Opening to the public in Autumn 2024
Swim England ‘Learn to Swim’ stage 1-7 Awards NICAS Climbing Courses
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Sports centre staff including lifeguards and Learn to Swim teachers
Dear Reader,
Autumn is the season that teaches us that change can be beautiful, with so many of us experiencing a big change in our lives this September as our littlest ones start school and the biggest ones start secondary; it is worth remembering that change can be positive and refreshing, just like the changing seasons. Autumn can be an exciting time for the children with Halloween, Bonfire Night and the approach to Christmas, but before we fully immerse ourselves in the cosiness of autumn, there are plenty of end of summer days to look forward to and we have plenty of things to do in this issue.
Wise words!
Children don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.
Jim Henson
facebook.com/famcambsmag
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Have a BALL at the best loved panto of them all!
Get swept away with this year’s enchanting pantomime, Cinderella, at King’s Lynn Corn Exchange this Christmas.
4 TICKETS TO SEE CINDERELLA, ANY PERFORMANCE FROM 29TH DEC - 5TH JAN*
Left at home by her wicked step-sisters poor Cinderella cannot go to the ball! However, with the help of her Fairy Godmother and brilliant buffoonery from her best pal Buttons, the most exciting night of her life can begin!!
Don’t miss this classic tale of magic and true love, brought to you by the team behind last years smash hit production of Dick Whittington and his cat. Expect heaps of panto fun, live music, stunning sets and sensational costumes that will leave you spellbound.
BOOK NOW - BEFORE THINGS TURN UGLY!!
To enter please visit our Facebook page @ FamCambsMag and like and share our competition post and follow our page. Good luck. Please see the Facebook page for T&C’s.
RUSTY’S GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH 2024
Rusty’s Great Pumpkin Patch at Worzals is bigger and better than ever this October with over 60,000 pumpkins of all shapes and sizes and this year there will be an additional outdoor pumpkin patch which makes Worzals the ideal half term activity come rain or shine. No mud or mess and accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
With so much to see and do including the Jurassic Adventure where children can join the hunt to track down an escaped dinosaur in the Dino Park or help the dig team to find new fossils and bones, and the Fairy Tale Village with fairy cottages, a magical princess carriage, enchanted woodland animals and for the first time ever some very special Princesses (see website for the dates your favourite princess will be visiting).
There will be the usual Rusty’s Farm with singing farmyard friends, mud kitchen and tractors as well as lots of fun activities including an electric tractor race track, hook a duck, scavenger hunt plus lots of beautiful autumnal photo opportunities. After all the fun and excitement treat yourself to a delicious treat from Bertha’s Coffee and Creamery who will be serving delicious sundaes, waffle bites, loaded fries, luxury hot drinks and more. www.worzals.com
Festival of cycling
The Cambridge Festival of Cycling is currently under way. Running until the end of the month, the next few weeks are full of exciting bicyclethemed events for everyone to enjoy.
The flagship event of the festival is the Cargo Carnival on Saturday 21st September. Join the parade of cyclists at 10.30am at Lammas Land as we ride through the city to demonstrate what can be carried on a bike. The parade will then return to Lammas Land for a fair, where you can test ride cargo bikes and enjoy an ice cream. On Tuesday 24th September cycling journalist and broadcaster Ned Boulting will be at Jesus College Intellectual Forum discussing his career, the benefits of cycling and tales from the pinnacle of the sport.
Before then, families are encouraged to attend the Blessing of the Bicycles service at Great St Mary’s Church on Sunday 8th September and the cycling-themed storytime at Cambridge Central Library the following day.
The festival is run by cycling charity Camcycle. Staff will be manning Camcycle stalls at local community fairs throughout September. There will also be a number of cycle rides to join throughout the month. For a full list of scheduled events during the festival, visit: www.cambridgefestivalofcycling.org/
THE SAFE, FUN, AND GREEN SCHOOL RUNS ALTERNATIVE
Discover the benefits of using an e-cargo bike for the school run and daily errands! These versatile bikes offer a safe, fun, and green alternative to driving. Perfect for busy families, they help you cut past traffic jams and park right at the doorstep. Plus, they help you stay active, turning school runs into quality family exercise time. With ample space for school bags, groceries, and even younger siblings (and pets), cargo bikes make commuting and running errands a breeze. Experience the joy of cycling together and make the switch to a sustainable, stress-free lifestyle today!
Contact Outspoken Cycles for more information and take a test ride. 01223 789606 Team@outspokencycles.co.uk
National Work Life Week 2024
For parents juggling the demands of work, personal well-being and parenting, finding a balance can often seem an impossible goal. However, now there’s a beacon of hope.
Championed by Working Families, UK’s national charity for working parents and carers, National Work Life Week is an annual campaign to highlight the value of flexible and familyfriendly practices in the workplace and to get both employer and employees talking about wellbeing at work and work-life balance.
