Families Cambridgeshire July August 2022

F R TAKE EE ME H OME

THE PLACE TO BE

stmaryscambridge.co.uk

Issue 71 July/August 2022

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Contents & Competition

Dear Reader,

What's in this issue?

As summer arrives it brings sunshine, and what comes with sunshine is outdoor living, picnics and trips to the

sea. Make the most of it, have breakfast in the garden, stay up late to see the stars or camp in the garden.

Spend time just enjoying the children before they are all grown up and would prefer to be with friends! We have a bumper issue of things to

do with the family this summer - there really is something for everyone.

Have a great summer!

Wise w ords "Famil ie that gu s are the co m id

p es us. inspira They a ass tion t r and ou o reach grea e the t heig r com occasio fort when w hts, nally fa e lter” Brad H enry

News & Views

7.

Baby News

8.

What’s On

11. Big Days Out 12. PQA Feature 13. Education begins at home

facebook.com/famcambsmag DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

WIN 6 TICKETS TO RUMBLE LIVE! AT GRAFHAM WATER Make this year's summer holidays one to remember for all the family - Rumble Live, the award winning giant woodland laser tag attraction in Huntingdon is giving six tickets for one lucky family! Rumble brings popular video games, such as Fortnite and Call of Duty, to real life with team-based fun for the whole family (kids must be at least eight to play).

Located in eight acres of beautiful woodland, you must scavenge your environment to find utility boxes containing extra ammo, respawns and special weapon upgrades to take down the other team.

Experience the best laser rifles and grenades that track your performance throughout, unlock kill streaks and discover how you and your team performed at the end on a big screen at the ranger's cabin. Rumble has recently improved the arenas by adding more hides and bases as well as a number of new mini games, to keep things fresh and exciting for regular players too.

To enter, please visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag and like and share our competition post. Good luck.

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4.

14. Clubs & Classes EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesCambridgeshire.co.uk ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net 22,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

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

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News & Views

Take nature’s pulse in the Big Butterfly Count

The Big Butterfly Count (15th July to 7th August) is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping the Butterfly Conservation charity assess the health of the environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies.

According to the Butterfly Conservation charity, counting butterflies is essential because they play a vital part of the ecosystem as both pollinators and components of the food chain. The data gathered by the public will be used to assess where conservation efforts should be targeted.

Taking part in the Count is easy: just spend fifteen minutes counting the butterflies you see and then submit sightings online or via the free app. There’s also a handy free downloadable butterfly chart to use.

More info: www.bigbutterflycount.org

One in ten parents ‘very likely’ to use food bank

Nearly one in ten parents are ‘very likely’ to use a food bank to feed their children over the next three months, a survey has found.

It means that as many as 1.3 million parents are expecting to have to visit a food bank as families struggle to cope with rising costs of living, with eighty eight percent of those surveyed admitting their monthly food bill has increased in the past three months alone.

The Trussell Trust research, carried out with the food delivery company Deliveroo, also found that a third of parents skipped at least one meal to keep up with other costs and fifty eight percent said they had cut back on heating as a result.

Reference: www.theguardian.co.uk

4 Families Cambridgeshire

2022 Summer Reading Challenge - Gadgeteers The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

Children’s reading can decline during the holidays if they don’t have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure.

This year’s science-themed challenge called ‘Gadgeteers’ will inspire children to discover the amazing science and innovation behind the world around you.

The Challenge will launch in libraries in England on 9th July.

More info: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Mental health referrals surge

Referrals to child mental health units from UK primary schools for pupils ages 11 and under have risen by nearly fifty percent in three years, according to data obtained by the BBC. Replies to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests from forty six health trusts indicate they rose from 21,125 to 31,531.

Seven trusts said they had rejected an individual pupil for treatment at least five times over the last four years.

‘These figures are deeply worrying and build on evidence which shows emotional disorders in children have increased in recent years,’ said Dr Bernadka Dubicka, chairwoman of the child and adolescent faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

‘The government’s aim to provide mental health support in all schools within the next ten years will be too little, too late for many children who need that help now’ she added.

