Families Manchester Issue 47 Sept-Oct 2014

Edition 47 • Sept/Oct 2014

@FamiliesManch

The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

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In this issue > All set for the new school year > Active kids: after school clubs & classes > Mindfulness, the secret to happy parenting

Covering: Altrincham, Trafford, Salford, Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Didsbury, Stockport, Cheadle, Bramhall, and surrounding areas.

News In this issue 02: News 04: Clubs & classes 09: Back to school 16: Parties 19: Parents’ place 22: What’s on

Brewing for ‘chari-tea’

Hello!

Welcome back to the start of a new school year! It’s an exciting time for us, as our youngest honorary team member starts his school journey in Reception, and our oldest prepares to sit his GCSE’s. Cue heightened stress levels!

So, as we embark on another frenetic round of uniform washing, lunch packing and taxi driving, it seemed the perfect time to think about “being mindful”, or taking time to focus on the “now”.

Have a read of our article on page 20, and may we all embrace the challenge of happy parenting!

Brew lovers across the UK are being urged to take a break, put the kettle on and enjoy a cuppa and a slice of cake, all in the name of a good cause.

National Tea and Cake Break will take place on 17 October to raise vital funds for Epilepsy Action. The charity supports everyone affected by epilepsy through a

Run for Fun goes to Parliament

Enjoy the madness!

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

Next issue: Nov/Dec 2014

Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk

Circulation: 25,000 copies of Families Manchester are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Greater Manchester.

If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know.

Contact details: Families Manchester, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiesmanchester.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiesmanchester.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiesmanchester.co.uk Cover photograpy: Bridgewater School, Manchester 0161 794 1463 / www.bridgewater-school.co.uk

Families Manchester is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West.

All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license.

We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. @FamiliesManch

GO Run For Fun, a new charity that encourages 5 – 10 year olds to be active, has taken its message to the Houses of Parliament to argue its case for more political support to encourage kids to become more active.

20 school children and charity founder Jim Ratcliffe directly lobbied politicians

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton.

Tel: 07743 111 694, www.withpaul.co.uk

A shocking 10.6 billion single-use bags will be given out over the next 13 months before the government implements its new bag charge legislation in October 2015.

With the average person using 133 bags per year, the Break The Bag Habit

coalition are launching a new website to encourage supporters to pledge to stop using single-use bags, in an effort to offset the environmental impacts. The website is supported by internationally acclaimed photographer Martin Brent with a series of stunning yet shocking images entitled ‘Killer Bags.’ These images feature plastic bags Martin was confronted with whilst diving, and make some difficult viewing. So don’t delay, make your pledge today! www.breakthebaghabit.org.uk

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and raised the issue of childhood obesity, with the charity urging the Government and all political parties to build on the Olympic Legacy and formulate policy to get children to be more active, in order to tackle the growing issue of childhood obesity in Britain. Inactivity is a serious issue for the UK and is getting worse, and the charity believes that encouraging children to be more active is the only way to stop the scourge of childhood obesity. GO Run for fun is a proven programme that is promoting a more active lifestyle, and has already attracted 20,000 children to ‘get off the couch!’ in under 10 months and will meet its target of 100,000 children by 2016.

Auditions for the National Children’s Orchestra

www.facebook.com/familiesmanchester

Killer Bags still threaten the environment

range of services, including its Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050, branch network, specialist nurse scheme and award-winning website.

Michael White, fundraising events officer at Epilepsy Action, said: “Whether it’s a simple cup of tea and cupcake at home with friends, a tea party in the office or a school bake sale, anybody can get involved.”

Everyone who registers to hold a National Tea and Cake Break will receive a free pack bursting with hints, tips and tools to get their event off to a sweet start. For more information and to register for your fundraising pack, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/ teabreak or call the fundraising events team on 0113 210 8824.

The National Children’s Orchestra is holding auditions now at venues across the country, with auditions at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester on 25 & 26 October.

The Orchestra for ages 7-13 gives talented children the chance to train with top musicians and perform at some of the biggest concert venues in the UK. They also get to spend time with other children who share their passion for music and get to make friends and have fun.

Children are asked to prepare two pieces of music of up to five minutes each for their audition. The chosen pieces should show contrast in speed and style. You

don’t have to have taken any musical grade exams to audition.

Following the audition you could be invited to become a full member of the Orchestra or an associate member. Full members will be asked to join one of the NCO’s 6 orchestras: a training orchestra; under ten; under 11; under 12; under 13; and the main children’s orchestra. Associate members will be invited to attend the regional rehearsal sessions held monthly, and to audition again the following year for full membership.

The closing date for applications is September 26 but apply immediately for the best chance of getting your choice of audition venue.

Ability to play is more important than ability to pay and the NCO offers full bursaries, part bursaries and scholarships to help talented musicians take part.

For full details log on to www.nco.org.uk

News Theme park toddlers set to plod for Pod

Warrington theme park Gulliver’s is set to hold its first ever Toddler Plod on Thursday 25 September to raise money for children’s charity Pod, which organises children’s ward entertainment in hospitals up and down the UK. Plodding will consist of five stages of around 50m each, led by members of the Gully Gang. The park will be open from 11am on the day of the plod for

registration plus entertainment, music, dancing, face painting, character appearance and more, and families are welcome to enjoy theme park fun after taking part in the event.

Costing just £2 to register, each child will receive a certificate, a commemorative award and a fantastic prize pack filled with loads of goodies.

Sign up and download sponsor forms online now at www.gulliversfun.co.uk or www.toddlerplod.co.uk. Local hospitals set to benefit include Arrowe Park, Bolton, Bury, Chester, Crewe, Liverpool Children’s, Manchester Children’s, Oldham, Warrington, Whiston and Claire House Children’s hospice, Wirral.

Childhood cancer awareness month

Wear a gold ribbon this September to show your support for families who are coping with childhood cancer. Buy your ribbon at www.clicsargent.org.uk, CLIC Sargent shops or branches of the supermarket Lidl, JD Wetherspoon pubs or fashion retailer Wallis.

You can also ‘go gold’ by texting ‘GOLD’ to 70030 to donate £3 to CLIC Sargent. Or add a gold ribbon to your social media profiles online and email your MP to ask them to show support for children with cancer. You could even organise a gold-themed fundraising event, like a dress down day at work or a tea party. And you can donate your gold coins to one of their Big Bucket Collections at supermarkets across the UK this September.

To find out more about how you can get involved in Childhood Cancer Awareness month, please visit www.clicsargent.org.uk

Elmscot Group wins top business award

The Elmscot Group was named Business of the Year (over 50 employees) at the Trafford Business Awards 2014 at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford recently.

The Group, founded in 2001, provides childcare and education for nearly 1000 children aged 0 – 11 years across 3 Day

Nurseries and 8 School’s Out out-of-school Clubs based in primary schools in South Manchester and Cheshire. Owners and Directors Stephanie Molnar and Dee Cross said: “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to win Trafford Business of the Year. We are proud of the outstanding service which we continually strive to offer families and that we have been able to boost local employment.

Local suppliers play a key role in our growing business. It is thanks to our innovative and dedicated team that our organisation continues to go from strength to strength. This award recognises our ongoing commitment to the children in our care.”

To find out more about their award-winning childcare, go to www.elmscot.co.uk

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

WIN A LANDS’ END CHILDREN’S BACKPACK Let your child be the the envy of his/her friends with a fun, stylish backpack worth £50!

It’s part of the Lands’ End kidswear collection that includes durable outerwear and footwear in a range of colours and designs as well as lunchboxes and other great accessories that they’ll love!

We’ve got one of these fabulous backpacks to give away - so get your entry in now at www.familiesmanchester.co.uk. The competition closes Tuesday 30 September.

Visit www.landsend.co.uk to view the entire collection.

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY?!

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO SEE DISNEY ON ICE AT THE PHONES 4U ARENA Disney On Ice is returning to Manchester in October with the spectacular production of 100 Years Of Magic. It promises to be the celebration of the century, bringing to life Disney’s most remarkable characters from across the decades including Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse, joined by friends from the much loved Disney favourites such as Beauty & the Beast, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Peter Pan and many more!

Join the celebration as more than 60 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years Of Magic! You’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years Of Magic comes to Manchester!

Families has teamed up with Disney On Ice to offer one lucky person the chance to win a family ticket (admitting 4 people), to see the show at Phones 4u Arena Manchester on Wednesday 15 October. To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is go to www.familiesmanchester.co.uk and answer a simple question. Entries close Tuesday 30 September.

Good luck!

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years Of Magic is at Phones 4u Arena Manchester from 15 – 19 October 2014. Tickets are priced from £14 - £29. For further ticket information telephone 0844 847 8000 or visit www.phones4uarena.co.uk or www.disneyonice.co.uk

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Clubs & classes Arts & Crafts

Bean & Brush Family art café in Sale offering arty clubs for all ages (children and adults) together with quality food and drink. Winner of Mamas & Papas Child Friendly Eatery 2012 award.

0161 973 2140 / www.beanandbrush.co.uk Brookside Pottery Pottery painting for individuals or groups in Poynton.

07946 637499 / www.brooksidepottery.com Crafty Little Chimps Arts and craft classes for pre-schoolers, suitable for ± 12-18 months onwards). It’s time for fun, mess and creativity - join us for a free taster session at one of our classes in Bramhall, Cheadle or Hazel Grove.

Also available for parties and holiday sessions.

For more information contact Liz on 07717 315837 or email havefun@craftylittlechimps.co.uk. www.craftylittlechimps.co.uk Creative Explorers Art classes in South Manchester run by a professional artist (currently four sessions a week – preschool Monday morning and Friday afternoon and after school Tuesday and Thursday 4 – 5pm). Extra sessions available by arrangement (min 5 children), as well as tailored art and craft parties.

0161 637 2257 / www.creativeexplorers.net Parsley Pie Art Club Unique and quirky artists retreats for children in Hale, Whitefield and Stockport offering after school and Saturday classes as well as holiday workshops.

0161 904 9444 / www.parsleypie.com Pottery Corner Paint-your-own pottery studio in Chorlton, catering for individuals, groups, parties or corporate team-building! 0161 882 0010 / www.potsareforpainting.co.uk

BABIES & TODDLERS

Baby Calm, Sale, Hale and Manchester. Mother & Baby, Baby Calming, Antenatal and Sleep Workshops that empower new parents to raise their baby with confidence.

Claire: 07989 488817 / www.babycalm.co.uk Baby Sensory Sensory development activity programme designed specifically for babies from birth. Activities stimulate the senses and help your baby develop. Classes across Manchester.

Didsbury, Sale & Bowden – Kerry: 07841 126945 Trafford – Emma: 07545 161358 Stockport & Cheadle – Lindsay: 07590 916004 www.babysensory.co.uk Rhythm Time Early learning through music – for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Elton Bury, Greenmount & Whitefield – Janet: 07980 632033 North Cheshire – Jane: 01270 529224 South Manchester – Kimberley: 01625 533510 www.rhythmtime.net Sing and Sign Baby Signing Classes Bolton & Bury – Helen: 07881 507172 Warrington – Nicki 07852 155190 www.singandsign.com TinyTalk Baby signing and singing classes (0-18 months). Altrincham, Didsbury, Urmston & Chorlton – Andrea: 0161 980 3662 Salford, Worsley & Swinton – 0161 943 7005 www.tinytalk.co.uk The Baby Massage Company Touch, Learn, Love.

Learn the art of baby massage, meet other parents in your area & most importantly form a close bond with your baby. Classes currently in Timperley, Hazel Grove & Bramall. Private sessions at your home also available. 07866 468245 / www.thebabymassagecompany.co.uk YogaBelliesKidz for Blissed Out Babies, Tantrum Free Toddlers and Kool Kidz! Plus fantastic Kidz Party Packages from £6.50 per head!

Contact Angela on 07940 476 953 or angela@yogabellies.co.uk

COOKING

Cookie Tots & Kiddy Cook Unique kids cooking classes and parties exclusively designed for children aged 2 - 11 in Hale & Altrincham – Nikki: 07976 619648 www.kiddycook.co.uk

For a more comprehensive Clubs & Classes directory, go to www.familiesmanchester.co.uk.

Crafty Cooks A fun-filled cooking class for children from aged 2. Holiday and weekend workshops also available as well as after school classes for older children, and parties for all ages. 07730 681798 / beth@craftycooks.co.uk / www.craftycooks.co.uk Kayterfun Cookery session for little ones at Anchors Away indoor play centre, Stockport, on Fridays at 10.30 – 11.30am. No booking required.

0161 432 4020 / www.anchorsaway.org.uk

DANCE

Baby Ballet A movement to music programme for pre-school boys and girls from 6 months. Bury & Bolton – Miss Jayne: 0161 280 3686 Didsbury & The Heatons – Miss Laura: 07753 111753 / www.babyballet.co.uk Diddi Dance Funky dance classes for 2-4 year old boys and girls in Gatley, East Didsbury, Burnage, Heaton Moor, Bramhall, Cheadle & Poynton. Classes are designed to help your diddi ones enhance their co-ordination and rhythm and to nurture their natural love of movement in a structured yet relaxed 45 minute class. We teach 14 different dance styles from country to hip hop, Bollywood to disco!

Lisa: 07966 542985 / www.diddidance.com Lesley Taylor School of Dance Ballet & Tap for girls and boys age 2+ in Sale, Cheadle, & Timperley. Free trial classes in Timplerley and Cheadle. 07702 808467 / 0161 483 1331 / www.lesleytaylor.net Starlight Theatre School Ballet, Tap and Modern Theatre for children of all ages in Bramhall. Anna: 0161 747 4074 / www.starlightschool.co.uk

LANGUAGE

La Jolie Ronde HappyGoMonkey French is based on fun language learning using games, songs, puppets, dancing, role-play and other exciting activities.

Classes run in schools, nurseries and open centres in central and South Manchester for babies to 11 year olds. Natalie Jensen: 0161 224 9952 www.happygomonkey.co.uk Le Club Francais/El Club Español Fun language clubs for children age 4 – 11. www.lcfclubs.com Talking Tots Fun, interactive classes that help your child communicate with confidence. These unique pre-school classes, which follow the developmental stages of language, are bursting with exciting activities and games designed to gently boost young children’s communication skills and social confidence. Three age appropriate classes which are suitable for children from 12 months to 4 years of age. For classes in Heaton Moor, Didsbury, Chorlton and Stockport contact Siân on 07794 433179 or email sian@talkingtots.info / www.talkingtots.info

MUSIC & SOCIAL Jabberjacks A learning and fun activity pre-school class which helps develop social and physical skills for children aged between 6 months and 4 years old. Parties for ages 2 – 7 also available. South Manchester – Nikki 07587 186284 North Manchester – Gaynor: 0161 790 8080 www.jabberjacks.co.uk Jo Jingles Well planned and structured activities to develop children’s communication, listening skills and self-confidence.

