Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield March/April 2013

FRE

MARCH-APRIL 2013 ISSUE 14

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Is Gove getting it right?

Wear A Hat Day Easter Egg Hunts in Moseley & Bournville Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus Ages: 3-18

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OUT NOW

Contents

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

W

elcome to the Easter issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine.

We bring you news of not-to-be-missed theatre shows that children will love; point you in the direction of Easter holiday workshops like Mad Science’s Eggs-plosions, or ‘Lolihull’s’ Comedy Academy 4 kids; and tell you about the new Play Trail at Baddesley Clinton which promises outdoor fun and adventure for children.

Once again we are inviting children across Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield to apply to take part in a mini photo-shoot and have the chance to be our front cover star.

Birmingham’s Botanical gardens in Edgbaston will provide a colourful backdrop for our shoot as well as being a fun day out. Read all about it on page 4.

In this Issue...

4 4 News

6

6 Clubs and classes

8

8 How childcare is changing

11

10 The hidden danger of slugs

12

11 Education

Turn to page 8 for a provocative article by emeritus Professor Michael Bassey who urges parents to wake up to the downsides of the Government’s education reforms. Do you agree with his assessment?

If you are the proud owner of a pet dog, read Deborah Hope’s warning about the dangers of lungworm and how to prevent it.

Finally, we end on a seasonal note with some fascinating facts about Easter and some clues to where to find the best Easter Egg Hunts. For more Egg Hunts and Easter fun log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Wendy Flynn , Editor

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 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 May/June issue Call 0758 352 6056 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Wednesday, April 3rd.

14

12 Is Gove getting it right?

14 What’s On

Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, March 2013-02-08 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.

16 16 Easter Issue 14

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News

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

Another chance to be our front cover star!

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MAY-JUNE 2012 ISSUE 9

Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield R

11 plus timetable change

Last year we invited you to put forward your children to take part in a mini photo-shoot with award-winning photographer Abby Wilkes for a chance to feature as our front cover model. If you missed out last time round, you can enter again for 2013.

Up to 12 children will be randomly selected from those who apply to take part and one photograph will be chosen to feature as a front cover picture.

Your child can be entered as an individual or you can enter a group of siblings to be photographed together.

Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston will provide the stunning backdrop for this year’s Spring photo-shoot, and families invited to take part can enjoy a free day out. Wander around

the landscaped gardens, visit the aviaries, take a look at the Rock Pool with its Diamond Jubilee Cascade, explore the Japanese Garden, head off into the tropical glasshouses - and don’t forget to see the koi carp! There is the children’s discovery garden and play area too. There will be plenty to do and explore - with Children’s Trails and Family Explorer Backpacks available for hire.

The photo-shoot will take place on Saturday, April 27, and parents must accompany their children. To enter, simply log on to www. familiesbirmingham.co.uk; click on Front Cover Star and e-mail us the name and age of your child/ children and your contact telephone number. All children under 12 living in Birmingham, Solihull or Sutton Coldfield are eligible to apply.

The closing date for entry is March 31.

Go Quackers this Easter

Head along to Babbs Mill on April 3 for a Dizzy Duck race. Pick your duck and wish it luck as it races against your friends’ ducks along the river. There will be a craft activity available and prizes for the top three in the race. Families taking part should meet by the play area at 11am.

CBeebies Live

Watch a younger child’s face light up as they join Justin Fletcher and his CBeebies chums, Robert the Robot and Little Monster, for an Easter 2013 eggs-travaganza on April 11, (LG Arena, Birmingham). Justin prepares to put on a spectacular rock and roly-poly show for a very special visitor. Nina from Nina and the Neurons, Andy Day and Katy Ashworth will be on hand to help. But will everything go according to plan? Justin might need a little help from your little one to keep everything on track.

4 Issue Issue14 14

Do’s and don’ts of children’s parties

RNE-MSISSUE 13 BOOKKEEPING

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Accounts Preparation VAT Returns, Bookkeeping & Payroll Services

07823550041 Tel: 0121 4282684 Mob: g@talktalk.net Email: msbookkeepin

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

The great outdoors Why pay for school?

Coeliac disease in Moseley & Bournville Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus Ages: 3-18

BALLET

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‘Helping students achieve

their true potential’

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Party like the Irish This year Birmingham’s annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade will be the grand finale of a week-long celebration of all things Irish. The festival kicks off on March 9 to celebrate Irish dance, music, food and families. From literary events to race nights, the Irish certainly know how to party.

The parade on Sunday, March 17, starts at 12 noon with the annual balloon release and will feature Pipe and Drum Bands, along with vintage motorbikes, classic cars and Willie “Fergus” Finnegan’s massed tractors plus many decorated floats. Everyone is invited to join in the fun and celebrate as the Irish in Birmingham say ‘Céad Mile Fáilte’ (a hundred thousand welcomes).