Perfect age gap between siblings revealed

At least two years is the ideal gap to leave between siblings to foster intelligence, according to new research from the University of Notre Dame.

Children older than their younger brother or sister by two or more years were found to do better on maths and reading tests than those born closer together.

Experts believe this is because parents can spend longer with their eldest child, before a sibling comes along to divert their attention.

‘There are only so many hours in the day and the longer the period when a child is the only child, the more investment they’re going to receive,” explained Professor Kasey Buckles, who led the study.

Looking at the data from three thousand mums with five thousand sibling pairs, Professor Kasey found that when aged between 3 and 5, those siblings with a bigger age gap were read to more and watched less television.

EMBARK ON A JOURNEY WITH THE FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY The UK’s biggest archaeological event, the Festival of Archaeology runs from 16th to 31st July and this year’s theme is ‘journeys’.

Through nationwide digital and on-site events, archaeological experts will help families discover how their local landscape has changed and shaped to become what it is now, as well as discover exciting stories about their local community.

Join educational guided walks, listen to talks, get involved with exciting archaeological excavations, or join digitally online through social media and discover more about your local area.

More info: festival.archaeologyuk.org

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News & Views

SLEEP PROBLEMS AFFECT READING ABILITY

New research published in the British Journal of Educational Psychology suggests that sleep problems may negatively affect children’s reading ability.

In the study published in the British Journal of Educational Psychology that included 339 ages 4 to 14 years, parents were asked to complete questionnaires about their children’s sleep, while the children completed a test of word reading efficiency.

Children whose parents reported increased sleep-disordered breathing, daytime sleepiness and a short time for their children to fall asleep (which is generally associated with increased tiredness) had poorer performance on reading tasks.

‘Being a good reader is a strong predictor of academic success and improved life outcomes, so we recommend screening children with sleep problems for reading difficulties and children with reading difficulties for sleep problems,’ said corresponding author Anna Joyce, PhD, MSc, of Regent’s University London.

Summer in the Alps

The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs.

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet Au Coin du Feu - plus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the Jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit www.chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit www.morzine-avoriaz.com/activites-de-plein-air-ete

Year 5 previews inspiring Summer Exhibition at St Mary’s School

Year 5 St Mary’s students were recently treated to a special preview of our GCSE and A Level Art and Photography Summer Exhibition at Studio 47, our Visual Arts Centre. This exhibition showcased our spectacular student work from throughout the year, as well as our specialist art facilities. The students enjoyed a first look at the display and the whole studio to themselves to investigate and view the artwork.

After a tour of the exhibition and talks by the art teachers, the students tried a continuous line workshop, exploring how important the use of line is in art and how it can communicate visually. One Year 5 student commented, ‘I enjoyed the continuous line workshop, and the artwork we saw in the exhibition was very inspiring.

I’d like to come again to see it’.

At St Mary’s, we are proud not only of the high standard of our students’ academic work, but of how they act as role models, inspiring the whole school community.

Find out how St Mary’s can encourage your daughter at our Open Day on 1st October. Follow this link to sign up: stmaryscambridge. co.uk/visit-us

THE PLACE TO BE stmaryscambridge.co.uk Junior_180x60.indd 2 familiesonline.co.uk

16/06/2022 11:39 Families Cambridgeshire 5

KIDS TRAVEL

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For more information on fares, timetables and other details, please visit www.cambridgeparkandride.info * Up to 3 children under 16 travel free with each fare paying passenger

Families Baby News

Top Tips for Recovering from Birth using Yoga

By Hannah Barrett Allowing your body time to heal after

birth is important, but you don’t have to

completely avoid exercise. In fact, yoga can be particularly good for helping the mind

and body recover from birth. Here are my five tips for recovery using yoga.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH

Motherhood is incredible but often extremely intense. Breathing consciously is the essence of yoga, helping us stay grounded and

present. Try this yogic breathing exercise to reduce stress and release endorphins:

1. Inhale through the nose from the base of your stomach feeling the stomach rise like

you’re blowing up a balloon. Keep inhaling,

sending the breath upwards through the chest, feeling the ribs moving outwards, sideways and backwards. Finally send the breath all

the way to the collarbones, filling the lungs

as full as they will go. Exhale slowly, through

can improve core control and reduce diastasis

(longer if breastfeeding). Relaxin softens your

down to the base of the stomach.

