Families Birmingham Magazine, March-April 2020, Spring/Easter Issue

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Family concert tickets discount offer.

See page 4!

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Issue 56 March/April 2020 familiesonline.co.uk

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Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

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STORY TIME WITH

Introducing Ellie Tidmarsh

Wednesday 15th APRIL 2020 11.30AM – 3.30pm

See Peter Rabbit™ during Story Time sessions, led by a narrator, at intervals throughout the day.

Peter Rabbit™ © Frederick Warne & Co. Limited and Silvergate PPL Limited, 2020. All rights reserved.

For more information or to purchase general admission tickets, please visit:

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Families First at the Barber Institute

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Contents

In this issue 4 News

Welcome to the March-April issue of Families Birmingham Magazine.

Spring has sprung, and with it comes longer days, more sunlight, less rain and warmer weather (fingers crossed!) which will inspire us to shake off our winter woollies, shake up our routine, and get out and about in our fabulous local region.

In this magazine you’ll find the very best of family-friendly West Midlands at your fingertips. Do your children enjoy singing? In celebration of their 15th Anniversary Singing Community of Choirs extends an invitation to you and your family to join in one of their many thriving choirs (see page 9). How would your child like to take up cricket this year? On page 6, perfect for 5 – 8 year olds, you’ll see how All Stars Cricket can help your child develop their love of cricket in a fun way. Even better, parents can join in on the action!

This issue is filled with parenting news, activities, clubs, classes, events, educational opportunities, concerts, and a competition - plenty to keep your family busy all spring and beyond!

Watch out for our next issue in May!

8 Ten great education apps

5

9 Education news: Singing Community of Choirs celebrate 15 year anniversary 10 Clubs, classes and activities 12 WIN a family holiday!

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12 Kids’ club: Puzzles 13 When should my baby start talking?

14

What’s on 12

Suzanne Brown, Editor

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Editor: Suzanne Brown Designer: 45 Degrees Design & Print

11+ Tuition

®

Print: William Gibbons and Sons Ltd

16 years of 11+ experience

© Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, March 2020

Next issue: ADVERTISERS: BOOK NOW for our May-June magazine!

Call Suzanne on 07807 352087, or email editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Thursday 9th April.

Award-Winning 11+ Courses For children in Year 3, 4 & 5 Daily personalised online tests (Mon-Fri)

Free Magazine

for your school, nursery, cafe, shop or club - call Suzanne on 07807 352087

EXCLUSIVE interactive video lessons Dedicated tutor support & feedback Over 98% parent approval rating!

Start your child’s 11+ journey...

Book your FREE trial now! © Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine 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 Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Call our team on 0121 733 6558 For more details about our online 11+ courses & 11+ mock exams:

Visit www.ksol.co.uk Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

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News

To advertise call: 07807 352087

Discover National Parks this Spring Saturday 4 April marks the start of Discover National Parks Fortnight, a celebration event aimed at inspiring people of all ages to explore outside and learn more about these special places.

There are fifteeen National Parks in the UK, spanning the length and breadth of the country. Ten in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland. National Parks protect almost 10% of England, 20% of Wales and 8% of Scotland.

The UK-wide celebration includes a wide range of events and activities running throughout the Easter holidays, including guided walks, geocaching and wildlife experiences at every park. These events offer families a great opportunity to explore, learn, relax and unwind.

To find about more visit: www.nationalparks.uk/discover

Participate in British Science Week British Science Week is a 10 day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths which takes place from 6 to 15 March.

Bach to Baby Family Concerts As we spring into this new season, acclaimed family concert series Bach to Baby celebrates all things new with a lively programme of some classical music favourites! And these family concerts are here for you

during the Easter holidays too, a perfect treat for the whole family to experience classical music up close!

Bach to Baby features artists from the UK’s top orchestras in easy-to-reach, inspiring locations. Let your tots revel in the wonder of live music, whilst you enjoy top-notch performances.

Quote ‘BRUMBABY’ for a 10% DISCOUNTCode valid until 05.05.2020 See page 14 for concert dates in Bournville, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.

W: www.bachtobaby.com E: info@bachtobaby.com

Hog Roast & Bulkington Silver Band on Sunday 17th May from 12 nooon

Interiors Antiques, Furnishings, Giftware, Wood Burner Stoves Shabby Chic, Furniture & Accesories Haberdashery & Material Interests Tack, Animal Feed, Needlework & Bunting, Florist, Wood-turning, Beadz Galore Craft Supplies, Knitting Wool Food and Drink Licensed Restaurant, Chocolate Shop, Tea Rooms, Butcher & Farm Shop General Pyrography, Salt Lamps & Crystals, Antiques, Art Gallery & Commissions, Crafters Workshops, Ladies Clothing, Leather Goods, Mirrored Pictures

Craft FthaApirrs

Action-packed childcare this

Ofsted registered

Easter Holiday

10% OFF

Solihull

Alderbrook School

Sutton Coldfield Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

Week 1 Mon 6th - Thu 9th April Week 2 Tue 14th - Fri 17th April

Open from 8am-6pm

Offer expires at 5pm on 20th March

Sun 19 Sun 17th May Sat 20th Jun

Open all year (inc Bank Holidays) Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm Tel: 024 7639 4433 www.hoar-park.co.uk B4114 Nr Ansley, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 0QU Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

To find your local event or activity visit www.sciencelive.net

WITH CODE FBHAM20

Fun The Children’s Farm, Pets Corner, Farm Parties, Bee Crafty B’day Parties, Painting, Disco & lots more

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The annual festival features fascinating, entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK, designed to appeal to families with children of all ages.

