families hereford & worcester issue 37 january - february 2016

Hereford & Worcester

Issue No 37January/February 2016

Really useful information for parents of 0-12 year olds in Hereford & Worcester

www.familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Inside this issue:New Year, New YouEducationClubs and ClassesWhat’s On

Inside this issue:New Year, New YouEducationClubs and ClassesWhat’s On

2 To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: [email protected] January - February 2016

In this issue02 News & Views

04 New Year, New You

07 Education: reading

08 Nurseries

11 School Open Days

12 Clubs and Classes

14 Parties

15 What’s On

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Circulation: 22,000 copies of Families Hereford & Worcester are available through nurseries, pre-schools, schools, libraries, soft play centres, selected shops and other distribution points throughout the county. If you would like free copies for your organisation or if you would like to subscribe so you don’t miss an issue please contact us. Families Hereford & Worcester is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Hereford & Worcester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’

Print: The Manson Group, St Albans at www.manson-grp.co.uk. Tel: 01727 848440.

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Next issue: March/April, editorial and

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Dear readers

Editor’s Letter

With the first issue of the year we are looking at two key issues: education and health.

Do you have a little one who is ready to start nursery? We have a feature highlighting what to look out for in choosing the right nursery. If your older children are interested in sport, music, dance and performing arts then take look at our Clubs and Classes section. We take a look at the effectiveness of private tuition to help your child get into selective independent and grammar schools.

Have you started a new diet since the New Year? Have you joined the gym? Did you make a New Year resolution to shed a few pounds or tone up? The trouble is that many of us did that last year and by Easter we had given up! You are not alone. But these difficulties can be overcome - see over the page.

Diane CliffordEditor, Families Hereford & Worcester Tel:: 01684 770566 Email: [email protected]

Carcinogenic: frequent consumption of processed meats is not good for you.

Media attention has once again focused on processed meats as a potential cause of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that processed meat (such as bacon, ham and sausages) does cause cancer. They say that less than a couple of slices of bacon a day can increase the risk of colon cancer by 18%.

Though meat can have some health benefits, the processes used to preserve meats such as curing, smoking, adding preservatives and salting have been shown to be carcinogenic. Unprocessed red meat, says WHO, is “probably carcinogenic” but there was less clear evidence. Cooking on a barbecue, is also carcinogenic.

Health advice would now seem to say that the occasional bacon or ham sandwich would not be harmful but that frequent consumption is not good for you.

Another Health Warning Over Processed Meats

Swing Along With Monkey MusicMonkey Music, the award winning pre-school music group for children aged 3 months – 4 years across the UK, will be opening in Redditch, Worcester and Evesham from 12th January 2016.

Founded in Dulwich, South East London in 1993, Monkey Music nurtures a child’s natural love of music.

Classes will run on Tuesdays in Redditch, Wednesdays in Worcester and Thursdays in Evesham - week commencing 11th January. To get in touch to book your free complimentary class call 01527 62378 or email [email protected]

Free Trial Tuition SessionExplore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for five to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open seven days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life. As Explore members, children work with tutors who are enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme. All Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.

Front cover: a boy named Max from Worcestershire has been chosen to front a national campaign for the next generation of sheep farmers. #maxloveslamb

3January - February 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 Families Hereford & Worcester

News & Views

Last year over half a million people took part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, spotting more than 8.5 million birds across the UK. This year's survey is on 30th and 31st January. To take part, simply spend one hour counting the birds in your garden or local park, and record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time. Sign up for a free Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 pack at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

Big Garden Birdwatch

There is a varied programme of events for all the family at Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove this January and February.

On Sunday 10th January, join in a traditional wassailing ceremony to awaken Avoncroft’s cider apple trees. At the Bleak Midwinter Living History Weekend (Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th January), chat to re-enactors demonstrating how our ancestors survived the harsh winters of the past.

In February half term, escape to Avoncroft’s very own Treasure Island, open from Monday 15th until Sunday 21st February. Spaces are limited, so you need to reserve your morning or afternoon session. Winter admission charges to the Museum apply and there is an additional £3 charge per child for activities.For more information: www.avoncroft.org.uk or call 01527 831363.

Specialising in Wills and Lasting Powers of At torney

Email: enquiries@worcestershirewil ls.comKidderminster Office: 01562 228614 / 07931 411733Worcester Office: 01299 879826 / 07855 350245

www.worcestershirewills.com Follow us on twit ter! @WorcsWills

• Approachable and friendly

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No matter how big or small your query may be, please give us a call for a free no-obligation chat.

No mat ter how big or small your query may be, please give us a call for a free no-obligation chat.

Woodland Laser Tag - Real Clay Shooting Archery & Rifle Shooting

Woodland Laser Tag Parties £180 for up to 10 players

01527-575141

[email protected] www.shooting4fun.co.uk

Exclusive membership discounts if you book today!

Open Days Taking Place At The Following Locations: 1. Emmanuel Church, The Ecumenical Centre, 6 Evesham Walk, Redditch, B97 4EX 2. Countryside Centre, Worcester Woods Country Park, Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2LG 3. Hampton Guide, Scout and Community Hall, Pershore Road, Evesham, WR11 2PQ

OPEN DAY FREE TASTER SESSIONS E: [email protected] T: 01527 62378

Avoncroft Opens Doors To A Host Of Activities

Waking the windmill: the windmill will be sailed on the 7th February


Health

Great new resolutions: make 2016 the year you start a new regime and stick to it.