High energy action songs, careful percussion playing, and exciting props to keep your child focused and having a great time.

Age specific sessions from 3 months to 4 years, fostering a love of music in very young children.

Manchester North – Jo: 01706 212889 South Manchester – Jacqui: 01925 269136 Mid Cheshire – Eve: 01928 739966 North East Cheshire – Laura: 0161 431 0674

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Jittabugs, Sale Activities, games and exercises to promote your child’s movement, balance and memory skills. Drop-in classes at the Waterside Arts Centre in Sale. Wednesdays (10am) or Fridays (10.15am). Tickets from the box office, £4 a session. Karen: 0161 973 2656 / www.jittabugs.com Kiddiewinks / Babywinks Fun, interactive classes and parties for children from sitting to school age in Chorlton, Bramhall, Cheadle, Swinton and Didsbury. 0161 432 3624 / www.kiddiewinksonline.com KidsRock Fun music classes for children aged 0 – 5 in Bury, Radcliffe, Rawtenstall, Prestwich, Whitworth & Swinton.

07855 733308 / www.kidsrockwithchris.com Music Bugs Fun, friendly, interactive music classes (and parties) for newborn – 4 years.

Classes in Cheadle, Hulme, Wilmslow, Hale, Sale & Knutsford. 0844 822 1175 / www.musicbugs.co.uk Musical Monkeys Musical entertainment and more for pre-school children aged 1+. First class free, and younger siblings under one welcome free of charge too! Classes in Sale & Timperley. 0161 976 5176 / www.musical-monkeys.co.uk RNCM Young Strings, Manchester Musical training and tuition on a stringed instrument for ages 5 – 11. Weekly classes from 4.30 – 6.30pm on Wednesdays or Thursdays during term time.

No audition process - Young Strings is an open access programme. www.rncm.ac.uk Rock Out! Guitar, Drums, Bass, Keyboard and Vocals tuition for ages 7+ in Chorlton. Learn an instrument in a structured way while playing with other musicians every week. 0161 862 9634 / www.rockoutschool.com

PERFORMING ARTS Glasshouse Mini Children’s drama workshops with a difference for age 3+.

Raise Self Esteem, Build Confidence, Improve Communication Skills, Work on life skills (speaking and listening, manners, taking turns, sharing, being kind). Classes held every Saturday during term time in Sale: 9.15 – 11.15 ages 3-7 11.30 – 13.30 ages 8+ Amy: 07983 420 058 / www.glasshousemini.co.uk Pyjama Drama Drama, movement, music and play for children up to 7 years. Stockport & Cheshire East, Trafford & Didsbury – Emma: 0161 820 2209. www.pyjamadrama.com Razzamataz, Chorlton Performing arts training covering a range of styles from traditional musical theatre to pop singing and street dance. Classes split into age groups 4 – 7, 8 – 11 and 12 – 18. FREE taster day on Saturday 13 September open to all children aged 4 – 18.

Classes on Saturday morning at Chorlton High School during term time.

Caroline: 07908 029207 / www.razzamataz.co.uk Stagecoach Theatre Arts School Performing arts for ages 4 – 18.

Altrincham – Marion: 01925 222445 Bolton & Bury – Ruth: 0161 763 6161 Didsbury & Salford – Anne: 0161 789 1349 Oldham – Kate: 01204 301320 Stockport – Cathy: 0161 834 4274 www.stagecoach.co.uk

SPORTS and ACTIVITIES

Bush Babies Outdoor multi-sensory play sessions for children under 5 (babies included) in Worsley.

01942 260545 / www.naturesden.co.uk Tennis Tykes An educational tennis play and skills programme for children aged 2-5 years old. All classes are run by qualified and trained staff, use specially adapted equipment with personal achievement charts for every child. Classes across South Manchester and Cheshire.

Jonny: 07760 254118 / www.tennistykes.co.uk Gymbabes/Tumble Tots/Gymbobs Classes to develop children’s physical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing.

Bramhall, Cheadle & The Heatons – Sue/Gill: 07851 268083 / 07800 532227 Sale, Knutsford, Disbury, Hale & Timperley – Jane: 07812 144450 / www.tumbletots.com Enjoy-a-Ball A fun sports programme that gradually develops skills such as concentration, coordination and confidence in a caring, positive and fun environment.

Classes for children aged 3-9 years packed with fun activities and games are held in Didsbury & Chorlton. Holiday camps and birthday parties also available. Contact Sam on 07973 886783, www.enjoy-a-ball.com Little Superstars Unique, fun and active multi sport sessions for children from walking age upwards to develop their fundamentals i.e. balls skills, hand and eye coordination, balance, flexibility and agility. Why try one sport when you can do 14 different sports plus an obstacle course?!

Louise: 07904 344552 / www.littlesuperstars.co.uk Physi-Ball A fun class for toddlers aged 18 months - 3 years aimed at developing core stability and gross motor co-ordination. Perfect preparation for Enjoy-a-Ball classes from aged 3. Classes in Chorlton and Didsbury. Contact Sam on 07973 886783, www.enjoy-a-ball.com Thingyblobs Fabulous fun filled classes for children aged 12 months up to school age. All sorts of great activities to stimulate, educate and entertain little ones.

Classes run throughout term-time and you’re welcome to join at any time!

Monday: Didsbury 10.30am Tuesday: Sale 1.45pm Wednesday: Bowdon 9.30 & 10.30am Friday: Timperley 9.30 & 10.30am We also do fabulous parties for children aged 2 – 7yrs.

Louise 0161 442 9700 / louise@thingyblobs.co.uk / www.thingyblobs.co.uk

Football

Diddikicks Football coaching for 18 months - 5 years in Wilmslow, Worsley & Sale 0161 300 4665 / www.diddikicks.co.uk Little Kickers Classes run in four distinct age groups, to maximise involvement and development.

Age groups range from just 18 months to 7 years.

South Manchester, Trafford & Stockport – Alex: 0161 442 5713 North Manchester – Andrew: 0845 224 9104 www.littlekickers.co.uk Play Football Weekly football coaching sessions for 5-9 year olds run by Bury F.C Community Trust. 0845 459 2000 / www.playfootball.net Little Sports Coaching Fun football coaching and Rhythmix dance sessions for boys and girls aged 3+ in Prestwich, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Droylsden, Woodley, Reddish & Sale. Sports, Dance, Football or Gymnastics party options also available.

0800 032 1806 / www.littlesportscoaching.co.uk

To be included in our directory, please call 01625 801801 or email editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk Gymnastics

Vernon Park Gymnastics Club, Stockport Classes for all ages and abilities: Pre-school sessions for 0 - 5 years.Recreational gymnastics: 4 - 16 years. Adult classes: 16+ 0161 406 0488 / www.vernonparkgym.co.uk

Swimming Puddle Ducks A wonderful swimming programme delivering nurturing, fun classes to over 9,500 babies, toddlers and children across the UK every week. Babies and children can join our swimming classes at any age from birth, developing into confident swimmers without even realising they’re learning to swim. By engaging each child’s abilities and natural affinity with water, Puddle Ducks offer simple steps to a lifetime love of swimming.

We recognise that every child is different: our fantastic teachers adapt each activity to suit each child, nurturing water confidence so that your child will become a happy little swimmer. Call 0161 883 0222 for classes in and around Manchester and Oldham and 01257 262622 for classes in East Lancashire. www.puddleducks.com

Turtle Tots You are welcome to join a Turtle Tots baby swimming class at any time from when your baby is newborn, until they are 18 months old.

East Cheshire & South Manchester Jill: 07815 412157 / www.turtletots.com Water Babies Multi-award winning ASA approved programme which makes the most of your baby’s natural affinity with water, enabling babies and toddlers to swim underwater as well as on the surface whilst teaching confidence and safety techniques. The progressive toddler course seamlessly aids your child’s transition into mainstream swimming lessons. Water Babies, the start of something extraordinary. Classes available across South Manchester.

0161 312 0048 / www.waterbabies.co.uk

Skating

Nevada Roller Rink Roller skating events and lessons at Burnden Sports Centre, Bolton. www.nevadarollerrink.co.uk Silver Blades Ice Skating rink in Altrincham offering skating sessions and lessons. 08700 85 29 29 / www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk

Clubs & classes

Skate City, Hazel Grove Roller Skating and Roller Disco. Catered birthday parties and private hire also available. 0161 483 1898 / www.skatecitystockport.co.uk

SUPPORT

11+ Online Tuition Online and home (Bolton based) one-to-one tuition for 11+ in English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Contact Rachel on 07407 643547, www.elevenplustutor-nw.co.uk Access Success Entrance Exams (11+), Primary & Secondary (Maths and English) & PGCE QTS tuition by a qualified and experienced maths teacher who has taught in Trafford schools. 1:2:1 and small groups.

07580 856243 / www.accesssuccess-education.com Explore Learning Maths & English tuition centres for 5-14 year olds. Children become members and attend once or twice a week for sessions that last approximately 1¼ hours. Every centre is open 7 days a week, no advance booking necessary. Centres in Altrincham, Cheadle Hulme, Heaton Park and Bury. www.explorelearning.co.uk Fleet Tutors Education solutions tailored to you, delivering proven results.

0845 322 4696 / www.fleet-tutors.co.uk Kumon Maths and English tuition across Greater Manchester.

Bury – Fran: 0161 408 4934 Bolton – Joanne: 01942 814899 Chorlton – Jackie: 0161 434 4579 Crumpsall – Masooma: 0161 900 9289 Didsbury – Donna: 0161 718 9313 Heaton Moor – Sue: 0161 431 4884 Heywood – Anna: 01706 627874 Levenshulme – Sharron: 0161 248 4899 Prestwich – Susan: 0161 796 1587 Rochdale – Robin: 01706 759352 Sale – Hannah: 0800 854 714 Timperley – Eliana: 0161 980 0851 Urmston – Sharon: 0161 749 8177 Worsley – Cath: 01925 225960 www.kumon.co.uk The English Zone Online English tuition zone based on that national Curriculum.

Lessons for children from Reception to Year 11.

01942 814126 / www.the-english-zone.com

Advertise in Families Manchester

Call Jayne on: 01625 801801 or email advertising@ familiesmanchester.co.uk

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 5

Clubs & classes Why it’s important for children to do after school activities...

By Susan Tomlinson

Whether or not you reckon you might be raising the next Picasso or David Beckham, there’s no doubting the plusses for after school clubs.

From ballet to basketball and art to archery, there’s an after school activity out there for every child. And the best thing about them is they’re brilliant for all sorts of reasons – not just learning a new skill.

For a start, after school clubs give kids the chance to let off steam outside of the classroom. When you consider that in many countries around the world, kids don’t even start school until 6 or 7 years old, a full day in the classroom for

youngsters can be a big ask. That’s why an alternative to the three R’s can be hugely rewarding.

As clinical psychologist Dr Julie Fraser, puts it: “It’s an opportunity for kids to explore different talents. Not everyone is brilliant at academic subjects and it’s a chance for your kids to shine outside of the classroom.”

She adds: “Learning a new skill can also affect what happens in school – kids feel more confident and able to try new tasks.”

Certainly all the research shows this to be the case. Every leading study into extra-curricular activities demonstrates that academic grades actually improve when kids participate in outside school clubs. One 2005 study from the US actually showed that kids who attended clubs performed much better in maths and verbal reasoning tests than kids who didn’t.

But kids clubs are not only great for improving academic levels but for developing important life skills too.

“It’s brilliant for developing social skills, dealing with new environments, talking to different adults and mixing with different children,” says Dr Fraser.

“But best of all, after school clubs are confidence building.”

Team sports like football, rugby, and netball are not only great for keeping kids active but also helping them learn team work where they can begin to appreciate what’s good for the whole team, rather than just thinking of themselves.

Competitive sports are also great for learning difficult life lessons like being a gracious winner – and loser. But for team building clubs with a less competitive edge, you could consider Woodcraft Folk, Brownies and Scouts.

Learning a musical instrument is great for discovering the art of practice, patience and persistence. Drama clubs are great for shy kids who learn to find their voice singing and acting alongside others, while ballet and dance is great for kids to learn discipline and self-expression.

The list is endless. There are clubs for almost anything you can imagine.

Archery, chess, horse riding, computer clubs, film making and even circus skills are all proving popular alongside the more traditional arts and crafts, swimming,

tennis and kung fu. There are clubs for nature lovers run by the Woodland Trust, BMX biking for tots, and even kids yoga and tai chi.

There are so many to choose from, it’s tempting to try them all but it’s also important not to overburden kids with too many activities. Frantically driving from one after school club to the next seems to be missing the point. New skills, team work and confidence building aside, the most important thing to think about when deciding which club to choose is surely the fun factor.

After that, the trick is to stay involved.

“It’s important to talk with the teacher, find out how they work and show an interest in the class, “ says Dr Fraser.

“That way you can be sure your child really is enjoying the club, and you will begin to watch them flourish and grow.”

Have a look at our directory in this magazine for some local ideas – and visit www.familiesmanchester.co.uk for a more comprehensive listing of your local Clubs and Classes.

Come out of your shell and learn to swim the Turtle Tots way!

Turtle Tots teach you how to teach your baby to swim, and help you keep fit at the same time!

Turtle Tots is an innovative and fun swimming programme taught in warm water pools to ensure everyone’s comfort. Your child will learn essential life saving skills whilst developing both emotionally and physically. The programmes are progressive so each week you learn something completely

new with the added benefit of post natal fitness for mums with an excellent toning work out, endorsed by personal trainers!

Several times each year they hold photo shoots, to give you the opportunity to capture your baby swimming under the water – an opportunity not to be missed!

Families readers: get a free swimming nappy if you book a course through the South Manchester branch before 31 October!

Visit www.turtletots.com or contact jill.twigge@turtletots.com for further class information and free taster sessions!

Stagecoach joins Robbie Williams on tour

6 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Salford and Didsbury Stagecoach students were given the opportunity of a lifetime when they were asked to sing with Robbie Williams for three nights during his “Swings Both Ways” concert at the Phones4U Arena in Manchester recently.

They accompanied Robbie on the Frank Sinatra song “High Hopes” and one of the students, William Ralph said afterwards that it had been the best day of his life. Families editor Caryl was at the show and has admitted to being very envious of the children!

The new term starts with Discovery days on 20/21 September and 27/28 September, enabling potential new students to come and try Stagecoach for a day’s free trial.

For more information, call Anne on 0161 789 1349. www.stagecoach.co.uk/didsbury www.stagecoach.co.uk/salford

Clubs Back&toclasses school An active life leads to a healthy life, it’s not rocket science

By Dean Horridge, CEO, Fit For Sport (www.fitforsport.co.uk)

As a PE teacher since 1986 and with over 20 years’ experience delivering physical activities to young children, it’s fair to say I’ve seen some PE trends come and go. From the ‘school of hard knocks’ approach that saw kids doing cross county in shorts and t-shirts while snow lay on the ground to the pendulum swinging right back to the point that sports day races were banned for fear of upsetting the children that didn’t win.

