Families Birmingham and Solihull March 2011

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MARCH-APRIL 2011 ISSUE 2

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Birmingham and Solihull

School place appeals Mother’s Day – picture special Out & about at Easter Fun classes that help children to communicate with confidence Social confidence Listening and attention Sharing and turn-taking Vocabulary building Pre-literacy skills For children from 12 months to five years.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Classes in Solihull, Knowle & Surrounding Area Contact Antoinette on 07817 079875 www.talkingtots.info

Contents

In this Issue...

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

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3 Clubs and Classes 4 News 5 Family Life 6 Education 8 Mother’s Day photo special 10 Out & About at Easter 12 Share the Care 13 Film School 14 What’s On 16 Open House 2

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ello and welcome to the March/April edition of Families Birmingham and Solihull magazine. I have had wonderful feedback from our January launch issue – you liked the design, you liked the content and you especially liked our family-friendly What’s On section.

This issue, with Spring underway, we highlight some places to go and things to do as you get out and about after a long, cold winter.

We also look at a hot topic this term - school places – and we focus on Share the Care Week and how your family could make a real difference to the life of a disabled child.

Once again we welcome your feedback because this is YOUR magazine. Let us know what you think and what you want to read more about by e-mailing editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk or logging on to our website www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Wendy Flynn Editor

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Families, Birmingham & Solihull P.O. Box 6204 Stourbridge, DY8 9DN. Front page picture by photo artist Abby Wilkes.

Abby won the West Midlands Master Photographer Award for her work with children two years in a row.

She specialises in photographing children and families creating art from life’s special moments.

Contact Abby for more information: 07966 867306. www.abbywilkes.com

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Next Issue:

Bookings for adverts are now being taken for the May/ June issue. Call or e-mail before Friday, April 1, to book space: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk or Tel: 0758 352 6056.

Design: MattWaltonDesign.co.uk

Printed by: Bishops Printers, Portsmouth, Hants Copyright Families Birmingham and Solihull, Jan 2011 We take care preparing this magazine but the publisher and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents nor its consequence.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Talking Tots because chatter matters Children are bombarded by modern media – television, DVD and computer – but it looks as if we need to concentrate on the basics and spend more time just talking.

Clubs & Classes Colin Nevin of Tickety-Boo says: “There is no need to book – just come along on the day and enjoy the fun. Entrance is £4 per family or carer with children.”

And, with 2011 being the National Year of Communication it seems fitting that a new Talking Tots franchise is launching in Solihull.

Professional trainer Antoinette Hayre is using the skills she has gained as a communications consultant in the working world to focus her energies on toddlers and pre-schoolers.

She explains: “A report in 2008 indicated that teachers felt fifty per cent of children starting schools were lacking the skills they needed to communicate properly, but being able to communicate is vital in helping children to develop to their full potential.”

The Talking Tots programme combines games, song, rhymes and fun so children learn through play. Without knowing it they learn to listen, concentrate and communicate. Meanwhile mums learn some new techniques they can use at home.

Antoinette’s Talking Tots classes will run at Downing Hall, Knowle, on Tuesday mornings and at St Helen’s Church Hall in Solihull on Wednesday mornings.

To register interest call Antoinette on 07817 079875 or e-mail her on antoinette@talkingtots.info

YogaBugs are growing YogaBugs are coming to an area near you. In Birmingham and Solihull the popular yoga classes aimed at children from 2 to 7 have been run mainly in nurseries and schools and were only open to pupils attending those schools.

But now YogaBugs is planning to organise a programme of classes on Saturdays and after school which will be open to all as they expand to meet demand. Venues in mind include Kings Heath, Solihull and Shirley. Call YogaBugs on 0845 863 0691 to register interest or log on to www.yogabugs.com

Cook up some Easter fun Introduce children and young people to the delight of cooking with fresh ingredients. Then watch them turn out scrumptious and healthy family meals like spaghetti with chorizo and a tomato and basil sauce, Spanish omelette, or grilled steak - followed, of course, by mouthwatering desserts like milk chocolate tart with orange crème fraiche or even a warm doughnut. Sounds too complicated for an 8-year-old?

Just book them a children’s cookery course over the Easter holidays at Becketts Farm Cookery School, Wythall, and see what they can achieve when they don a chef’s hat and apron and get cooking with head chef Dave Cowin. The 3-hour classes for 8-15 year-olds cost £50 per session.

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Games Whizz Does your youngster thrive on computer games? Check out a course at MAC Arts, Cannon Hill Park, where they can go one step further and use their imagination to create their own virtual characters. The Art of Computer Games 12-week course starts on April 26 at MAC Arts and is aimed at children aged 11 and above. It will inspire them to develop skills and ideas in digital media and gaming. For further information call MAC on 0121 446 3232.

Give kids the space to play Ever thought your house was too small to have toddlers charging around indoors? Give them the space to run around, climb, tri-cycle, dance, and play parachute games at the newly launched Tickety-Boo stay and play sessions in Castle Bromwich and Marston Green.

The soft play and games sessions are aimed at pre-schoolers from 0-4 and take place at Marston Green Village Hall on Wednesday and Arden Hall, Castle Bromwich, on Friday.

There are two sessions at each venue – 9.30am to 10.45am and 10.45am to 12.00 mid-day.

If a rewarding job with true security that provides you with the work/life balance, flexibility and control over your own destiny sounds appealing – contact Natalie Heeley today.

You can work part time, around your existing work or family commitments and there is no financial investment.

Find out how Natalie’s children can always be her priority – working part-time hours to suit her family commitments – you too could change your life.

Contact Natalie for a FREE information pack on

01905 820411or email: Natalie@foreverlucrative.co.uk Issue 2

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Sport Academies shake up school holidays School holidays may never be the same again as Sport Academies launch their holiday camps at Saint Martin’s School in Solihull this Easter.