Employers can use the week to provide activities for staff and to showcase their flexible working policies and practices. An Employer Toolkit can be downloaded, full of tips on how to make the wellbeing of staff a high priority.
Parents can communicate what flexible working means to them on the website or on social media using the hashtag #MyFlex. More info: www.workingfamilies. org.uk/nationalworklifeweek
Boost your child’s confidence with a free Perform class
As the buzz of the new school year begins, why not enrich your child’s after-school routine with something truly special.
Perform’s dynamic classes are expertly crafted to enhance your child’s confidence, concentration, communication, and coordination - skills that complement their academic journey beautifully. Sessions are packed with drama-based games and activities which allow reserved children to come out of their shell whilst energetic children have the perfect outlet to express themselves.
Parents talk about the transformative experiences their children have had with Perform:
“My son is extremely shy, socially anxious and self-conscious but he LOVES Perform. I’m so grateful to the teacher for making my little boy feel so happy and valued!”
“The teaching team are truly amazing. They have had such a positive impact on my children’s confidence levels.”
This term, 4-7 year olds are off to Outer Space on an intergalactic adventure with the Sparkly Spaceman and the Man on the Moon! Meanwhile, 7-12 year olds will enjoy a groovy Greek extravaganza in The Hercules Beat, where Hercules gets everyone dancing to stay fit. Classes are held in Cambridge and every child is welcome to try a free class. To book, visit www.perform.org.uk/try
LAPLANDUK HIDES GOLDEN INVITATIONS
LaplandUK, launched its first official advent calendar in July. In an unprecedented example of Christmas in July excitement, fans flocked to the LaplandUK Instagram account when the announcement was made, with calendars selling out the same day. The second batch will be launched on 18th September so set your alarms to make sure you get yours.
In a move as magical as the fictional search for Willy Wonka’s Golden Tickets, LaplandUK has hidden Golden Invitations behind one of the doorways of five elven calendars. The invitations invite Small Folk to visit the sold out 2024 LaplandUK experience, where they will be enveloped in the world of Father Christmas, helping the elves to prepare for the biggest night of the year.
The official LaplandUK ‘Sleeps To Christmas’ calendar, which is a miniature version of the famous LaplandUK toy factory, was created in partnership with Susan Lucas, the designer behind the eminent Fortnum & Mason and Liberty calendars. In a continuation of LaplandUK’s seamless ability to marry tradition and futurism, the advent calendar will incorporate AR technology to deepen the interaction between Small Folk and the Elves throughout advent. Behind each doorway, Small Folk will be able to activate an AR ‘Elfie’ moment, in which an elf will appear each day with a new message from LaplandUK. Alongside their ‘Elfie’, Small Folk will find a chocolate “jingle”, the official currency of LaplandUK, as well as a secret puzzle for them to solve. The calendar also features a ‘Sleeps To Christmas’ clock, which Small Folk can tick down each morning, as they await the biggest night of the year..
£39.95 www.portal.laplanduk.co.uk/tickets/
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS
CELEBRATE CREATIVITY
Heritage Open Days (HODs) return from 6th - 15th September with thousands of free events and experiences.
From historic houses to factories, museums to music halls, formal gardens to graveyards, places, spaces and communities across the country will again host hundreds of free events this autumn.
There will be plenty of free interactive activities for children including dressing up, craft, woodland walks and railway rides, all based around this year’s theme, Creativity Unwrapped, sharing England’s colourful history of creativity. The festival will celebrate the experts and enthusiastic amateurs whose passions and skills add something special to our daily lives.
Brought to you by the National Trust, supported by People’s Postcode Lottery and run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, HODs brings people together to celebrate their heritage,community and history. New events will be added to the festival directory every day. More info: www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Families Advertorial
Bright Horizons scoops latest Great Place to Work Accolade for Women
Bright Horizons is celebrating a full house of Great Place to Work™ honours, with its latest listing - 13th in the Great Place to Work™ list for Women.
This is in addition to being 13th in the UK’s Best Workplaces (super large category) and being recognised on those for Development and Wellbeing this year.
Bright Horizons is now the highest ranked education provider on this latest list.
The 2024 UK’s Best Workplaces for Women™ list is created from employees’ feedback regarding their employer’s efforts to remove barriers to women’s career advancement and create workplaces where all employees, regardless of gender, can flourish.
Ros Marshall, Managing Director International at Bright Horizons, said: “We are so proud that Bright Horizons continues to feature as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women™, as it has done since this list first started in 2018. At Bright Horizons, we have woven Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) into the very fabric of our organisational culture, creating a welcoming
and inclusive community for all.”
