Families 25 (3)

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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE 25

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Unleash the magic in 2015!

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Families

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It's amazing to play such a special role in her journey.

Learn to draw!

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Fantastic & fun workshops!

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

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Issue 25

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

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

are s c ild her ! h C uc pted Vo acce

H

ello, Happy New Year and welcome to the January/ February issue of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine.

Do you dread mornings and get stressed on the school run?

If so, you are not alone, and in this issue you can pick up some tips to help the morning rush hour go more smoothly.

We also raise that tricky issue – homework. Why homework?

How much of it? And, should you help? These are the sorts of questions we try to answer, and we also shine the spotlight on some parents’ homework confessions!

We also tell you how you can unleash some magic in 2015 by grabbing a January sale bargain – a Merlin entertainment annual pass from £99 per person – which will give you free entry into 31 of the UK’s top attractions and theme parks (see page 7) On our clubs and classes pages find out about free martial arts training for children and families in January; how to become a rookie lifeguard and train for water polo; or how you can join Team Apocalypse, a Solihull Street Dance team.

As usual we bring you lots of what’s on information for family-friendly theatre, outdoor activities and interesting workshops. Don’t forget to check our online what’s on listings coming up to February Half Term when we will be adding even more events. www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk You can also follow us on twitter @familiesbirm and please like us on facebook.com/familiesbirmingham

, 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 March/April issue.

Call 0758 352 6056 or e-mail editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Monday, February 2, 2015 Design: www.MattWaltonDesign.co.uk Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, January 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.

Contents In this Issue...

4 News 5 Merlin Annual Pass 8 Time to focus on 9 10 12 14 16 18

4

children, warn doctors Legal aid cuts hit families Homework: your questions answered Clubs and Classes What does your child get up to in nursery?

What’s On February Half Term

10 14 16

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Issue 25

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Laughter is the best medicine

V

isit Birmingham Rep theatre to see Peter Pan Goes Wrong – a comedy for all the family – which promises some belly-aching laughs, slapstick fun and farce.

The Cornely Polytechnic Drama Society set out to present J. M. Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong…does, as the accident prone thesps embark on a thrilling adventure to Neverland, with hilariously disastrous results.

Mischief Theatre Company won the 2014 What’s On Stage Best New Comedy Award for The Play That Goes Wrong, featuring the same hapless amateur dramatics staging a murder mystery. Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a spin-off version of the award-winning show aimed at all age groups. Go on, have a laugh.

The Magic Faraway Tree

Family fitness – FREE in January Do you spend your time rushing around taking children to clubs and classes but can’t find the time to exercise yourself? There is a solution – join them.

The Antonio Santorelli Black Belt Academy in Harborne is running mixed family classes in martial arts so the whole family can have fun and get fit together. The family programmes have been designed so adults and children from as young as 4 years old can train together in complete safety.

If you want some time to train yourself, the Academy also run a ladies only class on Thursday evening or Saturday morning. It is a sure-fire way of keeping up with your energetic children.

Throughout January all newcomers can train FREE to try it out. Find out more by calling Antonio on 078 1805 2978, or log on to www.asbba.co.uk

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Do you remember reading this series of books as a child? I do, and I remember my own children rediscovering it a generation later and loving it as I had done.

There are four books in all: The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Folk Of The Faraway Tree and Up The Faraway Tree, written by children’s author Enid Blyton, the creator of Noddy, Secret Seven, Famous Five and Mallory Towers.

Noddy has already been adapted for TV as has the Famous Five, but the Magic Faraway Tree series is now set to make it to the cinema screen, with a live-action movie being planned by Neal Street productions.

It’s time to rediscover the books with your children before the movie is released. Remember the enchanted forest and the tree tall enough to reach the clouds and large enough to contain small houses peopled by wonderfully memorable characters?

Neal Street Productions’ Pippa Harris says: “The Magic Faraway Tree is one of the most loved children’s books series from an iconic author whose work has been adored by generations. To be able to adapt these for the big screen is incredibly exciting.”

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Look forward to 2.30pm

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s you set off on the school run today, look forward to a magical moment at 2.30pm. That, according to Allianz Insurance who tested and polled parents, is when the school run stress hangover has abated.

It will not come as any revelation to harried parents that the hours after the alarm clock buzzes feature high on the ‘stressometre’ scale. You are getting ready for work, sorting breakfast, organising the kids and facing the prospect of the morning rush hour. In the parents studied, stress levels peaked at 8.15am just before many set out on to the school run. No surprise there.

But what might surprise you is that the impact of the school run stress was found to linger well into the day, not reaching lower levels until 2.30pm. So, given that this coincides with the time many parents will be thinking of heading back to the school gates for pick up, followed by homework, tea and bedtime routine – my advice is that you make the most of that magical moment!

