Families Cambridgeshire March April 2023

Dear Reader, se words

Hello Spring! Finally, the most awaited season is upon us again, and we can look forward to the little things: the first daffodil, blossom on the trees, the warmth of the sun, fresh cut grass, the newborn lambs and lots of family time. We have included plenty of great places to visit this spring and Easter time, and if you have yet to find childcare over the Easter break, why not book your little one onto an Easter camp; we have something for everyone in our Easter Clubs listings on page 14.

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A FAMILY TICKET FOR 4 TO RAPUNZEL –EASTER PANTOMIME WEDNESDAY 12 APRIL, 2PM & 6PM

Starring comedy legend BOBBY DAVRO, Britain’s Got Talent Winner - Collabro’s MATT PAGAN and Easter panto funny-man Karen The Mam’s LEWIS DENNY!

Don’t miss another fun-filled Easter pantomime from the same team behind The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast. With a star cast, impressive music, energetic dance routines as well as plenty of jokes, slapstick and heaps of audience participation!

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

& Competition

at's in this issue?

4. News & Views

7. Baby News

8. What's On

10. Cam Cycle Feature

11. Ask Your Child's School the Difficult Questions

13. School Spotlights

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

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.

While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.

Angela Schwindt

CODING IS THE NEW LITERACY

Coding has been called "the literacy of the 21st century” for good reason. Just like maths, science, and literature, coding is a key aspect of understanding our technologically-advanced world.

There’s a huge need for a generation that not only understands technology, but how it works.

Code Ninjas® is the world’s largest and fastest-growing kids coding franchise, with hundreds of locations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

At the centres, children learn to code while building their own video games. They gain problem solving, critical thinking, and STEM skills in a fun, safe, and inspiring environment.

Elan who runs the Cambridge Code Ninjas says, “Our experienced and passionate tutors guide children through the programme's nine stages and the children can progress in their own time, beginning with the basics of computer programming before moving onto the fundamentals and finally making their own games. Plus we offer smaller class sizes with 1 tutor for every 5 children and a flexible scheduler that allow Parents to book our sessions online anytime during our opening hours and keep track of children’s progress”.

Screen-Free Entertainment

Screen-free entertainment that doesn’t need to connect to any other device for playback is every parents dream. Award winning StoryPhones does just that! They are able to store and play audio content at any time, and come with a library full of carefully curated content, suitable for children aged 3 and up, that entertains and educates with audio stories, music and more. This carefully selected content allows parents to relax, knowing it’s not necessary to monitor what children are listening to. You can even record personalised stories or a bedtime lullaby in a loved one’s voice and stay connected with loved ones far away. An entertaining way to boost creativity and decrease screen time and great for long car journeys too.

The StoryPhones are available from StoryPhones.com, Amazon UK and Harvey Norman (Ireland) with the StoryPhones

Disney bundle with a Minnie or Mickey Mouse disc at an RRP of £84.99 in pink and blue and the StoryPhones bundle with two StoryShields [Travel and Relax/Creative] in grey or snow white for an RRP of £84.99.

To book a free taster session follow www.codeninjas.co.uk/ cambridge-cam-uk/schedule-tour or email cambridgecamuk@ codeninjas.com or call 07918 296644 for any questions.

Quick and useful food for your freezer: Food you love, in way less time

Stocked Food is everything you want from a food subscription box, quick, easy, tasty and nutritious food. Childhood friends, Sam Moss and Charlie Gilpin together create nutritious, chefcooked, award-winning meals, frozen into space saving, personally portioned blocks.. Make the meals you love in less than five minutes, great for busy parents, new parents or even parents that want to send their son or daughter off to university with healthy, quick and easy food while away from home.

Sam and Charlie are on a mission to make the most useful, delicious and nourishing food you can have in your freezer, they freeze an array of delicious meals into handy, easily stored little blocks that take less than five minutes to heat up and transform back into fresh and tasty meals. Each pack of Stocked contains eight blocks, enough to make 2-4 meals; simply heat and eat them as they are or use them as building blocks for an endless variety of meals.

With dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world, choose from Great Taste Award winning Chicken Tinga and Pork Rendang, or opt for specials like Sausage Arrabbiata and Saag Tempeh. Half of Stocked blocks are plant based, choose from Hearty Vegan Ragu, Harissa Jackfruit or specials like Black Dal and Smokey ‘No’rizo’.