Your child can also enter the annual poster competition and/or download a series of FREE activity packs at www.britishscienceweek.org, filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school. The good news is these activities don’t require parents to have a science background or buy any expensive equipment.

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 See website for full details. Terms and conditions apply,

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News

@familiesbirminghammag

Achieving the best 11 plus result

Having fewer toys may be better You’ve probably suspected it – well, it may now have been confirmed!

Children who have too many toys are more easily distracted, and do not enjoy quality playtime, a new study suggests.

Researchers at the University of Toledo in Ohio, US, recruited 36 toddlers and invited them to play in a room for half an hour, with either four toys, or sixteen toys.

They found that youngsters were far more creative when they had fewer toys to play with.

They also played with each for twice as long, thinking up more uses for each toy and lengthening and expanding their games.

The authors of the study conclude that parents, schools and nurseries should pack away most of their toys and just rotate a small number regularly, to encourage children to become more creative and improve their attention spans. www.sciencedirect.com

1. Plan ahead To give your child the best chance of 11 Plus success it is vital to provide enough time to adequately prepare. Don’t leave things until the last minute.

2. Be consistent Completing small amounts of work every day is much more effective than intermittent bursts of effort. Regular effort will often lead to more consistent improvement.

3. Perfect examination techniques Perfecting techniques

can significantly improve your child’s exam performance. Sitting a package of mock exams is perfect for this purpose.

4. Exposure to relevant material Make sure study materials

are relevant to the 11 plus in your area.

There are many book publishers and websites offering materials that are not area specific.

11 Plus Tuition provide courses specifically designed for local Grammar school exams. www.elevenplus.co 11 Plus Mocks provide CEM style mock exams designed for local Grammar School exams. www.11plusmocks.co.uk.

Join the fight against plastic with the Great British Spring Clean 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 20 March to 13 April.

Run by charity Keep Britain Tidy, this initiative is the country’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign and aims to get 600,000 #LitterHeroes out and about, cleaning up the

environment on their doorstep.

It’s easy for families to get involved. Simply pledge to take part and either organise a litterpick 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 www.keepbritaintidy.org/GBSpringClean

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5

News

To advertise email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Toddler Takeover sessions with Interactive Virtual Playground Rush Trampoline Park in Birmingham has recently launched an exciting new ‘Toddler Takeover’ initiative.

The entirety of the 35,000 sq. foot trampoline park, and all its facilities, will be handed over to toddlers and young children for the extended hours of 9:30am12:00pm from Monday to Friday during term time, 9am - 10am on Saturdays, and 9am – 11am on Sundays every weekend The sessions also feature Rush’s newest installation to the park – a ‘BEAM’ virtual playground. BEAM is an awardwinning interactive projector games system that projects games for kids on the floor and responds to their movement, which encourages interactivity and offers a variety of playful games, graphics and sounds.

Alongside this, the Toddler Takeover sessions feature a brand-new large inflatable obstacle course with a miniclimbing wall. The ultimate family destination for hours of fun for the little ones! www.rushuk.com

Over half of parents feel lonely New research has found that over half (56%) of parents with children under the age of 5 years experience loneliness at least some of the time.

The study by the charity, Coram Family and Childcare reveals that the issue affects significantly more women than men, with twice as many mothers than fathers saying they often feel left out, as well as younger parents, with nearly 37% of parents aged 18 to 24 often feeling a lack of companionship, compared to 21% of parents aged 25 to 34.

Loneliness is most prevalent around the birth of a baby, particularly if parents are unable to get out of the house easily and when the children are older but haven’t yet started school.

Focus groups conducted by Coram Family and Childcare revealed that parents felt the best way to combat loneliness and isolation is to meet other parents by participating in activities that their child will enjoy. www.familyandchildcaretrust.org

All Stars Cricket 2020 All Stars Cricket is a programme aimed at children aged 5-8 years old to give them a great first experience in cricket. Sessions are accredited by the England & Wales Cricket Board and delivered nationwide at over 2,000 centres. All Stars Cricket will help your child develop key skills

Big

in a fun and safe environment where parents can join in too and help create #BigMoments you’ll both treasure! Following successful registration, All Stars Cricketers will receive a brandnew kit bag full of goodies to help them get their summer of cricket started and fully look the part when they attend their 8 weekly sessions and it’s all delivered straight to your door.

To find out more about how to get involved this summer, simply visit www.allstarscricket.co.uk and get your place booked as sessions begin May2020.