In the meantime, Allianz and Mummy blogger Emily Leary offers some sensible stress-buster tips for the week-day school run:

• Put shoes, bags and coats in a reliable place upon arriving home so that there’s never the last minute panic as you hunt for a missing shoe • Create a devoted drawer in each child’s chest of drawers for school uniform so they always know where to look when they are getting ready • Make it the house rule that the kids have to have their uniforms on before they come down for breakfast • Always check book bags after tea, to avoid missing school trip slips, or a mad dash to make a World Book Day outfit in 30 minutes • Create a shared family calendar, either on the wall, or on your phones / computers so that everyone is always aware of changes and variations to the usual routine.

Award for Birmingham foster carer Birmingham foster carer Jackie Taylor recently received the foster carer of distinction award for going above and beyond her role to support the children she cares for.

Jackie fosters children of all ages, including teenagers, and she manages to treat each child as one of her own and make them feel part of the family.

After the award ceremony Helen Gaffney, her supervising social worker, said: “Jackie has always treated the young people as one of her own. She goes out of her way to make them feel special and loved. She has given her all to every child and young person she has fostered.”

Jackie, a Cambian Foster Carer, downplayed her achievement, saying: “Really the award should go to the looked-after children - they deserve it. I feel privileged that I can give back to the community and our society to help those that need it.”

Cambian Foster Care is currently looking for new foster carers in Birmingham and the surrounding area. To find out more about fostering please call 0800 644 6230 or visit www.cambianfostercare.com

Fun Bollywood Dance Classes all ages and abilities learn how to dance like your favourite Bollywood film stars!

Join today!

Enrol now courses in your area

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

For full details and timetable visit

www.bollywooddreamsdance.com t: 0845 226 8210 e: info@bollywooddreamsdance.com

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

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

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

Issue 25

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News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Get your skates on for Frozen

R

etailers couldn’t stack their shelves fast enough with Frozen toys; children want their hair plaited like Elsa or Anna; Olaf is seen as the coolest snowman ever, and you must have been living on Mars if you haven’t heard the songs Do You Want To Build A Snowman, and Let It Go. Frozen is a phenomenon and one that doesn’t look like it will burn itself out any time soon, which is why I am mentioning this early. Parents please take note – on March 29 there will be a special Disney Frozen Sing Along at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. It’s only on for one day; there will be 3 performances at 11.30am; 3pm and 6.30pm, and I can’t imagine there will be many seats available closer to the date. Indeed The Frozen Sing Along at Solihull Arts Complex on March 28 was almost sold out in December.

So, if you want to take your child to see a screening of Frozen at the New Alexandra Theatre with lyrics on screen to help them sing along with Anna and Elsa, then you had better get your skates on.

The showing will be introduced by a live host; there will be an interactive fun pack, and children are encouraged to go in costume and take part in the fancy dress competition as an ice queen or a cool snowman.

Sounds like fun. Sooo … If You Want To Build A Snowman, DON’T Let It Go. Book online or by phone on 0844 871 3011. PS. If you’ve missed out Solihull Arts Complex have scheduled another Frozen Sing Along for July.

Teen Star 2015

Audition to take part in the UK’s only singing competition exclusively for pre-teens and teens and see if you have the X factor.

The Teen Star Auditions 2015 are once again back in Birmingham with auditions scheduled for Saturday, January 31 at the NEC. Following the auditions, there will be live events taking place at venues throughout the UK, with a National Grand Final at the O2 arena in London.

The competition run by Future Music is your chance to get discovered with radio DJs and record company representatives attending the events. Previous judges have included reps from the three major record labels – Sony, Warner and Universal Music.

Former Teen Star winners Luke Friend and Emily Middlemas went on to feature on X Factor.

The TeenStar winner will receive a £5,000 prize.

To find out how to audition log on to www.teenstar.co.uk

A New Year of Music with Birmingham’s Strings Club The award-winning Birminghambased Strings Club recently announced its upcoming season of children’s music - including holiday camps, after-school term-time courses and even birthday parties.

“We’re thrilled to announce our biggestyet lineup of fun-filled holiday camps and courses for 2015” says Director Amy. “What makes our music provision so unique is that each child - from firsttimer to proficient player - leaves us an inspired musician with a big grin on their face!”

The Strings Club partners with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools

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of Music for its weekly termtime courses, encouraging children to work towards a Music Medal - the perfect stepping-stone to Grade 1.

Plus, unique holiday camps combine this high standard of tuition with lively, accessible workshops in a relaxed environment.

The company won Nectar’s Small Business of the Year 2013 and was a finalist in the Music Teachers Award for Best Musical Initiative.

To find out more, you can visit The Strings Club website at www.thestringsclub.org or call 0121 369 1950. Article by The Strings Club

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Merlin Annual Pass

Unleash the magic in 2015

H

ave you ever sat down and totted up how much you spend to entertain children during the school holidays? Take a minute to do so, and then think about how you could do more for less with a little forward planning.

According to a survey in summer 2014 – parents were set to spend almost £1,500 entertaining children with outings and short breaks during the school summer holidays, and an earlier survey found that parents spent on average £300 during the Easter holidays. Add in half term and Christmas breaks and your annual entertainment bill for children looks rather steep at around £2,500.