Serve simply with rice, baked potato or pasta or use them as fillings for a lunchtime wrap or sandwiches, get creative at dinner with tacos, nachos and curries or add eggs for brunch dishes. Prices start at £42.00 from as little as £1.10 when you pick a six-pack subscription, courier delivery included. www.stockedfood.com

Charlie and Chocolate Factory is most popular book

Roald Dahl has scooped the top three places in a list of the UK’s favourite children's reads from the past eighty years.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, first published in 1964 and illustrated by Quentin Blake, tops the poll of two thousand parents of children ages 1 to 12 commissioned by the CILIP Carnegie Medal.

The BFG (1982) and Matilda (1988), both also illustrated by Blake, followed in second and third place respectively.

The CILIP Carnegie Medal are the UK’s longest running children’s book awards, recognising outstanding reading experiences created through writing and illustration in books for children and young people.

The poll also revealed that the majority of parents read to their kids for an average of two hours per week and over eighty percent

prefer print books to e-books.

To view the Top 15 go to: www.thebookseller.com/news

Children who watch violent TV perform less well

Children as young as age 3 who watch violent TV perform less well once at secondary school than their peers, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Montreal say children who are exposed to violence on screen are less engaged and motivated in the classroom and their grades are worse than those who don’t by the time they reach age 12.

Lead study author, Professor Linda Pagani explained: ‘Pre-school children tend to identify with characters on TV and treat everything they see as real.

‘They are especially vulnerable to humorous depictions of glorified heroes and villains who use violence as a justified means to solve problems.

‘Repeated exposure to rapidly paced, adrenaline-inducing action sequences and captivating special effects could reinforce beliefs, attitudes and impressions that habitual violence in social interactions is 'normal.'

More info: www.bit.ly/UniversityMontreal

How NOT to deal with tantrums

Although it is tempting for parents, research that using screens to calm upset children backfires in the long run because they never learn how to regulate their emotions.

The study is based on over four hundred children ages 3 to 5, who were monitored for six months for signs of emotional dysregulation such as temper tantrums, hyperactivity, sudden changes in mood or refusing to listen to their parents.

Those whose parents relied on smartphones and tablets to calm them down were more likely to have frequent emotional meltdowns, particularly if they were boys. Scientists said this was because children could become dependent on screens to distract them from negative emotions and never learn to manage their own feelings or self-soothe. More info: www.bit.ly/ToddlerTantrumResearch

Confidencebuilding fun with Perform

Spring is the perfect time of year to get those feel-good endorphins pumping and Perform's new summer term themes are sure to get bodies moving and hearts singing. What's more, your child can try a class for free!

Perform offers a different type of children’s drama class. They don't focus on creating perfect dancers or the next child stars. Instead, they put children's social development at the heart of their classes, using a specially formulated mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential. Exciting termly themes keep young imaginations buzzing while small class sizes ensure lots of individual attention from experienced professionally trained actors, dancers and singers. Classes are for children of all abilities and they can join at any point in the term; the only requirement is to be ready to have the best fun of the week!

From April to July, 4-7s will be setting sail on the Jammy Dodger in Mermaids & Pirates whilst 7–12s will take part in The Dream, an hilarious adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Classes run in Cambridgeshire. To book a FREE trial class, visit www.perform.org.uk/try

It’s time for Red Nose Day

This year, Red Nose Day will take place on Friday 17th March and this year, more than ever, it’s important to have fun and raise money to support people in need.

Red Nose Day is a campaign created by Comic Relief to help raise awareness of and put an end to child poverty. The campaign funds programmes, entertainment and raises money to keep children safe, healthy and educated.

In the last six years, Red Nose Day has raised more than £250 million to help end child poverty. Red Nose Day has also positively impacted over twenty five million children around the world.

So why not buy some red noses and help raise money to keep children safe, healthy and educated?

As well as making a donation, you can find tips on creating your own fundraiser or planning a school fundraising event at www.rednoseday.com

Great British Spring Clean is back

Wherever you live, you and your family can make a difference to your local environment by sparing just a few hours to take part in the Great British Spring Clean from 17th March to 2nd April.

Now in its eighth year, the event aims to encourage people across the country, from individual volunteers – dubbed #LitterHeroes by the charity – to families, schools, groups of friends, businesses, community groups and local authorities to come together to clean up streets, parks, beaches and other public spaces.

It’s easy to get involved. Simply pledge to take part and either organise a litter-pick in your community or join an organised event.