Bright Horizons has been championing the evolving needs of working families for more than 35 years and this marks the fourth Great Place To Work® listing this year:
Over the past year, Bright Horizons has expanded its DEIB approach. Its voluntary DEIB Group from across the organisation is
• Ranked for the 19th yearin-a-row on the UK’s Best Workplaces™ List (super large category)
• Ranked 13th on the 2024 UK’s Best Workplaces™ List (super large category)
• Ranked 18th on the 2024 UK’s Best Workplaces for Development™ List (super large category)
• Ranked 17th on the Best Workplaces for Wellbeing™ list (super large category).
responsible for responding to queries by colleagues and collaborating across all functions to cultivate new practices and policies that advocate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. They meet regularly with the leadership team at Bright Horizons to feedback and promote action.
Feeling inspired? Interested to join the team? Bright Horizons currently has eight nurseries in Cambridgeshire and another two new nurseries should both open later this year. One will be on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus located on Francis Crick Avenue, while the other will be located on Milton Road in Cambridge.
Further information on the great roles available at Bright Horizons in Cambridgeshire can be found by visiting our careers website. www.careers.brighthorizons.com
We’re only half joking. Because few things engage young minds as well as something genuinely funny. Or someone.
Maybe it’s you.
currently recruiting
The Little Journey App
A mobile app has been launched to support parents and carers with babies in the Rosie Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Unit (NICU).
An app aims to help make visits less stressful for families visiting NICU, with a range of 360-degree visual tours, clinical information, relaxation techniques and even games for anxious guardians and siblings. Consultant neonatologist
Professor Topun Austin, who played a key role in the design of the app said:
This is a unique resource, with support and information for every stage of their child’s journey through NICU, from birth through to discharge and beyond. The app supports the whole family through what can be a stressful time with engaging content which informs, reassures and ultimately empowers them.
The Little Journey app, which was originally designed to help reassure children before they go to hospital for an operation, has been specifically modified to meet the needs of parents and carers with babies at NICU.
Professor Austin added: "We see this app as a digital 'helping hand', which
Babies learn like ChatGPT
Recent research into infant learning suggests that while human infants are perceived as significantly more helpless than their animal counterparts, this period of vulnerability is a critical time for cognitive development, akin to the initial training phases of sophisticated artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT.
This phase allows infants to absorb and process vast amounts of sensory information, laying the groundwork for advanced cognitive abilities later in life, according to a new study by Trinity College Dublin.
"Infant learning begins right from birth. During this period, babies start recognizing faces, sounds, and patterns. This early learning is crucial for cognitive development and babies learn from simple activities like reading stories and playing peek-a-boo."
This research challenges the traditional belief that infant helplessness is due to brain immaturity, revealing a crucial overlooked phase of early cognitive development.
More info: www.tcd.ie/news_events
can help reduce parents’ and carers’ anxiety providing easily accessible information about where their baby is being looked after as well as clinical information relevant to their care."
The app provides information on neonatal care, common medical conditions and treatments, transfers to another NICU or
local unit, going home, and palliative care and bereavement. There are also virtual ‘360 degree’ tours of different parts of NICU and the PaNDR transport ambulance.
The Little Journey app is one of several innovations selected by the NHS Inovation Accelerator initiative for its potential to enable patient and NHS staff benefit. Modification of the app was funded by the Health Foundation Q Community with support from the NIHR Brain Injury Med Tech Cooperative (now the HealthTech Research Centre for Brain Injury) and NIHR Cambridge BRC.
Currently the app is being rolled out across five hospitals in the East of England, but the aim is for a regional and then a national roll-out.
There is also scope within the app for it to be broadened to include clinical research projects. Prof Austin said: “We’ve seen how Little Journey can promote trial recruitment and cut early withdrawal, and this is a feature we would like to enable over time.” www.littlejourney.health/qr-scan
What’s
On Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in
Cambridgeshire
Thomas Branch Line Weekends 2024
WHEN: 1st, 28th and 29th September, 11.00, 12.00, 13.00 and 14.00
WHERE: Nene Valley Railway, Stibbington
Travel behind Thomas on his Branch Line to his countryside station at Yarwell passing through the Wansford Tunnel. £5 www.nvr.org.uk 01780 784444
Sweetcorn Eating Competition
WHEN: 8th September
WHERE: Skylark Garden Centre, Wimblington
Enter this Sweetcorn Eating Competition to prove to your family & friends you’ve got what it takes (separate rounds for adults and kids)! Live music & entertainment will make it a day to remember!
skylark-events.co.uk/whats-on/ 01354 741212
Dear Zoo
WHEN: 19th September, 13.00 and 16.30
Free
Cycle-Marking with Camcycle and Cambridge Police
WHEN: 21st September, 10.30 - 14.00
WHERE: Lammas Land, Cambridge Camcycle and Cambridge Police will be getting as many bikes marked for free as possibledeterring thieves and, if your bike is stolen and recovered by the police, helps them to prove ownership, return your bike and prosecute the thief.
www.camcycle.org.uk
Sundown Cinema
WHEN: 20th - 22nd September
WHERE: Bens Yard Ely
Bens Yard Before Sundown Films allow children to enjoy the magic of outdoor cinema before it gets dark. Experience the magic of Wonka and Elemental at Sundown Cinema’s open-air screening for families!
