Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield Sept-Oct 2012

FRE

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 11

E

R

Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Win a Kindle!

The most dangerous room in the home What age should your child start school? in Moseley & Bournville Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus Ages: 3-18

BALLET

Tuition Plus

‘Helping students achieve their true potential’

Professional Tutoring Literacy & Numeracy for ages 5 to 11

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Harvest Fields Centre Sutton Coldfield B75 5TJ Tel: 07592 556 452 Email: info@tuition-plus.co.uk www.tuition-plus.co.uk

SCHOOLS

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk



DINOSAURS UNCOVERED 21 JULY 2012 – 6 JANUARY 2013

TICKETS £18.00 TICKETS: CHILDREN £4.95/ADULTS £5.95/UNDER 4S FREE/FAMILY DAY SAVE 10% BY BOOKING AT WWW.THEHERBERT.ORG OR PAY ON THE FREE FAMILY SUMMER EVENTS & MONSTERS OF THE DEEP SUMMER AQUARIUM

Maths & English tuition Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to children aged 5-14, designed to improve knowledge, confidence and enjoyment of learning.

Explore helps children make fantastic academic progress, in addition the vibrant atmosphere keeps them engaged and focussed enabling them to have fun while they learn.

As members, children work with tutors who are great role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. The individual focus allows children to work at their own pace – whether they are finding school tricky or are top of the class! www.explorelearning.co.uk 2

Issue 11 Families Birmingham.indd 1

ij5HE HERISAMCX AMD KACJ NF CNMiDEMCE SHAS HEKD HEQ BACJ IR GNME` /NV RHE SQIER MEV SHIMGR VISH QEKIRH` 4HE CNTMSR SHE DAXR TMSIK RHE CAM CNLE BACJ HEQE IJ

Explore Parent.

Book your free trial session today to find out how Explore Learning can help your child to gain confidence, enthusiasm and new skills.

Harborne

Shirley

0121 647 4394

0121 647 4395

Kings Heath

Wylde Green

0121 661 7409

0121 647 5159 03/08/2012 10:17

Contents

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

In this Issue...

4 News

H

ello and welcome to our autumn back-to-school issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.

In this issue we ask if a child of four is too young for formal schooling – one Solihull nursery thinks it is and they have come up with an alternative.

Is your child moving on from nursery this term? Read Sarah Butter’s guide to school gate parenting to get you both off to a good start. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, find out how much to support and how much to let go with Margaret Ansell’s guide to negotiating the transition to secondary.

12 Our girls are on the ball 14 What age should your child start school?

With new term just starting children will be deciding on new clubs and classes they want to try this year. There are lots on offer from football to learning the drums; drama, dance, rugby, art, ballet – see our clubs and classes pages for more information.

16 School gate parenting

I bet you didn’t know that football is now the biggest FEMALE team game in the UK; it has been since 2002 with more than 1.38 million women and girls playing. We hope all our readers cheer on the England Women’s team as they play a crucial qualifying match against Croatia in Walsall on September 19. Take the family along to the England party.

20 Scholarships and bursaries

As usual we bring you lots of news about what’s on for children and families – from Great Expectations to Top Gear Live. Read all about it. We also have FREE TICKETS for all our readers to A Place in the Sun Live at the NEC, and free tickets to Grand Designs Live. Find out how to apply on page 25.

And, don’t miss our WIN A KINDLE competition on page 29.

Wendy Flynn , Editor

Families Birmingham & Solihull Front page picture by photo artist Abby Wilkes.

Abby won the West Midlands Master Photographer Award for her work with children three 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

Next Issue:

Advertisers: book now for our November/ December Christmas issue.

Call 0758 352 6056 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Wednesday, Oct 3.

Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, Sept 2012

4

8 Clubs and classes

12

18 Transition to secondary

25

22 Natural delivery 23 The most dangerous room in the home 24 Battery bunny or happy hopper?

26

25 A place in the sun 26 Halloween fun 28 What’s on

28

29 Win a Kindle!

h c a o c rts e heatre A g T a St

Stretch Your Child’s Imagination In Three Directions At Once The original, largest and still the best part-time performing arts schools in the world.

Nurturing and developing young peoples’ potential through dance, drama and singing.

Stagecoach Edgbaston Saturday classes at Edgbaston High School for Girls for children and young people aged 4 to 18

Call: 01926 651159 email: edgbaston@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/edgbaston

CE! AC

DAN SING!

T NOW!

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.

Issue 11

3

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The Stig returns The Top Gear trio - Jeremy Clarkson, James Hammond and Richard May - have an irrepressible sense of boyish good humour, which makes watching them fun even for those who don’t know their Mercedes from their Mazda.

This half term they will be back again at Birmingham NEC with Top Gear Live for another bout of action and entertainment.

They’ll be doing what they do best.

Arguing. Shouting. And occasionally crashing things. Not that they’ll be on their own – the presenters will be joined by a cast of drivers, riders, supercars, hypercars, and a set list of

Open_days_87x130_A:Layout 2

2/8/12

11:49

Page 1

Ever wanted to run your own business?

…but feel unsure how to get started?

MAD Academy has been providing music and dance classes for preschool children since 2004. However, there are some key locations where children do not currently have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our high energy, yet educational classes.

So we are looking for enthusiastic business minded people to join our team of franchisees to help us close the gaps. Experience with children and a love of music and dance is an advantage but a desire to build a flexible business based on term time working, is more important.

For a no obligation chat and a presentation on what’s All involved, join us at one of our Open Days on attendees will September 16th in Solihull receive a £500 October 14th in Bristol discount voucher

PLUS For details email free gift! franchise@madacademy.com or call Laura on 07732 322540 or 0118 926 1384

4

Issue 11

stunts designed to make your jaw hit the floor.

Visitors to the show will also watch driving displays on a purpose-built track, featuring legendary drivers, celebrity guests and Top Gear’s very own tame racing driver - The Stig.

In the exhibition, you can visit a replica of the Top Gear TV studio, where you can plonk yourself in Jeremy’s seat, or take a snap of yourself pretending to be James doing the news. There’s a giant Cool Wall, so if you don’t agree with where the presenters put the cars, here’s your chance to put things right. Provided you’re tall enough. Plus, you can get up close to some of the actual Top Gear Challenge cars. (NEC Oct 25-28)

Drive time

Young Top Gear fans would no doubt like to get behind the wheel themselves. Well, they can with Young Drivers at the NEC … as long as they are aged 11 or over and 4ft 8ins tall.

Families Readers can bag 10 per cent off all lessons and birthday parties booked or gift vouchers ordered before the end of September.

Just log on to www.youngdriver.eu and use the code FAM10.

A driving experience makes a great birthday or Christmas gift (£26.99 for a 30 minute lesson with voucher code), and you can organise a birthday party for 6 children and 3 cars from £89.10 with voucher code.

Before you get too carried away with comparisons with Top Gear it should be added that the cars are dual controlled – and the emphasis is on safe driving!

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Shows with dollops of child appeal

News Birmingham Stage Company has an unerring knack of producing stage shows with dollops of child appeal. Their repertoire is based on popular children’s literature with Roald Dahl’s stories, and the Terry Deary Horrible History series featuring strongly, and timeless children’s classics like Charlotte’s Web, Tom’s Midnight Garden and Jungle Book.

In September they are back in the Town Hall with their adaptation of Deary’s Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians – bringing history gloriously to life in a gruesomely fun way that is guaranteed to engage children. Find out the fate of Henry’s Headless wives and his punch up with the Pope and survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience. Or can you escape the misery of the mines and the filth of the factories in Victorian times?

The company’s Christmas show this year is James and the Giant Peach which opens at Birmingham Old Rep on November 14 for a 12-week run. It’s based on Dahl’s first book and tells the story of James who lives with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, two of the most revolting Aunts in England who make him work, and slave and never let him play with other children. Then one day … the most incredible things start to happen.

While Deary’s books are based on fact and Dahl’s on fiction, both authors share an ability to view the world through a child’s eyes. They appeal to children’s wicked sense of humour and understand that children love to hear the ‘yucky bits’ – even if adults don’t. Birmingham Stage Company taps into these qualities to produce captivating theatre for the young and young-at-heart.

Free family days out

Take advantage of Heritage Weekend for a free family day out.

Here in Birmingham the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter will be offering free entry and costumed guided tours between September 6 and 8; and Aston Hall on 7-9 September. Selly Manor in Bournville will offer free entry on September 8. Many National Trust properties will also be free to visit on September 8 including Packwood House, Baddesley Clinton and Coughton Court. www.bmag.org.uk ; www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk and www.nationaltrust.org.uk Issue 11

5

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

What the Dickens?

Watch out for some classic shows coming to Birmingham and Solihull this Autumn. First up is a stage adaptation of Charles Dicken’s novel Great Expectations at the New Alexandra Theatre (Oct 9-13); it comes hot on the heels of the BBC TV production of Great Expectations last Christmas which many children watched and enjoyed. Now Graham McLaren’s ‘lavish and theatrical’ stage show brings the characters back to life again – Pip, with his great expectations, Magwitch the terrifying convict, the beautiful but chilling Estella, and the reclusive Miss Havisham! (0844 871 7627 to book; age recommendation 8 and over) Dickens features too at the Solihull Arts Complex – this time with Ballet Theatre UK’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol featuring the penny-pinching old miser Ebeneezer Scrooge, who learns that there is more to life than work and money. It’s a heart-warming tale for all the family, and with a production combining traditional ballet with captivating theatre it can be an excellent introduction to ballet as well as appealing to seasoned dance fans. It is on for two performances only on Oct 30 so book early if you don’t want to miss out.(0121 704 6962 to book) Wilde and witty Another classic tale on at the Solihull Arts Complex is Oscar Wilde’s Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime, presented by Theatre 28. Through a chance encounter with a fortune teller, Lord Arthur learns that he is destined to commit murder. Being a gentleman, he resolves to do the deed before his marriage to Sybil! But if things can go wrong they will. What follows is Lord Arthur’s often-hilarious and ridiculous attempts to kill off members of his own large and wealthy family … hysterically funny. This is on for two performances only on Oct 19 and 20 (0121 704 6962 to book). The age recommendation is for children 9 and over.

Finally, just a curiosity: did you know the phrase ‘what the dickens?’ is unconnected with Charles as it was used by Shakespeare in the Merry Wives of Windsor?

Find a geocache Geocaching is one of those things that sounds totally perplexing to anyone who’s never tried it, but is a huge hit with almost everyone who has. The idea is to find some ‘treasure’ – treasure that’s hidden in a box, and is findable using a hand-held satnav system (any will do).

