Families Cheshire Issue 61 Sept/Oct 19

Cheshire

In this issue: Does my baby or toddler have ADHD? Is good grammar important?

Trying a new club or class

Issue 61 Sept/Oct 19

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News Are you feeling lucky?!

WIN a Family Ticket to Aladdin at the Grange Theatre, Northwich!

Join in on a magical carpet ride to the Grange Theatre, Northwich for this year’s spectacular family pantomime ‘Aladdin.’

The professional pantomime stars Grange Theatre’s favourite comedy duo Rob Stevens as Widow Twankey and Oliver Scott as Wishee Washee alongside a multi-talented cast of professional West End Musical Theatre performers.

The Grange Theatre pantomime, now in its 11th year, has become renowned for its exciting blend of live music, stunning sets, lavish costumes and bucket loads of comedy.

Daniel Bell, producer for KD Theatre Productions (the company behind the Grange Theatre Pantomime and several others across the UK), said ‘We are very excited to be returning to The Grange Theatre, our second home! We spend all year planning the production ensuring we produce a production of the highest quality for all the family

with new surprises which are set to dazzle and delight our audiences.’

The pantomime runs from 14 December 2019 – 1 January 2020 and tickets are flying out the door.

You can purchase yours online at www.thegrangetheatre.com or by calling the Box Office on 01606 539040.

To be in with a chance of winning a Family Ticket (for 4 people) to this “must see” production, simply send an email with ALADDIN as the subject and your name and phone number to caryl@familiescheshire.co.uk.

The competition closes Thursday 31 October.

Are you feeling lucky?!

WIN a Family Ticket to Quirki by Cirque Surreal!

Quirki by Cirque Surreal comes to Manchester’s intu Trafford Centre for a strictly limited season this October half-term, from Friday 18 October to Saturday 2 November.

‘A Night at the Museum’ meets contemporary circus in this big top spectacular. Audiences will be transported from the heart of Mexico, to unexplored worlds of fantasy, where strange creatures from supernatural realms illuminate and come to life in spellbinding set-pieces of physical improbabilities. Electrifying thrill acts including a giant space wheel and motorcycle thunderdome are given an ultra-modern twist by some of the greatest circus artistes from around the globe, woven together with surreal comedy from Chico Rico, in an unforgettable show for the whole family.

Cirque Surreal leaves behind out-dated big top traditions through its dramatic internationally-renowned contemporary interpretation of ‘circus’. It has toured extensively around the Far and Middle East, and continues to evolve with unique staging, innovative sensory concepts and dynamic artistes, providing the benchmark for other modern circus productions.

Show times vary. For more information and to book visit cirquesurreal.com Next issue: November/December 2019 Circulation: 30,000 copies of Families Cheshire are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Cheshire. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families Cheshire, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesonline.co.uk Editors: Jayne Keep & Caryl Hall Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk 2 Families Cheshire

or call 0871 705 0099. Discounted family tickets available. Box Office open on-site at Peel 7 Car Park, Regent Crescent from Friday 11 October, 11am to 8.30pm daily.

To be in with a chance of winning a Family Ticket, simply send an email with your name and phone number to caryl@familiescheshire.co.uk with the word QUIRKI as the subject.

The Family ticket is worth £110, and is eligible for any Quirki by Cirque Surreal performance at the intu Trafford Centre, valid for either two adults and two children or one adult and three children. The competition closes Monday 30 September.

Terms & conditions: The children must be aged 16 or younger. Winners must confirm their chosen performance time at least two weeks in advance. Tickets subject to availability. Seats are not numbered, it is first-come-first-served in the section tickets are valid. Management cannot be held responsible for unseen eventualities. Tickets will be available to pick up from the on-site Box Office only, on the date of the chosen performance. Full T&Cs at cirquesurreal.com.

Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover Photography: Razzamataz Theatre School, Chester www.razzamataz.co.uk Design: WITH Creative, Congleton. www.withcreative.co.uk Print: Warwick Printers, Caswell Road Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 1QD Tel: 01926 883355 www.warwickprinting.co.uk

National Food Award for local nursery

Elmscot Day Nursery Chester has become the first setting in Cheshire West to gain the highly coveted Food for Life Award – promoting a healthy lifestyle in early years.

This award is designed to recognise settings that give children the best possible start by providing sustainable, fresh produce, as well as giving children opportunity to

cook, grow and learn all about the food they eat.

At the nursery, fruits, vegetables and meat are all sustainably sourced from local suppliers and all menus are approved by a paediatric dietitian. The children learn about where their food comes from and how to cook their favourite meals at nursery.

Throughout the year, the nursery also invites local suppliers, parents and grandparents to join in with a variety of food-based events and cultural celebrations.

To find out more about Elmscot Day Nursery Chester and the incredible facilities or to register for a place, please contact the Nursery Manager directly on 01244 346 456 or email chester@elmscot.co.uk.

Countdown to Christmas!

It’s never too early to make a start on your Christmas shopping – and Tatton Park, Knutsford soon plays host to two Christmas Gift Shows, arranged by Countrywide Events.

Sat 26 & Sun 27 October and Sat 9 & Sun 10 November are the dates for your diary – with free entry into the shows which are open 10.30am until 5pm each day.

There will also be free puppet shows for young and old during the day!

It’s a stress-free way to hunt for home decor, fashion, jewellery,

art-design and, of course, enjoy the produce from a selection of artisan food producers from the North West.

Free hard-surface car parking is a stroll away. Pause a while to let the youngsters have a go in the adventure playground and then take time to enjoy a stroll to watch the deer in the park.

Tatton Park charges £7 for each car entry (regardless of passenger numbers) which goes towards the cost of running the park for the enjoyment of visitors.

Free family fun with heritage open days This year, Heritage Open Days is celebrating its 25th anniversary and will be the biggest and most diverse to date.