How to start a new exercise regime when you’re a busy mum

By Sally J. Hall

It seems as soon as Christmas Day is over, two types of advertisement start to appear on the television. The first are for holidays for the following summer, showing gorgeous people in tiny bikinis and trunks, cavorting across golden sands. The others – yes, you’ve guessed it. Weight loss.

It is no surprise that the fitness industry targets us just as we throw ourselves, groaning with overeating, onto the sofa for a few hours of feel-good films. Their research shows that most people start a new exercise regime in January, with a huge boost in gym memberships around that time. It seems there is something motivational in having a whole new year to look ahead to and many of us start of with great new resolutions – even if they fall by the wayside by March.

Add to this the complication of being a busy mum – and when, for goodness sake, are you going to find the time for a new fitness regime to shift those few pounds you put on over the Winter or to get the baby weight off? Don’t despair, we have a few great ideas.

Preparation is key Before you start any kind of exercise routine, check with your doctor (or midwife if you’re pregnant) that it is OK. If you have recently given birth, wait until after your six week check-up. If you had a C-section or other complications, you might want to wait a while longer. Always start with stretches to warm your muscles and do not overdo anything. If you start to hurt, it is your body’s way of telling you to stop. Start with a small, short routine and gradually increase the time you spend on your work-out.

Let’s swap Chances are your nearest and dearest may also be feeling the belt pinch. So talk

New Year, New You...

New year is typically a time when we promise to change. We invest in ourselves, join gyms, give up bad stuff and start diets. But does this approach work? Are you where you wanted to be, in terms of your health and life, when you set your resolutions last year? If your answer is no, then it may be time to try something different, suggests nutritionist and fitness expert Rebecca Daffeh of Every Body Benefits.

Do you currently struggle with choosing the ‘right’ food for you even though you know what the ‘healthy’ options are. Do you have problem with binge eating, comfort eating or constant cravings for foods such as bread, sweets, chocolate or crisps?

The good news, says Rebecca, is it is not your fault. It is nothing to do with a lack of knowledge and it does not mean that every diet is doomed to fail. These problems are all triggered by thought patterns that need to be broken. By learning how to nourish your body and mind you may be able to interrupt these bad patterns, banish New Year’s resolutions, lose weight and feel healthier, she claims.

In this way you can learn how to maintain a healthy weight, without feelings of guilt or the need to calorie count, manage unwanted eating habits and end your cravings. You will also find that you have more energy and feel less stressed, says Rebecca. Visit: www.everybodybenefits.co.uk or call 07736431388.

Learn How To Nourish Your Body And Mind


Healththrough your desires for a little time to yourself to get a little fitter and suggest you swap. He has the kids while you go to the gym, for a swim, for a long walk in the woods – whichever you feel you like the most. Then do the same for him another day. If you are single, could you and a friend swap exercise times?

Do what you like It may sound obvious but choose an activity you actually enjoy. If you join a spinning class, can not keep up, end up red in the face and aching all over and dread going back, it is not the right exercise for you. Try out a few different classes – everything from kick boxing to zumba is available these days, in gyms and church halls – and then pick the one you like the most. If you have joined a gym, you might find it works better to do a different thing each time. Try to include something that gets your heart racing, that is stretchy and that involves weights.

Kids come too Can not palm the kids off onto a relative? Want to get a few more steps done this week? Take the kids with you. Go to a local park with scooters and bikes and baby in a pushchair and walk around the outside of the park, encouraging the kids to race you. Not only will you all get an oxygen boost, they will sleep really well that night.

Using baby If you are stuck at home quite a lot with a very young baby and do not yet feel ready for the communal changing rooms, try some exercises at home. There are quite a few post-natal exercise DVDs now that start you off gently and most importantly, know how to support and strengthen your body as it returns to your pre-pregnancy shape. Pop in the DVD, do a few exercises and have your baby on a play mat next to you so that you are close. You can even use your baby to strengthen your arms by gently lifting her – and she’ll love it too!

Quick bursts The time when your baby naps can be great for a quick burst – one of the hottest new fitness trends right now. Do push-ups against the wall or on your knees, use small weights to tighten arms (tins of beans work just as well), do squats and a few yoga poses for flexibility and strength in your core. Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail.

A Downward Dog A Day... What’s the first thing you do each morning? Reach for the mobile, check your to-do list, texts, emails, chivvy the kids...Stop.

Simply taking a minute to do a Yoga pose of a Downward Dog can set you up for the day ready to tackle the joyous chaos of family life with a spring in your step. No special kit, candles or chanting needed. You can do it in your pyjamas!

Here’s a quick guide to your Downward Dog: 1. Roll out of bed and come to rest on all fours, hands beneath shoulders, knees beneath hips 2. Spread your fingers, inhale, tuck your toes 3. Exhale, push your palms into the floor and lift the hips to the sky, easing down the heels 4. Relax the head, roll the shoulders away from the ears, breathe smoothly in and out of the nose 5. Welcome to Downward Dog.

Pushing buggies, carrying young children, breastfeeding, school runs, club runs etc. can all lead to tension in the neck and shoulders, lower back pain, stiff hips and a weak core. Yoga can help to build strength, flexibility and support our bodies through the daily demands of being a parent.

Not everyone can indulge in a regular yoga class but a quick Downward Dog a day is a simple way to begin to build the benefits of yoga into your daily routine. Kindly reproduced with permission from Rosiglo Yoga. Email: [email protected] or visit www.rosieglo.co.uk

Established 1992Fully Qualified Instructors

Specialised Classes 4 – 16 yearsBeginners, Intermediate & Advanced

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Ed’s Reading RoomHi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Autumn

book selection. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website www.EdontheWeb.com.

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You are very welcome to contact Maggie on

01753 730019 or by email at [email protected].

