Families20 web (1)

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MARCH-APRIL 2014 ISSUE 20

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Lost out on a school place.

What now?

Save the humble bee Have a cracking Easter Moving house

Tuition Plus

Solihull Karate Academy

‘Helping students achieve their true potential’

Karate instruction in the Midlands area for children aged 4 and over

by Greg Hegarty 5th Dan, former British Champion For more information 07501

955 953

solihullkarate@hotmail.co.uk

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

Professional Tutoring Literacy & Numeracy First lesson free Harvest Fields Centre, B75 5TJ (Sat.) Mere Green Centre, B75 5BT (Wed.& Thurs) Tel: 07592 556 452

Email: info@tuition-plus.co.uk www.tuition-plus.co.uk

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Easter Holiday Family Fun

Comedy & Magic Growing up isn’t easy. Especially if you’ve had a tough start.

But together we can make it easier. If you’ve the experience to help children who need it the most, our specialist team of experts will invest in you and provide the unrivalled support you need to love being a Therapeutic Foster Carer.

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Weds 23 April £6 each Enjoy Tiernan Douieb’s hour of very silly comedy!

Show for kids & their parents, 2.30pm in Theatre.

Sat 26 April ÂŁ12/ÂŁ10 ch.

Magic star Ben Hart brings his daring magic show at 7.30pm and also a magic skills workshop (age 8+) earlier at 4.30pm costs ÂŁ7.50

Drama Course

A Play in 2 Days

Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief Playbox Theatre bring The Lightning Thief tale to life in a fun 2 day drama course for age 7-14. Includes; theatre, mime, music & performance plus a small show for family & friends at the end!

Thurs 24 & Friday 25 April, 10am-4pm course fee ÂŁ30

Dance Workshop

Tues 15 April ÂŁ4 Funky dance moves for boys & girls aged 5-11, 10.30-11.30am

Art & Craft Workshops

Spring Storysticks - Thurs 17 April

Explore storytelling with an artist to create a fun decorative storystick.10.30am-12pm (age 4-7) & 1-2.30pm (age 8-14) ÂŁ5 Spring Storystrings - Thurs 24 April Use graffiti and comic strips for inspiration to make funky and creative strings and paper chains to decorate a room.

10.30am-12pm (age 4-7) & 1-2.30pm (age 8-14) ÂŁ5

0800 644 6230 0800 644 6230 advancedfostercare.co.uk advancedfostercare.co.uk

Box Office 0121 704 6962 www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • • • •

Courses mapped to the National Curriculum.

Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week.

Ofsted registered - we accept Childcare Vouchers.

Free trial session - book today!

Harborne Kings Heath Longbridge Oldbury Wylde Green Yardley

01216 474394 01216 617409 01212 960768 01216 476369 01216 475159 01213 069455

www.explorelearning.co.uk 2 

Issue 20

“Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.�

Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

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www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Contents In this Issue...

H

ello and welcome to the Spring 2014 issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine.

On our education pages we suggest what you can do next if your child has not got the secondary school of your choice.

As the housing market picks up are you looking at moving home? If so, Families editors have some advice for you , based on their own experiences of upping sticks.

Meanwhile bee expert Robin Dean tells you how you can help save the humble bee by planting bee-friendly plants in your garden this spring, and he suggests a great Easter project for the children – making a bee hotel.

We also tell you where you can have a cracking day out this Easter – with Easter egg hunts and trails, fun on the farm, and an Easter funday at the Botanical Gardens - and we suggest some great Easter workshops and holiday clubs for children.

Check our What’s On guide for theatre shows and family friendly activities for weekends and school holidays, and don’t forget to log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk and check our searchable what’s on guide which will be regularly updated.

If your child is a CBeebies fan see page 4 for a chance to win tickets to CBeebies Live! The Big Band, which will be coming to Birmingham at Easter.

Finally – are you done with package holidays in sizzling hot temperatures with fractious children? If so have you thought of a more sophisticated and relaxing summer holiday in the Alps?

We tell you what the region has to offer.

, 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 2014 issue.

Call 0758 352 6056 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Tuesday, April 1, 2014 Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, March 2014.

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.

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News Clubs and classes Lost out on a school place?

St George’s School, Edgbaston Muddling through a house move Beat bed-wetting Health Summer in the Alps Overcoming Gender Stereotypes Nature Have a cracking Easter What’s on

4 11 17 21

Tudor House

Preparation for Grammar School 11 Plus

All children in year 3 and year 4 should apply

Tel: 0121 709 1200

www.tudorhousetuition.co.uk Issue 20

3

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Win tickets for CBeebies Live

C

Beebies fans will be thrilled that Justin Fletcher is rolling back into town with a brand new show for Easter – CBeebies Live! The Big Band.

The new show is produced by the creative team behind the hugely popular Justin & Friends 2013 Easter Tour which was attended by over 105,000 people. It’s another fun-filled musical adventure with Justin Fletcher MBE along with Mister Maker and gardener extraordinaire Mr Bloom! in his first ever CBeebies Live! show.

Will the CBeebies megastars build the biggest band ever? What instruments will they find in their search? Get ready to sing along, dance in the aisle and shout out loud as they each seek out everyone’s special musical talent to put together the biggest band that they can!

Rastamouse will be there - ‘Makin a bad ting good’; Nina from Nina and the Neurons will bring her own unique scientific style, and the adventurous Andy Day and the charismatic Katy Ashworth will be ensuring that everyone has fun.

With visual trickery, a lot of surprises and a priceless performance by Mr Tumble, you have a surefire way of enthralling tiny tots, children and the young at heart.

To win tickets

To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to CBeebies Live! The Big Band, just log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk click on our competition and answer this question before April 1, 2014: What is the name of Justin Fletcher’s famous alter ego?

A: Mr Tumble B: Mr Crumble C: Mr Mumble CBeebies Live! The Big Band Easter tour 2014 is on at the LG Arena on Friday, April 18, with two performances at 1.30pm and 4.45pm. Tickets have been held at 2013 prices with tickets priced from £13.00 for children, and a family ticket (four people) from £52.00. For tickets and the most up to date tour information visit www.CBeebieslive.com Call 0844 8000 400 to book.

The Black Country goes green What would have grown in a Black Country garden? And what did they do with the produce?

This Easter the Black Country goes green. Take a trail around the gardens and shops of the Black Country Museum, unearthing some clues to the horticultural past and planting your own seeds. Then, get hands on making bath bombs in Doo’s Chemist and pay a visit to the underground mine to see how the miners worked.

Stargazing!

It is Florence in 1633 and the great scientist and astronomer Galileo is about to arrive and give a demonstration of his discoveries when the terrible news comes that he has been arrested as a heretic.

Stargazing at Birmingham Rep provides an interactive experience that explains Galileo’s theories of planetary motion to prove to the judge that his theories are not heresy but fact.

The show for ages 7-11 brings to life both history and science, and supports their school learning in an engaging way.

Stargazing is on at the Birmingham Rep Theatre on Saturday, March 8, at 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm. Tickets are £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for children. To book call 0121 236 4455.

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

A warning to Dads

D

ads be warned. Last minute petrol station flowers really don’t cut the mustard on Mother’s day. Nor does an unwrapped box of chocolates - and heaven forbid that you should forget it altogether. Then you really will be in the dog house.

It’s time to plan ahead for that special present or a treat for Mother’s Day. Note the date now - it falls on Sunday, March 30.

We can offer you some ideas but it’s up to you to find the perfect present. A meal out usually goes down well whether at a favourite restaurant or at a new venue. Moor Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield have several mother’s day options on offer including family lunch and afternoon tea (call 0121 308 3751), and there is a Mother’s Day Family Fun lunch at Aston Villa Football Club with disco, face-painting and a visit from a Mascot to keep the kids entertained (£55 for a family of 4 – call 0800 612 0950 for more

World Book Day

information). You don’t need to find a special event, just a special restaurant and book early to secure a table because a last minute scramble on the day is less than ideal.