Moments Have fun, make friends and learn skills that last a lifetime Find your nearest programme and register at allstarscricket.co.uk

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Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Includes personalised kit!

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News

@familiesbirm

New eBooks encourage children to eat vegetables Parents of fussy eaters can now access new FREE resources courtesy of the ‘See & Eat’ project, an initiative supported by the British Nutrition Foundation, to support parents in persuading their children to eat more vegetables.

Resources include 24 new eBooks which can be downloaded from the ‘See & Eat’ website. These have been developed based on past research which has shown that showing hard-copy picture books about vegetables to children helps to familiarise them with new food and ultimately, helps them to eat a wider variety.

The ‘See & Eat’ eBooks each tell the farm to fork journey of a different vegetable and can be personalised with pictures, videos and text. www.foodunfolded.com/seeandeat

Easter holiday camps with Aspire Looking for Easter holiday childcare in Solihull or Sutton Coldfield? Activities to keep your child active and entertained during their 2 week break from school?

Then you’ve come to the right place! For those aged 4 – 14, Ofsted registered Aspire Sports Active Camps runs a whole range of sports and activities, offering your child an fun-filled, action-packed school holiday.

Aspire provide discount offers, a loyalty scheme and accept childcare vouchers.

Get 10% OFF with discount code “FBHAM20” Offer expires Friday 20th March, 5pm

To register your child for Aspire Active Camps this Easter holiday, visit www.aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979.

There’s still time to prepare for the 11+ with KSOL With just six months to go until the 11+ entrance exam, there is still time to get the reassurance that your child is heading in the right direction.

At this stage in your child’s 11+ preparation, the focus should be on identifying any areas for improvement and expanding upon key skills, so you can tackle weaker 11+ areas head on.

Lead KSOL tutor, Joanna, offers some useful advice: “Make sure revision is fun and engaging. Our Year 5 Graduate 11+ Online Course uses a unique combination of TargetTeach® daily personalised tests, designed to focus and improve areas of weakness, plus exclusive KSOL interactive video lessons. All progress is regularly monitored by our team of dedicated tutors.”

With over 16 years of 11+ experience, KSOL can help provide your child with the best 11+ education, and you with peace of mind that they are on the right track.

For more information about tailored 11+ courses, visit www.ksol.co.uk or call 0121 733 6558.

S4 Swim School S4 Swim School have been providing the service of swimming lessons to thousands of children for over a decade. Hundreds of S4 swimmers have progressed to County, Regional and National level competitions and beyond, thanks to the excellent pathways between S4 and other aquatic organisations (swimming, triathlon, water polo, synchro clubs, etc).

MEMBER REVIEWS: “ Fantastic lessons! Can't recommend them enough. My daughter loves it and they have been fab with my youngest who has only just started!” (Facebook) “ My daughters took part in the intensive course and absolutely loved it. Was really pleased at the progress they made in such a short time, we have now signed up to regular classes and can't wait to see the progress they will make”. (Facebook) “ Fantastic swimming school, the instructors are brilliant with young children, very positive and encouraging. Would definitely recommend”. (Facebook)

For more on the S4 philosophy visit www.s4swimschool.com familiesonline.co.uk

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

7

Education NEWS

To advertise call: 07807 352087

Ten great educational apps for children

By Claire Winter Children learn in many different ways including outside of the classroom. This is where educational apps can come in very useful as the best of these engage even the most reluctant learner. As well as being fun ways to learn, educational apps also turn screen time into a positive experience, rather than something you are constantly arguing with your children about.

Here are Families’ top ten educational apps that will keep any child ‘appy’!

CURSIVE WRITING WIZARD (£4.99)

by L’Escapadou Age 6-8 This version provides a UK-friendly cursive font, and is ideal for teaching young primary kids how to write. It’s based upon a tracing system and there are 50 plus animated stickers, sound effects and interactive games that animate letters at the end of the tracing. You can also print off writing PDFs for the kids to practice on and even import their current spelling list.

SAFARI TALES (£2.99)

by Kuato Games Age 6-8 Children can develop their storytelling skills with this beautiful and fun animal-themed app. Safari adventurers can explore the Savannah and learn interesting facts about the five baby animals. The game is so much fun they won’t even notice that they are boosting their reading and litearacy skills at the same time.

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TODDLER COUNTING 123 – LEARN TO COUNT FOR KIDS (FREE)

by GiggleUp Kids Apps Teach your toddler to count with this fantastic free app. Designed for pre-schoolers this simple game gets them to tap and count a variety of real life objects.

THE HUMAN BODY (£3.99)

by Tinybop Inc Age 6-8 If you have a budding biologist or child with a ‘why’ imagination then this is the app for them.

Explore the human body and learn about how our amazing internal organs perform.

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

ENDLESS WORDPLAY (FREE + IN APP PURCHASE)

by Originator Inc. All ages This app focuses on learning simple spelling patterns while reinforcing letter names and sounds.

Each stage is a different rhyme, with the user spelling three words from the same word family.

Once you complete all three words, you are taken to a sentence screen with a silly sentence and cute animation that will encourage and delight the player. It’s free to download but to play more than three levels you have to pay £4.99.