your stomach which can occur postpartum).

avoid pain or injury, keep your movement and

as possible (4-8 counts). Repeat for 10 to 20

1. Lie on your back with knees bent.

THERE IS NO RUSH

stomach in, imagining your hip bones are two

after birth, is on rest and caring for yourself

or as though you are trying to get on a tight

the nose, feeling the body release all the way

recti (a larger than normal gap in the centre of

2. Aim for each inhale and exhale to be as slow

How to engage your TRA:

rounds, 2 to 3 minutes or as long as desired.

2. Inhale, then exhale pulling your lower

The prime focus, particularly in the six weeks

magnets being drawn in towards each other,

bulging or doming, or experience pain as you

and your new baby.

pair of jeans. Repeat ten times.

intensity or stop.

start slowly. Tune in to how your body is

then exhale as you pull in your lower stomach

pushing down sensation as you exercise or

do it. There are many post-natal classes out

keeping this engagement. Repeat x 10. Aim to

women’s health physiotherapist who can check

great online classes and guides.

HOW TO MODIFY YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

Invisible yoga! It may be boring but having

important to be aware of:

incontinence and pelvic pain and is important

pregnancy and for a few months after birth

months:

Grow confident with your baby every step of the way with Stokke® Carriers

If you feel ready to get back to exercise,

3. Now try holding the contraction. Inhale,

feeling and if it doesn’t feel right, then don’t

as described and count up to 5 or 10 whilst

there but if that's not possible there are also

do this twice per day.

PELVIC FLOOR IS KEY

When returning to a physical yoga practice, it’s

strong pelvic floor muscles prevents

for healing. Try these exercises daily for 3 to 4 1. Inhale, then exhale to pull up your front

and back passage as if trying to stop yourself

passing urine and flatulence, without clenching your buttocks. Tighten, then relax fully and repeat ten times as you breathe, aiming for three times per day.

2. Inhale, and then exhale engaging your pelvic floor as above. This time aim to hold for up to

ten seconds as you breathe normally and then relax fully. Repeat ten times, aiming for a few times per day.

DON’T FORGET YOUR DEEP ABDOMINALS The transverse abdominus (TrA/TVA) is the

deepest abdominal muscle and activating it

flattens the abdomen (helping reduce 'mummy tummy’) and can help provide stability to the spine and pelvis area (to reduce back and

pelvic area pain). Strengthening this muscle familiesonline.co.uk

Relaxin, a hormone which is present during

ligaments to allow your pelvis to widen. To

stretches to about 70-80% of your full range.

You'll still get a good stretch but within a normal range.

Your abdominals. If you find the stomach

perform any poses or exercises, lessen the Any heaviness around the vagina area, a

any unusual symptoms. Speak to your GP or a you are engaging the pelvic floor and core correctly and give you specific exercises.

Hannah Barrett is a yoga Instructor, author and Postnatal Health & Fitness Specialist.

For more information, visit

www.hannahbarrettyoga.com

Premium children’s product brand, Stokke®, have recently launched a new range of baby carriers; Featuring three hero products, Stokke® Limas™ Carrier, Stokke® Limas™ Carrier Plus and Stokke® Limas™ Carrier Flex, the range delivers stylish, must-have essentials that allow parents and caregivers to go completely handsfree when on the go or at home with their baby. Helping to facilitate closeness and bonding as well as providing optimal comfort and support from birth and beyond, the carriers enable both parent and child to grow confident together, every step of the way.

The carrier expands as your baby grows, to support the growth of the hips, spinal column and muscles; as well as providing them with a whole new sensory experience, helping to stimulate the brain.