The treasure in question usually consists of a plastic box like a lunchbox with a whole host of miscellaneous bits and pieces in it – things like small toys, CDs, pens, anything. The rule is that when you find your treasure you’re allowed to take one thing out, and you must put one thing in – and sign the log book of course.

The treasure is hidden everywhere and anywhere – in cities, in the countryside, even underwater. For more information on geocaches in and around Birmingham (including some right in the City Centre) see www.geocaching.com Ghoulish Geocache If you have never tried it before, you could start with a half-term Halloween Ghoulish Geocache with the kids organised by the National Trust on the Clent Hills on Oct 30. You start off at Nimmings Wood and you can hire a GPS system to find the hidden treasure boxes.

You need to book in advance - call 01562 712822 to find out more.

6

Issue 11

News

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

The Big Draw The Campaign for Drawing has one aim – to banish the words “I can’t draw’ from everyone’s vocabulary.

To kickstart the revolution, the charity organises an annual Big Draw Festival which is now the biggest community celebration of drawing in the world. It takes place throughout the month of October with several fun, family events scheduled for Birmingham.

Head to Winterbourne House and Gardens on October 6 to take part in their Big Draw event – Faces and Places. You can join in the workshops, have fun learning to draw, and maybe even exhibit your work in their Coach House Gallery after the event. Take time out too to see the house and gardens while you’re there.

The RBSA Gallery at St Paul’s is organising a Big Draw workshop on October 14 where visitors will use a variety of craft materials and drawing techniques to create their own Witches and Wizards outfit complete with cape, pointy hat and wand.

Finally Soho House has scheduled a Boulton’s Big Draw event with some funky arts activities on October 23. See our What’s On for details of all events - and don’t forget the Barber’s Arts Fest which takes place on the weekend of September 8 and 9.

Regular arts classes If a young person in your home says I can’t draw – or even better says I want to draw, where can they learn?: • The Barber Institute run Drawing Sundays for 5-10 and 11-16 year olds where they can learn to draw like a pro (0121 414 2261) • Alkhami Arts Academy, which now has a base in Great Barr, runs after school arts classes and holiday workshops for primary age children (0121 244 8435) • Sue’s Art School, Solihull, runs classes for beginners – children from age 7, and also adult beginners (07931 527909) ,PDJH 1HOVRQ 7DNDKLUR .LVKL /\QJR 7KHDWUH PDF ELUPLQJKDP DQG 7KH /RZU\ SUHVHQW

7XH 1RY ² 6XQ 'HF 7LFNHWV … 3UHYLHZ 6KRZV … :KDW¡V ELJ DQG VPHOO\ DQG à RDWV RQ WKH ZDWHU" $ ELJ VPHOO\ UXEELVK LVODQG $QG WKDW¡V ZKHUH ZH ÀQG RXU KHURHV .QLFN .QDFN DQG 'RR 'DG OLYLQJ RQ D KXJH SLOH RI DOO WKH WKLQJV WKDW ZH¡YH WKURZQ DZD\ RYHU WKH \HDU 'LVFRYHU WKH UHDO PHDQLQJ RI WKH IHVWLYH VHDVRQ DV .QLFN DQG 'RR VKRZ \RX KRZ WR KDYH IXQ QR PDWWHU ZKHUH \RX DUH )URP WKH FUHDWRUV RI WKH KXJHO\ SRSXODU 6QRZ 3OD\ :H ZLVK \RX D VPHOO\ &KULVWPDV

)RU DJHV WR

6DOHV ,QIRUPDWLRQ

ZZZ PDFDUWV FR XN

PDF DW ÀIW\

Issue 11

  7 

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Choosing clubs and classes

A

s the new school year starts, so does the time to choose after-school activities, but take a quick look and you will find a whole range of classes available, from scouts to ballet, from french to karate. How can we know which ones are the best for our child, and critically, which ones they will enjoy!

After-school activities definitely offer value to your children. Reports indicate those who participate in after-school programmes have better school attendance, higher grades and loftier aspirations. They’re less likely to get into trouble and are at lower risk of obesity. It is also a great opportunity for children to develop social and leadership skills.

The benefits are there, but under which classes?

Talk to your child and find out how they feel about the activity, and let them choose at least one club or activity themselves. Help them choose activities that reflect who they are and what they want to learn; don’t impose your preferences. Explain that it’s important and fun to try new things, and remember switching activities is normal amongst children.

Always check out the quality of an activity. Discipline-based activities that create a quality product over a period of time are great, e.g. putting on a play. Don’t think that high cost equals high quality, some activities are cheaper to run. Staff members should be professionals with skills and experience.

Consider the mix of activities. The benefits of exercise are huge, so including a sport would be a good start. Extracurricular activities are ideal for children to explore and practice what it means to be a group leader, e.g. Brownies.

Remember logistics. The after-school programme affects you too. Avoid signing on to too many activities that leave you scrambling from one to the next. No one will have fun doing anything if it means arriving late, leaving early, and going without dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

MUSIC

Finally, do build in some downtime. Children need to have TIM TANDLER DRUM SCHOOL independent play as well as the structured activities, so ensure 1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location time is built in for dinner, watching T.V. and relaxing. Leave some Rock School grades 1-8. Ages 4 upwards. activities perhaps for the summer, when different interests can Tel: 0121 503 5849 be tried, without the pressure of school demands. www.timtandlerdrumschool.co.uk After-school activities can provide enrichment, adventure and variety. They can enhance knowledge and build character.

Spend a bit more time choosing the right activity programme for your child and you will reap the benefits.

Clubs & Classes DIRECTORY

To advertise here please call 0758 352 6056 DANCE & DRAMA

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

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 6+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

Telephone: 0121 722 3761 www.masquerademusicaltheatre.co.uk

8

Issue 11

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

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT STAGE SCHOOL Dance/Drama/Singing/Gymnastics Exams, Shows & Competitions North Solihull. 0121-242-3904 www.spotlightstageschool.co.uk

MUSIC BIR

1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre location M I N G H A M Rock School grades 1-8.

Ages 4 upwards.

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

PRE-SCHOOL MUSIC Early learning through music Baby, toddler and pre-school classes Call 0121 711 4224 for nearest class www.rhythmtime.net

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Clubs and Classes

Tee off this autumn

Is your youngster the next Tiger Woods? Even if not, junior golf can be fun – and sociable as most junior coaching takes places in small groups.

If you are looking for golf lessons for 6 to 16 year olds you can try: • Lea Marston Hotel Golf Academy in Sutton Coldfield which runs weekend group sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings starting in early September. A five week course of one hour lessons costs £24.

(Tel: 01675 470 707) • Robin Hood Golf Club, Solihull, run junior group sessions for children aged around 8 upwards on Saturday mornings at a cost of £3 per hour. (Tel: 0121 706 0061) • Moseley Golf Club run the Golf Foundation Passport scheme for juniors aged 6 and over with weekend group lessons starting in September, at a cost of £49.95 for six one hour sessions.

(Tel 0121 444 4957) • Harborne Golf Club offer individual coaching sessions for juniors from 6 upwards at a cost of £12 for half an hour. (Tel: 0121 426 0043) • Edgbaston Golf Club has yet to confirm details of junior coaching sessions but they are likely to be offered from late September onwards. For further information call: 0121 454 1736.

You don’t have to invest in equipment as children can borrow junior clubs at all the courses listed.

Rhymes, movement & results Research has begun to test whether moving to nursery rhymes can improve children’s school results. The Primary Movement project is working with 40 schools to assess the impact that movement can have on children’s development.

The physical sequences have been based on reflex movements that babies make in the womb or first few months of life and will be accompanied by nursery rhymes and songs.

From September 2012 the nine year olds taking part in the research project will do a carefully designed set of movements every day for 10 minutes over 2 years. Researchers will then examine the impact on reading and numeracy levels among the children.

Helen Harrington, founder of the music and dance organisation, MAD Academy, welcomes the research. “Movement in the early years is so important for children’s development. It will be really interesting to see the impact on children’s academic achievements.”

Families

FIRST

AUTUMN 2012 Learn to draw!

Make sculpture!

Paint portraits!

Fantastic & fun workshops for kids!

For more information, pick up our latest Families First brochure, or visit:

he NEC essons Driving L17 Year Olds a0t%Toff all for 11 s–chool ‘ Special Offer rt1ies booked

barber.org.uk/families.html

thday pa Back to FAM10. unt code chers/bir u o /v s n o 012. Disco 2 r e less b m th Septe9010 before 30 1 /

or call: 0121 414 2261

37 river.eu call 0844 w.youngd To book http://ww at e lin n or o

Issue 11 9 Barber-FF-Advert-SeptDec-01.indd 1

10/08/2012 15:42

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Lids for kids campaign A national Lids for Kids campaign aims to educate children on the importance of wearing a helmet as well as changing the law to make it compulsory for children to wear helmets.

Figures out recently from the Department of Transport showed that 19,215 cyclists were injured in road accidents in 2011 – a 12 per cent rise compared to 2010.

As part of the campaign Fletchers Solicitors will be working with the brain injury association Headway to produce a set of online materials aimed at local schools to help spread the word about the ‘Lids for Kids’ campaign.

Join Solihull Ice Hockey Barons Solihull Barons Junior Ice Hockey Club are recruiting new players to join their training squad.

If you are under 12, can skate and would like to like to give it a go, call Dave Madden on 079299 71140.

“Any skater who would like to have a trial can come along and join us free for two sessions. We also loan them the equipment they need for the first 6 weeks,” says Dave.

Those who decide to join the Club will pay £35 a month for weekly training sessions at the Ice Rinkon Wednesday evenings – 5.30pm for under 10s and 6.30pm for under 12s.

Ooh, la, la … we need to get better at languages amigos!

Have you ever tried speaking to someone abroad in halting French or Spanish, only to have them reply to you in perfectly fluent English? I suspect most of us have been there.

But your child has a chance to do better. Children have a natural ability for soaking up language and there are plenty of fun clubs for children to join which will encourage them to do just that.

Anna Neville runs an after-school French Club in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield, on Mondays and Wednesdays for children aged 4-7, and will run classes for 7 and over on request. (Tel: 07767 770687). In Solihull Lingo Kids run French classes at the Arden Club (Tel 07734 568066) Meanwhile, a new Spanish Amigos after-school class will be running from September at the Kitchen Garden café in Kings Heath, with another class running in Solihull.

(Tel: Yvonne Burke on 07977 115310)

Arts Classes Holiday Clubs • Arty Parties Aldridge Rd, Great Barr

www.arts.alkhami.com Tel: 0121 244 8435

Dizzyrs Dance Various ages welcome Based in Highgate, Birmingham.

10 Issue 11

01527 870889 or 0773 4651192

Guitar, Bass, Drum Lessons 7-19 years Vocal lessons for over 11’s 2 Hour sessions including stage time.

