Families Birmingham PRINT May-June 2022

Birmingham

IN THIS ISSUE:

Summer Camps Education Kids’ Parties Travel

Issue 69 May/June 2022

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CLUBS, CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

PYJAMA DRAMA ERDINGTON, CASTLE BROMWICH AND SOLIHULL

S4 SWIM SCHOOL S4 Swim Intensive - School holiday swim courses designed to give your child a real boost with their swimming development!

A typical Swim Intensive course would involve four experienced swim instructors and four different level groups. These courses are on offer for Non-Swimmers, Beginners, Improvers and Advanced children.

• Max of 5 swimmers per group • 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)

carolinef@pyjamadrama.com

BILINGUASING BIRMINGHAM SOUTH

SOLIHULL YOUNG DANCERS Ballet classes from the age of 2 ½ and Tap classes from the age of 4.

On Saturday mornings from 09:00am at St Helens Church.

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

Fresh, fun and touching musical fairy tale for your children! Listen to “Cinderella” by children’s Fairytale Choir from Birmingham on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, iTunes, Amazon, Tidal, TikTok and other music platforms, and enjoy your family time! www.fairytalechoir.com

Find swimming lessons near you at s4swimschool.uk

For more details, please call Kate on 07722 732678.

FAIRYTALE CHOIR

RUGBYTOTS EAST STAFFORDSHIRE AND SUTTON COLDFIELD

A Sensory Music Class - with added French or Spanish!

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

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

Lovely baby classes (from 4 weeks old), interactive “crawlers” classes and fun-filled mixed-age “toddler” classes - perfect if you’ve more than one child under 4!

You don't need to know any languages to join us - you’ll be singing along in no time! lucy@bilinguasing.com | 07539 863024 www.bilinguasing.com/find-aclass/birmingham-south

LOOKING FOR CHILDCARE? Multi award-winning Holiday Camps for children aged 4-11 Offering only the best in childcare and music

www.thestringsclub.org | 0121 369 1950 2 Families Birmingham Magazine

Pyjama Drama have been delivering drama and imaginative play classes and interactive shows for children aged 0 to 7 years since 2005. We can visit your nursery or school or find us at public sessions locally. We harness the power of the imagination to develop key skills such as communication, confidence, co-operation and problem solving. Our incredibly talented teachers deliver child-led sessions that take children on magical adventures where they make new friends, explore new worlds and ‘trial’ situations before they happen.

Whether it’s swimming with mermaids or going to the dentist – Pyjama Drama nurtures happy, confident and curious children.

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!

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

THE CHOCOLATE SHED Themed chocolate making parties and workshops for chocoholics of all ages. All of our holiday workshops and children's parties are run by our fabulous team of local chocolatiers who are looking forward to guiding you through the process of crafting your chocolatey creations.

Every workshop is unique and we offer a range of different options which will be tailored to the needs of you and your party.

Your chocolate masterpieces will be made using real, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients where possible and every workshop involves a lot of sticky-fingered fun and tasting!

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

Would you like to be seen by our readers online and in print?

Contact the editor today on 07807 352087 familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS Welcome So much to look forward to in May and June, including an extra-long bank holiday jubilee weekend! Yippee!

Birmingham

Warm sunny days are on the horizon so start planning some local family adventures as well as exploring the outdoors closer to home we’ve got plenty to inspire you!

Contact us Editor: Suzanne Brown Email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The long summer break is also just around the corner so take a look at our summer camp feature for some ideas on how to manage school holiday childcare, as well as giving your child some great experiences.

If you have a little one who starts school in September or a child transitioning to secondary school, now is also the time to start thinking about preparation. Find tips and advice in our Education section.

Tel: 07807 352087

In this issue

Did your child miss a birthday party or two during the pandemic? If you’re searching for inspiration for a big bang occasion this year, then keep reading for this year’s hottest party trends and make it a party to remember.

2. Clubs & Classes 4. Education

Finally, in this issue, we have cute and cuddly Care Bears to give away! Apply for these colourful companions for your child to fall in love with at familiesmag.co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine straight to your inbox with lots more content and goodies on offer.

8. Jubilee celebrations!

10. Travel 11. Summer Camps

November/December competition winners

12. Foster Care Fortnight

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at https://bit.ly/compwinnersND

14. What’s On 15. Parties

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www.ksol.co.uk Families Birmingham Magazine 3

EDUCATION News

Lessons to learn before you’re 10

By Gail Hugman We live in a world where it’s easy to become overwhelmed. So teaching young children to make good use of their working memory, exercise self-control and get organised will really help them develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

These key skills underpin everything we do in life and it takes just a few minutes a day to boost them so your child learns more effectively and confidently. What’s more, growing these skills can be fun!

Developed by experts who understand how children’s brains develop and form, try these starter activities to set your child off on the right path.

school, your brain will remember it better if you sort the information first. You’ll be able to remember names, countries, lists, linked facts and even do magic tricks by remembering a bunch of playing cards in order - how cool is that?’

Working memory

Self-control

Play Kim’s Game.

Ask your child to tell you really quietly what colour socks they are wearing. Then ask them to tell you again as LOUDLY as possible (it may not be such fun for you, but they will love it!)

Each time they whisper or shout, give feedback to their brain by telling them ‘that’s great whispering, can it be quieter?’ or ‘excellent LOUD voice, is that the loudest you’ve got?’

To set up, gather ten objects together on a tray. Give your child one to two timed minutes to look at the objects, then cover them up. Depending on age and ability, ask them to tell, draw or write which ones they remember. As they progress, add more objects or give them less time to remember them.

There are ways help brains recall objects; the trick is to make links and spot patterns.

Give them these tips: To start with, count how many objects you’ll have to remember.