News

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

Play trail – creating outdoor adventure Children love exploring outdoors - crossing stepping stones, negotiating mazes and finding ‘hidey holes’. Now they can do just that at Baddesley Clinton’s new ‘Playful Journeys’ trail which offers fresh air, exercise and more fun than any computer screen or games console.

The National Trust team worked with local Brownie groups to design this natural trail in the parkland of the picturesque medieval moated manor at Baddesley. The trail has been artfully devised to allow children to discover a series of playful experiences nestling in hideaway spaces such as a hill with a ‘Crows’ Lookout’, hop-a-long logs, a woven ‘Restawhile’ shelter and a turf maze in the nearby open grazing land.

Try out ‘Playful Journeys’ on your next visit, challenging the children to find the horseshoes and follow the trail with the aid of a map drawn by local illustrator Shelly Perkins.

Photo by Lucy Reid, National Trust

Sarah Kinnersley, National Trust Visitor Experience Officer, explains that there are plans to develop the trail further: “We are now applying for funding to develop a second phase of ‘Playful Journeys’, making use of our woodlands. There are lots of possibilities in the woods for play and firing a child’s imagination from building a den to playing ‘woodland musical instruments’ and peering at wildlife.”

Hat’s the way to do it ….

Bowler hat, beret, top hat, straw hat, bonnet, bobble hat, large hat, small hat, funny hat, boater, whatever …

Just be sure to wear a hat on March 28 and have fun to help a deadly serious cause - Brain Tumour Research.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 each year in the UK than any other cancer, but it receives less than one per cent (0.7 per cent) of national cancer research spending.

The five-year survival rate for brain tumours has not changed in the last 40 years but five-year survival in most other cancers has risen to 50 per cent and in some cases 80 per cent thanks to investment in research. Just 14 per cent of children or adults diagnosed with brain tumours survive more than 5 years.

• It costs £1 million per year to fund research at a dedicated brain tumour research centre – that’s £1,740 per day. Register your school or workplace now by calling 01296 733011 and help them find ways to beat cancer.

Goodnight Mr Tom David Wood’s stage adaptation of Michelle Magorian’s novel Goodnight Mister Tom will be on stage at the Alexandra Theatre during the Easter school holidays (April 9-13).

The story – set in the war years – tells the tale of young William Beech, evacuated to the safety of the country and billeted with reclusive widower ‘Mister Tom’. The story has its darker moments (be prepared to shed a tear!) but ultimately it’s a heart-warming story of the healing power of love.

Must book the tickets!

High quality dance, drama and singing classes for children 5-14 in Sutton Coldfield.

Regular shows in which all members take part (Bugsy Malone coming up – watch out for those splurge guns!)

This is a happy, professional and caring group in which the individual child matters most.

Please call to ask for full details and to book your child’s free taster session.

0121 427 3770 077389 52062 mike@bigarenadrama.com www.bigarenadrama.com

Birmingham Music School Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Vocals, Bass Fully Trained Yamaha Teachers CRB Checked Yamaha Teaching System Accredited Exams Grade 1-8 Instruments Provided Play & Read Music & Have Fun Free Trial Lesson Call: 0121-439-5488

Photo by Catherine Ashmore

YAMAHA

Issue 14

5

Clubs and Classes

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

Matilda Write Now

See your work performed live in the West End and win tickets for your whole class to see Matilda the Musical in London.

That’s the challenge for pupils aged 8-13 as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda Write Now project.

Sutton Stage School

The RSC has launched an interactive website based on the musical to help inspire young people to become creative writers, imaginative playwrights and avid readers.

Tap - Modern Jazz - Classical Ballet - Gymnastics - Theatre Craft - Drama and

The Write Now challenge asks pupils working as individuals or in pairs to introduce a new character to the Matilda story on her first day at Crunchem Hall. The script should take no longer than 5 minutes to perform and should include no more than 4 characters. A script with song can take no more than 8 minutes.

For full details log on to www.matildawritenow.org

Boldmere Ballet School

Classical Ballet and Gymnastic Dance Examinations - Shows - Festivals For children and young adults Enquiries 07932 065 949 or 0121 354 2932 or visit us www.theatredance.co.uk

Sculpture Sundays

Children and teens can learn how to model, construct, assemble and cast a scul pture at the Barber Institute’s Sculpture Sundays .

The new workshops, for children aged 5-10 and 11 and over, follow on from their regu lar Drawing Sundays which help children learn to draw like a pro.

On Sculpture Sundays children mak e 3D art forms from unusual materials; model god s and goddesses from around the world, and work on experimental abstract sculptures.

All sessions cost £5 and must be boo ked in advance.

To find out more about Drawing and Sculpture Sundays call 0121 414 2261 or e-mail education@barber.org MUSIC

TIM TANDLER DRUM SCHOOL

Clubs & Classes DIRECTORY

To advertise here please call 0758 352 6056

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

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

COMBAT SPORTS

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

6 Issue 14

FULL TIME MARTIAL ARTS CENTRE

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

Boxing, Karate, Kickboxing, Self Defence

classes for all ages and abilities VISIT www.combatsportscentre.co.uk to book a FREE trial lesson

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

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Comedy Academy for Kids

I

s you child a laugh a minute? If so, the Comedy Academy for Kids wil l be right up their street.