CRB cleared Staff, great fun.

RockSchool grades.

www.dizzydancers.org

Tel: 0845 226 3318 www.therockproject.com

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

New hub for children’s activities

P

rincess-Trust backed Academic Excellence has refurbished an old Georgian property in Edgbaston which opens this September as a hub for lots of children’s activities.

As well as being home for academic tutoring (with some scholarships available for gifted and talented children each term), the centre is offering music, dance, karate and after-school activities, with a supervised games room for children to ‘hang out’, and even a canteen.

Founder Natalie Jones set up Academic Excellence to help improve children’s life chances by giving them access to affordable outside-school tuition which they now run at several venues in Birmingham and Solihull. The new Edgbaston centre takes this a step further and builds on the successful holiday, fun clubs they ran at Easter and over summer. It will be open 6 days a week – Monday to Saturday.

“It is a dream building” says Natalie, who has steered the project through to completion. “It is a large, detached Georgian building with 15 rooms so we can offer before and after-school care, tuition and clubs. It will be a real hive of activity with music, dance and karate clubs starting in September. We even have a function room which can be used for children’s parties.”

To find out more about tuition, clubs, or childcare, call Natalie on 0121 454 2858

Learn, live and laugh ...we have dedication to education

TUITIONs MATHS 11+GCSE

G

L REASONIN SCIENCES VERBA

ONING NON-VERBAL REAS GES ENGLISH LANGUA Come along to our Open Day 58 or email please call 0121 454 28 For more information k g.u .or ence info@academicexcell n ington & Quinto

ihull, Chelmsley Wood, Erd

Classes@ Edgbaston, Sol

Fun Club

entre C n to s a b g d E New vity cti A hub of ar sc hool care

te •Before and af d karate an e nc da , ic us •Clubs – m mes room ga e supervised •Chill out in th n ee nt •Relax in the ca •Homework club on age 2-18 •Academic tuiti Saturday Open Mondayore 58 to find out m Call 0121 454 28 d ne an pl y da September open

e.org.uk

www.academicexcellenc MOB 07543 668261 | TEL 0121 454 2858 |

Issue 11

11

Sport

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Our girls are on the ball!

The England women’s team want your support in crucial qualifier

S

o you think football is just for boys? Well think again - the sport is growing in popularity as girls take to the pitch and this month we have the chance to see top-class international women’s football in the Midlands.

With team GB having reached the quarter finals in the Olympics, the England Women’s Team are now facing Croatia in a UEFA Qualifying match for Euro 2013. The match takes place on Wednesday, September 19 at Walsall FC – and the team needs YOUR support.

England is currently second in the table but a win will take them to the top of the group and automatic qualification for the UEFA European Finals in Sweden next summer.

England’s coach Hope Powell is urging mums and dads across Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield to take their family along, show their support and cheer our team on.

Hope says: “It’s a crucial match for us and we really need some vocal support. We want the fans to really enjoy the day from the party atmosphere outside to the skill and entertainment we can provide on the pitch as one of the best teams in the world. This is top class football coming to you!”

KIDS GO FREE at this England party. There is an early kick-off of 5.00pm to attract families with a free goody bag for all Under-12s.

There will be a football festival outside the stadium from 4.00pm where children can have a go at a number of activities and there will also be pre-match music and fun. Everyone is invited to come dressed for an England party with face paint and wigs and be prepared to make some noise! Spot prizes will be awarded for the best outfits!

Ticket prices are £5 per adult; £2.50 under 16s and concessions and all under 12s are free. Kick off 5pm. Call 01922 651 416 online booking www.eticketing.co.uk/walsall

Kaz Carney – our Brum All of the England athlet mie girl es are real life role mode ls helping girls to take up most famous local Englan sport and have a health d heroine is Kaz Carney y lifestyle. Our . She is an Olympian, pla professional club Birming ys for the FA Women’s Sup ham City Ladies and is a er League massive Blues fan. Aged 25, Kaz is a real star of the making her debut at on Eng ly 17 land team wh en she was studying for She is quick to give credit her A-levels. to her main fans: “The big gest influence on my car given up so much in ord eer have been my parent er for me to play. They are s who have a constant support travel they are looking forward ling round the world to watch me and to seeing me represent England in our home city !”

Kaz’s Kicking Stats Club: FA Women’s Super League Side Birmingham City Ladies www.birminghamcitylad iesfc.co.uk Position: Striker/Winger Favourite Teams: Birming ham and Arsenal Favourite player: David Beckham England Caps: 75 / Englan d Goals: 13 Classes in England Debut: v Italy 17.

02.2005 Height: 5’3” Birmingham and Age: 25 Solihull Birthday: August 1 England reached the las t finals in Euro 2009 losing eventually to Germany did score a goal! When but Kaz they played Croatia away in March England won 6-0 .

Rugby-based, fun activity classes for kids aged 3 to 5 years old.

07807 297 511

www.rugbymonkeys.co.uk 12 Issue 11

Sport

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Did you know?

• Football is a brilliant way of keeping fit, making friends and having fun – boys have known this for years and now it’s the girls’ turn to get involved!

• The FA has run women’s football since 1993 and since 2002 girls’ and women’s football has been the biggest female team sport in England.

About 1.38 million women and girls play some form of football in England with more joining the fun every year!

0 rk 2 at Villa Pa

• The FA website at http://www.thefa.com/womens-girls-football is a onestop shop to find out information on the game and opportunities to play, coach, referee and volunteer.

• England Women are number 9 in the official FIFA world rankings.

Girls and Women’s Football in the Birmingham Area Birmingham County FA (BCFA) is responsible for developing more opportunities for females to get involved as players, volunteers, coaches or referees. http://www.birminghamfa.com/ In our area there are 2 FA Girls’ Player Development Centres for the most talented players, 3 FA Girls’ Centre of Excellences and loads of fun and competitive playing opportunities in the existing Girls’ and Women’s Leagues (5v5, 7v7 & 11v11). Other programmes include the West Midlands Female Football (mentoring coaches in the female game) FA Football Futures for young female leaders and Female Futsal Leagues.

For more information contact: Birmingham County FA 0121 357 4278 or e-mail development@birminghamfa.com

www.littlekickers.co.uk

let your christmas shine at villa park

Fam

ily Events

CHRISTMAS TOUR AND LUNCH This is one for Villans young and old – go behind the scenes with our exclusive tour of Villa Park and then tuck into a sumptuous three-course lunch.

DATE Sun 9th Dec TOUR TIMES 10am, 11am, 12.30pm PRICE Adults £29.95, Children £14.95

FAMILY FUN LUNCH

Classes in Solihull, Knowle, Hockley Heath & Wythall Approved football training for kids aged 2 to 7 years

For a free trial class or information about our football parties please call

0121 744 9730

Come to Villa Park for a magical family day with our Christmas clown show, party games, funky tunes and even face painting! Enjoy our yummy Yuletide feast, followed by a visit from one of our mascots and Father Christmas.

DATE Sun 16th Dec TIME 12noon – 4pm PRICE Adults £19.95, Children £12.95

a at

rk at Villa Pa

20

12

Where learning’s a ball rhiggs@littlekickers.co.uk

BOOKING HOTLINE

0800 612 0950

BOOK ONLINE

WWW.AVFC.CO.UK

Issue 11 13

1

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

What age should y R esearch shows that a child born in September has a significantly better chance of doing well in school compared to a child born in August.

So would delaying the start of formal education be in your child’s best interest?

One Solihull nursery is so convinced it is they are offering free school-time places for all four-year-olds.

Tom Shea, Director of Child First in Solihull, has been involved in nurseries for 40 years, has studied brain development in children, and has advised Government ministers. He is concerned at the push to get children into formal education at an increasingly young age - and he is by no means a lone voice.

Critics such as author Philip Pullman, childcare expert Penelope Leach and Oxford neuroscientist Baroness Greenfield argue that children under five are being robbed of the ability to play. The so called ‘nappy curriculum’ of 69 targets for five-year-olds introduced by the previous Government was criticised for being so prescriptive it stifled children’s development. These are being simplified (the number of targets is reduced from 69 to 17) but critics say there is a sting in the tail. There may be fewer targets, but there is an even greater focus on formal learning and more onerous targets for five-year-olds in reading and writing.

Education Secretary Michael Gove is clear in his ambition to raise education standards for all children, but is formal schooling at an early age the way to go about it?

British schoolchildren do not legally have to start school until the term after their fifth birthday, yet the vast majority start at four. As most schools have a September intake it means August-born children start school just after their fourth birthday. This is much earlier than most European countries who start formal schooling at six or seven.

A year is a long time in a five-year-old’s life and it is natural that those born early in the school year and turning five have more developed skills than a summer-born child. But while the gap between them 2008|2009 29008|2009 002|8002 narrows, it is still evident at GCSE level and can impact on RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL a child’s chances of getting Children aged from 3 months to 5 years. into a good university.

Ofsted Outstanding

• Qualified friendly staff.

• Daily home cooking.

• Interactive Whiteboard/Table.

• CCTV cameras in every room.

• Free Grant places available for 3+

Tel: 0121 777 4902

130 Russell Rd, Hall Green, B’ham B28 8SQ

Other sites

621 Fox Hollies Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.

B28 9DW Tel: 0121 777 3778

14 Issue 11

Small World Nursery, 975 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 8BG Tel: 0121 693 3071

August-born children are three times more likely to be regarded as below average by teachers at the age of 7 and numerous studies have shown the birth-date effect is still evident at GCSE level. Some studies suggest it can account for a one grade difference across all subjects taken, with autumn-born children being

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

your child start school? the highest performers and summer-born the lowest. The latter are also less likely to go to university than autumnborn children and are 20 per cent less likely to be at a leading university.

The worry is that a younger child who is less advanced starting school is typecast as a low achiever and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, affecting their confidence and impacting on them right through school and beyond.

So why the rush to get a child into school at 4? Children in many European countries who start formal schooling later actually outperform English children in reading and writing by the end of primary school. Academics think that children given the time to develop language skills have a better foundation for learning to read which benefits them in the long run.

Tom Shea says: “I would encourage parents to realise there is an alternative to starting school at 4 and delaying formal schooling can be highly beneficial. Children’s brains develop rapidly between the ages of 0-5 and they learn for themselves through play. There is substantial evidence that play helps children advance faster and further than those in formal education from an early age.”

At Child First nursery the emphasis for four-year-olds is on non desk-based learning. Child-initiated play and learning through experience is seen as key to each child’s development. The children learn through drawing (mark-making prepares for writing); stories (developing imagination and language skills) and their environment (outdoor play, growing food in the gardens and rearing ducks). Good nutrition, plenty of exercise, stimulation and interaction with other children and adults underpin the Child First philosophy.

