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MARCH - APRIL 2015 ISSUE 26

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

School admission appeals Holiday clubs Easter Egg Hunts

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“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.”

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Contents In this Issue...

We have a great guide for working parents on where to find some fun Easter holiday camps for their children and, if you want a family day out over the Easter holidays, we tell you where to find some cracking Easter egg hunts, treasure hunts and fun activities.

Still on the theme of families: read our article from Mr Daddy Day Care, John Adams, who is the chief carer in his household as his wife is the main breadwinner. What’s it like when roles are reversed? His experience might surprise you.

Are you one of the parents whose child has lost out on a coveted school place at your chosen school? Match solicitors offer some advice on how to approach an appeal (page 13). If you dread parent teacher meetings, find out how to make the most of them (page 14).

We have great offers in this issue too - a whopping 40 per cent off tickets to The Baby Show in Birmingham (page 12); a trial scuba diving session for over 8s in Solihull for just £10 (page 19); adult goes free with paying children at Hatton Adventure World (page 27); ten per cent off per person at Go Ape (page 2) and 10 per cent off children’s footwear at Cooshoo, Kings Heath, page 5.

You could win a very special twentieth anniversary edition of one of my all time favourite bedtime story books – Guess How Much I Love You (Page 12), or bag yourself a family ticket to an Easter holiday performance of Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs at Solihull Arts Complex (Page 4).

Spring is traditionally a time of new beginnings. Perhaps you are fed up with your job and looking for a change? Read our article When being a quitter is a positive choice and see if you have the courage to change your way of living.

Happy Springtime!

, 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 Thursday, April 2, 2015 Design: MattWaltonDesign@icloud.com (email) Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, March 2015.

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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4 News 10 Easter holiday clubs 12 The Baby Show 13 The race for a school place, appeals 14 Make the most of your parent teacher meeting 16 More children in private schools 17 Kingswood School, Ofsted outstanding 18 Clubs and classes 20 Mr Daddy Day Care 22 How healthy is your child’s breakfast 23 When being a quitter is a positive choice 26 What’s on for Easter 28 What’s On Theatre 30 Out and About

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ello and welcome to the spring issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield. Winter is behind us, the daffodils are blooming (just about after the cold spell) and thoughts are turning to Easter. Hurrah!

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Win a family ticket to see Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs

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aptain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs is setting sail for an adventure at Solihull Arts Complex following an award winning run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and we have a family ticket to give away for an Easter holiday treat.

When Flinn discovers a pirate hiding in the school supply closet, it’s all aboard, me hearties, for a real live pirate adventure!

Captain Stubble needs Flinn’s help to find his stolen ship, but there are some mean pirate dinosaurs on the loose and they soon sail into trouble .... Will fearless Flinn be able to captain the ship and defeat the pirate dinosaurs? Will Pirate Pearl be brave enough to battle the dangerous dinos and will terrified Tom be back in time for tea? All aboard for a non-stop action packed theatrical experience with live music, puppetry, physical performance, dastardly dinosaurs and a madcap group of characters!

To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) for a 4pm performance on Friday, April 10, log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk/win and answer this simple question.

Who discovers a pirate hiding in the school supply closet? a) Captain Flinn

b) Captain Splodge c) Captain Munroe

Justin & Friends: Mr Tumble’s Circus comes to town!

Roll up, roll up ... CBeebies is back in Birmingham this Easter with a brand new live show as Mr Tumble’s Circus comes to town (April 7).

An unlikely hero Shrek the Musical will be on at Birmingham Hippodrome during the Easter School Holidays opening on Tuesday, March 31, and running through to April 26.

Meet the unlikely ogre hero, his loyal steed Donkey, the beautiful but temperamental Princess Fiona, a gang of fairytale misfits and a biscuit with attitude. If your children have seen the Dreamworks movie, they probably already know its signature song - I’m a Believer, and this show features some catchy new songs. Tickets from £20-£45.

Book online or call 0844 338 5000.

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But uhoh! Mr Tumble’s Circus is delayed en route and the CBeebies megastars must swing into action to save the day.

This is an action-packed, interactive show for tiny tots who will love seeing their favourite TV characters live on stage: Mr Tumble, a host of other Tumbles from Something Special, including Aunt Polly and Grandad Tumble, Cat Sandion and Swashbuckle presenter Gem. Andy Day is there too as is Robert the Robot and Little Monster.

With all the mayhem and mischief, will Justin and the CBeebies help to get Mr Tumble’s Circus to town on time?

Book your tickets now online at www.cbeebieslive.com There are two performances on Tuesday, April 7, at 1.30pm and 4.45pm at the Genting Arena (formerly LG)

Looking for an Easter egg hunt?

Cadbury’s are once again teaming up with the National Trust to run Easter egg hunts at their properties in the West Midlands including Back to Backs, Clent Hills, Packwood House and Baddesley Clinton.

You can also take part in Easter egg hunts and trails at Hatton Adventure World, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, or further afield at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, or Blist’s Hill, Shropshire.

For families with older children an Easter Sunday treasure hunt around Birmingham on the Big Brum Buz taking in the Jewellery Quarter, the Golden mile, and leafy Edgbaston might be just what you are looking for. The treasure hunt is suitable for children (aged 8 plus) who want something special for Easter but have outgrown the traditional egg hunt. (See our What’s On for details of all Easter events).

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Apply now: Summer job vacancies with NCS The Challenge

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CS The Challenge, one of the largest providers of The National Citizens Service, are recruiting for 900 paid positions to lead and mentor young people aged 15 – 17 in the West Midlands.

Nationally, The Challenge will work this year with 26,000 young people and employ 3,500 seasonal staff.

The seasonal job opportunities available are suitable for anyone with youth work experience - although this is not essential for all roles. NCS are especially looking for candidates with staff management experience for programme leader roles, or students and graduates over 18 years of age who want to gain further experience of working with and mentoring young people.

The Challenge is a 3-week programme of community-based and residential activities which brings together young people from diverse backgrounds, building their skills and confidence while connecting them with their communities.

Young people taking part in the summer programme will stay away from home and experience challenges designed to remove them from their comfort zones such as white water rafting, rock climbing and overnight hiking. They will spend a week living in university halls learning skills that help them with their transition into adulthood such as cooking for themselves, living in their own flats and making friends. During their time on the programme they will design and implement a community project – fundraising and pitching their ideas in a Dragon’s Den-style presentation. Those graduating from the programme will also get follow up support including help with university applications and interview skills. NCS is recognised by UCAS. Katie Matthews from NCS The Challenge says: “We are looking for high-calibre, experienced applicants for our programme leader positions, while anybody with previous young person experience, either paid or voluntary, with the right attitude and passion will also be considered for our other roles.”

Some positions will involve residential stays while others are

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community based and regular hours. The roles can last from 3 days to 14 weeks from June through to September depending on each specific role requirement. Available jobs include programme and assistant programme leaders; senior and residential mentors; community facilitator, senior community facilitator, practitioner and support worker roles.

Katie adds: “For many of our young people, our summer programme will be a life-changing experience. Everyone we recruit will need to be committed to helping the young people make the most of every moment.”

Applications are now open. You can find out more and apply at www.ncsthechallenge.org/jobs E-mail seasonalroles@the-challenge.org. The Local office contact is: 0121 771 3884.

www.ackers-adventure.co.uk 0121 772 5111 Easter Holiday Activities

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info@ackers-adventure.co.uk Issue 26

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Tablet time and table talk

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Birmingham psychologist says parents should be planning more days out rather than bribing kids with technology.

Dr Katerina Kantartzis, Lecturer in Psychology at Birmingham City University, warns parents that using access to technology as a reward or punishment only makes it more attractive to children.

Instead she urged parents to be more proactive – organising family days out and giving kids an alternative to tablet time.

“Parents need to ensure that they have enough activities available for their children and that they are planning regular days out to stop their young ones from wanting to use technology constantly. If enough activities are being planned, I’m sure we would find that the last thing children want to do is sit on a tablet for hours,” she says.

Her comments come as children’s Newspaper First News revealed that an astonishing 77 per cent of children admit to running out of things to talk about at table with their family.

“We were shocked when the results came in” commented Nicky Cox, Editor of First News, “This dearth in conversation could be down to a host of factors; perhaps children’s ever growing reliance on social and digital media for interaction or possibly a lack of subject matter which children deem relevant to discuss with their parents. Either way 77% is a scarily high figure.”

First News is urging parents to switch off the TV, put down the smart phone and re-ignite conversation among the family.

You could start the conversation off by getting the children involved in planning some fun days out. Just look at our what’s on guide for inspiration..

Laser Combat for over 8s Hatton Adventure World is opening a new outdoor Laser Combat arena for children aged 8 and over.

The Laser Combat zone will be open in time for Easter, and will add to the outdoor adventure areas where children enjoy zipwires, an adventure assault course, a jungle maze, trampolines and slides, as well as frizbee golf and funfair rides. Indoors children can play on super slides and in the ball pool.

Curl up with Paddington Did you get to see the Paddington movie at the cinema over Christmas? If not, it’s out on DVD and blue ray on March 23rd – just in time for the Easter school holidays. Curl up on the sofa and have a family movie night with this wonderfully charming and gentle Peruvian Bear who brings chaos to the Brown family.

Many parents will have read Michael Bond’s Paddington books and introduced them to their children for bedtime stories, so your expectations of the movie will be high, but let me tell you it does live up to them. If, like me, you have seen the movie ... I rather think it does bear watching again, and again, as no doubt the children will confirm!

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Happy anniversary Cooshoo!

I

f you want to buy properly fitted shoes for your child, have a great choice of styles or sizes, and want to find something just a little different from the usual chain store offerings, then make your way to Kings Heath.

Cooshoo, an independent shoe shop run by Anna and Michael Swift, was set up with you in mind. It plugs a gap in the market for parents who care about their children’s growing feet but are fed up with having to make do with what’s available.

Perhaps you want better styling; maybe your child has a wide foot, a narrow foot or a low arch; or you need a school shoe in size 9.

Cooshoo caters for it.

Just coming up to its first anniversary in April, Anna is delighted that as word spreads the shop is attracting customers not just from Birmingham but also from Coventry, Leamington Spa and further afield.