Alex Waldron from Sports Academies says: “We are really looking forward to launching our first Sport Academy in Solihull this Easter. We have a great venue at Saint Martin’s school and we have lined up some top class coaches.

“I’m bored” are two words you are unlikely to hear because, whether your child is a 6-year-old or a teenager, they will be bowled over by the choice of sports – everything from cricket to water polo, golf to martial arts, fencing to swimming, tennis to yoga. There is an A to Z of sports on offer with many they won’t have tried before.

Sport Academies pride themselves on being a little bit different and offering sports camps that are enjoyable, active and inspiring all at once. Every camp has specialist coaches on hand to help youngsters improve their skills as well as have fun and try new activities.

Mornings are spent on a medley of three different sports while in the afternoons children and young people have the chance to hone their skills and take part in tournaments in their own chosen sport.

“Children love our camps and they keep coming back because we can offer something that bit different. Our goal is to make sure all children who come to us have a fun, active and inspirational holiday break.”

The Easter Sports Academies run from 11th15th April; and Summer Academies from 18th-22nd July, 25th-29th July, 1st-5th August.

Days run from 9am to 3pm and costs are: £130 per week / £29 per day. “Extra time” is available 8.30am4.30pm for an additional £30 per week. Places are limited so book in advance online at www.sportacademies.com or call 0844 335 8217

Start saving for Uni

Cartoon Capers at Drayton Manor Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Park, near Tamworth, is about to add a brand new Thomas-themed family ride for 2011, and their new on-site hotel has plans for a number of Thomas-themed rooms.

The Park will also become home to the first ever Ben 10 themed roller coaster ride – called Ben Ten Ultimate Mission, which will be part of a Cartoon Network Street.

The Park also features a 15-acre zoo.

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Your baby might be only a toddler so you probably thought the recent protests about student fee increases were not relevant to you. But think again! If you would like your toddler to leave university debt free, you had better start saving now. And the figures involved are jaw-dropping. Financial experts calculate that you would need to save £200 per month from your child’s birth until their 18th birthday (assuming inflation of 2.5% p.a. and net investment returns of 5.5%p.a.)

Delaying saving until your child’s 5th birthday would mean you need to save a whopping £377 per month.

Mum’s the word The Botanical Gardens in Birmingham and the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley are celebrating Mother’s Day in recessionbusting style - all mums go free with a paying child on Sunday, April 3. Now that’s a welcome Mother’s Day gift for a fun day out with the kids.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Family Life

The cost of paid work

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aving a job when your children are young just got more expensive.

Joanna Moorhead explains why.

We’re all in this together – we’ve all heard that, many times, from our politicians about our country’s financial problems. But from April, if you’re a working parent you could be forgiven for thinking you were maybe taking more than your fair share of the hit.

That’s when cuts to state-funded help with childcare announced in last year’s comprehensive spending review start to kick in: and what they’ll mean is an average cut in income of £416 to families in the West Midlands according to the thinktank Resolution Foundation.

Chancellor George Osborne announced last year that the percentage of childcare costs recoverable through the working tax credit system would be reduced form 80% to 70% this month. More than 44,000 families in the West Midlands are likely to be affected, but, the Resolution Foundation says many families are still unaware of the changes. Chief executive Gavin Kelly, says those on middle-to-low annual incomes are the ones likely to find the losses hardest to bear.

The problem in the UK, as compared with many other countries in Europe, is that childcare costs already eat up a huge proportion of a family’s income – 33%, according to recent figures from the OECD, compared with 4% of a family’s income in Belgium, 11% of a family’s income in France, and even compared with 19% of a family’s income in the US. Campaigners argue that failing to invest in childcare, and so reducing the proportion of a family’s income spent on childcare, is failing the longterm economic future of the country. After all, working mothers are extremely valuable to the economy: they’re paying into their pensions, they’re learning new skills, and they’re keeping connected with the world of work.

From the government’s point of view, the changes to working tax credit are all part of a cuts package that has to affect everyone in the land. The policy is one of several deficit reduction measures which will hit families, including an end to the £250 child trust fund for new babies, and the cutting of child benefit from 2013 to families where one parent is a higher-rate taxpayer.

Work-life balance without the 9 to 5 grind With childcare costs escalating and a recent survey suggesting the average UK family manages to spend just 49 minutes quality time together a day, it is little wonder that women are looking for creative and flexible ways to earn a living.

Natalie Heeley is one such Mum who successfully managed to set up her own business as an independent distributor for Forever health & beauty products around her young family. She believes it is all down to clever time management – as well as a willingness to work hard.

As an enthusiastic entrepreneur she says: “Every Mum (or Dad) needs to be able to halve their working hours without reducing their pay and it is possible. With a

business like mine you can get the work life balance right and make sure your family are your priority.

“I started off with Forever hoping to earn just a little extra for our family but now 5 years later having worked my business around the children I have an income I never dreamed possible and an amazingly flexible lifestyle - my next goal is to live mortgage free.”

If you are thinking of changing your lifestyle or would like to work flexibly around your family, Natalie is looking to expand her team in Birmingham and Solihull, and is happy for people to contact her for a chat. Call her on 01905 820411 or email natalie@ foreverlucrative.co.uk. It could be the catalyst to a whole new chapter in your life.

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Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Appealing fo

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inding the right school for your child can be stressful enough – but it can be devastating if having decided on the best possible option you are told they have failed to get a place.

By now parents of year six primary age pupils in Birmingham and Solihull will know what secondary school place their child has been offered and next month (April 26) the offers go out for reception classes in infant schools.

For many everything will have gone smoothly, but a significant minority will feel their world has been turned upside down. Last year 1 in 3 pupils in Birmingham and 1 in 5 in Solihull did not get their first choice secondary school.