This workshop, aimed at 7-13 year olds , is part of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lolihullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Solihullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comedy festival which runs from April 6-13.

The workshop will involve lots of crea tive writing, sketch-based comedy and comedy games similar to those you would see on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mock the Wee kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Have I got News for Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Kids are asked to detail the most emb arrassing thing thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever happened to them, their family, teachers, etc. They can elaborate on the truth if they wish, or simply make it up drawing on com ical experiences from their own lives.

They will also be asked to write capt ions for funny pictures, devise sketches in groups, make up rubbish superhero names like Kettle Boy and invent a backstory for a character. Kids can be as silly and creative as they want to be, without getting in trouble.

At the end of the workshop there will be a mini performance so kids can show thei r parents what they have been working on. In the afternoon children and their parents will also have the chance to attend the Comedy Club 4 Kids perf ormance in the Solihull Arts Complex Theatre, with professional comedians doing stand up comedy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but without the rude bits!

To book the Comedy Academy 4 Kids or the matinee performance, call 0121 704 6962.

Calling all little ninjas

h c a o c e Theatre Arts g a t S

Does your child have lots of energy? Sign them up for martial arts and help them to channel it constructively.

Combat Sports at Acocks Green is offering free trial lessons in a fun introduction to martial arts for 5-7 year olds. The studio also offers Beginners Kickboxing for 8-13 year olds which not only gets them fit but helps develop confidence and concentration levels.

Stretch Your Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; potential through dance, drama and singing.

Family fun run

Take part in a family fun run for Comic Relief in Solihull on Sunday, March 17. Parents and children aged from 5 can register to run 1, 3 or 6 miles, starting from Tudor Grange Leisure Centre. It costs ÂŁ5 per person to register and all money raised goes to Comic Relief. Run in costume and the best fancy-dressed runner will win a free monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leisure pass. To find out more or register call Solihull Active on 0121 7048 207 or e-mail solihullactive@solihull.gov.uk

Come on in, the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lovely!

Join our family of Puddle Ducks and enjoy baby and pre-school swimming with the most caring and highly-trained teachers around.

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puddleducks.com ( VXWWRQFROGILHOG#SXGGOHGXFNV FRP

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

T CE! AC

DAN SING!

NOW!

www.littlekickers.co.uk

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

Where learningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a ball rhiggs@littlekickers.co.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x201A;â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

Issue 14 7

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

How childcare

C

hildcare in Britain costs more than childcare almost anywhere else in the world. According to recent figures, 27% of the income of families with young children is spent on the costs of a nanny, a childminder or a nursery. Everyone agrees it would be better if childcare was more affordable – especially for parents with two or more children, many of whom say it doesn’t make financial sense for them both to be at work.

But how can childcare be made cheaper without compromising on quality? That’s the question everyone, from government ministers to childcare providers, is grappling with at the moment.

What the Government is saying In late January the Government announced a new plan to change child:staff ratios for childminders and nurseries in a move it says will cut costs for parents and raise pre-school standards.

Early years minister Elizabeth Truss is proposing that: • Childminders, who are currently restricted to looking after three children aged one to five, should in future be able to look after four • They would also be allowed to look after two children aged under one, instead of being restricted to one child under one • Nurseries will be allowed to increase their staff-to-child ratio from the current 1:4 to 1:6

N I W

AN AWARD-WINNING POTTY TRAINING PACK

y to away five ‘Smarter Wa Dry Like Me are giving ns tai con ck pa ch Ea £15.

Potty Train Packs’ worth reward ely lov a d an ds pa Me four boxes of Dry Like lp the tools you need to he chart and stickers – all s! ces suc ng ini potty tra your little one achieve

For your chance to win: just log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk ; click on Dry Like Me and answer this question:

What is the Dry Like Me website address?

For more information, practical advice and special offers go to www.drylikeme.com And share your experiences at facebook.com/DryLikeMeUK

?8 Issue 14

These potty training pads are a real break-through in the challenge to get children out of nappies and into their own pants. They have won lots of awards and are endorsed by child toilet training charity, ERIC. The handy little potty training pads turn all pants into potty training pants by adding an absorbent layer.

Dry Like Me pads help your child to recognise their body’s cues for the loo, a key part of potty training.

While they are learning, they capture small accidents and so reduce the mess and stress. They are soft, comfortable and suitable for children of all ages with one size fitting all. In research they reduced accidents after only one week.

Dry Like Me are available from Tesco Extra, Asda, Sainsbury, Morrisons, Superdrug, Wilkinsons, Ocado and Amazon and cost around £3.49 for a pack of 18.