HOOPA CITY (£3.99)

by Dr. Panda Ltd Age 6-8 This engaging app allows children to let their imaginations run wild building cities and towns with a combination of different materials.

The game will boost their understanding of mechanics and engineering and also help them develop their problem-solving skills.

TOCA LAB: ELEMENTS (£3.99)

by Toca Boca

SQUEEBLES TIMES TABLES (£3.99)

by KeyStageFun

Age 6-8

If you are tired of getting your child to repeat their times tables again and again, then get these lovable characters on hand to inspire your child to sit and practice them. There are several engaging games to play and a training area that also teaches and tests maths skills too.

This funky app is a virtual chemistry set to inspire future scientists.

It introduces your child to all 118 elements of the periodic table as cool, fun characters. It also presents the concepts of what happens during chemical reactions when they are warmed, cooled, combined and much more. Your kids can indulge in exciting virtual experiments that won’t blow up your house!

ARTIE’S MAGIC PENCIL (£2.99)

by Minilab Ltd

EDUGURU MATHS (£1.99)

by The Game Creators

Age 3-5

Specifically created for children ages 3 to 5 years, this app brings maths to life with cute animated graphics which will get them engaged straight away. It concentrates on basic maths skills, shapes, sequences, coins and number recognition.

Boost your child’s drawing skills with this creative app. It shows 3-6 year olds how to draw by means of an engaging game in which a monster destroys everything in its path and Artie has to rebuild the world with his magic pencil.

familiesonline.co.uk

Education News NEWS

@familiesbirminghammag

Ofsted ratings driving up house prices Families in England are paying a house price premium of as much as £100,000 to make sure their children live within the catchment of schools rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted, new analysis suggests.

Researchers analysed the Ofsted ratings of 20,545 secondary and primary schools in England and found that average house prices often reflect the quality of the local school.

The average price of a house in England with top-rated schools nearby stands at £331,605, according to research by comparison website Confused.com. This is about £38,600 more than the average price of homes with schools rated ‘good’

by Ofsted nearby, about £78,000 more than in areas with schools that ‘require improvement’ and nearly £100,000 more than in postcodes with schools rated ‘inadequate’.

A similar study by the Department of Education found that house prices are 8% higher near the best performing primary schools.

To view the report, visit www.confused.com

familiesonline.co.uk

15 years of successful singing Singing Community of Choirs From humble beginnings in 2005, Singing Community of Choirs (SC Choirs) began with just 20 children. Founded and led by Artistic Director Richard Jeffries, this small choir has now grown to five thriving choirs, covering an age range of 4 right through to adults. ‘It’s become a community within a community and has a real family feel’, says Richard. The organisation is based in Sutton Coldfield, with regular Wednesday rehearsals at Arthur Terry School.

Canada’, Richard explains. ‘The level of musicianship reached by the young people I observed was astounding. I want to replicate that here’. The benefits of choir singing are endless, especially if you start young. It builds confidence, improve the memory, helps children with academic achievement and reduces stress.

Whatever your singing experience - and irrespective of your age - SC Choirs has a choir to fit your child’s ability and provides unique opportunities to learn and perform wonderful music. You can even join as an adult and be part of the experience as a family!

There is a progressive programme of music education which starts from the very youngest children, some of whom haven’t yet started school. They learn how music works, gradually developing and refining their musicianship, which ultimately flows into their performances.

It’s more than just a ‘sing song’.

Music education is Richard’s passion.

In 2019 he was awarded a Churchill Fellowship, which enabled him to travel to Finland, America and Canada for two months researching choirs, school music and teacher training. His trip made a huge impact on him.

‘Aside from learning about the Finnish education system and how music is given much greater importance than in the UK, I visited a number of choral organisations across America and

07539 427812 enquiry@scchoirs.org.uk www.scchoirs.org.uk

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

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Clubs NEWS

& Classes

To advertise email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Organised activity options for your child under 5

By Gabrielle Nash If you ask mums and dads about what activities they enjoyed with their children when they were very young, many will speak fondly of their favourite playgroup or class. Such activities can become a lifeline for parents during those isolating and overwhelming first years and they’re essential when you’re desperate for some adult conversation. Of course, classes and groups are also a great opportunity for you to bond with your baby and give them early opportunities for socialization too.

Maybe you have already pre-booked a weekly sensory, music or swimming class for your little one or perhaps you’re at home reading this with your baby or young toddler, thinking of ways to entertain them (and you) this week. Or maybe you’re finding it tough just getting out to the shops. However you’re feeling, there’s no doubt that getting yourself along to something social can be hugely

beneficial for you and your child.

Sarah has one daughter, now aged almost 4, and speaks fondly of the classes they participated in: “I loved having a music class booked each week with my 18 month old. It was something to look forward to – she loved the music and I enjoyed meeting other mums and drinking a rare coffee while it was still hot!”