A savvy spend

Merlin Entertainments are offering a January sale on their family passes from £99 per person, and that gives entry to 31 major attractions across the UK – all the big-treat places your children want to go to. SEA LIFE Birmingham and Warwick Castle and Dungeons are on the doorstep; LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Chessington World of Adventure Resort, THORPE PARK Resort and Alton Towers Resort are all within easy striking distance and

how about the Coca-Cola London Eye and Madame Tussauds for a London trip?

Of course this is much more than a savings scheme (although parents will rather like the savings element) because as they say you really can unleash your inner wizard with an annual pass that gives you open sesame to 31 magical worlds for children.

You and the family can: go underwater at SEA LIFE, sneak next to royalty and celebrities, dead and alive, at Madame Tussauds; leapfrog centuries in medieval Warwick Castle, watch your little wizards tower over cities at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort®. Not to mention travelling at heart-pounding speeds, upside down or back to front, at Alton Towers Resort or THORPE PARK Resort.

I’m sold on the idea – and not just for the savings!

Buy now online from your nearest Merlin attraction – www.visitsealife.com/birmingham/

FUN FOR EVERY AGE

0121 405 0440 waterhugs.co.uk

*New members only

Issue 25

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Clubs and Classes Health

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

Time to focus on children, warn doctors

T

he UK’s shameful record on child health includes a mortality rate which is the second highest in Europe, one third of its children being overweight or obese by the age of 9, and one in 10 children (that’s 3 in every classroom) having a diagnosable mental health condition.

Now children’s doctors from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have issued a stark warning to the next Government that they need to get to grips with the issue.

Patterns of healthy and unhealthy behaviour set in adolescence can determine future wellbeing, with five of the top ten risk factors for disease in later life shaped in adolescence.

Dr Hilary Cass, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says: “The main focus of health and social care policy from successive Governments has been on meeting the needs of an ageing population. Many of the big ticket policies – such as pension increases, winter fuel allowances and free TV licences have made a welcome difference to many older people. We now want to see equal focus given to our younger population.

“Not only should this be done because it directly benefits children and young people but also because it will improve the health of the nation as a whole. Healthy children are more likely to be healthy adults – and of course the reverse is also true.”

Radical action called for includes measures to reduce childhood mortality rates such as introducing 20mph speed limits in residential areas; restricting access to alcohol for children and young people, including minimum unit pricing; and looking at the impact of budget measures on child poverty and inequality – known to be risk factors for child mortality.

To reduce child obesity doctors want a ban on the advertising of unhealthy foods before 9pm and improved children’s diet in schools. They are also calling for measures to improve mental health with an action plan focusing on prevention and early help for children with problems.

To support the doctors join the #childhealthmatters campaign

Feeling tired?

We all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping with everything can be an everyday battle.

Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks?

Pharmaton Vitality capsules are packed with vitamins, minerals and the unique Ginseng G115 that’s clinically proven to relieve fatigue and also aid mental and physical wellbeing. Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials and studies.

Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules, to feel the positive difference.

(Licensed medicine) For the relief of fatigue. Always read the label.

Article supplied by Pharmaton

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Issue 25

Family

Family

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Legal aid cuts hit families

A

s anyone who is going through the family courts system knows, following the legal aid cuts in April 2014, parents involved in custody battles regarding their children are no longer eligible for legal aid.

A senior family court judge has recently condemned the newly pared-back legal aid system, warning that many parents around the country are not being given a fair trial and injustices have been regularly occurring.

In the first nine months since the cuts came into force, just over 50,400 of the 88,300 parents who are engaged in family law proceedings were unrepresented. This represents a figure of almost 8 out of 10, and a jump of almost 48% from the figures prior to the cuts.

In any case involving children, without legal help, parents may feel like navigating the justice system is like being lost at sea.

This is where NoVate can help you.

NoVate can provide you with assistance and advice from expert and specialist family law barristers directly, at a reasonable and fixed price which is affordable to you. This help can range from assisting you with letter writing, drafting documents or generally helping you prepare for a case if you wish to represent yourself.

If you wish to instruct a barrister to appear for you at your hearings, NoVate can also provide a barrister for a fixed rate to represent you.

Should you wish to instruct a solicitor, NoVate can also recommend a solicitor who is best suited to your case, but with reasonable fees that you can control.

Families Magazine 130 x 180_Layout 1 24/11/2014 15:38 Page 1

You no longer need to struggle through the system on your own.

For more information visit www.novatedirectlegalsolutions.com or call 0845 201 0160.

Article by Novate, a not for profit organisation.

Direct Access To Legal Experts In Family Law

www.novatedirectlegalsolutions.com

The break up of any relationship can be a stressful and sometimes traumatic experience.

You will have many questions to ask but will not be sure as to where to turn to find the answers.

At NoVate Direct Legal Solutions, we simplify the process ensuring that you get the very best advice that is delivered swiftly and at a cost to suit your budget. Typically we are asked to help with the following types of enquiry.

• Divorce and separation • Financial disputes • Pre-nuptial and postnuptial agreements • Children matters including adoption • Financial matters including estate planning and bankruptcy We can help you with a wide variety of problems that extend far beyond those included here. If you’re not sure, just get in touch and we can help.