And 760 children in Birmingham faced an even more difficult situation – they were allocated a place at a secondary school that was not included in any of their 6 preferences.

A higher proportion of children applying for reception places at primary school get their first choice (86% in Birmingham; 91% in Solihull 2010). However, 587 pupils in Birmingham were nonetheless allocated a place at a primary school they had not listed as a preference.

Weigh up options Everyone wants what is best for their child and it is understandable to get upset and angry if you find yourself in this situation but it is important for your child that you stay calm, weigh up the options and be realistic.

In Birmingham just 2 per cent of appeals for admissions to reception years in community and voluntary controlled schools were successful, and about 5.5 per cent of appeals for secondary transfer (2009).

Overall 8 per cent of Solihull appeals were successful last year.

So you need to know what you are up against – and if you decide that an appeal is the best option, you need to do your homework.

The most difficult appeals to win are for a school place in a reception class which already has 30 pupils as there is a legally enforceable limit on infant class sizes. If this is the reason your application was rejected, the appeal panel can only look at the lawfulness of the admission arrangements, and determine if the admission criteria was wrongly applied in your case.

For all other appeals the panel will establish these facts and then go on

The Advisory Centre for Education 0808 800 5793 6

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www.ace-ed.org.uk

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

or a school place

Families B'ham & Solihull 130x87 Mar:Layout 1

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to balance the opposing arguments. You need to demonstrate that the problems faced by your child in not attending this particular school will outweigh the difficulties caused to pupils and staff in the school by admitting an additional child.

“Just one extra child – of course the school could manage,” you will think.

But you are unlikely to be the only parent wanting their child to get a place at an oversubscribed school.

You need to think logically about the case you are putting forward and you will need to set it out clearly. If you can back up the points you are making with documentary evidence from someone independent – for example a doctor or youth worker – you can strengthen your case.

The Advisory Centre for Education has produced a useful leaflet for parents appealing for a school which you can download free from their website www.ace-ed.org.uk. It outlines the steps in the appeal process and explains the sort of questions you should address in putting together your case.

Be aware that the appeal panel, though friendly, is a formal process and you need to make the most of your opportunity before the panel to challenge the decision to refuse your child a place and to articulate your reasons for your appeal. It is worth bearing in mind that you are entitled to take a friend or representative along with you to the hearing.

Legal advice While it can be expensive, some parents consult legal advisors to help them establish the best grounds for an appeal and for advice on the best ways to put forward their argument to the panel. In some cases parents will ask a legal advisor to attend the appeal hearing.

Of course there will be celebration all round if the appeal hearing finds in your favour, but what if it doesn’t?

Those who can afford it might opt for private education but, even if this is not an option, you should stay focused. If the school holds a waiting list make sure you keep your child’s name on the list and check at regular intervals to see what place they are at (it can go up or down).

From the outset you should be careful not to denigrate the school your child will attend if your appeal is not successful. However hard you are paddling below the surface to steer a different course, you will want your child to start their new school in a positive frame of mind and they are unlikely to do this if all they have heard you say about it is negative.

Remember, too, there are many cases where parents have failed to win a preferred place whose children settle happily in another school, make friends and succeed academically. At the end of the day that is what is really important whichever school you had set your heart on.

Creating the perfect co-educational environment.

The Priory Priority.

An independent school developing and supporting the talents of boys and girls from 6 months to 16 years.

In celebration of our impressive ISI report, we are awarding 10 scholarships to pupils who will be entering year 9 in September 2011.

Where every child succeeds

For more details or to book a personal tour call 0121 440 4103 or visit www.prioryschool.net

Sir Harry's Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2UR

Priory School

Open Morning Saturday 12th March. 10am -12noon.

ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL EDGBASTON

Co-ed Independent Day School 3-18 yrs

YEAR 7 ENTRY 2011 PLACES STILL AVAILABLE LOWER SCHOOL 3-11 YEARS Enrol now for entry April & September 2011

High Percentage A and A* Grades at GSCE and A Level Expanding sixth form offering new courses for Sept 2011

Caring family school with excellent results and superb value - added achievement for every student

Tel: 0121 625 0398 email: admissions@sgse.co.uk 31 Calthorpe Road, B15 1RX

Enquiries for all ages always welcomed throughout the year.

www.ace-ed.org.uk Issue 2

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Mother’s Day

www.familiesbir

Creating art fro

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olihull-based lifestyle photographer Abby Wilkes was recently awarded the West Midlands Master Photographer of the Year title with under fives for the second year running.

Abby is a free-spirited photographer who has created an art form through her photography that captures the true individuality of her subjects.

A mother of two, Abby says: “Photographing little ones is incredibly rewarding. They are fascinating little people, naturally beautiful, interesting, and genuine in their emotions. Outdoor photography is

g nce Day Nursery Schools Quality Pre-School Education and Care

• Ages 3 months to 5 years • Small INTERIORS group sizes FASHION • Open 8.00am to 6.00pmLadies Lingerie, New-Wrought Designs, New Shoes, Beaded • MatureIron qualifi ed staff Giftware Jewellery, Knitwear • Home Shop, cooked meals FOOD Licensed Antiques, Furnishings, Restaurant, • OfstedSoft approved Wood-burners and Chocolate Shop, • CCTVWall andArt Door-entry security Tea Rooms • Grant Funding processed INTERESTS FUN The Children’s Plasma and Parties, • Teachers specializing inFarm Aquariums, Pets Corner.