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

is changing

By Joanna Moorhead

• For under-ones, the ratio will rise from 1:3 to 1:4 • Qualifications would be raised for new nursery staff – they’ll be required to have a GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths Other changes include the introduction of a new graduate-level early years teaching qualification.

Ms Truss says the proposals won’t lead to children being neglected.

She points out that the changes she is suggesting will still leave England with higher staff:child ratios than those for childcarers in France, Denmark and Germany, three countries that are often cited as providing high-quality care for pre-school children.

Her basic argument is that the current relatively tight ratios have two main effects: they mean higher costs for parents, and lower pay for staff. The changes she’d like to see would, she believes, lead to lower fees for parents and higher pay for staff, and this in turn would improve the quality of childcare workers over time.

But Labour’s shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg says he believes the plans would undermine the quality of the UK’s childcare.

“I think this is one area where we’ve got something to teach other countries,” he says. “If you look at France, there’s quite a big public debate about whether they’ve got this right.”

What about tax breaks?

incomes, while the Conservatives are believed to want the breaks to be universal.

While we wait for another announcement, it’s being reported that the scheme under consideration could be worth thousands of pounds.

Sources close to the Government have said working women with children aged under five could become entitled to claim a flat rate tax allowance of £2,000 a year to pay someone to look after their children.

But if that’s the good news, the bad news – sadly – is that with all the political wrangling going on behind the scenes, the plan could take some time...though some experts still believe it could be introduced before the next General Election.

For more on childcare go to www.familiesonline.co.uk

2008|2009

29008|2009 002|8002

RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL

Children aged from 3 months to 5 years.

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

Childcare vouchers are one form of tax break for parents paying for childcare. However, before the recent Truss announcement it had been hoped that the scheme would be reformed and extended, allowing more parents to benefit from the scheme, and those already using it to save more.

621 Fox Hollies Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.

B28 9DW Tel: 0121 777 3778

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

Unfortunately these hopes haven’t come to fruition. Ms Truss has said changes are in the pipeline, but that they’re “going to be slightly longer in the gestation than would be ideal”.

So the details of the scheme are still being worked out, and it’s been widely reported in the press that there are ideological differences within the Coalition. Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Minister, has suggested that changes should be for those on lower

O stan fsted Nor ding 2 thfi eld 012

Out

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

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

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 14

9

Lifestyle

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The Hidden Dangers of Slugs, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails…

F

orget about the puppy dog tails, but slugs and snails can now hold a real hidden danger to our dogs.

By Deborah Hope of 608 Vet practice

What are the symptoms?

Lungworm has moved in to the Midlands. It is spread by infected slugs and snails and their trails. Once ingested, the worms can pass around a dog’s body in its various forms and cause damage. It sounds gruesome, but it’s a reality.

Is my dog at risk? Yes…it’s Russian roulette!

Licking or chewing grass, playing with a toy that has been left out in the garden, generally investigating the outside world, all of which is normal for a dog, puts them at risk.

You may hear a cough, you may notice your dog not exercising quite so well, BUT there may not be any warning sign before an animal is in great danger. Some ‘lucky’ dogs are left with scarring of their lungs, BUT we have had fatalities in the youngsters. The condition can advance so rapidly that we cannot save them; or animals coming in for a routine operation, e.g. neutering, can appear perfectly healthy, but have a hidden, life-threatening inability to clot their blood.

What can you do to minimise your own dog’s risk?

There is no vaccination against it, but your vet can provide a product that gives on-going action against the parasite. Responsible dog owners are aware of the importance of vaccination to minimise the risk of serious or fatal diseases such as Parvo virus and Distemper, and now we should be adding Lungworm protection into our year round care!

Urban Veg

Keen gardeners should head to Winterbourne House on April 20 for a Bugs, Bees, Plants and Trees event to mark the start of the gardening season. The Urban Veg team will also be on hand to give advice and plant the seeds for some creative ideas for your garden.

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

10 Issue 14

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

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Education

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

March Open Day

T

he January snow played havoc for school open days and interviews, with St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School, Edgbaston, having to reschedule their planned Open Day and Edgbaston High School for girls rescheduling their interviews with prospective pupils.

St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has now confirmed an alternative Open Day on March 9 from 10am-1pm for prospective pupils of all age groups including year 7 entry this September. Edgbaston High School is also taking registrations for September entry for prep and senior school.

Not got your first choice school?

By the time you read this the results of the annual scramble for secondary school places will have been announced. Last year in Birmingham almost one third of pupils failed to get into their top choice school, while national statistics show 1 in 20 were rejected from their top three choices.

Thinking of grammar?

The tutor group KSOL will be holding a mock 11 plus exam for year 5 pupils on March 16. To book a place for your child call 0121 733 6558.

If you want to appeal, register your appeal quickly as there is a time limit. If you are looking to the independent sector, contact schools immediately if you want your child to be considered for September entry to year 7. Independent schools have already held their all

assessment days and made offers of places, but sometimes not offers are taken up, so it is worth contacting them now.