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

Heartsong by Kevin Crossley-Holland (Orchard Books £9.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Many children are abandoned at the orphanage in Venice but Laura is different from the others as she is mute. She receives a warm welcome but it is when she meets the music master Father Antonio, the great

composer Vivaldi, that her life is transformed. He encourages her to develop her musical gifts. Can the power of love and music turn darkness into light in Laura’s life?’

Confessions of an Imaginary Friend: A Memoir by Jacques Papier as told to Michelle Cueva (Simon & Schuster £6.99) ED SAYS: ‘Jacques Papier wonders whether everyone hates him as he is usually ignored except by his sister Fleur who he adores. One day he overhears a conversation suggesting that Fleur has an imaginary friend she had never told him about. Jacques becomes even more angry and confused when he realises that he is not her brother – he is her imaginary friend. He thinks his heart is broken – but do imaginary people have hearts?’

Dixie O’Day and the Haunted House by Shirley Hughes & Clara Vulliamy (Red Fox £6.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Dixie and Percy are off on another holiday – this time they are going camping. Putting the tent up proves quite a challenge but finally it is ready. Soon trouble arrives in more ways than one so

they decide to abandon the campsite and head for the spooky dilapidated house they passed earlier. What will the brave twosome find when the door creaks open?’

Claude: Lights! Camera! Action! by Alex T Smith (Hodder £8.99)

ED SAYS: ‘When Claude starts bouncing on his trampoline he never knows where he is going to land. His latest adventure involves a giant gorilla in a dressing gown, drinking a cup of tea. Claude decides to investigate, naturally with his best friend Sir Bobblysock, and discovers an amazing film set in Waggy Avenue. Not long after their arrival disaster strikes and the film director has to find two understudies. ‘


Education

01905 613391 www.rgsw.org.uk

‘Excellent in All Areas’ISI Inspection, 2015

Please call or visit our website to arrange a visit at your convenience

Independent Day SchoolBoys and Girls aged 2 - 18 years

Open Days in January

Abberley Hall School

Let the adventure begin…

Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep Boarding & Day School for 2-13 years

Mr Will Lockett, Headmaster e. [email protected] t. 01299 896275

Abberley Hall, Worcestershire WR6 6DD www.abberleyhall.co.uk

Top Ten Tips For Teaching Your Child to Love Reading Alone1. Start them young. Board books, cloth books, lift the tab. Let them bite and chew and tear. 2. Encourage babes to turn the pages themselves. It will help develop fine motor skills. 3. With siblings around, especially newborns, have a box of books the older child can escape to. Tell them it is theirs and nobody else’s. 4. When they are small, keep tablets and phones solely for games –preferably educational ones. 5. The switch from picture books to chapters is an exciting rite of passage. Celebrate by going to the library or bookshop and allowing them to choose stories to try. 6. Get them to make a bookmark and feel proud of how many pages they clock up without interruption. 7. Many favourite authors are available in accessible comic book form, especially the classics. 8. Lead by example – if your children sees you finding a corner and a book to retreat with, they will follow. 9. Don’t push them to read at bedtime when eyes and minds may be tired. Offer to finish a chapter aloud for them instead. 10. Don’t force them, ever. Reverse psychology is a wonderful device. Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury. Parent of three, she owns her own bookshop with her partner, The Bookseller Crow on Hill, and is a qualified swimming teacher. And in what little spare time she has, she also runs gastronomic writing retreat courses in France and is the food critic of The Transmitter.


Education

Many mums return to work after their maternity leave finishes and choose to leave their baby in a nursery. Even if you are a stay-at-home mum or dad, it’s likely that when your child is between the ages of two and three years old you will want her to start at a playgroup or nursery school. But how do you choose the right nursery for your baby?

You can usually get a list of local nurseries and playgroups from your local council, from your health visitor, local library, GP surgery or on the internet.

Speak with other mums about the nursery or playgroup you are most interested in, and go along and spend a morning at each group, together with your child. Gut instinct can be invaluable in these situations.

The ideal atmosphere at a nursery group should be busy and buzzing, but never out of control. Noisy children racing around shows a clear lack of organisation.

Another point to consider is whether boys and girls at the nursery are treated equally. Do boys get encouraged to do quiet, creative activities or do they run about in gangs and spend a lot of time on sit-on cars and toys? Are girls encouraged

to do physical play and large toy activities? Do boys and girls play together? Both boys and girls need physical, energetic play, construction play and quiet creative periods with adult attention.

Try to visit a group while a singing or story time session is going on. Singing sessions should always be varied and fun with lots of action rhymes and percussion and have all the children enthusiastically joining in. Story time should also be something the children particularly enjoy. The story teller should be able to hold the children’s attention. Story time should not be used as an opportunity for helpers to take the children to the toilet or tidy up.

If you like a particular nursery or playgroup, but feel they fall down in one or two areas, then speak with the supervisor. They may welcome your suggestions and be able to make changes to suit you and your child. If they do not, then move on and find one that is more in line with your requirements.

Kindly reproduced with permission from Emma’s Diary, the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. www.emmasdiary.co.uk

Ten Things To Consider

When Choosing A Nursery

1. Are you and your child made to feel welcome and introduced to the nursery staff, helpers and perhaps to other children? Are you allowed to stay and watch at a time to suit you?

2. Check out the space itself. The room may be a bleak church hall but have the staff made it look lively and interesting?

3. Does the nursery seem too crowded? Numbers are controlled by local authority regulations, and insurance policies, but some playgroups squeeze in extra children.