“Our commitment has always been to put each child first, and we are as expert in helping children learn as any school, some would say better,” says Tom. To find out more about the free school-time places, or to arrange to visit the nursery call Corrinne Elsmore on 0121 7888 148.

Child first day nursery

Day Nursery Schools Quality Pre-School Education and Care

Childcare and a whole lot more

Drop in anytime and see – 3 months to 5 years 0121 788 8148 • solihull@childfirst.co.uk www.childfirst.co.uk • Cooks Lane B37 6NZ

• 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

Issue 11 15

Parenting

by Sarah Butters

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The do’s and do

S

tarting school is difficult, not just for your child, but also for you. During this term, your child will spend more time there than they will at home. That’s why a good relationship with your child’s teacher is vital. Start the academic year as you mean to go on with Sarah Butter’s guide to being top of the class.

Do introduce yourself Make sure the first contact you have with your child’s teacher is positive. Don’t wait for the first problem before saying hello. We’re not talking about pinning the poor soul up against the classroom display to tell them how wonderful young Oliver is. This is about a brief and to the point introduction so the teacher can put a face to a name and you can highlight any beginning of term concerns.

Don’t hijack them at the start of the day – it’s a busy time for teachers.

Do turn up when invited Be it a parents’ evening or a school assembly, show an interest in the place your child is spending their days. It can be inconvenient for working parents to take time out, but every visit to school is a step to building a better relationship with them.

“Parents should remember that children need their support,” says teacher John Tranmer. “A recording of your child singing in the Nativity play can never be a substitute for being part of such a unique and special moment.”

Do be punctual You wouldn’t turn up late for a doctor’s appointment, so don’t turn up late for school. By pitching up after the bell has gone, you’re showing your child you don’t respect the rules of the school, and you disrupt the start of the day in their class. And don’t forget the end of the day. Punctuality is also important to children at pick up time. Little ones get anxious if their parent doesn’t appear when others do.

Don’t take holidays during term time It’s tempting to beat the rush and the sky high prices of the school holidays. However, taking your child out of school before the end of term means they will miss out. Events like sports days and school plays may feel less important than academic tests, but they are just as important to your child’s social development. And like turning up late for school, it shows you don’t respect the rules you expect your child to respect day in, day out.

Do find a way to communicate with your teacher Unless it’s urgent, speaking to your child’s teacher at the beginning or end of the day is rarely a good idea. They are either busy preparing, or reeling from more than 6 hours holding the attention of 30 children. Begin the year understanding how to best get hold of your teacher. Don’t be afraid to ask how to best communicate minor issues that need acknowledgement, but don’t need a formal appointment. Maybe it’s a change of circumstances at home, or a particular subject they’re struggling with. Some schools give parents their class teacher’s email address and other schools have a homework book which has a space for communications between parents and teachers. If you begin the school year with a line of communication open, problems are more likely to be solved quickly.

16 Issue 11

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

on’ts of school gate parenting Don’t hold grudges Teachers are human and sometimes they get it wrong. Like you and I they have bad days and can make bad decisions. When that happens, don’t be afraid to speak up, but do be prepared to move on. Make an appointment and make arrangements to visit without your child. Then you can have a frank discussion. The vast majority of teachers want the best for the children in their care. If you keep that thought in the forefront of your mind you’ll do a better job of putting disagreements to the back of your mind. You and your teacher should be working as a team to bring out the best in your child.

Do be professional You have every right to expect teachers to act professionally.

However, teachers have the right to expect a level of professional parenting from you. That means discussing disputes in school with those who can make a difference, and not gossiping with other parents at the school gates.

tale to get you off their case. Maybe it’s the tale of the PE teacher who made them run the cross country course SIX times, or the classroom assistant who let them have FOUR doughnuts for lunch.

Just be careful before you storm into school to air your grievances.

“Some of it is for your attention,” says one Head Teacher who adds: “We had one child claim that she didn’t have any lunch because a teacher had eaten the last 6 fish fingers!”

Don’t attempt bribery Pandora bracelets and UGG boots are NOT appropriate gifts for teachers whatever the occasion. They will not buy better grades for your child and sometimes less is more.

“I have a lovely decoration given to me by a former pupil that has hung in my office for many years and it bears the inscription ‘Teachers inspire the future’,” notes one proud Head Teacher.

The best gift you can give your teacher is a child who turns up on time with a positive attitude to school.

Being professional is also about showing respect for your child’s teacher when you have conversations at home. If you show you don’t respect the teacher, chances are your child will show a lack of respect in the classroom.

Kingswood School

Do help out when you can Offering to help out is not the same as going into school to spy on your child! Schools welcome parents who are willing to give up their time to come in and listen to reading, or give a talk about their job or help supervise a school trip. It’s another way to help build up a relationship and show the school you are interested.

It’s hard for working parents to take time out. However, you may be able to combine your work with a visit to school. My children recently welcomed a dentist, a banker and a geologist into their classrooms. All are parents wanting to pass on their passion to the children.

Independent School for 3 to 11 year olds

OPEN DAY Wednesday 3rd October 2012 9am – 12noon

Don’t believe everything your children tell you At the end of every school day, you can hear parents asking their children what they’ve done today. For most, the last 6 hours have been a haze and to please you, they may decide to throw in a tall

0121 744 7883

www.kingswoodschool.co.uk info@kingswoodschool.co.uk

St James Place, Shirley, Solihull, B90 2BA

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to unlock your child’s potential, building their confidence and independent study skills.

Contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

Great Barr 0121 378 2130

Kings Heath 0121 624 1233

Harborne 0121 427 3007

Shirley 0121 366 8206

Yardley Wood 0121 777 4327

Free

Assessment kumon.co.uk

Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

Issue 11 17

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Making the transition to sec How much to help and how much to let go

T

he transition from Primary to Secondary School is an anxious time for parents. During the primary school years, it is fairly easy to support your child at school. You will probably know his teacher, other members of staff and parents, as well as being familiar with school policies and routines. The thought of losing the control this familiarity offers is as daunting for parents as it is for children and you may well wonder how best to continue to support your child.

You may also worry specifically about your child’s ability to cope with the new environment and crucially, whether he or she will make friends.

Your anxieties may be eased by adopting strategies that help with the transition.

Here are some tips and tools which should help you prepare for and manage the early months:

18  Issue Issue11 11

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

condary school

& % ( # " 4 50 / )*() 4$)00- GPS (*3-4

by Margaret Ansell Before the transition:

1. Shield your child from your anxiety They can make this transition. Critically, they need to know that you believe in them and their ability to deal with difficulties and challenges.

2. Relax the organisation Towards the end of year 6, step back from the organisation of your child’s school life e.g. packing school bags etc. You may secretly want to savour these last few months of dependency but your child needs a taste of independence. If they are slow to take up the reins, don’t take over and don’t despair, they will get there eventually.

3. If your child will walk to school or travel independently on public transport, practice the new journey Start by travelling together but without interaction. Then move to simply following behind your child. Finally, let him do it alone and meet there.

Travel at busy times. Allow your child to make mistakes and find solutions.

This equips them with the skills to handle the unexpected like bus detours and road closures.

"O JOEFQFOEFOU TDIPPM GPS HJSMT ˜ ZFBST

4FOJPS 4DIPPM 0QFO %BZ ăVSTEBZ UI 4FQUFNCFS QN

1SSFQBSBUPSZ 4DIPPM 0QFO %BZ 4BUVSEBZ UI 4FQUFNCFS BN OPPO 4DIPMBSTIJQT BU

BOE

.FBOT UFTUFE CVSTBSJFT BWBJMBCMF

After the transition:

1. Be there Make sure a parent or trusted carer is available before and after school -to provide food, notice if your child comes in late, listen to their successes and concerns and be aware of subtle changes in mood. They need someone who can empathise with them and discuss their problems.

Watch and listen, help out if asked but don’t take over. Become an Enabler rather than a Fixer.

8F T UC P VSOF 3 P B E &EH C B T UPO # JSN JOH IB N # 54 5FM B EN JTT J POT ! F EH C B T UPO I JH I D P V L X X X F EH C B T UPO I JH I D P V L $IB S JU Z OP

2. Support the development of friendships It is of great importance to older children that they mix socially and establish secure friendships and they need to do this while still young enough to turn to you for support when they make mistakes. Gradually they will learn to make informed choices about friends. It’s appropriate for this age group to have access to a basic mobile phone and computer but the dangers of social networking should be discussed and boundaries agreed upon.

3. Support organisation and routines Create “To Do Lists� or “Timetables� for the fridge, agree places to keep bags, kit, and books. Label uniform and valuables. Establish routines so they can get to school punctually. Don’t expect too much too soon, many won’t crack this for years!

4. Understand what homework they have and know when it has been completed and handed in Agree a routine that will help your child to complete and hand in all homework on time, without devoting too much time to one piece and little or nothing to others. However, remember it is their homework not yours; help, encourage, motivate but accept their best.

5. Schedule time to relax Your child will be exhausted by the effort of holding it all together. Tears are likely over the most trivial things and they may regress and demand more care. Trust that they can cope and make sure there is time for sleep, friends, homework, more sleep, watching TV, playing computer games and yet more sleep! Avoid weekend breaks and reduce extra-curricular commitments to the minimum. Now is not the time for your child to begin new activities or classes.

And lastly, schedule time to relax yourself! All will eventually be well.

Issue 11

 19 

Scholarships

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Entrance exams and scholarship interviews

T

he 11 plus exams for Grammar school places are taking place this month but some pupils will be looking ahead to January entrance exams for independent schools.

The exams test maths, English, verbal and non-verbal ability and are likely to include some challenging and complex questions designed to identify candidates for academic scholarships or means-tested bursaries.

In September, KSOL will be running an 11-week creative writing workshop which will help candidates explore all genres of writing, and develop the creative writing skills that will be tested in entrance exams.

KSOL Director Aron Dhunna says: “Creative Writing is a fun course and it really helps children become confident in expressing themselves. It fires up their imagination and helps them to put their thoughts down on paper, and they learn how to make use of vocabulary and emotion in their writing.”

The final two weeks of the course focuses on giving children interview practice.

Aron says: “It can be daunting for a child who is invited back after the entrance exam to speak to a Head Teacher, so these two weeks are about helping them speak to adults with confidence. We explain

20

Issue 11

that their interview will be informal, but we also talk about how they should conduct themselves in front of an adult.

“When a school is offering a scholarship or bursary they are investing money in a pupil and they want to make sure they are offering it to a well-rounded student who will fit in well and excel at the school.

“We help the students to think about what they would want to get across during an interview and what they might be asked to talk about. For most children this will be the first time they have ever attended an interview and the pointers we give can help them make the most of their chance.”

