding THE CO-OPERATIVE CHILDCARE DAY NURSERY, Oxford. www.

thecooperativechildcare. coop 0800 954 0669 Ofsted Good THE FARMHOUSE NURSERY SCHOOL, Witney.

01993 700797 www. thefarmhousenurseryschool. co.uk Ofsted Outstanding THE MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL PRE-NURSERY & NURSERY, Abingdon

www.manorprep.org/EarlyYears-Foundation-Stage 01235 858462 THE WANTAGE NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL.

www.wantagenursery.co.uk 01235 760213. Ofsted Good THE WILLOW ON THE FARM, Banbury www.

willowonthefarm.co.uk 01608 730143 WILLOW COTTAGE NURSERIES, Farmoor

Setting, Oxford. www.willow-cottage.com/ farmoor-setting 01865 865206. Ofsted Outstanding * correct at the time we went to press.

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10 Families Oxfordshire

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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.

One of the key things an Inspector examines is how a setting safeguards the children in its care.

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, familiesonline.co.uk

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 self-evaluation 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/ Families Oxfordshire 11

Families Promotion

Early Years at Our Lady’s Abingdon Do you know that tucked away on the Oxford Road in Abingdon is a wonderful learning space where your child will flourish and be happy?

Our Early Years Department is based on two floors with airy, spacious and inviting classrooms which feel more like home than a school.

We prepare all of our children to have the confidence and skills required to be ready for the world.

We make learning fun and follow the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage, planning learning activities that are based on the children’s interests and helping to develop a lifetime love for learning.

Due to the attention they receive in our Nursery and Reception classes the children’s skills develop rapidly, especially reading, writing, drawing, sports and swimming. All children at OLA swim in our own indoor pool and become competent swimmers from a young age. Baking and cooking are also on the curriculum enabling them to gain confidence.

Children in our school are taught by a specialist PE teacher twice a week using apparatus and obstacle courses. The lessons are held in the Junior School gymnasium which is a great facility in the heart of the school.

The school dining room is a bright and airy space where the children are able to choose hot and cold food as well as a variety of salads, fruit and mouth-watering desserts. By allowing our children to choose what they eat promotes independence as the children are able to choose the foods from a variety of healthy choices and they get to eat with their peers and staff.

All children in Reception have a French lesson once a week which is taught by a French teacher from our Senior School.

Children at OLA learn languages from an early age so that when they go into the Senior 12 Families Oxfordshire

We prepare all have of our children to d skills the confidence an ady required to be re for the world.

School they are invariably already confident linguists.

We have a safe, stimulating outdoor classroom that provides opportunities to support all of the children in the EYFS including our youngest 3 year olds. There is equipment that encourages investigation, imagination and opportunities to build and create with natural materials. They also benefit from playing in our Junior School playground with their older siblings and friends, which helps develop their group confidence and enables them to flourish socially. They also take part in Junior School assemblies and produce their own which they prepare and deliver to their parents during the summer term. They also take part in Junior School events and their own annual Infant Nativity, which this year was held in our own School Chapel with a real donkey!

Over October half term we had brand new outdoor play equipment installed and the children are able to play on this every day.

The children had a pivotal role in deciding what they would like and worked with our installation company to choose equipment

that they wanted in their playground. They felt part of the process and were delighted when the Abingdon Mayor officially opened their playground.

Don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself how amazing our Nursery and Reception classes are at OLA.

Please visit our website at www.olab.org.uk for upcoming events or contact our Junior School on 01235 523147 or officejs@olab.org.uk Tours and visits can be arranged at any time to suit you. familiesonline.co.uk

Early Years

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 to 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.

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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 Oxfordshire 13

She Means Business Tara Mehmet and Odette Meredith are based in Bourne End and Penn respectively.

Disillusionment with busy jobs led them to pursue an alternative career. They now help people with physical, emotional and mental health using techniques from Pranic Healing.

1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE BUSINESS?

Pranic Healing is one of the fastest-growing complementary therapies in the world (now in 126 countries) and an amazing SelfDevelopment programme. We are licensed Instructors affiliated with the Institute of Pranic Healing UK and Ireland. As therapists we treat physical conditions including: migraines, back- ache, infections, asthma, allergies, gastro problems and much more.

For mental and emotional conditions, we help with stress and anxiety, depression, addiction and phobias. As instructors we facilitate seminars, community relaxation sessions for kids, teens and adults and courses for people who’d like to learn the skills themselves. Pranic Healingis a great toolkit for parents for a healthy, happy, family life.

2. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELVES?

Odette, Mum of twoteenagers, worked in the telecoms industry for 10 years, was a Zumba instructor for 10 years and currently works in private practice as Human Givens Psychotherapist and Pranic Healing Instructor/ Practitioner.

Tara, Mum of three girls, ran a management business in the music industry for 15 years, was a Reflexologist and Massage Therapist and is currently a Pranic Healing Instructor/Practitioner.

3. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SET UP THE BUSINESS?

Odette - I had good personal experiences when practicing the techniques myself and with my family for health and the ups-and-downs of teenage life. I also noticed rapid recovery times, when I incorporated some of the Pranic treatments into counselling sessions.