Running from 13 to 22 September, this annual celebration of England’s history and culture, allows visitors FREE access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally

charge an entrance fee.

Nationwide there will be hundreds of FREE interactive activities for children, including dressing up, crafting, woodland walks and railway rides.

For local events visit, www.heritageopendays.org.uk and see our What’s On guide on page 14.

Families Cheshire 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 Cheshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families

Cheshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but but Families Cheshire, its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. @FamiliesChesMag facebook.com/FamiliesCheshire

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Clubs & classes Trying a new club or class

By Claire Winter

Whatever the age of your child, trying a new activity or sport encourages them to be more adventurous and learn new skills.

For parents of under 5s, classes and clubs can enrich a child’s day, giving them the chance to experience many different environments and activities. Vitally, these activities also provide social stimulation for parents too.

Meanwhile, the lives of older children have been changed by modern technology, and we need to strongly encourage them to be more active and step away from their smartphone, Xbox, or PlayStation. Thankfully, there are a huge range of organised after-school or weekend clubs and classes for children to attend, from pottery painting to coding.

Here are Families’ helpful tips for encouraging your child to try something new.

Music for tots

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Target their interests A good starting point is to look at your child’s current interests. Their school may offer a wide range of classes and clubs from IT to sport.

Additionally, local sports centres, libraries and art centres are often teeming with opportunities to join classes and clubs. So don’t be afraid to look outside the school environment for things to do.

For active kids, why not consider something more challenging, such as climbing, caving, or martial arts? Those interested in animals may find opportunities at your local zoo, petting farm or riding centre.

While for the creatively inclined, investigate an art class, reading or book club or a school newspaper or blog.

While it’s a little more difficult to assess the interests of pre-schoolers or toddlers, most enjoy sing and rhyme classes or activities that involve physical activity, like pre-school gymnastics or football.

Your little one’s confidence, creativity and co-ordination will flourish with Rhythm Time’s fun, quality music sessions.

“The best music class in town” as quoted by their mums – Rhythm Time’s classes will help to nurture and enhance EVERY child’s development and innate musical ability.

At a critical time in your child’s formative years, Rhythm Time offers a wide variety of activities which help brain development, balance, concentration, listening skills

Understand what’s stopping them Many children can be apprehensive about new experiences, but if your child is consistently shying away from trying new activities, sit down with them and try to find out why. It could be a fear of not making friends, being bullied, low self-confidence about their abilities, or being in an unfamiliar environment. Once you know the cause of their anxiety, you can help address it.

If your toddler or pre-schooler is reluctant to join in a class, participate in the activity alongside them. It takes pre-schoolers time to get used to a new environment.

Once they get used to the situation they will join in with gusto. I still have fond memories of my shy, twin girls dancing and singing at their first music class!

together before I discovered that one of my daughter’s friends attended a weekly roller-disco at our local sports centre and the opportunity to do something with her friend was enough to persuade my daughter to join in.”

You could also introduce a reluctant child to an activity their sibling does, or for younger children nervous about being alone, you can attend the first session with them.

For pre-school and toddler classes, co-ordinating with other parents in your network can feel more important than whether you feel your child will particularly enjoy an activity. Structured activities can keep your little one occupied for a while and give you a welcome chance to make friends with other parents who have children at the same age and stage.

Tap into the demand factor and co-ordinate with others Many children simply want to fit in, so if this is important to your child, look for new or popular activities.

Try talking to other parents and see what activities their children are involved in. You could even co-ordinate for your children to participate in the activity together. Simply knowing that their friends are interested in a new club or class may mean your child will be keener to get involved.

Emma, mum of an 8 year old says: “It took three years at school

Highlight the benefits Focus on the positive things your child will gain by taking part in a particular sport or activity. These could be a new social circle, certificates, medals or stickers, job or education opportunities in the future, greater confidence, getting fitter, or simply being with friends.

After-school and weekend clubs and classes are a great way for your child to stay active and learn new things. Remember, it doesn’t matter what activity your child pursues, as long as they enjoy it.

and language, all of which in turn help with reading, writing, maths, co-ordination and socialising.

Rhythm Time also helps stimulate your child’s imagination and develops specific musical concepts such as rhythm, pitch and listening. It’s the perfect foundation for school and future music making!

As founding members of the Children’s Activities Association,

you can be confident that their classes are some of the best available for parents and carers.

Book a class today at www.rhythmtime.net/ja384

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Clubs & classes New Tots classes at Razzamataz Theatre School Chester

Razz Tots is a brand new class for ages 2-3 at the Northgate Arena, Chester.

These parent assisted classes work to 6 week long themes and are designed to allow children to learn through repetition. They are very stimulating and combine movement, melodies, imagination and craft time, as well as some social time for the parents! With a FREE taster session on Saturday 7 September, why not give your child the best

start and build their confidence through these fun filled classes!

Razzamataz is also holding a FREE taster session for ages 4-18 on Saturday 14 September in their super fun Minis, Juniors, Inters and Seniors classes!

As one of the top theatre schools in Chester, Razzamataz offers some amazing workshops and opportunities; they are currently working towards a performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End as well as Disneyland Paris, and they have regular workshops with some amazing talent such as Ashley Banjo from Diversity, Kerry Ellis and so many more!

To book your FREE place, please contact Chloe today!

07514 624222 / chester@ razzamataz.co.uk www.chester.razzamataz.co.uk or find them on Instagram and Facebook.

Fun rugby activities for children and toddlers

Putting children centre stage…

Noodle Performance Arts is coming to Wilmslow!

Offering ‘kid friendly dance and drama classes at parent friendly prices’, Noodle already runs sessions in Northwich, Hale and Altrincham…and can’t wait to start up in Handforth in September!

Classes encourage teamwork, social & reading skills and confidence as well as giving all kids the opportunity to take to the stage in their seasonal shows.