Your case will be reviewed by a barrister and where appropriate an initial conference of 30 minutes will be provided free of charge.

NoVate is a 'not for profit' organisation.

Visit our website at www.novatedirectlegalsolutions.com

info@novatedls.com / 0845 201 0160

Issue 25

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Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Homework

“Homework should be little and often and with no help! Little and often because consistently reviewing a subject means it’s more likely to be remembered. No help because teachers need to know if homework is appropriate and they need to know how the student is performing not the parent!” ....Tutor

– your questions answered Homework can be a great source of conflict at home but, love it or loathe it, your children will be tasked with it. So here we answer some of your questions.

Why does my child get homework?

It is thought that homework encourages independent learning skills and backs up what has been learnt in the classroom. It shows both teachers and parents what a child is capable of and can also highlight what they haven’t understood during the school day.

How much homework should my child be getting?

There is no set amount and it depends on the age of your child.

However, many schools have homework policies which as a rough guide would mean your Reception age child would be expected to do: 30 minutes a week; Years 1 & 2: One hour a week; Years 3 & 4: 90 minutes a week; Years 5 & 6: 30 minutes a day; Years 7 & 8: Up to 90 minutes a day.

Parents confess:

Should I be helping my child with their homework?

It’s really important that parents take an interest in the work their children bring home, but you shouldn’t take over. Giving too much help will speed up the time your child is spending on their homework and it will also help to keep arguments to a minimum, but it’s actually detrimental to their learning.

Your child’s teacher isn’t interested that you are able to complete a fractions worksheet or design a poster on electricity. You should be able to do it. You’re a grown up! However if your child can’t, their teacher needs to know so they can offer support in the classroom to make sure the topic is fully understood. This is your child’s homework not a joint effort.

Your job is direction and encouragement to find the answers themselves.

“I hated my children getting extra homework at primary school, particularly of the ‘make a medieval village over the holidays’ type. This just seemed like a challenge for all the pushy parents and my offspring’s own lamentable efforts looked so shoddy in comparison.” ...Karen

“My son had to do a power point last term and as I watched him type one word every 2 minutes on the night it was due, I did snatch the keyboard away from him and said ‘right you tell me what you want to write and I will type it for you.’ I have to confess to helping him find Why do schools feel the need pictures and images as well. In fact I pretty much did that to give ‘family learning projects’ every presentation! I try to justify it to myself by saying that he holiday?. I really don’t feel much like is still learning and it was fun to learn together. making a cardboard rainforest so that my However I also know he will need to become more (lack of) creative skills can be compared with independent as he reaches secondary other parents’ degree level creations!” school. “ ....Louise ...Belinda

VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS

11+ VERBAL REASONING VOCABULARY FLASH CARDS Expand your antonym and synonym knowledge and achieve a higher 11+ score Recommended by tutors for the verbal reasoning element of the Durham CEM test

www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk 10 Issue 25

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Top Tips for helping with homework

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• Make sure your child is eating well, getting enough sleep and getting enough exercise. All this helps concentration both in the classroom and at home after school. • Create a homework routine for your child to stick to. Identify a regular place and a regular time, making sure it’s quiet and free from distractions. Discuss the expectations you have and the consequences if the homework isn’t completed well. This will, hopefully, encourage good homework habits. • Show your child you care about the homework they have been set. Try not to let your own dislike for a particular topic affect the way you work with your child. • Direct your child to focus their mind. Before they launch into the task, encourage a ‘think through’. Ask them to tell you what needs doing and ask them questions about the task set. How long does it need to be? Does it need doing on the computer or by hand?

What ideas have they had since the homework was set? This direction helps them focus their ideas and work productively. • Reflect on the task once it’s done. Was it easier than they thought? What was good about the work they produced? What do they need to work on?

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• Think carefully before introducing a reward system. This can lead to rushed results and the necessity to offer a ‘treat’ for every piece completed. Better to let them know from the start that homework is something that needs to be done, and done well. • Set a time limit on homework. This gives less enthusiastic children an end point they can see. Talk to your child’s teacher about how long particular tasks should be taking and bring the homework to an end at that point. The teacher can see how quickly, or slowly, their independent work is being completed and both you and your child know that there is an end to the homework – even if it isn’t completed.

Where Individuals Matter OPEN MORNING TUESDAY 27th JANUARY 2015 9am - 12noon

• Small Class sizes • A friendly caring environment • Children reach their full potential • Outstanding Ofsted Shirley, Solihull St James Place, Shirley, Solihull B90 2BA since 2007

Kingswood School 0121 744 7883

www.kingswoodschool.co.uk    

Issue 25 11

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Rookie lifeguards and water polo Make A Splash swim school are putting on classes for confident swimmers aged 8-12 who want to train as rookie lifeguards. They are also offering sessions in mini polo, and synchronised swimming. All the lessons will take place at Archbishop Ilsley School on Sundays.