The Limas Carrier Plus retails at £125.00 www.stokke.com Families Cambridgeshire 7

What’s Ons to place Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all

Cambridgeshir

Nature Tots (Happy Mama)

WHERE: Hinchingbrooke Country Park

WHEN: Mondays and Tuesdays from 4th July, 9.45 - 10.45

Outdoor session for confident walkers and children up to and including 4 year olds including a toddler friendly walk, theme based activity plus a sit, story and snack for your toddler. £4.50 www.happy-mama.class4kids.co.uk 07795 243715

e Mama Walk & Talk

Little Bugs Club Great Fen

WHERE: Countryside Centre,

Ramsey Heights WHEN: July 1st, 8th, 15th): 10.30 - 12.00 A fantastic introduction to the natural world for pre-school children. Each weekly session is packed with activities, walks and games… be prepared to get mucky. £7 per child. www.wildlifebcn.org 01487 710420

(Happy Mama) WHERE: Hinchingbrooke Country Park WHEN: Tuesdays from 5th July, 11.00 - 12.00 Bumps, buggies and slings all welcome! Includes a walk around the park and, if the weather is nice enough,a sit down and a chat with other mamas in the fresh outdoors.

Free. Booking essential happy-mama.class4kids.co.uk 07795 243715

Festival of Arts, Science and Ideas

WHERE: Newnham College,

Cambridge WHEN: 2nd - 3rd July Join Newnham College to celebrate 150 years of pioneering women. You’ll hear big ideas from leading thinkers, discover famous writers in conversation, join workshops and tours,hear great music - lots of fabulous family activities. Free 150.newn.cam.ac.uk

Ely Aquafest

WHERE: Ely WHEN: 3rd July

Fun fair, beer tent, burger bar, stalls, music, dancing and the the amazing Annual Raft Race on the River Ouse. There will also be demonstrations by Hannam's Wake Hub and a chance to try paddle Boarding. Free www.elyaquafest.org.uk

Alice in Wonderland WHERE: Dean’s Garden,

Seska: Tootyfrooty

WHERE: The Junction, Cambridge WHEN: 10th July, 12pm

Crazier than finding a penguin in your fridge.. one of the funniest family-friendly comedians we have in the UK is back with a new bonkers show! Warning: kids laugh out loud, dads f*rt out loud and mums faint at his feet!

From £6.00 www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511

Summer Party Sessions

Great Fen Wildlife Watch - Butterfly Walk WHERE: Woodwalton Fen,

Ramsey Heights WHEN: 9th July, 10.00 - 12.30 Take a guided walk spotting and recording butterflies and dayflying moths and make a butterfly feeder to take home.

Suitable for ages 7-11 From £5.00 www. wildlifebcn. org 01954 713500

(Happy Mama) WHERE: Inflatabounce, Wyton WHEN: 14th July Fun and engaging summer themed Sensory Stretch and Sing sessions for little one. Includes songs, baby yoga stretches, time in the sensory play area and a craft keepsake and gift to take home. From age 1-5 months to 12-18 months £12.00 happy-mama.class4kids.co.uk

Music in the Parks

WHEN: 17th July, 7th and 21st

August, 15.00 - 17.00 While away a couple of hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon by packing up a picnic, grabbing a blanket and heading down to enjoy free music events including CSD Brass on 17th July at Dudley Road Rec, Cambridge Rock Choir Chesterton Rec on 7th August and Waterbeach Brass on 21st August at Kings Hedges Rec. Free www.cambridgelive.org.uk/cityevents/Music-in-the-Parks

Stay & Play for under 2’s

(Happy Mama) WHERE: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Godmanchester WHEN: Mondays from 4th July, 10.00 - 11.15am Soft play equipment, mini trampoline, tunnels and a pikler triangle for little ones to explore plus some 'baby brain breaks' with singing and parachute play. £6.00 happy-mama.class4kids.co.uk 07795 243715 8 Families Cambridgeshire

Ely Cathedral WHEN: 21st - 24th July Join Alice down the rabbit hole in her magical adventures through Wonderland in this brand-new open-air adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s family favourite ‘Alice In Wonderland.’

From £15.00 thelittleboxoffice.com/kdtheatre 01353 725026

Sports Camps

WHERE: Wisbech Grammar

School

WHEN: Selected dates from 9th -

25th August, 10.00 - 15.30 Rugby, netball, cricket, hockey and multi sports camps are running again this Summer at Wisbech Grammar School. Head along for a Summer filled with fun. £35.00 per day. www.wisbechgrammar.com

Holiday Bushcraft Club WHERE: Wandlebury

Country Park WHEN: From 25th July - 2nd September, 8.30 - 16.00 Sessions focus on practical bushcraft and survival skills and follow a forest school approach encouraging self-confidence and sense of achievement.