So, what’s the best way to find a class or group? You’ll regularly find local options in this magazine (e.g. page 11 opposite) and, as well as your local mum friends, you can also ask the wider local parent community on social media – word of mouth is great for a recommendation. It’s worth checking out your local Children’s Centre and library for suggestions too – some of these may be free.

Next, which type of class or group should you go for?

This may depend on the options available where you live, as well as on your budget.

Playgroup

Swimming or gym

If your main aim is to get something regular in the diary that is easy, cheap and good for meeting other parents with similarly aged children, then your local church or community playgroup is a great option. Playgroups are often central parts of a local community so if you’re new or unfamiliar to an area you can find local support both from those attending and those running the group.

If something a bit more physical appeals to you, then baby swimming or a gym/soft play-based class might be right for your child. Baby swimming can be a beautiful way to bond with your baby and a gym-based class is great way for very active toddlers and pre-schoolers to burn off energy, as well as develop their gross motor skills.

Library Most local libraries have a weekly story or rhyme time session.

These are simple drop-in activities and chances to socialise that can form a regular part of your week. They are almost always free!

A library activity is also a great way of introducing this important source of books and resources to a young child and highlighting the importance of reading.

Sensory or music Though not free, sensory or music classes can be lots of fun for babies and toddlers. They are a fantastic opportunity for little ones to make a noise with their voices and with instruments, move around creatively and explore a new environment, all conveniently facilitated by a professional. You get a much needed chance to sit back and watch your child having fun, without having to provide it yourself!

10 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Classes for YOU Whilst it’s harder with a toddler, when you have a baby, there are many activities aimed at you which your baby can attend too. Whether it’s an outdoor exercise or yoga class or a baby friendly cinema showing, the change of environment is fun and stimulating for your baby too. You may even get to improve your fitness!

Any children’s group or class will support a child’s development: the routine, the opportunities for socialising and the experience of being in a new environment. So if it helps you get out of the house, share happy times with your child and get talking and meeting other parents in your situation, then nothing could be more worthwhile.

Follow Gaby @thelondonishmum

familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs & Classes NEWS

@familiesbirm

BilinguaSing A Sensory Music Class with French or Spanish!

Help develop your little one’s early communication skills, build their confidence, and enhance their physical and emotional development with our multi award-winning classes!

Early exposure to a second language is fantastic for your baby’s brain development and learning skills.

Our lovely Baby Class is for babies from 4 weeks, while our Mixed Age Classes are perfect if you’ve one or more child under 5.

You don't need to know any languages to join us - you’ll soon be singing along!

Book your FREE trial class at bilinguasing-birmingham-south.class4kids.co.uk or call Lucy: 07539863024

S4 Swim School

Groovy Little Movers

S4 Swim School offer swimming lessons and advanced coaching sessions to children and adults. School holiday swim intensive courses are also available.

• Fun packed dance and music classes for children aged 1 – 5 years during term time and up to 7 years in the holidays

• Excellent swimmer to teacher ratios • Small group sizes, averaging 5 - 6 swimmers per group enhancing progression through the S4 program • Personalised swimmer achievement records (accessed via the online member area) • Downloadable term plans keeping you up to date with weekly lesson content • On-going swimmer assessment • Taught the S4 way: producing swimmers with a high degree of skill & technical ability • A consistent professional approach at all venues (group structure, teaching standards)

• Engaging & educational

Find swimming lessons near you at www.s4swimschool.com

Our fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging coaches teaching them how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Our motto is simple; "make it more fun". We do this by delivering our specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm and excitement creating an atmosphere that is engaging for parents and children alike. Classes are split into 3 age groups; 2-3.5yrs, 3.5-5yrs and 5-7yrs.

FREE tasters available!

• Dance, sing & play using props, puppets & instruments • Taught by highly skilled Dance and Drama teachers lasses on Mondays in Knowle and C Fridays at Solihull Indoor Bowls Club

Contact Katy on: 07932 333284 katy@groovylittlemovers.co.uk www.groovylittlemovers.co.uk

Woodland Play, Highbury Park Moseley A family forest school with children aged 0-8.

We support additional needs.

Please contact for more info email: hoccic@gmail.com wwwpeopleandland.org.uk

Find your nearest venue at www.rugbytots.co.uk/Class/Find Contact matthew@rugbytots.co.uk • 0345 313 0803

Jump in, have fun and learn to swim with Diamond Swim Academy Diamond Swim Academy runs a Swim England learn to swim programme for children aged 2.5 years upwards, from beginners to stage 10. Small classes with 6 per class and 10 minute gaps allow you to communicate with teachers and ensure they swim for the full 30 minutes! DSA adult lessons and fitness classes and DSA Adult and Child lessons mean we offer lessons for all ages and abilities!

Lessons available at 5 venuesArchbishop Ilsley, Acocks Green Langley Primary School, Solihull

• Helps develop co-ordination, confidence & creativity

Moseley Road Baths, Balsall Common The Blue Coat School, Harborne King Edwards Girls School, Edgbaston

07756 088617 • 07706 485091 • info@diamondswimacademy.co.uk • www.diamondswimacademy.co.uk

Ambitions IT & Computing • Teaching and tutoring all abilities and all levels.

