Parent Talk February 2015 issue

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Parent talk

Clubs & Classes Schools Events Reviews Essential reading for parents and grandparents in Somerset

February 2015 Volume 20 Issue 2

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FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY

Parent Talk February 2015

Parent talk Don’t suffer a cold home in contents

Family Pages Out & About Book Bag News Education, Information Book Review Classified

p2-4, p8 p5-7, p9 p10-12 p13-18 p18 p19

competitions Kozi Kidz Springtime birds

p3 p11

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www.parenttalk.org.uk Editor Advertising Production March deadline

Tamsin Humphreys Juliet Young Sarah Harmer 18th February 2015

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Dear Readers...

Welcome back and how are all those New Year’s Resolutions? Mine never quite got going it has to be said but not one to be defeated, perhaps I can try again with Chinese New Year.

It’s Year of the Sheep on 19th February and I have to say I’m tempted to celebrate New Year by buying a beautiful coin from the Royal Mint.

If you turn to page 12, you’ll see quite a bit about it including some of the plans for D-Day (Decimal Day) on 15th February 1971.

This month, you’ll notice that there are a number of schools talking about their Open Days. Many of them offer generous scholarships so it’s worth taking a look, if only to get a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake!

Happy Reading!

Tamsin Editor

Competition winners Edible Garden Show

Paula Parsons, Martock Ian Smith, Keinton Mandeville The Royal Garden Hotel

Rachael Smith, Weston super Mare Woodland Backpacks

Sharon Weaden, Weston super Mare Katie Smith, Bridport Shaun the Sheep DVD

Cathy Widdowson, Castle Cary Alex Sheen, Taunton Zoe Clifford, Paignton

3

silence… check your eligibility for help to pay fuel bills The Somerset Warmer Families Project is here this winter to help you and your family reduce your fuel bills, save energy and keep warmer in your home.

Many families across the county struggle to keep their homes warm in the winter due to a combination of the cost of fuel and living in homes that are difficult to heat. You can take some simple steps to reduce your fuel bills and Somerset Warmer Families can help:

◆ Check that you are on the cheapest energy tariff ◆ Check that you are claiming all the energy incentives that you are entitled to ◆ Check if you could benefit from energy efficiency improvements in your home ◆ Get advice about issues such as damp and mould We will be visiting primary schools and Children’s Centres across the county as part of our campaign.

To find out what you can do to start saving energy and money this winter, get in touch with Somerset Warmer Families to find out how we can help you.

Call us on 01823 331222 or email energy@somersetrcc. org.uk.

Somerset Warmer Families is a project run by the Community Council for Somerset and funded by the Scottish Power Energy People Trust.

competition

WIN

Snow Much Fun! Designed in and inspired by the harsh climate of Sweden, the Alaska Parka combines its ontrend appearance with high-quality fabrics and advanced features that provide ultimate protection against the coldest winter conditions.

Letting children make the most of winter without worrying about getting cold or wet, Kozi Kidz’ Alaska Parka offers 100% protection from the wind, rain, snow and cold temperatures.

Uniquely blending fashion and function, the Alaska Parka is made from durable polyester fabric that is both waterproof and completely breathable to guarantee your child remains dry and comfortable.

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performance, water-resistant zips, a full-length storm flap and fully taped seams ensure that even the smallest droplet of water won’t seep inside the jacket. Inner adjusters and generous dimensions combine to provide a jacket that not only offers a secure fit to keep the cold at bay but is also capable of growing with your child and taking you from one cold season to the next.

Parent Talk have 1 Kozi Kidz Alaska Parka to give away.

For your chance to win, rearrange the words below and visit www.parenttalk. org.uk to enter by 9am on the closing date of 18 February 2015.

SALAKA

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For more information about the Alaska Parka visit www.kozikidz.com

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4

Parent Talk February 2015

FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY

Everything for Pot Doodles to create and keep the perfect family holiday at The Valley in the heart of Cornwall NEW Pot Doodles TAKEAWAY AND CREATEAWAY Service

Choose the bisque-ware pottery from the takeaway menu displayed on the website. Pot Doodles will loan out a selection of coloured glazes, paintbrushes, palettes and other materials. Collect the takeaway and create-away order then paint and decorate the pottery in the comfort of your home. Return the painted pottery and other loaned items.

The pottery is kiln-fired and ready to collect within 2 weeks and makes for a wonderful home activity and a great way to make personalised pottery

gifts for Valentines and Easter.

Visit www.potdoodles.co.uk or call 01935 475299 or email info@potdoodles.co.uk Pot Doodles Pottery Painting Parties

Pot Doodles is also a mobile paint your own pottery business. We come to your home, or other party venue, and set up a pottery painting party. Happy, friendly staff, instruct and demonstrate how to transfer, doodle or dab whatever design onto, bisqueware pottery. The pottery is taken away and kiln-fired, then wrapped and ready to collect within 2 weeks. The kiln-fired pottery is dishwasher and

microwave proof.

A Party costs £14.50 per head. A minimum of 8 painters is

required. A non-refundable deposit of £50 is taken on booking.

On holiday in Devon with the animals Hidden away behind secure entrance gates lies thirteen acres of gardens and woodland in the heart of Cornwall. This oasis of serenity features a unique collection of luxury selfcatering holiday cottages offering the perfect family escape at any time of the year.

Only a few miles from the city of Truro and the bustling port town of Falmouth The Valley provides the ideal base to explore the best of Cornwall, with heritage sites, outdoor activities, and stunning beaches all within a 30 minute drive.

The exclusive leisure facilities include indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, a separate games room, fitness suite, tennis and squash courts. There are play areas with swings for children of all ages.

Leave more room in the car for the fun stuff and take advantage of the complimentary highchairs, stair gates, bed guards and standard travel cots, as well as a superb selection of toys, DVD’s and books to borrow from reception or whilst dining in the stylish yet childfriendly restaurant, Café Azur.

If you want to be truly indulgent, Café Azur’s delicious menu can be enjoyed in the comfort and privacy of your own cottage; perfect for those evenings when you are tired from family days out exploring Cornwall’s many attractions. Alternatively you can arrange for one of The Valley’s qualified babysitters to take charge of your little ones and grab a grown-up night out in one of the superb restaurants in nearby Truro or Falmouth.

Family Farm Holidays

In Glorious Devon welcoming comfortable cottages in an idylic setting

Join us on the farm, watch and help feed the animals.

Large gardens, play room, games room. Lots of play space.

Outdoor heated swimming pool.

Providing very special child friendly relaxing holidays for over 25 years. Highly recommended. ‘VisitBritain 3 & 4 star’

Torridge House Cottages Little Torrington, Devon 01805 622542 www.torridgehouse.co.uk

We’ve seen the first daffodils, there are lambs in the fields, the Goldfinches and Chaffinches are wearing bright colours, even the Pied Wagtails look extra smart. Our hens are laying, eggs are in the incubators; signs that Spring isn’t far away.

At Torridge House Cottages we have two families of baby rabbits snuggled up warm in fur lined nests, ready to be hopping around the Rabbit Room in search of a cuddle.

These will be the first of many baby rabbits born during 2015. They will share the limelight – and the cuddles – with chicks, guinea pigs, even pretty baby mice as well as lots of mummy and daddy rabbits,

and of course Mr Goose, his ducks and chickens. Kittens should be born a little later in the year. Piglets and pony will return around Easter time.

On the edge of a sleepy Devon village in an idyllic setting Torridge House provides lots of interesting things to do and see in an easy going friendly atmosphere.

There are 9 cottages in a private setting with wide open play spaces. The heated outdoor seasonal swimming pool has a baby splash pool; the play room has lots of toys for young children. The games room provides for the older children, while the library has books and games for all ages.

Free wifi in the library and most cottages.

Torridge House Cottages is run by family and friends whose aim is to provide a safe, happy, extra special holiday

experience for young families.

Bring your welly boots to help us feed and look after all the animals!

We can help with more information on

www.torridgehouse.co.uk or by phone 01805 622542

2015 at Divoky Riding School Mums and Dads, Grannies and Grandads are all being encouraged to get into the saddle to get fit and have fun. The Divoky trainers are looking forward to welcoming

more mature riders who have either ridden as children or feel they missed out on a sport that they would like to have a go at. The riding school has a good selection of

Divoky Riding School For ALL the family ✱ Mums and Dads welcomeSchool The Divoky Riding ✱ Beginners and those returning to 2½riding hrs of fun and Riding ✱ for IntroJUST lessons to getAll youSUMMER back into £25.00 the saddle book by your ✱ To Hacking theplace hour

call Pat on 01749 880233 Children’s club 2½ hrs of riding and horse fun Just £25 Manor Farm, Downhead, Shepton Mallet, BA4 4LG children aged 5yrs - 16yrs

Tel 01749 880233 www.divoky.co.uk

mature and quiet horses and ponies ready to help people take up the challenge to get fit and healthy in 2015 whilst having fun in the fresh air.

The ever popular weekend children’s riding club is still growing with the addition of several new ponies to enable us to take more pupils. Riders who enjoy showjumping are being encouraged to come along to our British Riding Club training sessions on alternate Sunday afternoons to practise and take part in our in house showjumping competitions run by Kim Pitman BS UKCCII coach. Riders are welcome to

bring their own horses along for lessons in both jumping and flatwork and proprietor Pat Bishop is continuing in her own training in classical dressage with Gonzalo Marquess Obeso and passing on her knowledge to riders with an interest in developing a more ‘horse friendly and gadget free’ approach to riding.