Too much political correctness in sport Some things have improved over time – cross country in sub-zero temperatures can be done in sleeved shirts and long trousers. But, sadly, there’s still a school of thought that says asking kids to compete and vie for victory is somehow wrong.

This brings me to a survey conducted with eight to 16 years olds recently by Marylebone Cricket Club and Chance to Shine, suggesting the majority of children would be happy to

see the competitive element removed from school sport.

Perhaps the politically correct don’t want to hurt the less able children’s feelings. Or they don’t want to heap the pressure of expectation on such young shoulders. However, they DO want to see children succeed in sport, rise through the ranks and represent our country at international levels. Sorry, but you can’t have it both ways: elite athletes need to learn how to compete, what it feels like to win and, more importantly, what it feels like to lose.

Children need goals and targets. They need to be encouraged to push further and try harder to realise their potential, these are not just skills for competition in school sport, they are skills for life.

Why competing is important Furthermore, competition should not be driven through sport alone, it is the mistake we all make, it’s about driving competition through fun, engaging

activities, as they will be inclusive to all rather than the 1/3 children in school that play school sport. Maybe if we get more children engaged in physical activity, we will have more athletes representing our National Governing Bodies at tournaments and events in the future.

And there’s no harm in doing that – provided the goals are realistic, the child is engaged and the support structure is in place to catch them when they fall or fail which is bound to happen, as in many things in life, when they strive to succeed.

I’ve long suspected that these anti-competitive decisions are made by adults deciding what children want.

What we should actually be doing is asking the children whether they like to compete and strive, and the key to this is engaging kids at a much earlier age in the benefits of physical activity. Fit For Sport did just that as part of our ‘Engage to Compete’ primary schools programme with Sport England last year. And the answers were revealing.

The children themselves relish a challenge After taking part in our fun, active pilot, we specifically asked children aged four to 11 how competition made them feel.

The responses were overwhelmingly positive with the vast majority of children stating that competition made them feel, happy, excited, strong and confident as opposed to nervous, afraid, weak or worried. And when we asked them outright if they liked taking part in competitions, 2836 said yes; 257 said no and 206 were not sure. Put it another way, that’s 86% of children that like taking part in competitions, once

they are engaged in physical activity at a younger age.

This figure speaks for itself. And our children should be able to do the same.

Not only should they be able to speak, teachers should be able to act on what they hear.

I also think people forget that it’s not just about being active in school, it’s about being an active family. Kids learn so many of their traits from their parents, why should physical activity just be about what kids do in school?

It’s so important that family time does not just amount to just watching TV together, or having dinner together or going out or going to the shops. Equally important is being active as a family, parents have just as much responsibility if not a lot more than schools to ensure their kids are eating right, learning to live a healthy lifestyle and engaging in fun activity as a family unit.

This is what I do with my family and I would hope other parents do the same with theirs; a child can do great things at school but if they just go back home to an environment which is not geared towards being an active family, much of the positive engagement gets lost in a play-station, or the TV or social media on a smart-phone. Small sustainable steps to an active family should always be a priority for parents.

After all, an active family will lead to a healthy family and surely that is something to strive for in life, for a parent and a child who will eventually become one?

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 7

Clubs & classes Dragons’ Den backed theatre school opens in Manchester

Razzamataz Theatre Schools won the backing of Duncan Bannatyne on BBC’s Dragon’s Den back in 2007 and since then has expanded throughout the UK. Now local resident Caroline Larcombe is bringing the well-known brand to Manchester with an official launch where all budding performers can experience the theatre arts with a day of free classes in dance, drama and singing.

Razzamataz covers the whole performing arts spectrum and creates ‘triple threat performers’; that is performers who are equally skilled in all three disciplines.

Classes are split into three age groups, 4 – 7, 8 – 11 and 12 – 18 and the youngsters will experience a range of styles from traditional West End musical theatre to pop singing and street dance.

Caroline has lots of experience in the industry having worked in TV and the theatre since graduating from performing arts college. “What really excites me about bringing Razzamataz to Manchester is all my own fantastic experiences I can pass on to students,” she says. “Razzamataz firmly believes in offering lots of performing opportunities, both locally and

on London’s West End stage. We work in partnership with prestigious children’s casting agency Top Talent, which specialises in TV, commercials, pop videos, musicals, films, documentaries and much more and many students have already been incredibly successful.”

Caroline is also keen to share the positive life skills that can come from theatre arts participation. “Performing arts ultimately give children the skills in which to better express themselves, leading to increased confidence and self-esteem,” she explains. “It is not only for those that want to go on and make a career on the stage, performing arts stimulates all children’s creativity helping them make sense of their emotions and developing their ability to understand.”

The FREE day of performing arts on Saturday 13 September is open to all children aged 4 – 18. Classes are held every Saturday morning at Chorlton High School during term time. To book on to the FREE session; Email: manchester@razzamataz.co.uk or call Caroline on 07908 029207. www.razzamataz.co.uk

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Crafty Cooks – Making Cooking Fun in Manchester

Beth Langton-Clarke has just started up Crafty Cooks – a new children’s cooking class – in Manchester. We went along to find out more about her and what she has to offer your child.

“Here at Crafty Cooks we believe that a love of cooking and an ability to do so is an important skill that every child should have. That’s why I start to teach children from as young as 2½ years old, how to cook a whole range of delicious, nutritious dishes. We’ll cook both sweet and savoury, from beetroot cakes to mini quiches with a spattering of chocolate in the middle! I’ve undergone enhanced CRB checks and the relevant first aid and hygiene safety training to ensure that your child is in safe hands.

I’m a mum of 2, and have been teaching at secondary level for over 15 years. I want to do something to help children get into the healthy eating habit, and help them

find out how much fun cooking can be.”

Starting in September, your child can go along to one of Beth’s classes in Urmston – it’s a fun, friendly environment with similarly aged children where he/she can learn how to create a variety of culinary delights….and you won’t need to tidy up at the end!

Beth says: “Crafty Cooks is great for the fussier eating child, and anyone keen to teach their child about the food we eat.

Whilst their food cooks we’ll run an activity as a group, tasting and discovering new foods and finding out where they come from.

Classes are timed to last 45minutes but you’ll need to allow an hour. At the end of each session you’ll be given a recipe card to add to your very own recipe book so that you can make the recipes again and again, along with a reusable canvas bag to carry your goodies home in. We also run holiday and weekend workshops as well as after school classes for older children, and parties for all ages.”

To find out more, contact Beth on 07730681798 or beth@craftycooks.co.uk. www.craftycooks.co.uk

So, what clubs and classes for which ages and stages?

By Liz Bourne Babies Babies largely require milk, clean nappies and love, but having a baby can seem isolating.

That’s where a regular day in the week when you meet up with other new parents can be a lifeline - plus you will be introducing your baby to the big wide world in a safe, fun setting.

Think about baby music, a baby gym session, baby signing or a physical class such as powerpramming, mother and baby yoga or dancing together.

Pre-school As babies turn into louder, more mobile creatures, their focus changes and they’re ready to explore. Toddlers thrive on variety so maybe do a term of one, then try another while you’re finding their ‘thing’. These are all worth trying: movement classes, mini ball classes, yoga, crafts, music and dance.

Juniors Now at school, your child’s fragile mind is susceptible to the influences of the dreaded Peer Group, some of whom may have older siblings and aspire to be just like them.

Where before they were quite happy making cupcakes with Mummy, then half

an hour’s educational TV before bathtime, they now want to have a Frozen lunch box, sing in a mid-Atlantic accent, and aspire to be ‘famous’ when they grow up.

Luckily, there are plenty of activities to steer them away from the clutches of commercialism. School life will have given them enough concentration to focus on an interest based around sports, arts, dance, music, drama or discovering another language.

Pre-teens and beyond OK. So now it gets tougher. They’ve had a good number of years being influenced by their school chums. High School Musical and Harry Potter are joined by the onset of the dreaded hormones. But don’t despair, there are a number of excellent classes to grab their attention and keep them away from social networking, a sofa and a hand-held console. At this age, sports, drama, music and dance are all very useful diversions; and many children pursue interests well into their teens with relish and aplomb, giving them another set of friends outside school.

Back to school A guide to the new curriculum

This September, children across England will be returning to school with a new curriculum to face. Although this has been in the government’s plans for a while now, research from tuition provider Explore Learning, has revealed that 62% of parents in England are totally unaware of the changes, suggesting they will be ill-prepared to help their child with their studies and support them in their development. We asked Explore Learning for a quick guide to the changes: To put it simply, for most children and parents the new curriculum will appear more challenging. Many concepts in maths and English will be introduced earlier than previously, and initially this may feel like quite a jump.

English: While there is a continued focus on phonics, there is also to be a larger emphasis on grammar, punctuation and spelling. There will be more concentration on Shakespeare, with children and pupils expected to have studied two of his plays between the ages of 11 and 14.

Maths: Knowing times tables (12 x12 by the end of Year 4), calculating with fractions, using written methods of calculation and having strong mental maths skills will be more important than ever, and there will be more opportunity to develop problem solving skills.

Computing: Children will be taught to write code and pupils aged five to seven will be expected to ‘understand what algorithms are’ and to ‘create and debug simple programs.’

Science: New content on the solar system, speed and evolution is to be introduced at primary school level. In secondary schools, there will be a clearer sense of separation between physics, biology and chemistry.

There will also be a focus on climate change.

History: The history curriculum will take primary school pupils through British history from the stone age to the Normans. They will also be able to study a later era, such as the Victorians.

“Significant individuals” whose lives will be given closer attention and compared in different eras include Christopher Columbus and Neil Armstrong, Rosa Parks and suffragette, Emily Davison, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria. Secondary schools will teach British history from 1066 to 1901, followed by Britain, Europe and world events from 1901, including Winston Churchill and the Holocaust.

So, why have the changes been introduced? Well, the UK isn’t doing particularly well in the world’s league tables. Our research found that nearly three quarters (72%) of parents worry that British children aren’t leading the field in standards of education – a result of them failing to make the top 20 in reading, maths and science.

Our advice to any parents keen to understand the new curriculum and help them with their homework is to attend

any information sessions that your child’s school offers. In addition, for those not put off by a bit of reading, the programmes of study for each year are available from www.gov.uk/government/ collections/national-curriculum.

Once the school term begins, if you’re concerned at all with a change in progress at school, always consult your teacher first. You may also like to attend a learning centre such as ours where they can support, stretch and challenge children in those new topic areas at a pace and level that they are comfortable with. The most important thing is to maintain a child’s confidence and positivity towards learning; it makes such a powerful difference to a child’s success in education.

Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5 – 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis. Contact your local centre now for a free trial. www.explorelearning.co.uk

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Back to school Bury Grammar Schools – where children love to learn

While high academic achievement is at the centre of all they do at the Bury Grammar Schools, it’s also about developing the wider abilities and confidence of their pupils through their extensive extracurricular programme, all within a happy family atmosphere.

Boys and girls join the co-educational infant school from age 3. Here there’s always an emphasis upon play, but they also introduce formal academic skills and a foreign language. Children have access to sports facilities such as the swimming pool and also benefit from specialist teaching in all areas.

From age 7, girls and boys move to the two Junior Schools, where they experience the well-known benefits of single sex education and prepare for the grammar school education at 11 years, but where they still enjoy wide ranging extracurricular activities.

Pastoral care is outstanding

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throughout the schools. All pupils are well known; the school recognises that pupils thrive where discipline is firm but fair, and individual successes are always celebrated.

The new Sixth Form Centre opening in the Autumn term gives the students the opportunity to share study and leisure facilities. Teaching is excellent, group sizes small and a wide curriculum is offered, together with many leadership opportunities; students develop impressive CVs with which to enter high performing universities.

The Bury Grammar Schools are academically selective; entry at 3 and 7 years is based upon assessment. At age 11, girls and boys take the entrance exams and entry to the Sixth Form is based upon strong GCSE performance.

There’s an extensive school coach service and with the Bury Interchange just a brief walk from the school, children have safe access to the Metrolink and buses.

Any prospective parents and their children are welcome to visit the schools on any working day. For more details, please go to www.bgsopenday.co.uk.

Back to school E-Safety On The Parenting Agenda

The new Ofsted framework for school inspection – introduced in September 2012 and updated in April 2014 – includes specific requirements for schools on e-safety to achieve a good or outstanding grading.

This new focus will help ensure that educators are keeping up with the evolution of the digital world and recognising the importance of practising sound online behaviour.

The Internet is a fact of life and navigating it safely should be an integral part of a child’s learning, whether they develop their computer skills at home or in school.

As much as parental control can help shield children from dangers on the web, it is also important to empower them to use the Internet wisely on their own when they reach the appropriate age. Children today are growing up with a different sense of privacy than their parents did. Personal information is shared much more freely than it ever was before, as social networking represents a natural part of teenage interaction and relationship-building.

Pete Turner, MD Experian Consumer Services, says: “As a parent it can seem bewildering to watch your children develop computer skills and learn to navigate the Internet at an early age. Parental controls as provided by the ISPs are very important, but beyond the danger of exposure to inappropriate content lies the risk of divulging too much personal information on websites deemed safe for young people to visit. By educating our children on how to practice safe online behaviour, including simple steps such as ensuring their privacy settings are set to high on social media and making them aware of phishing emails and other threats at an early age, they will hopefully develop an awareness around identity protection which can help them start positive habits which they can continue to practise as they mature.”

Experian Consumer Services offers some easy-to-follow tips for parents on what their teenage children can do to stay safe online while enjoying all of the benefits that the web has to offer.

• Know who is behind the screen name – Don’t divulge too much personal information in chat rooms about your life and whereabouts.

Keep conversations to topics that don’t concern details about yourself and your family.

• Pin protect your mobile device – If you have a mobile device, such as a phone or a tablet, make sure that you activate the pin code so that it is protected if it gets lost or stolen • Create a strong password – it’s not always easy to remember, but it is very important to use different passwords for each online account, such as email and Facebook. It makes no difference to a potential fraudster trying to crack your password if you use numbers or letters. Strong passwords are those with more than 8 characters (ideally 10-12). One tip is to pick a sentence that is personal only to you. For example: “ihaveonedogandtwocats”.

• Mind your updates – if you use social media websites, avoid posting information such as date of birth, contact details (email/phone) and other personal information that could help fraudsters guess your PIN and passwords.

If you feel that you or any of your family members may not have been sufficiently vigilant in protecting your online identities, services like Experian’s web monitoring tool available through Experian CreditExpert monitor the wider web for mentions of your personal information 24/7, sending you an instant notification if your information appears somewhere new online.

People who think they have become victims of identity fraud should notify the police, their bank and check their credit report. Experian’s Victims of Fraud service is available free through CreditExpert, and has a dedicated team to give expert advice and support tailored to particular circumstances.