Look to see if any can be linked together, by colour or by material, such as all plastic or all wood, by shape or by use; eg knife and fork go together, tools together, toys together.

Do this exercise a few times and congratulate your child on their self-control. Tell them that taking charge from the inside is a very grown up thing to do.

Decide one thing you’d like your child to get under control. For example, it may be to resist the impulse to call out in class. Or leave their desk when they should be sitting quietly. Make it a positive.

Older children ages 7+ might be able to order the objects in a sequence or a story.

Explain to your child that you’d like them to focus on this one thing every day for a week. Remind them each day, ask how they got on and praise their progress. In this way, you’ll support their effort to control their impulses.

The more children play the game, the better they will get at recalling the objects. Why not see for yourself and play along too! Keep a tally so they can track their improvement and praise them for being clever. Explain that this is more than just a fun challenge, it’s all about teaching their brain to have a really good memory.

Gail Hugman is the bestselling author of 100 Things to Learn Before You’re 10. A children’s life coach, she owns and runs Human at Core (www.humanatcore.com), which helps parents motivate and engage their children in developing a bright future and provides science-based online personal development courses for children and parents.

You can say: ‘When your teacher shows you something in

Win a Great British WIN! Map of Wonders Let the adventures begin!

Families has teamed up with ST&G to offer ten lucky readers their very own Great British Map of Wonders.

Time management Organising time is a great skill, but children first need to grasp how long things actually take. Our ‘just a minute’ might take five or ten minutes and young brains may understandably be fooled into thinking only a minute has passed.

Have fun using a timer to count how many of the following things they can do in one minute: hops, writing their name neatly, reading words out loud, starting a colouring-in page.

Show them a timetable of their day with blocks of playtime in which they can plan their own fun.

4 Families Birmingham Magazine

There are so many amazing adventure-filled things to do here in Britain, that it’s hard to take them all in without a ginormous map! For children ages 6+, this map includes 1000 of habits the most fun things to do Good created early on pay dividends in later life! and places to visit around Britain, with great Help your child put to together a homework kit a sohuge all the games to play, boxes tick, notes to fill in and colouring stationery they need isamazing at handanimals, before they start working. map.

Find and explore awesome activities, Teach beaches, your childthrilling to get ready the night before, setting outplace brilliant quests, super-fun festivals, funny tomorrow’s clothes and any extra kit they will need. visit names and legendary places.

For more information, www.marvellousmaps.com Time homework. If it’s supposed to be thirty minutes, don’t spend longer on it. If your child is not finishing on time, Toeither enter, familiesmag.co.uk/go thevisit teacher needs to know or they need to focus more Closing date: 20 June. T&Cs at https://bit.ly/MapofWonders effectively.

Organisation

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News

EDUCATION

A parent’s guide to secondary school transition

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble The move from primary to secondary school is a major change for children. Most see this as an exciting next stage in their school journey but, for some, the change can make them feel anxious and uncertain. And all this at an age when children are already going through many physical and emotional changes ahead of adolescence.

Bringing up children is a slow, staggered process of detachment, from the moment they learn to crawl to the moment they finally leave home. When a child starts secondary school, with a mobile phone and travel card, it’s easy to see impending adulthood in the paraphernalia of independence as the detachment process begins.

Our role is to give our children roots and wings. Roots to know where home is and wings to fly away. The roots begin to form during early years education; secondary school is the place where children start to grow their wings.

Whilst most children will have a positive secondary school start and will embrace the new experiences on offer, research has found that the shift to secondary school can be stressful for about one in four children and that nearly three quarters of parents are anxious themselves.

Our input at this stage is crucial and our role as parents is to be our child’s sounding board, establishing an open relationship in which they feel valued, respected and connected. By adopting this non-judgemental response, our children are more likely to

keep talking to us as they get older.

Finally, while we may no longer be at the school gates, our involvement continues to be crucial to both our children’s emotional wellbeing and academic success. There are still many opportunities to stay involved: by joining the PTA, becoming part of a class WhatsApp group and getting to know the school and what support it offers.

Talk to your children about their day but possibly not the moment they walk through the door - a snack and a drink often help to ease the way into a pleasant chat.

The key to a healthy ongoing relationship is to keep the communication going. Remember that you are your child’s emotional coach.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Before your child starts

Change uncertainty S4 Swimand School

Exploring Recognise and talk about their primary school highlights and achievements - and things they may miss.

Find out what they are looking forward to at their new school, addressing worries and concerns.

Connecting Look at the new school website with your child and take part in any induction events.

Help your child think about how to approach new people and start conversations.

Find other children on the new school route to travel with.

Empower your child Encourage your child to take more responsibility at home to build their confidence and independence.

Support steps towards independence: allow them to walk home alone in their final term (if practical), meet a friend locally or run an errand for you.

Notice when your child does something well and praise them.

Organisation is key to success Help your child plan out their journey and do a few trial runs together.

Make sure you have all the uniform and equipment ready in time.

Plan a suitable space and time for daily homework.

During times of change children will typically experience S4 Swim School have been providing swimming lessons many to emotions, just adultsfor do.over Remember that change of is aS4normal thousands of as children a decade.

Hundreds part of life and can help us develop courage, flexibility and swimmers have progressed to County, Regional and National resilience. level competitions and beyond, thanks to the excellent pathways and understand other aquaticand organisations.

So how canbetween we helpS4 them manage their feelings?

Member reviews:

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“My daughterschallenging took part in the intensive absolutely Acknowledge feelings andcourse events.and help them lovedthat it. Was pleasedand at the progress theybemade such a learn life isreally not perfect that there may hardin days and difficulties. them tosigned acceptup these feelings knowing short time,Teach we have now to regular classes andthat can't this will help they themwill to move with the emotional waitacceptance to see the progress make”.on (Facebook) strength that they will need as they mature.