To find out more, join a local event, register to take part and access resources including a how-to guide, visit bit.ly/KBTspringclean

Top tips for your toddler’s first playgroup

If you’re planning on attending a playgroup with your toddler for the first time, you may want to consider how to make the experience as enjoyable as possible, particularly if this is the first time your little one has been around a large group of other toddlers.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Explain about sharing. Some toddlers are able to understand the concept of sharing toys; for others this comes later. It’s a good idea to stay nearby while your child plays with other children to remind them if necessary. Praise them when they do try to share and tell them how proud you are.

Keep an eye on your child. Kids who are feeling anxious or intimidated can sometimes act out: think snatching, hitting and biting. This might arise when one child desperately wants a toy another is playing with, for instance. Take them to a quiet corner and calmly explain that this is not acceptable. This will give them a moment to regain composure.

Look out for inappropriate behaviour. If you spot your child behaving inappropriately, intervene immediately. If they have hit, pushed, snatched or bitten a playmate, turn your attention first to the victim. See if the child is okay and make sure your toddler hears you apologise; they’ll see that you don't like

By Andrew Campbell

how they behaved and will gradually start to understand the concept of empathy. Apologise to the other parent, who will likely understand that you're working on curbing this passing habit in your child.

If another child is aggressive towards your child, come to your child’s aid and help calm the situation. You may want to identify the other child’s parent and explain what happened, in a non-judgemental way, of course.

Encourage playmates. Some children may attach themselves to you and your child and want your child to play with them. Encourage your child by modelling friendly, inclusive behaviour.

For children who are shy or nervous in social situations, let them stay attached to your side for as long as they need! Children need to adjust and develop confidence at their own pace. Some will want to hang back for a while

to observe, before actively participating.

Playgroups are very useful in helping children learn how to play with others; the sessions will give them good practice ahead of going to nursery.

Starting a group

Are you struggling to find a suitable playgroup in your area? Consider starting your own!

Here are some of the things you may need to consider:

How will run your group? Will you start out solo or team up with another parent(s) in a joint venture?

Where are you going to hold your group? Are there any local halls, scout huts or community centres available?

Unless you are covered by the venue’s insurance you will need to get your group insured with public liability insurance.

How much will you charge to cover the costs of playthings, refreshments and recurring costs and, perhaps, a small return for yourself to compensate for your time?

What toys or other equipment will you need? They will need to be in a good, clean condition and checked and maintained on a regular basis. You might obtain some for free from social media sites and other sources.

More info from Early Years Alliance at www.eyalliance.org.uk

Game changing hands free breast pump

World leading breastfeeding brand, Medela, has launched a game changing new Freestyle Hands Free in-bra double pump. Designed by experts and featuring the brand’s unrivalled, researched based technology, the iconic, powerful, and trusted Freestyle pump has been adapted to further support the modern mother.

A pump uniquely backed by science and truly designed to support all women whatever their daily routine may look like. Medela’s wearable Freestyle Hands Free in-bra pump not only adapts to fit each mum’s individual shape for maximum comfort (with the ultra-lightweight collection cups being amongst the lightest available on the market), producing more milk in less time, it's compact, discreet, and easy to use, ensuring it seamlessly fits into mum’s daily routine, which means more time for busy and exhausted mums, so while taking time out to express you can also read a book, eat some lunch or have a drink, answer some emails or even play a game with an older child which was impossible to do before now as hands were occupied holding the pump. shop.medela.co.uk/ and RRP £299

NEW VACCINE TRIAL TO PROTECT BABIES

A new vaccine aimed at protecting babies from a respiratory virus is being trialled at the Royal Free London.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in all infants worldwide and affects ninety percent of children before age 2. In recent months, there has been a resurgence of RSV following the easing of Covid 19 public health measures.

The vaccine, Nirsevimab, has already been proven to be safe and the larger trial will now test its effectiveness.

Babies up to 12 months old are eligible for the single jab, with virtual follow-up appointments. If found to be effective, the new jab could have a major impact on the long term health of thousands of children worldwide.

In most cases, RSV is no worse than a common cold. However, it is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies.

More info: www.royalfree.nhs.uk

Stomp in style

The Stomp Urban and the Stomp Luxe, offer parents unrivalled functionality, effortless style and great value for money, whether they are strolling in the countryside or hitting the city!