• Computer studies, computer science and computing.

• GCSE and other curriculum.

• North Birmingham location. Available on Saturdays. (Ongoing support.)

• Homework instructions from course lessons.

07508 649569 tryphena2501@hotmail.co.uk

DANCE & DRAMA MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 5+ Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA Telephone: 0121 722 3761 www.masquerademusicaltheatre.com

familiesonline.co.uk

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Solihull Telephone: 0121 448 0055 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.com

Solihull Young Dancers Ballet & Tap Lessons Classes from age 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 07722 732678

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

11

Competition NEWS

WIN a family holiday at an Away Resort of your choice* Just take part in Wear a Hat Day on 27 March to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

Colour Festival

an outdoor high ropes course, plus daytime and evening entertainment.

Sandy Balls in the New Forest gets you back to nature; delve into the forest with its resident alpacas, enjoy a serene spa, fantastic on-site restaurants, and an array of activities including cycling and swimming.

Away Resorts offers family holidays at award-winning holiday parks, each superbly located and unique.

Mill Rythe on Hayling Island offers a holiday jam-packed with activities from zorbing to

Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire is a water world away. From fishing and pedalos to

jet-skiing and a water aqua park, there’s fabulous on-site restaurants, rooftop bars, indoor/outdoor splashpads and activity programmes for all.

Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight offers the perfect balance, with rolling countryside on one side and a beautiful sandy beach on the other. The park bustles with great onsite activities to keep your family busy.

TO ENTER: Use the same email address, name and post code for both steps 1 and 2.

1. Register for Wear a Hat Day 2020 at www.wearahatday.org and take part on 27 March.

2. Email your competition entry to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk with your full name and post code or enter online at https://bit.ly/2OytS6D by 30 April 2020.

T&Cs *Excludes Mersea Island Holiday Park and Barmouth Bay Holiday Park. Prize is for a seven-night stay for two adults and two children. Accommodation provided will be of Superior or Luxury grade at Sandy Balls, Tattershall Lakes and Whitecliff Bay, and Ambassador at Mill Rythe, subject to availability. Prize value will be dependent on location and time of year chosen. More T&Cs online.

Kids’ Club

ANAGRAM

DOT TO DOT

Can you unscramble the letters to spell out the names of five popular book characters?

Join the dots to say hello to a fluffy springtime friend!

1. d i a t m l a 3 2

4

1

2. p e t h o r r a t y r

5

6 7

36 34

9

8

10

35

33

14

15

30 29

12

13

32 31

3. k t e r a c y r e b a e

11

28

4. f g e e l f r y e g h

16

27 17

26 24

22 21

20

19

Why not colour in when you’re done?

12

5. l g p i c n p s k i p g t o o i n

18

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

When you’re done, unscramble the circled letters to spell a special message!

The answers are: 1. Matilda 2. Harry Potter 3. Tracey Beaker 4. Greg Heffley 5. Pippi Longstocking. Message is: Happy Reading

25

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familiesonline.co.uk

Early Years

@familiesbirminghammag

When should babies start talking?

By Andrew Campbell During the first three years of life much of your baby's speech development depends on your "baby talk" skills as well as those of your baby!

The first “baby talk” is non-verbal and happens soon after birth. It is important to listen to your baby’s different sounds and cries, work out what they mean and respond accordingly.

At the age of 3 months, you’ll notice your baby listening to your voice and watching your face as you talk.

At around 6 months of age, you’ll hear your baby begin to babble and coo.

After 9 months of age, babies can say and understand a few basic words like "no" and "bye-bye."

Most babies say their first words sometime around their first birthday - possibly "mama" and "dada.” Now, importantly, they know what they are saying.

Over the next six months, your baby will start to use language in a more recognisable way. By the age of 2 years, babies can string together short phrases of two to four words.

During the course of the next year, your toddler’s vocabulary expands rapidly, and "make-believe" play spurs an understanding of symbolic and abstract language like "now," feelings like "sad," and spatial concepts like "in." www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/helping-your-childs-speech www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/learning-talk-and-communication-your-baby

Ideas to encourage talking • Chat to your baby about the things you’re doing.

• Repeat your baby’s attempts at words to encourage a two-way conversation.

• Show interest in your baby’s babbling and talking by smiling and looking him in the eye.

• Respond to and talk about your baby’s interests. For example, if your baby starts playing with a toy train, you could say “Toot, toot.”

• Read, tell stories, share songs and nursery rhymes with your baby.

• Praise your baby’s efforts to talk. For example, if your baby points to a dog and names it, you could say: “Well done for pointing out the dog, Georgie!”

Infants all develop at a different pace, but talk to your GP or health visitor if you have any concerns.

Norfolk House Nursery 28 Harborne Road

Set in the heart of Edgbaston Village, we provide early education and care to children between the ages of 3 months and 4 years.

At the heart of everything we do is an uncompromising commitment to providing your child with the fullest opportunity to learn and develop in a safe environment.