An individual approach to education

St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School

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! *) & + '# & 9th % % # % % )%March (& #(-(#'%! " %!! / ,()( until 10am ( 1pm (& /& * & (%!. '!!0 1 #' % ( &the %! (&# * &# & St Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School, Edgbaston, understands + ( #%0 ! 1 & # !0

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OPEN DAY

their own potential.

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Issue 14

â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 11â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Is Gove getting it right?

E

ducation Secretary Michael Gove is making waves in schools. Many applaud his emphasis on raising standards and ‘rigour’ in education, but others argue that a return to a traditional curriculum is a retrograde step. Here Michael Bassey, emeritus professor of education of Nottingham Trent University and former president of the British Educational Research Association, warns that parents need to wake up to the danger.

Schools are very different from thirty years ago, teachers and children work much harder and the expectations on them are high.

Government has put more money into education and schools are better equipped. But the price is that politicians, not teachers, control schools.

Michael Gove came into office in 2010 and as well as cutting budgets his aim was to raise standards. To this end he is taking schools away from the local authorities, calling them academies and giving them monies that the councils would have used for support of schools. How renaming schools will improve education is not clear.

Mr Gove has also introduced another national curriculum for primary schools in order ‘to restore rigour’. Three of four academic advisers resigned when it was published, one saying it ‘is too narrowly prescriptive for the real world of classrooms’.

Now he is reforming GCSEs and introducing a National Curriculum for pupils at 16.

I want to alert parents to some of the dangers that lie ahead for their children. I believe passionately that school education should be funded by the state and that decisions about how it is conducted should be in the hands of teachers. Teachers are the professionals who by experience, commitment and training understand best the educational needs of children.

The goalposts have been moved Without warning, in July 2012 the boundary between C and D in English GCSE was raised. As a result thousands of candidates had their hopes for higher education dashed. The move was a reaction to fears that standards were slipping as too many people were gaining good grades.

Joan McVittie, president of the Association of School and College Leaders said: “The whole thing is so unfair on pupils whose lives will be affected by these results.”

GCSE is to be reformed On 17 September 2012 Mr Gove told Parliament that GCSEs would be replaced in 2017 by examinations leading to English Baccalaureate Certificates in English, mathematics and science and, in 2019, geography, history and a language. (An announcement was made on February 7 that plans to scrap GCSE were abandoned, but pass marks are being raised and pupils will have to take extension papers to get the best grades particularly in Maths and Science. Fewer re-sits will be allowed and there will be a restriction on texts in exams. Schools will now be judged on the percentage of pupils passing English and Maths and a points system for pupils best eight results which must include at least 3 core subjects such as science, history geography and languages.* ) Nearly everything will depend upon long exam papers.

There was no consultation before this move which gives subjects such as art, music, drama, design and technology, IT, PE and religious education less importance.

Unemployment looms The school leaving age was raised from 16 to 18, but what future awaits youngsters at 18 in a country that does not seem to value apprenticeship schemes?

Our Government’s vocational education schemes are short and feeble compared to those elsewhere. In Germany there are 342 trades where an apprenticeship can be completed and two-thirds of young people start on this route.

Children are over-tested, year after year Some children take exams in their stride but others find them very stressful. Examinations start at six with a test on phonics. At seven and 11 there are key stage tests in literacy and numeracy, at 15 GCSEs. Because of published league tables there is great pressure on schools to achieve resulting in ‘teaching to the test’.

The Independent newspaper in January 2012 reported former director for the national curriculum Mick Waters saying: “One of my main worries is that many youngsters aren’t experiencing the richness, depth and joy of learning because schools feel they need to achieve some imposed and questionable targets.”

12 12 Issue Issue14 14

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

11+ Tuition School sports fields are being sold Last summer, 30 playing fields were approved for sale. This seems incredible at a time when Olympic successes inspired many young athletes.

In the Daily Mail, novelist JoJo Moyes said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no policy that more defies common sense than the sale of school playing fields.

Because with each playing field sold, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just potential sporting prowess we lose, but childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mental and physical health itself.â&#x20AC;?

Too many children are weak readers Mr Goveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insisting on young children learning to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;decodeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; writing by synthetic phonics is utterly misguided, say many teachers. Experts say it should be one of several methods used in a balanced approach to reading.

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In July the Guardianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts correspondent Mark Brown said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;More than 90 of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-known childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authors and illustrators have called on the Government to abandon its plans to introduce early-year reading tests, warning that they pose a threat to reading for pleasure in primary schools.â&#x20AC;?

Personalised Tuition Course Very small groups Pay As You Go Tuition Centres in Sutton, Solihull & Handsworth Enrolling now for September 2013

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Raising standardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; weakens all-round education The major political parties claim they want to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;raise standardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, but only in terms of examination results. Yes, good results are important, but they are not everything. All-round education is about learning cognitive skills, developing worthwhile values, learning how to relate emotionally, learning how to communicate effectively, creative talents, experiencing our heritage, and ultimately, learning how to make a living.