“When I went home to Leeds, I used to take my children to an independent shoe retailer there because I couldn’t find what I was looking for in Birmingham. That sparked many conversations with my husband and one night we said: “We either need to stop talking about this or get serious and do something about it.”

The couple decided to do something, and spent two years researching the market, visiting trade shows to talk to manufacturers and becoming trained shoe fitters before opening their store in Kings Heath.

Cooshoo stocks footwear from pram shoes and pre-walkers for little ones, to school shoes for teenagers up to adult size 9, along with non-school shoes up to an adult size 7 including gorgeous boots and wellies, fashion shoes and trainers.

See the range available on www.cooshoo.co.uk Happy First Anniversary Cooshoo.

See our 10% off offer for Families readers with the Cooshoo voucher printed on page 21.

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Get in touch with your inner Tarzan

It’s time to come out of hibernation now that spring is here and get in touch with your inner Tarzan at Go Ape in the Wyre Forest, near Kidderminster, and Cannock Chase, near Rugeley.

Instead of climbing the walls at home, your little monkeys can swing through the trees and take part in a fantastic Tree Top adventure on a great family day out.

Mini Tarzans make their way through looping obstacles including the spider’s web, log balance and jungle crossing before finishing on a high with an awesome zipwire. When they have completed the course all participants are awarded a personalised certificate to take home.

Go Ape Tree Top Junior adventure course is for children aged 6 or over (or anyone over one metre tall) and Tree Top Adventure for visitors aged 10 and over. Children aged younger than six (who are over one metre tall) are welcome to participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

The safety systems are designed so that participants stay attached the whole time, so while everyone gets the adrenalin rush of adventure, they stay safe.

It’s a really exciting family day out and children feel a great sense of achievement. Just try it and see!

Scoot to School Easter art school How much more fun would the school run be if you cycled or scooted to school. It’s that time of year when the Sustrans Big Pedal challenge aims to get us all to stop using our cars for the short school run.

This year the event is supported by former Olympian Sharron Davies who cycles or scoots to school with her son every day.

Sharron says: “When children live near to school, changing their journey can transform their health by incorporating a little exercise into their daily routines - before the school bell rings.

“I believe that an active journey to school should become a part of a family’s morning routine, just like brushing your teeth. That’s why I’m encouraging schools across the UK to take part in The Big Pedal this March, and give cycling and scooting to school a try.”

The Big Pedal (2 - 20th March, 2015) encourages pupils to lead healthier lives and reduce traffic around the school gates for a 10-day challenge.

But a survey of those who took part in previous years shows that it can have a lasting impact with 76 per cent of teachers saying children continued to cycle or scoot to school after the Big Pedal.

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The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is running an Easter art school for children aged 4-8 and for older children and teens aged 8-14.

The fun, holiday workshop has a Roman theme and children will learn how to make prints and plaster casts using Roman imagery.

They will design and create their own Roman coins and medals to take home, drawing inspiration from the Barber’s own collection.

The school is run over two sessions on Wednesday and Thursday April 8 and 9 with children attending on both days. The morning sessions for the younger age group runs from 11am-12.30pm and the sessions for older children runs from 1.30-3pm.

The sessions must be prebooked – and it is best to book early. You can book by e-mailing education@barber. org.uk or calling 0121 414 2261.

News News

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Bournville Children’s Book Festival

The Bournville Children’s Book Festival which launched last year is back for 2015 with a great line up of writers, illustrators, story-tellers and actors and a fantastic programme of events for children of all ages.

The festival takes place over 2 days on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, and features 47 interactive sessions for children of all ages taking place across 7 venues - Rowheath Pavilion, Bournville Junior and Infant Schools, Selly Manor, St Francis School, Woodland Park Hall and Weoley Hill Village Hall.

There will be storytelling sessions, interactive drama workshops (including a specially commissioned Harry Potter themed session run by Birmingham Rep) and lots of have-a-go workshops where children can try their own book illustrations or get tips on writing great stories.

Highlights of the festival include sessions with Simon Whybrow, the top ten bestselling author of ‘Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs’; Simon Jenkins, the author and illustrator of ‘Baby Brains’ and ‘Sally and the Limpet’, whose books have been published in 20 languages; and Korky Paul, the illustrator of the ever popular ‘Winnie the Witch’ books.

Get your golden ticket

Some sessions are free but all sessions require a ticket and must be prebooked. Most sessions cost £3 per child (adults go free) but you can also get a Golden Ticket for £10 which allows families of up to 4 children to pick and choose whichever sessions they would like to attend over the two days. There’s lots to choose from: Professor McGinty’s Time Travel workshop for 5-11 year olds at Selly Manor; Where’s Mouse, an interactive drama experience for 0-2 year olds; a Big Sing Along with Nick Cope; a storytelling session based on The Selfish Giant; and lots of have a go workshops. But you need to get a move on and book your places as some sessions are filling fast.

Look at the full programme and book tickets at www.facebook.com/ BusyParentsNetwork and click on events.

From cream teas to dinosaur treats - ideas for Mother’s Day

Get up close and personal with some not-so-tame dinosaurs as the Dinosaur Zoo takes to the stage at Birmingham Hippodrome in March. This is an interactive show with cute baby dinos through to teeth-gnashing giants, which will delight audiences from as young as 3 through to adults. The show runs on the weekend of Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15, which coincidentally is also Mothering Sunday.

At Birmingham Botanical Gardens all mums can visit FREE on Mothering Sunday, (along with paying offspring) and the Spring flowers should make for a wonderful display in the gardens.

At Hatton Adventure World, mums who visit on mother’s day will get a bunch of daffodils to take home with them.

If dinosaurs are not mum’s thing, how about a trip in the Big Brum Open topped Buz which is doing a special Mother’s Day one and a half hour trip for all the family on Mothering Sunday, ending with a celebratory cream team at Highbury Hall.

Find out more and book on www.birmingham-tours.co.uk

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Easter camps 2015

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Grand prix karting & flying machines Super Camps are running Easter holiday camps at Edgbaston High School for two weeks (March 30 to April 10), and for a week at the Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School in Bournville (March 30 to April 2). Their multi-activity camps feature Go Play (games like giant volley ball, kwick cricket and grand prix karts) Go Create (projects such as mega art, clay modelling and pop up cards) and Go Discover (a whole new world, launching flying machines, making spinning snakes and learning wilderness first aid).

Go book at www.supercamps.co.uk

An Easter holiday club with a twist

If you don’t want your child to miss out on holiday fun but you would also like them to have some catch-up support for schoolwork or to get ahead with SATS or 11 plus preparation, you should investigate the Easter Holiday Fun Club run by Academic Excellence.

The Holiday Club, open to everyone, has an emphasis on fun activities and making friends but for up to an hour and a half each day the tutors at Academic Excellence (all qualified teachers) will give your child tuition tailored to their age and ability level. Talk to the tutors to let them know what your child needs.

On-site fun activities include cooking, fashion design activities, sports and games, arts and crafts, with play station, X box and TV for chilling out. Another plus factor is that children are not confined to base all day as the Holiday Club try to organise an outing at least once a day – whether that is cinema, bowling, farm visit or a sports day at the park.

The Holiday Club operates from a beautiful refurbished Georgian Building at George Road, Edgbaston, and its core hours are from 9am-4pm with wrap around care available from 8am-6pm. It caters for children aged from 4 upwards and costs £30 a day.

To find out more call Nicky on 0121 454 2858.

E-mail admin@academicexcellence.org.uk

Add another string to your bow Whether you are looking for a fun holiday camp for the week or the children just want a day of musical fun, the award-winning Harborne-based Strings Club Easter holiday camp can fit the bill.

Each day is different and includes unique musical events and workshops alongside small group tuition by the friendly team - giving your child an unforgettable holiday experience.

The holiday club caters for children from complete beginners (they’ll be hooked) through to strings players who have been learning for a while. The core hours are 10am-3.30pm for the workshops, but working parents can opt for an extended day from 8.30am to 5.45pm. The Easter camp is being held at the Bluecoat School, Harborne, during the weeks of April 7-10, and April 13-17. The latter week will be of particular interest to parents whose children are at independent schools and have an additional Easter holiday week. For more information and to book www.stringsclub.org

A day or a week of adventure

For those who like to be outdoors or love an adrenalin rush, Ackers Adventure run a school holiday activity course which gives young people aged 8-16 the chance to try a different activity every day skiing, climbing, abseiling from an event tower, kayaking, canoeing, archery and a jungle challenge. Ackers is based on a semi rural site in the heart of the city and the camp operates from 10am-4pm. All instructors are fully qualified.

If any other family members feel they are missing out on the excitement, Ackers are also running a ThrillSeeker Family Taster Day on Saturday, April 18; one day and eight different activities to try.

Find out more and book www.ackers-adventure.co.uk

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Easter camps 2015

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The ultimate Easter fun

Make a splash in an indoor heated swimming pool; dance to your own beat at the dedicated dance studio or show your sporting prowess on the Astroturf pitch. With more than 40 sports and activities from Zorbs and fencing to art and cookery children from 6-14 will have plenty to keep them amused this Easter at the Ultimate Activity Camp run in Edgbaston. It is held at the King Edward High School for Girls and is open to all children. Activities run from 9.30am-4.30pm with drop off at 8.30am and pick up at 5.15pm for working parents. To find out more and to book, log on to www.ultimateactivity.co.uk

Club Futsal UK 5-a-side football training for children, teens and adults Fun, fast-paced & for all abilities Solihull - Thurday Birmingham - Weds & Fridays Make friends, learn new skills & get fit - Join us now For details: call 07745 565 745 www.clubfutsaluk.co.uk

Football – Club Futsal UK

Club Futsal run fun holiday football skills camps for boys and girls. Futsal is a fast-paced indoor football game mainly played indoors which improves fitness, agility and ball skills. Find out more about Easter camps at www.clubfutsaluk.co.uk

Easter sorted with a flexi pass

If you are not sure what your plans are for Easter but know you will need some childcare, look into a flexi pass with Aspire Active Camps who run camps in Solihull (Tudor Grange Academy) and in Sutton Coldfield (Bishop Vessey).