Prices from £5.50 www.ticketsource.co.uk/ sundowncinema
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book
WHEN: 20th - 22nd Sept, 16.30
WHERE: Key Theatre, Peterborough Delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book… Age 3 - 8 years
Cycle to School week
WHEN: 23rd September
Join Bikeability and take part in the annual Cycle to School Week. Cycling to school can help you to save money, get fit, build confidence, and protect the environment.
www.camcycle.org.uk
Rusty’s Great Pumpkin Patch 2024
WHEN: 5th - 31st October
WHERE: Worzals, Wisbech
Rusty’s Great Pumpkin Patch is bigger and better than ever with new and exciting themes including Jurassic Adventure, Fairytale Village and Rusty’s Farm. Expect over 60,000 pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, electric tractor racetrack, scavenger hunt plus more! www.worzals.com 01945 582231
Ely’s Apple and Harvest Fayre
WHEN: 12th October
10:00 - 16:00
WHERE: Ely
The Ely Apple and Harvest Fayre is across two sites: Palace Green and Cross Green. Celebrating the great british apple and the harvest! Plenty of competitions, apple and spoon races, longest peel competition and more. Browse the stalls and join in the themed games. www.visitely.org
From £16.00 www.keytheatre-peterborough. com
WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, King’s Lynn
With lots of laughs and audience interaction, Dear Zoo is the perfect introduction to theatre for young children. Join everyone to find out whether the zoo will send the perfect pet… in the end!
From £15.00 www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk/theatre/whats-on/
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
WHEN: 14th - 15th October, 10.30 and 13.00
WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, King’s Lynn
The critically acclaimed production features 75 lovable puppets in its adaptation of four stories by Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show -The Very Hungry Caterpillar. From £14.00 www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk/theatre/whats-on/
Halloween Spooktacular
WHEN: 26th Oct - 3rd Nov
WHERE: Audley End Railway
Take the Halloween Express Train through the woods to visit the witches and their monster friends, meet Belinda the Fortune Telling Witch, visit William the Woodland Wizard and enjoy the Adventure Play Area. From £8.50 (children under 1 free) www.audley-end-railway.co.uk
Week of WickednessHalloween
WHEN: 26th October3rd November
WHERE: Skylark Garden Centre, Wimblington
All the fun from Summer including their maize maze & funyard, PLUS pick your own pumpkin, pumpkin carving & a spooky magic show! skylark-events.co.uk/whats-on/ 01354 741212
Animal Tracks and Signs
WHEN: 28th October, 10.30 and 13.00
WHERE: Ferry Meadows, Peterborough
Find out all about creatures that live in Ferry Meadows using the signs that they leave behind them and take your own plaster of Paris track home with you. www.nenepark.org.uk
Rude Science!
WHEN: 29th October, 11.30
WHERE: Key Theatre, Peterborough
Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts.
From £19.00, Age 6+ www.keytheatre-peterborough. com
MEETING MAGICAL MAMMALS
WHEN: 30th October, 9.30 - 11.00
WHERE: Ferry Meadows, Peterborough
Join a ranger for a short walk discovering the small mammals that live in the Park, hopefully seeing voles, mice and shrews as well as talking about their habitat, diet and identifying features. 5yrs+ £5.50 www.nenepark.org.uk
Dinosaur Adventure Live: Trouble on Volcano Island
WHEN: 3rd November, 11.30
WHERE: Key Theatre, Peterborough
Join the brave Rangers for another action-packed Dinosaur Adventure in the all new and exciting show: TROUBLE ON VOLCANO ISLAND. This amazing, immersive and interactive show is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
From £17.00
www.keytheatre-peterborough. com
Apple Day
WHEN: 22nd October, 10.00 - 16:00
Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre
WHEN: September and October, 10.00 - 17.00
WHERE: Stow Bardolph
Make friends with a wide variety of tame animals and experience all their young at close quarters throughout the season as well as enjoying their adventure playground.
www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk/ 01366 382162
WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
FIREMAN
WHEN: 28th October, 12.00 & 15.30
Taste over 25 heritage apple varieties and for younger ones get crafty with a variety of apple activities in the Schools’ Garden for the young and young-at-heart, plus free Garden seasonal highlight tours, live music and pop-up food trucks www.botanic.cam.ac.uk
SAM &THE GREAT CAMPING ADVENTURE
WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, King’s Lynn Norman wants to go on an adventure, so when two animal explorers arrive in Pontypandy, he decides to follow them into the mountains … with disastrous consequences! It’s up to Fireman Sam to ensure everyone is safe on their camping adventure!