A family day out on Mother’s Day makes for a lovely celebration. If she likes gardens, how about a trip to Birmingham Botanical Gardens which offers free entry to mums on Mothering Sunday along with a fee-paying child? Spend time picking a venue you think she would love to visit, whether it is an art gallery, a sporting event or a day at the races.

Jewellery, her favourite perfume, or a pampering spa treatment might light up her day, but her ideal gift does not have to be expensive – just imaginative. Take a fantastic family photo and frame it; create your own personalised card (www. moonpig.com) or take the children out for the day so she can put her feet up and read the papers.

Enjoy!

Which books have changed your life? Which books thrill you, scare you, make you laugh? Which books do your children devour again and again? Nominate your favourites now at www.worldbookday.com.

World Book Day, March 6, is the biggest celebration of books anywhere, with millions and millions of book tokens given out, great free books for kids plus events taking place in schools, libraries and bookshops. Don’t miss out – register online to keep up to date with the exciting Big Booky Events and to get your free books.

Free child pass Don’t forget to use your FREE pass when you are out and about at the weekend or the school summer holidays.

We have a 2 for 1 voucher in this issue for Hatton Adventure World (see page 20). You can use it any time up to May 16 – including Easter holiday time for the Easter Egg Hunt and Easter programme of events.

There is also a Family Funday on Easter Sunday at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham. There will be a fun Easter

Egg trail and Easter petting farm with chicks, ducklings and bunnies. All under 16s have FREE entry into the Gardens on this day (see page 13).

Heading to the Baby show at the NEC? Quote Family1 for a discount on tickets. See page 15 for details. We also printed a FREE child pass for Umberslade Farm Park in the January issue of the magazine. If you have not used it yet, you can use it before May 1.

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The largest network of part-time performing arts schools in the UK.

t Saturday classes at Edgbaston High School for Girls t Age appropriate classes for boys and girls from 4 to 18 t Preparation for Trinity Guildhall exams t Qualified CRB checked staff t Excellent facilities including the Octagon Theatre t Builds confidence and develops imagination

Stagecoach Edgbaston Call 01926 651159 edgbaston@stagecoach.co.uk www.stagecoach.co.uk/edgbaston

Issue 20

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Dastardly Dragons & St George!

S

t Andrew’s Day is a bank holiday in Scotland; St Patrick’s Day is a bank holiday in Ireland, and every primary school in Wales celebrates St David’s Day with children going to school dressed in national costume.

That leaves St George – who is sadly overlooked.

So here, to redress the balance, are some facts you might like to know about St George: • He is the patron Saint of England and we should celebrate St George’s Day on April 23 (preferably with a bank holiday!)

• St George was Turkish and never set foot in England. He was adopted as England’s patron saint during the Crusades in the 13th Century.

• Saint George is most famous for slaying a dragon. According to legend, the only well in the town of Silene was guarded by a dragon. In order to get water, the inhabitants of the town had to offer a human sacrifice every day to the dragon. The person to be sacrificed was chosen by lots. On the day that St George was visiting, a princess had been selected to be sacrificed. However, he killed the dragon, saved the princess, and the rest is history!

• Saint George is believed to have died on April 23

– beheaded at the orders of Emperor Diocletian for defying his orders to persecute Christians.

• William Shakespeare also died on St George’s Day and we celebrate his birthday on this day too.

• We are not the only country to have St George as a patron saint. So too do Germany, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Portugal and Russia.

• The Saint George’s Cross (red cross on white background) has been the official flag of England for centuries.

Dastardly Dragons

Celebrate Saint George’s Day at the Barber Institute Easter Art School where you can create your own dragon to slay. Discover the dragons in the drawings and sculptures around the gallery and design your own dastardly dragon on day one, then bring it to life in sculpture on day two!

The workshops for ages 4-8 and 8-11 are £15 per child for two days and take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 22 and 23. Booking essential.

For more information or to book call 0121 414 2261 or e-mail education@barber. org.uk

Hetty Feather’s Victorian Adventures This Easter Jacqueline Wilson fans are in for a treat as Hetty Feather (a sort of Victorian Tracy Beaker) is staged at the Town Hall in Birmingham.

Hetty is a foundling, happily cared for by foster parents until she is returned aged 6 to the foundling hospital she was born in. It is a miserable sort of place – cold, itchy clothes and a smattering of cruelty - and feisty Hetty does not fit in at all.

Join Hetty on her adventures. Tremble as she faces Matron Stinking Bottomly, thrill as she discovers the squirrel house and Tanglefields Travelling Circus, quake as

she braves the scary streets of Victorian London and cheer as she overcomes all in her search to find her real mother and a true family of her own.

On at the Town Hall between April 22 and 27 – it’s a must for all Jacqueline Wilson fans – and a wonderful introduction to the storyteller for all the family. Recommended age 7 plus.

Tickets: £15-£21.50.

Call 0121 345 0600 to book.

Paws to save the day!

Is your family dog a superhero who could help save the day by raising funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The Acorns Dog Walk will take place in the beautiful surroundings of Sutton Park, with either a 3km or 6km distance to choose from, on Sunday, April 27, and you are invited along with your superhero pooch.

The charity hopes local dogs, their trusty sidekick owners and friends and family will come along to unleash their inner hero by taking part and fundraising to help life-limited and life-threatened children in the area.

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Dogs of all shapes and sizes are invited to dress up for a fun-filled morning with doggy treats and activities. Entry is £5 per dog.

“Dust off your cape, pull on your mask and do something heroic. Our dog walk promises to be a super day out filled with doggy treats and fun activities for your four-legged friend,” says an Acorns’ spokesperson.

For more information or to enter, visit www.acorns. org.uk/dogwalk. Companies or organisations interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact the events team on events@acorns.org.uk or 0844 984 0405.

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

C

reate, act and direct a Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief play at an imaginative holiday workshop in Solihull for 7-14 year olds.

Jackson and his life at Yancy Academy.

The workshop focuses on physical theatre, mime, music and performance to bring this epic tale to life.

After the success of their summer holiday Hunger Games workshops, Playbox Theatre are back this Easter with their Play in Two Days drama workshop. The theme – Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief – is based on the popular series by Rick Riordan. The series makes clever use of Greek Gods and legends with a modern day twist that transforms the myths into a superhero adventure story.

Young people aged 7-14 are invited to take part and there will be a short performance at the end for friends and family.

The Play in Two Days course brings the story to life in less than 48 hours, exploring the techniques of storytelling, ancient Greek myths and legends, and, of course, the hero Percy

Other Easter workshops at the Arts Complex include a magic workshop with Ben Hart for ages 8 plus, dance workshop for ages 5-11 and arts and crafts workshops.

The Percy Jackson-themed Play in Two Days workshop runs at Solihull Arts Complex on Thursday and Friday, April 24 and 25. It costs £30 for the two days. Call 0121 704 6962 to book.

Easter Magic

Easter Holiday Fun Club Edgbaston

Places now available

For ages 5-14

Book now for Easter

school Ages 5-14 - Improve , have fun ds en fri grades, make new the day play 1 hour work - rest of ce, languages English, maths, scien a, art, fashion, Football, drama, zumb ltisports, dance, cookery, mu ion rs cu weekly ex

Hours: 8.30am - 6pm Days: Mon-Fri Morning, afternoon or full day sessions Childcare vouchers accepted.

Call 0121 454 2858 for more information or to book

9 George, Road, Edgbaston B15 1NP Call 0121 454 2858 Issue 20

7

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Battling with homework?

If you find yourself in constant battles at home to get homework done, take a step back and see if getting outside support can help reduce stress all round.

When homework leads to confrontation the chances are your child is not finding it easy. Or it could mean they are bored because they are not being challenged enough. Whatever the reason once a week sessions at a tuition centre can transform things.

The Kip McGrath Centre in Shirley has some spare places for new students and it takes students from primary age right through to GCSEs. The centre focuses on building confidence MUSIC which helps children to enjoy learning again and parents say it does work.