Age 5 - 12 £38 per child per day.

Booking essential www.wildthymeandembers. co.uk/holiday-bushcraft-club/

familiesonline.co.uk

Families What's on Wild in the Woods Family Bug Hunt

WHERE: Cambourne Nature Reserve WHEN: 27th July, 10.00 - 12.00 Join Becca Badger on a bug hunt searching under logs, shaking some trees, sorting through leaf-litter, or sweeping with nets.

Perfect for families with children aged 7-11 but older and younger children will enjoy them.

From £5.00 www.wildlifebcn.org

Family Adventure Walk WHERE: Gamlingay Wood

Nature Reserve WHEN: 28th July and 2nd, 11th, 23rd & 24th August 10.00 - 12.00 Join Becca Badger to explore the West Cambridgeshire Hundreds Reserves, spotting interesting wildlife and doing silly challenges along the way. For Families with children aged 7-11. Approx 2-3 mile walk. From £5.00.

Booking essential www.wildlifebcn.org

Owl Pellet Dissection

WHERE: Great Fen Countryside

Centre, Ramsey Heights WHEN: 3rd August, 10.30 - 12.00 and 13.30 - 15.00 You will carefully break up the owl pellet, clean and compile the skeletons inside and identify which species they belong to before reporting back what species the local owls have been hunting!

From £5.00 www.wildlifebcn.org

Wildlife Watch Magical Minibeasts

WHERE: Trumpington Meadows WHEN: 6th August, 14.00 - 16.00

Discover all that flies, hops, crawls and creeps at Trumpington Meadows and see why insects really do rule the world. Nature, games and outdoor crafts.

From £5.00 www.wildlifebcn.org

Family Saturday Petal Potions

WHERE: Cambridge

University Botanic Garden WHEN: 6th August, 10.00 - 13.00 Use scented plants from the Botanic Garden to make your own petal potion to use at bath time.

Free www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

Family Walk & Pond Dip

WHERE: Cambourne Nature Reserve WHEN: 3rd & 17th August, 10.00-12pm

Join Becca Badger for an adventure on Cambourne Nature Reserve walking to Redgrave Water lake and spending some time pond dipping before strolling back. Perfect for ages 7-11. From £5.00. Booking essential www.wildlifebcn.org

Rumble Live Action Gaming (Laser Tag) WHERE: Grafham Water, Huntingdon WHEN: July and August

Get the family out in the fresh air having fun this summer at Rumble Live's action gaming arena. Compete in giant laser tag with the best weapons at beautiful Grafham Water. Suitable for those 8+. £15 per person per hour. www.rumblelive.co.uk 01480 592135

Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre WHERE: Stow

Bardolph WHEN: July and August, 10.00 17.00 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

Cambridge Aquapark,

WHERE: Hannam’s Wake Hub WHEN: July and August

Inflatable obstacle course for summer fun with your family and friends. Price includes life jacket and wetsuit. All sessions must be pre-booked online. £20pp/hour www.cambridgeaquapark.com 01353 886955

Summer with the Museums

WHERE: Cambridge University WHEN: July and August

Pick Your Own Fruits

WHERE: Farms in Cambridgeshire

Free or low-cost fun at Cambridge University Museums including family holiday activities, events and trails. www.museums.cam.ac.uk/ summerwiththemuseums

WHEN: July and August

Cambridgeshire farms offering PYO include Bury Lane Farm, Chaplins Farm, Hill Farm, Sunclose Farm, Lidgate Farm and R & S Norman. Check each venue for opening times and types of fruit available. www.pyo.co.uk

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Families Cambridgeshire 9

Families What's on

Big Days Out AROUND CAMBRIDGESHIRE

THE CURIOSITY FAIR

Find out what occasional events are taking place in South Cambridgeshire this summer for a day out with the family - from seasonal markets to antiques fairs, sports events to music festivals Here are a few of our top picks this summer:

VILLAGE DAY AT STAPLEFORD WHEN: 17th July

WHERE: Stapleford Granary, CB22 5BP

THE GIRTON FEAST WHEN: 8th - 9th July

WHERE: Girton Recreation Ground, CB3 0FH

Concert fees £6 Adult & £2 Children plus booking fee. Entry is free to the Fete on Saturday Girton Feast opens on Friday evening at 7pm with 'Music on a Summer's Evening' concert featuring the contemporary Rock Choir, Woody Marcus - local musician and guitarist, and Policeman Badger Jazz Trio.