From £17.50
www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk/theatre/whats-on/
What does a good state secondary school look like?
By Melanie Sanderson
Choosing a secondary school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for your child. Very likely, your two priorities are whether your child will reach their academic potential and whether they will be happy there. Here are my tips on what to look for.
HOT-HOUSE OR GREENHOUSE?
Is the school educationally aspirational and how does this manifest? Look for relaxed and respectful teacher-pupil relations. They are key to successful learning. Is the library well-stocked and busy? Teacher recruitment and retention is challenging all schools. Ask pupils how often they have cover teachers.
Are pupils regularly assessed? Performance measures such as Progress 8 (see www.gov.uk) are good indicators of how a school adds value as they measure academic attainment rates over time. Are there programmes to stretch the more academic children? What about those with special educational needs and disabilities?
BREADTH OF CURRICULUM
The best state schools offer and value a broad liberal arts education beyond the standard curriculum. For instance, Bohunt School in Hampshire ‘blew the socks off’ the Good Schools Guide with immersion classes in Mandarin. Some of the best state schools invest in top notch sports facilities and coaching, others have outstanding creative or performing arts spaces. Pick a school that suits your child’s strengths. Check out school notice boards and the school’s social media for co-curricular activities and trips the children are doing outside the classroom too.
PASTORAL
Good schools have clear systems. Every child is known; nobody slips through the net. Ask if reports and open evenings include pastoral updates. Does the school’s praise/discipline system flex to meet individual needs and align with your family values? Ask pupils what they do at break and lunch. Good schools include spaces for children to seek quiet reflection when needed.
COMMUNICATION
Good schools also communicate well with parents. The tone of school newsletters and social media feeds can tell you a lot, while an active PTA is a sign of an engaged parent community. If you can, pass by the school at home time and observe pupil behaviour as they leave the site. Another top tip is to talk with pupils higher up the school. Would you be happy for your children to turn out like them?
Don’t…!
• Judge a school entirely by its Ofsted report: a report can quickly fall out of date and one word judgements cannot paint a full picture. Look for more nuanced information that will tell you whether the school will align with your aspirations. Other local parents with children already at the school are a great place to start.
• Take too much notice of social media community group grumbles about a school. These are usually led by a singular disgruntled parent.
• Be swayed by dinner party bragging rights. The super-duper academic grammar school that everyone’s talking about may or may not be the best place for your child to flourish. Equally, don’t choose a school based on what you would have liked as a child.
• Lie, cheat or change your religion to get your child into a particular school!
• Be put off by a school that isn’t pristine. Look instead for cleanliness and orderliness. Ask to visit the toilets the pupils use - they’ll tell you a lot about the school’s values!
Melanie Sanderson is Managing Editor of The Good Schools Guide (www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk), which contains frank, impartial reviews of schools. Its writers visit thousands of schools annually, speaking to Heads, teachers, pupils and parents.
Ten top tips for attending school Open Days
By Andrew Campbell
If you are looking ahead to your child’s first or next school, you have big decisions ahead. Do your homework now and the choices will become clearer, particularly when it comes to visiting your shortlist.
TOP TIP: It can take a couple of visits to really nail your school choices. So attend Open Days for key schools two years in advance of your child’s start date so you have time to come back to an Open Day the following year. Bear in mind that independent schools are generally non-selective at Reception, so get your name on waiting lists early. It can be good to visit the school and see it in action on a school day too, if you can.
Here are my tips for preparation and getting the most out of your visit.
DO YOUR RESEARCH Study the school’s website noting where the gaps are in your knowledge and which questions you want to ask at the Open Day. Are there particular entry requirements? How long is the school day?
How many students per class? Are there taster sessions for children before the start of term?
Make a list of questions covering the things that are a priority for your family. If your child is moving on to senior school, you may want to ask about things like mobile phone policy. If it’s a state school you are visiting, check your understanding of the catchment area, as they can change from year to year.
FEEL THE VIBE Are the pupils around you happy and smiling? If it’s a school day, are they enjoying each other’s company? Do they seem articulate, confident and polite? Are the staff warm, welcoming and personable? Do
they talk passionately about their subjects? At primary schools, is there colourful artwork and children’s projects on display?
GO TO THE HEAD’S TALK Schools very much reflect the personality, vision, values and ethos of the Headteacher. If the Head is giving a talk, you will get a real sense of these by attending. If you feel the Head speaks your language, it’s likely you will go on to like the school.
TALK TO THE STUDENTS Often, groups of students are recruited to show parents around, particularly at senior school level. Ask these students the same questions you ask the teachers, looking out for differences in what you hear. Remember kids are known for saying it like it really is! Ask students how they found their first year? Worse thing and best thing? What is food like (very important to your child)!