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Day Nursery Schools Quality Pre-School Education and Care • Ages 3 months to 5 years • Small group sizes • Open 8.00am to 6.00pm • Mature qualified staff • Home cooked meals • Ofsted approved 106 Wake Green Road Moseley, B13 9PZ. Tel: 0121-449-3673

• CCTV and Door-entry security • Grant Funding processed • Teachers specializing in Music, Dance & French (subject to availability) 19 Woodland Road, Northfield, B31 2HU. Tel: 0121-475-8416

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A picture celebration

om life’s special moments my specialty, especially for toddlers and pre-school age children. I find that by going outside their personalities really shine. They are free to be themselves, running around and exploring to their heart’s content.”

Choosing to photograph entirely on location, Abby uses only natural light to create a canvas. The photo shoot is relaxed and informal which is evident in the final photographs that are timeless and will be cherished forever.

Especially for ‘Families Birmingham and Solihull’ readers Abby has a special offer. Photo session fee £85 including a 7x5” of your choice, (normally £95 for photo session only) when you book your photo shoot before 1st May 2011.

Visit www.abbywilkes.com for more details. Reference FM0111

Grasshoppers Day Nurseries

Loving, caring and quality childcare in homely settings

Nothing is more rewarding than watching a child learning new skills, keeping fit and loving every minute of it!

That’s why more and more parents are bringing their children along to our training sessions.

APPROVED FOOTBALL TRAINING FOR KIDS FROM 2 YEARS TO 7TH BIRTHDAY

N substitute Erdington - 0121 384 8096 Edgbaston - 0121 455 6026 Open 7.00am – 6.15pm Harborne - 0121 427 5040 Open 7.30am – 6.15pm

Call 0121 744 9730

www.littlekickers.co.uk

rhiggs@littlekickers.co.uk

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Easter Special

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Get out & abo Kids seeking adventure All children with a taste for adventure will love the Whizz Kids days at Ackers outdoor pursuits centre in Birmingham. All through the Easter school break Ackers are offering children and teens aged 8-16 the chance to have a go at skiing, archery, canoeing and climbing – all in the space of a 1.5 hour session. The Whizz Kids sessions have a maximum of 10 children and need pre-booking. Tel: 0121 772 5111. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk

From cave-dwellers to stately homes

Step back in time and visit one of the many National Trust properties in the West Midlands. Visit the Holy Austin Rock houses carved into the soft sandstone rock at Kinver edge. The last cave-dwellers lived there until the 1950’s and the restored rock houses make for a fascinating visit.

Or right in the heart of the City (Hurst Street, Inge Street), visit Birmingham Back to Backs – the last surviving back to back homes built around a communal courtyard.

On a guided tour (advance booking needed) explore the lives of the people who lived and worked crammed into these tiny homes from the 1840’s through to the 1970’s.

On a rather more grand scale, visit the stately pile at Shugborough in Staffordshire – the ancestral home of the Earls of Lichfield. The Georgian mansion house has riverside garden terraces and classical gardens, and children will love the costumed characters working in the servants’ quarters doing the laundry, milling, cheese-making, brewing and baking.

In and around Wolverhampton you will find Moseley Old Hall and Wightwick Manor & Gardens, both of which bring history to life.

Tel: 01384 872553 Rock Houses; 0121 666 7671 Back to Backs; 01889 881 388 Shugborough; 01902 782808 Moseley Old Hall; 01902 761400 Wightwick Manor. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/westmidlands

Nemo and Shark Tale

Children love Nemo and all his tropical seafriends - and at the National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham they can see the colourful world of the reefs right through to the impressive deep sea creatures of the popular movie Shark Tale. Children can hold a crab, and touch a starfish in the interactive rock pool; view the amazing range of endangered sea-horses bred by the Centre, and come face to face with the sharks in the million litre underwater tank.

Tel: 0121 643 6777 www.sealife.co.uk

Spring Time in Birmingham

What better way to enjoy nature in the City than to visit the Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston. The Gardens run family activity days on Sundays (1-4pm) with Egg painting on April 3, paper tulip crafts and tulip planting on April 7; and Easter bonnets and hats activities on Easter Sunday. But children can enjoy the gardens any day of the week with the hands-on children’s discovery garden, the delightful cottage garden, the Japanese garden and

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www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Easter Special

ut this Easter B OTANICAL BIRMINGHAM

bonsai collection, as well as exploring the wildlife areas with the woodland walk and wetland habitats. There are plenty of trails to follow – the rock garden and pool – or the fern walk – and when they tire of walking, they will still have enough energy for the children’s play area. Tel: 0121 454 1860 www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Get all steamed up about trains

If you love the idea of steam trains, take note that the Vintage Train Company will be running several excursions over the Easter holidays. The Coronation Express on Saturday April 2 puffs its way from the Black Country to Birmingham, then through the countryside to Worcester, Cheltenham and Gloucester and then on to Swindon and Didcot. A week later the Princess Elizabeth takes passengers on a trip through the East Midlands to Stoke on Trent, while on Saturday April 16, The Red Rose excursion on the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe heads to Lancashire.

Prices start from £65 per passenger standard class. Watch out too for the special family weekend in summer when Vintage Trains have 8 engines in steam and giving rides at their Tyseley base.

Tel: 0121 708 4960 www.vintagetrains.co.uk

Cracking Time for a visit

Easter egg hunts, children’s crafts and an Easter bonnet parade make this a cracking time to visit the Black Country Living Museum. The heritage park with its historic buildings from all over the Black Country – moved and recreated on site – has costumed characters and traditional craftspeople demonstrating what life was like in the old days. And children will enjoy the fairground rides too. Tel: 0121 557 9643 www.bclm.co.uk

‘Eggstra’ special day at the Farm

The Easter Bunny will be out and about at Umberslade Farm Park at Tanworth in Arden from April 9 right through the school break. As well as enjoying all the fun of the farm - feeding the new-born lambs, milking goats, handling tiny chicks and saying hello to the cutest piglets - the children can enjoy a host of Easter-related activities including egg hunts, and bouncing bunny activities. With two children’s adventure play areas and indoor ‘egg splat’ canons, pony rides and tractor and trailer rides, they will be on the go all day. Open: 10am to 5pm. Daily.