Call us today on 0121 733 6558 www.ksol.co.uk

All-round education embraces every aspect of learning how to lead worthwhile lives. Most of this cannot be tested in examinations.

Key Dates What can be done? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Year 7 entrance If you find yourself worried about these issues then exercise your democratic right to contact your MP. Go to www.writetothem.com and send a message. *This article was written before the Feb 7 announcement and the words in brackets are not part of the original article.

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Kingswood School Independent School for 3 to 11 year olds

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Issue 14

â&#x20AC;&#x201A;13

Parenting What’s On

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

Out & About

Dates: Easter School Holidays Tickets: £4. Booking essential.

To book: 0121 704 0768

Theatres & shows

Fun sessions encouraging an early interest in wildlife with outdoor play and indoor games and craft activities. Sessions include Very Slimy Friends; Woodland Explorers; Xylophones and more Venue: Parkridge Centre Brueton Park, Solihull Dates: Wed and Fri during term-time Time: 10.30am-12pm Tickets: £3 per child. Booking essential.

Tel: 0121 704 0768

Dizzy Duck Race

Knowle Operatic Society production of this popular family musical Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Road, Solihull Date: March 4-9 Time: Eve 7.30pm and Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £14-£16 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Yonex All England Open Badminton Championship

Art Animal Tracks

Nature Tots

Venue: NIA, King Edward Street, Birmingham Date: March 5-10 Tickets: 0844 338 8000

Crufts Dog Show

A Tail-waggging, fact-finding, un’fur’gettable day out Venue: NEC Date: March 7-10 Tickets: From £10 (Best in Show from £17.50 – LG Arena, March 10 4pm)

Mother’s Day Lunch

The Terrace Tea room is serving a special Mother’s Day menu. Visit the house and have a leisurely lunch.

Venue: Winterbourne House & Gardens, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, B15 2 RT Date: Sunday March 10 Tickets: Admission to house £14 per family

Musical Picnic – Metropolitan Brass Quintet

Join the Brass Quintet for this family friendly interactive show. Learn how music can be fast, slow, descriptive or emotional.

Have a go at conducting.

Venue: Sympony Hall Café Bar Date: March 16 Time: 10.30am Age: recommended 0-7 FREE EVENT

Easter Victorian Household

A fun living history experience. See the Victorian housekeeper set her servants to task and witness her strict inspections.

Listen to the servants gossip and watch them as they wait on table for their superiors.

Venue: Tamworth Castle, The Holloway, Ladybank, Tamworth, B79 7NA Date: March 31 and April 1 Time: 11.30am-4.45pm Tickets: £7 adult: child £4.50; aged 2-4 £1.50 and under 2 go free Tel: 01827 709581

Survival Dens

Make a den and see if you could survive.

Age 4Plus. Children 7 and under must be accompanied. Other Easter Workshops include Easter Insects, Pond Pirates, Kite Drop in, Easter Bunnies for Tots, Spring has Sprung, Get Creative and Nature Detectives.

For full details log on to www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk Venue: Brueton Park, Solihull, B91 3EN

You would have to be quackers to miss this one! Pick your duck and wish it luck as it races against your friends’ ducks along the river. There will be a craft activity available and prizes for the top three in the race.

Venue: Babbs Mill LNR, B37 6LN Meet by the play area.

Date: April 3 Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm Tickets: £1 per entrant per duck.

Learn how to make plaster cast of animal footprints and take them home Venue: Palmer’s Rough, B90 3LH. Meet by play area Date: April 4 Time: 10am-12pm and 1-3pm Tickets: £1.50 per child. Booking essential.

Call 0121 704 8000

Easter Geocaching Venue: Clent Hills Date: April 9 Time: 10am-3pm Tickets: Group £10

Scarecrow Making Day

Design your own scarecrow at this popular family event. Prizes for the best scarecrows.

Venue: Knowle Park, Longdon Road, B93 9HT Date: April 11 Time: 10.30am-12.30pm FREE but booking essential. To reserve a place and for equipment list call 0121 704 8000

Musical Picnic – Anansi the Spider

Yaaba Funk presents Anansi the Spider in association with Mubu Music. A magical musical journey bringing to life the traditional tales of Anansi the Spider.

Venue: Symphony Hall Café Bar Date: April 13 Time: 10.30am Age: recommended 0-7 FREE EVENT

Bugs, bees, plants and trees

Gather ideas for your garden at a visit to Winterbourne House and Gardens. Plant stalls and ideas from the Urban Veg team.

Venue: Winterbourne House & Gardens, 58 Edgbaston Park Road, B’ham, B15 2 RT Date: April 20 Time: 11am-5.30pm Tickets: £14 family

St George’s Day at Tamworth Castle

Medieval joust; have-a-go archers; potterymaking and hands-on activities for children at living history re-enactment day.