“Fantastic swimming school, the instructorsthem are brilliant with Validate your child’s feelings. encourage to process young very positive and encouraging.

Would definitely and talkchildren, to you about what is going on. Try not to dismiss their concerns and worries as trivial. recommend”.

(Facebook) Help your child learn what they can and can’t control. we can “Both of mygoals, children completedand thishow course Easter. control our relationships we in spend ourThey time.have We returned to swimming weekly after Easter or and have both can’t control natural disasters, pandemics loss. improvedfamily so much and have now progressed into a will newhelp Maintain routines. knowing what to expect your child feel grounded and especially during times of swimming group”.

Thanks S4secure, (Facebook) transition. www.s4swimschool.uk

Families Birmingham Magazine 5

RAISING AWARENESS News

Free kids’ app that saves the planet Earth Cubs is a new app for children ages 3 to 7 that educates kids about the planet and sustainability. The free app is filled with games, puzzles, quizzes and comics - all teacher-written and approved, as well as resources for projects and outdoor activities to inspire kids to get out into nature.

Children create their Earth Cub avatar in their likeness and journey across the world, visiting different environments around the globe, such as the Amazon rainforest and the Arctic.

Each environment brings an environmental issue to life in a vibrant and positive way, empowering kids to make a real difference as they interact with the Earth Cubs world and characters. They even earn badges that plant real trees in the real world.

More info: www.earthcubs.com

Could you help a child like Esha?

How much would you give for a child to have the chance to grow up?

Esha loves dressing up as a princess, and dreams of being a queen one day. For a while, that dream was taken away. At just 4 years old, Esha was diagnosed with leukaemia – she’s one of over 600 children in the UK diagnosed with blood cancer every year.

Esha went from enjoying her childhood – drawing, dancing, playing and pretending to be a princess – to spending much of her time on hospital wards.

She needed a blood stem cell transplant from a stranger to survive.

Finding her match wasn’t easy. Working with DKMS, in the course of searching for her own lifesaver, Esha’s family registered thousands more blood stem cell donors.

Now she’s back to doing what she loves best – playing at princesses – and can’t wait to grow up to be a queen. It cost £40 to register Esha’s lifesaver. Help more people with blood cancer to dream of a future by donating now.

How could your donation help?

Find out more at www.dkms.org.uk/princess

Donate now Help more princesses like Esha grow up to be queens More than 600 children are diagnosed with blood cancer every year in the UK. For many, their best chance of survival is a blood stem cell transplant from a stranger. Will you help more children to find their lifesaver by donating to DKMS? Donate now at dkms.org.uk/princess or scan the code.

DKMS is the trading name of DKMS Foundation, a registered charity in England d and Wales (1150056) and Scotland (SC046917). DKMS is a limited company registered in England and Wales (08151279).

6 Families Birmingham Magazine

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News

EDUCATION

Understanding executive function

By Usha Patel Executive functioning is a way of describing the series of mental processes that are required to complete a task.

Broadly speaking, executive function skills involve selfcontrol, working memory and flexible thinking.

Children labelled with a learning or behavioural problem will often display issues with their executive functioning, for example, in staying organised and focused. But many of the symptoms that parents may be told to medicate away are, in fact, executive functioning problems that might respond to a different kind of therapy.

These are the kids who lose the homework they stuffed into overflowing backpacks. Or the children who realise at 9pm that they need supplies for a vital project due the next day. When the tasks of daily life become unbearable, they melt down in a convulsion of emotion.

Whether the diagnosis is ADD, dyslexia or something else, these kids share a common problem: they just can’t manage the simple daily tasks that come easily to some of us.

Many children experience problems with their executive functioning, regardless of whether they have an underlying condition. Difficulty with one skill usually manifests across lots of different areas of a child’s life. For example, a child who has difficulty with time management is likely to both struggle to be on time and be unable to estimate how long a task will take.

Executive function difficulties seem pervasive but I believe it is possible to deconstruct their symptoms and pinpoint cognitive

What executive The BigisBang Fair is back! function?

Spark curiosity and challenge your child’s perception of STEM at IfThe Bang UK Young Scientists Engineers Fair. youBig think about the structure of aand large company, it’s easy to understand the term executive Just as the executive We’re thrilled to announce that thefunction.

UK’s biggest STEM team of a corporation manages and co-ordinates the various celebration for young people is returning to the NEC in departments around a common goal, your brain’s executive Birmingham for the first time in 2 cognitive years, from 22 to 24 June your functions co-ordinate different abilities around 2022. goals. You require these skills to set and achieve goals, whether modest or ambitious.

Get inspired by hands-on activities from across the world of science and engineering, discover exciting possibilities and Society creates structures for children that mimic adulthood in connect inspiring role models STEM. function skills. School, part toto help them develop theirinexecutive sport and other activities help children create and work towards The Big Bang Fair 2022 is open to 11 to 14 year olds, and all goals. hands-on activities and workshops have been specifically created for this age group.

Schools explore Fairexecutive from Here are some key areas of yourcan child’s life The where 9.30am to 3.30pm, Wednesday 22 June to Friday 24 June, and function can help: Payinghome attention in classand or community at home; groups are welcome families, educators time and prioritising tasks, suchBig as homework; to Managing discover the wonders of STEM at the new Bang Fair Being organised and planning ahead; Unlocked, running from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday 23 June.

Remembering tasks and chores; Make suretasks you book early tofocused avoid disappointment!