Find out more at www.experian.co.uk

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 11

Back to school 10 ways to support and encourage your young reader

By Sal Jefford

We all know the importance of reading to babies and toddlers, but it’s equally vital that we continue to read to them, and with them, to support and encourage them as they learn to read for themselves. Here are ten tips to enable you to help them on their way to becoming confident readers with a love of books.

1. Don’t force them to read if they are not in the mood. That’s a sure way to put them off reading.

2. Continue to read to them. Reading to your child not only enables them to enjoy some one-on-one time with you, but it helps them to learn about the fluency of reading as they hear you modelling appropriate speed, pacing and intonation.

3. Find different types of books – picture books, short stories, simple

chapter books, poetry, etc. Try non-fiction as well – kids love to know about the world and how things work. If they are interested in the subject then they are far more likely to enjoy reading about it.

Remember: you are the expert on your child; you know him better than anyone else and you will have a better idea of what subjects he will or won’t enjoy.

4. Give them time to experience the book as a whole. Don’t expect them to sit down with a picture book and read the story without looking at the pictures; pictures bring the story to life and in most books will help the reader to understand what the words are telling them.

5. If they are struggling with a word and want you to read it for them, ask them if they recognise any letters, or sounds within the word. Point specifically to parts of the word, or help them to

12 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

break longer words down into shorter segments. Then blend the sounds together to form the full word.

6. Don’t tell them “you know this word” – even if you know they do.

If they knew it or remembered it, they would have read it; and it’s frustrating and demoralising to be reminded that you know something but have forgotten it. Instead, help them to work the word out themselves, either using the previous tip or by asking them to look at the picture for clues. Learning to read is not just about decoding a jumble of letters, it’s also about understanding the meaning of the words in the correct context and the pictures can help.

7. If they make a mistake and don’t notice, don’t interrupt them. Let them finish the sentence before asking them to read the word again. If they

make a mistake again, ask them “Does that sound right?” or “Does that make sense?”.

8. Review the book afterwards. Ask them what their favourite part of the story was, or why they thought a certain character did something. Make sure you tell them what you thought as well, especially if parts of the storyline could have been seen differently from another viewpoint.

9. Always praise their reading efforts.

Hearing you say “I was so impressed with how you worked out that tricky word using clues from the pictures” will boost their confidence and make them feel proud of their achievement.

10.Finally, let them see you reading regularly, and, more importantly, getting enjoyment from reading. If reading is a normal habit for you, then it’s likely that your child will pick up that habit too.

And here’s a a Bonus tip: get them to read to a pet, or a favourite teddy, if they feel more comfortable doing that.

Back to school Withington celebrates superb GCSE results!

Withington Girls’ School’s GCSE students have just celebrated an exceptional set of examination results.

Following on from their outstanding A Level results, the 77 Year 11 pupils passed all papers taken, with 67% of all entries achieving the highest grade of A* and over 92% of all entries graded A* or A. No fewer than 52 girls passed all their GCSEs with either A* or A grades, and 45 girls earned 7 or more A* grades.

Twelve girls swept the board with

straight A* grades in all their subjects.

Every Withington girl also achieved at least one GCSE in a modern foreign language, with the majority being awarded an A* or A grade. The majority of pupils also chose to study at least one humanities subject, where standards were equally high with 97% A* or A grades being achieved in Geography and 83% in History.

In addition, 74 girls achieved a qualification in ICT to which the government has given the equivalence

of a further GCSE. 94% of the year group passed the OCR Level 2 National Award in ICT with Distinction – the highest grade.

Headmistress Mrs Sue Marks praised the girls for their hard work and motivation, which had helped to produce these outstanding achievements. “We are absolutely delighted for our girls”, she said.

“These splendid results reflect their own hard work, the support of their families and the high quality teaching and pastoral care they have received at Withington.”

0161 224 1077 / www.wgs.org

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Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 13

Back to school Computer games are OK!

Films and computer games ‘boost children’s vocabulary’, according to recent research from the team at Oxford University Press.

Watching films such as Despicable Me and The Lego Movie, and playing computer games such as Minecraft can have a positive impact on children’s use of language, as they start to use unfamiliar words following

exposure to these films and games. A study carried out by the Oxford University Press found that school children under the age of 13 regularly used little-known terms such as ‘ocelot’, ‘spawn’ and ‘portal’ in their written work because of the influence of popular culture. The word ‘minion’ from the movie Despicable Me was actually declared children’s word of the year! ‘Concerns have been voiced that the digital age is having a negative impact on children’s imaginations,’ said Kate Nation, professor of experimental psychology at Oxford University. ‘These stories show that children’s imaginations are very much alive and that they use a variety of influences in creative ways.’

Manchester High School for Girls

Manchester High School for Girls is a leading independent school, providing the very best in education for girls aged 4 to 18 years.

The School’s academic record is outstanding. In 2014, 94.2 % of all A Level examination results were in the A* to B range, with a 100% pass rate. MHSG’s third cohort of International Baccalaureate Diploma students celebrated an average points score of 36.2, which towers above the global average of 29-30 points. One student reached a phenomenal point score

of 44, which places her in the top 0.6% of IB students worldwide.

MHSG offers students a vibrant atmosphere with a strong sense of community. In such a supportive environment, each girl feels happy, cared for and valued as an individual. Artistic and sporting talents are nurtured and the girls enjoy a diverse range of extra-curricular activities. These activities are complemented by superb modern facilities, including a new Sports Complex and extended facilities for the Preparatory Department.

Students leave MHSG as well-educated young women with highly-developed interpersonal skills and a broad range of interests. Girls are confident in their own worth, prepared for an independent life and capable of making a positive contribution to society. It is from this cornerstone that they go on to pursue varied and fulfilling careers.

0161 224 0447 / www.manchesterhigh.co.uk

14 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

International ‘Walk to school’ month

October is International Walk to School Month, when primary school pupils from across the UK join forces with children in more than 40 countries worldwide to celebrate the benefits of walking to school.

This month-long activity encourages pupils to walk at least once a week for the month, helping embed good habits at the beginning of the school year. It will also be an opportunity for the campaign to highlight the need for safe routes with smarter crossings to encourage more children to walk to school.

Any resources you may need to promote the event are available from www.livingstreets.org.uk.

Shanghai-style maths hubs aim to improve standards in England The government’s £11 million programme of ‘maths hubs’ will be rolled out to 32 schools in England this September, aiming to improve maths results by using a Chinese model of teaching.

Locally, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and Ashton on Mersey School in Sale are included in this first rollout.

The programme is to be developed by academics from Shanghai and England, and central to this will be an exchange programme, where teachers

from Shanghai will visit the ‘hub’ schools to run ‘masterclasses’ for local teachers. Two maths teachers from each school will also work in China for at least a month to learn first-hand some of their teaching approaches, which will then be passed on to other local schools. Find out more at www.ncetm.org.uk/resources/44071

Launch of free school meals for all infants From September all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children will be entitled to a free and healthy lunch at school.

According to Schools Minister David Laws, free school meals encourage healthy eating and their pilots have shown that ‘children in schools that offer universal free school meals are academically months ahead of their peers.’

The move has been welcomed by the

Child Poverty Action Group who campaign for the abolition of child poverty in the UK. Alison Garnham, Chief Executive, commented: ‘The cost of bringing up children is rising faster than headline inflation, so a policy like this that saves families hundreds of pounds is going to be a big help.’ www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/ schoolfoodplan/uifsm

Back to school Can tutoring help your child?

By Hannah Hunter

Paying for extra tuition has become very popular over the last few years. According to a poll last year by the Sutton Trust, nearly one in four 11-16 year olds at state schools in England and Wales said that their parents had paid for them to have extra help with their lessons.

So should you hire a tutor? If you don’t, will they be at a disadvantage when it comes to tests like the 11+ or Common Entrance exam, if everyone else seems to be sending their children for extra lessons?

Why get a tutor?

With stress on getting good grades now starting at KS1 and 2 with SATs, children are expected to achieve from a very young age. Schools cannot provide the one-to-one support, which can provide

valuable help in some instances.

If a child is struggling with a subject area, or missing knowledge that is holding them back (e.g. after time off school), then a tutor is a great idea. If your child has additional needs, like dyslexia or ADHD, a tutor can provide valuable targeted support (if they have a statement, your child may be entitled to one-to-one support in school).

Perhaps your child is having trouble getting the C-grade in Maths/English GCSE that they need for further education. Maybe they want to study a subject not offered at their school.

Interview preparation for University is also a popular reason to hire a tutor, particularly for Oxbridge interviews.

However, if their problem is lack of motivation, then a tutor might not be the best idea – if they don’t want to work, you’re just wasting your money!

Tutoring very young children can also be a problem – they can be so tired after a full school day and adding tutoring on top can wipe them out completely. There’s a lot of pressure on high achievers too - if they are doing well at school, why add needless stress?

When is it best to get help?

It’s best to start sooner rather than later.

For example, if you’re hiring someone to help after the GCSE mocks in February there’s a limited amount they can achieve - if you think tuition will benefit your child, start from September of Year 11 onwards.

How to find a good tutor If you can get someone who is personally recommended, then obviously that is the best option. Make sure you check their references and DBS checks, and interview them before you hire them. It sounds obvious, but they need to get along with your child, as well as looking good on paper. Study centres and tuition agencies will ensure that their staff are safety checked and appropriately qualified, with some agencies only employing graduates in key subject areas.

How much will it cost?

According to the good schools guide, an hour’s tuition can cost parents anything from £30 to well beyond. If this is beyond your budget, you could team up with friends for group tuition.

Study centres may be more affordable - children learn in small groups, and they often accept childcare vouchers

toward payment. For example, Explore Learning centres cost between £98-119 per month for 2 sessions a week, with reduced fees for siblings.

Help for Free Your child’s school may already offer older revision classes – make sure you’re aware of what’s available. There are excellent online resources to support at home learning – for example the BBC Bitesize website has games and revision subjects up to GCSE level. Perhaps you know someone who is a teacher, or has language or music skills, who may be able to informally help your child – you could do a childcare swap or similar in lieu of payment.

Useful references www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/tutors www.suttontrust.com www.explorelearning.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ www.kumon.co.uk www.the-english-zone.com www.readingeggs.co.uk www.accesssuccess-education.com www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 15

Parties Header ANIMALS

Animals In-Tuition Meet and handle a range of fascinating and interesting animals. Older children and adults can try a bush tucker trial.

07791 153757 / www.animalsintuition.co.uk Ranger Rob will arrive at the party venue, dressed in his full cowboy gear, with his slightly dodgy American accent!! He will bring a selection of our wild and wonderful animals to create an exciting journey, full of fun and surprises. The children will have plenty of opportunities to touch and hold the animals - they can even have their photo taken if mum and dad are ready with the camera! We aim to make children’s parties one they’ll never forget! For more details and pricing info please contact Emma on 07592 262077 emma@rangerrob.co.uk / www.rangerrob.co.uk The Creepy Crawly Show A fun packed animal road show presented in a fun way by comical rangers.

01244 646 045 / www.thecreepycrawlyshow.co.uk The Wild Roadshow Handle the animals and learn all about their natural habitats and diets.

0161 283 2630 / www.thewildroadshow.co.uk

CLIMBING CENTRES & INDOOR ADVENTURE

Awesome Walls, Stockport www.awesomewalls.co.uk Chill Factore, Trafford Parties for all ages from 2+ in breathtaking surroundings with exhilarating activities. See listing under VENUES. 0161 749 2222 / www.chillfactore.com Manchester Climbing Centre, Manchester 0161 2307006 / www.manchesterclimbingcentre.com Rockover Climbing, Manchester 0161 288 1218 / www.rockoverclimbing.com Silver Blades Ice Rink, Altrincham Bronze, Silver or Gold party options available with optional extras like skating aids, party bags and a coaching session.

08700 85 29 29 / www.altrinchamicedome.co.uk Skate City, Hazel Grove Roller Skating and Roller Disco. Catered birthday parties and private hire available. 0161 483 1898 / www.skatecitystockport.co.uk The Skate Station, Ashton Under Lyme 07854 108 636 / www.theskatestation.co.uk Wigan Roller Rink 07968 365287 / www.wiganrollerrink.com

CAKES, PARTY BAGS AND SUPPLIES

Little Treasures Party Bags Party bags, fillers and personalised chocolate bars for all occasions. 01606 77900 / www.littletreasurespartybags.co.uk Party Sashes Galore Personalised sashes, banners and ribbons for every occasion.

0161 798 6245 / www.partysashesgalore.co.uk Sarah T Cakes Cakes & Cupcakes for any occasion. sarahtcakes.blogspot.com Giddy Goat Toys Traditional independent toy shop in Didsbury and online, offering a fantastic range of toys, books and games for children of all ages.

0161 445 1097 / www.giddygoattoys.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

Baby Ballet Magical Party (ages 2 – 4) or Groovy Disco Party (ages 4 – 7).

Bury & Bolton – Miss Jayne: 0161 280 3686 Didsbury & The Heatons – Miss Laura: 07753 111753. www.babyballet.co.uk Battlefield Live, Manchester. Exhilarating outdoor laser adventure game with birthday parties for age 7+. 07956 557653 / www.battlefield-manchester.com Crafty Cooks Fun-filled cooking parties for all ages 2+.

07730681798 / beth@craftycooks.co.uk www.craftycooks.co.uk

For a more comprehensive party directory, go to www.familiesmanchester.co.uk.

Diddi Dance, South Manchester Fun, affordable parties for tots (2 – 4) at your choice of location dancing games, action songs, hoops, dance ribbons, bubbles, balloons, bells and lots of fun!! 07966 542985 / www.diddidance.com Enjoy-a-Ball, South Manchester Great fun and games with plenty of action for girls and boys aged 4 – 9 years.

07973 886783 / www.enjoy-a-ball.com Fizz Kids Popular parties for children aged 5 – 12 in the Cheshire or Greater Manchester area. Whether you choose a Dance or Cheerleading party, we add lots of games and so much fun all in a disco atmosphere for 2 hours. The price of a Fizz Kids Party also includes invitations, a gift for each child and tattoos. We have been entertaining children for over 11 years and pride ourselves on our fantastic reputation for a fabulous party every time. Take a look at our 5 star reviews on our website or contact us to make a booking/check availability.

Lorrayne: 07870 139361 / info@fizzkidsparties.co.uk / www.fizzkidsparties.co.uk Gigglepop Art, themed or traditional parties in your home or choice of venue hosted by professional party leaders.

07779 935638 / www.gigglepop.co.uk Go-Kart Party Bolton, Wigan & Bury – Tahir: 07702 237523 North Cheshire – Elaine: 01925 712315 South Manchester – Keith: 07592 317762 www.go-kartparty.co.uk Go Kiddy Karts, Didsbury & Urmston Indoor parties for boys and girls aged 4 – 9.

07956 557653 / www.redmox-leisure.com Jo Jingles Music, singing and movement parties for children up to 5 years.