As well as a beer tent serving local real ales, there will be stalls serving pizza, German sausages, burgers, and hot potatoes. Enjoy some local real ales, plus wine and teas and coffees from 5.45pm.

There will be a mix of entertainment including local bands, children's rides and games, bouncy castles, 'beat the goalie' competition, target bowls, have-a-go tennis, golf putting, tug of war, face painting and a model aircraft display, plus stalls selling locally produced items to support local charities, and much more!

Free entry - all welcome Last year, Stapleford Granary welcomed 800 visitors to the first ever Village Day. Colourful bunting twisted and flapped around trees and gazebos in the ‘craft village’ with beautifully decorated stalls displaying pottery, books, antiques, photographs, carved wooden birds, spoons and bowls. The 1930s orchard became a favourite spot for coffees and picnics, everyone was kept well-fed with delicious food from pop-up vans and stalls.

This year discover local artist stalls, family craft activities and live music all day, with headline folk band MISHRA playing from 2pm to 4pm. Pop-up food and drink will be available as well as pizza, fish and chips, and tastes from the Mediterranean.

WHEN: 10th July

WHERE: Whittlesford Memorial Hall,

CB22 4NE £1 entry fee A very popular antiques, vintage, crafts and collectables fair with 30 traders selling an eclectic mix of quality goods. They sell books, up-cycling, china, glassware, silverware, jewellery, retro, mid-century, small furniture, kitchenalia, clothing, local artisans and very much more.

Family friendly, with a lovely cafe in a delightful South Cambridgeshire village.

DUXFORD FLYING DAYS WHEN: 23rd July

WHERE: Imperial War Museum Duxford,

CB22 4QR Adult £30, Child (5-15 accompanied by adult) £15, Concessions £23, Personal Assistants (one per disabled visitor) & IWM members/child free This event celebrates 25 years since the American War Museum opened in Britain - sharing stories of war love, loss and duty - whilst also commemorating this history of Station 357 - IWM Duxford's United States Army Air Force Fighter Unit name during the Second World War.

NORTHSTOWE FESTIVAL OF RUNNING WHEN: 3rd - 4th September

WHERE: Northstowe Western Park, CB24 1BZ

Free admission to the festival ground; Race fee £3 - £32 An annual running event in Northstowe promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. Multiple running races from one mile up to the half marathon distance are suitable for any age and ability.

Spectators can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities available at the event venue free of charge; Live music, displays, market stalls as well as a hugely popular street food market.

For more information and events visit www.visitsouthcambs.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 11

Families Advertorial

A love of performing can develop key skills for life Whether it be diving into their dressing up box or stepping onto the stage, performing is important to children and young people, and the benefits of this can often go unnoticed. Performing arts can teach children and young people key skills that can be used in everyday life.

Creativity

Children are naturally imaginative, and pretend play and make believe comes easily to them. Imaginative play can enable a child’s social and emotional development, helping them to form new ideas and develop resourcefulness.

Problem solving

The ability to solve problems creatively within the safety of a performing arts environment can be transferred to everyday life when dealing with a variety of issues. If children feel comfortable exploring and dealing with problems in a non-linear way, this makes them more confident overall.

Empathy

Performance is a classic form of storytelling, not only for entertainment but for sharing tales and ideas. Performing in character can help children appreciate another person’s point of view. To accurately portray a character, we need to be able to step into their shoes, understand their situation and what has brought them to that situation. If a child understands a character in this way, they can apply this to everyday life, helping them to react to friends and adults and develop their social skills.

Listening

The ability to listen is an important skill, especially when a child is in a new setting with new routines and expectations. During performing arts classes children take direction from their teachers and peers.