ASK ABOUT PASTORAL CARE Your child’s happiness, physical and emotional wellbeing at school are crucial. Ask how the school covers these needs. Is there is a specific pastoral care department and who runs it? Meet and chat to them or to the Head or another senior member of the team. With mental health issues on the rise amongst even the youngest children, it’s a must-ask question.
INVOLVE OLDER CHILDREN While you probably won’t be taking your four-year-old to visit schools, it’s useful to take older children if the school allows. Give them space to ask
questions and, if appropriate, encourage them to engage with teachers and students as you walk round the school.
IS THE SCHOOL OFFERING THE RIGHT BALANCE OF SUBJECTS? This becomes more critical at secondary school. Are GCSE and A level subjects very academic or more practical? For example, if your child loves music, cooking or design technology, are there the facilities and will your child be free to pursue these subjects to GCSE and A level? Where do pupils typically go onto? This can be a good indicator of the curriculum focus.
ASK ABOUT FACILITIES AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES What interests does your child have and does the school cater for them? How much sport/PE is on offer? Which clubs are run? Is there a breakfast club? Plenty of outdoor space? What special trips are on offer?
SPEAK TO KEY SUBJECT TEACHERS What does the maths teacher say when you discuss your child’s challenges in maths? How does the English teacher engage with your child who is passionate about English? Does the drama teacher impress you?
SINGLE SEX OR CO-ED? Many parents have a strong feeling either way. But if you don’t, it’s worth visiting both types of schools and asking staff what they see as the benefits and downsides so you can weigh these up.
Cambridge International School
Cambridge International School is a thriving international school for 2 - 11 year olds and a welcoming community of children, parents and staff from the local area and overseas. With a focus on pupil well-being the school ensures that the children are learning in an unpressurised environment with a focus on them becoming confident, happy, resilient individuals.
Cambridge International School have small class sizes (maximum of 16) and have experience in teaching children from different language and cultural backgrounds. Each child has individualised targets to ensure that they are learning, aspiring and fulfilling their own academic potential.
The school make full use of their surrounding environment in Cherry Hinton Park. They are also open to innovative approaches and are accepting students who would like to learn with them on a flexible basis. If you would like to visit the school they have an open morning on Friday 4th October 9.30 am - 11.30 am.
WEBSITE: www.cambridgeinternationalschool.co.uk
TEL: 01223 416938
E-MAIL: admissions@cischool.co.uk
OPEN DATES: Friday 4th October 9.30am - 11.30am
Open Days
Friday 4th October 9.30am - 11.30am
Kimbolton School, Cambridgeshire
Kimbolton School, located in the picturesque village of Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire, offers a nurturing and inspiring environment for children aged 4 to 18. As both a day and boarding school, Kimbolton provides flexible options to suit different family needs. Embracing the ethos of ‘One school. One family,’ the school's commitment to excellence is reflected in its core values: a strong academic curriculum, extensive cocurricular activities, and a supportive community that fosters personal growth.
At Kimbolton, students benefit from small class sizes and dedicated teachers who encourage a love of learning. The school's historic campus features state-of-the-art facilities, providing an ideal setting for both academic and personal development. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or through creative arts, Kimbolton promotes a well-rounded education.
Families choose Kimbolton for its warm, inclusive atmosphere where each child is valued and challenged to reach their full potential, preparing them for a bright future.
WEBSITE: www.kimboltonschool.com
TEL: 01480 862209
E-MAIL: Rosie White, Head of Admissions admissions@kimboltonschool.com
OPEN DATES: Senior School & Sixth FormSaturday 21st September 2024
Prep School - Friday 4th October 2024
Open Days
Senior School & Sixth FormSaturday 21st September 2024 Prep SchoolFriday 4th October 2024
St Mary’s School, Cambridge
St Mary’s School, Cambridge is the independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3-18. With a strong focus on academic excellence, development, and wellbeing, students receive a holistic educational experience. Fostering a forward-thinking environment where girls are encouraged to explore their interests and achieve their potential, the School is committed to nurturing each student’s strengths through integrating academics, personal growth and health. The school’s first-class education status is reinforced with the highest grade of ‘excellent’ in both aspects of the Education Quality Inspection. In addition, as a World Class High Performance Learning school, students are taught to understand how they learn, as well as what they learn. The result? Excellent academic outcomes and young adults who are curious, courageous, resilient, and ready to make a positive contribution to society.