TIMmum TANDLER DRUM SCHOOL One reports that her child, who was 1-to-1 drum tuition, City Centre struggling at maths, jumpedlocation from a Rock School 1-8. Ages upwards. level 5c grades in maths to a 4level 6/7 in Tel:space 0121 503 the of 65849 months, and www.timtandlerdrumschool.co.uk similar stories abound.

An independent study for Explore learning

Clubs & Classes

DIRECTORY

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

DANCE & DRAMA

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

Harborne Dance School

SPORTS

Club Futsal UK

5-a-side football training Birmingham and Solihull Boys and Girls aged 3 to Adult

showed maths performances in children attending their centres were thirty per cent higher than in a control group. Explore have several centres across Birmingham (www. explorelearning.org.uk) and they are offering free workshops on April 15 if you would like to book a free trial session!

Most tuition centres will offer you a free trial to see if it suits your child. Try Academic Excellence in Edgbaston, Tuition First in Sutton Coldfield; Tudor House Tuition in Solihull, and Primary Plus in the Jewellery Quarter. KSOL with centres in Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Handsworth offers maths and English tuition and specialises in preparing children for 11 plus and independent school entrance exams. KSOL will be running mock exams in May and July which mirror exam conditions. You can book a place for your child now. See contact details below.

Contacts: Kip McGrath Shirley call Carmel Summer on 0121 709 3388; Academic Excellence Edgbaston, call Natalie Jones on 0121 454 2858; KSOL call 0121 733 6558; Tuition First, call Bal Bain on 07592 556 452; Tudor House Tuition call Steve on 0121 709 1200; Primary Plus call 0845 206 8658.

Tel: 07745 565745 www.clubfutsaluk.co.uk

Ballroom, Latin, Freestyle

FootieBugs with Lee Hendrie Professional football classes 3-9 years

Adults and Children

Tel: Wendy on 07515 878772

Tel: 0121 777 7792

www.footiebugs.com

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 4+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

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

TUITION

Primary Plus-The Inspiring Tuition Service 11+, SATs, Literacy & Numeracy support from 7 years

Solihull Young Dancers

In the heart of the Jewellery Quarter

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

Tel: 0845 206 8658

www.primaryplus.org.uk

YOGA

Fun and creative yoga classes From walking age to 12 Tel: 0845 863 0682 Email: nidhi@yogabugs.com www.yogabugs.com

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0758 352 6056 8

Issue 20

Walk on to fitness

With lighter nights and warmer weather it is time to come out of hibernation, get some fresh air and get fit. SE Fitness run by former Olympic marathon runner Sally Ellis run daily sessions in Sutton Park. The club organises beginners’ walks, walk fitness, buggy walks and fun to run sessions with morning and evening sessions to fit anyone’s schedule. Joining a group is a great way to keep motivated.

Exercise becomes enjoyable rather than another chore to fit in. To find out more log on to www.sefitness.com or call Sally on 07788 628755

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Barney and the Big Pedal Children’s TV presenter Barney Harwood is challenging kids, parents and teachers across the UK to leave their cars at home and get on their bikes and scooters for the school run.

The Big Pedal (March 3rd – 14th) is an inter-school cycling and scooting competition which aims to get children active. Barney said: “I’m supporting The Big Pedal because I want to show parents that cycling and scooting to school is fun, cheap, and it keeps kids healthy too. I’ve caught the cycling bug – and I bet you will too!�

For parents cycling or scooting with their children, the advice is: • Make sure your bikes and scooters are in working order before setting off • Plan your route carefully and cycle it before you ride it with your child • Travel with a group of friends – it’s more fun that way! • Stay visible and if it’s dark make sure you have lights.

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Sign language Do you have a child in your school who is deaf or has partial hearing? If so, how many of the pupils can communicate with their classmate via sign language?

As pupils with special needs move into mainstream settings, some forwardthinking schools are helping to bridge the communication gap by routinely teaching staff and children some basic sign language.

Trained instructor Nicky Maloney says: “I go into primary school classes for half an hour a week and teach sign language in a fun way. I teach the alphabet and basic vocabulary and we sign to Disney songs, or pop songs. It’s

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great fun and the children love it.�

Nicky can also teach secondary school pupils and many are offering sign language classes as an additional skill for Duke of Edinburgh awards.

She is now starting private tuition at home for families who want to learn sign language, perhaps because a relative is deaf. If you would like to find out more about school tuition or private classes call Nicky on 0797 4896106.

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

Classes in Birmingham and Solihull

07807 297 511

www.rugbymonkeys.co.uk Issue 20

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Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Lost out on a school place …What now?

M

ichael Gove’s vision is that private schools and state schools will become indistinguishable.

Arguably, it is already the case today at some of the top performing state schools. But that is cold comfort to the 1 in 4 Birmingham parents and one in ten Solihull parents whose children did not get into their first choice secondary school last year.

Similar dramas are playing themselves out right now following National Offer Day (March 3 for secondary schools). After months of anxious waiting many parents know their children have been allocated a secondary school for September 2014 that is, at best, a second or third choice or, at worst, a school they never even considered.

If that is the case for you, decide on your course of action fast as there is a small window of opportunity to change things. First, get yourself on the waiting list for the school or schools you wanted.

This does not always happen automatically. Next, decide if you want to go to appeal; this is not for the faint hearted and there is no guarantee of success but if you choose to go down this route, get advice on what might be your best grounds for appealing.

If the school is popular there is likely to be several appeals for places so what makes your case stand out? See www.ace-ed.org. uk for more downloadable information on appeals. You can also get legal advice on how best to present your appeal and there is nothing to stop you taking a legal representative to the appeal hearing if you wish.

Kingswood School An Independent preparatory school for 3 - 11 year olds

Even if you decide to appeal take time to look around the school you have been allocated to see if it would suit your child. Have you written it off unfairly because of an undeserved reputation?

If you are still concerned about standards and your child’s ability to cope in that school, it might be time to look at the independent sector. Faced with this situation grandparents who are in a financial position to help may well step in with support.

If this is out of the question, the next best thing might be to invest in outside school tuition to support your child through GCSEs before they apply elsewhere for sixth form. Many tuition centres now accept childcare vouchers which can significantly reduce the cost.

The National Offer Day for primary schools is on April 16.

individual

Highclare School Spring Term Open Days Highclare St Paul’s

Where Individuals Matter www.kingswoodschool.co.uk

0121 744 7883

Get Creative!

Pre-School, Infants & Juniors Saturday 15th March 2014 10.00am - 12.30pm

excellence

Call for a Taster Session!

Try a FREE

‘ Taster Afternoon’ To book call

0121 386 8218

Being creative is fun at Highclare Pre-School, girls & boys 15 months to 4+ years

Call 0121 386 8218 or visit www.highclareschool.co.uk or email admissions@highclareschool.co.uk /PNOJSHYL :JOVVSZ HYL SVJH[LK VU [OYLL ZP[LZ PU :\[[VU *VSKÄLSK HUK ,YKPUN[VU

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St George’s School

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Families March 2014:St George's Edgbaston

Topics enrich learning

13/2/14

20:38

An individual approach to education

St George’s School Edgbaston

St George’s Lower School, Edgbaston

W

ith so many activities taking place at St George’s Lower School there is never a dull moment for the young students or their teachers. Topic based trips, fundraising events, forest school adventures and an exciting selection of club based activities enhance academic learning from Reception through to Year 6.

‘Trash to Fash’ has been keeping children busy this term. Requiring imagination and creativity, every day rubbish is being turned into one-of-a-kind clothing and jewellery. The dedicated dressmakers will unveil their collection at a fashion show in April, which the whole school can attend. The show will raise money for the Philippine Flood Relief Fund.

Trash to Fash forms part of the winter term’s inspiring curriculum based topic on Waste. Year 3 and 4 children have also been challenged to find ways to reduce reliance on plastic packaging.

Give your child the very best start in life with an education at St George’s Lower School, Edgbaston.

A fully co-educational independent day school offering a caring and friendly community for children from 4 years of age to18 years.

St George’s also offers a pre-school nursery for children from 4 months of age.

LOWER SCHOOL OPEN AFTERNOON Tuesday 11th March, 1.30pm - 3.30pm �

“Our topics are developed to capture children’s imagination and help them develop key skills across the curriculum” says Jenny Shaw, Head of the Lower School.