Make A Splash leader Suzie Milner says: “The sessions are for competent swimmers who have reached stages 4 or 5. Too often children give up swimming at this stage because they are bored with lane swimming. These are fun classes which will keep them interested.”

To find out more or to book a place call Suzie on 0121 405 0550

Join Team Apocalypse Gra Na Rince In our last issue we used a picture for illustration purposes with a story about Gra Na Rince Irish dancing class.

We would like to point out that the picture was not supplied by the dance school and the costume and dance shoes shown in the picture are not those used by the dance school.

ART Solihull 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

Planet Dance in Solihull want to recruit some new talent to train in Street Dance. The studio at Vulcan Road in Solihull trains Team Apocalypse, and they are on the hunt for some more raw recruits and seasoned street dancers to join the studio and train up.

Street Dance classes are offered for ages 6-11, 11-14 and 14 and over – teaching funky-style street moves including improvisation, popping, locking and break dance. To find out more about their classes call Bev at Planet Dance on 0121 709 3412 or log on to www.planet-dance.co.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES

DIRECTORY

DANCE & DRAMA

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

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.weebly.com

DANCE & DRAMA

Solihull Young Dancers

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

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

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

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE

www.spotlightstageschool.co.uk

Youth Theatre Group, Age 4+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

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

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 0758 352 6056 12 Issue 25

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

So you think you can’t draw?

Do you despair when your child asks you how to draw a cat, a house, a merry-go-round? Are you one of those people who just can’t draw?

Well, maybe you can. According to Arts Cool in Knowle who use the Gluck method to teach children, anyone can learn how to draw realistically.

So you could sign up for art classes yourself, or delegate the task of teaching the kids to draw to the experts at Arts Cool. The Gluck Method is the largest fine art programme in the world for children and the Knowle studio is the first of its kind in the UK. Meanwhile, in Birmingham, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts runs regular Sunday drawing, painting and sculpture sessions for children aged 4-7 and 8-12, where they teach children to ‘draw and paint like a pro’. Sessions are £5 a week and need to be prebooked. E-mail education@barber.org. uk for more information.

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Futsal Camp 2015 Club Futsal UK will be running a February Half Term indoor camp at the Futsal Birmingham Arena at Great King Street North, B19.

The fun, football skills camp for boys and girls aged 4-16 runs from Monday, February 16 through to Friday, February 20, and costs £15 for the day or £65 for the week.

Futsal director Paul Holmes was celebrating recently as one of their Futsal-playing youngsters, 17-year-old Ollie Bassett, was signed for a premier club.

Futsal improves speed, fitness, agility and ball skills, and the half term camps are aimed at children of all ability levels.

To book call: 07745 565745

New classes in Bournville, Kings Heath and Harborne Frenchtastic and Spanishtastic have launched new classes in Bournville, Kings Heath and Harborne areas. They already run classes for pre-school and primary age children in Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.

Their classes are a fun way of teaching children language skills with song, games, stories and drama.

Since the start of this school year children must learn a foreign language in primary school. As well as running pre-school and after school classes, Frenchtastic and Spanishtastic can offer

FUN LANGUAGES FOR LITTLE ONES Learn French or Spanish through songs, games, stories & drama from 2 months to 7 years.

Classes across North & South Birmingham.

Also available for schools, nurseries, home-schoolers & child minders.

TRY FOR FREE info@frenchtastic.co.uk www.frenchtastic.co.uk

classes in primary schools too.

Anna Neville says: “It is a busy time for us. We will also be launching new baby language classes soon which will be music and multi-sensory classes with a flavour of the language for babies up to 18 months – very exciting stuff!”

For more information on any of the classes e-mail Anna info@frenchtastic.co.uk

Drama classes in Birmingham

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

Dizzyrs Dance Various ages welcome Based in Highgate, Birmingham.

01527 870889 or 0773 4651192 www.dizzydancers.org

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

Issue 25 13

Nursery

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

Nursery ed

W

e all know about the importance of early years’ education. A child who has gone to preschool has more chance of getting better exam results and ultimately earning higher wages, according to research undertaken by academics at the Institute of Education.

So you send your child to nursery, in the hope that it will improve their education prospects and get them ready for school. But what are they actually going to do there all day? The chances are they’re not going to tell you. Teenagers struggle enough to recall what’s happened a few hours before, so you can’t expect detailed information from a 3-year-old.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework is a document that sets out the learning and developmental goals for children 5 years and under, and all early years providers - nurseries, child minders, playgroups, preschools and reception classes – must work within the framework.

When you visit a nursery you might see the children listening to a story; playing with toys; getting messy with paints; scampering about in the sandpit or pulling themselves up a climbing frame.

It’s all play – but it’s purposeful play - and even though your child won’t know it, he or she is working towards their early years’ developmental goals.

Seven areas of learning The Early Years Foundation document covers seven areas of learning and development. These are: • communication and language – listening and attention, understanding, speaking • physical development – moving and handling, health and basic hygiene • personal, social and emotional development – self confidence

14 Issue 25

and self awareness • literacy – reading, writing • mathematics – numbers, shape, space and measures • understanding the world – people, places, technology • expressive arts and design – song, music dance & art; developing imagination and creativity When a child is very young the focus is on the first three areas: developing communication skills; developing control and coordination; building their self confidence and their ability to relate well to other children and adults. But, as they progress through nursery, they will also be linking sounds with letters, beginning to count and experimenting with shapes and measures.