Manchester North – Jo: 01706 212889 South Manchester – Jacqui: 01925 269136 www.jojingles.com Jabberjacks Playmates parties for children aged 2 – 4, Junior parties for ages 5 – 7.

South Manchester – Nikki: 07587 186284 North Manchester – Gaynor: 0161 7908080 www.jabberjacks.co.uk Jittabugs, South Manchester Help your little one celebrate their big day with a Jittabugs party. Lots of singing and dancing, action songs, games, activities, instruments, coloured scarves, puppets, bubbles, parachute play, favourites of the birthday boy or girl and much more. Our parties can be done either at home, or a venue of your choice. (All equipment provided).

Contact Karen Brownsell 0161 973 2656/ 07765 080 350 / karen@jittabugs.com / www.jittabugs.com Kerry’s Fun Faces Face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon modelling. 07813 297520 / www.kerrysfunfaces.co.uk Kiddy Cook Cooking parties exclusively designed for ages 4 – 11, with options to suit everyone.

07976 619648 / www.kiddycook.co.uk Kids Bee Happy, Salford & Bury Sand art painting for all ages. 07899 816344 / www.kidsbeehappy.co.uk Kids Rock with Chris Musical party for children aged 1 – 5. 07725168330 / www.kidsrockwithchris.com Little Sports Coaching Sports, Dance, Football or Gymnastics party options with professionally qualified coaches for boys and girls aged 3+. 0800 032 1806 / www.littlesportscoaching.co.uk

16 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Little Superstars Multi-sports parties across West & South Manchester, Rochdale, Heywood & Ramsbottom. 07904 311552 / www.littlesuperstars.co.uk Little Fingers Arts & Crafts Fun, creative parties for children aged 2 - 9 years. Let them create a masterpiece to take home! Catering and free invitations also available. 07956 557653 / www.littlefingers-crafts.com Lucia the entertainer Comedy led professional offering traditional party entertainment with a unique twist. Balloon Modelling, Ventriloquism, Face painting and magic also available. 0161 483 4363 / www.luciaparties.com Make A Wish Entertainment Make your wish for a perfect party come true. 0113 322 7988 / www.makeawishentertainment.co.uk Mother Hen Creative Tailor made parties for ages 4 – 8. Interactive storytelling revolving around the birthday child – a jam packed fun filled magical, personal experience. 07587 191 394 / www.motherhencreative.com Musical Monkeys Musical entertainment and more for pre-school children aged 2+.

0161 976 5176 / www.musical-monkeys.co.uk Party Friendz Character entertainment & face painting for all occasions. Costume hire also available.

07963 763862 / www.partyfriendz.co.uk Party Princess A huge range of party packages for ages 3+. Princess makeover, face painting and tattoos, cupcake decorating, arts, crafts games and loads more. Girl Glamour make over and pamper packages for ages 13+ 0845 241 7855 / www.party-princess.co.uk / www.girlglamour.co.uk Play Football Professional staff with football, party food, certificates and prizes.

0845 459 2000 / www.playfootball.net Premier FC parties The ultimate kid’s football party for children of all ages and abilities.

01625 415151 / www.premierfc.com Scalextric Children’s Parties, Cheshire, Warrington & Manchester You hire the venue, we supply the Scalextric Party experience. 01928732717/ www.scalextricchildrensparties.co.uk Splat Creative Crafts (messy or not) and games galore parties across the North West.

01477 532119 / www.splatcreative.co.uk Teddy Bear’s Workshop, Bolton Build-a-bear, pottery or jute bag parties. 01204-771013 / www.teddybearsworkshop.com Thingyblobs Parties (and classes) packed full of wonderful exciting activities for ages 2 – 4 or 5 – 7. 1 or 2 hours packed full of activities and fun. No time to get bored, all games age appropriate. Small or large groups or mixed ages for any occasion. Party bags can be provided too. 0161 442 9700 / www.thingyblobs.co.uk Tricky the entertainer For magic, fun, music and games. 0800 135 7911 / www.trickys.co.uk YogaBelliesKids Yoga adventure parties for children aged 3 – 8. Choose from The Ocean, Space or The Jungle adventures. Max 20 children.

Angela: 07940 476953 / angela@yogabellies.co.uk www.yogabellieskids.co.uk

PARTY PLANNING

Big Top Parties All you need for a party - party hosts, children’s entertainers, fun food, birthday cakes and party bags. Bespoke theme parties or outdoor events and picnics for under 5s or 5 - 12 year olds. Catering for every occasion also available. 0161 478 8970 / www.BigTopParties.co.uk Cheshire Cat Events Prestige children’s party planning for any age. 01625 460195 / www.cheshirecatevents.com Little Tinkers Party Planners and Entertainers Options for big or small budgets.

01244 379294 / www.littletinkers.com Millie Moo Parties Unique Fun for Little People aged 3 – 11. Themed party packages that include everything you need from invitations to party bags and even finding a venue if needed. Or a bespoke service tailored to suit your individual budget and taste. 07812 064167 / www.milliemooparties.co.uk Party Perfect The perfect party solution provided by an efficient, creative and organised team. Children’s parties as well as all other celebrations. 07817 627808 / www.party-perfect.org.uk Pink Spaghetti Efficient, affordable and approachable party planning services.

0844 504 7465 / www.pink-spaghetti.co.uk

VENUES

Anchors Away, Stockport Party Kids or Private Hire parties.

0161 432 4020 / www.anchorsaway.org.uk Anchor’s Away Play, Wythenshawe Food & Play, Toddler or VIP party options available.

0161 437 0665/ www.anchorsawayplay.com Antz in your Pantz, Timperley Laser, Go-kart, Roller Skating, Craft or traditional party options.

0161 962 2266 / www.antzinyourpantz.co.uk Bean & Brush, Sale A Family Art Café offering hosted art or craft parties, including a party buffet, 7 days a week. 0161 973 2140 / www.beanandbrush.co.uk Boomerang, Bury Multi-sensory play centre with exclusive use option available.

0161 764 4842 / www.boomerangcentre.co.uk Blue Room Studios, Bury Record your favourite songs in a professional recording studio, have the performance mixed, mastered and put onto CD. 08712 453 423 / www.blueroomstudios.co.uk Brooklyn Pottery, Stockport Pottery painting parties for all ages.

0161 480 5139 / www.brooklynpottery.co.uk Brookside Pottery, Poynton The Potter’s Wheel experience offers pottery painting and a train ride on the miniature railway. You supply the food, they supply the rest.

07946 637 499 / www.brooksidepottery.com Chill Factore, Trafford Park Can you imagine a fun-packed party surrounded by real snow?

If you’re looking for something that little bit different, Chill Factore offer a truly exciting range of activity parties to make your child’s day extra special. From £5 per child, party packages include 45 minutes of awesome fun in the snow followed by a party meal overlooking the slopes.

Snowplay parties are ideal for toddlers whereas Sledging and Tubing parties are perfect for children aged 4+. Teens love Pick & Mix parties which tend to be in the evenings and give you a range of different snow activities. You’ll have a party host to organise the fun and all the extras too such as invitations, the all-important cake and party bags are also offered.

For more details visit www.chillfactore.com Creative Explorers, Manchester Create-a-party craft parties with options including canvas painting, decoupage, mask decorating and more.

07413 438473 / www.creativeexplorers.net

To be included in our directory, please call 01625 801801 or email editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk

Curly Whirleez, Bolton Tots (under 5), Simply Play or Sporty Parties. Exclusive venue use available. 01204 523 620 / www.curlywhirleez.co.uk East Lancashire Railway All Aboard the Party Express! Pick and mix your party experience from a range of options – Room Hire, decorations, craft activities, lunch bag and train ride. 0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk Funtastic, Radcliffe, Bury Variety of party packages for all budgets, including exclusive venue use. 0161 425 8248 / www.funtastic.org.uk Funtime Kids, Cheadle Indoor soft play centre for children up to age 12. Parties for min 12, max 30 children. 0161 376 5035 / www.facebook.com/FuntimeKidsCheadle Go Wild, Bury Play, Pamper, make cupcakes/ pancakes parties,with face painting, balloon modelling, exlusive venue use and other extras available. 0161 764 8268 / www.gowildbury.co.uk Head over Heels, Chorlton & Handforth Bronze, silver or gold party options Chorlton: 0161 881 4433 Handforth: 0161 485 2200 www.headoverheelsplay.co.uk Jungle Mayhem, Radcliffe Jungle, Glitter Girls, Football, Go Kart, Disco and Tots party options as well as exclusive venue hire.0161 724 7402 / www.junglemayhem.co.uk Kids Go Karting, Stockport Go karting in a safe environment on a purpose built track for ages 3 – 10.

Exclusive use of venue during the party.

07544 424 212 / www.kidsgokarting.uk.com Land of Play, Trafford Park Toddlers (under 4s), Tradtional or Exclusive Hire party options.

0161 872 9434 / www.landofplay.co.uk Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester Full use of all activities as well as a private party room, food and cake. 0844 844 8181 / www.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk Let’s Party, Bury Themed party venue that will do everything for you. All you need is a cake and party bags (although they can do these too). 3 rooms suitable for different ages (3 – 16 years).

0161 797 1111 / www.letspartyvenue.co.uk Little Big Heads, Wilmslow Fairy Tea Party, Belle of the Ball, Princess&Pirates or Disco Diva options hosted by friendly staff. Party bags and a special gift for the bitrhday girl. 01625 548326 / www.littlebigheads.co.uk Minikin Emporium, Sale Paint a pot and Decopatch parties including pizza making and food at Oca Waterside.08000 155 122 / www.minikindesigns.com Mischief Makers, Rochdale Public or private party options, with Deluxe party bags, face painting, helium balloons and party games available for small extra charge.

01706 653 656 / www.mischiefmakersltd.co.uk Oulder Hill Leisure Complex Pool Inflatable, Small Pool or Sports Hall Party packages available.

01706 716680 / www.ohlc.co.uk Paradise Island Adventure Golf, Trafford Centre Two 18 hole courses spanning two levels of paradise themed fun. 0161 202 9544 / www.paradiseislandgolf.com Parsley Pie, Hale, Whitefield & Stockport Creative, fun parties for boys and girls of all ages.

Tons of different party activities & projects to choose from. www.parsleypie.com Pelican Centre, Tyldesley. Swimming parties for up to 30 children - various inflatable options available.

01942 882722 / www.pelicantyldesley.co.uk Planet Play, Heywood, Rochdale Standard, Deluxe, Super Deluxe or Girl Galaxy party options.

01706 627 627 / www.planetplay.net Queen’s Park Cafe, Rochdale Parties with an outdoor treasure hunt or indoor crafts, food and games. 07984 140521 / www.queensparkcafe.com

Parties

Run of the Mill, Stockport Private hire available from 5 – 7pm, with various entertainment options. 0161 494 7137 / www.runofthemill.co.uk Playfactore, Trafford A choice of parties in ahuge indoor playcentre with a personal party host and contemporary party rooms.

0844 824 6030 / www.playfactore.com Red House Farm, Altrincham A range of managed party packages with rides, bouncy castle, trampoline, inflatable slide, laser quest or climbing wall. 0161 941 3480 /www.redhousefarm.co.uk Richmond Hall Kids Adventure Play Centre, Rochdale. Indoor play, with separate party room and catering available. 01706 633331 / www.richmond-hall.co.uk Ringways Restaurant, Manchester Airport Cater from the main or children’s menus, or pr-order a party platter. Table decorated with balloons and party banner. Free outdoor play area and free entry on board an Avro RJX aircraft. 0161 489 8300 / www.ringwaysrestaurant.co.uk Smithills Open Farm, Bolton Cuddle the animals in pets corner, donkey rides, tractor and trailer rides, bouncy castles, toy tractors, sand pit and adventure playground. Party food supplied – just bring the cake and party bags.

Min 10 children. 01204 595 765 / www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk Starlight Performing Arts, Hazel Grove Popstar and Rockstar Parties with tailormade packages including food, drinks, party bags, photos and a DVD if required. 0161 439 8009 / www.starlightperformingarts.t83.net The Styling Academy, Sale Make-over/ modelling parties for girls of all ages. We are in the Trader’s Outlet in Sale. £14.99 per head for 2 hours, which includes make up, hair, nails, photoshoot and a fashion show. It’s great fun!

Check out our website. Mention FAMILIES and get a free place! Call Kelly on 07980 633745 / www.thestylingacademy.net Total Fitness Studio (ages 4 – 11) and pool parties (ages 8+) www.totalfitness.co.uk Wacky Woods Birthday parties and outdoor adventures for children. 01625 573 086 / www.wackywoods.co.uk Wobbly Bobs Playcentre, Farnworth With cold or hot party food, and optional extras like party bags, face painting and balloons. Sumo wrestling and laser party option and exclusive venue hire available. 01204 576719 / www.wobblybobs.net Zoom Play Centre, Stockport Toddler, midweek, weekend and exclusive options available. Party prices include party bags, food, squash, party host, party games, reserved table for grown ups, crowning and parade plus one free pass for an admission to Zoom on a subsequent visit. A range of extras to make your party even more special also available.

0161 477 2225 / www.zoomplaycentre.co.uk

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 17

Parties Birthday presents all wrapped up with Giddy Goat Toys

By Jane Arschavir My three year old son has a better social life than me.

He goes to more parties in a month than I go to in an entire year (or two years, let’s be honest here). Whilst he loves a good party, I sometimes find it a bit stressful, not to mention expensive.

The cost of party outfits and presents soon adds up, especially if every weekend is kids party central.

We try and give thoughtful gifts that the birthday boy or girl will enjoy, and we generally set a budget of about £10 per gift. It’s easy to spend a fortune on gadgets, gimmicks and toys that go beep, but quite often simple, traditional toys, puzzles, crafts and games are enjoyed more by the child and appreciated more by their parents.

Living in South Manchester, we’re lucky that we have

Giddy Goat Toys in Didsbury virtually on our doorstep. The staff are excellent, really helpful and knowledgable. I often wander in with a list of forthcoming birthdays to buy for and ask them to recommend a present; give them a budget and the age of the child and within minutes you’ve chosen the gift and it’s being wrapped at the counter.

Giddy Goat Toys stock traditional and quirky toys, games and crafts and they have an excessively good selection of toys under £10. I love their range of crafts from great companies like Melissa & Doug, Galt and Djeco; like the Djeco scratch boards for £7.50, which make lovely presents for budding artists and they’re such beautiful, eye-catching products.

Lego is a great gift for

slightly older children, they’ve got Lego Star Wars Microfighters for just £9.99, which I think will be a very popular present, especially with the release of Star Wars VII next year. I like the Galt Horrible Science range too, it’s a safe way to introduce children to the world of science without risking blowing up the house. Nicely priced at £6.99 a set, they can experiment with rockets, volcanos and slippery slime.

For the under sixes you can’t beat a puzzle from their Orchard Toys range; British made, they’re lovely, educational puzzles and games which spark their imaginations, the Bus Stop game (£10.99) is great fun, as is the award winning Shopping List memory game (£8.50).