4. Is there somewhere for outdoors play on fine days? Are there books in a quiet corner where children can go and sit? Is there an interactive area, such as a nature table?

5. Check out the toys, equipment and art materials on offer. Are the same toys put out in the same area every day? (this is why it’s a good idea to visit more than once on random, different days).

6. Are there varied activities on offer (painting, sandpits, water play areas, Wendy house, play dough, building bricks, puzzles, a dressing up box). Are these accessible all the time?

7. Do the children look excited and interested in the toys available?

8. Does the climbing equipment look well-maintained and is there a soft landing area?

9. What about the staff? Are they listening and talking to the children? Are they calmly in control? Do they seem to be caring with the children? Do they notice aggressive or painfully shy children and get them to join in constructively? Do they spend more time chatting with each other than with the children?

10. Talk to the staff to find out their views on discipline, dealing with anxious children and free and structured play to see if their ideas are the same as yours.

Which Nursery Is Best?


Education

Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 0BE.Inspiring academic and creative success

“ Tomorrow I will be even better than today.”

on Thursday 28th

January 2016

OPEN HOUSE WEEK 11th-15th January 2016

Call 01905 778290 to book an

appointment

ENTRANCE EXAMS

At Dodderhill School in Droitwich, girls grow to become inspiring leaders. A highly challenging curriculum also prepares them for the most competitive sixth forms in the area. In fact, our GCSE results consistently rank Dodderhill s one of Worcestershire’s top schools. Bursaries available for up to full fees.

What could your daughter achieve tomorrow? Visit www.dodderhill.co.uk or call 01905 778290.

REG

IA S

CHO

LA

VIGO

RNIEN

SIS

Independent co-education in Worcesterfor ages 4 to 11

Confidencein a changing worldwww.ksw.org.uk

...to children considering a move to Years 3-6 at Kings St Alban’s. Come to our LEGO WORKSHOP on Saturday 9 January 2016 from 10am – 2pm. Lunch will be provided.Please call to book: 01905 354906Other opportunities to visit:Open Week – Mon 18 to Fri 22 January 2016

An invitation...

The Headmistress at independent girls’ school, Dodderhill School, in Droitwich Spa, is encouraging parents to start their children in independent education early and keep them there.

Dodderhill School’s junior department caters for girls and boys from six weeks to eight years and for girls through to 11. If girls stay on as seniors, they can take their GCSEs there, so they never have to change schools and face the challenges this poses.

Mrs Mawston explains: “Our juniors enjoy outstanding teaching from an early age. Our nursery welcomes children from as young as six weeks and is staffed by specialists that support them at every stage of their development.

“Class sizes are small and young children are stretched and challenged from a young age. Starting early in our junior department means that the transition through to the senior school is much smoother, giving pupils a solid foundation for their senior years. Children can grow up with their Dodderhill family and this continuity helps to boost confidence and self-esteem.”

The school is opening its doors to welcome families to pop in during a special open week, from Monday 11th to Friday 15th January. Give the school a call to arrange a personal visit. Entrance exams will take place on Thursday 28th January. Call 01905 778290, email [email protected] or visit www.dodderhill.co.uk.

A Smooth Transition

The new extension to Worcester’s King’s St Albans vibrant and thriving co-educational Pre-Prep Department (Reception, Years 1 and 2) means that they can now offer more young children the outstanding teaching and excellent pastoral care which is uniquely special to King’s St Alban’s.

On Saturday 12th March, they invite families to join them for an activity morning where, from 10am until 12pm, you and your child can join in with some of the existing pupils in a variety of activities suitable for younger children. Refreshments will be available and staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

From a child’s first days with King’s St Albans, the links with the senior school allow for a seamless journey through the different stages of their education. The school nurtures the potential of every child (from ages 4-11) in classes which are small enough to ensure consistent attention, but large enough to allow friendships to blossom and competition to remain healthy.

You are very welcome to visit King’s St Alban’s during an open week from Monday 18th until Friday 22nd January. Here, all areas of both Pre-Prep and the Junior School will be open for you to view and, again, staff will be on hand for you to talk to.

Call King’s St Alban’s Registrar, Mrs Louise Robins, on 01905 354906 or email [email protected] for more details.

The Journey Begins


Education

In the current social and economic climate, competition to gain entry into what may be classed as a “good school” is becoming increasingly difficult and people are going to various lengths in order to secure their child’s future. The main approach that parents are pursuing is private tuition. However, there is much debate as to whether this is fair on those who cannot afford it and whether it actually has any benefit to the child for the purpose of their entrance exams.

Children whose parents wish them to go to Grammar or Independent schools have to sit what is known as the 11 plus entrance exam. These schools are already highly sought after because of their academic status, but due to rising birth rates, places are becoming increasingly over subscribed, putting more pressure on both parents and their children.

Becky Francis and Merryn Hutchings have noted in a recent report for the Sutton Trust (2015), who improve social mobility through education, that the majority of parents in Britain support their child’s school work using private tutors. And why not? Teachers are rarely able to provide the attention they need to individuals in a class of 30+ students.

So if a child needs additional support outside of school, further tuition will certainly benefit. Nevertheless, examples are popping up in the media displaying those who go overboard: for example, using multiple tutors and creating timetables for children that are nothing short of overwhelming.

Overloading a child with prolonged periods of study or using multiple tutors (who in turn may teach different methods of approaching their work) can be highly detrimental to a child and actually be counter productive to their progress. Private tuition should not function this way.

Find Out Why Your Child Can Not Keep Up In ClassWe all worry when our child is having trouble keeping up with his or her peer group. But what happens if you suspect that it’s not that your child is just a little slower at grasping a concept – but actually needs some specialist help?