Every child develops at a different pace so a nursery must consider the needs of each individual child and create challenging and enjoyable activities for a child in all areas of learning. Skilful nursery staff will plan purposeful play and balance adult-led activities with the opportunity for children to lead their own play and learn by doing. Nursery staff should also encourage and respond to each child’s emerging interests.

Your child will learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside. There is a requirement for ‘continuous provision’, which in layman’s terms means that there needs to be high quality resources and activities available all of the time, so your child can learn through play in lots of different ways.

Nursery

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

ducation - what to expect?

Assessment The EYFS also lays out guidelines for assessment of your child’s progress. Soon after your child turns 2 you will get a written summary of how your child is progressing in communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development. Any areas where they need extra help or support will be highlighted at this stage.

The next written assessment will come when your child is 5, usually at the end of their reception year, which is the last year they are classed as being in early years’ education. This will include assessment of skills such as writing their name, reading and talking about a favourite book, speaking to people your child is not so familiar with or their understanding of numbers.

The school will give you a progress report including some of this information.

How will I know how my child is doing?

Your child will have a ‘key person’ at nursery, pre-school or reception class, who is responsible for putting together information on how they are developing. This person will be your main point of contact, and it’s important that you work together and communicate 2008|2009 29008|2009 002|8002 well. Any worries about your child RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL should be discussed Children aged from 3 months to 5 years. with their key worker, Ofsted Outstanding and they will be able • Qualified friendly staff. to build on what your • Daily home cooking. child is learning at • Interactive Whiteboard/Table. home.

• CCTV cameras in every room.

To read the full document go to https://www.gov. uk/government/ publications/earlyyears-foundationstage-framework--2

• Free Grant places available for 3+

Tel: 0121 777 4902

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

Other sites

621 Fox Hollies Road, Hall Green, Birmingham.

B28 9DW Tel: 0121 777 3778

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

For a detailed parent’s guide to the EYFS go to: http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2014/08/EYFS_Parents_ Guide-amended.pdf For more general advice for parents: http://www.ndna.org.uk/parents

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• 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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Issue 25 15

What’s On

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Theatres & shows BFG - Big Friendly Giant

Bugs and reptiles

Do you like spiders? Could you handle a snake? You can handle and learn more about bugs and reptiles at Hatton Adventure World’s Scales and Tails area. There will be a chance to learn about and get hands on with some very exotic animals. Sssome VERY large snakes will be visiting for the Bugs and Reptiles weekend.

Venue: Hatton Adventure World Date: Weekends in January

Out & About Nature Tots

Outdoor activities and indoor games and crafts designed to encourage an early interest in wildlife.

Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull Dates: Fridays in terms time. Different theme each week. Jan 9 – Mice and their Friends; Jan 16 Nature’s Fairies; Jan 23 – Oh What a Beautiful Day; Jan 30 – Pirates and Princesses; Feb 6 Queens and Kings; Feb 13 Robin Redbreast and Feb 26 Super Shelters.

Time: 10.30am-12pm and 1.00pm-2.30pm Tickets: £3 per child. Booking essential.

To Book: 0121 7040768

BBL Final

BBL Cup Final is once again heading back to the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham. As well as the main event, the day, includes a Slam Dunk Contest.

Venue: Barclaycard Arena (formerly NIA) Birmingham Date: Sun, Jan 11 Tickets: Adults from £25

and children from £18 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Bleak Midwinter Living History Weekend

Horrible Christmas

Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young boy to save the day. Horrible Histories adventure.

Venue: Old Rep Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham Date: to Jan 17 Tickets: £14-£19.50 To Book: 0121 245 4455

Jack and the Beanstalk

Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street Date: to Feb 1 Tickets: £14-£40 To Book: 0844 338 5000

Find out how our ancestors survived the bleak mid winter at Avoncroft’s Museum’s historic houses at this living history weekend. See how seasonal food was prepared to keep the cold at bay and have a go at traditional pastimes to help banish the winter blues.

Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove Date: Sat & Sun Jan 17 and 18 Time: 10.30am-4pm Tickets: Adults £8.80; child £4.50 and family £25

Strictly Come Dancing Live

Based on the TV show Venue: Baclaycard Arena (formerly NIA), Birmingham Date: Fri, Jan 16-Sun, Jan 18 Time: Fri 7.30pm; Sat 2.30pm and 7.30pm; Sun 1.30pm and 6.30pm Tickets: Approx £40-£80 To Book: 0844 338 8000

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

The inept and accident prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society set out to present J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan. Two acts of hysterical disaster ensue.