You can get great deals if you book a five day flexi pass in advance and then firm up the days you need closer to Easter or Summer. Aspire also offers a great range of activities from Multisports to Dance Beats, GymBeats, and Rugby – often at the same venue, so children can opt to do a week of their favourite camp, or mix and match. Aspire Active camps cater for ages 4-14 and they offer early drop off and pick up.

Depending on where you work, you might also find it useful to know that Aspire run camps at venues in Tamworth, Bromsgrove, Coventry, Hagley, Leamington and Lichfield too.

Find out more and book on www.aspire-sports.co.uk Issue 26

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Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

This baby’s back in town

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hether you are a first time mum-to-be or have a toddler in tow and are expecting your second little bundle of joy, the Baby Show can give you everything you need for your bump, baby and you .... all under one roof. As a pregnant mum, or a busy mum, that is one very BIG bonus.

So get ready. The Baby Show is heading back to Birmingham NEC between May 15 and 17, and Families magazine can offer you a second great reason to go - a whopping 40 per cent discount on tickets to the show booked in advance.

The Baby Show is geared up for families whether you are looking to stock your nursery, buy the baby essentials, or find the cutest clothes or soft toys for your new arrival. There are great savings to be made on the stands as exhibitors offer hefty discounts for Baby Show customers, but the show is so much more than a just shopping expedition.

Throughout the day there are talks by experts on everything from baby nutrition (with nutrition expert Annabel Karmel), breast feeding experts and baby sleep specialists. You will also be able to talk to midwives, find out about first aid for babies, and see what baby classes and toddler classes are available locally.

If you are gearing up for a shopping blitz and efficiently ticking items off your must-buy list, you will be delighted to hear there is a shop and drop and collect by car service so you don’t have to carry anything around. If, on the other hand, you are just going along for more of a browsing session with friends or family, you’ll find plenty of places to relax, sit back and watch the world go by. Either way, it will be a wonderful day out. And of course, being family friendly there is a fun crèche and activities for any little ones you bring along.

Families offer: Buy tickets in advance from £11.95 (on the door admission £20) by booking online www.thebabyshow.co.uk or phoning 0871 231 0844 and quoting the code LIFE.

Guess How Much I love You “We all love this book. I certainly read ‘To the Moon and Back’ a thousand times to my children,” says mum Tatti de Jersey. And so did I. In fact when my daughter – now 12 – spotted the twentieth anniversary review copy I had been sent she made me read it to her again for old time’s sake. When I had done she smiled and said: “It gives you a lovely, warm feeling inside.”

To enter the competition just log on to www.familiesbirmingham. co.uk/win before March 31 and answer this simple question: Who wrote Guess How Much I love You? a) Sam McBratney b) Harper Lee c) Emma Thompson

That really sums it up, and it is just the way you want your little one to end the day after a bedtime story – with a lovely, warm feeling inside as they slide towards sleep, knowing how much they are loved.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary, we have five copies to give away of Guess How Much I love You – the endearing story of Little Nut Brown Hare and Big Nut Brown Hare written by Sam McBratney and beautifully illustrated by Anita Jerman.

If this isn’t already on your bookshelves – or even if it is and you would like a brand new twentieth anniversary edition – enter our competition for your chance to win. I can guarantee you this book will become a firm family favourite.

Watch out too for a range of Little Nut Brown Hare clothing, soft toys and jewellery which are being launched in the anniversary year.

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Issue 26

Five copies to give away

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The race for a place

I

t’s school admissions time again and Anita Chopra of Match Solicitors is here to explain how parents can improve their chances of winning the “race for a place”.

For every parent with a child waiting to start primary or secondary school, this is a stressful time of year. You got the application in on time and endured the anxious wait, tormented by thoughts of league tables, special measures, and a life of success or failure mapped out by the decision of one faceless official.

This year those worries were compounded by the news that over the next five years demand for all school places will outstrip supply.

An extra million children will be chasing those precious best school spots by 2020.

Fortunately there’s more you can do if your offer letter isn’t the winning ticket to the postcode lottery for your child’s education.

There is always an appeals process. Unlike the lottery, doing your homework and preparing good arguments increase your chance of a prize. So here are some tips to help you get ready for the last stage of the all-important “race for a place.”

Accept the place you have been offered. It won’t prejudice your appeal and your second choice will always be better than no choice at all.

Put your child’s name on the waiting list of your first choice school. They may have dropouts.

Prepare your battle plan now.

Get your appeal form sent in on time.

Request an appeal form on the day you get your decision letter or a soon as you can.

Prepare for the appeal, stress your strongest arguments and cut out all extraneous information and emotion.

Remember you can get professional help from a specialist solicitor Before filling out the form list why your child meets the in completing forms and preparing for an appeal. If you need any admission criteria for the school. If the school claims to have further information see our website (www.matchsolicitors.com) or expertise in dealing with dyslexia and your child has problems email us at Anita.chopra@matchsolicitors.com with reading and writing, use that.

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www.matchsolicitors.com Issue 26

13

Parenting

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

Make the most of your parent teacher meeting

W

hen you head off to your parent teacher meeting it is easy to feel as if you are part of a production line.

There is a conveyor belt of parents all waiting to be seen, talked to, and dispatched efficiently within the allotted 10 minute time-slot. It can all feel impersonal and rather perfunctory.

Some parents dread any meeting with a child’s teacher, particularly if their own experience of school was negative. However confident they are in a work environment, on entering a school building they revert to feeling like a child who has broken school rules and is about to face the music.

For some teachers facing parents can feel just as much of an ordeal – and they are almost certainly drained at the end of an evening.

Two way exchange

Yes, there are horror stories. I know of one Headteacher so obsessed with timekeeping that all teachers had an egg timer on their desks, and he patrolled the hall, keeping a beady eye on any parent who seemed to be going over time. At the same school the tables in the hall were set so close together you could overhear what teachers were saying to other parents. Not really a conducive atmosphere for a private discussion about your child, but great for timekeeping!

However, the vast majority of schools see you as a partner in helping your child to learn and most teachers really do care about

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Issue 26

your child’s progress. So how can you make the most of a brief meeting and come away feeling as if it has all been worthwhile?

Remember that this meeting is a two way exchange of information.

Start off by involving your child and asking them about their schoolwork – what they are finding easy, and what they are struggling with. Ask them if there is anything they would like you to raise with the teacher. It’s possible their answers will help focus your mind before a meeting.

When there are issues at home – a family bereavement, divorce or any problems that could be affecting your child emotionally, it is important to let the teacher know. It can help them to understand your child’s behaviour or a sudden change in attitude to work.

If you feel there is a problem with your child’s lack of progress think about how you are going to frame this so it doesn’t come across in a way which puts a teacher on the defensive. Acknowledge there is an issue and ask for advice on how you can help your child at home. Most teachers will respond positively and will suggest ways of reinforcing classroom work at home. They might send home additional practice sheets, or suggest good websites for some follow up work.

On the other hand if all is plain sailing and your child is doing well, you can ask the teacher about their new targets in maths or English, so that you know where they are aiming to be and can help them get there.

Depending on your child, you will almost certainly have particular questions you want to ask, but some sample questions can help your thought process:

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

Parenting

Is my child working to the best of his/her ability?

What are they good at and most enjoy?

Are there any areas they find difficult?

What are their targets in reading, writing and maths?

Can they concentrate and focus on their work?

Are they good at organising themselves?

Do they participate well in class?

How do they relate to others?

Does the teacher have any particular concerns?

Is there anything I can do at home to help?

Feedback

There is no problem with taking notes as you go along, and if there is anything you need to follow up, check with the teacher about how you should do that. If you need to, you can ask for an extended meeting outside the usual cycle of parent teacher meetings.

Inevitably when you go home your child will be curious about what their teacher has said. Give them all the positive feedback you have had from the teacher – they will love to hear it. If there are some ‘could-do-betters’ to report, remain calm. Be positive and show your child you believe they are capable of achieving the target set, and work out a plan together for achieving it.

Whatever level your child is working at, be open and enthusiastic about the goals set for them and talk about how you can help your child achieve them.

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9 George, Road, Edgbaston B15 1NP Call 0121 454 2858 Issue 26

15

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

More children in private schools

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hildren are returning to private schools at the fastest rate since the financial crisis with a bounce in pupil admissions as the economy emerges from the doldrums. As parental purse strings loosen they are once again prioritising spending on education with research from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers reporting an increase in pupil numbers in almost half the independent schools surveyed – the most buoyant figures since 2008.

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The state system can be excellent, but it can also be a postcode lottery, so parents who can afford the fees often see an independent school as a good investment in ensuring their child has the best possible educational start. Some parents educate their children privately in the primary sector with the aim of transferring to a grammar school at 11 (independent school pupils have a good track record of winning places as they prepare children for 11plus as well as independent entrance school exams). Other pupils will transfer from the state primary to the independent sector at secondary level because their parents believe it offers more than the local comprehensive.

Time and time again research has shown that independent school pupils have an edge: last year they scored a record 19.2 per cent A* grades at A-levels compared to 7.9 per cent A* grades for state school pupils; they are five times as likely to go to Oxford or Cambridge and two thirds of their pupils go on to Russell Group universities compared to less than a quarter of state school pupils.

That advantage continues post university too. For example, the latest research by the Sunday Times and Debretts shows that state pupils lose out in the power stakes: only one third of the most influential people in Britain went to a comprehensive, while more than two fifths of the most powerful people in society were privately educated.

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& E V D B U F & O S J D I & O H B H F "DBEFNJD .VTJD 4QPSU "SU 4DIPMBSTIJQT .FBOT UFTUFE CVSTBSJFT B E N J T T J P O T ! F E H C B T U P O I J H I D P V L X X X F E H C B T U P O I J H I D P V L

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Issue 26

Despite the impressive academic results, independent schools are not just exam factories. They offer a rounded education with great opportunities for extra-curricular clubs and sports, and, because of small class sizes, they offer a more personal touch which helps to develop the self confidence needed to carry you far in life. It is little wonder that, whatever their convictions, parents who can afford it will put their hand in their pocket when choosing a school for their children.