Special Educational Needs, or SEN, is a legal term that the Government and schools use to describe the kind of child who has some form of problem or disability that makes learning harder for them than their friends. It means that they have assessed your child and have been able to pinpoint what it is (or as nearly as they can) that makes it so very hard for your child to keep up.

This could be: dyslexia, discalcula, English as a second language, concentration levels (such as ADHD), ability to socialise (including autism spectrum), speech or hearing problems, or a range of other problems or disabilities.

Firstly, how do you get to this point? Parents, though sometimes reluctant to ‘label’ their child with what they may see as a disability, sometimes have a worrying time when they think their child is struggling but do not mention it at the school. They may try to teach their child at home or go to a tutor. The truth is that the SEN coordinator (SENCO) at the school really is your best friend here. They will help you to get your child the diagnosis needed to get more help. And at the end of the day, when the education system places so much emphasis on passing exams and gaining points, any help you can get is welcome.

Unfortunately, it is not always that simple. Stretched schools with pupils from diverse backgrounds have a lot of pulls on their time and resources and it may be hard getting to the point where you can have your child assessed and a ‘statement of special educational needs’ applied. It’s important that you approach the school with your worries and your ideas of how your child could be helped and to keep asking questions: What help is there? When can it be given? Is there anything else we can do at home to help?

Sometimes some extra tuition is all that is required but if your child is tested and is given a statement, this translates to extra help in classes – and most importantly, extra time in exams, sometimes as much as 50% extra. And surely, that is to be welcomed as it can mean the difference for your child between a pass and a fail.

Is Private Tuition An Effective Investment?

Tonia Peters BSc (Hons), PGCE, MEd (Ed Psych)

Educational Psychologist (Chartered by the BPS)

Independent assessment and advice for all special needs including autism,

learning difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention problems

Tel: 07853 248311Grafton Psychology Associates Ltd Trading as Tonia PetersCompany Registration Number: 7853233. Registered in England and Wales.

Support your child’s work: tuition should be structured and personalised

11January - February 2016 To advertise call: 01684 770566 Families Hereford & Worcestershire

Education

Aron Dhunna, Managing Director of KSOL believes that if private tuition is to be effective, then it should follow these three important rules: 1. A child’s best interests should be at the forefront of your mind; the main aim should be to bring a family together, making it a shared experience so that the child does not feel alone or face the pressure of failure or disappointment. It is important that every child has some understanding of what their hard work, focus and dedication is helping them achieve; recognition and praise will also go a long way in keeping them motivated.

2. Study and homework quantities should be kept relatively short and systematic; children are more likely to stay focused and absorb information in short bursts than if they are sat trying to concentrate hours at a time. Remember: schools

usually include group work, with regular playtimes and physical activities, to keep children engaged throughout the day.

3. Finally, the tuition should be structured and personalised to enhance a child’s abilities; it needs to target the areas that they need help in as well as provide a routine that children can enjoy and quickly get into the habit of.

One way of doing this is to perform regular tests or sit mock exams. This is why KSOL use their unique TargetTeach® system to provide effective tuition that allows children and their parents to gain a realistic perspective of what is being retained. It will also enable them to practice the necessary material until they are confident with it. Doing mock exams throughout the year is also a valuable tool.

Over 10 years of success and experience at KSOL has proven that systematic study and appropriate testing can make the world of difference to a child’s education.

Private tuition is worth it and can be effective if it is structured correctly and provided by honest and experienced tutors. A child will benefit from the right tuition, whether it is to help secure a place at Grammar or Independent school or even to build their skills for life. KSOL offer a range of 11 plus tuition courses designed to help your child pass the 11 plus exam. www.ksol.co.uk. Kindly reproduced with permission from Key Stages Online. Copyright KSOL.

Is Private Tuition An Effective Investment?

School Age Dates ContactBREDON SCHOOL Co-ed 2-18 Wednesday 13th January 10.00 am – 12.00 noon

Thursday 25th February 10.00 am – 12.00 noon01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org

THE RIVER SCHOOL

Co-ed 3-16 Wednesday 27th January Open Day 10.00 am 01905 457047 or email [email protected] www.riverschool.co.uk

HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

Co-ed 3-11, 11-16, 16-18 years

Thursday 14th January Senior School Open Evening for Year 5 and 6 prospective parents 6.30 pm Booking Essential Tuesday 1st March Nursery & Junior School Open Morning 9.30 am – 11.30 am

01432 363506 or email [email protected] www.herefordcs.com

KING’S ST ALBAN’S, WORCESTER

Co-ed 4-11 Monday 18th – Friday 22nd January Open Week (All Years) 01905 354906 or email [email protected] www.ksw.org.uk

KINGS WORCESTER

Co-ed 11-18 Saturday 16th January Open Morning 10.00 am – 1.30 pm 01905 721742 or email or email [email protected] www.ksw.org.uk

RGS SPRINGFIELDRGS THE GRANGERGS WORCESTER

Co-ed 21/2-11Co-ed 21/2-11Co-ed 11-18

Thursday 28th & Saturday 30 January 2016 Open DaySaturday 16th January Open DaySaturday 23rd January Open Day

01905 24999 or email: [email protected] 451205 or email: [email protected] 613391 or email: [email protected] www.rgsw.org.uk

MALVERN ST JAMES

Girls 4-11, 11-16, 16-18

Saturday 6th February Whole School Open Day 10.00 am – 1.30 pm

01684 584624 or email [email protected] www.malvernstjames.co.uk

WINTERFOLD HOUSE

Co-ed 6 wks - 3yrs,

3-7, 7-13

Saturday 6th February 10.00 am onwards 01562 777234 or email: [email protected] www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk

DODDERHILL SCHOOL

Girls 4-11, 11-16, 16-18

Monday 11th - 15th January Open Week 01905 776290 or email [email protected] www.dodderhill.co.uk

School Open Days

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE SCHOOLS’ OPEN DAYS, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected]

PLEASE MENTION THAT YOU SAW THE OPEN DAY INFORMATION IN FAMILIES HEREFORD & WORCESTER MAGAZINE

Support your child’s work: tuition should be structured and personalised


Clubs and Classes Don’t forget to say you saw the clubs/classes in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine

Now Is The Time To Dance And Play

Cecilia Hall Dance Centre, Malvern

Ballet Classes for Young Children:Mondays and Fridays 2pm

Tuesdays 4pm ages 6-9Wednesdays 4pm ages 5-7

Saturdays 10.15am ages 5-7 Saturdays 11.15 am ages 6-9

Many other classes for all ages Tap and Modern Dance. Regular

Examinations R.A.D. Ballet and I.S.T.D. Tap and Modern Regular Shows.

Telephone 01684 573663 or 07525 057492 or email [email protected] for

information and to enrol.

New Term starts 8th January

• Contemporary • Choreography • Urban Dance • Parents & Wobblers • After School Clubs

dancefest.co.uk 01905 611199

Dance Classes in Herefordshire and Worcestershire for all ages

Some great ideas on how to start your child’s love of dance and performing arts.

By Sally J. Hall

Ah, the ballet. All those gorgeous costumes, perfect turn-outs, buns and the sublime music. How many of you have dreamed of being a Prima Ballerina when wafting around your bedroom in a synthetic net tutu?

And if you actually went as far as learning to dance when you were younger, you might be keen to instil this love of dance in your child – even if you gave up when you weren’t allowed to tie your shoe ribbons up to your knee.

How can you find out what kind of class is best for your child, whether they are a boy or a girl? Read on to find the perfect dance space for your baby.

Tiny dancer When your child is very young – say, under five – shuffling around on tip toes while wafting their hands or pretending to be a tiger is about as much as you can ask for. Look for a class that teaches very young children together, not mixed in with older age groups when they will probably be ignored or will be disruptive. A class where there’s an emphasis on having fun and doing different dancing games each time will keep them keen and entertained.

Starting to get more serious If your child makes it past the age of five or six and still wants to go to class, it may be time to start looking at a proper training class where they can take grades or get involved with productions. The choice for ballet is the Royal Academy of Dance (rad.org.uk) syllabus or for modern dance there’s the Imperial Society Modern Theatre & Tap Dance

Enter in to another world: acting, singing and drama opens up a child’s imagination


Clubs and Classes

Find out more and start your child’s journey today

Acting, singing and dance classes for 4 to 18 year olds.

Evesham01386 429 [email protected]

Bromsgrove01926 [email protected]

Redditch01386 429 [email protected]

Worcester01926 [email protected]

TIME TO ENTER A NEW WORLD

www.allsortsofpa.co.uk • 07768485533

Half-Term Workshop Wodys Hall • St Mary’s Road • Worcester

16th & 17th February • 9am - 4pm

Regular Classes Include: Cheerleading, Musical Theatre, Singing, Ballet, Drama, Street Pop, Stage Creative Art, Fitness, Mini All Sorts, Tap & Ballroom Ages: 3 to Adult. In Worcester& Malvern

Themed

Parties100%

Pass Rate For All Exams

OPENDAYSWorcester

Baptist Hall & STARS Centre

23rd Jan

Malvern Cube

24th Jan

Engage In Live Performances In an age when technology dominates our young people’s attention, it is even more important that they get to see live performances, interact with artists and have a chance to participate in performing arts workshops. There is an opportunity for youngsters to do all these things at Artrix Arts Centre in Bromsgrove as a new series of regular family performances gets underway this January. Artrix’s new Dance Engagement Worker Fi Hay is able to run dance workshops either in local schools or at Artrix itself. There are plenty of other family highlights in the 2016 programme too, including a visit from CBeebies’s Chris and Pui, theatre company Red Earth’s wonderful Victorian music hall interpretation of Oliver Twist and The Boy Who Bit Picasso, an interactive theatre show for ages four to eight. Artrix also boasts a cinema and there’s a half-term screening of the Good Dinosaur and a screening of sing-a-long Frozen to look forward to. For further details please call 01527 577330 or see www.artrix.co.uk

(istd.org ) course. If they are still keen but are not motivated by grades, find a class that keeps their attention and will not get boring. Street and jazz dance are great for this as they will learn new routines all the time. They can also try out holiday classes where they might spend a week doing different activities. All-round schools are also options where they sing, act and dance.

Royal Ballet Associates training If your child has been taking ballet grades and is seriously thinking about a career in dance, the Royal Ballet runs classes to prepare them for this move. The Associates Programme trains children aged eight to 15 in conjunction with their usual classes (royalballetschool.org.uk).

Boy’s brigade Dance is not just for girls and though your son may have to cope with teasing if he intends to dance and carry on dancing, there are plenty of roles for ballet, jazz and modern dancers in all areas – the stage, TV and touring groups. There’s even a Boys’ Ballet school in London (boysballetlondon.com) that teaches the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus.

What’s available? If you’re not sure what all these styles entail, it is best to take your child along to have a look or try a taster session. One style may resonate. And if they get older and hang up their ballet shoes, why not encourage them to move on to a funkier style rather than give up dancing altogether?

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail.