Venue: Birmingham Rep Date: Tues, Jan 27-Sunday Feb 1 Time: Tue 7pm; Wed-Sat evening at 7.30pm; Thu matinee at 2pm; Sunday at 4pm Tickets: £12.50-£28.50 To Book: 0121 236 4455

Teen Star Auditions

Have you got the X factor? Book an audition for the TeenStar competition for your chance to have your music heard by industry judges, DJs and record label representatives.

Venue: NEC Birmingham Date: January 31 To secure an audition log on to www.teenstarcompetition.co.uk

Picasso Self Portraits & Sunday art workshops

16 Issue 25

Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant (Roald Dahl’s story) Venue: Birmingham Rep, Centenary Square, Broad Street Date: to Jan 24 Tickets: £7-£35 To Book: 0121 236 4455.

Learn drawing, painting, pottery and craft skills at the Barber’s regular art classes for children aged 4-7 and 8-12.

Jan 11 – Picasso Self Portraits; Jan 18 – Posters; Jan 25 – learn how to draw drapery and costumes; Feb 1 – Paul Klee Landscapes; Feb 8 – Silkscreen printing; Feb 15 – Chinese Dragon Bowls, Feb 22 – Abstract still life painting.

Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham Dates: Sundays as above Time: 11am-12.30pm (ages 4-7) and 1.303pm (8-12) Cost: £5 per session.

Must be pre-booked.

To book e-mail education@barber. org.uk or call 0121 414 2261

Lemony Snicket’s Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming!

This adaptation of the absurdly funny Lemony Snicket story is vividly brought to life in Tall Stories’ unique physical style, with live music, lots of laughs and a screaming potato pancake. Age 5 plus.

Venue: mac birmingham, Date: Sun, Jan 11 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £8; family £28 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Hansel and Gretel

Match

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s much loved classic The Little Match Girl, Match has inventive storytelling, puppetry, song and live music. A pure delight for younger audiences age 2 plus.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sun, Feb 1

Hunger. Gnaws at the stomach like a dog on a bone. If only.. if only there were a cake.. a cake as big as a house …

Venue: mac birminham Date: Sun, Jan 25 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £8 and family of 4 £28

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Time: 10.30am and 2pm Tickets: £8 and family of 4 £28 To Book: 0121 446 3232

Around the World in 80 minutes

A whistle stop musical world tour in a lively concert for all ages with the CBSO Youth Choir and the full City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Venue: Symphony Hall, Birmingham Date: Sun, Feb 1 Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £10 plus booking fee; group of 4 £32 To Book: 0121 345 0600

he’ll go to in order to get the perfect picture. Ages 8 plus.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Mon, Feb 16 Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £15 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Deep Sea Discovery Show

A colourful set creates the scene for a voyage of discovery in a bubbly underwater world - with CBeebies’ Sid Sloane as the intrepid explorer.

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Tues, Feb 17 Time: 11.30am and 2.30pm Tickets: £12 adult and £8 child To Book: 0121 704 6962

The Dragon’s Tale Whatever the Weather

In a traditional weather house, two loveable characters diligently monitor the ever-changing weather. He is happy in the bright, warm sunshine. She is happy in the wet, refreshing rain. But what happens when the winds of change blow? It might rain, it might get a bit windy, but the show must go on whatever the weather! For ages 3+ Venue: The Door at Birmingham Rep Date: Sat, Feb 7 Time: 11.30am and 2pm Tickets: Adults £9; child £6; babe in arms £2. Family discounts.

To Book: 0121 236 4455

Chris Packham - Tadpoles Not Included

Ex-Really Wild Show presenter Chris tells of close shaves and the often bizarre lengths

An original and whimsical reinterpretation of George and the Dragon, told in a series of flashbacks by the ageing Dragon himself, and his troupe of glove puppets.

Age 4 plus.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Wednesday, Feb 18 Time: 11am and 2.30pm Tickets: £7 and family ticket £24

Honk!

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved tales, this high-energy musical comedy tells the story of Ugly, the duckling who is born into ridicule and loneliness because he is different. A fowl play has never been quite this much fun!

Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Thu 26 - Sat 28 Feb Time: Eve at 7.30pm; Sat matinee at 2.30pm Tickets: £11-£13 To Book: 0121 704 6962

What’s On The Snail and the Whale

A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. But when the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him? Storytelling, live music and lots of laughs, in a show for everyone aged 4 and up.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sun & Mon, Feb 15 & 16 Time: Sun at 2pm and 4.30pm; Mon at 11am and 2pm Tickets: £8 and family ticket £28

Room on the Broom

The witch on her broom with her cat, a dog, a cat, a frog and … a dragon.

Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?

Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up (and their grown-ups).

Venue: The Door at Birmingham Rep Date: Wed, Jan 28-Sun, Feb 1 Time: Wed at 1.30pm; Fri at 10.30am and 1.30pm; Sat at 10.30am and Sunday at 10.00am and 12.30pm Tickets: £12 To Book: 0121 236 4455

The Chuckles of Oz

Dorothy, The Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow join Wizards (Paul and Barry) for a new twist on the Wizard of Oz story. Audience participation, laugh–out– loud comedy and spectacular sets and costumes and special effects. For ages 3-103.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre, Station Street Date: Sun, March 1 Time: 2pm Tickets: £16.90

Half term activities Including trails, arts and crafts, face painting and storytelling.