Years 5 and 6 students have been looking at water as their topic this term. Representatives from Water Aid visited children at the school, who have been raising money for the Charity to help people in Africa.

The topic will conclude with a trip to London this month, to learn about the rich and varied history of the Thames.

“The projects are a really great way to learn,” says a Year 6 pupil. “We go on plenty of trips, which really help us understand the end goal of the topic.”

Other recent activities in the Lower School included a themed day to celebrate Chinese New Year. An informative assembly covered Chinese traditions and customs. Children then had great fun learning to use chopsticks, to eat a Chinese lunch.

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St George’s offers young children a wonderful opportunity to develop through exploration, challenges and an exciting programme of inquiry based learning. For more details please call 0121 454 0099. �

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Small classes with a creative and constructive learning ethos Outstanding support for children with dyslexia Speech therapy available within the school 11+ tuition Extensive extra-curricular and enrichment activities including peripatetic music lessons and LAMDA speech and drama examinations Wide choice of after school clubs Lower School aftercare until 5.50pm each day

Tel: 0121 625 0398 31, Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1RX Email: admissions@sgse.co.uk Article supplied by St George’s School, Edgbaston

www.sgse.co.uk Issue 20

11

Family

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Moving on …. Muddling throu

T

he average family moves 8 times in their lifetime. To date, I’ve clocked up a staggering 20 new addresses but, thankfully, only five of those have been with husband, children and pets. Moving home as a singleton with few belongings and a free storage facility back at home base is a breeze compared to moving lock, stock and barrel to an unfamiliar place with children in tow.

When it comes to buying, selling and moving to a new family home, Murphy’s law applies – what can go wrong, will go wrong. Yet, with a little bit of pre-planning (or, to be strictly honest, with some strategic military-style planning) it can go rather more smoothly than my muddled efforts would suggest.

With the benefit of hindsight I have learnt rather a lot. For example: never have children in the house at the same time as viewers. I learnt this the hard way when my then 5-year-old daughter cheerily informed a potential buyer that our kitchen was so small that we couldn’t fit all the family in at the same time, and then proceeded to accompany her outside where she pointed out that the front garden was dangerous for children. (The garden sloped away from the house and there was a drop over the retaining wall to the pavement). Needless to say – that viewer never returned.

I also once had removal men half way through loading up the entire contents of another house when I got a call from my solicitor to say our buyer had not exchanged contracts as scheduled.

And, on that same ill-fated move, when the van had finally gone and I had loaded the children into the car, I couldn’t find the cat. Hours later with the cat found, duly caged

12

Issue 20

and in the car, I discovered I had a puncture and faced the prospect of driving a 100 mile journey to our new home on an emergency tyre (the garages all being closed by then) until a kindly neighbour stepped in to the rescue.

So with the benefit of all that has gone wrong on my moves – and some sage advice from fellow Families magazine editors - what can you do to make sure your house move goes without hitch?

Prepare the children

First, prepare the children. If they are very young don’t assume they understand what a house move is all about. As one mum recalls “We moved house when my son and daughter were 6 and 9 years old. Although we did talk to them about moving, it wasn’t until they asked whether they could take their belongings with them that we realised we hadn’t made it clear that we were only selling the building; they thought we were selling the house plus its contents.

A good way of preparing young children is to read stories about moving, for example Topsy and Tim Move House. If you do that when your own house is on the market, it gives your child time to become familiar with the idea before the time comes to move out.

If you are moving within your local area and no school move is involved, it is easier than when you are moving to a totally new area. Older school age children are likely to be upset – and often angry - at the prospect of losing friends.

Listen to their fears and be endlessly patient and positive about the move (however you are feeling yourself ), and explain how they can keep in touch with old friends while making new ones. Children are very adaptable and the chances are they will settle in the new area and have firm friendships a lot sooner than you will, but they need to vent and they need your reassurance.

Family

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

ugh a house move Once your house is sold you can breathe a sigh of relief that you no longer have to run around stuffing toys back in cupboards to make the house presentable for viewers, but then sit down with a cup of coffee and make a plan. The key to a smooth move is in the planning: Declutter – don’t move your junk from one house to another. Take the time between selling and moving to do a thorough clearout.

Quotes for removal companies – get several. They can vary hugely in price. Decide whether you are going to do your own packing or want the removal company to do it. It doesn’t cost a lot more to let the removal company do the packing and with their speed and efficiency it is often money well spent. If you are pregnant when moving, have to move in a hurry with jobs or for a house sale, or have loads of belongings, it is definitely recommended.

Change of address list – do this in advance and have your letters or e-mail sorted ready to go out before you move. It is not just day to day contacts you need to inform – you will also need to change address on TV licence, driving licence and vehicle reg. And, you need to contact pension providers from previous jobs, ISA savings providers and so on. You can find a good list of people you need to contact on http://www.bbc.co.uk/homes/property/moving_ notifychecklist.shtml Don’t forget to set up a redirection with Royal mail. Inevitably you will forget one crucial contact to notify so redirection of mail is essential.

Insurance – you need to make sure you have insurance on your new home from the day you move into it.

Pets – they too can get stressed with moving house. Make a plan in advance to ease their transition. Helpful websites include www.dogstrust.org.uk and www.bluecross.org.uk

On the Day

Utilities - Don’t forget to take utility readings before leaving the house Mobile phone - make sure your mobile is fully charged in case there are any last minute snags to sort out like getting keys from the estate agent.

Essentials kit - One mum says: “The best advice we were given was to pack a separate box with the kettle tea/coffee milk, mugs etc in it so at least when we were in the midst of chaos we didn’t have to hunt to find the kettle.” I second that. You also win brownie points with the removal men who will be much more amenable if their thirst is quenched when you change your mind about where you want the wardrobe!

Bedrooms – linen, blankies and cuddly toys: “The first thing we did when we got in our new house was to make the beds so later on when exhausted and tired we didn’t have to do it before falling into bed,” advises another Mum. You can also make sure any special sleep ‘blankies’ or cuddly toys are on your child’s bed waiting for them, and that a few familiar toys are unpacked from their own special box to make them feel at home.

A toast - The final word in this piece goes to Families Leeds editor Sarah Butters who is about to move home for the second time in 6 months.

“Packing the wine glasses somewhere handy is an absolute MUST.” When all does not go according to plan – and believe me I know all about this – this is sensible advice indeed.

So, to everyone involved in a house move, we say: ‘Here’s to your new life!’ And, even if all does not go smoothly, somehow or another you will muddle through. Cheers!

THE

A practical plan

By Wendy Flynn

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13

Parenting

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How to help your child overcom

W

etting the bed has been the hardest childhood ailment for my children to grow out of. Banishing that wet monster did not come easy and we are not alone. Although all children eventually gain bladder control at night, they do so at different ages, and many children over the age of five still frequently wet the bed. In fact, around 1 in 7 children aged five, and 1 in 20 children aged ten, are frequent bedwetters.

Why children wet the bed is hotly debated. The majority of bedwetting is inherited. For three out of four kids, either a parent or close relative also wet the bed in childhood. Other causes are overactive bladder syndrome (involuntary passing of urine), or not enough hormone that regulates urine production.

Researchers have found that deep sleepers are more likely to wet the bed, as the brain doesn’t get the signal that the bladder is full.

Children sometimes don’t go to the toilet due to fears such as being scared of the dark. Starting to wet the bed especially after being dry can be due to emotional problems such as stress and anxiety.

Although rare, constipation, diabetes, or an infection can cause bedwetting.

Experts agree there is no one single cause of bed-wetting, and there are a number of methods that can help.

Drinking and eating

“Avoid or limit foods that that are spicy, or high in sugar or fat, including fizzy drinks,” says Alyson Carter, a Registered Nutritional Therapy Council Practitioner. “These foods can irritate or inflame the bladder, loosening the muscles, making it harder for a child to keep control.”