Local Classes: All Sorts Of Performing Arts: www.allsortsofpa.co.uk Cecilia Halls: www. ceciliahalldance.co.uk Dance Engagement projects: www.artrix.co.uk Dancefest: www.dancefest.co.uk Dance In Motion: www.danceinmotion.co.uk Happy Steps: www.happystepsdance.co.uk Musical Theatre Experience: www.mtexperience.co.uk Stagecoach: www. stagecoach.co.uk


Birthday Party PizazzParties

How to make your birthday parties age-appropriate

By Emma Oliver

It is difficult to know how to keep kids entertained at parties. It is even more difficult to know how to change the format of the party as kids get older. At what age do face paints and musical statues no longer cut it? And when do you move from a party to an outing?

When it comes to birthday parties, we have learnt that a can-do attitude and great planning is what is needed.

Try to ensure that you do not give yourself too much of a nightmare. When they are young, you may want to restrict how many friends your child invites (though of course often we end up inviting the whole class, because that’s what everyone else does) and you will want to be sensible about how long it lasts; an hour is plenty for pre-schoolers and those in the first couple of years of Infant school.

Pre-school With small children, the key is to keep things simple. It is fine to have the party at home and you can get creative – why not try dressing up, a treasure hunt, face

painting and simple games. If you choose pass the parcel, you do not have to include a prize in every layer, you could have a forfeit for each child where they sing a song or make animal sounds, then you can have one prize at the end.

When it’s time for tea, put out sandwiches and savoury food first, keeping the sweet treats out of sight until after they have been eaten. At the party’s close, give each guest a small gift or party bag with a piece of the cake in it. For the birthday child, it is a good idea to put their presents to one side as guests bring them and open them after everyone has gone.

4-7 Years An entertainer comes into their own with this age group as they will keep the kids amused and busy until it is time for tea. If a professional entertainer is out of your price bracket, ask a friend or relative to take on the task and plan out some games and activities beforehand. There are other ideas you could choose if you want something more unusual; pony riding, a bouncy castle or in the summer a water party will be fun. Pass the parcel remains a firm favourite for this age group but other games such as pin the tail on the donkey and a Piñata will be a hit.

8-11 Years Often what a September-born child does for a birthday sets the precedent for the rest of the class, so be aware of what’s popular! Book a hall or have it at home depending on your numbers and bravado.You could find an active party at a local sports centre. Perhaps they could all try trampolining or rock climbing. You might want to take them to a cinema showing, or visit a restaurant that will teach them to make pizza or chocolate shapes. Or a summer water party in the garden?

If you do have the party at home, some ideas for games for this age group include the Chocolate Game (roll a six, dress up in hat, scarf and gloves, eat the chocolate with a knife and fork), Chubby Bunnies (put as many marshmallows in your mouth one at a time and try saying Chubby Bunnies without actually eating them) and The Flour Game (cut shards off the flour cake until the coin balanced on top falls; The person responsible retrieves it using only their mouth). Feed them on simple pizza and finish with a make-your-own ice cream sundae. Emma Oliver is a journalist who has worked for various magazines and websites. She is a mum to two young girls. When she's not off gadding she can be found blogging- WritingLifeAsItIs.blogspot.co.uk

Time to party: how to make it a birthday to remember


What’s OnTHEATRE

Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk

The Legend Of King Arthur Oddsocks Productions are bringing to life The Legend of King Arthur. Prepare for magic, music and mirth as the ‘boy who would be king’ pulls the sword from the stone. Sunday 10th January 7.00 pm, £15.00 adult, £13.00 under 16s, students & over 60s

Chris & Pui Britain’s most loveable fox is back on the road along with his TV chum Mr Stephen. Together they will take you on a journey of laughs, storytelling and song in a brand new specially written ‘live’ stage show packed with fun and excitement. Saturday 13th February 11.00 am and 2.00 pm £12.00 adult, £10.00 under 16s, £40.00 family ticket

Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk A magical family show with giant laughs, spectacular sets, sparkling comedy and lots of audience participation Wednesday 20th - Sunday 24th January 7.30 pm plus Sat & Sun matinees 2.30 pm £12.00

Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

Chandos: Family Fun Concert 13th March 3.00pm £12.32-£16.80 Half price for children

Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, www.norburytheatre.freeserve.co.uk

Beauty And The Beast The traditional tale of Beauty and the Beast with all the fun opportunities for the audience to get involved. Friday 8th – Sunday 10th, Thursday 14th - Sunday 17th, Thursday 21st – Saturday 23th January 2.30 pm (Sat and Sun also) and 7.30 pm. £10.00/£8.0-00

Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org

How the Koala Learnt to Hug A warm and wonderful story about picnics, bubbles and the magic of family. As an extra treat, author Steven will be available to sign copies of How the Koala Learnt to Hug and Other Australian Fairytales after the show. Suitable for all! From age 3 to 103! Monday 15th February 2.30 pm £8.50, £7.00 under 16

Oliver! Pershore Operatic and Dramatic Youth Section bring you Lionel Bart’s musical version of this Dickens’s classic. Friday 19th February 7.00 pm – Saturday 20th February 1.30 and 7.00 pm £11.00, Saturday Matinee £9.00

The Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

Just Dance A dance extravangza with amateur dance troupes from round the country. Saturday 16th January 7.00 pm £14.00

Snow White And The Severn Dwarves – Starlight school of dance A panto full of fun, frolics, danger and romance with lots of singing and dancing. Come with us as we tell the story of Snow White and her step mother’s vanity, callousness and ultimate revenge. Will evil win or will Prince Charming and the Dwarfs come to the rescue? Thursday 28th – Saturday 30th January 7.15 pm and 2.15 pm sat matinee £13.00, £11.00