This encourages them to be receptive to others’ ideas and work collaboratively.

12 Families Cambridgeshire

Confidence Building

Some children are never happier than putting on a show for their family and friends, but for some standing up in front an audience can be daunting. Performing arts are hugely beneficial to children’s confidence levels. Learning new skills, rehearsing, and performing in a safe space, with the support of expert teachers and encouragement of their peers, can prepare children to deal with situations in which they feel anxious.

At PQA we believe that our three core modules, Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & Television, offer our students the very best mix of both performance based and technical training as well as providing them with skills for life to help them grow into well-rounded individuals.

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Education

EDUCATION BEGINS AT HOME What can parents and carers do to ensure their children, of all ages, develop great learning habits which will help them achieve their maximum potential in school and in life? It all starts with talking - and lots of it.

The early years

From the outset, parents are babies’ most important people. Babies discover that the noises they make get reactions so they coo, babble and start forming words to provoke smiles, responses and love. Rapid learners, their early language skills speed up with high levels of adult feedback. There can never be a more critical time for communication by parents than the formative years. Exposure to words matters so much: the more the better.

Some parents talk to their dog more than their baby and this is damaging. By the time children start school, some may have heard thirty million more spoken words than others – not different words, of course, just more conversation. If they don’t hear words, they can’t learn them; it’s a simple as that.

‘Why?’ matters

At the age of 2 or 3, the inevitable ‘why’ questions begin. Our children are trying to make sense of the amazing world around them. Imagine not getting answers to questions that are vital for our understanding of how the world works! The confusion that follows can lead to a fear of new ideas or new challenges; and consequently a reluctance to form relationships with others. Enjoy the ‘why’ questions and see them as incredible opportunities to advance your child’s understanding of their world.

By the time they start school, teachers can really tell which children have been read to and talked to at home. Those who arrive with an already sparkling vocabulary, curiosity and a willingness to learn have a massive advantage that affects their ability to communicate, read and write all the way through primary school.

By John and Kyle Hattie

Feelings as well as facts

Once in the classroom, children typically move from ‘why’ to ‘what’ questions, as schools champion those who know the right answers and can recite reams of facts. Parents can still actively encourage ‘why’ questions at home. Do not ask them the vague ‘What did you do at school today?’ Ask open questions like which was their favourite lesson and why, what they found tricky and how they might find solutions. Have a discussion about solving problems, reacting to mistakes and trying new ideas. This approach helps children find clarity when they’re struggling, shows your willingness to listen and demonstrates the value of talking things through.

The wider world

During and in the run up to adolescence, children tend to prefer being with their friends than family members. They form strong bonds with their peers as they direct their gaze outside the home. In this phase parents need to be attuned to the nature of their friendships and reputations. Watch out for signs of children becoming lonely, inward looking or over-infatuated with one close friend, which can be problematic. Find ways to know their friends without being intrusive. Create opportunities for them to talk with you about their thoughts, aspirations and feelings.

A key reason for copious communication is to teach our children about risk and about when and how to say ‘no.’ This may include them saying ‘no’ to you. How you

react is critical to how they navigate their relationships. Today’s world offers so many temptations, risks and dangers. Talk to them about how to evaluate and check information, how to stay safe on the web, on social media and with strangers (and closer contacts).

Even when we become parents of adults and grandchildren, communication is the essence of all relations. Start early – how do you want to be talked to, how good are you at listening, can you stand in the shoes of others and understand their thinking and reasoning?

Your child will likely mirror your answers to these questions and become successful communicators with you, their friends and others.

John Hattie is a renowned education expert and his son Kyle is a primary school teacher. Their acclaimed book 10 Steps To Develop Great Learners (Routledge, rrp £14.99) is full of ideas to help parents maximise their child’s full potential.