The Creative Writing courses start from September 22nd 2012.

There are only 15 pupils in a group so that each can have individual attention and places are limited. (These courses are usually oversubscribed. Call 0121 733 6558 if you are interested in booking a place). In December KSOL will hold an independent school mock exam.

• KSOL offers online and tutorial support for 11 plus students and entrance exam candidates. www.ksol.co.uk (0121 733 6558) • Academic Excellence can also offer support to students preparing for entrance exams or scholarship interviews (0121 454 2858).

• Tutor group Explore Learning offer weekly creative writing workshops for children aged 8-14 at their centres, and most centres offer support with entrance exam preparation. (www.explorelearning.co.uk)

Scholarships

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Scholarships and Bursaries

P

rivate schooling is expensive but scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available which can put it within the reach of talented children from less well off homes. Some independent schools will even offer full fee bursaries for exceptional candidates. Winning a scholarship or bursary is highly competitive, but don’t rule out an independent school without first checking what is available. It could put the seemingly impossible within reach!

Edgbaston High School

Edgbaston High School for Girls has four named scholarships each year, one of which is a music scholarship. They are awarded regardless of parental income and offer up to 50 per cent reduction on fees. The school also offers means-tested bursaries for pupils who perform well in their entrance exam, and the maximum bursary available covers 100 per cent of fees. (For registration forms and further information call Annelle Scott 0121 454 5831).

Bluecoat School, Edgbaston

Six academic or music scholarships are available at year 3 entry, and cover 25 per cent of fees. Assisted places are also offered from Year 3 with awards depending on individual family circumstances. (For more information call Nick Hill on 0121 410 6892).

Eversfield Prep, Solihull

The school provide means tested bursaries for entry at Year 3 upwards open to internal and external candidates. One or two awards are made each year; the amount varies but could be up worth up to 100 per cent of fees. (Call Jenny Dredger on 0121 705 0354 for further information and registration).

Norfolk House School, Edgbaston Offers 2 academic scholarships one for an internal and one for an external candidate, with a £200 a term reduction in fees for years 5 and 6.

(Call 0121 452 1485 for more information).

King Edward Boys School, Edgbaston

The school offers 15 academic scholarships at 11 plus which range from 10 to 50 per cent of the fees, and 3 music scholarships for boys at grade 6 level (they do not have to have the Grade exam). The school also offers 30-35 means-tested assisted places for children whose household income is under £71,000 a year. (For registration forms and further information call Nicole Phillips on 0121 415 6056).

Solihull School

Academic, music and sports scholarships are awarded at 11 plus, 13 plus and sixth form entry. The school also offers means-tested assisted places in Senior School for children who have performed well in the entrance exam. The awards can account for up to 100 per cent fees. (For registration forms and further information contact admissions on 0121 705 4273).

King Edward High School for Girls, Edgbaston

The school offers two full academic scholarships every year which are split at the head’s discretion between the top performing girls – so offers 4-6 awards. A fund is also set aside each year for meanstested bursaries which are awarded to eligible children in order of merit according to exam results. (For registration forms and further information call Chris Tovey on 0121 415 2191).

Saint Martin’s School, Solihull

Academic, music and sports scholarships are on offer which account for up to 20 per cent remission on fees. Help with fees is available to eligible families for pupils in years 3 upwards, with bursaries awarded on academic merit and family income. (For registration forms and information call Jane Webber on 0121 705 1265).

St George’s School Edgbaston

Bursaries and scholarships offer a reduction on fees with each case taken on merit. Academic, sports, arts and music scholarship are available. (For registrations and further information call 0121 625 0398).

Kingswood School, Shirley

Scholarships and bursaries are offered from year 3 at the discretion of the headmaster. They are means-tested and depend on performance in exams. For further information contact 0121 7447 883).

Issue Issue11 11 21

Health

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Expectant mums can learn more about natural delivery options

A

new website has been launched to draw together independent birthing professionals and expectant mothers who are looking to explore the different birthing options available in the UK.

calming experience. The aim of NaturalChildbirth. co.uk is to show other options available, as well as the excellent NHS route.

NaturalChildbirth.co.uk aims to provide independent information and articles to expectant mums in the early stages of their pregnancy, allowing sufficient time to research possible birthing options before the big day arrives!

Expectant mums can join birthing professionals online to learn about options in delivery, natural-pain relief and the early days of motherhood.

Doulas, midwives and breastfeeding consultants are invited to register on the site, and have a chance to build a rapport with pregnant women. It is hoped that through online articles and contributions, expectant mums can learn about options they may never have heard about before.

Kings Heath Grange Day Nursery

• • • • •

Traditional NHS midwives are often so stretched that they don’t have time to go through the various options such as using a doula through your pregnancy, having a home birth or using yoga or hypnobirthing to make your delivery a

Care in a homely setting From birth to 8 All staff CRB-checked Low staff turnover Exercise classes and sign language • Open door policy • Ofsted rating Good • Full and part time places

To visit call Amanda on

0121 444 0515

Jumping Jacks Day Nursery Kings Heath Grange Day Nursery

6 Balaclava Road, B14 7SG Tel: 0121 444 0808

22 Issue 11

23-25 Grange Road, B14 7RN Tel: 0121 444 0515

An important element of the site is that it targets the father too, educating him in his role and what to expect. This helps the dad-to-be feel more confident and in control during the delivery. There are regular contributions from Dean Beaumont, founder of DaddyNatal who has appeared on TV and across parenting titles within the UK along with many other respected birth practitioners.

Users can visit the site to find out about events around the UK and worldwide, such as birthing workshops, talks and courses that help provide the expectant mum with a wealth of information and also browse products such as books and DVDs. NaturalChildbirth.co/uk is founded by hypnobirthing practitioner Sarah Buchanan.

She explains: “Often, expectant mums attend the standard pre-natal classes just weeks before going into labour which is too late to start exploring alternative birthing methods.

“Many couples don’t know to ask their midwife questions, because they are simply not aware of the amazing options available to them in the UK from the birthing process, to where to deliver your baby and who to have with you on this journey.

NaturalChildbirth aims to bridge that gap.

“I want women to realise that it is their responsibility to help themselves and be inquisitive about what is going to happen. By learning more about childbirth women dissolve a lot of their anxiety and fear which is often simply caused by the unknown.”

Grasshoppers Day Nurseries

Loving, caring and quality childcare in homely settings

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

Health

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Do you know which room in the house is the most dangerous?

M

ore accidents happen at home than anywhere else.

In fact, The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) says that more children die annually because of accidents than illnesses such as meningitis. It’s a shocking statistic but as a parent do you know which room in the home is the most dangerous?

In a recent survey conducted by Lindam (producers of home safety products), over half of parents said that they thought the kitchen was the most dangerous place for a child to be. However, out of the 65 per cent of mums who admitted to their little one taking a tumble in the house, the lounge was the most frequently cited location.

Now that might sound surprising – but it rang true with me.

Both my children came a cropper in the living room at some point in their childhood – necessitating two trips to A&E for minor injuries. One ran helter skelter into the living room, tripped and hit her head on the hard edge of a sofa, and the second tripped and bumped her head on the corner of a coffee table.

Out of all the places for a little one to have an accident, few would consider the lounge to be particularly hazardous one! But it’s one of the most used rooms in the house - a place where many of us go to relax and feel comfortable and children can often spend a lot of time playing in there. Statistics collected by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) show that slips, trips and falls are the most common home accident and when this is coupled with sharp corners on furniture, loose wires on the ground and uncovered electrical sockets it’s not hard to see how most accidents happen in the lounge.

Getting down on your hands and knees to look at the world through a child’s eyes is the perfect way of spotting potential hazards at a little one’s level. Items such as heavy vases, ornaments and photo frames should be kept out of reach of small children while DVDs and CDs are ideally stored in cupboards and secured with safety drawer and cupboard latches. Loose wires should be securely tucked away and fireplaces protected by fireguards or hearth guards making them completely inaccessible to babies, toddlers and children.

There are an infinite number of risks facing children in the home and –without becoming overly paranoid - it is important that parents are aware of key dangers and take steps to prevent them.

Lindam offers advice on their top product picks to keep your little ones safe.

• Socket covers prevent children from inserting objects or fingers into dangerous electrical sockets, creating a protective cover. They are an easy and convenient way of protecting children in the home.

• Corner cushions for dangerous and sharp corners on bookshelves, tables and television units.

• Safety Latches for securing cabinets – good for all cupboards and essential for those with hazardous cleaning products and medicines.

Lindam’s online interactive house highlights the potential hazards that may be present in the family home. For more information on toddler proofing your home and the safety products available, log on to www.lindam.com

We can provide a complete and professional service that meets all your nannying and childcare needs: - Day nannies - Live-in nannies - Night nannies - Maternity nurses - Breast-feeding support - Babysitters - Before and after school care - Corporate and event nanny services

Simply call us on 08000 194518 or go to www.sallysnannies.co.uk

Issue 11 23

Lifestyle

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Battery bunny or happy hopper?

By Deborah Hope of 608 Vet practice

L

ike battery hens, rabbits have had a hard time over the years. They are fun-loving, inquisitive creatures, and need space to run around and play. Most cages are too small, so a large tall pen, garden or a room for extended playtime is essential. Add toys e.g. pinecones to throw, boxes to explore and old directories to shred. Or for rabbit friendly toys try www.Bunnybinkstoys.co.uk Junk food, they love it! Sweet treats, fast commercial food - rabbit heaven....or hell?

Most rabbit problems we see are related to diet: facial abscesses, teeth pain, obesity, bad backs, mites, cystitis, etc, etc, etc. And yet we can prevent or reduce these by simple changes to the diet. Bunnies’ whole digestive system and teeth are beautifully designed for a natural diet, so our mantra is: Grass, hay and green leafy vegetables! Over 2-3 weeks withdraw commercial food; give ad lib hay, grass (NOT clippings) and green leafy vegetables. Plus water. If they won’t change, they may already be having problems, so see your vet.

Rabbits breed like....rabbits. Females get all hormonal and grumpy, with high risks of fatal womb tumours. Males can be smelly and fight. So neutering is best from 4 months old.

Friends complete their wish list. They are social creatures, but can be very picky. Many rescue centres will take great care finding the right companion.

So whatever you can do, add to your bunny’s life, let them flourish into the entertaining creatures they truly are. Thank you.

Get sorted!

Can’t face a clearout and could do with some help decluttering your house? Call in some reinforcement.

1,500

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 Carolyn Rose today.

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

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

Contact Carolyn for a FREE information pack on

07789 916278 or email: carolyn.rose1@tesco.net 24 Issue 11

Alison Watts has come up with an ingenious new home decluttering business that will not only help you get organised, but will earn YOU money when she sells on your unwanted items.