Support

Parents may be embarrassed to broach the subject, but your GP can take blood and urine tests to rule out any illness or infection, or refer you to a clinic. “We went to see our child’s teacher,” said Sarah, with 7 year old Isabella “and discussed how children asked and went to the toilet. We asked her to help ensure our daughter went to the toilet regularly.”

Exercises

There are specific exercises that can strengthen or expand a child’s bladder. “Our doctor suggested that when my son needed to toilet, I make him wait at least 10–20 minutes longer. This helped his bladder expand,” said Lisa, mum to three boys. Another exercise is when they are on the toilet have them go, then stop for a few seconds, then go again, so that they are strengthening the muscles.

Top Tips

• Make the bed in several layers, alternating a fitted sheet with a waterproof pad. This allows you to quickly and easily remove the wet items and avoids the need to re-make the bed.

• Leave dry pyjamas and towels out so that a child can find them easily.

• Make sure there are no hidden fears or problems about getting up at night,for example, fear of the dark or spiders, getting up from a top bunk, etc. Try leaving the bathroom light on and keep a clear path to the bathroom.

• Protection. Use waterproof covers for the mattress and duvet, and use absorbent quilted sheets. A moisturiser cream is useful to rub on the skin that is likely to become wet, to prevent chaffing and soreness.

• Set a reward for your child for getting up at night to use the toilet.

Instead of focusing on making it through the night dry, help your child understand that it is just as important to wake up in the night to use the toilet.

• Bedwetting can damage the child’s self-image and confidence.

Prevent this by being supportive and reassure them that bedwetting is common and that they will overcome it.

• Try to be sensitive to any family or school disruption that might be stressful to your child. Do not tease or allow siblings to tease a child who has wet the bed.

• Encourage your child’s co-operation to be dry at night. Give simple explanations about what is happening and how the bladder works.

• Go to the toilet before going to bed.

14

• Encourage your child to help change any wet sheets. This will increase their awareness and may give them extra motivation for them to get out of bed and go to the toilet to avoid the chore of changing the sheets.

Issue 20

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

me wetting the bed Lifting and night pants

Waking your child to go to the toilet, and having them wear night pants can increase confidence and help for sleepovers. However some believe these should be avoided because they interfere with the child’s individual motivation to wake up and use the toilet.

Medical treatment

In persistent cases, desmopressin, a manufactured form of the hormone that decreases urine production, can be prescribed. The effects are short term and the problem is likely to reoccur when treatment is stopped.

Complementary and alternative therapies

Several complementary and alternative therapies have been tried, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, and hypnosis. While some parents have reported great improvements it is not a fix-all.

Behaviour therapy

For younger children motivating them with a sticker chart and rewards is effective. Self-awakening therapy helps older kids recognise when their bladder is full. A simple self-awakening routine may be just before they go to the toilet during the daytime, they lie down in their bedroom, pretend to sleep and think about their full bladder and needing to go.

by Elizabeth Dolton

Re-training

Bedwetting alarms specifically help train your child to wake when they have a full bladder. The alarm’s sensor detects dampness and eventually, the child’s brain learns to pay attention to bladder signals and wakes up naturally before wetting the bed. “They have been so easy to use, the girls had no problem with them and the message really got through,” said Kim, mum of two daughters. “The results were amazing. Not every child will react so quickly, but I would highly recommend giving it a try.”

There is no doubt bedwetting feels embarrassing to talk about and it can be stressful, but every year 15 per cent of children who wet the bed become dry 2008|2009 29008|2009 002|8002 with no intervention.

RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL They will all outgrow Children aged from 3 months to 5 years. it eventually, but if Ofsted Outstanding you and your child are motivated to get dry, • Qualified friendly staff.

• Daily home cooking. choose your method • Interactive Whiteboard/Table. and stay positive. It • CCTV cameras in every room. worked for us.

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Tel: 0121 777 4902

Further information and help

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15

Health

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Would you recognise symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer has been described as the silent killer – but that’s a misnomer that costs lives.

M

arch is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month – and the message to women is that they should know the symptoms of ovarian cancer because early diagnosis can mean a 90 per cent chance of surviving.

Diagnosed in the latest stages the five year survival rates are lower than 10 per cent.

So what are the symptoms to look out for?

• Increased abdominal size/persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes) • Difficulty eating/feeling full • Pelvic or abdominal pain • Needing to wee more urgently or more often Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, change in bowel habits, and extreme fatigue. If any of these symptoms are frequent (more than 12 times in a month) and persistent, you need to get checked out. Be assured that in most cases the symptoms will not be caused by a serious problem, but having a check up at your GP surgery could save your life.

GPs are now instructed to carry out tests (beginning with a CA125 blood test) in women, followed by an abdominal/pelvic ultrasound if the blood tests are abnormal or symptoms persist.

Women over 50 experiencing the highlighted symptoms for the first time should not dismiss them as irritable bowel syndrome as it is unusual for IBS to develop at this age.

You know your own body, so it is important to return to your GP even after an initial visit if you feel symptoms are persistent.

Make Time for Tea To help raise funds for Ovarian Cancer research, why not support the Eve appeal. Make time for tea with colleagues, family and friends this March and raise money for the charity.

Log on to www.eveappeal.org.uk to find out more.

Other helpful websites for ovarian cancer support organisations include: www.ovacome.org.uk / www.targetovariancancer.org.uk / www.ovarian.org.uk

Did you know: Only 21 per cent of boys and 16 per cent of girls aged 5 - 15 are achieving 60 minutes of physical activity a day, while one in 4 adults fail to even achieve 30 minutes of physical activity over 7 days.

16

Issue 20

Less than one in five adults in England now smokes according to the Smoking Toolkit tracking study.

However there is marked divide between well off and less well off adults with just 13% smoking among the more affluent A, B and C1 social groups and 25 per cent among the C2, D and E social groups.

Fruit juice is not as healthy for us as we would like to believe because of its high sugar content, and researchers say it should not be counted as one of our five a day.

Holidays

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Summer in the Alps

H

ave you had enough of beach holidays in sizzling hot temperatures with cranky children? Try something a little bit more sophisticated and family-friendly this year with a summer trip to the Alps.

The lake and mountain scenery is breath taking, the accommodation on offer is often far superior to the cramped and over-crowded summer resorts in the med, and the weather is ideal – mid twenties with an average of 10 or 11 hours of sunshine in July and August.

The Alps might be best known for ski holidays, but summer holidays are their best kept secret. So many people think the mountains in summer mean just walking holidays, but those in the know realise they offer a perfect blend of relaxation for adults (think spa pool, golf courses and dinners you usually only dream of ) combined with so many family-friendly activities that there is no shortage of ideas for how to entertain the children and enjoy time together as a family.

Getting there: Fly/Drive – Geneva airport is about 1.5 hours from Morzine. If you do not want to hire a car, you can arrange transport from the airport to the resort. With older children you might like to take your own car and stop overnight en route.

(Morzine is just under 8 hours drive from Calais) Accommodation: Chilly Powder’s Chalet Hotel Au Coin du

Feu offers 17 luxury rooms including 10 specially designed family rooms and suites. Catered chalets include the 3-bedroomed Des Amis and the 6 bedroomed Les Plan des Rocher ideal for extended family or two families sharing. Both have a private chef. Self catering apartments and chalets are also offered. Get in early as school holiday dates book up quickly. www.chillypowder.com/summer-homepage.htm

Base yourself at Morzine - a working French Alpine village rather than a purpose-built ski resort - which is nestled in the hills, midway between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.

Fantasti-cable

Chilly Powder offers accommodation in luxury mountain chalets and an hotel including self-catering options or half board with delicious 4-course evening meals prepared by the head chef. After a day out exploring, relax in the sauna, enjoy a massage, or linger in the outdoor jacuzzi before aperitifs and dinner are served. Bliss!

Whatever the age of your children – from tiny tots to teens – the area has lots to offer them. Lounge in the sun by an Olympic size pool (and children’s pool with slide), take tennis lessons, visit the indoor ice-rink, or head to the Indiana Adventure Park with its ropes and zip wires and 4 different levels of activities. Enjoy some family orienteering hunting for hidden treasure; take the children up to the mountain passes on a donkey trek (you can even head into Switzerland); go summer tobogganing or hire a family kayak on an alpine lake.