Outstanding – Kingswood School, Shirley Most schools promise to develop every child to their full potential. Kingswood School, judged outstanding in every way by Ofsted, lives up to its promise.

At just 90 pupils it is a small Independent Preparatory School with a very big heart where each pupil really is seen as an individual, and that is reflected in its results.

What is perhaps most impressive is that Ofsted (2014) says pupils make outstanding progress at all levels of ability. It found that: “The most able pupils achieve outstandingly well because of the personalised care given to them in this small school.” And it also reports: “Pupils who have special educational needs gain in confidence and go on to achieve outstandingly well. This is because the school very successfully removes any difficulties which could hinder their learning.”

According to the Inspectors, “Teaching is outstanding across the school and much is inspirational”; pupil behaviour is excellent; and the Head Teacher and school leaders are extremely effective in creating an environment to promote each child’s learning. For example, Inspectors say training given to teachers in how pupils with dyspraxia and autistic spectrum disorders process information has contributed significantly to such pupils making outstanding progress.

You can’t fail to be captivated!

• Small Class sizes • A friendly caring environment • Children reach their full potential • Outstanding Ofsted since 2007

OPEN MORNING Tuesday 21st April 9am - 12noon

Kingswood School St James Place, Shirley, Solihull B90 2BA

0121 744 7883

www.kingswoodschool.co.uk

The school is situated in a quiet, secluded setting in Shirley and caters for children aged between 3 and 11 years. Class sizes are small (maximum 18) enabling teachers and support staff to see all children as individuals. There is a rich “family” atmosphere in which children of all ages know all other children in the school. Older children play with younger children at playtime in just the same way as they would at home and everyone looks out for everyone else.

The small, family-type atmosphere encourages all children to become properly self-confident and enables every child to achieve his or her true potential. This is borne out by the School’s enviable reputation for its Year 6 leavers gaining places in local grammar schools and independent schools.

There is a pleasant atmosphere of calm in the school which is very evident to visitors as they arrive and, if you look into any classroom during the working day, you will be met by happy, smiling faces of children who are fully engaged in their studies.

But don’t take our word for it. Telephone the School Secretary (Mrs Lilley) right now. The Headmaster (Mr Luckham) will be very happy to show you around and talk about your child’s specific needs and how the school can cater for those. But, most of all, soak up the Kingswood “spirit”.

You can’t fail to be captivated!

Issue 26

17

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Tiny Engineers Is your pre-schooler a tiny engineer? Take them along to the new pre-schooler Create Build Learn workshops where they can have fun with lego and duplo.

The creative construction workshops are offered by qualified primary teacher Collette Brown who set up the award-winning Create Build Learn business in Solihull offering fun lego parties.

Now she is offering weekly lego and duplo activity sessions on Wednesday mornings for children aged 2.5 to 4 years old at the British Legion, Parkgate, Shirley. The session costs £5 and starts at 9.30am.

Collette says: “Tiny Engineers is a fun-packed workshop for little people with big ideas and is designed to encourage children and their parents / carers to work and play together producing exciting creations.

“Every week will have different themes which have all been specifically chosen with the Early Years Curriculum goals in mind.”

To find out more and book a place call Collette on 07758 752333 or e-mail: collette@create-build-learn.co.uk

Wicked Young Writers’ Award!

Get scribbling now for your chance to enter the Wicked Young Writers’ Award. The competition is judged by a panel including Cressida Cowell, the hugely popular author of the How to Train Your Dragon series.

The competition recognises excellence in writing, while encouraging creativity and developing writing talent in young people aged 5-25.

CLUBS & CLASSES DIRECTORY ART

DANCE & DRAMA

Solihull Young Dancers

Solihull

Ballet, Tap & Modern Dancing Classes from age 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 07722 732678

The world’s largest art programme, here, in Solihull.

Fine Art classes for children, teens and adults Call 07414 630 681 | www.artscool-knowle.com

DANCE & DRAMA

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

Irish dancing classes for boys and girls aged 4 to adult Classes held in Selly Oak, Kings Norton and Redditch Call Louise on 07790 876 345 for information

www.granarince.co.uk

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 4+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

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

Dance/Drama/Singing/Gymnastics Exams, Shows & Competitions North Solihull. 0121-242-3904

Issue 26

www.wickedyoungwriters.com

www.spotlightstageschool.co.uk

XCEL SHOWBIZ

A fun school teaching the stars of the future Dance, Singing & Acting, held on Sundays in Solihull for boys/girls 6+ Call Kim on 07930 300330 www.xcelshowbiz.co.uk

Drama classes in Birmingham

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

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0758 352 6056 18

If you are aged 8-11 and love to write, you can join a young writers’ group meeting in Central Birmingham or in Bartley Green.

The Birmingham group meets once a month on a Saturday morning at the Learning Zone of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Bartley Green group meet once a month at Newman University. To find out more about either group log on to: www.writingwestmidlands.org/youngwriters-schools/write-on-youngwriters-groups/ The deadline for entry for the Wicked Young Writer’s Award is April 18, 2015.

SPOTLIGHT STAGE SCHOOL

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

Join a Young Writers’ Group

Development through Drama for ages 5-100 in: Bournville, Kings Heath, Bearwood, Halesowen, Wordsley, Oldbury.

Please contact Jane Evans on 01384 830059 wmidlands@helenogrady.co.uk www.helenogrady.co.uk

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Join the Seal Team and learn to scuba dive The Seal Team run by Aquasports in Solihull is for children aged 10 and over who want to learn to scuba dive.

Aquasports have their own pool at Lincoln Road, in Olton, Solihull where they offer the Discover Scuba Diving course in which older kids have the chance to do some cool underwater stuff like diving with flashlights, taking digital photographs underwater or floating effortlessly like an astronaut.

These are AquaMissions that introduce children to wreck navigation, buoyancy, underwater photography, environmental awareness programmes and more.

For younger children aged 8 and 9, Aquasports offers snorkelling sessions and Bubblemaker which allows children to experience the thrill of scuba diving under the supervision of a fully qualified instructor in the safety of an indoor training pool. During the session children have fun practising the basic concepts of scuba diving, and there is no doubt about it, if they are underwater in scuba gear, they are diving and are loving it!

Discover Scuba sessions are run on Wednesday at 6.30pm and on weekends.

Aquasport are offering Families readers – children over 10 or adults - a trial session for £10, a £15 discount on the usual price of £25. Call Rob on 0121 706 6628 to arrange. www.aquasportonline.com

Keep Dancing for Acorns From ballet to Bollywood, cheerleading to disco, jazz to street... whatever style of dance you prefer, consider supporting a new charity fundraising event for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

A Keep Dancing for Acorns fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 28, at the Great Hall, University of Birmingham at 7pm. The charity performance will showcase many different dancing styles. Acorns supports children with life limiting illnesses and their families, including those who are bereaved, and it needs to raise £8 million in voluntary donations each year to continue their work. To find out more and sign up to help call Acorns events on 01564 825 037

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

The largest Bollywood Academy in the West Midlands

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Classes in the following areas: Solihull, Kings Heath, Hall Green, Great Barr, Moseley, Sutton Coldfield & Wolverhampton.

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*New members only

Issue 26

19

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Mr Daddy Day Care – what’s it

J

ohn Adams is a stay at home dad and dad blogger. He is married with two young daughters. He’s also just written his first book ‘A modern father (…and dad blogger)’.

Here he tells Families magazine what it’s like to be Mr Daddy Day Care.

I’m often asked what it’s like to be a stay at home dad. I like to think a mum would answer in exactly the same way. My life is busy and demanding. It is also incredibly rewarding as I watch my children grow and develop knowing I’ve helped them along the way.

I have two daughters. Helen is six and Elizabeth is two. Of course having daughters presents me with a few additional challenges as I have had to get used to dealing with girls’ haircare and, certainly with my eldest, had to talk about issues such as menstruation.

I may not be best qualified to deal with such things, but as a stay at home dad, I just have to get on and do it!

If I were to be totally honest, one of the biggest issues I have to deal with is isolation. Support networks and social networks for people with children, especially young children, are almost exclusively set up for mums.

For me personally, it’s possibly not the biggest issue.

I’m reasonably confident and sociable and I have many friends who are mums and many who are dads. As a dad in my position, however, I think it definitely takes that bit longer until women feel comfortable and happy to approach and speak to you socially. I certainly know of other stay at home dads who have struggled with this.

In the past I have had some perplexing experiences.

I once took Elizabeth to have some inoculations and the nurse started physically looking round the

room before asking where my wife was. It was an odd question; is a man not capable of booking and accompanying his child to an appointment at the doctor’s surgery?

When it came to registering Elizabeth’s birth, my wife stayed at home and I took our new-born with me to the registrar’s office.

I appreciate the registrar probably meant this as a backhanded compliment, but she told me I was “brave” for going out on my own with my daughter. To her it may have been a compliment, to me it was actually quite offensive. It basically suggested I didn’t have the knowledge to look after her.

Having had a few similar experiences I learned a trick. Whenever I meet a healthcare, education or childcare professional, I tell them within the first few seconds that I am the one who looks after the kids and that my wife works full time. When I do this, it tends to get any awkwardness out of the way and I find I am treated appropriately. It’s when I don’t do this, I find things can go wrong and I get accused of “babysitting” my own kids (a comment I hear from time to time).

I became a stay at home dad in 2011. It happened for purely practical reasons. We’d had Helen in nursery full time for a short while and we no longer felt this was appropriate. I wasn’t particularly happy in my job and my wife had the better career prospects. It made sense for me to leave the rat race and stay at home and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.

At the time we only had the one daughter. Needless to say we’ve had one more since then!

I started a blog about my experiences in late 2012 called http://dadbloguk.com. At first it was simply a hobby. Over time, and to my great surprise, more and more people started reading and commenting on the blog and so it has become a cottage industry I fit around my family and I eventually decided to write a book.

Picture by models

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Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

like being a stay at home dad?

It’s called ‘A modern father (…and dad blogger)’. At 60 pages long it’s a very easy read and it’s been written in a style that you can dip in and dip out of as you please. It focuses on my experiences

as a stay at home parent but I couldn’t resist writing just a little bit about being a dad blogger. It’s available from Amazon in both paperback (£2.75) and Kindle formats (99p).