Starting and staying on them; Controlling emotions; Book your free tickets today! www.thebigbang.org.uk Understanding both their and other’s emotions. familiesonline.co.uk

skills that can be strengthened using the latest research. These difficulties are manageable and respond well to intervention. The first step is to observe your child and their behaviour, look for any executive functioning problems and then talk to them about their difficulties.

A child’s struggles can come from a variety of sources but these may be mysterious and frustrating for both you and your child and the source may be difficult to pinpoint. However, the chances are there is an underlying cognitive skill that needs strengthening. By understanding the root cause of the problem, you can then implement helpful therapies.

You may find it helpful to download my self-assessment that highlights behaviours associated with executive functioning problems. You can find this at https://bit.ly/exfuinfo Usha Patel is a neurocognitive therapist and expert in executive functioning, along with other special educational needs. She runs Raviv Practice London (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk).

Identifying executive function weaknesses Rule out learning disorders It’s possible your child isn’t turning in homework because they don’t understand the subject and are embarrassed to ask for help. It isn’t uncommon, for example, for children gifted in the arts to have a learning disability when it comes to maths.

Rule out emotional issues Perhaps a bully is targeting your child. Maybe they’re too anxious to read their homework out loud. Maybe they’re concerned the teacher dislikes them and will give them a bad grade. Children’s emotional pain may not make sense to us but it’s very real to them.

Understand the patterns There is an unmistakable pattern to executive function problems in children. If your child often loses their homework and their bedroom is always a mess, this may indicate problems with organising. If they can’t resist playing video games or another fun activity until homework is finished, then they may have trouble with self-control. If that’s the case, then they will probably want to eat dessert before dinner too!

Families Birmingham Magazine 7

PLATINUM JUBILIEE CELEBRATIONS

Have a Jolly Jubilee!

By @girlaboutbirmingham Fancy a knees-up in Northfield, shindig in Sheldon or a banquet in Boldmere? No, it’s not quite the same as a gold gilded envelope landing on your mat inviting you to party at the palace, but unless you lucked out in the Buckingham ballot, preparations start now!

So, how does one get ready for an extended bank holiday weekend (2nd – 5th June) to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 70-year reign on the throne? Read on, subjects! Birmingham Families has every angle covered.

Many official events have been organised in celebration of the Jubilee, so the purpose-built websites are the best places to find out how you can get involved.

Get involved in the nationwide celebrations • Street parties People are encouraged to organise street parties for themselves and their neighbours right across the bank holiday weekend, either privately or as part of ‘The Big Jubilee Lunch’. The aim is to connect communities through the celebrations. It is possible to share the details of your party on an interactive map for others to find! There is also useful guidance available on the Birmingham City Council website that covers topics such as how to apply to close your road and how to stay safe during the event. If you are having a party for friends and neighbours, it should be quite fun to organise! platinumjubilee.gov.uk The Platinum Jubilee pageant will be taking place in London on Sunday 5th June. Ideas and inspiration to get involved in this event can be found at platinumpageant.com.

• Big Jubilee Lunch The Big Jubilee Lunch will take place this year from 2nd – 5th June to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee. The website states ‘A Big Lunch can be anything from a small gathering in a garden, park or driveway, to a larger party with trestle tables down the middle of your street.

The idea is that by starting simple, all sorts of friendships, ideas and projects can come out of a Big Lunch.’ It is possible to order a free Big Lunch pack, which tells you everything you need to know about organising one for your community. There is also a bitesize guide on the website. I really fancy getting my kids involved in making the bunting! edenprojectcommunities.com

• Beacon lighting The lighting of beacons has been a long tradition in this country to celebrate historic and important events such as royal weddings and coronations. This jubilee celebration will be no different! Many beacons will be lit on the evening of 2nd June across the country. If you wish to get involved in this, there is a long guide to read, but scroll to page 21 which has the details of how to apply. The city of Birmingham is set to take part in the Beacon lighting celebrations and more details are due to come out soon. queensjubileebeacons.com

• Tree planting - The Queen’s Green Canopy Tree planting in commemoration of the Platinum Jubilee began in October 2021 and ran through to March. It will recommence in October 2022. The idea is to ‘plant a tree for the jubilee’ in a sustainable way to enhance the environment, from individual trees in private gardens to community or corporate spaces with numerous trees. You can even add your tree to a map and attach a commemorative plaque to it. Amazing news is that Birmingham was named as the Queen’s Green Canopy champion city! queensgreencanopy.org

Enjoy the local celebrations • Square dance!

Birmingham is set to go big for the celebrations with councillors having promised that a large-scale event will be organised in Victoria Square over the weekend of 2nd-5th June. So far, we know that there will be ‘four days of free local live music, entertainment, food and celebration for the family!’ There are further details available on the website and as more artists and suppliers are being confirmed on a daily basis, I’m keeping a close eye on their social media to be the first to find out more. birminghamplatinumjubilee.co.uk

8 Families Birmingham Magazine

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PLATINUM JUBILIEE CELEBRATIONS

Other local family-friendly events that I have managed to track down are as follows:

1) The Midlands Air show at Ragley Hall (2nd – 4th June) ‘The Midlands Air Festival returns for a fourth year of excellent family fun as we commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee! This spectacular aviation event will once again consist of Nightfire, Weekend Air Displays and Hot Air Balloon Launches! Plus there will be great trade stands, children's rides and more entertainment than ever before!’ midlandsairfestival.com

2) Resorts World Birmingham Jubilee celebrations (1st – 4th June) ‘To celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, we’ll be looking back over 70 years of history, with children’s workshop sessions in the Atrium (hula hooping, pop art and more). Giant games, such as Connect 4 and Jenga will sit in the Atrium for kids, and big kids-alike to play. Then to celebrate the Jubilee, 1940’s music act, The Bluebird Belles will perform in the Atrium on Saturday 4th June.’ resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk/events

3) Cosford Air Show Shifnal (12th June) ‘The RAF Cosford Air Show will include an action-packed six-hour flying display, including powerful demonstrations of modern military aircraft from the Royal Air Force and international military partners.