Bookings are now open for the September term’s following classes; St Benedict’s RC Church, Hall Road, Handforth Mondays: Performing Arts 3-5yrs 4-5pm

Wednesdays: Street Noodles 3-4yrs 4-4.30pm Street Dance 5-9yrs 4.30-5.15pm Noodle Dance 5yrs+ 5.30-6.30pm St Chad’s Parish Hall, Wilmslow Road, Handforth Tuesdays: NPA Academy 5-16yrs 4-6pm See what’s on offer in your area or book a FREE TASTER session for your budding performer at www.noodleperformancearts. com/knutsford, follow them on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter (@NoodleCheshire) or call Cat on 07769 155591 for more information.

Join the world’s favourite rugby play programme and make your child’s development more fun!

Rugbytots’ fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team.

Rugbytots SE Cheshire & Staffordshire Moorlands classes are coached by Alick Willis who runs classes at Macclesfield, Poynton, Bollington & Congleton as well as working in many local primary schools.

Alick has been voted the Nations favourite Rugbytots coach the last two years running as well as winning the What’s on 4 Kids Award 2019 for Most outstanding Activity leader Under 5’s and is a finalist in two categories for this year’s awards.

To find out more, head to www.rugbytots.co.uk, email alick@rugbytots or phone 0345 313 6720.

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Education Is good grammar important?

By Andrew Campbell

When you went to school, it’s possible you didn’t get much grammar instruction and as a result didn’t absorb its importance.

Alternatively, you may have had grammar drummed into you again and again, using a prescriptive rule-based approach which didn’t create an understanding of its significance or purpose.

Either way, you may feel that you don’t know much about grammar and may wonder if it is really an essential component of your child’s education or future.

The truth is that the use of correct grammar is important because it is the main feature within both our spoken and written communication that allows us to communicate our thoughts and ideas clearly and be understood.

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Using incorrect grammar can lead to meaningless sentences and unclear messages, which in turn can lead to misinterpretation or misunderstanding. Even something as simple as a misplaced comma can completely change the meaning of a sentence. For example: “Let’s eat Grandpa.” versus “Let’s eat, Grandpa.”

Children who don’t develop a good grasp of grammar fall back on what they intuitively know about language; as a consequence they simply write like they speak. Whereas with a good understanding of the different grammatical components of language, a

child is able to express themselves clearly and establish good foundation skills for written documentation like school essays, job applications and creative writing in later years.

Grammar rules also help children develop the habit of thinking logically and clearly.

They provide the building blocks for them to expand their vocabulary and understand and express themselves in longer, more interesting and more complex ways. When children increase their language complexity (with word endings, or longer/more complex sentences), they can express and understand more complicated ideas.

The rise of social media as a dominant form of communication amongst young people has given rise to much short-cutting of the English language. When sending texts or messages via Facebook or WhatsApp, simple sentences or fragments of sentences are the norm and it is unnecessary to use grammar. This shortcutting of language exposes children to a real risk of developing bad communication habits which could hold them back in the future.

Some tips for helping your child with grammar Bring grammar to life by asking questions to find out what your child knows about grammar. Do they know what a noun is? If not, show your child some objects. Explain that nouns are the names used for people, places and things. You can do the same with verbs by acting out some actions such as ‘jump’, ‘hop’ and ‘clap’.

Do simple crosswords with your child using a dictionary to help you. The dictionary tells you what type of word you have looked up (verb, adverb, pronoun, noun etc.), and you can share this with your child.

Play with punctuation. When you read, occasionally look at the punctuation and talk about

what it is telling the reader to do. Show your child how a question mark tells you to raise your voice at the end of the sentence to indicate a question being asked.

Play ‘I-spy’ with the focus on looking for nouns (e.g. dad, bridge, tree, shop, apple). Tell your child that you are going to ask questions about the noun they have chosen. For example, ‘Is your noun green?’, ‘Can your noun fit in my hand?’ In this way you introduce grammatical terminology in a fun way.

Model. When your child says something that is grammatically incorrect, model to them the correct way of saying it.

For older primary school children: Opposites. Help your child understand antonyms (opposites) by calling out words like hot, big, slow, and getting them to shout out the opposite.

Alternatively, get your child to shout words that mean the same as the ones you’re calling out (synonyms).

Tense tents. Help your child understand verb tenses, by drawing some ‘tense tents’ on pieces of paper. Write down some verbs in their various tenses – present (play), past (played), future (will play) and get your child to move the verbs into the correct tent.

Sentence Challenge.

Challenge your child to write sentences of more than 25 words that only contain one verb. This helps them to understand how to control a sentence, rather than overcomplicate it.

More resources at:

www.learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/ grammar-vocabulary www.bbc.com/bitesize/topics/ zhrrd2p www.theschoolrun.com/ best-grammar-apps-for-kids

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Education Header The key components of a mentally healthy school

By Dr Margot Sutherland

Health and safety policies cover children’s bodies in schools – so why do they not exist for children’s minds and brains too?

Neuroscience research is now sufficiently advanced that we have all the evidence we need on the adult-child relationship experiences that cause and heal mental health problems.

Painful life experiences predominantly cause mental ill-health – especially when a child is not helped to process and make sense of what has happened.

One of the biggest public health studies of our time, The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE Study), found that adverse childhood experiences are a leading determinant of all major mental and physical illnesses in the West.

These experiences include childhood events like living with parental separation/divorce, suffering a major loss, witnessing domestic violence and living with a parent who has addiction issues or mental health problems.

The more adverse childhood experiences a child has without an emotionally available adult to help, the more vulnerable they are to developing mental health problems. These adverse experiences also trigger toxic stress, which negatively affects the developing brain, immune system and endocrine system.

However, a Government Green Paper* published in December 2017 makes the point that appropriately trained and supported school staff can achieve comparable results to trained therapists in helping children with anxiety, conduct disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, caused

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by adverse childhood experiences.