O stan fsted Nor ding 2 thfi eld 012

Out

“I do the overwhelming majority of housework.

Cooking is probably 50/50. My wife works very long hours so I have to be hands on with housework.”

“My wife does sometimes wish she were around more, but she will freely admit she is happy to let me run the household as she thinks I am better at it (...yes really).

“The best thing about being a stay at home dad is knowing that you play a major role influencing, shaping and developing your children. I am honoured to have such a major part to play and it’s something many men miss out on.

The worst bits: one is the isolation, the other is the latent, casual sexism I sometimes face simply because people expect my wife to be the one who is hands on with the kids.”

John Adams

Day Nursery Schools Quality Pre-School Education and Care • Ages 3 months to 5 years • Small group sizes • Open 7.30am to 6.00pm • Mature qualified staff • Home cooked meals • Ofsted approved 106 Wake Green Road Moseley, B13 9PZ. Tel: 0121-449-3673

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

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Other sites

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

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Issue 26

21

Health

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

How healthy is your child’s breakfast?

T

hey say breakfast is the most vital meal; it can supercharge your day, boost metabolism and keep cravings at bay.

But it’s a long time since porridge and boiled eggs were staples on the breakfast table, so what’s really in your child’s ‘healthy’ breakfast?

MyVoucherCodes.co.uk recently asked this question and their findings might startle you: A couple of slices of toast with nutella? Have that every day for a week and it is has the same fat content as you would find in 7 McDonald’s cheeseburgers.

Orange juice – surely that’s healthy? One serving of Orange Juice a day over a week has the same sugar content as 5 cans of coke.

A banana and strawberry fruit smoothie – one a day over the course of the week contains as much sugar as you’d find in 36 Tesco jam doughnuts.

As for breakfast cereals – many of them are still stuffed with sugar, despite the lobby to reduce hidden sugar content. A new survey by Action on Sugar has found that certain cereal products now contain even more sugar than they did 3 years ago. It concluded that Aldi’s Harvest Morn Choco Rice has increased its sugar content by a whopping 18 per cent. A 30g bowl of the cereal contains almost 3 teaspoons of sugar – the equivalent of 7 and a half Cadbury Fingers. The survey also found that both Sainsbury’s and Morrison’s Honey and Nut cornflakes had increased their sugar levels by 8 per cent.

Graham McGregor, Professor of Cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London, says: “Children quickly become used to the taste of high-sugar cereals and find healthy ones less palatable, which has long term implications for their health. Eating too much sugar leads to weight gain, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

“One of the greatest failures in tackling Britain’s obesity epidemic is the government’s appeasement of the food industry; we cannot allow this to go on any longer. The so called ‘Responsibility Deal’ which allows the food industry to regulate themselves (likened to Dracula being put in charge of the blood bank) has clearly failed, and it’s time for it to be scrapped.”

Kawther Hashem, Nutritionist at Action on Sugar, adds: “You wouldn’t give your child chocolate biscuits for breakfast, yet certain manufacturers are effectively doing that for us.”

So what can you, the parent, do? For starters, don’t give in to pester power to buy chocolate, honey and sugar-laden cereals and spreads. If manufacturers won’t listen to calls to lower sugar, we need to leave their products on the shelf.

There are healthier cereals around with high fibre, low sugar and low salt: for example Shredded Wheat original, Quackers Oats So Simple original and Weetabix. Fruit is healthy but serve it whole because much of the fibre, nutrients and goodness can be lost when it is squeezed to juice so all you get is the sugar while missing out on most of the benefits.

Porridge, protein-rich eggs, and whole grains bread can also offer healthier breakfast options.

How much sleep do children need?

Too many children and teens are getting much less sleep than they need and a lot less sleep than children in previous generations. Studies have shown that up to two thirds of children do not get the right amount of sleep every night and they have missed out on as much as 4,500 hours of shut eye by their seventh birthday.

With smart phones, electronic gadgets and the lure of social media many older children and teens stay awake long past the witching hour. So how much sleep do children really need and what’s the problem with not getting it?

Latest research recommends toddlers should have 11-14 hours sleep; ages 3-5 between 10 and 13 hours sleep; 6-13 year olds between 9 and 11 hours and teens 8-10 hours sleep.

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Issue 26

The bad news for those who fail to get their beauty sleep is that it increases your chances of weight gain and also makes you more prone to pimples and acne. Not to mention the fact that sleep deprivation makes it more difficult to concentrate in school, can lead to problems with friends, and can contribute to a host of other health problems. Time for an early night.

Family Life

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

When being a quitter is a positive choice

G

iving up work is not something which should ever be done lightly. But, then again, neither is staying in a job you hate because you are too afraid to quit. If you find yourself in escape mode and know you want to make a bid for freedom don’t just bolt; slow down long enough to hatch a plan.

First work out what is making you unhappy and what you would like to change. Are you bored in your current role and want promotion with more responsibility? Or do want a complete change of lifestyle and the freedom to work part time and be at home for your children? When you sit down to work out what’s wrong, you need to be honest with yourself and realistic.

Don’t get on with your boss? Hate the commute? Want freedom from 9 to 5? There are solutions to all of the above but they will probably involve change –so YOU need to be prepared to take action to get yourself out of this rut.

If the real reason you are unhappy is that you want promotion you should speak to your boss about the opportunities that might be available within the company (at least they will be aware of your ambitions), while actively searching for suitable positions coming up elsewhere. If you need more qualifications to move up a rung on the career ladder, start thinking about getting those via evening courses or Open University, so you will be well placed when an opening does arise. Some employers will even sponsor staff to take relevant training which will benefit their business and retain good staff. You won’t know until you ask. Continued on next page....

Freedom, Flexibility & Family - the ultimate work life balance FACT: More women than ever are opting to start their own business!

Missing out on your children Dream of having greater flexibility

Imagine being able to fit work around the needs of your family, without the need for expensive childcare costs. Imagine being able to work part-time, flexible hours to achieve a full-time income whilst being your own boss, so that family commitments can take priority.

Starting to feel trapped or unfulfilled in your once-beloved career

My name is Jeanette Farrar & when I joined Visalus just short of two years ago I knew very little about running my own successful business. I am a mum of two who was then stressed, fearful, and overwhelmed with juggling family and work and ultimately my health declared it!

On maternity leave after having a baby

I still needed to work and pay the bills, but I needed to do it from the comfort of my own home, a true laptop lifestyle. Now, I have the flexibility, control and balance I wanted and I can enjoy my ideal family lifestyle and motherhood every step of the way.

Wanting to become your own boss so you can be successful without having to compromise on what’s important to you Want to stop the daily grind Make a difference Simply need that bit extra, to afford life’s luxuries Now is the time to change.

Today, I’m passionate about helping driven people to create successful businesses: earning a great living and making a difference.

I am one of the top UK business coaches and lead a strong network of like minded parents, whilst enjoying a lifestyle that I never dreamed possible. My team is rapidly expanding across the UK & Europe and I am currently recruiting like-minded people to join in the success.

Get in contact to hear my story and to find out how I can help you cherish every opportunity in business and parenthood while having the work/life balance you want.

For more information contact me on: 0115 9394123/07809 557392 Also find me on facebook: jeanette.farrar@facebook.com Issue 26

23

Family Life

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

When being a quitter is a posit Part time

If you like your job but want more time at home with the children and can afford to sacrifice some salary, you could ask to work part time or to do a job share. That could give you the best of both worlds.

Home working and self employment

For some mums a job change can be about a lifestyle choice; they want more time, less stress and the freedom to do the school run and take the children to after school clubs.

Not many salaried jobs cater for home working or school hours, but you can have the autonomy you long for if you are prepared to set up on your own.

When you think about it, many of the skills you have in your work role – or in your previous work role if you have been a stay at home mum – will be transferable. There are lots of business opportunities if you have the courage to look for them. When setting up on your own seems a step too far, you could look at buying a franchise or an already established business with a track record of success.

Running your own business can give you great freedom – and a better work life balance. The freedom and sense of ownership means many who opt for self employment would never go back to nine to five again. Some businesses need very little start up investment; or buying an established business can reduce risk. But, either way, if you are considering running your own business you do need to be self motivated – because when you are working for yourself, your future really is in YOUR hands.

ti Families I could do there to h Best po business, b Do

t

are yo about, b

Top ten reasons people quit their jobs:

Best points: “T versa. Knowin Downside: “ Every day th

Don’t get on with their boss Bored at work Want more autonomy Management reorganisation Worried about company survival Feel their skills are under utilised Don’t get on with their co-workers Aggrieved at extra workload following redundancies Relocation with spouse’s job Want to stay at home with children

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Issue 26

Anna Ne runs Fr

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

tive choice - Continued

“I loved the job I was doing but the long commute meant I was constantly ired and my daughter was losing out. Setting up s Birmingham magazine and working from home meant the school run, never miss a concert or sports day, and be help with homework and take her to after school classes. oints: “The autonomy; what can beat running your own being in the driving seat and seeing the business succeed?” ownside: “Those moments of self doubt when you wish you had a sat nav to rely on.”

Family Life Work with NCS The Challenge this summer

Youth Mentors and Leaders Salary – Up to £1,540 per 3 week programme Location: West Midlands Length of role: short term, flexible contracts from 3 days up to 14 weeks between June and September

Paid positions available for people at every level of experience including 18+ college students & graduates wanting to work with young people through to experienced Project Managers.

The Challenge is a fast-growing social enterprise programme that brings together young people from different backgrounds, builds their confidence, and challenges them to make a difference in their local community. A single programme lasts three weeks and includes outdoor activities, skill development and community service.

Applications Now Open To apply online simply visit www.ncsthechallenge.org/jobs

Wendy Flynn, Families Birmingham

“I don’t have any regrets at all about setting up my own business. My work life balance is 200 times better than it was before and my family benefits all round.

I spend more time with my daughters; I have had time to invest in valuable friendships and learnt a whole new skill base. I don’t think I work significantly less than I did before but I have much greater control over when I work.

Best points: “The flexibility, feeling of achievement and warm glow when a lady loves and feels gorgeous in one of our dresses!”