RRP: from £329

Stockist: www.icklebubba.com

What’s On

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

Cambridgeshire

Family Saturdays

WHEN: 4th March, 10.00 – 13.00

WHERE: Cambridge University

Botanic Garden

Learn all about prehistoric plants, look at ancient plant fossils and have a go at making some plant plaster casts that you can take home to treasure. First Saturday Family activities are free with only garden admission charges for accompanying adults. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/

Public Open Evenings

WHEN: Wednesdays until 22nd March, 19.00 – 21.00

WHERE: Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge

Each evening consists of a 30-minute public talk about astronomy, followed by (weather dependent!) stargazing

No need to book.

Daffodils and Spring Gardens

WHEN: Until 2nd April, 10.00 – 16.00

WHERE: Chippenham Park Gardens

View the breathtaking display of daffodils and spring gardens. Over 40 acres of garden, lakes, canals and wilderness. Delicious home-made food and refreshments in the licensed Potting Shed Cafe.

Adult £7; Children £3 (Under 5’s Free) (Cash only) www.chippenhamparkgardens. info/opening-dates

FREE www.ast.cam.ac.uk/public/ public_observing

Park-O

WHEN: 18th March, 13.00 – 15.00

WHERE: Hinchingbrooke Country Park

An easy, fun way for juniors and families to try orienteering and enjoy the local park. Three different courses and friendly advice to get you started.

Family groups £5; Child £2 www.waoc.org.uk

Squidge

Hulla Balloony Moon Time

WHEN: 12th March, 11.30 and 14.30

Science Festival

WHEN: 17th March – 2nd April

WHERE: University of Cambridge Children, young people and families are invited to be a part of this year’s Cambridge Science Festival with a packed series of talks, games, experiments, theatre shows, demonstrations and hands-on activities. All events are FREE www.festival.cam.ac.uk 01223 766766.

Great Fen Little Bugs

WHEN: 17th March 10.30 – 12.00

WHERE: Ramsey Heights

A fun morning of exploration and discovery on the wonderful nature reserve, learn all about the wonderful hedgehog and how we can help them. Make your own wooden spikey hedgehog.

From £2.00

Big Fish Little Fish

WHEN: 19th March 14:00-16:00

WHERE: The Maltings, Ely Old school tunes for the family ravers. With themed crafts, giant balloons, glitter cannons, snow + bubble machines, amazing lighting (no strobes), face painting stall, cakes stall and the BFLF famous parachute dance. 8’s and under themaltingsely.org.uk

Easter Adventure Trail

WHEN: 1st–16th April

WHERE: Wimpole Estate, Enjoy nature- themed activities, build a home for nature and wibble wobble like a lamb, completing the trail to pick up your chocolate egg at the end. Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wimpole-estate

WHERE: The Junction, Cambridge Long Nose Puppets offer up a marvellous moonlit show full of riotous rhyme, zany puppets and spiffy special cake; all iced with music and songs by Tom Gray. Little children will feel stuffed to the brim with magic. From £8.50

Recommended age 2-7

www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511

Easter Adventure Trail

WHEN: 1st – 16th April

WHERE: Wicken Fen

This Easter the trail will take place along the Boardwalk on Sedge Fen, where paths lead through the historic undrained core of the Fen, lush with wetland plants and rich in wildlife, and through the woodland walk

Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ wicken-fen

Easter Adventure Trail

WHEN: 7th – 10th April

WHERE: Houghton Mill, Have a go at making flour and enjoy Easter trail activities inside the historic watermill and outside in nature surrounded by the scenic Waterclose Meadows. Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ houghton-mill

Easter Adventure Trail

WHEN: 7th – 10th April

WHERE: Peckover House, Enjoy traditional games such as croquet on the lawn and a nature themed egg and spoon race.

Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ peckover-house

Holiday Bushcraft

WHERE: Wandlebury Country Park

WHEN: 3rd – 6th and 11th – 14th April, 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 £40 per child per day. Booking essential www.wildthymeandembers. co.uk/holiday-bushcraft-club/

WILD IN THE WOODS

WHEN: 12th April 10.00 – 12.00

WHERE: Cambourne Nature Reserve

Every Wednesday during school holidays. A chance to play together with other families in the woods with a selection of ideas and resources. We might build a shelter, hunt for bugs, set a trail, create natural art, or climb a tree. Free www.wildlifebcn.org