This year there will be clinics organised in partnership with the British Horse Society with Judith Murphy, Fellow of the British Horse Society, and Pilates for horse riders amongst the events planned.

For dates and more information on everything we do visit the web site www.divoky.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Bugfest 2015 February half term looms, oh what to do with the kids, aha, guess what? Once more Bugfest time comes calling, and this year a bumper calling it is too. We have had tremendous feedback on last year (2,500 visitors) and we have acted on this feedback to bring a truly monster show packed full of tens of thousands of inverts, giant snakes in the Reptallica reptile handling zone and guest speakers.

More kids activities was a big issue that we have now addressed with the addition of an enormous range of pocket money activities and games with prizes, a bouncy castle, catch the cockroach game, Match the species game, don’t wake the snake buzzer game, pin the tail on the scorpion, where do I come from game, how many bugs in

the jar competition, design a bug competition and colouring the bug competition. There will be more face painters this time (many people were frustrated at having to wait so long for their child’s turn), and a range of home products and craft stalls will be there as well. There will be the opportunity to purchase newly published children’s book by Nick Wadham, ‘The Magical Adventures of Henry Owl’, with one pound per copy sold being donated to the Yeovil District Hospital Flying Colours Appeal to raise money for the special care baby unit.

Flying colours will also be in attendance with their own

stands to raise much needed funds. To top it all, there will of course be the ever popular Wild and Deadly Show with some of our expert friends sharing their knowledge and top tips and tricks to help get you started if you become new hobbyists in our crazy world of creepy crawlies, All in all a great day out for all the family, this is the Bugfest you have all been waiting for.

Come and join us on Sunday 15th February from 104pm at Westlands in Yeovil, Somerset for thrills, and for some of you, chills aplenty.

Will you survive the friend or foe challenge?

Half term at SeaQuarium SeaQuarium Weston is situated on its own pier on Weston-super-Mare seafront and showcases a range of species from around the world in 10 different zones. There are over 30 exhibits including a Tropical Reef Zone with Puffer Fish, Rainforest Zone with Piranha and Underwater Ocean Tunnel with sharks.

The “Hands On” team are available throughout the day to bring you closer to many of our creatures and to share their unique experiences of caring for the animals with educational and entertaining presentations and animal encounters.

From Saturday 14th February SeaQuarium is open again every day and will be celebrating half term with a twist!

Join Livingstone the Explorer as he delves below the waves to search for all of its colourful inhabitants in our FREE Explorers Trail. Follow the clues around the SeaQuarium to find the animals and to earn your Explorers Sticker Badge.

Don’t forget to stop by our FREE Explorers Craft Club and create your own sea creature to take home with you!

Looking ahead to Easter, SeaQuarium will be celebrating the school holidays with some eggstra eggciting Easter theming and activities all included in the admission price!

Why not bring your Eggsplorers along and help us find the eggs that have gone missing deep in our tanks? For those who are clever enough to crack the Easter password in our Eggsplorers Trail, an Easter reward will await!

SeaQuarium is open every weekend in January and early February and open daily from Saturday 14th February.

You can save 10% on standard admission tickets by booking in advance online at www.seaquarium.co.uk

Parent Talk February 2015

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Mother and pup reunited A seal pup hand-reared by zoo keepers has been reunited with her mother.

Gemini, a South American fur seal at Living Coasts in Torquay, was born last June to mother Grace. She had to be hand-reared because Grace was unable to produce milk. Now, staff have weaned her and introduced her to the adult seals, including her mother.

Living Coasts Operations Manager Clare Rugg said: “Gemini has been weaned off her fishy milkshakes and introduced to the joy of sprats.

It took a while, as she had to learn how to swallow solid food!

She is now eating 650grams of sprats three times a day.”

Pups and mothers recognise each other and bond by call and smell – because Gemini had to be hand reared from birth, that bond was broken.

She then built a bond with the keepers who were caring for her.

Keeper Lee Mach was the key to the successful reintroduction. Clare: “All the seals trust him and are used to his voice and his smell. Grace and Gemini are behaving like unrelated female seals sharing a pool. Grace is the dominant female - but she is very tolerant of Gemini

as she instinctively knows she is younger. Gemini is learning very quickly from Grace.

Gemini is very playful – and it is

likely that a playful youngster will encourage more play in the adults, so they will be even more fun to watch.”

KiNg of Zoos ExplorE thE BIG wIld world

As well as a wide world of fun you’ll find Investigate, our new attraction with incredible invertebrates! paigntonzoo.org.uk 0844 474 2222

Scan our QR code to book your tickets

follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

Parent

events

Got an event to share? Like us on /parenttalksw and tell us all about it.

. MARKETS . THEATRES . FAIRS . FETES . SHOWS . EXHIBITIONS .

5th February: Dinkies Storytime – The Very Hungry Caterpillar. the egg,

Theatre Royal Bath. 10am and 11am. Join Jackie and Pooja from our ever popular Dinkies group as they bring your favourite stories to life in this fun storytelling session for pre-schooler and their parents. Age: 2½ – 4.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

01225 823409

7th the

February: Match. egg, Theatre Royal

Bath. Match is a simple yet moving tale. Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s Little Match Girl it is composed with a rich diversity of colour, depth and texture. It is pure delight for younger audiences and their families. The audience steps into a world of forgotten treasures full of things to discover through touch, smell and sound. Age: 2-4. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

01225 823409 7th February: Red Squirrel Day at Escot. Free entry for all children. See p7 for further details.

8th February: Sing-a-long FROZEN The Playhouse,

Weston super Mare. A full screening of Disney’s FROZEN with lyrics on screen to help you sing along with Anna and Elsa during the film. Introduced by a live host who will show you how to use your free prop bag, warm up your singing voices and teach you some hand actions and heckles before you sit back and ‘Let it Go’. Remember to dress up as your favourite character and be a snow queen, Sven the reindeer or

Olaf, the coolest snowman ever! 01934 645544 8th February: Taunton Young Musician & Taunton Young Singer Grand Final.

The Castle Hotel, Taunton.

2.30pm. Tickets from Ticket Centre, Library, Paul Street.

01823 336344 12th – 14th February: Arabian Nights, presented

by Bath Spa University. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath.

Royal Shakespeare Company version.

King Shahrayer has decreed that whenever he marries, the following morning his new wife must die. On her wedding night, Shahrazad’s only hope is to enchant the King with her tales of magic and adventure.

Bewitched by dazzling characters like Ali Baba, EsSindibad the Sailor, giants, beasts, menacing ghouls, scheming thieves and birds that can talk, the King defers the execution for a thousand and one nights. Will he spare Shahrazad’s life forever?

Age: 6+. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 01225 823409 14th – 22nd February: Snowdrops and Steam.

Steam train ride with a coach link to Snowdrop Valley on Exmoor. 01643 704996 14th – 22nd February: Explorers Week at Seaquarium. Weston super

Mare. Half term fun for all the family. 01934 613361.

See page 5 further details.

16th February: Red Riding Hood.

The Playhouse,

Weston super Mare.

A dazzling new pantomime style show of this classic story is magically brought to life with amazing sets, stunning

costumes, magic, illusion, special effects, song, dance, puppets and an abundance of laughter with a fabulous cast of characters. A fun filled show for all the family.

01934 645544

16th – 20th February: History Week at Weston

super Mare Museum. 10am – 4pm. 01934 621028.

See below for further details.

17th February: Pancakes and Ponies. The Exmoor

Pony Centre, Dulverton.

Celebrate Pancake Day with the ponies. Pancakes and refreshments available, crafts for children. Pony rides, weather permitting – minimum age 4 years old.

01398 323093

17th February: Kingston Creperie.

Village Hall,

Kingston St Mary. A chance to enjoy a savoury pancake with salad garnish or perhaps a traditional sweet pancake for lunch on Shrove Tuesday. All profits to go to the Children’s Hospice South West. 01823 451291

17th – 21st February: The Cat in the Hat. the

egg, Theatre Royal Bath.

From the moment his tall, red and white striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mum find when she gets home? Based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss. Age 3+. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

01225 823409

20th – 21st February: The Snow Queen, presented by

Oasis Theatre and Dreams Performing Arts.

Regal Theatre, Minehead. The story of a girl who searches for her friend Kai who has been bewitched and imprisoned by the Snow Queen in her ice palace. 01643 706430 20th – 21st February: Darcy and the Chocolate Factory. A brand new

pantomime at Corfe Village Hall. 07581 486732

21st Show

February:

Model

at Fleet Air Arm Museum, RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester. The Model Show is the largest event of its kind in the South West and is a must for all model enthusiasts. Airfix will run a ‘Make and Paint’ workshop and sponsor competitions designed to recognise high achievement in modelling across all disciplines. 01935 840565 26th – 28th February: If Only Rosa Could Do Magic.

the egg, Theatre Royal Bath. Some might say that Rosa has everything a girl could dream of. She has the sweetest dress, the loveliest hair, lots of pink toys and as much candy as she could wish for, so why is she still sad? Rosa often wonders if there is something wrong with her…She has no friends to play with and her parents are always away. So, to pass the time, Rosa creates her own dream world filled with dragons and frogs and parents who understand and have time to be with her.