Giddy Goat Toys have been our go-to shop for children’s toys since the party invitations started rolling in.

We’ve always found something special for birthday boys and girls

On trend with a green party

The fact is, there are only two big things that matter when it comes to your party going well: planning, and luck. Planning means thinking ahead, having a timetable (even a rough one, in your head; better still a written-down one, in your notebook or on your iPad). Luck means the sun shines, no-one scrapes their knee, the candles light when you strike the matches and the camera doesn’t stop working as you’re poised for the essential, round-the-cake shot.

Given that most of us have realised that spending doesn’t a good party make (though a bit of outlay is inevitable, and it’s crucial to spend wisely), many parents have also got to thinking that it’s a shame so many parties involve so much waste.

We put too much food out on the table; too much gets messy and left and ends up being thrown in the bin. And, given that we’re all trying to be more environmentally-friendly, parties seem like a good (and reasonably easy) place to start.

The sky has been the limit for kids’ parties in recent years – some parents spend thousands on making sure their child’s birthday treat goes with a swing. But the latest trend is to spend less and to be more environmentally-friendly. Joanna Moorhead reports.

After two decades of organising birthday parties for my four children, one truth is crystal clear to me: spending a lot doesn’t guarantee a successful bash. On the contrary, you can host a brilliant party that goes down in the history of your child’s friendship group for a reasonably small amount of money.

18 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

whatever their age, from babies to waddling toddlers, pre-schoolers to tweens; artists and scientists, Disney Princesses and Jedi Knights, Giddy Goat have the gift for them.

0161 445 1097 / www.giddygoattoys.co.uk

Here are our top tips on how to have a party that goes with a swing – and is green…

• Don’t overdo the food. Don’t pile too much on the table; have more in the fridge or on standby to whip out if needed • Don’t use paper plates – it’s easy to scrape them quickly and chuck them in the dishwasher • Buy big packets of e.g. biscuits, crisps etc. Not only does that mean less waste, it’s also cheaper – and many of the ‘healthier’ brands of crisps only come in big packets • Shop-bought cakes are stuffed with sugar, so make your own: and if you don’t make cakes, try to find a local, home-based cake maker who will do one for you.

• We’re great fans of story tellers and magicians at Families and have had absolutely wonderful parties being entertained by some of our local professionals. .. sometimes it is just so worth it! Blow the budget here and really enjoy it!

Parents’ place Dinosaur Delights

ASPACE, one of our favourites for children’s beds and bedding, has a fantastic new dinosaur-inspired range to excite budding little palaeontologists!

Some fads come and go but the enduring love and fascination of dinosaurs shows no signs of abating from one generation to the next. Celebrating this, ASPACE’s new Bones and Bolts collection includes the Dino Bean Chair and Dino Beanbag, made from 100% cotton with stain resistant coating, Dino soft toys such as Dino Doppy and Green Dino and the striking Felt Dinosaur Head. The fossil-fancy range also includes cupcake kits and party hats, cups, plates and invites. We love them! www.aspace.co.uk

Digital memory bank helps estranged dads stay in touch with children

Britain has the highest proportion of fatherless families (2 million) of any major European country and 1 in 3 children – nearly 4 million in total – live without their father. (Source: Office of National Statistics). Of those children who don’t live with their father, 1 in 3 will lose contact with their dads permanently. (Source: Centre for Social Justice).

Not all of these dads want to or deserve to see their children, however, there are many dads out there who want to be involved but who miss out because of circumstances – and their children miss out too.

But modern technology has come to the rescue in the form of a new online memory

bank, Lifestorybank www.lifestorybank.com, which allows dads to share all sorts of information with their children, such as stories about childhood and family facts.

Dads can also include advice. Their children may be too young to appreciate advice right now but knowing that it is there will only help them in the future.

No, it will never be the same as holding their hand or giving them a real hug but it is a good way to connect with them and leave your stories. Today’s children are tech savvy. They connect electronically to each other on a daily basis and this is having an impact on their attention span, making it shorter. So more frequent connections can be better than few long ones - an organised collection of video clips is easier for them to watch than a long documentary type film.

The service is online, so all they need is an invitation from their parent, an internet connection and an email address to receive a password and access the parent’s account. The fact that they can log on anywhere at any time stops any emotional negativity or feeling bad that asking permission or a phone call can cause. It holds the information indefinitely in the Cloud and is available 24/7.

Yes there are other ways of leaving information but video recording is important. Children want to see their parent’s face, expressions and mannerisms not just read a text or listen to a disembodied voice; to feel like their parent is there, even when they cannot be there physically.

Basic membership to Lifestorybank is free, which includes three chapters and 30 questions. www.lifestorybank.com

Guide for depression

Around one in ten young people will experience depression, stress or anxiety by the time they reach 18. But where can their parents turn to for help?

This summer saw the launch of an essential guide for parents who might be worried that their child is depressed. On behalf of charity the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, the guide offers answers to all the most frequently asked questions parents have, plus guidance on what to do next.

A Parent’s Guide To Depression is filled

with clear, practical advice for anyone concerned that their son or daughter has a mental health problem, tackling the challenges parents face such as how to distinguish between natural adolescent mood swings and depression, and ways to talk about your concerns with your child. ‘Parents are usually the first to notice that their child’s behaviour has changed,’ said Jackie Williams of the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust. ‘Often they feel powerless to help, particularly if their child is shutting themselves off from their family and the wider world. But the good news is there are proven, practical strategies to help your child overcome their depression.’ The online version can be accessed at www.cwmt.org.uk/ category/parents-guide; the more concise printed booklet can be downloaded at www.cwmt.org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2014/05/parents-guide-todepression.pdf

Fussy eating affects 8 out of 10 UK families

A recent survey on fussy eating has found that over 80% of UK parents have children who are fussy eaters.

The research, commissioned by Abbott Laboratories, has also shown that 69% of parents worry that their child is not getting the nutrition they need and a further 60% said their child’s fussy eating habits make them feel frustrated.

The emotional impact of fussy eating on parents is significant, with 25% fretting that other people might think they are a bad parent and 27% worrying that their child might go hungry at school or at a friend’s house.

Fussy eating is a widespread issue in the UK, affecting many families and parents of fussy eaters will go to extreme lengths in order to get their children to eat well. Bribing children with dessert or sweets (34%), hiding vegetables in other

foods (33%) and threatening to take away treats or fun activities (21%) were some of the most common tactics used by parents.

Netali Levi, a Clinical Psychologist who works with children who are fussy eaters and their parents believes that “managing mealtimes to make them enjoyable, reducing stress (both yours and the child’s) and understanding your child’s hunger signals are all key to success”.

Netali also advises that “It’s important to realise that there are some aspects of the situation where you may have less control.

You need to find what works for you and your child but generally speaking, by involving them in the process of shopping, cooking and preparing food, gradually introducing new flavours and textures, and rewarding progress, it should be possible for you to navigate this tricky phase and get them back to healthy eating habits.”

For more advice and tips on tackling fussy eating, visit: www.fussyeaters.co.uk, where you can download a unique 12-week “back on track” eating plan, developed by Netali and a nutritionist. The plan provides week-by-week practical guidance to support parents and children on their journey to enjoying healthy foods.

The plan encourages parents to let their children take some control of eating and offers support with introducing new foods and textures gradually and regularly.

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 19

Parents’ place Mindfulness, the secret to happy parenting

By Mette Theilmann

Mindfulness is the difference between being a DOer and a BEer. As parents today, we often experience high levels of pressure and stress to make sure our children become well-rounded individuals. We pack their lives with a variety of activities and sports clubs to keep them fit, sociable and confident, encourage them to do well at school, make the right friends and painstakingly pore over every decision about their education.

The daily routine of family life with all its chores and demands and our own feelings of responsibility to ensure our children are confident, independent, responsible and happy can all make for

very stressed and exhausted parents.

Basically what I am saying is that if we are not physically on the go, we are mentally on the go; thinking about what to do and where to be next.

It’s no wonder that 90% of parents describe themselves as frantic rather than fun. It’s no wonder that parents today have become DOers rather than BEers.

It’s not helped by the fact we’re always having to take calls, check texts and e-mails; our children quickly realise they don’t have our full attention when we’re attached to our tablet, laptop or phone!

This can also create huge challenges when we try and tackle the issue of their screen time too. The effect of this “full on all the time” way of life is that we are never really in the moment or mindfully there for ourselves or our children and this can have a negative effect on us both!

For us, it can cause stress/irritability and exhaustion and we can start to react to situations in a much more negative way.

We stop listening properly to our children; we are just too busy thinking about other things. We forget to enjoy the small moments with them and sadly miss out on opportunities to praise them. We then

20 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

often start to feel guilty as deep down we know that this is not the parent we want to be and we can start to lose our confidence as a parent. This can encourage self-doubt in our children too as they can start to think that we don’t want to be with them. They start playing up to get our full attention as they know we always react when they are fighting or misbehaving.

They feel that we are not listening and start not listening to us, or each other. They start mimicking our behaviour and becoming like us!! Our stress is being passed on to them. But the good news is that the key to mindfulness can be achieved by anyone, anywhere.

Mindfulness aims for you to fully focus on each moment you are with your children. Mindfulness helps you to find the balance between being a DOer and a BEer. When we do become “mindfully there”, we become a great role model for our children based on respect, care and deep love. Since we are fully aware of what they say, do and feel we really get to know our children again and re-connect with them. We feel proud of ourselves at the end of each day as we feel we are doing the right thing, even if things haven’t

gone to plan! We gain energy and motivation as a parent as we start to see the same emotions and feelings manifesting themselves in our children.

We will have a positive and dynamic focus on problem-solving in stressful situations and become more open-minded to positive discipline. Our children develop healthy social skills based on listening and respect for other people. They become like us (and in a good way!) and we start to have fun together again!

Awareness is the first key to mindfulness.

Our daily tasks and challenges are not going to go away but when you become aware that you are not “in the moment” and are just too busy thinking about other things or multi-tasking, remind yourself why you need to focus now. Relax your body, breathe slowly and look at your children and smile.

Try to think more calmly and remember that mindful parents become essentially better able to manage difficult situations and issues arising in the family and within themselves.

ParentingSuccess offers parenting workshops and one-to-one parent coaching on all family issues. To find out more go to www.parentingsuccesscoaching.com.

Parents’ place Parents’ Rights By the Prolegal Employment team

The many different rights to leave for parents can be difficult to understand, and won’t get any easier when Shared Parental Leave is introduced next year. Read on to find out more about the different types of leave, who qualifies and what rights there are to pay during leave.

Maternity leave Mums have the right to up to 26 weeks of ordinary maternity leave (OML) and a further 26 weeks additional maternity leave (AML), no matter how long she has been with her employer. To qualify, mum must tell her employer the date she wants to start her leave before the end of the 15th week before she is due to give birth. The first 2 weeks after birth are compulsory maternity leave, when she is not allowed to work.

Qualifying employees are entitled to a maximum of 39 weeks statutory maternity pay (SMP). For the first six weeks mum should be paid 90% of her salary; the remaining 33 weeks are paid at either the statutory rate of £138.18, or 90% of her average gross weekly earnings if this is lower. Check your company maternity

policy because some employers offer enhanced maternity pay.

Terms and conditions of employment continue during maternity leave, except in respect of pay. Mum should continue to get her non-cash contractual benefits such as medical insurance. Holidays accrue during maternity leave and can be taken before or after leave but not during.

Mum has the right to return to the same job after OML. After AML, employers can offer a suitable and appropriate alternative if it is not practical for mum to return to the same job.

Paternity leave Dads, or mum’s partner, are entitled to 2 weeks’ Ordinary Paternity Leave (OPL) paid at £138.18. Many employers offer this at full pay. Although most men choose to take the leave as the baby is born, it can be taken at any time within 56 days of the birth. To qualify, dad must have had at least 26 weeks’ service 14 weeks before the due date.

If dad qualifies for OPL he is also entitled to APL, if he working for the same employer as he was when he took OPL and mum goes back to work. APL

cannot be taken until baby is 20 weeks old and no later than baby’s first birthday.

Dad is entitled to the unexpired portion of mum’s SMP, paid at the same rate.

Parental leave Both parents are entitled to take up to 18 weeks unpaid parental leave before their child is 5. The leave is calculated in respect of each child, so a parent of 2 children could take up to 36 weeks.

Leave must be taken in blocks of a week and can be limited to 4 weeks per year.

Employers can postpone the leave for up to 6 months where the business would be unduly disrupted.

To qualify for leave, employees must have been with their employer for at least a year. Leave can move between employers, so for example if you had taken 6 weeks leave and got a new job, you could take up to 12 weeks in that new job once you had been there for a year.

Dependants leave All employees are entitled to a reasonable amount of unpaid leave to deal with dependants who are ill or injured. The leave is also available to cope with unexpected disruption of childcare or to deal with an incident at school.

Shared parental leave There has been much publicity around Shared Parental Leave, which will be available to parents of children born after April 2015.

Parents will be able to share 50 weeks’ leave after the 2 week compulsory maternity leave. They can take leave in consecutive blocks or at the same time. They can even ask their employer for leave in noncontinuous blocks, though employers will have the right to refuse this. Maternity and Paternity pay will remain at current levels.

To qualify, employees must have 26 weeks’ service 14 weeks before the baby’s due date. Both parents must meet the “economic activity test”, i.e. they must have worked for at least 26 of the 66 weeks before the baby is born, and have earned at least £30 per week for at least 13 of those weeks.

Prolegal is a new breed of law firm that looks to challenge the conventional methods by which legal services are delivered. Their approach to legal services revolves around their belief that advice and assistance should be provided in an entrepreneurial, empowering and forthright manner. Prolegal Ltd 020 7743 6719 / www.prolegal.co.uk

What on earth are Wonder Weeks?

By Frans Plooij

Have you ever wondered what’s going on in your baby’s head? Why does a normally well-tempered baby suddenly become difficult and demanding?

No, it’s not cramps, teething or other standard answers.

It’s a wonder week! When this phase is over, your baby will be doing things he could not do before. Wonder Weeks are key developmental leaps in every baby’s life.

They influence the rest of a child’s life.

Stop doubting yourself or your baby.

All babies go through ten wonder weeks during his first 20. Every wonder week consists of three phases: the fussy phase, the week of wonders (in which he is happy again and suddenly does a lot of new things), and the practice period. The fussy phase is the phase in which parents start doubting themselves, or even worse, their baby. The truth is there is nothing wrong with either you or your baby. Remember: the fussy behaviour is actually a sign of a gigantic leap forward.

Know when the leap starts and when it ends.

The good news is you can calculate pretty accurately when your baby will be making a leap. The leaps are based on the due date, not the date of birth.

Inform yourself about the leap.