Join in the commemoration and celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022. Our Vintage Village is one of the most popular areas on the showground and this year becomes the Coronation Village – an all-day street party.’ cosfordairshow.co.uk

4) Picnics in the parks Finally, I’ve noticed a picnic in the park for Streetly residents at Blackwood Pavilion on 4th June and a community picnic in Cotteridge park, on 5th June. My advice is to keep checking both the Jubilee map and the ‘Big Lunch’ map, for events near you. You could also try your local parks, community spaces and museums etc as events are being added all the time in the run up. platinumjubilee.gov.uk/events/

Musical tributes Queen's Platinum Jubilee Concerts On Thursday 2nd June, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will be putting on a special concert for the Jubilee. They plan to mark this momentous occasion by ‘performing a selection of works from throughout Her Majesty’s reign that is as rich and varied as Her remarkable life and times’.

Top tip! For all season concerts at Symphony Hall, tickets are £10 for under 30’s, and only £5 for under 17’s or students in full time education!

You can also hear a newly commissioned piece written especially for this occasion at its premier at the Big Gala Concert. On Saturday 4th June 2022 the piece will be world premiered at a dedicated special event inside Birmingham Symphony Hall, sung by a mass choir of school children (aged 9-16) from across the West Midlands, accompanied by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) under the direction of world-renowned choral conductor Simon Halsey CBE.’

Walk this way Did you know that the Birmingham Platinum Jubilee Walkway trail has been created specially to mark the Queen’s Platinum jubilee?

With a little help from my friend, local historian Carl Chinn, the organisers have placed bronze markers at several important sites around Birmingham along a 12.1-mile route. How awesome is this?!

Starting at Centenary Square, you will pass sites such as the Chamberlain Clock, Black Sabbath Bench and St Phillips Cathedral.

For a little incentive you can also register on the website, track your progress and earn badges along the way. How great for kids to mark this achievement!

Did you also know that similar routes are mapped out in many other Commonwealth countries throughout the world? Make sure you check out the website to download your map and get started with your steps! commonwealthwalkway.com

And finally… how about some 1950s fun?

• Vintage style A brilliant way to get into the swing of things is to dress up 1950s style! Le Keux Vintage Salon does mini 1950s makeovers and children's parties lekeux.com

• Travel back in time Why not give your family a little insight into how life used to be at Birmingham Back-to-Backs nationaltrust.org.uk, Black Country Living Museum bclm.com, or Haden Hill House Museum sandwell.gov.uk.

On Sunday 5th June a screening of West Midlands Platinum Jubilee Music Composition winners will be showcased in Victoria Square wmpjmc.co.uk

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee event on the Severn Valley railway looks very promising, 2nd – 5th June. It includes Rock’n’Roll bands, vintage fairground ride, pop-up milk bar and juke box and much more svr.co.uk

cbso.co.uk/event/queens-platinum-jubilee-concert

MAKE IT A JUBILEE TO REMEMBER!

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Families Birmingham Magazine 9

TRAVEL

Vacation staycations Families asked the experts at Tested by Tots for their suggestions for your next family break.

Here’s what they’ve come up with.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, New Forest, Hampshire

Catgill Farm, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire

Nestled in the beautiful New Forest, Sandy Balls Holiday Village by Away Resorts won the Holiday Resorts category of the Tested by Tots Staycation Awards 2021. With excellent facilities, bars and restaurants, it has activities for all ages including soft play, bike hire, archery, crafts and alpaca walks. Great location, great staff, great service and something for everyone.

This charming family-run campsite is ideally located for Bolton Abbey and local tea rooms and pubs. Choose from camping, bell tent glamping or timber pods, with an on-site coffee shop, regular shop, BBQ and fire pits (with pizza ovens) for hire, plus electric hook up and WiFi.

www.awayresorts.co.uk

www.catgillfarm.co.uk Forest Holidays, Cropton, North Yorkshire

Cherry Tree Farm Camping, Croyde, North Devon

Beautiful cabins in peaceful woodland with a beach nearby. Bookable activities include horse riding, archery, cycling and forest ranger activities. The kids will love being outdoors, whether in the forest or play area; and there’s even the option to bring the dog.

Awarded Best Campsite in the Staycation Awards 2021, this spacious site is spread over several well-kept camping fields and sits only three hundred metres from the beach. Amenities include on-site wetsuit and board hire, ice block exchange, small device charge station, showers, numerous toilets, tuck shop and even a Sri Lankan food truck.

www.forestholidays.co.uk

www.cherrytreecampingcroyde.co.uk

Tested by Tots takes the stress out of travelling with children. It recommends only products and services that it has checked out and agrees are child-friendly. All this and hints and tips on holidaying with children, including holiday packing checklists at www.testedbytots.com

Win a family holiday with Away Resorts!

Win a three or four night stay for a family of up to six people in Classic accommodation at an Away Resort of your choice.

Welcome to the world of Away Resorts! Experience one of its fabulous UK locations, from countryside to coast and fall in love with a new type of holiday where your accommodation is off-the-scale amazing and new experiences await at every turn. A holiday to create ‘remember when we did that?’ moments that will last a lifetime. Jam-packed with activities, entertainment, fantastic facilities and even events, there’s something to keep every member of the family grinning from ear to ear.

Explore the New Forest, Hampshire, Tattershall Lakes or Boston West in Lincolnshire, Mersea Island in Essex, Barmouth Bay in Wales, Mill Rythe on Hayling Island or Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of White.