Age: 5+. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 01225 823409

Weston-super-Mare Museum Half Term History Week Bringing the past to life this half term; come and meet your ancestors at this everpopular family-friendly event.

Exciting re-enactment groups will be visiting the museum with all manner of objects and activities to give an idea of what life was like for our distant ancestors.

February half term is always

a difficult time when it comes to entertaining the kids, so why not bring them to the museum to see history come to life?

Monday 16th—March with the Romans Tuesday 17th—Meet the Saxons Wednesday 18th—A Viking invasion with live animals Thursday 19th—Learn to

weave with the Tudors

Friday 20th—Learn about

crime and punishment with the Victorian underclass Museum Steward Tina Bishop says that ‘History Week has been very popular over the last few years; it’s always great fun and we hope to see lots of children again this year’. As always, our shop will be stocked with exciting and educational items for both children and adults, including the Horrible Histories series of books, quality replica objects and unique gifts.Entry to the event is free, but normal admission charges apply to the galleries: children under 16 have free admission to the museum, but must be accompanied by an adult, there is no need to book in advance. The event will take place on Monday 16th to

Lambing Fun Day After the heavy rainfall and dark skies that the winter months have brought with them, the lighter evenings, glimpse of a snowdrop or two, and new-born lambs jumping around the local fields, are the first signs of Spring.

At Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre, lambing season is in full swing. If you haven’t been to the College’s Lambing Fun Day event before, then put the date in your diary for a real treat! As the name suggests, it really is a great day out for all the family, and takes place this year on Sunday 8 March, 11am – 4pm.

The event improves year on year, with more to see and do than ever before – and this year’s very special guest is the Gruffalo – a real favourite of the young and young at heart!

Tickets can be bought on the day, or with a 20% discount if bought in advance online.

Advance tickets can be bought through the College’s online store: www.bridgwater.ac.uk There are lots of activities lined up for the day, with sheep dog demonstrations, sheep shearing, milking demonstrations, ferret racing and tractor trailer rides, plus many more. There will be marquees dedicated to food and drink and children’s activities, and of course a chance to see and hold the ever-so-cute new-born lambs.

Jeremy Kerswell, Head of

Land-based Studies at the College says: “This event is always very popular and a great way for the community to see the College’s working farm in Cannington. So many people put on their wellies and join us for the day, immersing themselves in all the activities and watching the demonstrations. The tractor trailer rides and sheep shearing are especially popular with the children, and everyone enjoys browsing the product stalls and sampling local produce, available to buy.

We’ve often had lambs born during the event day, and it is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to see the new-borns and enjoy a cuddle with some of the more confident lambs.

The feedback we receive from the public is always very positive, and we are looking forward to this year’s event and meeting many new visitors to Rodway Farm.”

For more information please view the events page on our website: www.bridgwater.ac.uk/events

www.bridgwater.ac.uk/events

Lambing Sunday 8 March 11am - 4pm Rodway Farm, Cannington

y a D Fun

“Come and find me and my friends”

Friday 20th February, 10am until 4pm.

For more information, please visit the museum website at www.westonmuseum.org, email museum@wsm-tc.gov.uk or phone 01934 621028

See website for prices • 20% off if booked online • £10 family ticket with this advert (up to 2 adults and 3 children) PTa

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Free entry for all children at Escot Red Squirrel Day 17th February Come and celebrate Red Squirrel Day at Escot with FREE ENTRY for all children.

Ride the Cyril Express miniature train, join in the games, take part in the great squirrel hunt, paint a squirrel and much more for families to enjoy on this very special day at Escot.

The star attractions are of course our delightful Red Squirrels who live in a protected woodland island with an open 100 metre boardwalk for visitors to stroll through to meet these amazing creatures.

During the day there will be food available in the Coach House Restaurant and at Yurt Village Kitchen as well as marshmallows to toast over the fire.

Escot is just 15 minutes from Exeter and offers visitors 220 acres of space to explore, with woodland playgrounds, giant maze, birds of prey, otter feeds and talks, wild boar, giant drop slide and red squirrels of course!

There is FREE ENTRY for

Parent Talk February 2015

7

Go-Kart Party - the perfect experience for boys and girls If you are looking for a party that is really different, exciting, great fun and hassle free then look no further than Go-Kart Party.

all children to Escot on Red Squirrel Day. Grown ups do have to pay our usual admission fee unless they are members in which case

entry is free. There is a small charge for some activities.

Escot admission policy applies regarding child supervision and behaviour.

Escot – the natural place for a great family day out. For full details visit www.escot-devon.co.uk or call 01404 822188

Nathan and his team offer both boys and girls of 4 -10 years a unique opportunity to race battery powered gokarts around an inflatable mini Grand Prix circuit. The parties are fully hosted and structured and fun games such as cops and robbers, cone dodging, reversing and emergency stopping will give the children an experience they will never forget. Kart speeds and games are tailored to the age and ability of the children so whether they are aged 4 or 10 the kids will have an amazing time and will feel a real sense of achievement when they pick up their certificate and possibly the Go-Kart Party Best Driver trophy at the end of the party!

Available indoors in numerous leisure centres and sports halls across

Somerset, or even outside at your home, Go-Kart Party is

accessible all year round at a venue near you.

You can check out the fantastic feedback Nathan receives from parents on www.facebook.com/GoKartPartySW and for more information contact Nathan on 07703 719 402, nathan@go-kartparty.co.uk or visit www.gokartpartysw.co.uk

Call Nathan on: 07703 719 402

www.gokartpartysw.co.uk nathan@go-kartparty.co.uk facebook.com/GoKartPartySW TA postcodes only

FREE ENTRY for all children 17th Feb

Red Squirrel Day! Ride the Squirrel Express Games Paint a squirrel Meet the Squirrels Plus all that Escot offers; giant maze, woodland playground, Coach House Restaurant and more. www.escot-devon.co.uk 01404 822188 Escot. Ottery St. Mary, Devon EX13 7PU

The natural place follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

8

Parent Talk February 2015

FAMILY FAMILY FAMILY

The cost of Divorce and Family Break-up The high cost of using solicitors often adds to the severe stress of a divorce or separation. Usually, solicitors charge up to £200 or more per hour and their fees can reduce family assets at an alarming rate. In addition, the mere act of going to a solicitor, and the adversarial process then followed, draw otherwise sensible people into protracted and expensive disputes.

One problem arises because solicitors can only act for their client; the husband or wife. This means that they cannot work with both parties together in order to seek a sensible settlement. Instead, solicitors talk to “the other side’s” solicitor, immediately doubling the cost. The process usually becomes contentious as each solicitor has to “win” something in order to justify his or her fees.

This process seems

designed to promote ill- will between husband and wife.

Whatever good qualities they saw in each other that drew them together in the first place are gradually forgotten.

They are urged to emphasise the worst aspects of their once life time partner in order to improve the eventual settlement.

Finally, any eventual settlement reached (usually years after they had started) is diminished hideously by legal costs. In other legal cases, there is another party to help bear the costs, in family law cases; the same family bears the costs for both sets of solicitors.

Probably the most important result of the current adversarial process is that not only the financial security of children is put at risk but also their emotional security. While it may be impossible to shield children from all the effects

of their parents separating, it makes it much worse if the separation becomes a legal dispute with each party seeking a victory over the other.

On the other hand, while many people would prefer not to face the problems caused by using a solicitor, they find it too daunting to handle a divorce and related matters on their own.

There is another way to seek legal help with divorce and related matters – Bridge Law. As a consequence of the way we operate, we can offer low rates and fixed costs. This is partly because we do not carry the high overheads of firms of solicitors and partly because the client carries out much of the work involved directly, only assisted and supported by us when necessary. The partner involved, Stephen David (pictured), is a barrister with direct Public Access

Former olympian Sharron Davies backs Big Pedal to challenge children to cycle and scoot to school

Accreditation and so can accept instructions without the need of a solicitor. Stephen is regulated by the Bar Council and has full professional indemnity insurance as well as wide experience of family and commercial matters.

Bridge Law provides an affordable alternative to high street solicitors; an alternative that provides high and personal client care with very considerable savings in legal fees. Stephen is based in Taunton and can be contacted on stephendavid@bridgelaw. co.uk or 07740 786232.

He is the local representative in Somerset for Bridge Associates, 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3XX.

Dragons’ Den school in Yeovil offers preschoolers a FREE taster The hugely successful part-time performing arts theatre school that famously appeared on Dragons’ Den, is delighted to announce a FREE taster session at their Razz Tots class in Yeovil, especially for children aged two to three.

It will take place on Thursday 26th or Saturday 28th February 2015. The classes are designed to

improve confidence, and social and motor skills, and run in 6 week long themes.

This spring sees the Tots ‘Going Places’, with singing, dancing and drama.

“Razz Tots has been designed in line with the Government’s Early Years Foundation Stage framework to create an enabling environment which facilitates a secure foundation for your child’s development,” says

BRIDGE LAW Legal Advisers The affordable low cost alternative to Solicitors

Providing high quality low-cost fixed-fee advice and services in legal matters, including divorce, and representation in court.

Local representation in Taunton: Stephen David, Barrister.

Mobile: 07740 786232 Email: stephendavid@bridgelaw.co.uk Bridge Law www.bridgelaylaw.co.uk 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3XX Tel: 0207 692 0893

Former Olympian and TV presenter Sharron Davies is encouraging families to cycle and scoot the school run by taking part in The Big Pedal, an inter-school competition organised by the charity Sustrans.