WEBSITE: stmaryscambridge.co.uk
TEL: Junior School: 01223 311666 / Senior School and Sixth Form: 01223 353253
CONTACT NAME: Charlotte Duhaney, cduhaney@stmaryscambridge.co.uk
OPEN DATES: Junior School: Saturday 28th September
Senior School and Sixth Form: 5th October
Open Days
Junior School: Saturday 28th September Senior School and Sixth Form: 5th October
The Perse School, Cambridge
The Perse School Cambridge is a co-educational day school for children aged 3-18, who attend our Pelican, Prep, Upper or Sixth Form. We want every pupil to share a love of learning while developing a character of kindness and understanding towards one another. We value endeavour, intellectual curiosity and scholarship, breadth and balance and one another and the environment. We are a visionary school, always looking forward as we shape the exceptional education our pupils receive, knowing that the future belongs to them. We promote academic excellence through a challenging curriculum, outstanding teaching, intellectual curiosity and scholarship as well as high quality pastoral care to meet individual needs, and support the development of happy, balanced and considerate pupils. We offer several bursaries for new pupils applying for entry into Year 7 and above with awards ranging from 5-100% of annual fees. Currently, we are providing more than £1million of bursary support to pupils.
WEBSITE: www.perse.co.uk TEL: 01223 403800
E-MAIL: Admissions@perse.co.uk
OPEN DATES: Pelican: Saturday 5th October 9am12noon, Prep: Saturday 5th October 9.30am - 12noon Upper: Saturday 28th September 9.30am - 12.30pm
Sixth Form: Saturday 28th September 2-4pm
Wisbech Grammar School
Open Days
Pelican: Saturday 5th October 9am - 12 noon, Prep: 9.30am - 12 noon Upper: Saturday 28th September 9.30am - 12.30pm Sixth Form: 2pm - 4pm
Our educational approach is based on allowing our pupils to ‘discover who they are’ and this is achieved through a combination of individualised academic and pastoral care. We have an outstanding record of academic success. This is driven by our timetable, enhanced by extensive enrichment opportunities, that allow children to explore their passions and challenge themselves beyond the confines of the classroom.
Our class sizes are small, and our teachers are passionate about ensuring every child is happy and reaches their full potential.
Education at Wisbech Grammar School is a journey where each pupil learns to take responsibility for their own learning and encouraged to be involved in all areas of the curriculum. Part of our success is undoubtedly due to the commitment of the staff, who are involved in teaching, sport, academic and pastoral leadership, clubs and societies.
WEBSITE: www.wisbechgrammar.com TEL: 01945 586750
E-MAIL admissions@wisbechgrammar.com
OPEN DATES: Saturday 28th September 20249.30am to 12.30pm
Open Days
Saturday 28th September 9.30am to 12.30pm
SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?
By Andrew Campbell
When you think it’s time for a change in an after-school club or class for your child, whether moving from dancing to swimming or another class offering the same activity, take into consideration both the advantages and disadvantages.
ONE IMPORTANT BENEFIT of changing extracurricular activities is the exposure to new challenges and opportunities. Trying something new can stimulate your child’s mind and body differently, fostering more wellrounded development. For instance, if your child has been involved in dancing, switching to swimming will introduce a new set of physical demands and skills. Learning to adapt to new environments and expectations builds resilience and versatility; valuable traits that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Similarly, if your child no longer feels excited or challenged by the class they are taking but still wants to stick to the same activity, it could be worth finding a new provider better suited to where they are now at.
Changing activities can also provide your child with the opportunity to make new friends. Each extracurricular environment has its unique social circle. Transitioning to a new activity introduces your child to peers they might not have met otherwise.
HOWEVER, THERE ARE DISADVANTAGES. One key drawback is the potential loss of continuity with an instructor or teacher familiar with your child’s unique skills, capabilities and personality. A leader who understands your child’s strengths and weaknesses can tailor their guidance to maximise your child’s
progress. Switching to a new class or activity means starting from scratch.
Moreover, changing activities can result in the loss of the progress achieved in the current activity. Many extracurricular pursuits, such as martial arts, dance or music, have structured grading systems that mark progress. Moving to a different activity might mean giving up hard-earned advancements and starting a new grading structure from the beginning.
Maintaining established friendships within the current activity should not be underestimated either. Consistent social interactions help children build strong bonds and a sense of belonging. Switching to a new activity involves entering an unfamiliar social environment where fitting in might be challenging. The risk of not integrating well into the new group could lead to feelings of isolation or disappointment.
Ultimately, deciding to change extracurricular activities should be guided by thoroughly understanding your child’s preferences, strengths and needs. Engage in open conversations with your child about their interests and feelings regarding both the current and prospective activities.
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?
Scheduling after school activities for your child involves juggling various factors to ensure a
SKILLS TO LAST A LIFETIME
balanced and enriching experience: Cost: activities like music lessons, sports or dance can be costly. Parents need to budget carefully to avoid financial strain and assess whether the benefits justify the expense.