Venue: Tamworth Castle, The Holloway, Ladybank, B79 7NA Date: April 20 Time: 11.30am-4.45pm Tickets – special admission Adults: £3 and children £2; child aged 2-4 50p and under 5 free.

The Sound of Music

Pengy – Shout festival

The story of 2 boy penguins who, against the odds, become parents. Draws inspiration from the true life story at New York Zoo where penguins Roy and Soli were given an abandoned egg which hatched into a chick called Tango.

Venue: MAC Arts Date: March 9 Time: 11. am and 2.30pm Age: 3 plus Tickets: £6

Olly Murs

In concert at LG Arena on March 12 - and at NIA on March 20 Tickets: £32.50 To Book: 0844 338 8000

The Merchant of Venice

Presented by Crescent Theatre Venue: Crescent Theatre Sheepcote Street, Birmingham Date: March 16-23 Time: 7.30pm evenings and Sun 17 March, and Sat 23 March matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £14 Tel: 0121 643 5858

Annie

A Peterbrook player’s production for all the family Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull Date: March 19-23 Time: Eve 7.30pm and Sat matinee 2.30p.m.

Tickets £11-£15 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Hidden Histories – Rep 100

Interactive performance event: hear the secret stories and untold tales from behind

One Direction

Boy band (Harry, Zayn, Niall, Liam and Louis) Venue: LG Arena Date: March 22 and 23 and April 17 Tickets: £25-£32.50 To Book: 0844 338 8000

the scenes of Birmingham Rep in this community event. Activities for all ages – try on costumes; write your own press report, and help get the theatre ready for its first ever performance.

Venue: Birmingham Rep, The Old Rep, Station Street, Birmingham Dates: March 20, 25, 27 and 30 FREE EVENT Places limited and must be booked in advance To Book: 0121 236 4455

Rolf Harris Live

An evening with painter, singer, song-writer and TV personality Rolf Harris Venue: Symphony Hall, Broad Street, B1 2EA Date: March 23 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £25-£40 To Book: 0121 345 0600

Alice in Wonderland Ballet Theatre UK Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Road, Solihulll Date: April 3 Time: 2.30pm and 7.30pm Tickets: £17.50 and £12 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Michael Jackson – The Immortal World Tour Show by Cirque du Soleil – visuals, dance, music and fantasy celebrating the Michael Jackson legacy which transcends generations Venue: NIA King Edward Street, Birmingham Date: March 26 Tickets: £40-£100 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Chicken Licken

A baby chick is born and thinks the sky is falling down; a little red hen asks her friends to help her make bread but no-one wants to play; and foxy is about … this show for ages 3 plus weaves together 3 Ladybird book stories.

Venue: MAC, Cannon Hill Park, Date: April 5 and 6 Time: 11.30am and 2.30pm Tickets: £6 To book: 0121 446 3232

Bollywood Showstoppers

A musical dance extravaganza – Bollywood like you have never seen before, including Bollywood icon Bipasha Basu; dancing queen Malaika Arora Khan and popular dance group Bolly Flex.

Venue: LG Arena Date: April 5 Time: 6.30pm Tickets: £20- £85 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Comedy Club 4 Kids

14 Issue 14

An authentic comedy club experience (without the rude bits or swearing) for children aged 6-11 and their families Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Homer Road, Solihull Date: April 9 Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £6 To Book 0121 704 6962

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

What’s Parenting On Walking with Dinosaures – the Arena experience Watching 16 life-sized dinosaurs in the arena. Watch them walk, hear them roar and see them as they come face to face as they fight for survival.

Based on the award-winning BBC show and re-created as a theatrical experience – a combination of story-telling, technology, entertainment and education to fascinate children and adults alike.

Venue: NIA King Edward Street, Birmingham Date: April 10-14 Time: performance times vary. See website for details.

Tickets: £25-£45 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Goodnight Mister Tom

A stage production of Michelle Margorian’s novel which won the Guardian children’s fiction award, and was commended for the Carnegie medal and is now a worldwide literary success. Set in wartime England, a little boy is evacuated to the country and his life is changed for ever.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre Station Street, B5 4DS Date: April 9-13 Time: Evenings: 7pm; matinee Wed and Thurs at 1pm, and Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £10-£28.50 To Book: 0844 871 7627

CBeebies Live – Justin and Friends

Justin Fletcher is on stage and joined by your favourite characters – Robert the Robot and Little Monster from Justin’s House; Nina from Nina and the Neurons; Andy Day and Katy Ashworth. But as he prepares to stage a spectacular show for a special visitor, can he keep his plans on track … he might need your help Venue: LG Arena Date: April 11 Time: 1.30pm and 4.30pm Tickets: Adults from £16; children from £13 and family from £52 To Book: 0844 338 8000

We’re going on a Bear Hunt

A stage adaptation of the children’s story by Michael Rose illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Join the intrepid explorers on their quest to find a bear, wading through gigantic swishy grass, splashy, splashy rivers and thick, oozy, squelchy mud. Catchy songs and interactive scenes for ages 3 plus.