Sharron Davies MBE, Olympic medallist and founder of www.Parents4sports.com said: “Parents are often bombarded with advice on keeping their children healthy and while they’re juggling family-life with work-life the potential of the school run can easily be overlooked.

“When children live near to school, changing their journey can transform their health by incorporating a little exercise into their daily routines - before the school bell rings.”

Sharron, who cycles or scoots with her son to school every day, continued: “I believe that an active journey to school should become a part of a family’s morning routine, just like brushing your teeth.

“That’s why I’m encouraging schools across the UK to take part in The Big Pedal this March, and give cycling and scooting to school a try.”

The Big Pedal (2 - 20th March, 2015) encourages pupils to lead healthier lives and reduce traffic around the school gates, by challenging them cycle or scoot their journey to school for 10 days.

Last year over 1,200 schools took part in the event and teachers, parents and pupils made over a million journeys (1,142,374) to school on their bikes and scooters.

Run by charity Sustrans and funded by the Bicycle Association on behalf of the cycle industry through its Bike Hub scheme, The Big Pedal has become the UK’s largest cycling and scooting competition.

To register in The Big Pedal 2015 go to: www.bigpedal.org.uk

Dare to share bad hair to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity is asking the nation to dare to share their bad hair photos on Friday 13 February for ‘Bad Hair Day 2015’. Bad Hair Day invites friends, families, celebrities and colleagues to swap sleek, sophisticated locks for Mohawks, mullets and wigs to help raise vital funds for the charity.

Principal of Razzamataz Yeovil, Claire Walford.

“These active classes will encourage physical development, explore imaginations and allow your little ones to become confident, capable and selfassured individuals whilst having fun!”

Classes run from 9-10am on Saturdays at Westfield Academy. A week-day class is also available on Thursdays from 1.30-2.30pm at Abbey

Manor Community Centre.

About Razzamataz

Razzamataz Theatre Schools offer exceptional part-time training in dance, drama and singing together with exciting opportunities to perform.

Classes in the main school are for children from age 4 to 18 and allow students to experience a range of performance styles from classic West End musical theatre to funky street dance and pop singing.

Places in both sessions are limited so book quickly. They are available on a strictly first come first served basis. To secure your child’s place, please contact Principal Claire Walford on 01935 411128 or email yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk.

Alternatively visit the website on www.razzamataz.co.uk

All people need to do to take part is style and snap a brand new wacky badhair style, or share a bad hair day picture from the past, then simply upload it to social media and text BADHAIR to 70007 to donate £3. Everyone taking part is encouraged to nominate a friend to do the same and use the hashtags #BadHairDay and #daretoshare. The money raised by Bad Hair Day 2015 will make a vital difference to children from across the UK who are suffering from the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening

conditions by helping to fund pioneering new research, state of the art equipment and the hospital’s much-needed redevelopment.

Hayley Richardson, Senior Fundraising Executive at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity said: “Whether you crimp your hair, wear a wig, share a bad hair day picture from the past or dye your hair purple don’t forget to take a picture and post it on social media, tag a friend and text to donate to help us raise as much money as possible”

For more information please visit

http://www.gosh.org/bad-hair-day/

OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT OUT & ABOUT

Parent Talk February 2015

9

Summer at Mill on Half term at the Brue The Bishop’s Palace The Bishop’s Palace has a great range of activities to keep families busy this February Half Term, whatever the weather!

For the first family garden activity of the season, there will be a “Flower Power” Community Garden event on Monday 16th February 11am3pm where you can head along to learn how to sow floral favourites like sweet peas to fill your garden with fragrance all summer. Learn about which flowers are growing in our gardens at the moment and go on an exploration of all things floral!

On Tuesday 17th February at 11:30am, the Palace will be marking Shrove Tuesday with the annual Pancake Race.

Come along to see teams from the Bishop’s Office and the Palace Trust attempt to be the fastest pancake tossers in the City! Anyone brave enough is welcome to join in the fun, they’ll have all you need right there!

For the crafty-minded

amongst you, the first of 2015’s hugely popular Family Activity Days will take place on Wednesday 18th February from 11am-3pm. The theme is “Flowers” and the team in the Stable Yard Activity Room will be ready with an array of flower-based crafts, including learning how to make seed bombs and how to print your own floral wallpaper.

Afterwards, head off on a flower-related picture trail in the Palace and Gardens!

Residents of Wells and nearby should remember that a Palace Membership allows a family of 4 to visit the Palace and Gardens as many times per year as they want for only £50.

All activities are included with standard admission.

Those long summer holidays will be here as soon as you say ------ Easter bunny! And for working parents these are always six weeks of dilemma.

Long suffering grandparents, aunties, friends. There comes a time when you think, who can we turn to?

Well Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre has the answer. Based in Bruton, South Somerset, we’ve been operating as a family run company for over 30 years. By now we are pretty confident we know what children want!

During the summer holidays kids are booked in, either for the day or a residential week.

We only take 60 residential kids plus day campers so kids don’t get swamped.

The programmes are ‘awesome’ with amazing, fun, exciting activities all day in our stunning 25 acres of fields, trees and river valley. Delicious meals include vegetables and fruit grown organically in our own gardens. The children are divided into groups, maximum 12 with two instructors. We take kids from 8 – 15 years

old in the residential camps, 7 – 12 years day camps and mini Mobsters, 5/6 year olds for mornings only. Day campers also have a chance to join the Pirate, Army or Wizards and Witches days. Try making the special spell and getting the horn on the Shetland Pony to turn her into a Unicorn!

High Ropes, raft building and

racing, assault course, archery, high ropes, two zip wires – just some of the activities as well as really enjoyable things like pizza making in our clay oven, shelter building and fire making or devising a rocket to send a rope across the river. The list is endless!

Book now www.millonthebrue. co.uk 01749 812307

Children in the South West set a very wiggly challenge young people and families in the heart of communities in the South West, and across the UK.” Action for Children provides early years child development, learning and childcare services to thousands of tots throughout the UK, through its children and family centres.

In March 2014, more than 32,000 children from nearly

Summer holid

ays!

Outdoor classroom at Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre You probably already know that the Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre is the best place in Somerset to find traditional and modern English willow baskets, the ideal gift for friends and relatives who appreciate English craftmanship. But do you know much else about this long established family run business, based in the little village of Stoke St Gregory in the middle of the world famous wetland, the Somerset Levels?

Did you know that we have an Outdoor classroom that nestles in the hillside overlooking the “withy beds”, River Tone and to Currymoor and Haymoor beyond? This lovely classroom is available to use free of charge as part of our Natural England

beautifully crafted DVD that is now available to purchase from our shop or website.

There are also Willow Walks to enjoy and the superb Lemon Tree Coffee House offering a tempting range of home made cakes, lunches and other refreshments.

(HLS Educational Access) agreement to groups studying farming, conservation and the environment. Or, that we can organise willow weaving opportunities for visiting educational groups to suit all budgets? There is a huge variety of opportunities for studying subjects across the school curriculum here at the Willows & Wetlands.

Day & residential ca

mps

800 schools and nurseries took part in The Giant Wiggle, raising £80,000 for Action for Children.

For more information on how to organise your own Giant Wiggle at your nursery or children’s centre visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk/giantwiggle

The Guided tour of the Willow yard and basket making workshop, catering for all types of groups as well as individual visitors is a revelation. We continue to add artefacts to our private collection that forms the unique Willow and Basket Museum. Did you know that we have a film telling the whole willow story in a

There is much more than willow woven into the Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre.

01749 812 307 Bruton, Somerset BA10 0BA www.millonthebrue.co.uk

Februaury HALF TERM FUN! FAMILY GARDENING 16th Feb 11am - 3pm

PANCAKE Races 17th Feb 11:30am

FAMILY ACTIVITIES 18th Feb 11am - 3pm OPEN

The Bishop’s Palace, Wells BA5 2PD DAILY 01749 988111 www.bishopspalace.org.uk

Coates English Willow Discover and explore a hidden industry willows & wetlands visitor centre

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

The Lemon Tree Coffee House Craft studios and Willow Products Shop Guided Tours Outside Classroom Unique Basket Museum Wetlands Exhibition Willow & Wetlands Walks

www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk Meare Green Court, Stoke St Gregory, Taunton, TA3 6HY

FR

Leading charity Action for Children is teaming up with The World of Eric Carle™ and encouraging children’s centres, nurseries and groups for under-5s in the South West to host a Giant Wiggle on Thursday 19 March 2015 to celebrate the UK’s most read children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™.

The event will bring together under-5s to wiggle

along in giant caterpillar conga lines, encouraging them to help others, and opening up their imaginations through storytelling and creative activities.

Brigitte Gater, UK West Director of Children’s Services at Action for Children, said: “We want to celebrate Eric Carle’s beloved book by encouraging children to get active and have fun.

“By hosting a sponsored Giant Wiggle you will help us to support vulnerable children,

O EE P 9: TO EN E 30 S M N AM AT ON T R TO URD DA Y 5: AY Y 00 PM

The Giant Wiggle encourages children to get active and help others

welcome to your n o i t c e s S W E N

Book Bag NEWS

bringing you competitions, job tasters, boredom busters, interesting facts and everything topical...