Downside: “Isolation, having to make all the decisions on your own and the huge learning curve of going into a sector that I had no experience in. That did terrify me at times!”

Families magazine business for sale An established Families magazine business is for sale.

If you would like to buy a thriving, established business and run it from home this could be for you.

Work full time or part time; decide your own hours; be your own boss and set your own targets.

Most importantly, you can also be there for your children.

Investment is needed to purchase the business.

For further details e-mail: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk or call: 0758 352 6056 for more information.

Amanda Rees, former solicitor, who set up her own business Bumpalicious Maternity providing stylish maternity wear www.bumpalciousmaternity.co.uk

“It is a very satisfying experience to run your own business because not only ou doing something you love and are passionate but you also determine your own path and build your own future.

The flexibility to fit your work around life rather than vice ng that all your hard work is for yourself and your family.”

“The unpredictability of what is around the next corner. hrows up a challenge or two – but at least it keeps you on your toes and it is never boring!”

eville, linguist and former advertising executive, who renchtastic and Spanishtastic franchise. To enquire about joining the franchise, contact Anna on info@frenchtastic.co.uk

“I really love the flexibility of running my own business.

Best points: “Working hard to line your own pockets instead of someone else’s.”

Downside: “I can honestly say I can’t think of one.”

Carolyn Rose, Forever Health and Beauty products.

To find out about joining Carolyn’s Forever sales team contact her on 07789 916278 or e-mail carolynrose121@gmail.com

1,500

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

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

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

Contact Carolyn for a FREE information pack on

07789 916278 or email: carolynrose121@gmail.com Issue 26

25

Easter Activities

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

What’s on for Easter: Have a cracking family day out Easter Egg Hunt & Laser Tag at Hatton Adventure World, Warwickshire

Easter bunny hunt; an Easter Garden where children can search for eggs in exchange for chocolate; and visiting the newly hatched chicks and new-born lambs. Also, a BRAND NEW feature at Hatton Adventure World - the Laser Combat zone. Over 8’s can enjoy this exciting outdoor activity as well as all the usual Easter fun for the whole family.

You can also see the chicks and new born lambs, visit Guinea pig village, enjoy funfair rides, family theatre and adventure play.

Venue: Hatton Adventure World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA Date: March 28-April 12 Time: 10am-5.30pm Book online in advance for best discounts. www.hattonworld.com

Easter Bonnets, Family Fun and Gardeners’ Corner

Family fun at Birmingham Botanical Gardens – Easter trails, arts and crafts, Easter bonnets. More details to be announced. Full details online. There will also be a Gardeners’ Corner for keen gardeners to pick up some gardening tips.

Date: April 6-10 Time: 11am-3pm (Gardeners’ Corner from 12-3.30pm) http://www.birminghambotanicalgardens. org.uk/events/childrens-easter-fun/

National Trust members or £11.10 adult; child under 5 £5.50 and family £27.50.

Easter Arts and Craft and Dance Workshop

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Date: Thursday, April 2 Time: Art and Craft 10.30-12.30pm; Dance 1.30-2pm

Easter Treasure Hunt

A special Easter treasure hunt through Birmingham on the Big Brum open topped Bus taking in the Jewellery Quarter, the Golden Mile with the Golden Boys, leafy Edgbaston picking up the Tolkien trail and the East Side Extravaganza. Prize for the winner of the treasure hunt quiz. Recommended for ages 8 plus.

Date: Sunday 5th April 2015 Time: 2.30pm Meeting point: End of Colmore Row/ Waterloo Street, Victoria Square, next to the Council House.

Length of tour: the tour lasts approximately one and a half hours finishing back at Victoria Square.

Cost: £12.00 per person – tickets must be booked in advance through Birmingham Tours on 0121 427 2555/078051 15998 or email enquiries@birmingham-tours.co.uk

Easter Egg Trail, Sutton Coldfield

Take part in a self-led Easter Trail around Sutton Park aimed at families with younger children.

Venue: Sutton Park, Park Road, B74 2YT Date: Sat March 28 to Sun April 5 Time: 10am-5pm

Easter Egg Hunt, Packwood House, near Solihull, Warwickshire

Packwood is full of surprising hiding places; behind the giant yew trees, in the InsideOut house or the Pottering Shed.

Seek out all the clues hiding around the grounds in the Packwood Easter egg hunt. Complete the trail and collect your prize of a Cadbury chocolate Egghead.

Venue: Packwood House, Lapworth, B94 6AT Date: April 3-6 Good Friday to Easter Monday Time: 11am-4pm Cost: Egg Hunt £3pp. Entry Free to

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The Great Easter bunny hunt at Blists Hill Victorian Town

Join in the hunt for ‘bunnies’ hiding in the Town’s woods at Blists Hill Victorian Village. Follow the trail sheets’ clues to help you find the bunnies and win a small prize. Other activities include Egg Dancing, which will take place twice a day opposite the Print Shop. Once blindfolded, the townsfolk will dance across the street without stepping on eggs that are carefully placed along their route. After the demonstration, everyone can have-a-go with mini Easter Eggs as rewards for completing the course without stepping on an egg!

From Friday, 3rd April to Monday, 6th April visitors are invited to come wearing their best Easter Bonnet, as the Town’s Milliner will be judging the finest creations at 2pm in the Pleasure Gardens; there will be prizes for the best entries and everyone taking part receives a small Easter egg.

Venue: Blists Hill, near Telford, TF7 5UD Date: 28th March – 12th April Tickets: Adult £16.50 and child £11.

Easter Egg Hunt Baddesley Clinton, near Solihull, Warwickshire

Families love to explore Baddesley Clinton’s atmospheric moated manor house to discover the lives of its residents and uncover secrets such as the priest holes. The garden also holds plenty of surprises, including a bird screen where you can look out for nesting birds and new born chicks, and the playful journeys natural play trail.

During Easter weekend, families will also enjoy eggsploring the grounds to look for clues, with a tasty Cadbury chocolate Egghead as a prize.

Venue: Baddesly Clinton, Rising Lane, Baddesley, B93 0DQ Date: April 3-6 Good Friday to Easter Monday Time: 11am-4pm Tickets: £3 per trail. Usual admission to House and Gardens.

Free to National Trust members; or adult £11.10; child under five £5.50 and family £27.50.

Easter Egg Trail for Young Eggsplorers, Birmingham

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. The Back to Backs is a carefully restored, atmospheric 19th-century courtyard of working people’s houses offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the ordinary people who helped make Birmingham an extraordinary city.

Venue: Back to Backs, 53 Hurst Street/50 Inge Street, B5 4TE Date: April 3-6 (Good Friday to Easter Monday) Time: 10.15am-3pm Tickets: £2.50 per trail. Entry to House free to National Trust members. Non members: Adults £8.55; child £4.95 and family £18.10.

Egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt

Hop on over to the Black Country Living Museum where a cracking programme of Easter fun is ready and waiting. Take part in an “eggciting” Easter egg hunt, strut your stuff in the Easter bonnet parade, get crafty with some egg painting activities, test your Easter knowledge and win a prize in a quiz or get hands-on in an ‘egg rolling’ competition. Discover the delights of playtime in the last century, banish boredom with traditional street games including hopscotch and skipping. Take up the challenge to see how long you can keep the hoop rolling in the hoop and stick game and test your skill with a cup and ball and the whip and top.

Venue: Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley Date: March 28-April 12 Tickets: Adult £16.50; child £8.25

Easter Eggstravaganza

An Easter weekend of chocolately fun for

all the family at Cadbury World Venue: Cadbury World, Linden Road, Birmingham Date: April 3-6

Easter Egg Hunt – Kinver Rock Houses. Staffordshire

Explore the homes that people carved out of the rock face at Kinver, inhabited right up until the 1960s. Pick up a Cadbury Easter Egg Trail and search the gardens and surrounding woodland for the Easter Bunny and claim your Cadbury chocolate Egghead.

Venue: Kinver Rock Houses, Compton Road, Kinver, near Stourbridge DY7 6DR Date: April 3 and 4 (Good Friday and Easter Saturday) Time: 11am-3.30pm Cost: £2.50 per trail. (Entry to Rock Houses £4.20 adult; £2.00 child or £8.40 family.

You can take part in the trail without entry to Rock Houses.

Little Chicks and Eggsplorers, Clent Hills, Worcestershire Go wild on the Easter Egg Trails at the Clent Hills in a fun filled adventure searching for the Easter Bunny, who will be giving out Cadbury Easter Eggheads

Easter Activities

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

A SPECIAL KIND OF ADVENTURE

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Photo courtesy of The National Trust

Easter Castle Egg Hunt, Tamworth, Staffordshire

Ruby the Tamworth Castle dragon has mislaid her eggs. Can you help Ruby find them? See if you can spot all the eggs whilst visiting the Castle. There are plenty of hands-on activities for all ages. Spot all Ruby’s eggs and claim a small prize!

Venue: Tamworth Castle, The Holloway, Ladybank, Staffordshire, B79 87BNA Date: Sat, April 4-Mon, April 6 Time: 11.30am-4.45pm (last admission 4.00pm) Tickets: Adult £7.00; Child 5+ £4.50,

Child 2-4 yrs £1.50, Family Ticket £21.00 (2 Adults, 2 Children)

ĂŶĚ ŽƵƌ ƵƐƵĂů ƵŶĚĞƌĐŽǀĞƌ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ Ͳ ,ĂƩŽŶ͛Ɛ 'ƌĂŶĚ EĂƟŽŶĂů͕ ^ĐĂůĞƐ ĂŶĚ dĂŝůƐ͕ &ĂƌŵLJĂƌĚ &ĂǀŽƵƌŝƚĞƐ and Superslide Mania.

Blenheim Palace Easter Egg Hunt, Oxfordshire

Blenheim Palace Easter Egg Hunt around the Pleasure Gardens, with clues to be solved and prizes to be won! The Pleasure Gardens themselves will be transformed into a traditional Victorian fairground with a Lighthouse Helter Skelter, Victorian carousel, tea cups and Victorian swing boats. Other family activities will include Punch & Judy Shows, Circus Skills Workshops, a bouncy castle, face painting, crafts at our ‘Pottering About’ studio. On Easter Sunday and Easter Monday families will have the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny PLUS Peter Rabbit will be appearing during story time sessions at intervals on each day.