A day pass for a family of 5 costs less than £20. Tel: 01564 742251 www.umberslade.com

G ARDENS

Westbourne Road Edgbaston B15 3TR www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Mar 13 Bonsai Boot Sale 27 Orchid Show Apr 3 Mothering Sunday

Mums free with paying children

9,10 Best of British Bonsai

Children’s

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday 24 April

Flower Shows Theatre Sunday Bands Leisure learning and workshops

Free Family Activities on Sundays Beautiful Gardens - 7000 Plants - Birds Glasshouses - Gift Shop - Gallery - Tea Room

OPEN DAILY 0121 454 1860

FAM03

BIRMINGHAM

1,500 B OTANICAL G ARDENS

Westbourne Roadcamps Edgbaston 3TRolds school holiday for 15 school holiday sport sport camps for 6 6 --B15 15 year year olds www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

school holiday sport camps for 6 - 15 year olds

Mar 13 Bonsai Boot Sale 27 Orchid Show Apr 3 Mothering Sunday

Mums free with paying children

9,10 Best of British Bonsai

Children’s

SCHOOL HOLIDAY SPORTS CAMPS FOR 6 -15 YEAR OLDS SOLIHULL SOLIHULL LAUNCH THIS EASTER AT SAINT MARTIN’S SCHOOL, AT SAINT SAINT MARTIN’S MARTIN’S BRUETONATAVENUE, SOLIHULL, B91 3EN SOLIHULL Days run 9am - 3pm.

“Extra Time” available 8.30am - 4.30pm AT SAINT MARTIN’S Combining multi-sports and expert coaching.

Floweryoga, Shows Theatre Bands Badminton, martial arts, fencing, dance,Sunday golf, basketball and more!

ChooseLeisure what to specialise in each afternoon from football, tennis, learning and workshops rugby, hockey, netball and swimming. CONTACT US: 0844 335 8217

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday 24 April

Free Family Activities on Sundays

Beautiful Gardens - 7000 Plants - Birds Glasshouses - Gift Shop - Gallery - Tea Room

OPEN DAILY 0121 454 1860 Issue 2 11 FAM03

Share the Care Week

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Care to share?

C

ould you give a disabled child the chance to make friends outside their own home and try new activities? If so you would be helping not just the child but a whole family.

Share the Care Week is on March 21-27 when local authorities and charities will again highlight the shortage of short break carers for disabled children up and down the country.

Most children take play-dates and sleep-overs for granted but that’s not always the case for a disabled child. By linking up with a family with a disabled child you can make a big difference to that child’s life and give them the chance to have the same opportunities as other children their age. The disabled child can take part in all your family activities – from feeding the ducks at the park to doing some home baking – and the visits become part of your regular routine.

All children love the chance to get out and about, and most link carers will tell you how rewarding they find having a disabled child to stay and what a positive impact it has had on their own children.

Meanwhile the parents of a disabled child can have a much-needed break from the demands of 24-hour care, and the chance to focus their attention on other children in the house and spend some special time with them.

“It’s a win-win situation all round,” says Lee Cox, from Share the Care Network.

“Short break carers receive the same support and training given to foster carers and go through the same assessments. It is ideal for families who could not take on a full time fostering role, but want to help out in a way that fits around their own lifestyle.”

For further information call: Barnardo’s West Midlands on 01384 458585; Birmingham Council on 0121 303 7575 and Solihull Council on 0121 722 8012

On the Ball

Learning difficulties practitioner Usha Patel is organising a UK pilot of a brain exercise programme which teachers says has had dramatic results in helping pupils improve concentration and behaviour.

Usha discovered the American programme (Bal-A-Vis-X) when researching therapies to help a 7-year-old child with Asperger’s and was so impressed she is planning to train UK-based teachers in the method.

The 300 brain/body exercises use sand-filled balls, raquet balls and balance boards and the exercises range from using one hand to toss a single bag to using both hands to bounce 4 balls in rhythmic sequence. The exercises activate the whole of the brain and need full body co-ordination and focused attention.

They are perfect for a school setting – where they are used as part of

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PE lessons – because the equipment is cheap and the exercises are fun and friendly.

Usha says: “Sometimes children in school need help but their problems are borderline and they don’t get it. They may have difficulties in tracking when reading, but they are not dyslexic; they might have poor co-ordination but they are not dyspraxic; they might have concentration problems but they don’t have ADHD – so they fall through the net.”

The brain/body programme is now being used by many schools in states across America, and Usha would like to see it in widespread use in the UK. Teachers or parents interested in learning more about the programme can contact Usha by logging on to: www.integratedbrain.co.uk or www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk

Young Film Makers

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Lights, Camera, Action!

H

ectic, crazy and a whole load of fun… that’s the schedule for the Young Film Makers schools taking place at Birmingham Hippodrome this summer.

The week-long course for 8 to 16 year-olds gives budding film makers hands-on experience of directing, filming, acting and story making.

No experience is necessary, but at the end of the week the young people taking part will have made and starred in their own movie.

Established in 2005 in the East Midlands, it’s the first time a Young Film Makers summer school has been held in Birmingham and organiser Al Rea says: “This course is fun, creative and seriously inspirational.

Parents be warned – anyone taking part is likely to get hooked on filming.”

The Young Film Makers summer schools run between July 25-29, and August 1-5 at Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, B5 4TB. The course has very limited spaces available so if your child or teenager would like a place, visit www.young-film-makers.com or call 0870 383 0082.

Young Film Makers are offering a special discount for Families readers. Instead of paying £135 pay £120 by quoting offer code YFM1102 when enrolling online or by telephone.