The History of the Classic British Telephone Box

8 February 1960

death of Giles Gilbert Scott The red telephone box was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (1880 - 1960) and, along with the red post box and the red London bus, is an instantly recognizable symbol of Britain.

Scott’s design of the K2 cast iron telephone kiosk won a Post Office sponsored competition in 1924. His updated K6 design followed in 1935.

A leading architect, Scott is famous not only for his telephone boxes. His achievements include producing the winning design for Liverpool Cathedral and overseeing the rebuilding work required at the Houses of Parliament after the Second World War. The red K2 telephone box was introduced to the streets of London in 1926. It was used solely in the capital and only a few were erected elsewhere under special circumstances.

The K2 is both impressive and imposing, weighing over an imperial ton. On top of the kiosk, on all four sides is the Royal crest

of King George V formed from a series of holes to provide ventilation.

K2 telephone kiosks are older and larger than the more widely used K6 telephone box and are very rare.

Only about 1500 K2 kiosks were produced and only a few remain today.

The K2 telephone box was too big and expensive to be used nationally. The Post Office, once responsible for public telephone boxes in Britain, discontinued production of the K2 kiosk in favour of other designs.

In 1935, the Post Office commissioned a new kiosk from Scott to celebrate the Jubilee of King George V. The K6 Jubilee Kiosk, as it is known, was similar to the K2, being made of cast iron and painted red but was 25% lighter in weight at around three quarters of a ton. By the end of the 1930s there were 20,000 K6 telephone boxes in use all over the UK. In the 1970s and 80s, as public telephone boxes began to age, sadly problems with

www.thephoneybox.com

vandalism and a failure to repair damage quickly resulted in the demise of the classic red telephone box. In 1985 a newly privatised BT announced sweeping changes to improve the condition of kiosks. There was a lot of experimentation with new designs to prevent vandalism, which resulted in many K6 telephone boxes being removed from our streets and sold off.

The replacement boxes were less pleasing to the eye and had little design merit.

Fortunately, however, about 2000 red telephone boxes were declared listed buildings and remain in place.

In 2009 BT introduced the “Adopt A Kiosk” scheme where for the fee of £1, they would hand over the kiosk to the local council and remove the telephone equipment.

Alternatively, if the desire was for the equipment to stay, councils could “Sponsor A Kiosk”. One of the most popular used for adopted kiosks is as book exchanges, another is art galleries.

♥ Be My Valentine Feb14th

♥

♥

Won’t you be my valentine, And fly away with me?

We’ll bumble along together, Cause you’re my Honey Bee!

♥ ♥

WIN

My love is like a cabbage Divided into two, The leaves I give to others, The heart I give to you.

Read see that me!

Up will I love And you love you Down and you and

❤ What did the boy octopus say to the girl octopus on Valentine’s day?

I want to hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand.

❤ What’s a ram’s favorite Valentine’s song?

I only have eyes for ewe. ❤ Who do birds spend Valentine’s day with?

Their tweet hearts!

Help the hearts meet in the middle of the maze

❤ What do you call a small Valentine?

A Valentiny. ❤ What’d the farmer give his wife on Valentine’s day?

Hogs and kisses!

Book Bag NEWS

❤ What kind of flowers do you never give on Valentine’s Day? Cauliflowers!

❤ Knock Knock Who’s there?

Arthur Arthur who?

Arthur any chocolates left for me?

Visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to see if you are right.

Children’s imagination will take flight with this fun springtime range from Baker Ross. This brand new selection is flutter-ly lovely and full of creativity, which kids are sure to love!

Spring is well and truly in the air and these sprightly bird-themed crafts will certainly put a spring in your step. Why not welcome spring by creating bursts of colourful crafts?

This adorable springtime selection presents a multitude of fun crafting activities for children; from birdhouses to sewing kits and bird feeders to hanging decorations!

Parent Talk are offering 5 lucky winners, the chance to win all 6 products featured in the Baker Ross Springtime range.

Bird Decoration Sewing Kits Bird Craft Boxes Wooden Bird Feeder Kits Bird Suncatcher Windchimes Wooden Bird Shapes Foam Birdhouse Kits For your chance to win, look at the question below and visit www.parenttalk.org.uk to enter by 9am on the closing date of 18 February 2015.

Spot the odd one out a) Blackbird b) Robin c) Greenfinch d) Golden eagle

Book Bag NEWS 15TH FEBRUARY 1971 is d day

THE STORY OF DECIMAL COINAGE For those of us under the age of 50, it is hard to imagine accounting in pounds, shillings and pence, a system whereby 12 pennies made a shilling and 20 shillings a pound. But that was the complex arithmetic our grandparents wrestled with and, moreover, was a system which they were reluctant to see disappear.

Decimalisation of currency was not a new concept and had been the subject of passionate debate for centuries.

Sir John Bowring was a prominent figure in the decimal debate. ‘every man who looks at his ten fingers, saw an argument of its use, and an evidence of its practicability’

Decimal Currency Board Booklet On 1 March 1966 the Chancellor of the Exchequer, James Callaghan, announced that the centuries-old £sd system would be replaced by a decimal currency in which the pound would be divided into one hundred units.

Pennies and pounds were favoured above foreign-sounding dollars and cents, and five new coins were decided upon. The shapes, designs and sizes of each were intended to make them readily distinguishable from each other and from what had gone before, yet enable them to run easily alongside £sd coinage for a short time.

Sir John Bowring 1847 Speech in House of Commons

In fact, the first decimal coin appeared in 1849 when the florin, as one tenth of a pound, was introduced as a tentative step towards a complete decimal currency.

The florin survived but the Government of the day was cautious and hopes of decimalisation were dashed at that time.

It wasn’t until the majority of Commonwealth countries had already switched that a special Committee was put in place in 1961 to consider how and when Britain should change to a decimal currency.

Decimal underpants – the UK went mad for anything decimal and these pants were produced by upmarket firm Lyle & Scott – they can be seen in The Royal Mint Museum!

Chinese New Year 2015 - Year of the Sheep Known as the Shēngxiào (or Chinese zodiac) Collection, The Royal Mint’s Lunar coin series reflects the Shēngxiào tradition, linking each year to one of 12 animals, with the animal traits attributed to those born in a given Lunar year. Celebrated annually in January or February, it is a time when it is traditional to exchange tokens and, in particular, gifts of money in red envelopes, symbolising good wishes for the recipient’s health, wealth and prosperity.

British-Chinese artist and printmaker Wuon-Gean Ho, who designed the 2014 Year of the Horse coin for The Royal Mint, continues the collection with a design that once again draws inspiration

The following decade was to be one of careful planning and Decimal Day was set for 15 February 1971.

Conversion table - decimal and pre-decimal systems Pre-decimal Decimal Coin Amount Halfpenny ½d.

5⁄24p ≈ 0.208p Penny 1d.

5⁄12p ≈ 0.417p Threepence 3d.

1¼p Sixpence 6d.

2½p Shilling 1/5p Florin 2/10p Half crown 2/6 12½p Crown 5/25p

About The Royal Mint from both her British and Chinese heritage. The Year of the Sheep coin is the second coin that she has designed in this auspicious series, and its design reflects characteristics of those born in the year of the sheep: sensitive, creative, daydreamers and loyal friends.

The Royal Mint has an unbroken history of minting British coinage dating back over 1,000 years. By the late thirteenth century the organisation was based in the Tower of London, and remained there for over 500 years. By 1812 The Royal Mint had moved out of the Tower to premises on London’s Tower Hill. In 1967 the building of a new Royal Mint began on its current site in South Wales, UK.As well as over 1,000 years of producing British coinage, The Royal Mint has long been trusted with the currencies of other countries.

It currently serves more than 100 issuing authorities around the world and meets approximately 15% of global demand, making it the world’s leading export mint.

For more information visit www.royalmint.com

EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

Parent Talk February 2015 13

Forest School offers another world of learning at King’s Hall School Over the last ten years, Forest School has become an important part of life at King’s Hall School. We want children to learn through discovery, exploration and curiosity as the hallmarks of a fulfilling and engaging education.

Whilst classroom learning is key to a child’s development and King’s Hall is rightly proud of its academic achievements, the wonder of childhood and their natural curiosity can be fully nurtured out of doors.

Forest School is where many children are also most likely to develop the important lessons adults recognise as ‘life-skills’. Team work, risk management, emotional intelligence, self- regulation, independent learning and a greater understanding of the world we live in are just a few of the immeasurable benefits gained through Forest School.

There are of course endless superficial, but important, opportunities for frivolous fun,

NURSERY & PRE-PREP

OPEN DAY

such as getting muddy, which are a definite bonus!

Forest School, risk taking and exploring are all integral parts of the ethos of King’s Hall

School, who will be celebrating 10 years of Forest School during this academic year. Our Nursery and Pre-Prep Open Day is on Friday 6 March.

Please contact Emma Guppy on 01823 285921 to reserve your place. For more information about King’s Hall School, please visit www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk

Great opportunity awaits Somerset Centre for Integrated Learning, in partnership with the University of Worcester, offer Foundation Degrees in:

◆Teaching and Learning ◆(T&L) Early Years (subject to validation) ◆(T&L) Children’s Services (subject to validation) Are you…

◆looking to get back into work after taking time out of employment? ◆looking to continue in education having successfully completed a Further Education course? ◆currently working with children or is this an area of work you would like to train in? ◆looking for an accessible opportunity that fits around your home commitments?