07894 599020

The Bull and the Moon

WHERE: The Junction, Cambridge

WHEN: 23rd April, 11.30 and 14.30

Lolo is a little Spanish bull that doesn’t feel like he fits in with the other bulls in the farm. He doesn’t like the big loud bull fights, and he really doesn’t enjoy cowboy rodeos either. Age 3 + From £8.50 www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511

Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre,

WHERE: Stow Bardolph

WHEN: March and April 10.00 – 17.00

If booking any courses, please mention Families Cambridgeshire Magazine

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

STORYTELLING WITH MICHAEL MORPURGO

WHERE: The Cambridge Union – Literary Festival

WHEN: 23rd April 16:00-17:00

As part of the Cambridge Literary Festival, Michael Morpurgo returns with a brand–new story celebrating the new monarch, King Charles III. An allegorical story about how – with the help of a tiny acorn – a wise old woman gives a lonely boy, who would be king, the courage and determination to change the world for the better, for everyone. From £8.00 www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com

I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE

WHERE: The Junction, Cambridge

WHEN: 16th April, 11.30 and 14.30

Molly and Bingo the puppy are having a birthday party and, best of all, you’re invited!. There’ll be a terrific treasure hunt, all your favourite sing-along songs, including The Ants Go Marching, Hickory Dickory Dock and BINGO, and lots of fantastic games to play, including Molly’s favourite game, I Spy With My Little Eye! So put on your party clothes and come join us for what promises to be a magical day of fun and laughter. It’s going to be the best party ever!

From £8.50 Ages 2+. www.junction.co.uk, 01223 511511

Take to the saddle for a summer of cycling

Children love cycling – it’s fun, builds independence and is good for their physical and mental health. Our region is known for its high levels of cycling, but it can still be daunting to begin riding as a family and start to explore longer routes. We asked Anna Williams from local charity Camcycle for her advice on helping your kids catch the cycling bug!

Why is cycling so popular with families in and around Cambridge?

It’s enjoyable, cheap and often the fastest way to get around. It’s much easier to park a cycle than a car in Cambridge and there’s a good network of safe routes and off-road paths which help beat the traffic.

How would you recommend families start their cycling journey?

Our region has lots of wonderful bike shops that can help you find what you need from child seats, cargo bikes and trailers to first balance bikes and pedal cycles. All schools in the county offer Bikeability training to their pupils and local provider Outspoken Training also offers personalised sessions for individuals and families.

How can you build up to longer rides?

If you’re not used to going much further than your local school or shops, joining a social ride can be a great way to spread your wings. Camcycle’s Reach Ride is a fun event coming up on Bank Holiday

Monday, 1st May – a free ride to Reach Fair which is popular with all ages. It’s around 15 miles each way from Cambridge (or 13 miles each way from Ely) and you can leave and join the route at any point if you’d prefer to do a shorter ride. Hundreds of people take part and it’s always

exciting to spot all the different types of cycle – previous years have included unicycles and Penny Farthings!

What do my family need to bring?

You’ll need water, snacks, weather-suitable clothing, sun cream, locks for your bikes and some cash for the Reach Fair and its many attractions. Thanks to support from Continental and Cambridge City Council, there will be a small team of mechanics to help out with minor bike fixes between Cambridge and Reach. But we would also advise you to bring a few bits of basic repair kit, including a cycle pump.

Find more information about the Reach Ride on Camcycle’s website at camcycle.org.uk/reachride

Our popular Bank Holiday ride is a free, friendly event for all ages, cycling through scenic countryside to the historic Reach Fair.

Meet Camcycle in Cambridge Market Square from 9am for a 10am departure or join at other points along the route. A led ride returns at 2.30pm. Guided ride from Ely also available.

Monday 2 May

Monday 1 May

camcycle.org.uk/reachride @reachride #ReachRide

Asking your Child’s School the Difficult Questions

When I first began work as an education journalist several decades ago, schools were secretive places, convinced that they knew best and that parents should be kept firmly at the school gates.

Parents used to ring me up and say, for instance: “My son’s very interested in languages and I want to choose a school for him where there’s a strong language department. Can you find out for me whether the language department at my local secondary school is any good?” The answer was that it was very difficult. There were no published results of examination results and no statistics to show how much progress pupils made when they were taught by different teachers. The views of other parents - not always reliable - were often the only source of information about how well a school was doing.

Yet what goes on in classrooms is of huge importance to parents and now, thankfully, the education landscape looks very different. Performance tables showing how well schools do academically are available for all primary and secondary schools. Parents can find out not just the raw results for tests and examinations but also how much progress a school’s pupils make from the time they enter to the time that they leave and how the results compare with those of similar schools.