Space is at a premium in most family homes but regular clearouts can help you keep order. If you need to get rid of toys the children have outgrown; are updating the bedroom furniture, or preparing to move home, Alison can help get you sorted. It sounds like a win, win situation all round. Call her on 077522 43341 to find out more.

For all your pet animals a dedicated team for help and advice Operating facilities X rays, Ultrasound In-house lab PETS Passport Scheme Dental work Microchipping Vaccinations Pharmacy and Shop Out of hours Emergency Team The 608 Pet Health Club SURGERIES Solihull: Tel. 0121 705 3044 Bentley Heath: Tel. 01564 774246 Acocks Green: Tel. 0121 706 1870 Sheldon: Tel. 0121 743 2890

www.608vetpractice.co.uk

Lifestyle

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

A place in the sun – now that’s the life

T

he wettest April to June since records began followed by a washout July … it makes a place in the sun sound very appealing indeed.

With the Euro crisis sending property prices in Spain tumbling (down more than 25 per cent since their peak) and sliding prices in Italy (down 12 per cent in a decade) there are certainly opportunities to find affordable property abroad.

It is the largest overseas property exhibition in Europe showcasing property from all around the world including Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Florida. Experts will also be on hand to answer your queries on tax, give advice on legal issues you need to consider before buying a holiday home, or guide you on assessing the rental potential of a holiday home.

Last year France had overtaken Spain as the favourite spot for a holiday home for Brits partly because it was perceived as less risky with house prices more stable than elsewhere in the Euro zone.

Yet, the indications are that prime holiday hot-spots sought after by the cash-rich buyers at the top end of the market have proved surprisingly resilient to the market turmoil.

With our unpredictable weather, even those without big budgets can find a holiday home in sunnier climes a very attractive proposition, particularly if a property covers costs in rental income.

If you are looking for some expert advice catch up with Channel 4 television presenters Amanda Lamb, Jasmine Harman and Jonnie Irwin at A Place in the Sun Live at the NEC on Sept 28-30.

Grand Designs in Birmingham Whether you are an aspiring self-builder, are refurbishing your home, or just want to keep up with contemporary design styles for interiors, the Grand Design Live show has something for all home owners.

It returns to Birmingham in October with TV presenter Kevin McCloud. Self builders will be able to book free consultations with planning, financial and design experts to discuss their ideas, and visitors will be able to explore exhibitions of homeware, furnishings, kitchens, and bathrooms as well as finding out about the most innovative green building products which are yet to hit the market.

FREE TICKETS

Families magazine has teamed up with A Place in the Sun and Grand Designs Live to offer readers FREE TICKETS to these events.

If you would like to attend A Place in the Sun and browse the holiday hotspots just log on to www.aplaceinthesun.com/families to claim your free tickets.

Or to claim free tickets to Grand Designs Live just log on to www.granddesignslive.com, follow the link to book your tickets and enter the code FAMFREE! Offer ends on 30/9/2012.

Tickets are on a first come first served basis and subject to availability. Valid on any one day – 13 or 14 Oct.

Make

Money

Space and Create

* Organise and reduce childrens’ toys and clothes * Sort rooms, clearout cupboards or organise paperwork * Arrange sale of surplus items to make you money * Dispose of unwanted items in an enviromentally friendly way

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Resell Alison Watts Tel: 07752243341 Email - alison@declutteryourhome.vpweb.co.uk www.declutteryourhome.vpweb.co.uk

HARBORNE-MSBOOKKEEPING

Accounts Preparations, VAT Returns, Bookkeeping & Payroll Services

Tel: 0121 4282684 Mob: 07823550041 Email: msbookkeeping@talktalk.net

Issue 11 25

Halloween

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Halloween M any parents don’t like the idea of children wandering the streets trick or treating but don’t want to be party poopers either. The solution is to hold your own traditional Halloween party – or head out to some of the very many organised Halloween activities which you can all enjoy.

A home-based party can be fun and inexpensive. Decorate the house with spiders, skeletons, ghouls and broomsticks – hand drawn if you’re artistic or cheap plastic tat if you’re not.

No-one will notice quality in the dark.

Flimsy fake cobwebs will add to the ghoulish atmosphere (though I must admit I found a disconcerting number of real ones when I embarked on this exercise one year).

Games Even in this high-tech age, the old-fashioned Halloween games still have great appeal to children. Try Swing Apple where you hang an apple on a door lintel and children try to bite the apple without touching it. And have a go at Bob Apple where children try to retrieve a bobbing apple from a large tub of water without using their hands.

For a Halloween style lucky dip game, fill a large cauldronstyle tub with slimy, coloured goo (blood red Gelli baff ); wrap a variety of ghoulish gifts in clingwrap (eg - fake eyeballs and false teeth) and dare the children to dip their hands in the witch’s brew to see what she is using in her spells!

Then blindfold your guests and invite them one by one to enter the Witch’s lair and challenge them to identify by touch and smell the ingredients she has laid out for her next spell.

You can use herbs like mint; lemon rind; sugar, breadcrumbs, grass, or coffee beans. Children love the challenge of guessing the ingredients and you can give a prize to the person identifying the most.

You can also try a variation of the party favourite - pin the tail on the donkey - but make it pin the tail on the witch’s cat.

If you’ve had enough of witches and wizards, have a go at the Make a Mummy game. For this you will need one toilet roll per person. Split your party guests into teams and allocate one person on each team to be the Mummy. The teams have to race against the clock to cover their Mummy

26 Issue Issue11 11

Halloween

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Fun from head to toe in loo roll and the team with the most convincing Mummy wins the game. This is sooo much fun as everyone gets into a muddle wrapping the rolls and the kids love it.

Music Make a CD of songs that will work for Halloween – Thriller, Monster Mash, Ghost-busters, Bat out of Hell. Play it in the background, have a disco or play Halloween-themed musical statues.

Food With a little bit of creativity you can put on a Hogwartian-style feast of healthy novelty foods.

Try traditional toffee apples and nuts (unless any of your guests have a nut allergy); make Wizard’s blood

cocktails from cranberry and pomegranate juice with blackcurrant squash and sparkling water; make monster eyes by cutting boiled eggs in half, adding a raisin for the pupil and using red food colouring for the veins; or try witches fingers made of chicken or fish goujons with an almond flake for the finger nail. Make bat-shaped biscuits, Halloween cupcakes iced with cobwebs, or marshmallow ghosts and ghouls. For more ideas www. goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/halloween.

Halloween piñatas Pinatas are great fun for little witches and wizards who can bash the piñatas with broomsticks. It makes for a sweet ending to the party when guests can fill their own party bags with goodies from the piñata.

Our pick of Halloween events Best Treat: Halloween afternoon at Villa Park. Games, spell-binding activities, and creepy competitions.

Includes 2 course buffet lunch. Party laid on. No work for mums.

Best traditional: Pumpkin carving and spooky stories at Winterbourne House. Because you can’t beat oldfashioned fun.

Best outdoors: Ghoulish Geocaching at Clent Hills.

Best for half-term fun: Aspire Active camps will have a Halloween-theme to their active holiday camps. If that includes learning to ride a broomstick, count me in!

Best value: Cauldrons, Cats and Cobwebs events following a spine-tingling part through the Museums collection centre, Dolman Street, Birmingham.

For full details and more information about the above, see our What’s On - Out and About.

Helping parents with school holiday childcare since 2005 Autumn Family Events at Winterbourne Saturday 6 October 2012 11am - 4.30pm Standard entry applies

Come along to a fun family drawing workshop all about Places and Faces.

Aspire Active Camps helped 988 families last year, making us the most popular Ofsted registered provider of sports and activity focused childcare in the area.

Safe - Ofsted registered Fun – Over 25 different sports and activities Flexible – Open every school holiday from 8am–6pm Value – From as little as £1.98 per hour Dates: Half Term and Christmas Venues: Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield Tudor Grange Academy, Solihull King Edward VI School, Lichfield For further information and bookings visit www.activecamps.co.uk/fbm12 or call 08455 08 27 34

Doesn’t matter how confident an artist you are...it’s about taking part!

Saturday 27 October 2012 11am - 4.30pm

Halloween

Standard entry applies

Pumpkin carving, spooky stories and a magic lantern Phantasmagoria show.

Prepare to be scared, Edwardian Style!

www.winterbourne.org.uk 27

Issue Issue11 11

Parenting What’s On Theatres & shows

Musical Picnic – Mango Spice

Join the award-winning band, Jazz Jamaica for a fun and creative musical journey to the Caribbean. Rediscover the stories and ringgames associated with popular folk songs from Jamaica.

Venue: Symphony Hall, Café Bar Date: Oct 13 Time: 10.30am FREE EVENT

Calendar Girls

Drama production based on true story and film of the same name Venue: Coleshill Town Hall Date: Sept 5-8 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £7 Age: 12 plus To Book: 0121 704 6962

Grand Designs Live

Musical Picnic – Maraca 2 Venue: Symphony Hall, Café Bar Date: Sept 8 Time: 10.30am FREE EVENT

Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra

Award-winning orchestra in concert with jazz singer Clare Teal Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Sept 20 Time 7.30pm Tickets: £13 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians

Birmingham Rep stage adaptation of the popular Terry Deary Horrible Histories series.

Venue: Town Hall Date: September 25-29 Times: vary. See website Tickets: £12-£16 To Book: 0121 345 0600

A Place in the Sun

Catch up with the channel 4 presenters and find your perfect holiday home Venue: NEC Date: Sept 28-30 Time: 10am-5pm Tickets: £10 adult; £6 child FREE TICKETS FOR FAMILIES READERS. See page 25 to find out how to apply.

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Jesus Christ Superstar

Celebrating 40 years of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical. Tim Minchin, Melanie C and Chris Moyles star.

Venue: NIA Date: Oct 4 and 5 Tickets: £45-£65 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Cowboy Baby

It’s time for bed in the wild west but cowboy baby ain’t tired. No Siree!

Venue: Birmingham Library Theatre Date: Oct 5 and 6 Time: Friday at 10.30am and 1.30pm and Sat at 11.30am and 2pm Age: 7 and under Tickets: £7.50 adults; £4.50 child and £1.50 babe in arms To Book: 0121 236 4455

Great Expectations

Graham McLaren’s lavish show based on Dicken’s novel Date: Oct 9 -12 Venue: New Alexandra Theatre Time: 7.30pm and Wed matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £10-£32 To Book: 0844 871 7644

Presented by Kevin McCloud, with 500 exhibitors covering interiors, gardens, home improvement, self-build, renovations, technology and shopping Venue: NEC Date: Oct 12-14 Time: 10am-6pm Tickets: £15 advance; £19 on door FREE TICKETS for Families readers.