This is really the most important thing to do. If you know what your baby is looking for in a particular leap you can make the fussy phase shorter and sweeter. There are great advantages for your baby if you know how to help him through each leap. In the short term he will be comforted and soothed better. A parent who is able to really understand what a baby is going through and what the baby wants to discover in that particular wonder week, is helping their baby to build up self-confidence, happiness and from a developmental point of view: stimulating the brain in the right way.

Don’t see the fussy phase as carte blanche to stop parenting.

OK, we now know when the leaps will start and when they will end. Yes, these wonder weeks will start and end without any interference from you. However, this does

not mean you should just wait for them to pass! You should really help your baby, be there for your baby and show him he can rely on you. He’s going through a hard time and needs your help and love.

Try to see the world through your baby’s eyes!

This is of course in line with informing yourself about what your baby perceives in each leap so you can help him, but it’s also just a lot of fun. During the leap of patterns (8 weeks), your baby loves observing patterns. So these kinds of leggings (shown above) will be a visual treat!

Do you know why a baby now starts to look at your eyes and mouth, and before only at the outsides of your head? Before this leap he could only really perceive contrasts. So he would look at the contrasts of your face against the light sky.

After the second leap he looks at the patterns in your face: your eyes, mouth and your hairline.

Does he move a bit like Pinocchio? That’s because his body now is able to move in patterns. The ‘ah ah oh oh’ sounds he now makes? Patterns with his vocal cords! Try all this. Place your fingers on your throat and feel the static movements when you make the same sounds your baby now makes.

Next up is the leap of smooth transitions.

Try following a moving object with your eyes and feel how your eyes are making a smooth movement. Your baby is now able to do this for the first time in his life. It’s so much fun to see the world through your baby’s eyes and if you know what to look for in each wonder week, you’ll see so much more of the special things your baby does and you’ll be so much more equipped to give him the proper help.

Frans Plooij is an international expert on the mental development of infants and author of The Wonder Weeks which is available at Amazon, Waterstones and your local bookstore. RRP: £15.99

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 21

What’s on

Remember to check our What’s On Calendar on www.familiesmanchester.co.uk regularly, as not all event information is available at the time of going to print.

Daily Until Sun 12 Oct

Sat 6 & Sun 7 Sept

Weekends in Sept & Oct

Sat 6 Sept & Sat 4 Oct

The Lowry, Salford Quays Here’s One We Made Earlier Sun – Fri 11am – 5pm, Sat 10am – 5pm. A FREE exhibition telling the story of over 90 years of BBC Children’s broadcasting with historical exhibits from classic shows.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com The Imperial War Museum, North Family Fun Weekend 10am – 5pm / Free entry (donations welcomed) Craft activities, object handling and children’s tours for the whole family. www.iwm.org.uk/north The Manchester Museum Discovery Centre 11am – 4pm / Free, drop in. Drawing and other art activities inspired by the Museum’s collection.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Every Wed in Sept & Oct

Environmental Resource Centre, Bolton Nature Tots 9.30am – 10.45am Babies & Toddlers (15 months – 3 years) / 11am – 12.15pm Pre-school (ages 3 – 5) / £4 per child (includes refreshments) / Booking required A programme focused around getting pre-school children engaged in wildlife and outdoor activity. www.lancswt.org.uk/nature-tots

Every Fri in Sept & Oct

The Lowry, Salford Quays Under 5s First Steps Age 2½ – 4½ / 10am – 10.45am & 11.15am – 12pm / £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents). An active weekly workshop in The Studio where your little one can explore their creativity and have tons of fun!

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Every Fri in Sept & Oct

The Hive, Moss Bank Park, Bolton Nature Tots 10am – 11.15am /Babies & Toddlers (15 mths – 3 yrs) / 11.30am – 12:45pm Pre-school (ages 3 – 5) / £4 per child (includes refreshments) / Booking required A programme focused around getting pre-school children engaged in wildlife and outdoor activity. www.lancswt.org.uk/nature-tots

Fri 5 Sept

The Manchester Art Gallery Baby Art Club 10.15 – 11am, 11.30 – 12.15pm, 1.15 – 2pm, 2.30 – 3.15pm / Free. Use all your senses to explore our artist’s space. For babies who aren’t walking yet, with an adult carer. Limited spaces – please book a week in advance.

0161 235 8888 / www.manchestergalleries.org

Fri 5 Sept & Fri 3 Oct

The Lowry, Salford Quays Under 5s Doodle Tots Age 2½ – 4½ / 10am – 10.45am & 11.15am – 12pm / £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents). Enjoy painting, sticking and making your own works of art in this colourful workshop in The Studio.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Every Sat in Sept & Oct

The Lowry, Salford Quays Lookout, it’s Saturday Playhouse Ages 5 – 11 / 11am – 12.30pm / Free. Make, draw, colour and stick in a whole range of fun, creative family activities inspired by the Here’s One I Made Earlier exhibition.

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Sat 6 Sept

The Manchester Art Gallery Baby Saturday 1 – 3pm / Free, drop in Use all your senses to explore our artist’s space. For babies who aren’t walking yet, with an adult carer.

0161 235 8888 / www.manchestergalleries.org

Ribble Steam Railway, Preston ‘WLR 50’ Event 10am – 5pm / Adult: £7, Child/Concession: £4 .50, Family: £20 (Day Ticket gives unlimited rides – no booking required). Marking 50 years of the closure of the Preston – Southport line.

01772 728800 / www.ribblesteam.org.uk The John Rylands Library, Manchester Enchanting Tales All ages / 11am – 12 noon / Free – no booking required Join the Library’s storyteller for tales of magic, mystery, mayhem and more.

Here be dragons!

Ages 5 – 10. 12 – 1pm / Free. The walls and ceilings of the Library are full of strange and mysterious creatures – join our tour to seek them out!

0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk Lyme Park, Disley Xplorer Event 10am – 12pm / Free (Normal admission applies) Explore the park, find the markers and complete the challenge. No booking required. Dogs on leads welcome.

01663 762023 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Every Sun in Sept & Oct

The National Football Museum, Manchester Skill Sunday Challenge yourself to learn something new this year with these free, fun training sessions for all ages.

0161 605 8200 / www.nationalfootballmuseum.com The Salford Museum & Art Gallery Creative Sundays Ages 5 – 10 / 1.30 – 3.30pm / Free. A different arts and crafts activity every week.

0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Sun 7 Sept

Eccles Recreation Ground, Salford Eccles Funfair, Car Boot and Dog Show 8am – 6pm / Free entry. Traditional funfair with early start car boot and afternoon Dog Show. www.salford.gov.uk The Museum Of Transport, Greater Manchester Trans Lancs Transport Show 10am – 4.30pm / Adult: £4, Under 16s free (must be accompanied). Family friendly day out featuring classic & modern transport.

0161 228 7811 / www.gmts.co.uk Victoria Park, Salford Victoria Park Summer Band Concert 2 – 4pm. Free live band concert at the Victorian Band Stand. Bring a deck chair and a picnic.

Refreshments available. www.salford.gov.uk/countryparks

Sun 7 Sept & Sun 5 Oct

The Kingsway School, Cheadle & Saddleworth School, Uppermill Kids Car Boot & Swap Shop 10am – 12pm www.kidscarbootandswapshop.co.uk

Thurs 11, Fri 12 & Sun 14 Sept

The Manchester Jewish Museum Heritage Open Days Free entry and free museum tours every hour, to explore the museum’s historic building and the history of Manchester’s Jewish community. 0161 834 9879 / www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com

Fri 12 Sept

The Manchester Art Gallery Mini Art Club Ages 1 – 4 / 10.15 – 11.15am & 11.30am – 12.30pm / Free, but booking essential (from a week in advance). Get to know the artworks, investigate materials and make friends in our artist led workshops.

0161 235 8888 / www.manchestergalleries.org

22 Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk

Sat 13 Sept

The Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Big Family Birthday Party 11am – 5pm / Free (some activities may incur a small charge). Celebrate Waterside’s 10th birthday with a full day of activities for the whole family!

0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk The Manchester Art Gallery Family Art Club Age 5 – 11 / 1 – 3pm / Free, but limited places Look at art and be creative together.

0161 235 8888 / www.manchestergalleries.org Lyme Park, Disley Heritage Open Day 11am – 5pm Free entry to the house and gardens.

01663 762023 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Heritage Open Day – Green Living 12 – 4pm / Free. Celebrate the role of the river in the past, present and future of the Mill with storytelling, hands on activities and behind-the-scenes access to the Hydro and Fish Pass scheme. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank Bolton Central Library Cinema at the Crescent – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 2pm / Free, no booking required / under 12s must be accompanied www.bolton.gov.uk

Sat 13 & Sun 14 Sept

The Museum Of Transport, Greater Manchester Heritage Open Days 10am – 4.30pm. Free admission and free heritage busses between the Museum, MoSI & People’s History Museum.

0161 228 7811 / www.gmts.co.uk Ribble Steam Railway, Preston Annual Autum Steam Gala 10am – 5pm 01772 728800 / www.ribblesteam.org.uk

Fri 19 Sept

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Music Makers: Baby & Toddler sessions Toddlers: 11am & 12pm Babies: 1.45pm & 2.45pm / Free, but booking essential. Music and sensory play session for babies and toddlers.

0844 907 9000 / www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

Fri 19 – Sun 21 Sept

Ramsbottom Cricket Club Ramsbottom Festival A weekend of music, arts and activities for all the family. www.ramsbottomfestival.com

Sat 20 Sept

The Manchester Art Gallery Open Doors Age 5 – 16 with parent or carer / 9.15 – 10.45am / Free A series of creative activities especially for children with autism and other social communication issues, their families and carers.

0161 235 8888 / www.manchestergalleries.org

Sat 20 & Sun 21 Sept

Lyme Park, Disley Autumn Craft and Food Fair 11am – 5pm / Free event, but normal admission applies. Celebrate autumn by picking up some terrific local food, inspirational gifts, and enjoy the stunning gardens. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park Arley Hall and Gardens, Northwich Cheshire Food Festival 10.30am – 5.30pm / Adult £6.50, Child £2.50, Family £15 (2 + 2). Live Music, Men vs. Food Challenges, Cake Off, Artisan Talks, Kids Corner and more.

01565 777353 / www.cheshirefoodfestival.com Tatton Park, Knutsford Harvest Festival at The Farm Normal opening times & entry charges apply. Have a go at scarecrow making and spinning, make your own corn doll, sheep racing and woodturning demos. Harvest Blessing 2pm with the Preston Brook brass band. Bring your own pets to be blessed!

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 13 & Sun 14 Sept & Sat 11 & Sun 12 Oct

Sun 21 Sept

Sun 14 Sept

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Journey through time – Mapping Manchester Age 6 to 14 (must be accompanied) 4.30 – 6pm / Free – but booking required. Investigate the past through historical maps. Discover what Manchester was like when it was little more than a village and take jumps through time as it grew right up to discovering which areas the Germans most wanted to destroy in WWII. 0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk

The Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford Quays Waterside Market Saturday 10am – 6pm Sunday 11am – 5pm / Free Entry. Delicious, locally sourced food and drink, artisan arts and crafts, jewellery, homewear, plants and seasonal goods.

0161 848 1850 / www.lowryoutlet.co.uk Ordsall Hall, Salford Heritage Open Day 1 – 3pm / Free entry. Find out about 16th and 17th century gardening on a tour with an ‘in character’ historical gardener. Get to know some of the characters that have lived at the Hall over the centuries and learn about the building’s most recent restoration.

0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk The Bolton Steam Museum September Steamings 10am – 4pm / Free, but donations very welcome Over 25 restored stationary steam engines – some of the engines which once powered the cotton mills of Lancashire. Most will be running in steam today.

01204 846 490 / www.nmes.org

Tues 16 & 30 Sept, 14 & 28 Oct The Manchester Museum Baby Explorers 10.30 – 11.15am & 11.30am – 12.15pm & 1 – 1.45pm / Free, but book (from a week before). Drop in sensory play session for babies who aren’t walking yet.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

The Wellbeing Farm, Bolton Harvest Festival, Artisan Market and Family Fun Day Under-cover artisan farmers market, cookery demonstrations showcasing the best of farm to fork cookery, a heap of children’s activities to enable them to understand where food comes from and lots of other activities. www.thewellbeingfarm.co.uk

Fri 26 Sept

The Manchester Museum Magic Carpet 10.30 – 11.30am & 11.30am – 12.30pm / Free, booking essential (from 1 week before). Storymaking and activity session for under 5s and their families/ carers. Young babies welcome with older siblings.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Fri 26 – Sun 28 Sept

Event City, Manchester The Baby & Toddler Show The UK’s biggest baby and toddler show returns to the North West! All the amazing shopping and expert advice new parents need to give their baby the best start.

QUOTE BTM26 TO SAVE 1/3 ON TICKETS – ONLY £10 www.babyandtoddlershow.co.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesmanchester.co.uk

What’s on

Sat 27 Sept

Fri 24 Oct

The Lowry, Salford Quays Beauty and the Beast Family Fun with BRB 12 – 1.30pm / Free. Fun for all the family in this unique opportunity to meet the company of Birmingham Royal Ballet, see the costumes, take part in creative activities and even have your face painted!

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com The Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Discover the Pacific 11am – 4pm / Free, drop in. Make your own Hawaiian flower lei to wear as you explore the Museum and learn about the fascinating cultures and diverse environments of the Pacific.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Z-arts, Hulme Musical Instrument Taster Fair 12 – 3pm / Price on the door: £7 adults / £4 children (£2 discount if tickets reserved in advance) Try a range of different instruments with mini-lessons from local musicians, ask questions and discover the right instrument for you. A unique family event to promote music making.

07708 815928 / www.MusicNeverAlone.co.uk

Sat 27 & Sun 28 Sept

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Autumn Fair 11am – 4pm / Free event, normal admission applies A weekend of activities for all the family, including the chance to celebrate autumn with local food and crafts.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Thurs 2 Oct

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Toddler Tales Under 5s / 10.30 – 11.30am / Free – no booking required. Find a cosy corner, pull up a cushion and listen to fun stories. Join in playtime, creating a story world of your own.

0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk

Sat 4 Oct

The Manchester Cathedral Be a Chorister for a day Age 7 – 10 (must be accompanied) / 2.15 – 5.30pm / Free, but advance booking required. Find out what singing in the Cathedral Choir is all about. The visit to the Cathedral will be combined with a visit to Chetham’s School of Music. 0161 833 2220 x 238 / www.manchestercathedral.org

The Hall i’ th’ Wood Museum, Bolton Discovery Days – Gruffalo Adventures 1 – 3pm / Free. Free family friendly activities suitable for all ages, no need to book.

01204 332370 / www.boltonmuseums.org.uk

Sat 4 & Sun 5 Oct

The Manchester Museum Grandparents Weekend 11am – 4pm / Free, drop in. Enjoy Drawing Den activities in the Discovery Centre and collect a family scrapbook to fill with favourite things from your visit.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk East Lancashire Railway, Bury Day Out With Thomas™ Thomas’ last visit in 2014! Magic and circus shows, face painting, live Thomas scenarios, Thomas table top games, storytelling, film screenings and rides with Thomas himself.