Enter at familiesmag.co.uk/go | Closing date: 30 June 2022 T&Cs: Off-peak periods only, subject to availability. Holiday must be taken by 31 December 2022.

Further T&Cs at https://bit.ly/FamAwayRes

10 Families Birmingham Magazine

familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER CAMPS

The lowdown on school holiday camps and workshops

By Andrew Campbell Summer holiday camps, schools and workshops are not only an ideal way to fill in childcare gaps during the long summer break but offer the opportunity for your child to discover a new hobby or take their existing passion to a new level.

Multi-activity day camps Offering a varied daily programme of sports and creative activities, with each session lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours, multi-activity camps are ideal for children who have a range of interests or have not yet found their ‘thing.’ Some camps offer an astounding range of sports, arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, games and challenges. Generally, camps can be booked for single days, half days and full weeks, including extended hours and multi-week discounts.

Sport/single activity camps or workshops These intensely focused summer schools offer specialisation.

Think a specific sport such as football, gymnastics and cricket, one creative activity such as painting, photography and cooking, a single performing art like drama, musical theatre or dance or an area of STEM such as computer coding, robotics and game design.

Generally operating for two to five hours per day and running for just one day or as a progressive course from a few days to two weeks, these camps or workshops often cater for all ages of children and culminate in staging a performance, playing a competitive game or demonstrating a completed project.

For children who have an established interest, single activity camps or workshops offer a valuable opportunity to receive elite coaching and tuition, often from highly qualified or experienced instructors which can result in a significant boost to their existing skill level, confidence and enthusiasm in their chosen endeavour.

For a child curious about an activity, single activity camps or workshops are a great opportunity for an immersive experience which will test their interest and aptitude and for gaining an appreciation of what a regular commitment to weekly term time classes, often run by the same organisation, could offer.

For children who may struggle to find school friends who share their ‘passion,’ activity camps or workshops are a great way to meet ‘like-minded’ peers in their local area.

And for you? A patchwork of activity camps and/or workshops can be expensive but there is a distinct advantage in that they offer some mainstays of childcare across the summer that simultaneously allow your child to be doing something enjoyable, fulfilling, exciting or unique.

What to take to a camp/ workshop

Residential camps – the benefits

A refillable water bottle – there should be drinking water available but remind your child to stay hydrated during the day.

A residential summer camp may feel daunting for both parents and children but there are significant benefits in having time away from home.

For outside activities, make sure your child has sun cream already applied. Ask them to re-apply it every four hours. Ensure they have a sun hat.

Choose well-worn, weather-appropriate practical clothing and comfortable footwear. Layers are good if the weather is unpredictable. Avoid flip-flops which can cause health and safety issues.

Remember swimming costume and towel or apron/old shirt for creative activities.

Packed lunch, plus additional snacks for break times/extended hours.

Rucksack (to carry everything).

Leave mobile phones at home – they are often prohibited by camp organisers anyway. familiesonline.co.uk

Acquire new life skills. Whatever the type of camp, your child will learn new life skills based on their experiences. They may discover a sport or hobby they have not considered before.

Gain more independence. From choosing what to wear, to ensuring they eat well and keep their area tidy, your child will gain a sense of independence and responsibility that can only come from being away from you.

Experience a sense of belonging and make new friends.

Having fun with peers can foster a sense of belonging. Kids bond with their teammates on tasks and feel included in the activities taking place, not to mention making new friends.

Character development. With more responsibility and freedom comes newly gained confidence which could see your child becoming better organised, making better choices and achieving more in the future.

Families Birmingham Magazine 11

FOSTER CARE FORTNIGHT

Five common myths about who can and can’t foster In the UK, 65,000 children live with almost 55,000 foster families right now. The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity, estimates a further 8,600 foster families will be needed in the next twelve months.

Foster Care FortnightTM (#FCF22) organised by The Fostering Network, runs from 9 to 22 May this year and both raises awareness of fostering and celebrates the fostering community.

The fortnight also serves as the UK’s biggest foster carer recruitment campaign. One of the challenges faced in recruiting is ensuring a broad range of carers, so every child in foster care can be matched with a family that meets their needs.

There are many misconceptions about who can or can’t foster. Let’s try to debunk some of the common myths.

Sons and daughters Some people worry that not having their own children will bar them from fostering. That is not the case. Any relevant experience of working with or caring for children is helpful.

However, a lack of relevant experience does not stop you from fostering. Equally, having children already can also be beneficial to your fostering experience. Sons and daughters of foster carers play a crucial role in a fostering household and by growing up in a family who fosters, they’ll gain valuable life skills.

Age As long as you are over 18 and can provide a safe and stable home for the children you look after, your age is secondary.

Connie (30), a foster carer from Manchester, started her fostering career five years ago. “Fostering is the most rewarding job I have ever had and there has not been a day where it hasn’t lived up to what I dreamed it would be. I can recommend fostering to everybody. Not just empty nesters, or people who have had their own children, but anybody who has got the space in their house and their hearts.”

Employment Foster carers come from all kinds of backgrounds. While some fancied a career change and are full time foster carers, others have kept their jobs alongside fostering. Whether this is possible depends on the needs of the children and whether you would be available to attend necessary appointments such as meetings and training. While you must be able to demonstrate financial stability, you don’t have to have a certain salary to become a foster carer. You can also apply if you are receiving benefits.

Disability Having a disability or a named illness does not necessarily stop you from fostering either. Jon has muscular dystrophy – a muscle wasting condition that is life limiting – and became a foster carer eight years ago. He transforms his fostered children’s lives every day. “I foster because of my abilities, not my disabilities”, explains Jon. “I am resilient, compassionate and have a dogged determination. Due to my condition, I also understand adversity which I can use to relate to the children who I care for.” Even though a fostering service will seek a medical report as part of the assessment process, that is only one part of it and services must treat applicants openly and without prejudice.