Find out how to apply on page 25.

Top Gear Live

Join Clarkson, Hammond, May and The Stig at Top Gear Live 2012. The TV presenters and their tame racing driver, The Stig, will be joined by a host of guest drivers and awe inspiring vehicles in the Live Action Arena and Track.

Venue: NEC Date: Oct 25-28 Time: 10am-5.30pm. Oct 27 until 7pm Tickets: £49-£99. Thursday and Friday – up to 2 kids go free with adult; family Tickets Sat and Sun £156.

To Book: 0871 230 5588

The Egg

Egg is all about magic, music and … an egg.

Join some madcap birds on the adventure of a lifetime Venue: Birmingham Library Theatre Date: Oct 18-20 Time: Thurs, Fri at 10.30am and 1.30pm; Sat at 11.30am and 2pm Age: 3 and over Tickets: Adults £7.50; child £4.50 and babe in arms £1.50 To Book: 0121 236 4455

Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime

Comedy drama based on Oscar Wilde’s short story Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Oct 19 and 20 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £10.50 Age: 9 plus To Book: 0121 704 6962

The Snail and the Whale

A Tall Stories production (creators of the Gruffalo and Room on the Broom) and based on the Julia Donaldson story. A tiny snail longs to see the world and hitches a lift on the tail of a humbacked whale. But when the whale gets beached, who will save the day?

Venue: MAC, Cannon Hill Park, B12 Date: Oct 28 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £6.50 To Book: 0121 446 3237

A Christmas Carol

Join Ballet Theatre UK for a magical journey to Dickensian London Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Oct 30 Time: 2.30pm, and 7.30pm Tickets: Adult £17.50 and child £12 To Book: 0121 704 6962 Time: 11.30am and 2pm Age: 6 and upwards Tickets: £7.50 adults; £4.50 child and £1.50 babe in arms

Blood Brothers

Swan Lake

Birmingham Royal Ballet production Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: Oct 2-6 Time: evening 7.30pm; Wed matinee 2pm and Sat 2.30pm Tickets: £15-£47 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Tweedy’s Lost property

A family comedy about a clown who decides to get a real job working in a Lost Property Office with hilarious results.

Venue: MAC, Cannon Hill Park, B12 Date: Oct 20 Time: 2pm Tickets: £12 and £10 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Disney on Ice – Passport to Adventure

Join Mickey, Minnie and friends on a magical trip through the starry skies of Peter Pan’s world; the Pride lands of the Lion King, and the underwater world of Ariel Venue: NIA Date: Oct 24-Nov 4 Tickets: £14-£37 To Book: 0121 308 4511

28 Issue Issue11 11

Willy Russell’s tale of two brothers separated at birth who meet again in later life Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: Oct 22-Nov 3 Time: Evenings 7.30pm; wed matinee at 2pm and Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £16-£36 To Book: 0844 338 5000

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

What’s Parenting On

Grimm Tales

Adapted by Carol Ann Duffy and includes Hansel and Gretel and the original Cinderella story Venue: Birmingham Library Theatre Date: November 3 Time: 11.30am and 2pm Age: 6 and upwards Tickets: £7.50 adults; £4.50 child and £1.50 babe in arms

Knick Knack and Doo Dad

From the Creators of Snow Play – Knick Knack and Doo Dad are shipwrecked and living on an island of rubbish. How can they celebrate Christmas with no shops and no money?

Discover the real meaning of Christmas in a tale that shows you can have fun no matter where you are.

Venue: Mac Arts, Cannon Hill Park Date: Nov 13-Dec2 Times: Vary Tickets: £8. Preview show on Nov 13 and 14 £7 To Book: 0121 464 3232

@ The Crescent Theatre

28 Nov to 19 Jan Christmas 2012 with The REP

James and the Giant Peach

Birmingham Stage Company’s adaptation of one of Roald Dahl’s best loved stories.

Meet James as he contends with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, two of the most revolting Aunts in England.

Venue: The Old Rep, Station St. B5 4DY Date: Nov 14-Feb 2 Sister Act Tickets: £18 adults; £12 Family-friendly feel-good musical children based on the movie of the same name To Book: 0121 245 Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome 4455 or online at Date: Oct 9-20 www.birmingham-box.

Time: Evenings 7.30pm; Wed and Fri matinee 2pm and Sat matinee 2.30pm co.uk Tickets: £19.50-£42.50 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Win a Kindle!

Reading can be the perfect way to unwind after a busy day with your baby. Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment is giving away a Kindle which can store over 1000 of your favourite books.

Three runners up will win a specially designed set of 7 babygrows – one for every day of the week (RRP £28 a pack).

Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment has a unique double action formula to help guard against nappy rash. It helps seal in the skin’s natural moisture and is gentle enough to use every day.

In a Metanium Everyday product test with Mumsnet, most mums said they would be likely to recommend Metanium to other mums.

Metanium Everyday from Boots, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, leading pharmacies and www.boots.com www.metanium.co.uk How to enter Log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk before the closing date, September 30, and tell us what is the name of the new barrier ointment: a) Metanium Monday b) Metanium Friday c) Metanium Everyday

By Kenneth Grahame, adapted for the stage by Alan Bennett, additional lyrics and music by Jeremy Sams

Tickets from £9 with Family Tickets available

Box Office: 0121 236 4455 Online: birmingham-rep.co.uk The REP is a registered charity No. 223660

Issue 11 29

Parenting What’s On Out & About Heritage Open Days

Free entrance at Aston Hall and free entry and costumed guided tours at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and Aston Hall Venue: Museum of Jewellery Quarter Vyse Street, B18 6HA; Aston Hall, Trinity Road, B6 6JD Dates: Jewellery Quarter - Sept 6-8 between 10.30am-4pm. First come, first served.

Aston Hall Sept 7-9 between 12-4pm FREE EVENT

Selly Manor

Free entry and guided tour as part of the annual Heritage Open Day celebrations Venue: Selly Manor Maple Road, Bournville, B30 2AE Date: Sept 8 Time: 11am-4pm FREE EVENT

Arts Fest

An annual event for families with drawing activities and interactive story-telling.

Venue: Barbar Institute University of B’ham, Edgbaston, B15 2TS Dates: Sept 8 and 9 Tel: 0121 414 2261 for more information FREE EVENT

Sunday Crafts

Superheroes Weekend

Meet some superheroes at Cadbury World.

Visitors can dress up as their favourite superhero or create their own personalised costume, and each day the best dressed caped crusader will win a box of Cadbury Heroes. Entertainment and family shows in the outdoor marquee for a fun weekend.

Venue: Cadbury World Linden Road, Bournville Date: Sept 15 and 16 Tickets: Adults £14.75; Child £10.75; family of 4 £45

Scarecrow Making

A fun family event building scarecrows.

Bring your own old clothes and hay supplied for a small charge.

Venue: Woodgate Valley Country Park, meet at visitor centre, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green B32 3DS Date: Sept 16 Time: 1.30-3.30pm Booking essential. Limited places available.

Tel: 0121 464 8728

Dorridge Day

A family fun day with stalls, entertainment and refreshments. Round Table event to raise money for local charities.

Venue: Dorridge Park Date: September 16

Family friendly craft activities at Birmingham’s Botannical Gardens.

Scary Scarecrows (Sept 9); Garden Cartoon Characters (Sept 16); Garden Creatures (Sept 23); mask-making (Sept 30); Funfair crafts (Oct 7); Make Your own Bug Hotel (Oct 14) Time: Sept 1.30-4.30pm; Oct 12.30-3.30pm Tickets: £2 per child and normal garden admission: Adult £7; child £4.50 and family of 5 £22

Drawing Sundays for Families

Nature Tots

Bring your treasured objects into the museum to learn more about its history.

(Please note: curators cannot give valuations).

Venue: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH Date: Sept 19 and Oct 17 Time:1-3pm FREE EVENT

Encourage an early interest in the outdoors and wildlife by joining Nature Tots.

Woodland activities; games and crafts.

Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Warwick Road, Solihull, B91 3HW Dates: Wed & Fri mornings during term-time Age: aimed at 2-4 year-olds Cost: £2.50 per child.

Must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential. Tel: 0121 704 0768

Love and Death – Victorian painting from Tate

Eleven iconic paintings from the national collection come to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and will be displayed alongside Birmingham’s own collection.

Venue: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH Date: Sept 8–Jan 13 Time: Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm; Friday 10.30am-5pm; Sat 10am-5pm and Sunday 12.30-5pm FREE EVENT

Tolkien Guided Tour

Discover the childhood playground of Tolkien and learn about the places and people who influenced his writing Venue: Sarehole Mill Colebank Road, Hall Green, B13 0BD Date: Sept 8 and Oct 13 Time: 2pm Tickets: £5

Guided Walks/ Weekend Activities

Think Tank has teamed up with Health Exchange to offer guided walks around the Eastside area. Discover the heritage hidden on your doorsteps.

Venue: Thinktank Date: Alternate Wednesdays Time: 11am Weekend Activities at Think Tank include storytelling (12noon); arts and crafts (3pm).

Tickets: Guided walks are free. Weekend activities free to ThinkTank ticket holders.

30 Issue 11

Learn how to draw like a real pro Venue: Barber Institute B’ham University, Edgbaston, B15 2TS Dates: Sept 16. 23 and 30 Times: 11.30am-1pm for ages 5-10; 2-3.30pm ages 11-15 Tickets: £5 Booking essential. It sells out fast.

Tel: 0121 414 2261 or e-mail education@barber.org.uk

Spotlight

Falconry Day

Hawks, falcons and owls take to the air over the Weoley Castle Ruins.

Venue: Weoley Castle ruins Alwood Road Date: Sept 30 Time: 1-4pm FREE EVENT

The Big Draw Event – Faces and Places

Part of a month long festival organised by the Campaign for Drawing encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to get drawing. Visit Winterbourne House to take part and have a chance of having your work exhibited.

Venue: Winterbourne House and Gardens, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, B15 2RT Date: Oct 6 Time: 11am-5.30pm Tickets: £4.50 Adults; £3.50 children and £14 family Tel: 0121 414 3003 for more info

Big Brum Open Top Museums Bus Hop on, hop off bus which takes you to visit Aston Hall, Soho House and the Pen Room. Starts in Victoria Square.

Date: Oct 7 Time: 11.30am; 1.15pm and 2.30pm from Victoria Square Tickets: £3 adult and children FREE

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Fungi Foray

Go on a foray to find some local fungi Venue: Sutton Park; meet at Streetly Gate, Thornhill Road, B74 6EW Date: Oct 7 Time: 2-3pm

Meet the Miller

Meet Mick the Miller and find out how wheat turns into flour using the waterwheel and millstones Venue: Sarehole Mill, Colebank Road, Hall Green, B13 0BD Date: Oct 7 Time: 12-4pm FREE EVENT

Apple Day at Blakesley Hall

Blakesley’s annual celebration of the apple!