If so, a place on a Foundation Degree could be a fantastic opportunity for you. Somerset Centre for Integrated Learning, in partnership with the University of Worcester are Offering a Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning, teaching and learning Early Years (subject to revalidations), Foundation Degree Teaching and Learning Children’s services from September 2015. We are hoping to run these programmes from our training rooms in Taunton, Yeovil and Minehead.

A Foundation Degree is the equivalent of the first two years of an Honours Degree.

We offer full-time Foundation Degrees which take two years to complete and consist of academic study integrated with relevant work-based learning.

You will need to be in paid or voluntary employment for a minimum 1 day/10 hours a week. Students are only required to attend taught sessions once a week, term time only.

Our Foundation Degrees in Teaching and Learning and Children’s Services are more affordable than you may think. All students can apply for student finance to cover the tuition fee and may also be eligible for other loans and grants.

Our course fees are competitive at only £6,500 per year compared to other providers’ £9,000 fees. The good news is you do not start paying back your fees until you

are earning over £21,000 per annum.

If you would like further information, please contact us on 01823 348263 or email SCIL@somerset.gov.uk for advice, guidance and an informal discussion.

degree? a d a h u o y Wish r where you

ing caree n? tart a reward Wanting to s spire the next generatio can in For more information

Email us at: SCIL@somerset.gov.uk

Phone us on: 01823 348264

Visit us at: www.scilearning.org.uk

B E PA RT O F T H E D I S C O V E R Y

Friday 6th March 10 am arrival

Please contact us to reserve your place Pre-Prep ages 2–7 > telephone: 01823 285921 admissions@kingshalltaunton.co.uk > www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk A Woodard School

follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

nursery DIRECTORY 14

Parent Talk February 2015

All Hallows Preparatory School Nursery Class

Give your 3 year old the best possible start within the environs of this renowned Prep School. Fantastic facilities and activities including Forest School, LTA Tennis Academy and Swimming Pool and access to specialist teaching staff for languages, Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Sport set this facility apart from other nurseries. Visit at any time:

T: Lesley/Ali 01460 52457 First Steps Day Nursery School (all year from

8am-6pm). For children from 3 months to 5 years. Offering a caring, educational and safe environment for your child. All fully qualified staff.

T: Elaine Garland 01749 346733 E: fsdaynursery@btconnect.com Hazlegrove Nursery and Pre-Prep, Sparkford.

Hazlegrove’s innovative Pre-Prep curriculum is outstandingly successful, evident in the increased confidence and ability levels as children move up to the Baltonsborough preschool is now called ‘Little Pips’. We are Prep School. The children benefit from experienced open Monday to Friday from staff, specialist teaching and 8.45-3pm for children age 2 onwards. The children are able outstanding facilities including to access our extensive outdoor an indoor swimming pool and woods for Forest School. environment and a wide range “Hazlegrove children are happy of outdoor activities together with wonderful new early years children” says Headmaster Richard Fenwick, “we simply resources. Our official opening want to provide the very best ceremony is on Monday 2nd education we can for the pupils February at 1pm. If you wish to look around or book a place, in our care”. please contact us on For more information, contact 01458 850526.

Fiona O’Neill on 01963 442606 T 01749 881600 E admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk Baltonsborough Primary School, ‘Little Pips’

Bridgwater College Childcare Centre is open to

the general public and children of students, for children from four months to five years. There is also a Holiday Play Scheme for children up to eight years old. It has a secure outdoor area boasting an ‘inspirational garden’, where children are encouraged to explore both indoor and outdoor learning.

T: 01278 441270 or E: childcare@bridgwater.ac.uk www.bridgwaterchildcare.ac.uk Cheekie Monkeys Ilminster.

A friendly, calm and nurturing setting offering full time day care (8am-6pm) for children aged 0-5. We have highly experienced staff and excellent facilities in our baby and pre-school rooms, plus an amazing garden.

Jabberwocky Childcare Centre, where children “make

excellent progress… in a calm & vibrant environment”, Ofsted 2012. We are a unique and fun, purpose built nursery in Street. We offer childcare from three months to school age, from 7.30am to 6pm, 5 days a week. Children can also take part in weekly yoga and football sessions and Forest School at the local arboretum and in our outdoor classroom.

We also have a before and after school club, a holiday club for 5 – 11 year olds, and offer a walking bus to local schools.

T: 01458 446999 E: alison@jabberwockynursery.com www.jabberwockynursery.com King’s Hall Nursery.

King’s Hall is a wonderfully traditional yet progressive

To book our Nursery Directory, please call

01458 250461

NURSERY DIRECTORY NURSERY

school set in the rolling Somerset countryside just outside Taunton. Although the Nursery shares the Preparatory school’s superb facilities, it is self contained and operates in a secure and peaceful environment. Log cabin classrooms, vast on-site Forest School and highly experienced, dedicated staff make King’s Hall Nursery the natural choice for children 2 to 5 years.

T: 01823 285921 www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk Ladybirds Pre-school, Lydeard St Lawrence.

We are a small, friendly, rural pre-school overlooking the Quantock hills. We welcome children aged 2 onwards. Open term time only: Mon-Thurs 8.45am – 4.30pm. Toddler group Fri 9.30am-11.30am.

T: Ali on 01984 667342 Little Boots Day Nursery.

(Ages 2-5, 8am-6pm) Come and visit us on Pottery Farm!

Our idyllic setting offers fantastic opportunities for enhanced outdoor learning; we work with a maximum of 16 children a day ensuring each child gets the individual attention they need.

Contact Cleo Wilson for more information.

T 07936 555 676 littlebootsdaynursery.co.uk Leweston Nursery and Pre-Prep, Sherborne.

Excellent facilities and extensive grounds with space for adventure, discovery and freedom. On Thursday mornings Parent and Toddler Group. Excellent Ofsted Report. To find out more about our friendly atmosphere.

T: 01963 211010 www.leweston.co.uk Little Steps Pre-school in

North Newton village opens Mon, Tues & Thurs 9 – 3 and 9am – 12 on Wednesday.

Our qualified staff ensures that every day is filled with fun,

In December we had our Ofsted inspection and were really pleased with the superb outcome of Good with Outstanding for the children’s emotional well-being. Check out our full report on the Ofsted website.

There is a really strong emphasis on personal and social development and a high expectation of behaviour, on

learning to share, respecting and co-operating with others and developing independence in making choices and managing own personal hygiene needs.

Parents and visitors always comment on the calm, relaxed atmosphere at Little Steps and we pride ourselves on our excellent teamwork and key working system which is so important when understanding the children’s all round development needs.

A free flow system of play is in operation which allows the children to learn outdoors as well as inside whatever the time of day or weather.

We are often seen “out &

Millfield Pre-Prep School

(Ages 2 - 7), situated in the beautiful Prep campus in Glastonbury. Our aim is to encourage a love of learning through a combination of classroom and outdoor activities, using a wide range of exciting and stimulating teaching methods. Small class sizes and excellent facilities, like our on–site Forest School and indoor swimming pool, support this. Over 20 free after school activities as well as an Early Birds and Late Club. To arrange a visit or a taster session please contact: Hannah Cox in Admissions on 01458 837524 Perrott Hill Montessori Nursery and Pre-Prep.

Given ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, the Montessori Nursery is situated in the attractive, safe courtyard of the manor house.

The Nursery children, aged 3-4 years, have the use of the extensive grounds and facilities of the school as well as having their own outdoor adventure play area.

The staff are warm and friendly. Free after school care is available.

T: 01460 72051 www.perrotthill.com Pilton Preschool.

Encouraging Confidence, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Compassion, Character and Sense of Community. A long established village Pre-school offering fun and inspiring play based learning & education for children aged 2-5yrs. Monday – Friday 8.45am – 4pm term time, full or half days available.

Sessions include Forest School, Yoga, Music and Movement, Woodwork, Sports and much much more...

Please contact us on 01749 899147 preschool@piltonvillage.co.uk www.piltonvillage.co.uk/preschool

for further info or to arrange a visit.

T: 01749 899147 www.piltonpreschool.org info@piltonpreschool.org Queen’s College offers

individual learning. AN INDIVIDUAL focus on learning is keeping Queen’s College Pre-Prep and Nursery at the top of the tree. With small class sizes of 12-16 children, specialist teachers can cater for each individual child’s needs. Rated as outstanding Queen’s College nursery and reception classes are not to be missed.

To visit contact

admissions@queenscollege.org.uk T: 01823 340830 Taunton Nursery School,

for children from 0 years.

Flexible Nursery Education, 8am - 5.45pm Highly qualified teachers. Spectacular grounds and facilities used by all. Children can attend a combination of morning, afternoon and late club sessions.

T: 01823 703303 www.tauntonschool.co.uk Wellington Prep School Nursery. Attractive, well

designed buildings. Talented teachers. Cheerful children.

Proud parents. All this can be yours at Wellington Prep School Nursery and Pre-Nursery. EYFS can

be redeemed against our fees. We would love to have your children from 3 years upwards. Please enjoy our website www.wellington-school.org.uk

or call Maria Kerr to arrange a visit.

T: 01823 668700 Little Wellies Term Time

Toddler group. Open to all pre-school children every Thursday morning 9.15-11.15 am, Wellington Prep School Hall. £3 per child and £1 per additional child weekly charge.