Tara - after a highly stressful career, at the point of burnout, I discovered Pranic Healing and it transformed my life. I’m now committed to helping others with the challenges they face with families, careers and maintaining life-balance.

4. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

We all experience stress or pain at some stage. The genius of Pranic Healing is that anyone can learn techniques to help themselves and others in a practical two-day course. The techniques help with personal growth, health, relationships, and even finances. We are committed to sharing these techniques to help empower families through courses and/or 1-2-1 treatments and community projects.

5. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO OTHER BUSINESS WOMEN?

Business women generally have the responsibility of taking care of others.

They need to take “me-time” in order to juggle responsibilities and be happy within themselves. Your life can be transformed by applying tools from Pranic Healing, such as breathing techniques, power generating exercises, meditation and non-touch healing. Once more in control of our emotions, we have better mental clarity, and can achieve more.

Contact odette@ukpranichealing.co.uk or tara@ukpranichealing.co.uk LEVEL 1 - BASIC PRANIC HEALING COURSE To be happy, your body needs to be healthy and your mind clear. This two-day practical course will enable you to take all areas of your life to the next level.

12/13 January 2019 - Holiday Inn, Oxford 26/27 January 2019 - Holiday Inn, Reading South 9/10 February 2019 - Hampshire, Basingstoke 14/15 March 2019 - Bourne End Library SEMINAR: Health & Positive Self Image 18 January 2019 - Bourne End Library, Buckinghamshire 14 Families Oxfordshire

Where children become everything they can be Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

ABINGDON 01235 390810 stagecoach.co.uk/abingdon

BICESTER 01869 321185 stagecoach.co.uk/bicester FARINGDON 01367 240663 stagecoach.co.uk/faringdon OXFORD BOTLEY 01865 590510 stagecoach.co.uk/botley OXFORD HEADINGTON 01865 688809 stagecoach.co.uk/headington OXFORD SUMMERTOWN 01865 655663 stagecoach.co.uk/summertown THAME 07376 361495 stagecoach.co.uk/thame HENLEY AND HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow WITNEY 01993 220414 stagecoach.co.uk/witney Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned

Stagecoach Performing Arts is Creative the trading name ArtsofLimited.

Stagecoach by their Principals.

Stagecoach and Courage For of LifeStagecoach are registeredTheatre trademarks Stagecoach Theatre ArtsTheatre Limited. 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.

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Music Lessons

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…

student has the instrument at home, they will be far more likely to practise.

You can buy music books including grade books, however, most music can now be found for free or at a small cost online.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD THEY PRACTISE? One lesson a week is ideal, so as not to overburden the youngster. Practice really is up to the individual, but research would suggest if your child practices at least once more a week, they will improve far faster.

HOW DOES LEARNING

MUSIC BENEFIT A YOUNG PERSON?

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.

WHAT SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT?

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 familiesonline.co.uk

Patience

Your child will also learn the key components

of patience and delayed gratification. Learning to play with others at different levels is one of the key elements of contemporary music and

helps increase acceptance levels in the young.

In addition, some tricky instruments like the violin or piano, have a steep learning curve,

so it teaches young people adult traits at an

earlier age, giving them an advantage as they move through into adulthood.

Self-esteem

Self-esteem will be boosted as your child is

likely to meet new people, as well as master an

art form that is tricky to say the least!

Academic studies Thinking about cost Learning a musical A music lesson can vary quite considerably instrument is proven to help in price, ranging from £15 up to £40. This your child in school-related will depend on the quality of the teacher or activities. If they are learning location.

Make sure you shop around and get about beat, rhythm and the teacher that you want. In essence, you rhyme, in essence, they need to know what it is you want your child to are also learning how to gain from the experience and make sure the divide, create fractions and teacher you choose is the sort of individual recognise patterns. The art of studying music and lyrics will also help to improve a child’s your child can learn from and grow a special short-term memory and, if continued, their bond with. There would be nothing worse long-term memory too. than spending money only for it to fail, but if It is also widely believed that the scientific you choose your instrument carefully and the principles of strumming a guitar or playing teacher, the craft of learning an instrument is a violin can aid the basic understanding of a gift you can give your little one that will last subjects such as physics. Cool, huh? forever!

Physicality So hopefully it is clear to see the benefits of Learning instruments such as the drums, learning to play a music instrument. Whether percussion or even the double bass can an African drum or the simple recorder, the help youngsters develop physically too. benefits of learning could be limitless!

Co-ordination and motor skills benefit 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 Monkey Music Oxford E: oxford@monkeymusic.co.uk with uncomfortable T: 01235 519806 positions for short periods of time helps increase ambidexterity and timing.

Families Oxfordshire 15

One size fits all... not at OLA! Whether your child wears big or small wellies OLA will provide the right fit.

Located in the heart of Abingdon in Oxfordshire, OLA Junior School is an Independent School for boys and girls from 3 to 11.

If you are considering an independent education for your child, please contact us to arrange a visit.

St John’s Road | Abingdon | Oxfordshire | OX14 2HB | 01235 523147 | www.olab.org.uk