SO WHAT ARE THE QUESTIONS PARENTS SHOULD FEEL CONFIDENT TO ASK THEIR CHILD’S SCHOOL?

Teacher quality

Educational research shows that, after home, teachers are the single most important factor affecting pupils’ progress in school. So parents should never be afraid to ask why their child is doing less well or is less enthusiastic about their work under a different teacher. Or to find out why their child says, in maths for instance, that they can’t understand the teacher’s explanations.

Comparisons

Schools that have specialist teachers for different subjects (including secondary schools and some primary) will be looking at the performance of their teachers annually and will know whether the history department is performing better than the maths department and whether children are making more progress in one than in another. Parents shouldn’t be afraid to ask where the weak links in a school are.

Relationships matter

Any parent whose child complains of bullying should go straight into school and ask what is happening and what is being done about it. And if the bullying continues they should keep pressing for the school to take action.

Good discipline

By Judith Judd

It’s hard to learn if you are surrounded by noise and disruption and one of the research studies in our book suggests that better discipline helps to improve children’s progress in maths. So parents are right to ask questions if a child reports that a teacher shouts or that classes or school corridors are unruly.

You know your child

Finally, it’s fine to query any decision that a school makes that doesn’t fit with your child. You know your child best. One example is of children who are put in the wrong set and do less well because their teachers expect less of them. But it could apply to any area, perhaps lack of help for a child who’s struggling or an incorrect “label.” The school may think a child is badly behaved when they are simply bored. Most of us find asking difficult questions of our child’s school difficult. Will teachers resent the complaint and therefore the child? But good schools take reasonable complaints in their stride. They may even find them helpful in dealing with under performing staff or disruptive pupils. Most parents and teachers want the best for the children in their care and it makes sense to work together to achieve that.

Judith Judd, with co-author Wendy Berliner, are authors of the book How to Succeed at School: Separating Fact from Fiction: What Every Parent Should Know. Published by Routledgeand available from amazon and good book stores.

Heritage School

Heritage is a coeducational day school for boys and girls ages 4-16. Our view of every child as a person, equal in dignity and value to any other, is anchored in the Christian tradition. Our small classes and our relatively small size as a whole mean every individual is noticed, every child belongs. With our expansive curriculum, we seek to nurture the flame of curiosity and develop a confidence which translates into all areas of life. Leaning against the distractions of our digital age, we offer plenty of opportunities for children to get out and enjoy nature, read whole books, engage in conversation and experience the real world. Our vision is of pupils leaving Heritage as life-long learners, motivated to live well, confident in themselves, skilfully and creatively engaged with ideas, with others, and with the world around them. www.heritageschool.org.uk 01223 350615 admissions@heritageschool.org.uk

St Mary's School

St Mary’s School is the leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged three to eighteen in Cambridge. Recently shortlisted for ‘Independent Girls’ School of the Year’, a St Mary’s education is about discovering and pursuing individual talents with confidence and drive, inspiring girls to become great women – creative, agile, resilient learners, ready to make their mark in the world and overcoming gender stereotypes.

As a faith-based school, courage, respect, compassion, and integrity are part of everyday life. This creates a supportive community, where happiness and wellbeing are a priority, and each girl knows her voice will be heard and valued.

Whilst academic results open doors for our girls, it is their self-belief, persistence and drive that keeps the door open.

With new state-of-the-art sport facilities, boathouse on the River Cam, a Junior School STEM lab, and a brand-new Preschool, now is a great time for your daughter to join us.

Discover more: stmaryscambridge.co.uk/visit 01223 224 177

Upcoming event: Saturday, 18 March 2023 10:00-12:00

Cambridge International School

We are a thriving international school for 2 – 11 year olds and a welcoming community of children, parents and staff from the local area and overseas. We focus on pupil well-being and ensure that the children are learning in an unpressurised environment with a focus on them becoming confident, happy, resilient individuals. We 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.

We make full use of our surrounding environment in Cherry Hinton Park and put an emphasis on learning through being in the outdoors. We are also open to innovative approaches and are accepting students who would like to learn with us on a flexible basis.