Contact Maria Kerr for more details – 01823 668700 prep@wellington-school.org.uk Woodlands Pre-school, Ruishton, Taunton. At

Woodlands we offer a wide range of indoor & outdoor activities including a Forest School Curriculum. We accept children from 2 years old.

Our purpose built setting enables and nurtures children, encouraging them to grow and experience life with confidence.

For more information T: 01823 444302

✹ ✹ ✹ ✹

Excellent teamwork at Little Steps Little Steps preschool is held in the village hall in the rural village of North Newton approximately 1 mile from North Petherton. We are registered for 24 children aged 2-5 years and are able to access the Early Years funding.

with children learning through play. For a visit Contact Helen Barham on 07745 229438

Learning through play

Excellent Early Years provision from 2yrs

✸ ★✹✸ Hot lunches

Stimulating, fun & varied activities

Highly qualified, friendly staff

2 & 3 year old funding accepted

Secure garden used throughout the year

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 9am – 3pm & Wednesdays 9 – 12noon North Newton Village hall, Church Road, North Newton TA7 0BG

about” in the local community visiting the library, park or garden centre and often joining with the school for various activities. We have very good links with the Community Primary school

opposite and are lucky enough to be able to use the school minibuses. This allows us to go further afield on outings such as the forestry commission or to the railway station for a trip on the train.

View our latest Ofsted report www.ofsted.gov.uk – search EY219553 Come along and visit to see what we do

*Free introductory session*

For prospective parents and children.

Please call Helen Barham on 07745 229438 Registered Charity No:1021256

EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

Parent Talk February 2015 15

“Education is the kindling Education of of a flame – not the exceptional quality at filling of a vessel.”Socrates

Wellington Prep School

At Millfield Pre-Prep we aim to ignite this ‘flame’ in your child in order to make the most of their talents and potential. Whether it is a three year old creating insect models or one of our Year Two pupils using an iPad to research castles as part of a history topic, we actively encourage a desire for learning and a willingness to try things out for themselves.

Forest School is a key part of our outdoor learning programme; the messy mud kitchen and bread oven being favourites with our children.

They also take regular walks through our own fields and apple orchards, swim weekly in our school pool, visit our ponies in the stables and grow vegetables and fruit in our ‘alittlements’.

Before and after-school care from 8am through to 6pm means familiar staff are always on-hand for early dropoff and later collection and there is a wide choice of free after-school activities on offer.

Fees for 3-4 year olds, in our busy and vibrant Pre-School, can be partly offset by Early Years funding.

All of the above is easy

As an Independent school, we offer many opportunities for children to reach their best potential. Education is our priority and we offer so much more than a 9am til 3pm school.

Alison Blasdale with children

to write about, but having recently arrived to take up the Headship of Millfield Pre-Prep, I can now vouch personally for the commitment of the staff and the exceptional levels of care that are evident here. Our children are happy, confident,

curious and active and their love of learning is clear for everyone to see. Please come and visit us soon to experience this for yourselves.

Alison Blasdale

To arrange a Personal Visit or book a place on our Open Morning on 7 March please contact Hannah Cox tel. 01458 837524 or email: admissions@millfieldprep.com www.millfieldschool.com/pre-prep

We open at 8am and all classes have a full-time, fully qualified teacher. This begins in our Nursery with Mrs Jane Hester, our Head of Nursery.

Having a dedicated teacher in Nursery is unusual and we are very proud to offer this.

We have two reception classes. One is taught by Mrs Jan Wheller, who is our Maths Co-ordinator and Forest School Leader, and the other reception class is taught by Mr Matt Hoile. It is unusual to have a male Early Years teacher but this adds a further dimension to our children’s learning.

Ours is an inspirational Early Years team but any team that includes a Cambridge graduate, a first from Exeter and an enthusiastic skier would have to be exceptional!

What is Forest School?

Fun! Once a week our Reception Classes visit our woodland site. All areas of the curriculum are covered

through hands on activities.

The children enjoy scrambling over trees, playing with mud and clay, hunting for bugs and creepy crawlies. In doing so they are expanding their knowledge and understanding of their surroundings whilst learning to work and play collaboratively and take risks.

How long are we open?

School opens at 8am. Activity clubs are offered free of charge for our Nursery and Reception children until 5pm.

But if you need extended care until 6pm, this is available every day for a small charge.

We are able to offer extended

care through our Holiday Club for busy working families. We appreciate it isn’t easy to juggle childcare and working commitments, so by offering Holiday Club we hope this helps.

Wellington Prep School is a special place. We aim to offer an education of exceptional quality which promotes the highest possible standard of teaching and learning and we believe we deliver this.

Our latest inspection report, published in December 2014, agreed with us. We would be delighted if you would take a look.

follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

16 Parent Talk February 2015

Newly Refurbished Nursery at Chard School Chard School’s newly refurbished Nursery, which is located within the historic buildings of Chard School, offers high quality childcare and education to children aged 0-5, from 7.30am6pm, 52 weeks of the year.

The children are taught and cared for by qualified and friendly Early Years practitioners and have full access to the school’s facilities and outdoor spaces. French and PE are taught to the children by specialist subject teachers. Home cooked meals are provided in the Nursery dining room at meal times throughout the day.

Chard School is delighted that it has been ranked 49th in The Sunday Times Parent Power ranking of the Top 100 Independent Preparatory Schools in the country.

The Head, Mr Paul CawleyWakefield, said “I am thrilled that our flourishing prep school has achieved this accolade.

I believe that the quality of

Specialist Tuition and Assessment for: KS2 SATs, CE, GCSE

teaching by our specialist subject teachers, small class sizes and the family, friendly atmosphere of the school which nurtures the children whilst instilling in them selfworth, good manners and consideration of others have achieved this wonderful result.”

The school for 5-11 year olds has specialist subject teachers who provide the highest standard of teaching in English, Maths, Science, French, PE, Art and Humanities. The excellent facilities include a science lab, astroturf, ICT suite, gym, art studio, chapel and library.

For further information or to book your place at our Open Morning on Saturday 7th March, 9.30am-12.30pm, please call 01460 63234 or email marketing@chardschool.co.uk

UNITI

UNITI

VIREAMUS

Does your child experience mathematical or other specific learning difficulties?

VIREAMUS

Pearl Barnes MA(SEN), BSc(Hons), PGCE, PGCertEd, CPT3A provides a special educational needs support service for schools and parents of individuals with difficulties in accessing education from age 6 to 19 years. This may be due to a combination of difficulties including maths (dyscalculia), reading, spelling (dyslexia), movement and coordination (dyspraxia), memory, processing or speech, language and communication needs.

Pearl provides bespoke and engaging one-to-one tuition for children experiencing difficulties with both maths and English at all levels including working towards SATs, CE and GCSE. She is a fully qualified specialist teacher offering comprehensive diagnostic assessments suitable for examination concessions for public examinations, such as extra time. She is also a trainer and adviser to schools. She has an enhanced DBS certificate

and is a member of the British Psychological Society and Psychological Testing Centre.

With over 25 years’ experience of working across a range of SEN throughout mainstream, independent and special schools, both at Primary and Secondary level, including working as a Head of SEN and as a local authority consultant, Pearl is able to offer support and advice to schools, particularly relating to SEN policy, pre-inspections and differentiation.

Pearl has wider experience, operating as President of NASEN (National Association of Special Educational Needs), the only national charity

Pearl Barnes

overseeing all special and additional education needs, working with Ofsted and the Department for Education.

In addition, she has been a member of the Standard Testing Agency, Expert Panel for Inclusion, working on the development of KS2 SATs papers. She is also an author and has developed training material for teachers and SENCOs. If you are concerned about your child’s performance and would like to discuss additional support, please contact Pearl: pearl.barnes@tiscali.co.uk; tel: 07825 613583. For further information please visit www. pearlstraining.co.uk.

Support for children with difficulties in maths and English Is your child experiencing difficulties in maths or English and approaching public exams such as SATs, CE or GCSE? Pearl Barnes Training, MA(SEN), BSc(Hons), PGCertED, Assessment, Tuition PGCE, CPT3A

pearl.barnes@tiscali.co.uk 07825 613585

Pearl Barnes provides one-toone tuition and specialist assessment for children aged 6-19 years

www.pearlstraining.co.uk

For 0-11 year olds

Want the best for your child?

Want an affordable independent education in a leading prep school?

(Ranked 49th in The Sunday Times Parent Power ranking of the Top 100 Independent Preparatory Schools in the country)

Open Morning Saturday 7th March 9.30am-12.30pm

www.chardschool.co.uk

01460 63234 office@chardschool.co.uk

EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

Parent Talk February 2015 17

Beyond the curriculum at Queen’s Queen’s College have launched an exciting, innovative programme aimed at some of the most academically gifted and talented boys and girls in the South West.

INSIGHT provides free sessions to students in Year 5 designed to go beyond the basic school curriculum to excite and enthuse some of the most enquiring young minds. Courses in Science, Maths, English, Performing Arts, Business, Design and Technology, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, History and Food Technology are offered on Saturday mornings to students recommended by their schools. A spokesman for Queen’s College said, “We have been absolutely delighted by the huge number of boys and girls applying to attend these courses. These gifted and talented young people have a real thirst for knowledge and we are giving them a stimulating and enjoyable experience. The emphasis

is very much on having fun but also to take them well

beyond the narrow confines of the National Curriculum.”