Food, refreshments and Easter treats will be available in the Pleasure Gardens Deli, including cupcake decorating and createyour-own ice cream combo!

Venue: Blenheim Palace, Blenheim, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP Date: Easter Weekend April 3-6

Adult goes FREE* with another 2 Full Paying Visitors

* ǁŚĞŶ ŬŝŶŐ ŽŶůŝŶĞ Ăƚ ŚĂƩŽŶǁŽƌůĚ͘ĐŽŵ ϱ ĚĂLJƐ ŝŶ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞ dĞƌŵƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ĂƉƉůLJ Ͳ ƐĞĞ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ĨŽƌ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ

Super Sleuths

Become a super sleuth at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry.

Investigate new ways of working with art materials, examine clues in archaeological finds, and help to solve a crime that has taken place in one of the galleries in a ‘whodun- it’ spectacular!

Venue: The Herbert, Jordan Well, Coventry Date: April 7-10 and April 13-17 Drop in. Content suitable for 5+ but all are welcome. Individual workshop charges may apply. For full daily details see the website nearer the time.

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at end of the trail. There is a special pushchair-friendly Little Chicks Trail for the Under 5s and a longer, more challenging Eggsplorer Trail for older children. See if you can find the Easter Bunnies in their woodland home.Wear sturdy shoes or boots and warm clothing.

Venue: Clent Hills, Hagley Wood Lane, Clent, B62 0NL Date: 5 and 6 (Easter Sunday and Monday) Time: 11am-4pm Tickets: £3 per child.

NEW Laser Combat NEW Code Cracker Challenge NEW Tractor Safari Ride Zoobee’s Daily Easter Shows Easter Egg Hunts

Issue 26

27

Parenting What’s On Theatre The Pink Panther Series – Screen Juniors

Times: Fri at 2pm and 4.30pm; Sat 11am; Sun 11am and 2pm Tickets: £12.50 and £15

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs is setting sail for an adventure at mac Birmingham following a rollicking award winning run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, London Wonderground and Southbank Centre! When Flinn discovers a pirate hiding in the school supply closet, it’s all aboard, me hearties, for a real live pirate adventure! Age 4 plus Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sun, March 22 Time: 2pm and 4pm Tickets: £13.50 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Re-discover the sleek feline’s misadventures and shenanigans with a collection of Pink Panther shorts. With 8 classic cartoons lasting just 7 minutes each, this is the perfect introduction for any young film fan. Age 5 plus.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sat, March 7 Time: 12pm & 2pm Tickets: £3 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Cirkopolis

Theatres & shows The Addams Family

Knowle Musical Society production of this musical for the whole family. The Addams family live happily among the dead, until their daughter Wednesday falls in love with a live boy. Everything will change on the fateful night Wednesday brings her ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents round for dinner.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road Date: Mon, March 9-Sat, March 14 Time: 7.30pm and Sat matinee at 2.30 Tickets: £10-£16 To Book: 0121 704 6962

X Factor Live

Venue: Genting Arena (Formerly LG Arena) Date: Sat, March 14 Time: 2.30pm and 7.30pm Tickets: £22-£62 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Dinosaur Zoo

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome prehistoric creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before! From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, observe and interact with extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious live show. But watch out - not all of these ravenous reptiles are as tame as they seem!

A tyrannosauric treat for all ages 3 plus Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: Fri, March 13-Sun, March 15

A fusion of circus skills, music and dance, Circque Eloize will transport performancers and spectators between dream and reality in an uninterrupted stream of acrobatics, music images and drawing.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: Wed March 25-Sat, March 28 Times: Eve at 7.30pm; Sat matinee at 2.30pm, Tickets: £12-£30

Singalong Sound of Music

Sing-a-long-A Sound of Music is a screening of the Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full-screen technicolor, with subtitles so that everyone can sing along, a host and free prop bag. The audience is the star of this interactive show – at Sing-along-a, there are no rules!

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Saturday, March 28 Time: 7pm

Hugless Douglas

Hugless Douglas is a huggable, lovable young brown bear who wakes up one morning in need of a hug. He tries to find the perfect one, but none of them seem quite right. After all, there are so many different hugs to choose from. But Douglas soon discovers that there’s only one hug that will do - a big bear hug from his mum! Age 3 plus Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sun, March 29 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £8; family of 4 £28 To Book: 0121 446 3232 diving super heroes and city smashing dinosaurs. But there’s only one memory that takes particular pride of place. It is of the very special gift that his Dad bought him….. For age 5 plus.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Tuesday, March 31 Time: 11am & 2.30pm Tickets: Tickets £7 (Family of 4 - £24

The Incredibles, Screen Juniors A family of undercover superheroes, while trying to live the quiet suburban life, are

Shrek the Musical

CBeebies Live Justin and Friends – Mr Tumble’s Circus

Mr Tumble’s Circus comes to town. Join in the excitement with Mr Tumble - as well as a host of other Tumbles from Something Special with Aunt Polly & Grandad Tumble!

Venue: Genting Arena (formerly LG Arena) Date: Tuesday, April 7 Time: 1.30pm and 4.45pm Tickets: from £19 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Puss in Boots

Based on the movie. West End production.

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome Date: Tues, March 31-Sat, April 11 Time: Eve at 7.30pm (Sun at 5pm);Sat matinee at 2.30pm and Sun at 1pm

Would you trust a talking cat? You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince just like the hero of this story, brought to vivid life by Patrick Lynch from Cbeebies. With smoke and mirrors and hidden trapdoors he’ll show you how this surefooted feline fools both the King and the Ogre to put his master at the top.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Tuesday & Wednesday, April 7 & 8 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £8 and family of 4 £28

Pop Up Flashback

Enter an imaginative world of memories through poetry and incredible pop-up books in this funny and heart-warming adventure of complicated families and growing up. Sebastian’s memories aren’t like everyone else’s. His are wonderful poetic memories from the pages of his colourful pop-up books and the treasure trove of his imagination. He remembers troll kings and mermaid queens, deep sea

Kathak

An afternoon of beautiful Indian classical dance from three highly-talented Kathak performers. Kathak is fundamentally a storytelling form of dance. Urja Desai Thakore, Artistic Director of Pagrav Dance Company, is a graceful and emotive dancer: Kesha Raithatha is an emerging young dancer who gave her first solo Kathak recitals in India in 2014. Birmingham-based Vidya Patel started learning dance from the age of ten with Sonia Sabri and is currently learning under the guidance of Sujata Banerjee, in London. For all ages.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sunday, 15 March Time: 4pm Tickets £10 (£8)

forced into action to save the world.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Saturday, April 4 Time: 12pm and 2pm. Drop in activities from 11am. 12pm showing is a relaxed screening.

Tickets: £3

Disney on Ice – Magcial Ice Festival

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Ice show with Disney characters including Elsa, Anna and Olaf from Frozen Venue: Genting Arena, (formerly LG Arena) Date: April 1-5 Tickets: £19-£46 To Book: 0844 338-8000

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs

When Flinn discovers a pirate hiding in the school supply closet, it’s all aboard, me hearties, for a real live pirate adventure!

Captain Stubble needs Flinn’s help to find his stolen ship, but there are some mean pirate dinosaurs on the loose, and Flinn and his friends soon sail into trouble....

Will fearless Flinn be able to captain the ship and defeat the pirate dinosaurs? Will Pirate Pearl be brave enough to battle the

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Parenting What’s On What’s On Theatre Izzy wizzy, let’s get busy - it’s The Sooty Show!

Sooty, the nation’s favourite bear is joined

by Sweep, Soo and Sooty’s TV partner Richard Cadell - who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief!

Boy, will he have his hands full!

It’s Sooty’s birthday party and things aren’t going to plan.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Sat, April 4 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £12 To Book: 0121 704 6962

By the Riverbank I Believe in Unicorns Tomas didn’t like books or stories. Stories were just for “Little Snotties”. He was happier clambering in the mountains like a goat or tobogganing with his Dad. That was until the Unicorn Lady came to town and reeled him in with her irresistible magic tales. But then disaster struck and put everything that mattered most in Tomas’s life in terrible danger…. I Believe in Unicorns is a spellbinding and moving story by Michael Morpurgo, now adapted for stage.

Age 6plus Venue: mac birmingham Date: Tuesday, April 21 and Wed, April 22 Time: Tuesday at 6pm; Wed at 10.30am and 1.30pm

dangerous dinos and will terrified Tom be back in time for Tea? Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Friday, April 10 Time: 4pm

Portly the baby otter is missing again and Ranger Ratcliffe needs help to find him. Join him on a voyage of discovery through a watery landscape in search of clues.

For ages 3 to 6 Venue: Birmingham Rep Theatre Date: Sat, April 18 Time: 11.30am; 2pm and 3.30pm Tickets: Adults £9; children £6 and babe in arms £2 To Book: 0121 236 4455

Interiors

Antiques, Soft Furnishing, Weddings Floristry and Wood-burners, Airbrush Techniques for Bikes with Classes, The Collection Giftware, Curtains & Blinds.

Bespoke Wooden Furniture, Pine & Shabby Chic.

Enjoy thge shoppinnce experie

Interests

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

Food

Tickets: £12 To book: 0121 704 6962

Open House

Welcome to our house! Open House invites the very young to discover our house; the kitchen, the living room and the bathroom.

Experience interactive performance, music, puppets and other surprises.

Venue: Birmingham Rep Date: Sat, May 2 Time: 11.30am; 2pm and 3.30pm Tickets: Adults £9; child £6 and babe in arms £2 To Book: 0121 236 4455

air Craft yF 19th a Sund l in the Apri Barn Red 4 10 –

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

The Sooty Show

Hurry, last few seats left for fun show on Sat 4/4.

2 shows-11am & 2.30pm Tickets £12 - any age.

Book early for Basil Brush coming 31/10/15.

Up in the Attic

Join three children on an unforgettable bedtime adventure: a journey through the attic at the top of an old house. As they discover the delights and secrets hidden inside, they’re taken on a rollercoaster ride of story, song and surprise. As the children work together to unravel a mystery, they meet a wolf, a crab, a whale and a goose – and when they finally open the dusty suitcase in the far corner of the attic, they realise that there really is no need to be frightened of the dark ever again.