Clubs & Classes Directory BABY SIGNING

TINYTALK BABY SIGNING Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield From 0 to 2 years Telephone: 07851 627 651 www.tinytalk.co.uk

DANCE & DRAMA

DIZZY DANCERS Various ages and SEN welcome Based in Highgate, Birmingham.

01527 870889 www.dizzydancers.co.uk

DANCE & DRAMA

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 6+ St Thomas’ Church, Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

Telephone: 0121 722 3761

MUSIC

Sutton Coldfield

Drama, Dance & Singing in commercial and musical theatre styles Call Lynn: 01283 814 092

The Rock Project (Solihull) 7-16 yr olds (2 Hour Sessions) GUITAR, BASS or DRUM lessons.

Tel: 0845 226 3318 www.therockproject.com

or email: suttoncoldfield@razzamataz.co.uk www.razzamataz.co.uk

RIALTO DANCE ACADEMY Salsa, Belly-dance, Cheerleading Waltz, Jive, Street, Break-dance 1 Shirley Rd, Acocks Green B27 7XU Call 07725 000 732 or find us online

1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location Rock School grades 1-8. Ages 4 upwards.

Tel: 0121 503 5849 www.timtandlerdrumschool.co.uk

THEATRETRAIN SOLIHULL Dancing, Acting & Singing

DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Shirley Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.co.uk

To advertise here call 0758 352 6056

THE COMPANY THAT LOVES TO PERFORM

Classes for 6-18 years Call Sara on 01675 443540 www.theatretrain.co.uk

ADVERTISE

YOUR CLUB OR CLASS HERE!

TUITION

GENIE PRIVATE TUTORS CENTRES Run By Teachers For Children • Experienced Teacher for your child • Qualified CRB Checked Teachers • English & Maths • Entrance Exams & GCSEs • Primary & Secondary Edgbaston & Harborne 0121 456 4406 Hollywood 01564 822 882 www.private-tutors-centres.co.uk Issue 2 1

13

What’s On THEATRE AND SHOWS

3 Billy Goats Gruff And Other Furry Tails

Presented by Theatre of Widdershins Venue: Mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham B12 9QH Date: April 3 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Age: Suitable for ages 3 and over, and their pet trolls Tickets: £7 (£5) Box office: 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk

Justin Bieber

Teen soul singer in concert Venue: NIA, King Edwards Road, Birmingham B1 2AA Date: March 4 and 5 Tickets: £35 and £29.50 Box office: 0844 338 8000 www.thenia.co.uk

The Sleeping Princess

Krazy Kat Theatre company present fastmoving re-make of the classic fairy tale Venue: Birmingham Library Theatre, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 HQ Date: March 5 Time: 11.30am; 2pm Age: 3 to 7-year-olds Tickets: £7.50 adults; £4.50 child; £1.50 babe in arms Box office: 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

Beauty & the Beast

Knowle Operatic Society perform this family favourite Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: March 7-12 Time: 7.30pm (2.30pm Sat matinee) Tickets: £10-£14 Box Office: 0121 704 6962 www.solihull.gov.uk/artscomplex

Science Museum Live on Tour

Spectacular Science, dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments live on stage as the Science Museum goes on tour Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DS Date: March 9 Time 1.30 and 7pm Age: 7-years and over Tickets: £17.00 Box office: 0844 847 2302 www.alexandratheatre.org.uk

George’s Marvellous Medicine

And the Rain Falls Down

Interactive show for 3 and 4 year olds presented by Fevered Sleep. Revel in puddles of fun but be warned you could get wet!

Venue: Mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham B12 9QH Date: March 16-20 Time: 4pm on March 16 only; 10am and 1.30 March 17 and 18; 11am and 2.30pm on March 19 and 20 Age: 3 and 4 year olds Tickets: £8 (£6) Box office: 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk

Jungle Book

Taylor Swift

Performed by Coleshill Operatic Society Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: April 4-9 Time: 7.30pm Ticket: £9-£14 Box Office: 0121 704 6962 www.solihull/gov.uk/arts

Oliver!

West Side Story

Start of UK leg of Speak Now worldwide tour Venue: LG Arena, Birmingham, B40 1NT Date: March 22 Tickets: £29-£36 Box office 0844 338 8000 www.lgarena.co.uk Peterbrook Players brings this treasured Charles Dickens story to life with fabulous song and dance numbers Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: March 22-26 Time: 7.30pm (2.30pm Sat matinee) Tickets: £10 - £15 Box Office: 0121 704 6962 www.solihull.gov.uk/artscomplex Presented by Lyngo Theatre the Dustman and his cat Nero take you on a magical adventure through your dreams Venue: Mac Arts, Canon Hill Park, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham B12 9QH Date: March 27 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £7 (£5) Box office: 0121 446 3232 www.macarts.co.uk

Lost and Found

Heart-warming tale of adventure, bravery and true love aimed at 3-7 year-olds Venue: Birmingham Library Theatre, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HQ Date: April 2 Time: 11.30am; 2pm Tickets: Adults £7.50; children £4.50; babe in arms £1.50 Box office: 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk Issue 2

OUT AND ABOUT Think Tank Tenth birthday celebrations

Easter activities include: The Big Bang Show; Animation Workshop, and Wallace and Grommit Invention Sessions Venue: Thinktank, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG Date: Weekends and selected school holidays Tickets: Adults £12.25; children £8.40; family of 4 £39. £1.95 supplement for animation workshop.

Contact: 0121 202 2222 www.thinktank.ac

Craft activites with a green theme

Birmingham Stage Company’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s children’s tale Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DS Date: March 15-19 Time: various including evening performances at 7pm March 15 and 18.

Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £15.25 - £19.50 Box office: 0844 847 2302 www.alexandratheatre.org.uk

The Dust Man

14

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Kiplings’ classic childrens’ tale adapted for stage and presented by Birmingham Stage Company Venue: Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DY Date: April 6-9 Time: various Tickets; £17.50 adult; £14.50 concession; £10.50 child; £52 family of 4 Box office: 0121 303 2323 www.oldreptheatre.org.uk

Little Shop of Horrors

Modern day Romeo and Juliet story set in New York of the 1950’s with star crossed lovers from rival gangs presented by Solihull on Stage Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: April 11-16 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £11-£14 Box office: 0121 704 6962 www.solihullonstage.co.uk

Torvill and Dean Dancing on Ice 2011 Live tour of Dancing on Ice show Venue: The NIA, King Edwards Road, Birmingham B1 2AA Date: April 15-18 Tickets from £32.50 Box office: 0844 338 8000 www.thenia.org.uk

Chris and Pui Roadshow

CBeebies stars Chris Jarvis and Pui Fan Lee invite toddlers and young children to bring along their favourite toy and join in with the music, games and sing-a-long Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Home Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: April 21 Time: 11am and 2pm Tickets: £12 (£10) Box office: 0121 704 6962 www.solihull.gov.uk/artscomplex

Craft activities with natural and recycled materials including funky hand-painted rock stars; painted and recycled plant pots; and paper tulip craft.

Different theme each week.

Venue: Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, B15 3TR Dates: Sundays in March and April Time: 1pm-4pm Tickets: Some activities free with entry to gardens; supplement between 50p and £2 for others; Botanical Garden entry: £7.50 adults; children 5 plus £4.75; under 5 free; family ticket: £22.00 Contact: 0121 454 1860 www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Dudley Canal boat trip

See the network of underground canal routes. Through tunnel trip to visit limestone mine.

Venue: car park off Birmingham New Road, DY1 4SB Date: Daily March and April; Through Tunnel trips on March 6 and April 3 Time: 10.00 to 4.00, boats run every 30 mins and every 15 mins during Easter bank holiday Tickets: £5.50 Adults; £4.95 Seniors; £4.55 Child; £17.90 family of 4; £22.00 family of 5 Through Tunnel trip: Tickets: Adults £9.75; child £8.75 Contact: 01384 236 275 www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk

Ice skating

The coolest place to be in Spring – family skating, skating lessons, parent & toddler classes Venue: Blue Ice Solihull Rink, Hobs Moat Road, B92 8JN Date: Daily Time: Weekends & throughout school holidays open 11am until 4pm daily Tickets: Adults £8.70; child (under 16) £8.50; child (under 4) £3.50; family tickets £26.00 - all prices include skate hire www.solihullicerink.co.uk

Adventure Play

Fun and fitness for all the family playframe, assault course, sports arena, toddler area Venue: Funaticz, Flaxley Parkway, Stetchford Retail Park, Birmingham B33 9AN Date: Open Daily Parent and Toddler sessions weekdays 9am-2pm Tickets: Parent and toddlers £3.00; £4.00 under 4; £4.95 4 plus; £2.50 babies under 18 months Contact: 0121 783 0041 www.funaticz.net

What’s On

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Crufts Dog Show

Indian Headdresses and Kachinas age 8+ April 19, 10am-12pm Magic Hats, Wands and Spells age 6+; 1-3pm Magical T-shirts age 8+ Tickets: £4 To book: call 0121 704 6962

The whole canine spectrum make their way to the NEC for the world’s best known dog show Venue: NEC, Birmingham B40 1NT Date: March 10-13 Tickets: Advance booking: adults £14; children 9-15 £10; on day: adults £17; children 9-15 £13; children under 8 free; Best in show tickets £25.50 and £17.50 Box office: 0844 338 8000 www.crufts.org.uk

Scarecrow-making Day

Let your creativity run wild by designing and building your very own scarecrow Venue: Knowle Park, off Longdon Road, Knowle Date: April 14 Time: 10.30am-12.30pm Book: To get your equipment list and book place, call 0121 704 8000.

Thrill-seeker Day

World War 1 weekend

Recreation of World War 1 offering a glimpse into life around1914, with soldiers staging streetclearing exercises and army recruitment drive Venue: Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley DY1 4SQ Date: March 12 Time: Museum open 10am-5pm Tickets: Adults £13.20; children under 5 free; children 5-16 £7. Family ticket £34.95 2 adults and 3 children; family one adult, one child £18 Tel: 0121 557 9643 www.bclm.co.uk

A chance to try out 8 outdoor adventure activities including climbing, skiing, archery, jungle challenge, kayaking, canoeing, and zipwire, fan descender.

Venue: Ackers Adventure, Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook B11 2PY Date: April 2 Age range: - Family day; free tobaganing for under 7s. Other activities 8 plus.

Tickets: £15 adult; £12 junior To book: Tel: 0121 772 5111 – must be pre-booked www.ackers-adventure.co.uk

Vintage Train Excursions

The Coronation Express (April 2); The East Midlander (April 9); The Red Rose (April 16) and the Llandudno Victorian Festival (April 30) Venue: Depart Tylsley 670 Warwick Road base, (pick up at Birmingham Moor Street Coronation Express only).

Tickets: £65-£79 standard class; £99-£110 first class; reduced rates for juniors on some journeys. Check with operator.

To book: 0121 708 4960 www.vintagetrains.co.uk

Miniatura: The International Dolls House Show

Fulfil your childhood dream of owning the perfect dolls house Venue: NEC, Birmingham B40 1NT Date: March 19 and 20 Time: 10am-4.30pm Tickets: Sat £11; Sunday children 5-1 £3.00; Family 1 adult and 2 children £9.00 Box office: 0844 338 8000 www.miniatura.co.uk

Backstage at the Alexandra

Tour behind the scenes at the Theatre Dates: March 26 and April 16 Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DS Time: Tour lasts 1.5 hours and must be booked in advance Tickets: £7.50 Book in person at the box office or call 0844 372 7272 www.alexandratheatre.org.uk

You’d have to be absolutely quackers to miss this one! Name your duck and wish it luck before it races against other ducks along the river.