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sun 5 October

Tatton Park, Knutsford Tatton Apple Day Normal opening hours & entry charges apply A scrumptious Sunday at the Farm and in the Gardens to celebrate the wonderful apple. Games and children’s activities.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Fri 10 October

Bury Town Centre Bury Night Light 6pm – late See the town centre in a while new light – beautiful lights and mix of entertainment for all ages. A fantastic family – friendly, cultural event. www.facebook.com/burylightnight

Sat 11 Oct

The Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Sketch My World – A Family Friendly Big Draw Event 10.30am – 12.30pm for ages 4 – 8, 1.30 – 3.30pm ages 8 – 14. / £1 per child (must be accompanied), adults free – booking required. Join textile artist Rachael Howard for a fun session of sketching your world and contribute to a communal art work to be displayed in the gallery. All materials provided.

0161 912 5616 / watersideartscentre.co.uk Bolton Central Library Cinema at the Crescent – Freebirds 2pm / Free – no booking required. Under 12s must be accompanied. www.bolton.gov.uk

Sat 11 & Sun 12 Oct

Tatton Park, Knutsford The Food & Living Gift Fair 10.30am – 5pm / Normal entry charges apply – free entry to fair www.countrywide-events.co.uk

Sun 12 Oct

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre National Fungi Day Fungi Forays by local experts at 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Fungal displays at the Potting Shed. Suitable for all ages (children must be accompanied).

01477 571 766 / www.jodrellbank.net

Fri 17 Oct – Sun 2 Nov

Family Arts Festival 2014 Across Greater Manchester/Cheshire Eye boggling arts for all the family at various venues. www.familyartsfestival.com

Sat 18 Oct

Bolton Museum Diwali Colourful Textiles 12 – 3pm / Free, no need to book. Join us in celebrating Diwali with bright and colourful arts and crafts.

01204 332211 / www.boltonmuseums.org.uk The Met, Bury Family Folk Show with Megson The Met, Bury, Market Street, Bury, BL9 0BW 11am / £8. An organic, interactive and fun folk concert for big and little music connoisseurs.

0161 761 2216 / www.themet.biz

Sun 19 Oct

The Museum Of Transport, Greater Manchester Heritage Bus Day Out 10am – 4.30pm. Enjoy a free ride on heritage buses from the Museum, operating services in the local area. Fun for all the family!

0161 228 7811 / www.gmts.co.uk

Thurs 23 Oct

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Manchester Science Festival: Dice World: Science and Life in a Random Universe 6 – 7pm / Free. This fascinating exploration of randomness explains how chaos and uncertainty are often behind the realities of everyday life. Learn how to toss a head ten times in a row and how to make predictions with impossible accuracy.

0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Spooky Tours Age 12+ / £7, Booking essential. A ghostly and haunting trip through the Mill performed by the students of ALRA. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Fri 24 Oct – Sun 26 Oct

Tatton Park, Knutsford North West Food Lovers Festival Fri: 12 – 5pm, Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm Over 140 speciality food and drink producers, cooking demos, free kids cooking classes, and a food court. www.NWFoodloversfestival.co.uk

Sat 25 Oct

The Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Science Spectacular 11am – 4pm / Free, drop in. Take part in a range of challenging science quests. More than 40 interactive experiments and demonstrations as part of the Manchester Science Festival.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk The Met, Bury Adventures with Sam: On the Farm The Met, Bury. Ages 3 – 7. 11am & 2pm / £6. An interactive, fun filled show with original music and songs.

0161 761 2216 / www.themet.biz

Sat 25 & Sun 26 Oct

Event City The Family Pet Show 9.30am daily / Adult: £10, Child £8, Family £27.50.

Weekend tickets also available.

A fun show for all the family – pets too! www.thefamilypetshow.co.uk

Sat 25 – Fri 31 Oct

Tatton Park, Knutsford Hallowe’en Hauntings at the Old Hall 12 – 5pm. Are the ghosts fiendishly friendly or terrifyingly terrible? Also storytelling, face painting and mask making.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov

Lyme Park, Disley Fright Fest – Crow Wood Spooky Trail 11am – 3pm / Normal admission applies. Seek out spooky crows and creepy crawlies this Halloween, on a self guided trail around Crow Wood. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Families Manchester | www.familiesmanchester.co.uk 23

What’s on Tatton Park, Knutsford Ghosts in the Garden Go ghost hunting in the gardens this half -term but be prepared to be (slightly) scared as you track them down. Spooky story telling in the eerie Tower garden at weekends. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Stockley Farm, Northwich Halloween Half Term Spooky fun for children (and adults) of all ages.

01565 777323 / www.stockleyfarm.co.uk Tatton Park, Knutsford Solve the Mansion Mystery Week Normal opening hours and entry charges apply.

Don your deerstalker, pick up your magnifying glass and solve the case of the missing Mansion treasure.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sun 26 Oct

Ordsall Hall, Salford Ordsall Dead!

1.30 – 3.30pm / £1 per child – no booking required.

Join the ghoulish ex-residents of Ordsall Hall, partake in some fiendish crafts and activities and find out some spooky stories.

0161 872 0251 / www. salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Sun 26 Oct – Tues 28 Oct

Lyme Park, Disley Fright Fest – Jumping Jack-o’-lanterns Age 6+ / 10am – 12pm or 1 – 3pm / £4 per child (normal park admission applies). Carve a lantern in the Timber Yard to scare the ghosts away. 01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park

Sun 26 Oct – Sun 2 Nov

Ordsall Hall, Salford October Half Term – Bats and Spiders Mon – Thurs: 10am – 4pm, Sun 1 – 4pm / Free. Get creative at our making table and make some bats and spiders to decorate your room! Unsupervised activity.

October Half Term – Halloween Quiz £1 per quiz / Not available on Friday 31 Oct 0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Mon 27 Oct

The John Rylands Library, Manchester Learn Together: Collection Protection Age 6 – 14 (accompanied) / 10.30am – 12pm & 2.30 – 4pm / Free – but booking required. How do our conservators use science to protect our books from light, humidity, temperature and pests? Part of the Manchester Science Festival.

0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk Ordsall Hall, Salford October Half Term – Make a Felt Monster!

10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm / £1.50 Grrrr!

Make a monster to scare away those Halloween spooks!

0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Mon 27 – Fri 31 Oct

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Autumn Spooktacular at the Mill 12 – 4pm / 50p per trail / Normal admission applies.

Decorate your own trick or treat bag at this free craft activity and follow the Halloween trail through the Mill.

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank The Lowry, Salford Quays Half Term Little Actors Age 5 – 11 / 11am – 12.30pm / £3.50 (£1.75 Salford residents). Fly around the world jumping into lush green jungle and diving into the darkest depths of the coldest seas as you use your imagination to become the Deadly 60 animals; to celebrate the BBC Children’s TV Exhibition.

Half Term Little Artists Age 5 – 11 / 11am – 12.30pm / £3.50. Take inspiration from the book ‘How to train your Dragon’ to make your very own fire breathing 3D Dragons!

0843 208 6000 / www.thelowry.com

Remember to check our What’s On Calendar on www.familiesmanchester.co.uk regularly, as not all event information is available at the time of going to print.

The Manchester Museum Ice Age Science: Mammoths, mega boulders and microscopes.

11am – 1pm / Free, but places limited - advance booking essential. Meet the scientists who study ice age animals, plants, and landscapes. Fun activities including cave painting and ice age Top Trumps. Learn about ice age giants such as the mammoth and woolly rhino. Part of the Manchester Science Festival.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Spectacular stars science show Age 5+ / 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm / Free event but normal admission applies / Booking recommended. Discover how stars are born, why they are different colours, what a star is made from and what happens when a star dies.

Strange Science Age 5+ / Free, drop in (normal admission applies) Become a scientist for the day and carry out some hands-on experiments!

01477 571 766 / www.jodrellbank.net The Manchester Museum Woolly Animals 11am – 4pm / Free, drop in Visit ‘Siberia: At the Edge of the World’ and discover the science on how some animals survive in such a cold climate. Create some animals of your own. Part of the Manchester Science Festival.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Z-arts, Hulme Half Term Workshop – Letters Through Our Door Age 7 – 11 / 10am – 12pm / Free for Bright Sparks Members. A medley of music, art, drama, dance and storytelling.

0161 226 1912 / www.z–arts.org

Tues 28 Oct

Tatton Park, Knutsford Autumn Deer Walk Age 8+ / 2 – 4pm / £8. A guided walk with the Rangers, to witness this special time of year in the Park.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk St Peter’s Church, Ancoats, Manchester The Hallé: Giraffes Can’t Dance Age 3 – 7 / 10am, 11.30am, 1pm / Adult £5, Child £3 With music based on the popular children’s book Giraffes Can’t Dance, the concert has been specifically written by the Hallé’s Education Director, Steve Pickett. www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk The Manchester Museum The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Solar System 11am – 4pm / Free, drop in Venture into the fascinating world of planetary science and learn about the formation and history of our Solar System. Part of the Manchester Science Festival.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Ordsall Hall, Salford October Half Term – Spooky Charms!

10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. / £1.50 Make a charm using natural materials to keep away spooky creatures at Halloween! 0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk The Met, Bury Hey, Presto!

Age 3+ / 11am & 1pm / £7. A heart-warming tale of aspiration, friendship, adventure and a little bit of mischief accompanied by catchy songs.

0161 761 2216 / www.themet.biz

Tues 28 Oct – Sun 2 Nov

Tatton Park, Knutsford Farm Conker Championship 11.30am (first competition 1.30pm) / Normal entry hours and charges apply. Have a go and test your conker playing potential – conkers supplied. Or take the Seasoned Conker Class if you know what you’re doing – bring your own pre-strung conkers.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

The Salford Museum & Art Gallery October Half Term – Halloween Quiz Tues – Fri 10am – 4.45pm, Sat & Sun 12 – 4pm / £1 per quiz October Half Term – Spooky Make and Take Get creative on our spooky making table! Free.

0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Wed 29 Oct

The Manchester Museum LEGO Mindstorm NXT Programming Age 8+ (some activities available for younger children) / 1 – 3.30pm / Free, but booking essential. Learn how to programme using LEGO Mindstorm NXT robots and see you if you can complete our programming challenges. Part of the Manchester Science Festival.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Quarry Bank Mill, Styal Spooky Science 12 – 4pm / Free event but normal admission applies Meet a creepy creature and have a go at some ‘spooky science’!

01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank Tatton Park, Knutsford Young Poet’s Workshop Age 8 – 12 years. 10am – 2.30pm / £16 Calling all budding poets and storytellers! Join children’s poet Matt Goodfellow for a day of spooky poetry writing inspired by Tatton’s Ghosts in the Garden and all things Halloween.

01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk The Met, Bury When trolls try to eat your goldfish Age 5+ / 11am / £6. A high energy, comedy show that’s a unique mix of performance and music presented by Dommy B from BBC Rhyme Rocket.

0161 761 2216 / www.themet.biz Ordsall Hall, Salford October Half Term – Children’s Polystyrene Halloween Printing. 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. / £1.50. Make some spooky crafts using polystyrene printing.

0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk The Salford Museum & Art Gallery October Half Term – Halloween Biscuits 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. / £1.50 Decorate some Halloween themed biscuits!

0161 778 0800 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Wed 29 Oct – Sun 2 Nov

Thurs 30 Oct – Sat 1 Nov

East Lancashire Railway, Bury Halloween Steam Trains An evening of family friendly entertainment, with funny monsters and spooks, poltergeist parades, a haunted steam train ride, creepy craft workshops and much more!

0161 764 7790 / www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Fri 31 Oct

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Bridgewater For All – Be Hear Now: The Deep Dark Woods Ages 0 – 11: 11am / Ages 12 – 19: 1.30pm / £5 / Family ticket £20 (for any 5 people). Half term musical discovery sessions for young people with special educational needs and their families.

0844 907 9000 / www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk The John Rylands Library, Manchester Family Fun Afternoon: Bugs and Pests 1 – 4pm / Free – no booking required. Minibeast crafts. Part of the Manchester Science Festival.

0161 306 0555 / www.manchester.ac.uk Lyme Park, Disley Fright Fest – Terrfiying Tales in the Cage 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm / £2 per child – booking essential. Get your knees knocking and spine tingling with Terrifying Tales in the Cage, told by a professional storyteller.

01663 762023 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park The Manchester Museum Magic Carpet: Frogs, a tadpoles tale Under 5’s / 10.30 – 11.30am & 11.30am – 12.30pm / Free, booking essential (from 1 week before) Storymaking and activity session. Young babies welcome with older siblings. Find out more about the life cycle of frogs, how they grow from being a tadpole and how they survive; visit the Museum’s Vivarium where you can see some live animals.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Sat 1 Nov

The Hall i’ th’ Wood Museum, Bolton Discovery Days – Creepy Crafts All ages / 1 – 3pm / Free – no need to book Free family friendly activities.

01204 332370 / www.boltonmuseums.org.uk City Airport & Heliport, Greater Manchester Fireworks at City Airport A fireworks spectacular with fairground and other attractions to keep the whole family entertained! www.cityairportandheliport.com

The Manchester Museum Stone Axe – Fallen Trees 10am – 5pm / Free, drop in. Experience a unique outdoor art project as Neolithic tools fell a tree in an amplified free public performance lasting several days. Part of the Manchester Science Festival.

0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

The Met, Bury The Queen’s Knickers Age 3+ / 1.30pm / £10 Get your knickers in a twist with this classic comedy for wise young children.

0161 761 2216 / www.themet.biz

Thurs 30 Oct

Silver Blades Ice Rink, Altrincham The Professionals on Ice Expect head-bangers, fire, breath-taking high adrenaline action, hit music and dazzling skills and some favourite celebrity guest skaters. www.theprofessionalsonice.co.uk

The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester The Gruffalo & The Gruffalo’s Child 1.30 and 4pm. A family showing of the acclaimed films The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, accompanied live by Royal Northern Sinfonia, Orchestra of Sage Gateshead. Both films are approximately 30 minutes long with a 20 minute interval.

0844 907 9000 / www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk The Met, Bury Hugless Dougless 2pm / £8. A delightful new show, which comes to life with an irresistible blend of music, puppetry and high-energy storytelling.

0161 761 2216 / www.themet.buz Ordsall Hall, Salford October Half Term – Paper Bag Puppets 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. / £1.50 Make a spooky paper bag puppet.

0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

Sun 2 November

Ordsall Hall, Salford Garden Science Tour 3 – 4pm / £2 per person – booking essential. How can milk help plants grow? How can a vacuum water your plants? Find out the answers to these questions and more! Part of the Manchester Science Festival.

0161 872 0251 / www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go. To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiesmanchester.co.uk