So toxic levels of stress in a child can be reduced if a child’s school environment can offer such resources.

So how can schools provide these resources and help reduce the toxic stress of vulnerable pupils?

The answer is by introducing a whole-school mentally healthy culture.

What would a mentally healthy school look like?

A school in which children feel listened to and understood at every level, and are encouraged to engage in conversation with empathic adults about their mental state as well as being taught to label their feelings. A mentally healthy school would validate the feelings underneath a child’s behaviour and give children and parents information about the causes and diagnoses of mental health symptoms as well as working with them to relieve these.

A relationship policy for staff A mentally-healthy school would have a policy that ensures school staff consistently engage with children in an open, warm and respectful manner. It might include policies like ’meet and greet.’ Meet and greet in primary schools involves the teacher addressing each child individually by name, with a warm open expression at the school entrance. This intervention calms children and has also been found to dramatically increase attendance figures.** Practices that reduce stress levels of vulnerable pupils Many children arrive at school in an emotional state not conducive to learning.

There are a number of research-backed practices designed to reduce stress levels in vulnerable children, best implemented at the beginning of the school day. These include time with animals, time outside, sensory play, mindfulness, Tai chi and accompanied drumming. A mentally-healthy school would make these practices available.

School staff that are ‘emotionally-available adults’ Having daily, easy access to at

least one specific emotionallyavailable adult and knowing when/where to find that adult can effectively bring down stress levels in pupils. Staff in mentally healthy schools would be trained to adjust their expectations and actions around vulnerable children to match their developmental capabilities and experience of traumatic events.

This would include removing vulnerable children in a kind, non-judgmental way from difficult situations.

A policy around testing and exam stress Mentally healthy schools would help pupils understand that their self-worth is not solely defined by tests and exams.

Finally, if schools are to become mentally healthy places, the value of wellbeing has to start at the very top, with organisations like the Department For Education and Ofsted balancing the scales

between outcomes and emotional wellbeing. There must be national recognition of the importance of monitoring wellbeing in schools, and the wellbeing of staff and pupils must be a key performance indicator for schools.

Dr Margot Sunderland is a child psychologist, psychotherapist, neuroscience expert, award-winning author and the Director of Education and Training at The Centre for Child Mental Health, a non-profit organisation that provides mental health training in schools and Co- Director of Trauma Informed Schools UK. For further information visit: www.childmentalhealthcentre.org * Green paper entitled Transforming children and young people’s mental health provision **When the Adults Change, Everything Changes Paul Dix 2017

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Education Beyond the classroom

The beautiful grounds at Abbey Gate College Infant & Junior School provide a perfect space for pupils to learn and grow.

Their Outdoor Classroom

connects pupils to nature by providing rich learning experiences and Nature’s Nursery with its adventure trail, dipping pond and insect hotel helps develop skills and resilience.

To enhance their current outdoor facilities, families recently came together to plant 70 young trees and created a new Forest Trail.

Outdoor learning presents opportunities for pupils to learn about themselves and how they react and cope with new challenges. The only complaint so far: “The lessons are too short!”. www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk

SGS pupils excel!

A team of four business savvy Second Years from Stockport Grammar School have been named the fourth best team in the country at the Ryman National Enterprise Challenge held at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

Alice Finnie, Alex Bloor, Brooke Richards and Amaya North created ‘Skyler and Ranger’, a plastic waste fighting duo, to be the new mascot for Ryman.

Economics and Business Studies teacher Mr Alex Phillips said: “The pupils delivered a superb presentation with confidence and clarity. Finishing where they did in a National competition is recognition of the dedication that they put in to creating two strong mascots, with an excellent story, and the hours of rehearsals.” www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

A special place to learn

The Grange in Northwich ensures that their young people live their education by creating a learning environment where they are fully immersed in their school experience.

Their hard-working, learnerfocused teachers, outstanding facilities and broad enrichment opportunities ensure that every child receives an education that prepares them for life after school.

They leave equipped with the tools to become ambitious, respectful and confident adults.

There is something special about The Grange. It is something that’s difficult to describe, a feeling, an atmosphere, an experience that you have to encounter to appreciate. It is this that leads to their young people being able to achieve such fantastic academic results.

Their Open Days give you the opportunity to experience that

Open Days

The Grange School An Independent Co-ed School for Children Aged 4-18 in the Heart of Cheshire

and see the school in action as the corridors and classrooms come alive with activities and energy. You will have the chance to see how their students live their education and your children can have a go at science experiments, get creative with English or linguistic with languages... every subject has something to try.

Students will be on hand to provide tours of the school’s facilities and grounds, including their new £7 million Sports Centre. There will be a chance to meet with staff and also listen to an address by the Head.

The Grange School is a co-educational independent school for 4-18 year olds, located in the heart of Cheshire, in the semi-rural village of Hartford, just South of Northwich. www.grange.org.uk

Senior School

Saturday 28th September 9am - 1pm

Sixth Form

Thursday 7th November 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Junior School Saturday 16th November 10am - 1pm

Book Now

www.grange.org.uk 01606 539039

orts Sp n o for illi 6 m open £ w Ne entre 019 C 2

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Families Cheshire 7

Education New King’s campus

The King’s School’s rapidly emerging £60-million campus is now two-thirds of the way through its construction.

The project is on target for completion by the end of May 2020, allowing the school to be fully operational on the new campus from September 2020.

Around 200 parents, 100 staff and pupils from all year groups have already had the opportunity to tour the new campus. King’s Headmaster Dr Hyde said: “It is always a pleasure to show people around the campus: the unanimous response is one of awe. Everyone leaves feeling inspired, enthused and excited for the next academic year.”

Located between Macclesfield and Over Alderley, the 80-acre site will feature a main academic building and a separate Sports Centre, both of which have been designed to incorporate as much natural light as possible, with flexible

learning areas and spaces for pupil wellbeing.