16th - 20th February 2015 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Visit our website for more information

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Find us on: Your support keeps the Gardens growing

Issue 25 17

Activities Wildlife Watch, Den Building, Teddy Bear Adventures

A series of half term workshops encouraging an interest in wildlife. Mon, Feb 16 Wildlife Watch for 4 plus; Tues Feb 17 - Crafty Drop in – all ages; Wed, Feb 18 morning session, 60 Minute Marvel Den building age 4 plus, and afternoon session Prickly Friends, age 2 plus; Thurs am, Feb 19 Winter Adventures 4plus; and Fri, Feb 20 am – Teddy Bear Adventure for Tots.

Venue: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Time: morning sessions 11-12 and afternoon 1-2pm Tickets: £2 for drop in sessions; £3.50 for workshops To Book: 0121 7040768

Exciting Expedition

Imagine you were the first ever person to discover Coventry. Your mission as official expedition artist is to record all the new and exciting sights and specimens!

From essentials like maps and telescopes to recording the landscapes and wildlife, there will be plenty of finds to fill your suitcase with and catalogue your adventure.

Venue: Herbert Art Gallery, Jordan Well, Coventry

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Date: Sat Feb 14-Sun, Feb 22 Time: Drop in. Content suitable for 5+ but all are welcome. Individual workshop charges may apply. For full daily details see www.theherbert.org

Picasso Family Day

Discover Picasso and his abstract world of art in this Picasso Family Day. His painting Woman Sleeping on a Chair has travelled all the way from Japan to the Barber – and children are invited to come and say hi!

Create a weird and wonderful Picassoesque style collage in the family workshop; listen to the stories on the gallery, watch film and animation, and create a Picasso postcard to send to the Yokohama Museum in Japan.

Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham Date: Tuesday, Feb 17 Time: 11am-3pm FREE EVENT. Drop in any time.

Music Workshops

Fun musical workshops in Harborne with award winning Strings Club. Different theme every day. For more information and to book call 0779 933 2562 or log on to www.thestringsclub.org

Family Days at the Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is hosting a week of family fun days during February Half Term. The Wiggly Worm, Slug and Caterpillar Event will run at 11am to 3pm from Monday, February 16 to Friday, February 20.

Children can enjoy story time, craft activities and fun trails around the Gardens. Don’t forget to visit to the birds in the Aviary and see the Koi carp in the Tropical House pool. Have a look at the Totem pole based on North American designs in the children’s discovery playground, and let them burn off some steam on the swings, slide and trampoline.

As well as regular family events in the school holidays children can explore with a special designed Family Trail on any visit.

Themes include - Magical Plants, Marvellous Medicine, Dangerous Plants and Fabulous Foods.

Circus show and skills workshop

Hatton Adventure World have a circus theme for February Half Term.

In addition to all the usual indoor and outdoor fun, you can visit Chipper the Clown’s circus show, see some Zoobee’s circus magic and take part in circus skills workshops.

While there, don’t forget to see the tiny, Spring lambs at the lambing marquee with Hatton’s Shepherd and Little Bo Peep.

Venue: Hatton Adventure World Date: Daily in February Half Term.

Art and Craft and Dance

For ages 4-11 Venue: Solihull Arts Complex Date: Thurs, Feb 19 Time: 10.30am-12.30pm (Arts and Crafts); 1.30-2.30pm Dance Tickets: £5 and £4 To Book: 0121 704 6962

Fun crafts and a themed Trail

Half term activities for children and families with some have-a-go fun and a themed trail Date: Tues-Thurs 17-19 Feb – half term crafts; Sat & Sun 21 and 22 Waking the Windmill and Bleak Midwinter Living History Weekend Venue: Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove Time: 10.30pm-4pm

Cookery Course

A cookery course specially designed for children aged 8-11 and teens aged 12-15.

Younger children make cheesy chicken and bacon pasta followed by raspberry and white chocolate cupcakes. Teens will learn to cook stuffed chicken breast wrapped in bacon with gratin potatoes, and mini chocolate cheesecakes for dessert.

Venue: Orange Kitchen,

Becketts Farm, Alcester Road, Wythall Date: Monday Feb 16 (8-11) and Wed, Feb 18 (12-15) Time: 9.00am-12.30pm or 1.30-5pm Cost: £35.

To Book: 01564 823402

Family Arts: Imagining Your Dream Garden

In this Dream Garden workshop, families can invent and design their own fantasy gardens. Activities will involve constructing fun and colourful cardboard insects, designing flowers and soil planting.

For ages 6-12 with adult.

Venue: mac birmingham Date: Sat, Feb 21 Time: 10am-12pm Tickets: £8 per adult and child; £6 per additional child Book online.

Indoor Grand Prix – Mo’s back in Birmingham Witness double Olympic, World and European champion Mo Farah in action at the Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix Venue: The Barclaycard Arena, formerly known as the NIA Date: Feb 21 February

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18 Issue 25

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