Adrenaline junkies can enjoy some more extreme sports such as paragliding – or Fantasti-cable, where you fly from one mountain to another on a zipwire reaching speeds of up to 100km. You can also go up in a hot air balloon or take a helicopter ride over the mountains.

If you can prise yourself away, take a daytrip to nearby Annency, one of the most beautiful towns in France, or the children will love the aqua park at Le Bouveret, on the Swiss side of Lake Geneva. You can also take a boat across the lake to visit the Swiss town of Lausanne.

CHILLY POWDER On site crèche & kid’s club Guided sports & activities Suites & family bedrooms Top chef and wine cellar

www.chillypowder.com 020 7289 6958 Issue 20

17

School

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

What are your daughter’s chances Overcoming gender Stereotypes

I

f you want your daughter to succeed in a man’s world should you send her to an all-girls school? That might sound counterintuitive but there is evidence to suggest it could be a very smart move.

There are several reasons why an all-girls school may set your daughter up for the future, and not all of them are academic. Your daughter’s chances of being a nuclear physicist, engineer, business mogul – or landing a well paid job in her chosen career - may be that much higher if she attends a single sex school.

Why? Because, ironically, there is evidence to suggest that single sex schools are better at overcoming gender stereotypes. A greater proportion of girls in single sex schools opt for science, maths and technical subjects than girls in co-ed schools where it seems that much harder for them to go against traditional stereotyping. Last year’s A level results showed the gender gap had significantly widened with girls accounting for 7 in 10 English A-level papers, and boys 8 in 10 physics papers. Yet in career terms, the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and maths) command a pay premium.

The differences in GCSE and A level subject choices cannot be explained away by ability because girls at 14 outperform boys in most of the traditional male subjects, just as they do in the humanities. Yet researchers have found that girls’ perception of their

18

Issue 20

own abilities in maths and sciences is lower than that of boys. Selfconfidence is likely to be at the heart of this conundrum – perhaps an early manifestation of the syndrome that sees men apply for a job when they can tick some of the person specification, and a woman only applying if she meets almost all the requirements.

A single sex school has been shown to offer an environment which helps makes girls less risk averse, more willing to engage in competition and more confident in their own abilities. So regardless of which subjects a girl chooses to study, there could be a greater chance she will excel in her chosen area in an all-girls school.

Girls participate more in class and are more confident about asking questions in an all-girls setting. Observational studies in mixed schools have shown that boys tend to dominate in class and teachers engage with them more. So the chances are that girls get more teacher attention in a single sex school than they will in a co-ed.

Studies have shown, too, that teenagers in co-ed schools face pressures about appearance and popularity. Girls can be afraid of ‘appearing too clever to attract boys.’ In contrast, an all-girls school allows them the freedom to focus on academic performance in school without those concerns.

All-girls schools perform particularly well academically and often dominate exam results league tables. In 2011 the percentage of girls from Girls School Association schools who achieved A/A* in their A levels was 6.8 per cent higher than it was for girls in

Career

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

s of becoming an astrophysicist? independent co-education schools, and more girls from single sex GSA schools go on to university than girls from co-ed independent schools.

There could be several reasons for improved academic performance in single sex schools but researchers speculate that the all girls’ schools instil self-confidence in pupils; give them the freedom to choose subjects without gender pressures; enable them to have more teacher time and protect them from adolescent social pressures, all of which feed into better exam results.

A girl’s sporting prowess can often blossom in this setting too.

While girls in co-ed schools can dread PE and shy away from competition, all-girls schools have a good track record in national and international sports. Girls in over 68% of GSA schools routinely represent their country at international level in their chosen sport and over 87% of GSA schools have pupils who compete at national level One argument put forward in favour of educating pupils in co-ed schools is that the world of work is not segregated, and that girls need to be able to mix with and manage both sexes if they are to succeed. Yet, freed from the gender stereotyping that is more prevalent in co-ed schools, those educated in all-girls schools are more likely to take courses in the traditional male dominated courses in university, and to go on to get jobs in male dominated areas.

So busting that myth, it transpires that girls educated in single sex schools are more likely to be in a mixed gender work environment and earn more than girls from mixed schools. The latter are more likely to opt for humanities and take jobs in areas with a traditional female bias.

Dr Ruth Weeks, Headmistress of Edgbaston High School says: “We have many years experience upon which to draw and have developed a real expertise in educating girls: we understand how they work and hence how we can best educate and challenge them. “A single-sex environment is one that enables a girl to be herself and pursue the subjects which she enjoys, free from the pressure of gender stereotypes. Leadership and taking on positions of responsibility is wholeheartedly encouraged: someone has to be Head of House, Team Leader or Games Captain - and that someone has to be a girl! “Our girls achieve impressive results while playing an active role in the music, sport, extracurricular and leadership opportunities that are so characteristic of life at EHS. They leave us as confident and independent young women, ready to make the most of the opportunities in the wider world. “

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Issue 20

  19 

Nature

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Save the humble bee

- host them in your garden with a Bee Hotel

B

ees pollinate three quarters of all crops, not to mention thousands of wild flowers.

Without them the world would be a very different place. Yet we risk losing them. In the past 100 years 20 species of British bee have become extinct, and many more are endangered. Robin Dean from the Red Beehive Company explains how you can help save them.

Easter Eggstravaganza ϭϮƚŚ Ɖƌŝů ƚŽ ϮϵƚŚ Ɖƌŝů

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by Robin Dean, The Red Beehive Company

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Most bees would just like a little nectar and pollen, and a lovely Easter holiday project would be to plant up a “Bee Garden”. There are a number of plants to choose from that are robust and require minimum care, beyond a drink of water now and again, and will do splendidly in a small window box, planter or large pot. Snowdrops, Crocuses, Primroses and Bluebells (remember Bluebells are protected, so don’t go digging them up from a local woodland area!) all make for a spectacular spring display.

Rosemary, Sage and Lavender are also highly attractive to bees, and chives have flowers to tempt them - as well as making a tasty contribution to the kitchen! A Catnip plant or two will keep your cat happy, as well as having the local bees dropping in for a nectar and pollen snack.

Now you have given them some food, why not make a bee hotel as well. For those of you concerned about encouraging bees to live in the garden, don’t be. Bees that live in bee hotels are solitary bees, and unlike the social bees (honey and bumble bees) don’t make honey so therefore don’t have anything to defend. This makes them really docile and perfectly safe to have around children and pets.

To construct your bee hotel:

You will need some bamboo (around 1.5cm in diameter), string or garden wire, and a small saw (to cut the bamboo).

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• Cut the bamboo into 15cm lengths, cutting each piece just before a node to give you a hollow tube with a natural sealed end.

• Bind the bamboo pieces together with the string or garden wire, with the open ends all facing in the same direction.

dŚŝƐ ǀŽƵĐŚĞƌ ĂĚŵŝƚƐ ƚǁŽ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŝĐĞ ŽĨ ŽŶĞ sĂůŝĚ ƵƉ ƚŽ ϭϲƚŚ DĂLJ ϮϬϭϰ

• Take the bundle out into the garden and find a secure place to fasten your bee hotel to. The open ends should face anywhere between east and south to get the early morning sun, with a clear flight path into the hotel.

ĚƵůƚ͛Ɛ EĂŵĞ Adult’s email 1. EŽƚ ƚŽ ďĞ ƵƐĞĚ ŝŶ ĐŽŶũƵŶĐƟŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŶLJ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŽīĞƌ͕ ƐĐŚŽŽůͬŐƌŽƵƉ ŬŝŶŐƐ͕ ďŝƌƚŚĚĂLJ ƉĂƌƟĞƐ Žƌ ,ĂƩŽŶ DĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉ͘ 2. KŶĞ ƉĞƌƐŽŶ ĂĚŵŝƩĞĚ ĨƌĞĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĨƵůů ƉĂLJŝŶŐ ƟĐŬĞƚ͘ ŚĞĂƉĞƐƚ ƟĐŬĞƚ ŝƐ ĨƌĞĞ͘ 3. EŽ ƉŚŽƚŽĐŽƉŝĞƐ ĂĐĐĞƉƚĞĚ Žƌ ĐŽƉŝĞƐ ĨƌŽŵ ĞůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝĐ ǀĞƌƐŝŽŶƐ ŽĨ ƉƵďůŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ͘ 4. This voucher can only be used once and ŵƵƐƚ ďĞ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƵƉ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ƟŵĞ ŽĨ ƵƐĞ͘ 5. One voucher required per free entry.