The academic building will include a large Science faculty, an Arts and Design faculty with contemporary workshops, studios and an exhibition space, a Performing Arts faculty with a range of practice rooms, drama halls, a recording studio and a recital theatre, a Modern Foreign Languages faculty, dedicated classrooms for English, Mathematics and the Humanities, as well as a central library and large entrance foyer.

The Sports Centre will offer a swimming pool, sports hall, indoor cricket nets, dance/ martial arts studio, fitness suite and café. Outside, the 80-acre campus will feature rugby pitches, all-weather hockey pitches, cricket pitches, netball and tennis courts, football pitches, rounders pitches and a 400-metre athletics track. www.kingsmac.co.uk

Calls for compulsory climate change education in schools A petition launched by four Oxford school girls calling for lessons on Climate Change to be made compulsory in schools has gathered over 75,000 signatures.

The students are hoping to make climate change a “core part of the compulsory curriculum” to increase the next generation’s understanding of the global issue.

They claim they have “barely learned about the climate crisis

at school, even though it’s supposed to be part of Geography and Science.”

According to the petition: “Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and it must be a part of our education if our generation is to understand it and help us to combat its effects.

That’s why we want climate change to be made a core part of the national curriculum.”

More info: www.change.org

Come to Cransley

The Junior School at Cransley prides itself on its child centred approach in a beautiful rural environment where all pupils feel safe and valued. Pastoral care is of the utmost importance, whilst pupils are challenged academically and taught to be independent thinkers and to challenge themselves.

Small class sizes allow for a personal approach, ensuring a high rate of progress for all abilities, with guided academic rigour, self-challenge and the creative thrills of research, collaboration and play.

Cransley’s enhanced national curriculum utilises the resources, facilities and expertise of the Senior School, providing learning opportunities beyond that of primary schools – in music, science, creative arts, computing, PE and drama.

The Cransley School Values are to seek excellence, nurture relationships and venture beyond – and children are indeed nurtured, experiencing social and cultural understanding and all the while finding enjoyment and engagement in their education. A seamless transition into the Senior School ensures continuous progress and wellbeing at an exciting time of their lives.

Cransley truly is a school where individuals matter. Arrange a personal visit with Headmaster Richard Pollock and see for yourself what they have to offer your child. www.cransleyschool.com

Independent Education for Boys and Girls aged 4-16

Cheshire’s Top Performing School at GCSE for 2017 and 2018 Senior and Junior School OPEN MORNING 21st September 10am cransleyschool.com

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Education

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Families Cheshire 9

Parents’ place Why daylight is essential for children’s health

By Andrew Campbell

Modern children are spending more time indoors than previous generations. An extensive survey in 2016 found that three quarters of UK children spend less time outside than prison inmates and a fifth do not play outside at all on an average day. A report by Natural England concluded that 12% of children in the UK had not been to a park or natural environment at all in the preceding year.

Spending less time outside restricts children’s access to natural light and this can have an impact on their health.

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Short-sightedness Babies are born longsighted, with a short eyeball that grows as their bodies do. A healthy eye stops growing when it reaches its optimum shape, but it struggles to do this without access to good quality light, which is only available outdoors.

Our eyes are very good at tricking us into believing that our indoor environments are well lit, but even a brightly lit room cannot match the levels of outdoor light, even on a cloudy day outside.

Without the correct daylight cues, the eyeball can grow too

long, making the child shortsighted, at which point, they will need lenses or surgery to correct their vision. The NHS advises that ensuring your child regularly spends time playing outside may help reduce the risk of becoming short-sighted.

The sunshine vitamin Sunlight helps children produce adequate levels of vitamin D, protecting them from poor bone health, cardiovascular disease and reduced muscle function. The NHS recommends that babies and children aged under 5 years should be given vitamin D supplements even if they do get out in the sun and everyone else should consider daily Vitamin D supplements, especially from October to early March.

SAD Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a specific type of depression thought to affect around 2 million people in the UK, including children. SAD is thought to be related to lack of daylight exposure and the

effect that this has on some of the brain’s chemicals and hormones. The exact nature of this effect is not fully understood, but one theory is that light stimulates the part of the brain called the hypothalamus which controls mood, appetite and sleep. In some people insufficient sunlight results in a disruption of these processes.

Typical symptoms include lack of energy and motivation, sleep problems, feeling depressed or anxious and poor concentration.

Making small changes, such as giving your children more access to daylight, even when it’s cloudy, and encouraging regular physical activity, will set them up for a much healthier future.

Getting your children to go out and play is an essential component of their long-term health.

For more info visit:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/ seasonal-affective-disorder-sad www.nhs.uk/conditions/ short-sightedness www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/ how-to-get-vitamin-d-from-sunlight

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Parents’ place From the beginning: how early childhood shapes future education

by Lucy Yarnell, Nursery Manager at Elmscot Day Nursery Chester

Establishing a good foundation for learning begins with the relationships a child develops with those around them – right from birth. Their ability to learn and progress depends on how their social and emotional wellbeing is nurtured, as a child who is happy and secure has greater potential to become a successful and capable learner.

Emotional bonds that a young child develops with their parents and carers are crucial

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for a child’s healthy development and wellbeing. These bonds are known as ‘attachments’ and they influence a child’s immediate all-round development. A child with strong early attachments is more confident to engage in play activities, while sustaining their attention for longer.

For babies and young children who spend much of their early life out of their home settings, it is important for parents and carers to work in close partnership

with their childcare provider.

This will ensure that attachments are formed and nurtured, even when the child is away from home.

Within a nursery setting, the attachment bond is provided by a key person. This key person is an Early Years Practitioner whose role is to build an attachment from which a child can build their trust and confidence to explore the world around them – just as they would at home with their family.

The key person will work together with a child’s parents and carers to establish a routine to ensure smooth transition between home and nursery.