For further information please contact admissions@cischool.co.uk 01223 416938

Open morning: Saturday 13th May 10-12pm

Wisbech Grammar School

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, and a timetable that allows children to discover and explore their passions and challenge themselves beyond the confines of the classroom through an exciting programme of foreign languages, sport, science, music and forest school to name but a few. Our class sizes are small and our teachers are passionate about ensuring every child is happy and reaches their full potential. As children progress, they get to take part in music and drama lessons, food and nutrition, more team sport, art and textiles and science lessons in our Senior School laboratories along with many other opportunities.

Early Years Open Morning:18th March at 9:30 - 11am

To find out get in touch on 01945 586750 or admissions@wisbechgrammar.com

What’s On Things to do this new year - drama, music & sport something for everyone in Cambridgeshire

Code Ninja Camps

WHERE: Chesterton Community College, Cambridge

WHEN: 3rd - 6th and 11th - 14th April, 9.00 - 12.00 and 12.3015.30

Transform your child's love for technology into an exciting learning adventure. Guided by a team of Code Senseis, Code Ninjas Camps empower kids to gain valuable tech skills and make new friends. It's an unforgettably fun learning experience!

www.codeninjas.co.uk/ cambridge-cam-uk

07918 296644 / 07551 755602

Easter Sailing Course

WHERE: Paxton Lakes, Little Paxton

WHEN: 11th – 14th April, 9.30 –12.30 or 13.30 – 16.30

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 07736 670570 (evenings only)

Stagecoach Performing Arts Classes

WHERE: Chesterton Community College; Coleridge Campus, Cambridge; and Cambourne Village College, Cambourne

WHEN: Summer term starts from 19th April

Stagecoach aims to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes in Cambridge & Cambourne, stretching young imaginations and helping them to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation.

From £25.00 for two-week trial

www.stagecoach.co.uk

01223 359974

Target Dance Company

WHERE: Trumpington Community College Sports Centre

WHEN: Summer term starts 21st April (Fridays and Saturdays)

Fridays - core fundamentals of ballet syllabus and jazz technique, cementing the foundations of your child's dance technique and discipline. Saturdays - encourage and educate your children in the versatility of dance training and will cover street dance, acro and tricks, lyrical dance, contemporary and musical theatre.

For Infants (3+), Juniors (6+) and Seniors (12+)

From £96 for 12-week term www.targetdancecompany.com

CGA Gymnastics Satellites

WHERE: Bottisham, Cambourne, Chesterton, Ely, Impington Recreational classes follow the British Gymnastics proficiency award scheme with children grouped by age, gender & ability level. Each 1-hour session includes a 10-minute warm up, 15 minutes on floor skills and 3 x 10 minutes apparatus. From £6/hour www.cgagymnasticssatellites.co.uk

Razzamataz Cambridge

WHERE: Impington Village College, Impington

WHEN: Spring term starts in April 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. www.cambridge.razzamataz. co.uk

01223 755113 or 07895 347239

Gymnastics Academy

WHERE: North Cambridge Academy, Arbury Rd, Cambridge

A series of fun classes for young children: Creepy Crawlies and Wiggly Worms (6wks to crawling); Toddling Tigers (crawling to 2yrs); Jumpy Joeys (2-3yrs), and Marvellous Monkeys (3-4yrs). Pre-book for term.

From £7.30/session

www.cambridgegymnastics. co.uk 07971 864653

West Anglian Orienteering Club

WHERE: Milton, Trumpington, Ferry Meadows

Hold regular events with courses suitable for children and newcomers, many events have Training sessions for club juniors. Also provide two junior training nights each term.

www.waoc.org.uk/juniors

Cambridge United Community Trust Football for All

WHERE: Coleridge Community College

WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays

Disability sport sessions provided by Cambridge United Community Trust including Ambulant Cerebral Palsy,Downs Syndrome, Frame, Powerchair and Pan-Disability Football. £3 per session www.cuctrust.co.uk/inclusion/ disability-sport/

Rugbytots

WHERE: Various locations across Cambridgeshire

Fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination whilst teaching them how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Suitable for ages 2 – 7. From £9.00 per session www.rugbytots.co.uk

PERFORM WEEKLY DRAMA, DANCE AND SINGING CLASSES

WHERE: Hills Road Sports Centre, Cambridge: Wednesdays. Newnham Croft Primary School, Newnham: Saturdays. St. Andrews Church Hall, Chesterton: Mondays. St. John’s Church Hall, Cambridge: Thursdays.

WHEN: Summer term starts in April 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.ukwww.perform.org.uk 020 7255 9120