Illusions Magic has captured the public imagination and Sean’s show will cover all aspects of this wonderful spectacle; grand illusion, mind reading and close up magic culminating in a climatic finale that will leave audiences speechless.Thursday 18th February 7.30pm £17.00 £16.00, £64.00 family

The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Little Bo Peep With the party about to begin, will Police Constable Sam Sampson be able to find the Superintendent’s stolen sausages in time to feed all the guests and save the day? Thursday 21st - Sunday 24th January and Tuesday 26th - 31st January Various times. £11.00

Sing-a-Long-a Frozen A full screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along. Introduced by a live host who will guide you through this interactive screening Saturday 27th February unday 2.30pm. £15.00, Family Tickets £33 - £46

The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk

Journey Of A Tutrle A beautiful story about following your dream, told with shadows, table-top puppets and traditional storytelling. Saturday 23rd January 11.00am £6.00

The Tap Dancing Mermaid Gather round for the Moon’s magical, mystical story about a tippetty-top tap dancer who he has been watching at night. Saturday 13th February 11.00am £6.00,

Dick Whittington Dick Whittington sets out from his home in Gloucestershire to make his fortune among the streets paved with gold in London. Wednesday 17th - Saturday 20th February 2.00 and 7.00 pm £13.00, £11.00 conces

The Market Theatre, Market Street, Ledbury, HR8 2AQ www.themarketthetheatre.com

Old Mother Hubbard Rip-roaring Wild West songs and spectacular dance numbers, twirling lassos, the obligatory saloon swing doors and plenty of really awful jokes. A hugely entertaining show for all the familiy. Thursday 21st – Saturday 23rd, Wednesday 27th – Saturday 3oth January 7.30 pm and 2.30 pm (Sat and Sun) £10.00, £6.00 child

The Owl and the Pussycat’s

Treasury of Nonsense A delightfully unpredictable story telling style production. Hilarious characters and magical puppetry Sunday 14th February 3.00 pm £8.00, £5.00 child £16.00 familiy. trees will thrive and produce lots of fruit in the autumn. Sunday 10th January

MUSEUMS

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk

Dog Day Weekend Blow away the cobwebs and walk off some of that festive fare this weekend. Every dog gets a free treat! Saturday 2nd & 3rd Sunday January

Wassailing the Orchard For the first time in many years, Avoncroft Museum will host a traditional wassailing ceremony in its orchard to waken the apple trees and scare away evil spirits in the hope that the trees will thrive and produce lots of fruit in the autumn. Sunday 10th January

Bleak Midwinter Living History Weekend Avoncroft’s volunteers will be welcoming you into the historic houses to see how our ancestors survived winter in the past. Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th January

Waking the Windmill

Weather permitting, the Museum’s windmill will be sailed for the first time in 2016. There will also be the chance to see original footage of the saving of the mill in 1969 and bread-making in the Tollhouse. Sunday 7th February

Half Term Activities Treasure Island All aboard the Hispaniola for some pirate fun at Avoncroft! You might even find some buried treasure… Monday 15th – Sunday 21st February

ATTRACTIONS

Witley Court and Gardens, Worcester Road, Great Witley, Worcester, WR6 6JT 01905 726311, www.english-heritage.org.uk

Behind The Scenes Tour Join us for an access all areas tour and unlock the secrets of Witley’s partying past as you explore parts of the Court seldom open to visitors. Lunch is included. Over 16s only. Friday 26th – February 11.00 am – 3.00 pm

EVENTS

National Trust 0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006

The Riddle Of Croome Trail Follow the clues round the park and decipher the riddle of Croome. Price includes a prize. Saturday 13th - Sunday 21st February 10.00 am – 4.00 pm £1.50 per trail

Please check with the venue in case details have changed and also please note that with some venues, it is cheaper to pay in advance on-line.

frosty walks muddy puddles

Brockhampton Estate What will your next winter adventure be? Discover the families that lived here or create your own adventure in the woods and parkland. Warm up by the manor house fire.

01885 482077 nationaltrust.org.uk/brockhampton

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16 Families Hereford & Worcester To advertise call: 01684 770566 January - February 2016

Don’t forget to say you saw these advertisements in Families Hereford & Worcester magazine

Wassailing the Orchard Sunday 10 January, from 11am The whole family can take part in one of our oldest rural traditions to wake up the apple trees. Dancing, music and food.

Bleak Mid-winter Living History Weekend Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 January See how our ancestors survived winter in the past.

Waking the Windmill Sunday 7 February Volunteers will be sailing our 19th century windmill.

Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR www.avoncroft.org.uk; Tel: 01527 831363

January/February events at Avoncroft

February Half Term: Treasure Island Monday 15 - Sunday 21 February Pirates are especially welcome on Avoncroft’s magical sandy beach under cover in Guesten Hall! Dig for buried treasure, crafts and prize trail. Book your session: 01527 831363.

Hagley High SchoolHagley DY8 2XL15th - 19th February

North BromsgroveHigh SchoolBromsgrove B60 1BA15th - 19th February

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.ukor call 0121 663 1979

£70DAYSFOR5

Open from 8am - 6pm

Ofstedregistered

We accept childcare vouchers*Valid for full week 10am - 4pm bookingsonly. Offer ends 5pm Friday 29th January2016. Xtra time packages available if required.

Action-packedchildcare this

FebruaryHalf Term

Lots of activities andsports on o� er at achoice of venues!

What’s On

families hereford & worcester issue 37 january - february 2016

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