Well-developed routines help children develop their independence and give them a sense of security. Children who are well settled and secure learn to develop resilience and the confidence to move on to

their next stage of learning.

Nursery settings also provide stimulating environments that enable a child to explore and learn effectively. These, in combination with carefully planned learning opportunities that are suitable, challenging and individually tailored, help children reach their developmental milestones and become more engaged learners.

Elmscot Chester is part of the Elmscot Group of Day Nurseries and Nursery Schools, providing outstanding childcare and education to over 1,800 children across Cheshire.

To find out more about Elmscot Day Nursery and Nursery School Chester and the incredible facilities or to register for a place, please contact the Nursery Manager directly on 01244 346 456 or email chester@elmscot.co.uk

Families Cheshire 11

Parents’ place Would your child like a magical pen-pal?

Meet Banjo Robinson, a globe-trotting cat, who sends children personalised letters twice a month from places as far away as the Taj Mahal in India, the Great Wall of China and Antarctica.

The new subscription service makes writing fun for 5 to 8-year olds, with 90% of children writing back to Banjo and posting their reply under the sofa before they go to bed. The letters are then whisked away by local cats via

‘Cat Mail’ and delivered to Banjo who takes time to reply to every letter, twice a month. Every letter is personalised with details about the child’s interests, and parents can also add a PS message to the end of the next letter, allowing them to partake in the make-believe. Parents waging the eternal battle to persuade their children to write more will be glad to have a new feline ally to improve literacy levels. Find out more at: banjorobinson.com

Let’s Party!

The Summer may be over, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there.

Brio Leisure offers great value children’s party packages and a variety of options to keep everyone entertained for hours.

Whether you’re after a sports, swimming, bouncy castle or a roller disco party, there’s something to suit everyone.

Can’t decide? They offer combo parties too so you can mix ‘n’ match to create your ideal party.

Speak to your local Brio centre to see what they can do for you or visit www.brioleisure.org

New Unicorn Parties

Having entertained children with her pony parties since 2008, Amanda of Cheshire Pony parties has branched out to offer Unicorn parties (and photo shoots) as well as Chocolate parties and workshops.

Create some truly magical memories of your child with a unicorn party or photo shoot – a real life unicorn, striking natural

12 Families Cheshire

orchard backdrop and stunning photos to remember your day.

Amanda is known for being fantastic with children and delivering amazing parties.

During a party the children will groom, decorate and ride a unicorn and enjoy some Unicorn themed craft. The party marquee is also Unicorn themed.

Her photo shoots include various props both for the unicorn and your daughter.

Max 16 children, aged 2-10.

Parties are available at Amanda’s orchard in Kelsall, or at your home.

To create magical memories of your child visit www.CheshireUnicorns.co.uk or call 07954 016179.

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Does my baby or toddler have ADHD?

By Toby Buckley

October is ADHD awareness month and Families takes up the baton to raise understanding about this debilitating condition.

Inattention, poor impulse control and hyperactivity are some of the key characteristics that define the behavioural disorder, ADHD. When your child is just a baby or toddler, the difficult behaviours associated with ADHD may slowly become apparent. Many children with ADHD will have been particularly hard to put down to sleep as infants, so you may well find yourself pacing around the house with them in the middle of the night to no avail.

Nursing for long periods in the middle of the night can be particularly challenging with a baby with ADHD, who might sleep for a short while then wake up screaming and crying demanding full attention. In addition, nightmares may wake them back

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up pretty quickly even if you do manage to get them to sleep.

During the first year of life, around one fifth of all babies will show signs of “regulatory issues” such as sleeping issues, difficulty feeding and persistent crying.

However, by the time they reach pre-school, most of these infants will have adjusted and their transient symptoms will disappear.

In research1 into infant regulatory problems, 22 studies of 1,935 children were analysed.

Babies with multiple regulatory issues were covered in five of these studies, excessive crying in ten, sleeping problems in four and feeding issues in three.

The study concluded that infants who experienced problems in several categories were at the highest risk of developing behavioural problems. Temper tantrums and ADHD were the most common behavioural problems to develop.

Tantrums Problems with temperament are particularly common in infants with ADHD. From rocking in their cribs or baby chairs to thumping one or both of their feet, a baby with ADHD may engage in a variety of troubling behaviours.

However, many of the symptoms of ADHD in babies closely resemble the behaviour of any other happy, healthy baby, so they can go unnoticed. It is only when the problems continue after other

Parents’ place babies have grown out of them that the issue becomes apparent.

It can take a strict eye to figure out whether or not a baby is having difficulty remembering things. One issue can be food: does your infant tend to put food in their mouth but forget to chew or swallow? Do they start crying for attention in the middle of a game, seemingly forgetting that they were playing?

These might be indicators of ADHD. Can toddlers be diagnosed with ADHD? There is evidence that toddlers are being diagnosed and treated for ADHD. The National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines state that “ADHD should be considered in all age groups, with symptom criteria adjusted for age-appropriate changes in behaviour.”

ADHD that’s visible in toddlerhood can be associated with a number of causes and risk factors, including: • Genes • Low birth-weight, especially when caused by premature birth • Central nervous system problems at critical moments during development • Mother using drugs, alcohol, or smoking during pregnancy, or exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy

• ADHD also has a number of early indicators, according to some studies. Your child will not necessarily have ADHD if they have some of these signs and symptoms, but they may be worth taking into consideration • Slowed rate of head growth • Issues with behaviour • Delay in motor development, speech, and language. Speech development delays at 9 months old were present in a third of children with ADHD, according to one study. At 18 months old, two thirds exhibited delayed speech and language.

As soon as they reach 3 years of age, certain researchers have suggested that a child can reliably be diagnosed with ADHD through evaluations.

Where can I find out more?