,ĂƩŽŶ ŽƵŶƚƌLJ tŽƌůĚ͕

3 miles outside Warwick Žī ϰϭϳϳ tĂƌǁŝĐŬͲ^ŽůŝŚƵůů ZŽĂĚ

Tel: 01926 843411

KƉĞŶ ϭϬĂŵ Ͳ ϱ͘ϯϬƉŵ 16161A 2/14

Programme subject to change.

20

Issue 20

Easter

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Have a cracking day out for Easter Egg Hunts

(2 for 1 offer - Hatton Adventure World - See opposite page) No Easter would be complete without a traditional egg hunt. You can decorate your own at home and hide them around the house and gardens with a treasure hunt for young sleuths, or you can combine it with a day out which means no pre-preparation. If, like me, you have spent many an Easter Saturday racking your brains for clever – but not too clever ­– clues and good hiding places for mini eggs, the day out version sounds very attractive.

National Trust properties at Baddesley Clinton, Packwood House and Back to Backs all have organised Cadbury Chocolate egg Easter Trails running through Easter Weekend (April 18-21). Or you can spring into action at Clent Hills on April 20 and 21 and maybe see some real bunnies in the woodland while you search for Easter eggs on a Little Chicks trail for under fives or a more challenging Eggsplorer trail for older children.

Head to the home of chocolate at Cadbury World for an Easter extravaganza, including a live show ‘Chuckle Island: The Hunt for the Missing Eggs! An eggstra-special line-up from Good Friday to Easter Monday (April 18-21) includes an Easter Egg Trail and a

visit to the brand new liquid chocolate servery where visitors can choose from a range of sweet treats to add to a pot of warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate.

Day out at the Farm Easter is one of the most popular times of the year to visit farms for a family day out. See spring chicks and lambs at their cutest at this time of year and have fun outdoors and in the farm barns and adventure play areas. Have a tractor and trailer or pony ride at Umberslade Farm Park near Solihull; take part in a choc-o-bloc programme of events at Hatton Farm village in Warwickshire including an Easter Bunny Hunt, and combine farm fun and shopping at Hatton shopping village and also at Hoar Park Craft Centre and children’s Farm near Nuneaton where the pygmy goats, and newly hatched chicks and duckling are a big hit with the kids.

Interiors

Antiques, Soft Furnishings, Wedding Floristry, Wood-burners & Wall Art, The Collection Giftware, Curtains & Blinds, Plus New Laid Back Living Giftware.

Interests

Tack Shop and Animal Feed, Reflections plus Giftware & Toys, Art, Photography, Fairies, Candles, Needlework & Bunting to order, Florist, Wood-turning.

Food

Plus rs ne Gardeden r Ga re Cent

Licensed Restaurant, Chocolate Shop, Tea Rooms, Cupcakes & Celebration Cakes

Fashion

Knitwear, Jewellery, Handbags.

Fun

The Children’s Farm & Parties, Pets Corner

Open all year (inc Bank Holidays) Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm Tel: 024 7639 4433 www.hoar-park.co.uk B4114 Nr Ansley, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 0QU Issue 20

21

What’s On Theatres & shows Stargazing

An interactive show set in Florence in 1633 and based on the great scientist and astronomer Galileo. Recommended for ages 7-11.

Venue: Birmingham Rep, Broad Street, B1 3AH Date: March 8 Time:11.30am; 2pm and 3.30pm Tickets: Adult £7.50; child £4.50 and babe in arms £1.50 To Book: call 0121 236 4455

Disney on Ice

Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favourite Disney stories. Thrill to high-speed stunts as the crew of Disney/Pixar’s CARS race across the ice.

Venue: LG Arena, NEC, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1NT Date: March 13 to 16 Time: Thurs and Fri 7pm; Sat and Sun 11am, 2.45pm and 6.30pm Tickets: £16.50-£42.75 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Miranda Hart: My, What I call, Live Show

Miranda Hart Live. Recommended minimum age 12 plus Venues: LG Arena, NEC, (April 4) and NIA, King Edward Street, B1 2AA – April 8 and 10 Time: 8pm Tickets: £30 family of 4 £94 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Go Go Live

The Go! Go! Go! Show is an all-new family pop musical experience featuring five

Little Red Hen

Little Red Hen needs to plant her wheat.

She asks the other farm animals for help but no-one is willing to give her a hand – are you? Best for ages 3-6.

Venue: Birmingham Rep Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 3AH Date: March 15 Time: 11.30am; 2pm and 3.30pm Tickets: £7.50 adult; £4.50 child and £1.50 babe in arms To Book: 0121 236 4455

fantastic new stars of stage, screen and pop. Gemma, Carl, Jade, Steve and Holly are joined by the permanently confused Mr. Baffled and his trusty sidekick, the Fluffalope (who lives entirely on a diet of socks!). Venue: Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ Date: April 16 Time: 7pm Tickets: £15 and £17.50 To Book: 0121 345 0600

Torvill and Dean - Dancing on Ice The Final Tour

Venue: National Indoor Arena, King Edwards Road, Birmingham, B1 2AA Date: April 18-21 April Time: Fri 7.30pm; Sat 2.30pm and 7.30pm; Sun 1.30 and 6.30pm and Mon 2.30 and 7.30pm Tickets: £36; family of 4 £94 To Book: 0844 338 8000

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk a bid to find her real mother!

Recommended for children aged 7 and above.

Venue:Town Hall, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ Date: April 22-27 Time: Evening at 7pm; Wed, Thurs, Sat and Sunday matinees at 2pm Tickets: £15-£21.50 To Book: 0121 345 0600

Pirate Gran

Pirating isn’t the life for everyone, but Gran says if you don’t mind sleeping in a hammock and being called Scary Mary, then it’s a career more girls should think.

For ages 3 plus.

Venue: Birmingham Rep Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, B1 3AH Date: April 5 Time: 11.30am and 2pm Tickets: Adults £7.50; child £4.50; babe in arms £1.50 To Book: 0121 236 4455

Ben Hart magician - The Outsider Tour

Ben Hart is a magician and a magic designer.

Be amazed by his magic, impressed by his skill and moved by how such a brilliant mind can still be so in need for a cup of tea and a cuddle ..

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: April 26 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £12 and £10 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Easter 2014 - CBeebies Live The Big Band

Out & About

Happy Days

Learn art, sculpture and drawing techniques from a pro at the Barber’s regular Drawing, Painting, Sculpting and crafting Sundays.

Venue: Barber Institute, University of Birmingham, B15 2TS Dates: Craft: March 2 and 16; Painting: March 23;Sculpture March 9 and April 6 and Drawing: April 13 and 27 Time: 11am-12.30pm for ages 4-8 and 1.303pm for 8 years upwards To Book: Booking essential. Call 0121 414 2261 or e-mail education@barber.org.uk

Calling all CBeebies fans! Come and join the fun and make some music with your favourite CBeebies stars in a brand new show for Easter 2014 - CBeebies Live! The Big Band.

Venue: LG Arena, NEC, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1NT Date: April 18 Time: 1.30pm and 4.45pm Tickets: Adult from £17.60 and child from £14.30 Family from £52 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Happy Days are here again with the premiere of a brand new UK tour based on the hit TV series, featuring the unforgettable ‘King of Cool’ Arthur ‘The Fonz’ Fonzarelli.