Morris Dancing, plant sales and juice tasting from the Blakesley orchard Venue: Blakesley Hall, Yardley, B25 8RN Date: Oct 14 Time: 12-4pm Tickets: £4 adults; children under 16 FREE

Witches and Wizards – A Big Draw event

A family-friendly workshop using craft materials and drawing techniques to create your own witch or wizard outfit including pointy hat, magical wand, flowing cape and spooky bat friend.

Venue: RBSA, Brook Street, St Paul’s, B3 1SA Date: Oct 14 Time: 2-4pm Tickets: £6/£4 for concessions To Book: 0121 236 4353

Spooky Spirals family craft activity Venue: Weoley Castle Alwold Road, B29 Date: Oct 20 Time: 12-2pm Tickets: £1 per child

Halloween Spooktacular

From ghosts and ghouls to gruesome tucker, Cadbury World is hosting a spooktacular line-up of activities this Halloween.

Spooky fancy dress competition and Cadbury World staff will be creating mischief and mayhem dressed as ghosts and ghouls. Family entertainment shows in outdoor marquee and restaurant will be offering a terrifyingly tasty menu including sludge casserole; werewolf eyes and witches’ broth.

Venue: Cadbury World Linden Road, Bournville Date: Oct 20-28 Tickets: Adults £14.75; Child £10.75; Family of 4 £45

Gore and Grime Trail

Horrible historians have prepared a Halloween-themed Gore and Grime trail.

Follow the revolting trail to find all things gruesome: putrid props, scary spiders, repulsive rats and a hidden mystery surprise. Unleash your wicked side with Halloween crafts.

Venue: Black Country Living Museum Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ Date: Oct 20-28 Time: 10am-5pm Tickets: Adults £14.95; child 5-16 £7.95; under 5 free To book: www.bclm.co.uk

Apple Day

Celebrate Apple Day with the rangers. Fun and games for all the family.

Venue: Woodgate Valley Country Park, Meet at Visitor Centre, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green B32 3DS Date: Oct 21 Time: 1.30-3pm

What’s Parenting On

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Treasure Trail Tour

Take kids on a treasure trail tour around Villa’s grounds. Kids will receive an activity pack and a special prize if they crack the code.

Venue: Villa Park Trinity Road, Birmingham B6 6HE Date: Oct 22 Tickets: Children £6.95; £9.95 accompanying adults To Book: 0800 612 0950

Bats, Rats and Black Cats

Spooktacular Halloween half-term family fun. Make some frighteningly good crafts including a cat mask, finger puppet rat, eyeball card, and brilliant bat. Take part in the mysterious and magical Halloween Hunt and pluck up the courage for the yucky boxes.

Venue: Selly Manor Maple Road, Bournville, B30 2AE Date: Oct 22-26 Time: 10am-5pm Tickets: Adult £3.50; child £1.50; Family of 5 £9.50

Halloween Severed Fingers

Make a severed finger pencil for Halloween Venue: Blaksley Hall, Yardley, B25 8RN Date: Oct 23 Time: 1.30-3.30pm Age: 5 and over Tickets: adults £4; children under 16 free

Cooking Kids Kitchen

Children get to cook for two hours with Aston Villa’s chef; enjoy the lunch they have cooked and then go on a stadium tour or get fit with dance mats fun Venue: Villa Park, Trinity Road, B6 6HE Date: Oct 23 Tickets: £25 first child; £20 for second child To Book: 0800 612 0950

Spooky Soho

The Dungeons at Soho House are transformed into spooky dungeons for Halloween. Take a walk through cobwebs and explore terrible tales of 18th Century crime 12-4pm.

(Oct 23) Also Boulton’s Big Draw (take part in Funky Art Activities. 1.303.30pm (Oct 23)

Spooky Craft Activity 1.30-3.30pm (Oct 25) Venue: Soho House, Trinity Road, Aston B6 6JD Tickets: Free to those in Halloween Fancy Dress

Half Term activities

Venue: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Vyse Street, B18 6HA Oct 23 – Bookmaking Bonanza – bookmaking workshop where children create a handmade concertina book illustrated in gothic style; Oct 24 Funky Brooches – create a colourful brooch or pendant out of stamped plastic Oct 25 Recycled Riches – Join artist Jolene Smith to create designer jewellery from recycled materials Oct 26 – Jewellery making with designer Bonnie Styles Age: 5 and over Tickets: £2.50 BOOKING ESSENTIAL Call: 0121 554 3598

Half Term Activities

Venue: Botannical Gardens Westbourne Road, B15 3TR Dates: Oct 21 – Fireworks Crafts Oct 23 – Fun Creepy Crawlies Oct 25 – Autumn Colours – Painting on Canvas Oct 28 – Decorate Your own Picture Frame Time: 12.30-3.30pm Tickets: £2 per child and normal garden admission: Adult £7; child £4.50 and family of 5 £22

Half Term Activities

MAC arts run half term activities for children and young people. For a full programme log on to www.macarts.org.uk or call 0121 446 3232

Boulton Goes to Bollywood and Big draw

Family activities and workshops to celebrate Black History month (Oct 24; 12-4pm) Boulton’s Big Draw - Celebrate Eid al-Adha with the Big Draw. Make Rangoli inspired Eid celebration cards at Soho

House. (Oct 26 – 1.30-3.30pm) Tickets: children under 16 free, adult entry to house £4

Time: 11am-3.30pm Tickets: £2 per trail and usual admission.

Colourful Kites

Family fun with spooky stories and magic lanterns and you might even catch a glimpse of the Witch at Winterbourne Venue: Winterbourne House and Gardens, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, B15 2RT Date: Oct 27 Time: 11am-5.30pm Tickets: £4.50 adults; £3.50 children and £14 family.

Some activites may incur a charge.

Learn how to make a basic kite, colour it and fly it in the park.

Venue: Hazelwell Park, meet by play area off Cartland Road, Stirchley Date: Oct 25 Time: 1-3pm Small charge for materials.

Age: 5plus BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Limited places available. Tel: 0121 464 8728

Cauldrons, Cats and Cobwebs – Halloween Extravaganza Dress up in your scariest costumes and come along to a special evening of Halloween fun for all the family. Follow a spine-tingling path to see some of the scariest museum objects not usually on display. Who knows what, or who you will encounter Venue: Museums collection centre 25 Dollman Street, B7 4RQ Date: Oct 26 Time: 6-9pm Tickets: £1 per person

Halloween Treat - family lunch

Trick or Treat? You’ll be in for a treat if you join this fun filled afternoon of party games, creepy competitions, and spellbinding activities for all the family.

Includes 2-course buffet lunch.

Venue: Villa Park, Holte Suite, B6 6HE Date: Oct 26 Tickets: £19.95 adult; £8.95 children under 16; £3.95 under 5 amd under 2 free To Book: 0800 612 0950

Halloween Evenings

Visit the eerie gas-lit village at Black Country Living Museum to trick or treat in safety along cobbled streets, collecting sweets as you go. Street performers, circus skills, magic tricks, balloon-making Venue: Black Country Living Museum Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ Date: Oct 26 and 27 Tickets: pre-book event only. To book: www.blcm.co.uk or call 0121 5208054

Autumn Collage

Create a seasonal picture from natural materials Venue: Plantsbrook Nature Reserve. Meet at carpark off Eachelhurst Road, B24 0QL Date: Oct 26 Time: 10.30am-12pm and 1.30-3pm BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Tel: 0121 464 8728

Haunted Halloween – Trick or Treat Nights

A spooky tour of the old building around Avoncroft Museum which is populated by a host of scary characters. Trick or Treat if you dare.

Venue: Avoncroft Museum Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR Date: Oct 27, 28 and 31 Time: 6.30pm-9pm Tickets: £8 child; £5 adult To book: book in advance on 01527 831363

Halloween Fun – Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House

Spooky outdoor trail with take home activities. See how many pumpkins you can spot in the house.

Venue: Baddesley Clinton, Rising Lane, B93 0DQ; Packwood House, Packwood Lane, Lapworth, B94 6AT Date: Oct 27-Nov 4

Halloween at Winterbourne

Fire and plague – Samuel Pepys Samuel Pepys pays a visit to Blakesley Hall and reads from his diary, recounting scary stories of the Fire and Plague Venue: Blakesley Hall, Yardley, B25 8RN Date: Oct 28 Time: 12-4pm Tickets: Children under 16 free; £4 adults

Halloween Pumpkin Carving workshop

Get ready for Halloween and book at hands-on session of pumpkin carving and spooky mask-making Venue: Avoncroft Museum Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR Date: Oct 29-31 Tickets: £3 per workshop. Admission to museum: Child £4; Adult £7.70 and Family £19.80 To Book workshop: Tel: 01527 831363

Wicked Workshop and Terror Trail

Go along in your scariest costume for a chance to run a prize; follow a terror trail and take part in creepy craft activities Venue: Elmdon Park, meet by carpark at Tanhouse Farm Road Date: Oct 30 Time: 11am-1pm

Ghoulish Geocaching

This Halloween take part in a high tech treasure hunt trail on the Clent Hills with some ghoulish geocaching. Hire a GPS unit to locate hidden treasure boxes on the hillside with some fun activities inside.

Venue: Clent Hills – Nimmings Wood carpark Date: Oct 30 Time: 10am-3pm Tickets: Per group £10 Booking essential: Tel: 01562 712822 or e-mail: laura.broadhurst@nationaltrust.org.uk

Haunting Halloween

Are you scared of the dark?

There are creatures and monsters that could jump out at any time, and our resident witch, Smelly Nelly, will be lurking about! Come along in your most frightening fancy dress for a chance to win our competition, listen to some spooky stories as you walk round the park and take part in a creepy craft activity.

Venue: Brueton Park Warwick Road, Solihull. Meet by carpark.

Date: October 31 Times: 5.30pm; 5.50pm; 6.10pm, 6.30pm and 6.50pm Tickets: £3 adults and £2 child BOOKING ESSENTIAL Tel: 0121 704 8000 Events sells out quickly.

Bring a torch and warm clothing.

Spooky Dance – and Halloween Arts and Crafts

Halloween themed dance workshop. Learn how to dance like a Zoombie (Thriller-style) Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Road, Solihull Date: Nov 1 Time: 10.30am-12pm (Spooky Dance); 1.30-3pm (Halloween Crafts) Age – 5-11 Tickets: £4 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Issue 11 31

32

Issue 11