Religion It doesn’t matter what your religion is, if you can meet the needs of the child placed with you. Before applying, however, you should consider whether you would be open to discussing alternative religious beliefs or certain ethical issues with a child, ensuring that you abide by the fostering service's policies.

Find out more Foster carers play a crucial role in society and are vital in transforming young people’s lives. Find out more about fostering and the Foster Care Fortnight campaign at www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk

12 Families Birmingham Magazine

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News

FOSTER CARE FORTNIGHT

Change your career to Fostering – You CAN too!

“Our journey began in February 2012 when I saw an advert for By the Bridge. They needed Foster Parents and I read with interest. I had a 15 year career in the Leisure industry and Tom, my husband, was a Police Officer.

We had spoken about a career-change, as shift work was placing a strain on our family (at this point we had three of our own children.) I convinced Tom to go to an information evening and he reluctantly allowed me to drag him along. Two hours later we left the venue, looked at each other and both said “We could do that”.

We completed an application form and a day or two later we were invited to a training course – we loved it and met so many people from all walks of life who were interested in Fostering too. To our delight we were invited to start the assessment process with an Independent Social Worker. This process was fairly intense and thought-provoking but as we came to the end we knew we were doing the right thing … in May 2012 we got the decision – we were going to be Foster Parents!

The “therapeutic” training courses were a huge help, they helped us really prepare for looking after the young people we were to support. We quickly became friends with other families in our region - those families are still a big part of our lives today.

That’s where it begun. We have been Fostering for nearly 10 years and it’s been a whirlwind. There has been highs and

lows, days where we wonder what on earth we are doing but in general it’s been the best decision we ever made. We (unexpectedly) welcomed another birth son into the family in June 2015 which added a little pressure, but we made it work.

By the Bridge has been exceptional. Their training and support is second to none and it really feels we are part of a big family.

In the early days I needed to call the Out of Hours service a few times – we were well looked after and offered help and advice in tricky situations.

The young man who we currently Foster has been with us for 8 years. We have had our challenges but have always felt reassured that we have plenty of support from By the Bridge.

He arrived at 11pm as an emergency - 8 years later he is still with us, attending college and really enjoying his course.”

To find out how you can start Fostering and help change children’s lives, call 0800 6446230 or visit www.bythebridge.co.uk/families

Fostering changes lives Change your career. Change their future.

“

We wanted to Foster to help more black children from our local community.

”

Emmanuel & Happiness, By the Bridge Foster Parents

We need Foster families for over 600 children across the Midlands this month alone.

If you have a spare bedroom and want to make a difference, contact us today.

Call: 0800 644 6230 familiesonline.co.uk

Visit: www.bythebridge.co.uk/families Families Birmingham Magazine 13

WHAT’S ON OUT & ABOUT Ackers Adventure, Birmingham ackers-adventure.co.uk OPEN DAILY Activities include archery, climbing, orienteering, zip wire, etc.

Adventure Mini Golf, Star City adventureminigolf.co.uk OPEN DAILY Two family-friendly brilliantly themed 18-hole ‘crazy’ golf courses.

Baddesley Clinton, Solihull nationaltrust.org.uk /baddesley-clinton OPEN DAILY Enjoy the great outdoors whatever the weather.

Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham barber.org.uk OPEN TUES - SUN Barber Family Trails Explore Barber’s collection through different fun themes.

BBC Birmingham bbc.co.uk/showsandtours TUES, WEDS & SAT Tours. Take an exciting look behind the scenes.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens birminghambotanicalgardens .org.uk OPEN DAILY Discover the plants, birds and mini-beasts with Family Backpacks.

Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park birmingham.gov.uk /conservationpark OPEN DAILY Visit the reptiles, meerkats, birds, monkeys and more.

Black Country Living Museum, Dudley bclm.com OPEN WEDS - SUN See history brought to life across 26 acres.

Blakesley Hall, Birmingham birminghammuseums.org.uk /blakesley 1 - 5 JUNE Jubilee Crown Craft. Make a crown to celebrate the Jubilee.

SAT 4 JUNE Circus Skills Activity.

Learn juggling, diabolo, hula hoops and more.

Burntwood Alpaca & Animal Experience, Staffs bradshawbros.co.uk OPEN THURS – SUN TERM-TIME A fun-filled day out on the farm for the family.

Families Suggests…

Burntwood Alpaca & Animal Experience Burntwood, Staffordshire We offer birthday parties, alpaca walks, VIP animal experiences, children’s farm school days and ‘Own a Pony’ days.

We run seasonal events all through the year.

Schools and nurseries also welcome.

We have animals ranging from marmoset monkeys to alpacas.

Open daily 10am-4pm during school holidays. www.bradshawbros.co.uk /alpaca-animal-experience-staffordshire

Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens castlebromwichhallgardens.org.uk WEDS - SUN Orchards, a maze, walks and a wild area to explore.

Hoar Park Shopping & Craft Village, Nuneaton hoar-park.co.uk SUN 15 MAY Craft Fair. Shopping, food and more. Fun activities for the little ones.

Lower Drayton Farm, nr Stafford playatthefarm.co.uk OPEN DAILY Indoor and outdoor play and friendly animals on a working farm.

Martineau Gardens, Birmingham martineau-gardens.org.uk OPEN MON – SAT Nature trail, children’s play area, wildflower meadows, and more.

NEC, Birmingham www.thebigbang.org.uk 22 - 24 JUNE The Big Bang Fair Annual celebration of STEM subjects for 7 to 19 year olds.