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Families Clubs & Classes

n O s ’ t a h W ses

Happy Mama Workshops, Courses and Classes WHERE: Huntingdon

clas clubs and er this summ in holidays

WHEN: July and August

Happy Mama wholeheartedly believes that going to a baby/toddler class is an opportunity to learn, bond and socialise with other like minded Mums too. From Baby Massage and Baby Yoga to Nature and Active Tots, there is a class to suit every baby and toddler. www.happy-mama.co.uk

eshire g d i r b m a C

CAMBRIDGE GYMNASTICS SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMP

The Perse Summer School

WHEN: 11th July - 5th August

SUMMER SAILING COURSES WHERE: Paxton Lakes

Open to children aged 7 to 14 from all schools offering a wide range of courses including hockey, cookery, outdoor pursuits, golf, photography and water sports.

All courses, except multi-sports, run for a week of mornings or a week of afternoons. www.persesummerschool.co.uk 01223 403800

WHEN: 3rd - 6th and 24th - 27th

August Official RYA training centre that welcomes people 8 years +, with large selection of boats and equipment available. Tuition in 4 lessons, either mornings or afternoons on 4 consecutive days.

Adult £130.00 Child (minimum age 8) £110.00 www.paxtonlakes.org.uk/index. php/sailing-school

Discovery Club

WHERE: Grafham Water Centre

WHEN: 25th July - 26th August,

8.30 - 17.00 Activity clubs for 8 to 16 year olds who want to try new activities, develop existing skills, meet new friends and have fun! Activities include sailing, canoeing and windsurfing and land based skills such as archery, climbing and high ropes. www.grafham-watercentre.co.uk

Stagecoach Cambridge Holiday Workshops

WHERE: Coleridge Campus (25th

July - 5th August and 15th - 19th August) and Cambourne Village Cottage (8th - 12th August) WHEN: 25th July - 19th August, 10.00 - 16.00 Holiday workshops led by specialist and DBS checked teachers of drama, dance and singing. Students work towards a musical theatre piece to perform for family and friends on the final afternoon. No previous experience necessary, only energy and enthusiasm! Ages 7-15 years. www.stagecoach.co.uk 01223 359974

WHERE:

RAZZAMATAZ CAMBRIDGE

WHERE: Impington Village

College Performing arts training for Razz Tots (2-3yrs), Minis (4-5yrs), Juniors (6-8), Inters (9-11yrs) to Razz Seniors (12-18yrs) along with Street Dance (7-18yrs) and Acro Arts (7-18yrs), with access to talented performers through specialist workshops and classes.

Small classes to nurture a child’s confidence and self-esteem, plus a lot of fun. From £72 for 12 weeks. Free taster session available. 01223 755113 / 07895 347239 www. cambridge.razzamataz.co.uk

Cambridge Gymnastics Academy, CB4 2JF WHEN:25th July - 19th August, 9.00 - 12.00 and 13.00 - 16.00 The children will have an extended warm up, including icebreakers and games and then rotate around pieces of apparatus including floor, inflatable tumble track, beam, bars, trampoline and vault, finishing off with cool down games. Skills will be adapted to the level and age of the gymnast.

Age 5 - 15 years. £18.00 cambridgegymnastics.co.uk

Norwich City CSF Soccer Camp

WHERE: Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon WHEN: 22nd - 26th August, 9.30 - 16.30

Football fanatics will have an amazing time taking part in this camp. Includes a mixture of workshop, classroom and practical sessions led by Norwich City CSF coaches to develop your child’s football skills and techniques as well as covering health and wellbeing. 7-12 years old www.barracudas.co.uk/camps 01480 467567

Multi-Active Holiday Courses

WHERE: Ely College, Houghton

Primary School, Wyton; and St Marys CofE Primary, St. Neots WHEN: July & August: 9.00 - 16.00 Multi-Active exist to provide affordable and reliable childcare and day care to parents and carers and provide innovative experiences to get ALL children ACTIVE and not just sporty children. Ages 5 - 13 www.multi-active.co.uk www.kingscamps.org 07561 416208 familiesonline.co.uk

ACTIVE CAMPS If booking any courses, please mention Families Cambridgeshire Magazine

WHERE: Leys School, Cambridge WHEN: Summer Holidays

Whether your child (3- 14 years) is interested in sport, arts, crafts or a bit of everything, Active Camps have activities to suit everybody.

No two days are the same! www.active-camps.com 01865 594325 Families Cambridgeshire 15