Venue: Town Hall, Victoria Square, B3 3DQ Date: April 11- 17 Time: times vary. Check website.

Tickets: £11.50 To Book: 0121 780 4949

Beyonce – The Mrs Carter show world tour Beyonce opens her world tour in Birmingham Venue: LG Arena Date: April 26 Tickets: £55-£85 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Families

FIRST

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Learn to draw!

Phantom of the Opera

Make sculpture!

Cameron Mackintosh’s new production comes to Birmingham as part of its UK tour Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: March 13-May 4 Time: Evenings at 7.30pm; Thurs matinee at 2pm and Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £22-£60 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Paint portraits!

Fantastic & fun workshops for kids!

For more information, pick up our latest Families First brochure, or visit: www.barber.org.uk/

category/learning or call: 0121 414 2261 ‘Like’ us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ FamiliesFirstBarberInstitute

Issue 14 15 Barber-FF-Advert-Feb2013-01.indd 1

12/02/2013 10:22

Easter

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The Easter bunny and Easter eggs

A

s Easter approaches we point you in the direction of some Easter Egg Hunts and fun activities. And here are some fascinating facts about the holiday:

• Easter was originally a pagan festival – the ancient Saxons celebrated spring with a party in honour of its goddess, Eastre. The Easter bunny also originated with the pagan festival as the rabbit was seen by the Anglo Saxons as a symbol of fertility and spring.

• Medieval records note that eggs were often given as Easter gifts to servants by their masters.

The first documented use of the bunny as a symbol of Easter appears in Germany in the 1500s, and it was the Germans who made the first edible Easter bunnies in the 1800s.

• The first Cadbury’s Easter egg was made in 1875, in dark chocolate. Milk chocolate didn’t arrive until 1905 with the launch of Dairy Milk.

• A new Guinness World Record for the most entrants in an egg hunt was set in London last Easter after 12,773 people took part in The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt.

About 10% of Britain’s annual spending on chocolate is on Easter eggs.

• The average time for children to start tucking into their first chocolate Easter egg is 11am on Easter Sunday, with 30% of children eating their chocolate egg instead of breakfast!

Easter eggs-plosions with Mad Science Make edible wallpaper, chocolate waterfalls, even build a giant golden egg or learn how to make eggs explode at Mad Science’s Easter holidays workshops for children.

Easter Egg Hunt and fun-day

Children under 16 go free to this Easter egg hunt and funday at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens. An action packed day with farmyard chicks, rabbits, guinea pigs and duckling at the gardens for children to see and pet; children’s trails, crafts and face-painting.

Venue: Botannical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston Date: Easter Sunday, March 31 Time: 11am-3pm CHILDREN UNDER 16 FREE. Adult admission: £7 for 1 adult £12 for 2 adults

Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter bunny has hidden clues around the park - crack the password and win a chocolate egg! You may even spot the Easter bunny as he hops around the park.

Puppet shows, children’s rides, craft activities and other entertainment also available.

Venue: Elmdon Park, Tanhouse Farm Road, Solihull B92 9EY Date: March 29 Time: 11am-3pm Tickets: £2 per child, plus a charge for some of the other attractions.

Easter Egg Trail at National Trust

For the sixth year running Cadbury’s are sponsoring Easter Egg trails and activities at National Trust properties. Usual admission charges to property and a charge of between £1 and £2.50 per trail.

Birmingham Back to Backs, Hurst Street/Inge Street, B5 4 TE – March 29 –April 1; 10.15am-3.45pm; Clent Hills, Nimmings Wood, near Romsley, B62 0NL – March 29 and 30; 11am-4pm; Baddesley Clinton, B93 0DQ –March 29 – April 1; 11am-5pm

A real Egg Hunt at Ash End House Children’s Farm

Chat to chicks and go on a real egg hunt this Easter and choose your own fresh egg to take home. Along with meeting bunny rabbits and other farm animals and having fun in the playbarn.

Venue: Ash End House, Middleton Lane, Tamworth, B78 2BL Date: Daily Tickets: Children £9.95 (includes access to the Big Playbarn); adults £7.50 or £6.50 term-time.

For more Egg Hunts and Easter activities, log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

THE

EASTER EGG HUNTS

Or children who like a bit of gore could try the Slime Dunking workshops which kicks off with making your own slime mixture, including slimey worms and fake snot! The workshops will run at Birmingham FC on April 8, and at the Wacky Warehouse in Harborne for three days between April 8 and 9. For further information or to book a place call 0121 647 7450.

BIRMINGHAM

BOTANICAL G ARD ENS TURN OVER A NEW LE AF

Easter Fun Kids go free!

Sunday 31 March 2013 11am

Beautiful Gardens Exotic Glasshouses Birds Bonsai Shop Tea Room Gallery New Family Back Pack Trails

www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Open daily 0121 454 1860 10% off day visit entry with ad FAM113