Loss of unstructured time: children need free play to develop creativity, problem-solving skills and social interactions. Overloading their schedule with structured activities can lead to burnout and deprive them of essential downtime.
Child’s interests and passions: engaging in activities they genuinely enjoy fosters a lifelong love for learning and personal growth. However, balance is key; too many commitments can lead to stress and fatigue. Logistics: consider transportation and time management. Co-ordinating multiple activities may become challenging, impacting family time and routines.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a wellrounded schedule that promotes your child’s development while allowing for rest and spontaneous play.
Nursery Playdance
Ballet for Children
Ballet for Adults
Creative Theatre Performances
Studio at Chesterton Sports Centre Gilbert Road, Cambridge CB4 3NY
www.edendance.co.uk
info@edendance.co.uk 07867 334510
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CAMBRIDGESHIRE’S FRIENDLIEST SAILING CLUB
We’re an official RYA Training Centre and welcome people of all abilities. We have a large selection of club-owned boats & equipment available. Booking now for October half term Adults £130 Children £110 DISCOVER SAILING AT PAXTON LAKES SAILING CLUB (NEAR ST NEOTS)
The Perse Climbing Academy
The children's ballet school (ages 5 - 18) offers Russian style classes - one of the most expressive of the recognised standards. Nursery Playdance (pre-school children ages 3+) teaches children to express themselves through storytelling, mime and natural movement.
www.paxtonlakes.org.uk/ index.php/sailing-school 07736 670570 (evenings only)
WHERE: The Perse School Sports Centre, Cambridge
Opening to the public in Autumn 2024
www.edendance.co.uk
Razzamataz Cambridge
WHEN: Autumn Term starts September
WHERE: Impington Village College, Impington
Performing arts training for Razz Tots (2-3yrs) through to Razz Seniors (12-18yrs) along with Street Dance and Acro Arts, with access to talented performers through specialist workshops and classes. Small classes to nurture confidence and self-esteem, plus a lot of fun.
The Perse School Sports Centre is open to the public with climbing and bouldering walls. The Perse Climbing Academy provides firstclass climbing and bouldering coaching, following the National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes (NICAS). www.sportscentre.perse.co.uk
Girlguiding - Rainbows (4-7), Brownies (7-10), Guides (10-14) or Rangers (14-18)
Swim England ‘Learn to Swim’ stage 1-7 Awards NICAS Climbing Courses
Swimming Lessons
WHERE: The Hive Leisure Centre, Ely
WHERE: Locations around Cambridgeshire
‘Learn to Swim’ Swimming Lesson
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
WHERE: The Perse School Sports Centre, Cambridge
Sports centre staff including lifeguards and Learn to Swim teachers
From £72 for 12 weeks. Free taster session available. cambridge.razzamataz.co.uk 01223 755113 or 07895 347239
The Perse School Sports Centre is open to the public with a 25m, six-lane swimming pool. Swim England ‘Learn to Swim’ stage 17 awards with sessions lasting for 30 minutes, and a maximum of six children per class. www.sportscentre.perse.co.uk
Discover The Hive’s range of accessible and affordable swimming lessons. From baby and parent sessions tailored for young swimmers to structured courses for children, they cater to all individual needs. 1-to-1 lessons also available. www.better.org. uk/leisure-centre/ely/the-hive
Visit the website for more information about all the facilities available for the local community to use.
GK Fit Netball
WHERE: Girton and Queen Edith’s Way
Girlguiding offers a safe space in which your child can build confidence, learn new skills and discover who they want to be through an action-packed programme with something for every girl. www.girlguiding-anglia.org.uk
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW
Scouts - ages 4 to 25
Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes
WHEN: Autumn Term starts September
WHERE: Mondays at St Andrew's Church Hall, Chesterton; Wednesdays at Hills Road Sports & Tennis Centre, Cambridge; Thursdays at St John's Church Hall, Cambridge; Fridays at 28th Cambridge Scout Hut, Cambridge; Saturdays at Newnham Croft Primary, Newnham
Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.
To book a FREE class visit www.perform.org.uk/try enquiries@perform.org.uk
Want to learn the game or improve your skills? These fun and inclusive netball sessions are for all children (girls and boys) aged between 7 and 15. Term-time only. Mondays 5.00-6.00: School years 3-6 and 6.00-7.00: School years 6-10 Wednesdays 4.30-5.30: School years 3-6 and 5.30-6.30: School years 6-10, Cost: £6 per session, £5 for siblings. Booking essential, first taster session free! www.gkfit.co.uk
WHERE: Locations around Cambridgeshire
As a Scout you can learn survival skills, first aid, computer programming, or even how to fly a plane. It’s a great way to have fun, make friends, get outdoors, express your creativity and experience the wider world. www.cambridgeshirescouts. org.uk
CLASSES FOR 4 - 11 YEAR OLDS
Coleridge