For more information about the INSIGHT programme, contact the Admissions Department at Queen’s College, admissions@queenscollege.org.uk

Encouraging the explorer in us!

It can be quite a challenge to find an activity for preschool children that is enjoyable and rewarding and just that little bit different.

If you’ve done the rounds

Read the full ISI Report at www.brutonschool.co.uk

Bruton School for Girls invites you to become a

Sunny Hill Explorer

A 7 week programme starting 26th January 2015 Qualified Forest School leader, glorious woodland setting, building self-confidence and independence.

• Mondays 10am - 11.30am suitable for children aged 3 - 4 years • Tuesdays 10am - 11.30am suitable for children aged 2 - 3 years • £35 for the 7 week programme.

• Places are limited so booking is essential.

To book Tel: 01749 814427 or Email: prepschool@brutonschool.co.uk SUNN Y HILL • BRUTON • SOMERSE T T 01749 814 4 0 0 W BRUTONSCHOOL .CO.UK Day and boarding school for girls aged 7-18 Day school for girls and boys aged 3-7

of music groups and story time, why not take a leap into adventure by joining the Sunny Hill Explorers?

Based at Sunny Hill Prep’s site in Bruton and led by a qualified Forest School Leader, your little explorer will have the chance to participate in weekly forest school type activities within the woodland grounds and make full use of our magnificent tepee.

Helen Snow, Head of Sunny Hill Prep School which is part of Bruton School for Girls, explained: “Forest School is a way of teaching which encourages independence and builds self-confidence in even the youngest children.

“Through tasks and challenges with an environmental theme, the children will develop social and physical skills which will support their development as individuals and is a fantastic way of preparing them for life in ‘big school’.”

Helen added: “Yes, they do get a bit muddy but then that’s all part of the fun, but we’ll make sure it’s a play group with a difference.”

For more details about Sunny Hill Explorers which take place on Monday and Tuesday mornings during term time, contact admissions@brutonschool. co.uk Mrs Helen Snow is Head of Sunny Hill Prep at Bruton School for Girls.

Nursery, Pre-Prep and Junior Open Morning Friday 27 February Please drop in between 9am - 12 noon TAUNTON

An education for life Co-educational day & boarding ages 3-18 01823 340830

www.queenscollege.org.uk

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EDUCATION INFORMATION EDUCATION

18 Parent Talk February 2015

All Hallows Prep School bookreview – take a look at this local gem Sponsored by Waterstones

The books that inspired the films…

Testament of Youth

By Vera Brittain Published by Virago

‘This co-ed Catholic prep school is, “unbelievably brilliant - big on pastoral care with a real sense of love-thyneighbour”. All Hallows is one of those well-kept secrets.’

TATLER - SCHOOLS GUIDE 2014

All Hallows continues to go from strength to strength – there are so many reasons to book a personal visit and take a look around.

Academic excellence and innovation – All Hallows is

rightly proud of the fact that, despite being non-selective on entry, over 50% of children win awards to renowned Senior Schools – Academic, All Rounder, Music, Drama and Sports Awards. Being truly independent, also means that you get the best possible advice and support in choosing the Senior School that is right for your child.

Sporting Success – there are great opportunities for all children at All Hallows to take part in a wide range of team and individual sports and activities and the school is proud of its representative success at regional and national level.

Creativity – has long been at the heart of All Hallows ethos and a brand new

Creative Design Centre opened in September 2014 offering children cutting edge opportunities and facilities in an inspiring space that feels like a London Design Studio.

It houses cutting edge CAD/ CAM technology, facilities for coding, Laser Cutting and 3D printing, Animation, Digital Photography and much more.

Flexible Wrap Around Care

– All Hallows is a boarding school, a fantastic partner in parenting for busy parents.

Early and late stay clubs, supper options, supervised prep and flexible sleepover options make life easy.

Facilities and Opportunity LTA Acredited Tennis Academy, 9 acre Forest

School, Astro Turf, Sports Pitches, All Weather Cricket Wicket, Cricket Nets, Golf practice holes and nets, Indoor heated swimming pool, Cycle Track, Boules pitch, indoor sports hall, Chapel and a comprehensive Arts, Music, Drama and Sports activities programme on offer.

At just 18 when the First World War began, Vera Brittain was a young woman, preparing to begin studying at Oxford. In the following four years, she was to lose her fiancée and her brother, alongside other close friends in the war, whilst also volunteering as a nurse to those wounded in battle.

This memoir, first published in 1933, is an account of that time and also a commentary on the impact the war had upon her generation. A deeply moving read, with strong feminist perspectives, Brittain’s writing about the

A thorough inspection of All Hallows School, was conducted recently by an immensely experienced ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) team in July 2014. The school emerged with flying colours with all areas recognised as being ‘excellent’ – the highest grading possible. www.allhallowsschool.co.uk

war is an intelligent, sensitive and profound commentary on grief, loss and the change that war has upon those left behind.

Travelling to Infinity

Alan Turing: The Enigma

By Jane Hawking Published by Alma Books Ltd

By Andrew Hodges Published by Vintage

This autobiography is wonderful for its candid, honest, moving, funny and, ultimately, tender account of a marriage and a life that continually defied the odds at every turn. At once both a celebration of the ordinary, and the extraordinary, Hawking’s unflinching examination of her marriage is a poignant story of love, fame, strength and faith.

The full story behind the persecuted genius of wartime codebreaking and the computer revolution.

These books are available at Waterstones Bookshop in Taunton. Reviewed by Corinne Marbrow

All Hallows Preparatory School

Come and feel the magic

IN ALL AREAS

Contact us to arrange a personal visit T: 01749 881600 E: admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk

www.allhallowsschool.co.uk

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

Parent Talk February 2015 19

A new online resource for children Publishers DK have recently launched an innovative online resource called DKfindout!

- a global education website for children, parents and teachers.

Supporting the new National Curriculum, the site is primarily aimed at children studying Key Stage 2, and brings together the very best of DK’s unrivalled bank of amazing images and content across a huge breadth of subjects. The site is free to use and aims to provide children, teachers and parents with an invaluable learning and reference tool to use both in the classroom and at home.

DK has been at the forefront of inventive illustrated print publishing for over 40 years, providing best-selling and award-winning books for all ages and interests. DKfindout! will provide children and their parents with a wealth of information across core educational topics, from science and mathematics to geography and history.

Interactive and immersive, this highly visual resource supports learning both in the home and at school; it also provides teachers with an engaging,

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educational tool to use when teaching, and a reliable source of information to help with lesson planning.

DKfindout! is a safe, age appropriate online environment for children that brings DK’s inimitable visual approach to the internet. It takes DK’s authority and expertise and expands the printed page to offer online information, enhanced with sound, video animation and quizzes - providing an even richer learning context. Every DKfindout! journey is unique.

It allows children to create their own personal experience with every visit, whether that’s

Key features of DKfindout! include:

★ Key points of the National Curriculum (KS2) are covered ★ Content is easily accessible on all devices, including desktop, tablet and mobile ★ The website caters for every type of learner, from those who prefer to read information to visual learners

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completing a homework assignment or playing a quiz, to simply wanting to know more about a subject that fascinates them. Overall the DKfindout! experience helps children learn core facts in a fun and engaging way.

★ Accurate and up-to-date facts authenticated by experts ★ Content will be constantly updated throughout 2015 and beyond, in-line with changes to teaching practice ★ Includes animations, sounds, videos and thousands of photographs ★ Hundreds of quiz questions supporting every topic ★ Teacher area in development throughout 2015 - includes a bespoke tool for teachers to create lesson plans ★ Parent information and support ★ Powerful search engine allows users to find exactly what they are looking for quickly, easily and visually As the DKfindout! website has been developed it has been continually tested by children, teachers and parents around the world. Children most importantly, have been exhilarated and highly engaged by the volume of content aimed directly at them, and parents felt assured that their children were in safe hands when using the site. Teachers were also eager to use DKfindout! - they

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First initiated by the Save Childhood Movement in 2013, this year’s National Children’s Day UK (NCDUK2015) is all about the ‘Science and Magic of Play’, and everyone is being invited to get involved.

Over the last few decades a variety of factors have significantly reduced children’s ability to play, including changes in family structure, a more hurried lifestyle, a more risk-averse society and an increased focus on academic attainment. Through the academic pressures of the educational system, play has also been increasingly undervalued rather than being seen as essential to children’s social skills, creativity and on-going learning.

The current state of childhood in the UK is troubling: 1 in 10 children and young people aged 5 - 16 currently have a diagnosable mental health disorder. 1 in 12 children and 1 in 15 young people deliberately self-harm. About 35,000 children in England are being prescribed anti-depressants.

Among teenagers, rates of depression and anxiety have increased by 70% in the past 25 years.

And it is not only child heath and wellbeing that is adversely affected by the increasing exclusion of play from children’s lives. Playful and innovative thinking is essential for adult wellbeing and for the skills needed in a 21st business world. A 2010 study by IBM of 5000 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) across 60 countries and 33 industries found that creativity was selected as the “most crucial factor for future success”.

The initiative aims to highlight the issues and to help support and promote the work already being done by other organisations in the field.

Sunday 17th May

The Science & Magic of Sunday 17th May

Brains Play You can find out more about National Children’s Day UK on www.nationalchildrendayuk.com and @NCDUK2015