For more information about ADHD, check out this helpful guide from Need2Know books at www.need2knowbooks.co.uk/ product/the-essential-guideto-adhd/ It answers essential questions and guides parents and teachers step-by-step through the actions they need to take to support a child with ADHD. Use N2K25OFF for a 25% discount.

Sources 1 Archive of Disease in Childhood

Families Cheshire 13

What’s on Fri 6 – Sun 8 Sept

Southport Beach Southport Airshow A packed flying schedule and with the RAF 100 we have a fitting tribute with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Bristol Blenheim and Spitfires flying over the weekend. www.visitliverpool.com

Sat 7 Sept

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Edible Art Family Craft Various times from 12pm / All ages / Free, normal admission applies. Rediscover words that are being lost in children’s language that are used to describe the natural world. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Sun 8 Sept

Lyme Park, Disley Lyme Bark 11am – 3pm / Free, normal admission applies. Our annual celebration of all things canine! A fun dog show, agility and more, dog-themed gifts and treats and meet our ranger team and Lyme dogwalking ambassadors. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Sat 14 Sept

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Heritage Open Day: Explore Dunham Massey 10.30am – 5pm / All ages / Free, normal admission applies. Celebrate the autumn season and all its colours, tastes, smells and sounds. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events Grosvenor Museum, Chester Heritage Open Days: Family Tree Activity 1.30 – 3.30pm / All ages / Free, drop-in . Make your very threedimensional family tree to fill with beautiful pictures of your family and other special people in your life. www.events.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Northwich Fire Station Open Day 11am – 4pm / All ages / Free, donations welcome.. Watch a variety of demonstrations, meet our firefighters and have the opportunity to ask them questions! www.cheshirefire.gov.uk Festival Hall, Alderley Edge Arty Alderley Silent Disco 1.30 – 3pm / All ages / £6, pre walkers go free. An absolute smasher of an afternoon – fun arts, dad dancing, great tunes, crazy dress up and smiles all round guaranteed.

Ourkids.social/events

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Sept

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Heritage Open Day: Rights to Access 10.30am – 5pm / All ages / Free, normal admission applies. Step back in time to discover the paths that two hundred years ago, you may not have had the right to take. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events Chester Zoo Wildlife Connections Festival 12 – 5pm / All ages / Free, normal admission applies. Two jam-packed days with amazing activities that will have you enthralled by the wildlife found right on our doorstep. www.chesterzoo.org/events Tatton Park Harvest Festival at the Farm 12 – 5pm / Normal Park and Farm admission applies. Join in with the Farm’s

14 Families Cheshire

very own harvest festival. Harvest Blessing at 2pm with Preston Brook brass band. Please feel free to bring your own pets to be blessed. www.tatton.org.uk

Tues 17 – Sat 21 Sept

Crewe Lyceum Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat The sparkling family musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Sat 21 Sept

Lyme Park, Disley Heritage Open Day 10.30am – 5pm / All ages / Free, normal admission applies. Craft activities and games throughout the day. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events Lion Salt Works, Northwich Heritage Open Days 10.30am – 5pm / All ages / Free, drop-in Free taster tours of the unique buildings of the Lion Salt Works. www.events.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Lymm Fire Station Open Day 11am – 4pm / All ages / Free, donations welcome. Watch a variety of demonstrations, meet our firefighters and have the opportunity to ask them questions! www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

Sat 21 & Sun 22 Sept

Stretton Water Mill, Stretton Heritage Open Days: Victorian Harvest Weekend 12 – 5pm / All ages / Free, drop-in Celebrate the traditional harvest with apple pressing (bring your own), butter making, corn dollies, recipes, music, and ‘the wonders of the bicycle’. www.events.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk Arley Hall and Gardens, Northwich The Great British Food Festival 10am – 5pm / All ages / £9 per adult Cookery demos , the Men v Food challenges, live music, children’s cookery lessons, giant bubbles and circus skills! www.arleyhallandgardens.com

Sun 22 Sept

Blakemere Village, Northwich Woof Mudder 2019 9.30am – 2.30pm. St Luke’s Hospice first ever 5K Muddy Obstacle Course for Dogs (and their humans!). www.slhospice.co.uk

Thurs 26 Sept – Mon 7 Oct

Manchester City Centre Manchester Food and Drink Festival This well-established nationally acclaimed event sees its 22nd annual take-over of the City. www.foodanddrinkfestival.com

Fri 27 – Sun 29 Sept

Event City, Manchester The Baby and Toddler Show All the amazing shopping and expert advice new and expectant parents need to give their baby the best start! www.babyandtoddlershow.co.uk

Fri 27 Sept – Sun 13 Oct

Junction Nine Retail Park , Warrington WA2 8TW Gandeys Circus – The Greatest Show Tour An international cast of over 30 circus stars combine for a lavish theatrical production, in a fully heated 1,000-seat theatre big top, with state-of-the-art sound and lighting! A great family outing!

08717055507 / www.gandeyscircus.com

Sat 28 Sept

Dunham Massey, Altrincham Taste the Estate Guided Walk 11am – 2pm / All ages / £6.50 Adult, £3.25 Child. Treat your taste buds on this autumnal guided walk as you discover some of the various food and drink producers on the wider Dunham Massey estate. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Fri 4 – Mon 21 Oct

Goostrey Village Hall Goosfest A huge range of music, entertainment, arts and community events. www.goosfest.com

Sun 6 Oct

Tatton Park Apple Day 10am – 6pm / Normal admission applies. A scrumptious Sunday at the Farm and in the Gardens to celebrate the wonderful apple with games and children’s activities. www.tattonpark.org.uk Crewe Fire Station Open Day Times TBC / All ages / Free, donations welcome. Watch a variety of demonstrations, meet our firefighters and have the opportunity to ask them questions! www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

Sat 12 Oct

Ellesmere Port Civic Hall The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show 11am and 1.30pm. This critically acclaimed production features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories, Brown Bear Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

0333 666 3366 / www.brioentertainment.org

Fri 18 Oct – Sat 2 Nov

Trafford Centre Quirki! By Cirque Surrreal ‘A Night at the Museum’ meets contemporary circus in this big top spectacular. Discounted family tickets available. 0871 705 0099 / www.cirquesurreal.com

Sat 19 Oct – Fri 1 Nov

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal October Half Term: People? Pah, Profit!