Packwood House, Solihull nationaltrust.org.uk /packwood-house OPEN DAILY Explore the beautiful grounds, and create wonderful memories.

Sandwell Museums sandwell.gov.uk/museums A range of different museums, plus activities. Mostly free.

Tamworth Castle tamworthcastle.co.uk OPEN TUES - SUN History brought to life. Lots of activities for the family.

ThinkTank, Birmingham birminghammuseums.org.uk /thinktank SAT 11 JUNE Morning Explorers Early opening for families with children on the autistic spectrum.

Umberslade Adventure, Hockley Heath umbersladeadventure.com OPENING HOURS TBC ON WEBSITE Woodland Activities Nature trails, zip line, tree climbing and den building.

Weoley Castle birminghammuseums.org.uk/weoley 10, 17 & 24 MAY Castle Kids Playgroup Toys, games and craft activities for the under-5s.

ENTERTAINMENT Birmingham Rep Theatre birmingham-rep.co.uk 13 - 14 MAY Birmingham Royal Ballet – Family Music and Dance A wonderful introduction to ballet for everyone aged 4+ Symphony Hall venues, Birmingham bmusic.co.uk WEDS 18 MAY Musical Meet Up: Sohan Kailey Come and enjoy vibrant Bhangra Pop Music and Dance.

SUN 29 MAY BCMG: Drawing Scoring Kids Workshop A free family fun morning of composing and digital drawing.

SAT 18 JUNE Family Jam A chance for the whole family to make music. No experience necessary.

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre birminghamhippodrome.com 21 – 29 MAY Oi Frog & Friends Fun with songs, puppets, laughs and rhymes.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens birminghambotanicalgardens .org.uk FRI 27 MAY Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Join Alice as she experiences an adventure like never before.

Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham oldreptheatre.co.uk SUN 29 MAY The Wizard of Oz Join Dorothy as she goes on a magical adventure.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre grandtheatre.co.uk 1 – 5 JUNE Billionaire Boy Amazing new production of David Walliams’ best-selling story!

The Alexandra, Birmingham atgtickets.com 13 – 14 JUNE Diversity - Connected Dance production centred around the digital era we live in.

16 – 19 JUNE 25 Years of Lord of the Dance High-energy Irish dancing show.

150,000 taps per performance!

CBSO Centre, Birmingham cbso.co.uk 1 – 2 JULY Notelets: On Safari A lively and informal concert to get to know musical instruments.

NOTE: Events are subject to change. Check online before visits.

Pre-booking sometimes necessary.

14 Families Birmingham Magazine

familiesonline.co.uk

KIDS’ PARTIES

2022 children’s party trends

By Claire Winter Many of us have missed celebrating important birthday parties and milestones with family and friends during the pandemic. With restrictions lifted and the summer months upon us, things are looking up at last!

Did someone say party? Here’s how to party like it’s 2022.

Outdoor parties

Food

The pandemic drove us outside and having a party in the garden or going to an outdoor venue still appeals to many parents. A huge outdoor picnic and good old-fashioned games like tug-of-war, quoits or skittles always go down a treat.

Pack bats and balls and you’re ready for rounders. It’s a party with no crumbs and more space to let off steam! Alternatively, parties at venues like Go Ape are an easy option and the children will love to monkey around in the trees.

Grazing platters may look fabulous but some delicious goodies in individual recyclable cardboard boxes are simple to serve, create less waste and can be eaten anywhere. A firm favourite is a cream tea in a box! You can also outsource food to a party organiser or caterer. Or, instead of having one large statement cake, why not offer a fabulous display of cupcakes and mini desserts? It will look gorgeous and the kids (and parents) will love it.

Retro gaming parties

Sleepover in style

Flower power

If you have a gaming fan in the house, why not hire a gaming company to take them back to the eighties? Pac-Man and many of the old-school favourites will fascinate and intrigue them. There are also loads of great VR games that you can hire for the day too.

For an extra special sleepover if you have the garden space, consider hiring a bell tent or teepee. One for the older children - decorate with fairy lights, set up mini Bluetooth speakers and let the fun begin!

Just don’t expect too much sleeping....

Whether they are dried or fresh, flowers have made a huge comeback. Scatter rose petals on the party table or freeze them in ice cubes. Create a huge bouquet as a centrepiece or if you are going all out, hire a flower wall. Perfect for tweens!

Call in the experts

The party bag

Old-school fun

A seasoned magician or entertainer will provide the fun crowd control you’re after.

Younger kids love the games, banter and dancing while you sit back watching the fun.

Give small meaningful gifts instead of plastic. It’s just not the done thing any more to fill party bags with sweets and land-filler plastic tat. A few popular (more eco-friendly) alternative ideas could be a book, a packet of wildflower seeds or a jar of make-at-home cookie mix.

Take a full-on trip down the traditional route. There’s nothing wrong with keeping it simple. Two hours of games like pass the parcel, musical statues, a treasure hunt and a spot of dancing before tea still do very nicely, thank you.

familiesonline.co.uk

Instagrammable installations If you’re all about the ‘gram and other social media shares, you can hire amazing balloon displays, giant LED numbers and neon signs for the party. Do be conscious of sharing pictures of your party-goers as not all parents are comfortable with their children on social media.

Families Birmingham Magazine 15

It’s never too early to develop the individual.

As one of Birmingham’s leading private nurseries, we’re dedicated to providing a well-rounded, nurturing environment that allows our little ones to grow in confidence as they begin to find their place in the world.

To book your one-to-one tour, call us on 0121 440 4097 or email secretary@westhouseprep.com

St James Road, Edgbaston B15 2NX westhouseprep.com