Age recommendation: Teens Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Southside, B5 4TB Date: April 22-26 Time: Evenings at 7.30pm; Wednesday matinee at 2pm and Saturday matinee at Tickets: £15-£37.50 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Hetty Feather

Roll up and join Hetty on her escape from the Foundling Hospital Town Hall, and see her brave the streets of Victorian London in

Sunday Arts

Issue 20

Musical Picnic - She’Koyokh/ Luis Mather

An informal musical event for children.

Musicians from the eclectic and celebrated band She’Koyokh present their distinctive sound of klezmer, Gypsy, Jewish and folk music from the Balkans and beyond. Luis Mather and friends – jazz, blues, saxophone.

Venue: Symphony Hall Café Bar, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA Date: March 15 She’Kyokh; Luis Mather April 12 Time: 10.30am FREE EVENTS

Tudor Living History Weekend Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4JR Date: March 15 and 16 Time: 10.30am-4pm Tickets: Adults £7.70; child £4 and under 5 free

Musical Picnic - Midweek Explorer

Enjoy a mid-week breather with your host and jazz singer Sara Colman. Take time out in a relaxing and friendly space with your little ones, while exploring music and making new friends. Recommended for ages 5 and under Venue: Café Bar, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA Date: 26 March and April 23

Crufts Dog Show

The Worlds largest dog show Venue: LG Arena, NEC, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1NT Date: March 6 to March 9 Venue: NEC, Birmingham Tickets: Under 12 go free. Adults

Big Bang Fair

The Big Bang Science Fair is back. Build a lie detector to find out if your friend is lying to you; experiment with a bionic eye; have a go at facial reconstruction; get the gen on genes and take an explosive, stomachchurning journey through the science of your lunch.

Singin’ in the Rain

22

All this and much, much more …

Venue: NEC Birmingham Date: March 13 and 14 – school groups; families on Sat and Sun March 15 and 16 FREE EVENT. Register for free tickets on www.thebigbangfair.co.uk

Big Red Bath

It’s the end of a busy day and it is almost time for bed, and Ben and Bella are in the bath. Splish! Splosh!

Splash! Recommended age 2 to 5.

Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park Date: Sun, March 23 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £6 To Book 0121 446 3232

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Southside, B5 4TB Date: March 18-April 5 Time: Evenings at 7.30pm; Wednesday matinee at 2pm and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £16-£45 To Book: 0844 338 5000

What’s On

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

Watershed Productions present the BBC Worldwide and Polka Theatre production of

Based on the characters created by Lauren Child.

Adapted by Jonathan Lloyd.

29 to 31 May 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm Charlie and Lola TM and © Lauren Child 2005.

Charlie and Lola is produced by Tiger Aspect Productions and distributed by BBC Worldwide Ltd.

Time: 10.30am FREE EVENTS

Play Days

Play Days for children aged 1-3. An opportunity to explore and investigate through sensory play using recycled materials, fabrics and tactile objects.

Designed to encourage creativity in children and adults. But parents take note - children take the lead - adults take a back seat.

Venue: The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Jordans Well, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV1 5QP Date: March 27 and 28 Time: 10.30am-11.30am and 1-2pm FREE EVENT

Mother’s Day - Mums Go Free Mums go free today at the Botanical

Easter fun - Holiday Dance in the Studio

Holiday dance with Faye Peach. Funky dance moves for boys and girls aged 5-11 Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: April 15 Time: 10.30-11.30am Tickets: £4 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Easter holiday Craft

Children’s craft at Sarehole Mill. Wed and Thursday in the Easter holidays Sarehole Venue: Sarehole Mill, Cole Bank Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, B13 0BD Dates: Wed & Thurs April 16 & 17, 23 & 24 Time: 1-3pm Tickets: £1 per child

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail for young eggsplorers

Polar Bear: Mouth Open Story Jump Out

Polarbear makes things up; stories, jokes, adventures – a master makerupper. But where did it all begin?

Recommeded age 4-6 and family.

Venue: mac Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park Date: April 6 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £8 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Complete an eggciting trail as part of your Easter visit to the Back to Backs. Search for easter bunnies & eggs as part of your tour around our houses & courtyard Venue: Back to Backs, 53 Hurst Street/50 Inge Street, B5 4TE Date: April 18-21 Time: 10am-3.45pm Tickets: £2 per trail. Entry to House free to National Trust members. Non members: Adults £8; child £4.40 and family £17.50.

Cadbury Easter Trail

Family Easter trail around the grounds, with a chocolate egg prize.

Venues: Packwood House, Baddesley Clinton Date: April 18-21

0121 236 4455 Online:

age 3+

birmingham-rep.co.uk Registered in England 295910

Tickets Adults £12.50 Children £10.50

Gardens with a fee-paying Venue: The Botannical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, B15 3TR Date: March 30 Time: 10am-5pm Tickets: MUMS FREE Child £4.75 or under 5 free.

Box Office:

Time: 11am-4pm Tickets: £2.50 per trail.

Easter Egg Hunt

See if you can find all the colourful eggs hidden in the mill and grounds. f all eggs are found (each egg has a letter and together they spell EASTER) Chocolate prize.

Venue: Sarehole Mill, Cole Bank Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, B13 0BD Date: April 19-21 Time: 12-4pm Cost: 50p per child

Easter Funday

An action-packed day full of Easter fun with children’s trail, egg hunt, crafts, pony rides, face painting and more!

Venue: The Botannical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, B15 3TR Date: April 20 Time: 11am-3pm Tickets: FREE FOR UNDER 16. Small charge for some activities applies. Adult £7 or two adults £12.

Charity No.223660

To Book: Must be prebooked.

Call 0121 414 2261 or e-mail education@barber.org.uk barber.org.uk/learning/

Play in Two Days - Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

The theme is Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief. The story will be brought to life in two days at this drama workshop for 7 to 14 year olds.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Solihull, B91 3RG Date: April 24 and 25 Time: 10am-4pm Tickets: £30 for the 2-day course. Must be pre-booked.

To Book: call 0121 704 6962

Little Chicks and Eggsplorers

Spring into action and search for Easter Eggs on a Little Chicks Trail (for the under 5s), or a more challenging Eggsplorer Trail for older children.

Venue: Clent Hills, Nimmings Wood, Hagley, Worcestershire, B62 0NL Date: April 20 and 21 Time: 10am-3pm Tickets: £2 per child.

Dastardly Dragons

Celebrate St George’s Day with an Easter Art School at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

Venue: Barber Institute, University of Birmingham, B15 2TS Date: April 22 and 23 Time: 11am and 12.30pm (aged 4-8) and 1.30pm-3pm (ages 8 plus) Tickets: £15 per child for two days.

Your Vivacious Voice: Uluzuzulalia

Pronounced OO-LOO-ZOO-ZOO-LAYLIA, this is a vivacious and interactive voice playground for families to enjoy together. Recommended ages 6-11.

Venue: mac Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, Date: March 15-18 Time: Sat and Sun 11am and 2pm; Mon and Tues 10.30am and 1.30pm Tickets: Early bird booking £7. (within two weeks of show) or £9.

To Book: 0121 446 3232

West Side Story

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, B5 4DS Date: April 1-19 Time: 7.30pm Eve; Wed and Sat matinee 2.30pm Tickets: £17.90-£48.90 To Book: www.atgtickets.com Issue 20

23

Families

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Families

1,500

FIRST

Learn to draw!

Make sculpture!

Paint portraits!

Fantastic & fun workshops!

Storytelling, drama, family days and other events Family guides to the galleries

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.

For more information, pick up our PEXIWX *EQMPMIW *MVWX PIE¾IX SV ZMWMX www.barber.org.uk 0121 414 7333 The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TS

Contact Carolyn for a FREE information pack on

07789 916278 or email: carolynrose121@gmail.com BBC Worldwide presents

Friday 18 April 1.30pm & 4.45pm

BIRMINGHAM LG ARENA 0844 338 8000 0844 847 1682

24

Issue 20

Calls cost from 5p per minute from a BT landline. Calls from mobiles will be considerably more.

07/02/2014 16:30

CBeebies Logo TM & © BBC 2002.

Barber-FF-Advert-Feb2014-01.indd 1