11am – 4pm / All ages / Free, normal admission applies. Discover how mill work impacted the human body.

Crafts, science experiments and interactive activities that will bring all of the aches, pains and injuries of 18th Century mill work to life. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Sat 19 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Blakemere Village, Northwich Zombie Pirate Treasure Trail 10am – 4pm / £3 per child. Follow Blakemere’s spooky trail to discover the hidden items left here by the Zombie Pirates many years ago. Pirate or Halloween dress up encouraged. www.blakemerevillage.com

Sat 19 Oct – Thurs 7 Nov Lyme Park, Disley Autumn Woodlands Trail 10.30am – 4.30pm / Dogs welcome/ £2 per trail booklet. Pick up your trail booklet and adventure through Lyme’s woodlands to discover the fairy tales and folklore of our trees. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Mon 21 – Fri 25 Oct

Dunham Massey, Altrincham The Lost Words: Told in Gold Various Times / All ages. Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris’ spellbook, The Lost Words, is brought to life in this imaginative family theatre performance. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

Mon 21 Oct – Fri 1 Nov

Jodrell Bank, Cheshire October Half Term – Meet the Experts 1pm Weekdays only / All ages / Free with general admission. Meet one of our residents science and astronomy experts and ask the space questions you’ve always wanted to! www.jodrellbank.net

Mon 21 Oct – Sun 3 Nov

Jodrell Bank, Cheshire October Half Term – Planet Hunters Various times / Age 7+ / Free with general admission. Join the search for another planet like the Earth in our brand new science show. Fun-filled and fact-packed, our shows include interactive demonstrations and live experiments – perfect for all the family! www.jodrellbank.net

Sat 26 & Sun 27 Oct

Tatton Park The Christmas Gifts Fair 10.30am – 5pm / normal Park entry applies, free entry to fair. An early chance to look for those special Christmas gifts for all the family. www.countrywide-events.co.uk Family ‘Pick a Pumpkin’ 10.45am – 12pm / Age 5+ / £12 (includes park and farm entry), booking essential. Choose your own pumpkin, fresh from the field, then head to the Clydesdale Barn for a refreshing pumpkin juice and a yummy pumpkin muffin and learn how to create a warming pumpkin soup. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 26 – Thurs 31 Oct

Tatton Park Haunted Hallowe’en at the Old Hall Creep through atmospheric woodland and the Medieval Old Hall on a theatrical journey before you get the chance to work your magic in a ghoulish workshop. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Mon 28 – Thurs 31 Oct

Tatton Park The Pumpkin Patch 12 – 5pm / All ages / £10pp (includes farm and park entry). Come down to the Farm to meet all your Farmyard favourites and then head off in search of the perfect pumpkin. Booking essential. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tues 29 Oct

Northwich Memorial Court The Snow Queen 2pm and 6pm / Age 5+. A magical new adaptation of the timeless Hans Christian Andersen story that inspired Frozen. The story is brought to life by an ensemble of actor-musicians, illusion and puppetry. For ages 5+.

0333 666 3366 / www.brioentertainment.org

Wed 30 Oct

Ellesmere Port Civic Hall Pop Divas Live! present a tribute to Little Mix & Friends. 6pm. The best songs from all your favourite female stars in one fabulous fun-packed show.

0333 666 3366 / www.brioentertainment.org familiesonline.co.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk or upload your event listing to our website - www.familiesonline.co.uk

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What’s on

Families Cheshire 15

Get Bowled Over at Superbowl UK Superbowl UK has fun covered for the whole family come rain or sunshine this Summer.

So why choose Superbowl UK? We’ve highlighted 10 reasons to choose them!

1 Bowling is weather-proof!

8 You get to sport great shoes. Come on. When

Raining? No problem. Snowing?

No problem. Heat wave?

We have air conditioning... no problem.

else do you get to wear freshly sanitised, tricolored beauties? Sport them with pride.

9 Parties - Have you ever tried throwing a five-year-old’s birthday party at home? Well, you don’t need to worry - we cater for all occasions!

2 There’s no equipment required! You can just show up at the bowling alley, and we’ve got everything you need!

10 Come and relax with the family at Superbowl UK.

We’re open from 9am-Midnight every day.

3 Bowling is great for groups of all sizes and we’ve

got you covered. Whether have a family reunion heading your way or just looking for something to do, bowling suits every occasion.

4 Almost anyone can do it. You can request ramps

to help the youngest and oldest in your groups get the balls down the lane, and you can pop those handy bumpers up for you on your off days. Oops, we mean for the kids. That’s right, for the kids.

5 It’s perfect for a little fun, healthy competition. We

can’t encourage big-time betting, but a little “the loser does the dishes for a week” competition between spouses or siblings adds a whole new level of fun!

WARRINGTON Call: 01925

407053

Email: warrington@superbowluk.co.uk 1st Floor, 77 The Mall, Golden Square Shopping Centre, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1QE

6 You can eat and drink while

playing. How many sports have built in bars and grills for the players? Beer or soft drink, fries or burgers — you really can’t beat it.

MACCLESFIELD Call: 01625

616438

Email: macclesfield@superbowluk.co.uk

7 Crazy celebrations aren’t just

encouraged, they are required!

Dad’s celebration dance may just top your best moonwalk, but there’s one thing for sure, nothing’s too over the top when you finally conquer all 10 pins.

Lyme Green Business Park, London Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0TB

www.superbowluk.co.uk

*from selection. Management reserve the right to remove or change this offer.

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