We offer a range of extra curricular activities including Baby Ballet, Rhythm Time, Forest School, Football, Tennis and Spanish. We also engage a Clinical Nutritionist and a Registered Health Visitor to provide specialist advice and guidance.

We are open from 7am - 7pm.

28 Harborne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3AA T: 0121 454 8714 E: enquiries@norfolkhouseschool.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

13

What’s On OUT & ABOUT ADVENTURE ISLAND MINI GOLF Star City, Birmingham Open 7 days a week. A fun indoor golf complex for all the family with two themed 18 hole courses. www.adventureminigolf.co.uk BARBER INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS Weekly creative Sunday workshops for 4 – 12 year olds; Monthly workshops. for 13 – 15 year olds; Monthly Little Artists sessions; school holiday workshops. www.barber.org.uk RUSH UK, BIRMINGHAM Toddler Takeover: special time slots for tots Mon-Fri term time. New inflatable Junior Obstacle Course. www.rushuk.com BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK CELEBRATION: MEET THE OCTONAUTS! ThinkTank, Birmingham Sat 7 – Sun 8 March Celebrate British Science and Engineering week with some special guests. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/ thinktank THE BIG BANG UK YOUNG SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS FAIR NEC Birmingham Weds 11 – Sat 14 March Exciting theatre shows, activities, workshops, careers information and much more!

Book your FREE tickets: www.thebigbangfair.co.uk LEGO WEEKEND WORKSHOP ThinkTank, Birmingham Sat 14 – Sun 15 March Take part in a range of LEGO themed family activities. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/ thinktank YOUNG DRIVER NEC Birmingham 14 March, 4, 9 & 11 April Driving lessons for the ages 10 - 17. Early booking essential. www.youngdriver.eu TINY TANKERS PLANETARIUM ThinkTank, Birmingham Tues 24 March Immersive sensory for babies, space rhymes and exciting missions. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/ thinktank BMAG BABIES Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Weds 25 March FREE creative, interactive and sensory fun designed for babies and toddlers. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/ bmag SPRING SPECTACULAR Hatton Adventure World, Warwick Sat 4 - Sun 19 April Baby animals, egg hunts, children’s shows, tractor rides and much more! www.hattonworld.com

Quote FAMILIES BIRMINGHAM when booking!

EASTER EGG TRAIL Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Sat 4 – Sun 5 April; Tues 7 – Sun 19 April Find the clues in the garden to complete the trail and win a prize. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/ blakesley

THE GREAT EASTER EGG HUNT Weoley Castle, Birmingham Sat 11 April Find all the hidden eggs and make a craft Easter bunny. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/ weoley

BACH TO BABY FAMILY CONCERTS Sat 4 April – Sat 2 May Be amazed at how much your baby or toddler will appreciate Bach, Beethoven and Brahms!

GRIMM FAIRY-TALES Soho House, Birmingham Sun 5, Weds 8 & Thurs 9 April Interactive story tour. For families with children aged 4 - 12. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/soho

EASTER ACTIVITIES Birmingham Botanical Gardens Mon 13 – Fri 17 April Daily Easter themed activities including face painting and bouncy castle. www.birminghambotanicalgardens org.uk

SOLIHULL CONCERTS: Solihull Methodist Church, B91 1LG Sat 4 April, Sat 2 May, 11am www.bachtobaby.com/solihull

THE GREAT EASTER EGG HUNT Selly Manor Museum, Birmingham Mon 6 - Thurs 16 April Join the hunt for the giant eggs – maybe you will win a prize! www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk EASTER ANIMALS CRAFT ACTIVITY Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Tues 7 April, 11am – 4pm. Drop in.

Use Tudor weaving techniques to create an Easter animal pompom. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/ blakesley DRAGON EGG HUNT Sarehole Mill, Birmingham Tues 7 – Sun 19 April Be brave and find the giant eggs hidden around the grounds! www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/ sarehole FAMILY EASTER CARDS AND CRAFTS Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Thurs 9 April Learn some traditional paper crafts on an Easter Theme. Age 6+ www.bclm.co.uk SHROPSHIRE KIDS FESTIVAL TELFORD Telford International Centre Fri 10 & Sat 11 April 2020 Being indoors has never been so much fun! Enjoy over 50 free activities including inflatables, sports, circus and lots more! Save money by booking tickets in advance. www.shropshirekidsfest.co.uk INSOMNIA66 - THE UK’S BIGGEST GAMING FESTIVAL NEC Birmingham Fri 10 – Mon 13 April A celebration of gaming culture perfect for fans of any age. www.insomniagamingfestival.com CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNTS 2020 Packwood House, Birmingham Back-toBacks, Moseley Old Hall and Baddesley Clinton Fri 10 - Mon 13 April Join the fun this Easter weekend!