Ages 3 plus.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Monday, March 30 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £7; family of 4 £24

Captain Flinn &

The Pirate Dinosaurs Action-packed show as Captain Stubble & Flinn try to find a stolen ship!

At 4pm on Fri 10/4, £12.

Easter Holiday Workshops Thurs 2 & 9 April 10-30am-12.30pm Art & Craft workshop - £5 12-30-1.30pm Optional lunch supervision £2 each 1.30-2.30pm Dance fun - £4. Age 4-11yrs.

Peter Pan Spring half term Fantastic live theatre for young audiences in this magical trip Blue Orange to Neverland on Friday 29/5.

(Suitable 5+) Tickets £8 each.

Theatre

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

10.30am-4pm, Monday - Saturday.

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29

What’s On Out & About

Backstage Tours at The Rep

Sneak a peak behind the scenes at Birmingham Rep Theatre. Visit the props room, paintshop, wardrobe and wings; and maybe rub shoulders with an actor or stage manager. Tours last 90 minutes.

Venue: The Rep, Birmingham Date: Sat: March 7, 14 and 28 Time: 10.30am Book online or call 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/event/the-rep-backstage-tour/

Fabulous Froggies!

A Fabulous Froggy Week at SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham who look after some of the most critically endangered frogs in the World – Golden Mantellas. They come from remote area of Madgascar, and are only found in three areas of the country.

Fabulous froggy themed activities for children to take part in, from activity books, badge making and more!

Venue: SEA LIFE Centre, Birmingham Date: March 7-15 www.visitsealife.com/birmingham/events.aspx

Mother’s Day Tour & Cream Tea

The Big Brum Buz is back in action with a special Mother’s Day open topped bus tour for all the family lasting 1.5 hours and finishing with a celebratory cream tea. The perfect opportunity to show your mum that you care - a unique and special gift that all generations of the family can enjoy.

Date: Sunday 15th March 2015 Time: 2.30pm Meeting point: End of Colmore Row/ Waterloo St., Victoria Square, next to the Council House.

Length of tour: the tour lasts approx. 1½ hours finishing back at Victoria Square.

Cost: £12.00 per person – tickets must be booked in advance through Birmingham Tours on 0121 427 2555/078051 15998 or email enquiries@birmingham-tours.co.uk www.birmingham-tours.co.uk/birmingham-bus-tours/ mothers-day-bus-tour/

Explore Workshops The Tuition Group Explore Learning is a hosting a FREE day of Explore Workshops in maths and English for children of all ages.

Venues: Explore Centres at Handsworth, Harborne, Kings Heath, Longbridge, Shirley, Wylde Green and Yardley Date: March 31 and April 14 FREE Workshops. Places are limited so you are advised to call and reserve a place. Find out more at www.explorelearning.co.uk

Storytime at the Castle

Hear tales of knights, princesses and dragons in the surroundings of a real medieval castle.

Dress up and get hands on with craft activities. Great fun for children.

Venue: Tamworth Castle, The Holloway, Ladybank, B79 7NA Date: Sat and Sun March 21 and 22 (Also May Bank Holiday Monday, May 4) Time: 11.30am-3pm.

Castle closes at 3.45pm Tickets: Adult £7; child 5 and over £4.50; child 2-4 £1.50; under 2 free. Family £21.

National Badminton League

The National Badminton League (NBL) is a brand new game changing league for badminton in the UK. Created and run

by Badminton England, the NBL is the first ever national league, featuring the very best shuttlers in the UK. Six teams will battle for the NBL title including Birmingham Lions.

Venue: Barclaycard Arena (formerly NIA) Date: Monday, March 23 Time: Doors open from 6.30pm Tickets: Adults £8.70 and children £5.70 www.barclaycardarena.co.uk/whats-on/nationalbadminton-league

Horrible Histories Medieval Mayhem

Horrible Histories® returns to Warwick Castle at Easter 2015 with a raucous, medley of Mediaeval Mayhem - kids of all ages can experience the gruesome sights, sounds and smells of mediaeval England, discovering the foulest and funniest bits of history along the way! The fun never stops and imagination knows no bounds – meet a crowd of weird and wonderful characters plagued by poverty and pestilence and join in on their action-packed and gory games…history has never been so horrible!

Venue: Warwick Castle Date: March 28-April 12.

Tickets: Book online in advance for discounted tickets.

Pond Dipping, Den Building, Easter Eggstravaganza

A series of outdoor activities for children during the Easter break. Under 8 accompanied.

Monday, March 30, 11am-12pm - Have a dip in the pond and find out more about what lurks beneath!; Age 4+; Monday, March 30 pm 1-2pm - Make the perfect survival shelter. Age 4 plus Tuesday, March 31, 10.30am-12pm – Easter games and crafts Wednesday, April 1 Crafty drop in.

10.30am - 12pm and 1pm - 2.30pm Thursday, April 2 – Wildlife Watch. Spot wildlife and work to a Hedgehog reward.

11am - 12pm and 1 - 2pm Tuesday, April 7 – Minibeast hunting 11am12pm; pond dipping 1-2pm Wednesday, April 8 – Wildlife watch 11am12pm; Wildlife Watch 4plus 1-2pm Thursday, April 9 Fantastic Fox and Runaway Rabbit, age 4 plus 10.30am-12pm Friday, April 10 – Frogs & Ponds age 2-4; 10.30am-12pm Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull Tickets: £3.50. Eggstravganza £4.50. Prebooking recommended.

Call 0121 704 0768. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/ whats-on?

Easter Arts and Craft and Dance Workshop

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Venue: Solihull Arts Complex, Homer Road, Date: Thursday, April 2 Time: Art and Craft 10.30-12.30pm; Dance 1.30pm - 2pm Issue 26

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Bournville Book Festival

A programme of book-themed interactive workshops for children of all ages with authors, illustrators, storytellers and actors in a two day Children’s Book Festival. There are 47 workshops in all across 7 venues with authors such as Ian Whybrow, Simon Jenkins and illustrator Korky Paul. Story-telling; drama; Sing A Longs and have-a-go sessions where children can try their hand at illustrating and pick up tips on writing.

Venues: Rowheath Pavillion, Bournville Junior and Infant School, St Francis School, Selly Manor, Weoley Hill Village Hall and Woodlands Park Hall.

Dates: Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21 Time: 10am-4pm Tickets: Some session free but must be pre-booked. Some sessions £3. Golden Ticket of £10 gives families access to all events. But book soon as some sessions are filling fast.

For further information and to book: www. facebook.com/BusyParentsNetwork and click on events.

Cadbury Character Weekend

See some colourful chocolate characters as Freddo, the Caramel Bunny, Creme Egg and other favourite chocolate treats take on life-sized form in a costume weekend at Cadbury World.

Venue: Cadbury World, Linden Road, B’ham Date: Sat and Sun March 21 and 22

Easter Art School

A fun holiday art workshop with a Roman Theme. Children and teens will make prints and plaster casts and design their own Roman coins and medals.

Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Arts Date: Wednesday and Thursday, April 8 and 9 Time: 11am-12.30pm (for ages 4-8) and 1.30pm-3pm for ages 8-14 Tickets: £15. Must be pre-booked. To book e-mail education@barber.org.uk

Thrillseeker Family Activity Day A great day out for all the family. One day, One Price, 8 Adventurous Activities to try including: skiing, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, archer, jungle challenge, fan descender and zipwire. Free tobaggoning for under 12s. BBQ on site all day.

Date: Saturday, April 18 Time: 10am till 2.30pm Tickets: Adults £21; Juniors (8-16) £18 Pre booking essential on 0121 772 5111

St George’s Day Celebrations

Celebrate St George’s Day at Tamworth Castle with medieval re-enactments; have a go activities include pottery and watch the Knight’s tournament and see the medieval household go about their daily chores. Meet Lady Freville, handle weapons and help the laundress in the wash-house.

Venue: Tamworth Castle, The Holloway, Ladybank, B79 7NA Date: Sat, April 25 Time: 11am-4pm. Castle closes at 4.45pm Tickets: Adults £5 & child £3. Under 2 Free.

Crufts

A show stopping, dog shopping, fantastic family day out, all under one woof! Best in Show features over 22,000 dogs striving for the title of Crufts Best in Show 2015.

Venue: Genting Arena Date: March 8 Tickets: £17.50 and £20.50.

To Book: 0844 338 8000 www.gentingarena.co.uk/ whats-on/crufts-best-in-show

Something’s Hatching at Becketts Farm Chicks hatching; lambs & Easter Activities; craft fair Venue: Becketts Farm, Wythall, Date: March 28-April 12 Time: 10am-4pm Entry £1 and under 1 free. www.beckettsfarm.co.uk/special-events/easterbarn-becketts-farm/

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Superb Shopping | Unbeatable Savings | Expert Advice

Book Advance Tickets & Save Up To 40%* – Quote ‘LIFE’

thebabyshow.co.uk Our Official Charity

*Saving based on standard ticket price of £20. To book by phone call 0871 231 0844, calls cost 10p per minute from a BT landline, other networks may vary. Advance Booking closes 14/05/2015, £2 transaction fee applies per booking. For more information on the products featured visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk.

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Families

FIRST

Learn to draw, paint and sculpt!

Fantastic and fun kids’ workshops and family days!

Easter fun for all the family Hop along to the gardens this Easter: 5th-10th April - Face painting, trails and crafts 5th April - Easter egg hunt 6th April - Easter bonnet parade

Easter Art School

Instead of chocolate, why not give someone a year’s membership? Starting from just £27.50

Roman Coins & Medals Weds 8 & Thurs 9 April 11am-12.30pm: 4-8 years 1.30-3pm: 8-14 years

Visit our website for more information

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Find us on:

For more information, pick up our latest Families *MVWX PIE¾IX SV ZMWMX www.barber.org.uk

Your support keeps the Gardens growing

Hear legendary tales of ancient Rome and design your own Roman-inspired coins to take home!

Children attend both days. £15 per child

Booking essential!

To book: 0121 414 2261

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