Venue: Babbs Mill Local Nature Reserve, off Frodbridge Road, Kingshurst Date: April 17 Time: 11am-12.30pm

Eggstreme Easter Eggtivities

Make an Easter chick card, bunny ears and play Easter games Venue: Selly Manor, Maple Road, Bournville, B30 2AE Date: April 18-25 Age group: All Tickets: Family £10, Children £2, Adults £3.50

Fantastical Beasts

Create your own exotic animals, like those in the Barber’s Carved, Cast and Modelled sculpture exhibition (April 19) Superhero Sculptures Sculpt a superhero with special powers, based on the Greek myths and legends that inspired some of the Renaissance sculptures in the Barber collection (April 20) Venue: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TS Time: 11am-1pm and 2-4pm Age group: Suitable for all Tickets: £8 per child, booking essential

Easter Bonnet Making

Cadbury World

Circus themed weekend, March 12 and 13; Aztec Weekend April 12 and 13; Family Entertainment at Easter - April 16-29; Super Heroes Weekend April 30-May 2 Venue: Cadbury World, Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1JR Time: 10.00am-4pm Tickets: Adult £14.30; Child 4-15 £10.40; under 4 free; Family tickets: £43.20 to £50 Booking: 0844 880 7667 Advance booking advised www.cadburyworld.com

Dizzy Duck Race

Date: April 23 Tickets: Adults £6.50; child 6-15 £4.00; and child 2-4 £1.50; Family of 4 £19.00 www.tamworthcastle.co.uk

LIBRARY FUN Local libraries are a great source of fun and entertainment for children. Almost all libraries in Birmingham and Solihull run Storytime, Rhymetime or Craft Activities for tiny tots and pre-schoolers. They are a great way of introducing children to books, firing their imaginations and encouraging their speech development. Many sessions are run weekly during term-time (some are fortnightly or monthly) and most are drop in sessions. For full details of local library activities across Birmingham log on to: www.birmingham.gov.uk/under5s/ activities. For Solihull libraries log on to www.solihull.gov.uk/libaries

Erdington library

Orphange Road, B24 9HD Storytime for under 5s Day: Mondays (term time) 2.15 – 3.00 Tel: 0121 464 0798

Kings Heath library High Street, B14 7SW Storytime for 2-5 years Day: Monday 2.00 – 2.45 Tel: 0121 464 1515

Kingshurst library, Marston Drive, B37 6BD Children’s Story Time Day: Thursday 10.00 – 10.30 Tel: 0121 770 3451 Kings Norton library

Pershore Road, B30 9 EU Baby Bookworms Day: Fridays 10.00 – 11.30 (term time) Storytime for under 5s Day: Alternate Fridays 2.15 – 2.45 (term time) Time: Tel 0121 464 1532

Marston Green Library

Land Lane, B37 7DQ Story Session for mother and toddler Day: Monday 2.30 Tel: 0121 779 2131

Bring along an old hat and some Easter decorations, add some natural materials from the park and make your own Easter bonnet Venue: Olton Jubilee Park Date: April 21 Time: 11am-1pm

Easter Egg Trail Barber Institute of Fine Arts Workshops

Ancient Insects (April 12) Create an ancient creepy-crawly scarab beetle, like the ones that were discovered between the bandages of real Ancient Egyptian mummies Treasures from Ancient Egypt (April 13) Craft priceless treasures, similar to the dazzling objects discovered in the ancient tomb of Amenhotep Venue: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TS. Tel: 0121 414 2261 Time: 11am-1pm and 2-4pm Age group: All Tickets: £8 per child, booking essential

Magic-themed Easter Holiday workshops Arts and crafts workshops with a magic theme Venue: Solihull Arts Complex G1 Gallery.

Homer Road, Solihull B91 3RG Dates and time: April 14 ,10am-12pm Haunted Houses age 6+; 1-3pm Hopi

Traditional Easter Fun sponsored by Cadburys Venue: Birmingham Back to Backs, 55-63Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TE Date: April 22-25 Time: 10am-4pm. Book in advance Ticket prices: £6.60 adult; £3 child; £15 family Booking line: 0121 666 7671

St George’s Day celebrations

Family activities including children’s medieval workshop; have-a-go archery, jousting and potterymaking workshop Venue: Tamworth Castle, The Holloway, Tamworth, Staffs B79 7NA

Issue 2

15

Open House

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Springboard to Success

N

orfolk House School is an independent preparatory school in Edgbaston, Birmingham, with 140 children aged between 3 to 11.

On Saturday, April 2, the school will be holding an Open House event between 10am and 4pm with parents and children invited to visit and look around.

The school prides itself on a consistently impressive academic record with most pupils performing very well in examinations for entry to grammar and independent schools. It came 50th in last year’s Sunday Times Parent Power League Table – the highest ranked Birmingham school.

The School’s recent addition - Norfolk House Nursery, provides full time and sessional day care for 52 children between the ages of 3 months and 4 years. It occupies a spacious and lovingly restored Victorian house and offers a happy, safe environment and a recently constructed adventure playground within a magical landscaped garden.

Visit the school on Open Day, Saturday 2nd April from 10am - 4pm.

NORFOLK HOUSE SCHOOL An independent preparatory school for children aged between 3 & 11 years.

4 Norfolk Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3PS Tel. 0121 454 7021 www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk

OPEN DAY

2nd April, 10am-4pm

NORFOLK HOUSE NURSERY

A day nursery for children aged 3 months - 4 years.

3 Norfolk Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3PS Tel. 0121 452 1485 www.nhnursery.co.uk