Hunt for chocolate eggs at these National Trust properties. www.nationaltrust.org.uk COLLAGE MAKING Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Sat 11 April FREE EVENT for older children and adults led by participatory artist Jane Thakoordin. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/ bmag

PETER RABBIT STORY TIME Birmingham Botanical Gardens Weds 15 April, 11.30am – 3.30pm Hop along to the Gardens to see Peter Rabbit this Easter. www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk KIDS’ JEWELLERY WORKSHOP Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Thurs 16 April Learn and use real jewellers techniques to create bracelets and pendants. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/ jewellery CRAFT FAIRS Hoar Park Shopping and Craft Village Sun 19 April, Sun 17 May, Sat 20 June Including Children’s Farm, Pets Corners, Farm Parties, Painting, Disco, etc. www.hoar-park.co.uk TODDLER TUESDAY ThinkTank, Birmingham Tues 21 April Storytelling, crafts and object handling. Age 1 – 4. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/ thinktank SURGE 2020: ROOM ART CHILDREN’S ART WORKSHOPS Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Sat 25 April Family-friendly creative art making promoting Polish and European heritage. www.macbirmingham.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT SINGING COMMUNITY OF CHOIRS CONCERT Four Oaks Methodist Church Sat 28 March Go along to celebrate SC Choirs’ 15 years of singing with a fabulous concert.

Perhaps you’d like to join the choir next time? www.scchoirs.org.uk www.priorbooking.com/u/scchoirs BARNUM The Core Theatre, Solihull Mon 30 March - Sat 4 April An entertaining musical extravaganza, presented by the Peterbrook Players. www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk

or 10% off tickets use code F “BRUMBABY”online offer ends 5.5.20

BOURNVILLE CONCERT: Friends Meeting House, B30 1JT Weds 15 April, 11am www.bachtobaby.com/bournville SUTTON COLDFIELD CONCERT: Holy Trinity Parish Church, B72 1TF Sat 25 April, 11am www.bachtobaby.com/sutton-coldfield RIVERDANCE - THE NEW 25TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Mon 6 - Thu 9 April A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved show. www.atgtickets.com/birmingham OI FROG & FRIENDS! Town Hall, Birmingham Fri 10 – Mon 13 April Songs, puppets, laughs and lots of rhymes. www.thsh.co.uk SHARK IN THE PARK The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Tues 14 April See all 3 of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park’ books live on Stage. www.oldreptheatre.co.uk THE SOOTY SHOW The Core Theatre, Solihull Wed 15 April Sooty, Sweep and Soo will amaze you with their incredible and funny tricks! www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk THE NOISE NEXT DOOR: THROUGH TIME Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Fri 17 April A side-splitting, jaw-dropping, timetravelling adventure. Age 6+ www.macbirmingham.co.uk ANDY AND THE ODD SOCKS The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Sun 19 April An exciting, innovative and in-demand live music act for children in the UK www.oldreptheatre.co.uk THE GREAT RACE BY A THOUSAND CRANES Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Fri 8 - Sat 9 May A show inspired by the traditional story of The Great Race. Age 4+ www.macbirmingham.co.uk

ALWAYS CHECK THE VENUE’S WEBSITE IN CASE OF CHANGES TO SCHEDULE 14 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

familiesonline.co.uk

• N O W O P E N AT T H I N K TA N K •

PLUS

me to MiniBr co u el

m

W

An interactive mini city where children are in charge!

DON’T MISS DESTINATION SPACE LIVE SHOW • 4K PLANETARIUM

birminghammuseums.org.uk DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund

BMT_MiniBrum_Families Magazine_180x130mm.indd 1

05/02/2020 17:13

4th – 19th April 2020 A choc-o-bloc array of Spring Newborns Magic and Puppet Shows Easter Egg Hunts Laser Combat (8yrs+) Plus... all the usual Ha�on favourite ac�vi�es ALL DAY INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT

Terms and Condi�ons apply - see website for details

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

15

An independent school for girls aged 21/2 -18 years

An independent school for girls aged 21/2 -18 years

Take a closer look at EHS Prep Prep School in Action Day, inc. Westbourne Pre-Prep Tuesday 28 April 2020, 9.30am - 11.45am Reserve your place now. Contact

See how our girls benefit from an EHS education prep-admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk or 0121 454 5831

PREPARATORY ‘SCHOOL IN ACTION’ MORNING Tuesday 30 April 2019, 9:30am - 12:00noon

‘Outstanding’ and ‘Excellent’

Reserve your place now. Contact admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk or ISI 0121 454 5831 Inspection

. Sixth Form Westbourne . Preparatory . Senior‘Outstanding’ and ‘Excellent’ - ISI Inspection 0121 454 5831 admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk

TODDLER takeover

i during term time.

- Fr 9.30am - 12pm • Mon

scot Red and trampolines, meet Rush ma Enjoy safe jumping on the Obstacle Course. enjoy new inflatable Junior

Toddler Takeover Ticket prices* *Up to age 10. Socks not included.

1 adult and child only £9.50 for both.

1 adult, 2 children or 2 adults, 1 child £18.50 £5 additional person

£5 COOKED BREAKFAST SPECIAL OFFER Don’t miss our Superhero Sundays –Kids get 20% off on the 4th Sunday of the month when they wear fancy dress. *Term Time only. See rushuk.com for more details

Featuring o ur new Virtual Interactive Playground