Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield March-April 2016

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MARCH - APRIL 2016 ISSUE 32

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Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

Fun Easter Days Out Clubs, Classes and Activities Education Matters …and so much more!

Tuition Plus

‘Helping students achieve their true potential’

Professional Tutoring Literacy & Numeracy Free Initial Assessment Harvest Fields Centre, B75 5TJ (Tues & Sat) Mere Green Centre, B75 5BT (Wed & Thurs) Tel: 07592 556 452

Step into Spring

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

(01789) 763207

Fitted Footwear for Toddlers to Teens 21a York Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7SA

Email: info@tuition-plus.co.uk

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

BALLET

SCHOOLS

@familiesbirm

!

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Ex Cathedra Academy of Vocal Music Jeffrey SkidmoreSinging Excellence

Ex Cathedra Children’s Choir for YR-Y3

Ex Cathedra Junior Academy for Y4-8

Ex Cathedra Boys Academy for Y8/9 - Y13

Ex Cathedra Girls Academy for Y9-13

Join us for a trial rehearsal near Birmingham City Centre - contact education@excathedra.co.uk

Award-winning tuition Maths & English ages 5 -14

New skills Confidence Enthusiasm

Free trial session - book today!

Birmingham Handsworth Birmingham Harborne

0121 296 4436

Birmingham Kings Heath Birmingham Wylde Green

0121 661 7409

Birmingham Yardley

0121 647 4394 0121 647 5159 0121 306 9455

www.explorelearning.co.uk 2  Issue 32

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

Hello Readers, I think it would be fair to say that most of us are happy to leave behind an incredibly wet and challenging winter season. Even nature was perplexed, with ducklings hatching in January, and daffodils in full bloom several weeks before they were due!

Thankfully, there is so much to look forward to doing with our families this spring. The longer days, and the (ever so slightly!) better weather increase our options in keeping little ones entertained, outdoors as well as in. As always, Families brings you the very best of what is happening around the region.

On pages 6 and 8 we feature La Belle Assiette and Momspresent, two ways you can spoil mums, on Mother’s Day, or any day you like! Ex-Cathedra is featured on pages 2 and 7, giving children aged 4+ the valuable opportunity of singing to the highest national level. There are pages and pages of ideas for cracking Easter activities - so egg-citing! Get in on our competitions, page 13.

Remember to tell everyone you read about the best local information here – in Families Magazine!

Follow us on Twitter @familiesbirm and like us on Facebook Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.

Have a great Spring!

Suzanne Brown, 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 07807 352087 or email editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Friday 1st April 2016 Design: MattWaltonDesign@icloud.com (email) Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Copyright Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, March 2016. ©Families Birmingham is part of a registered trademark. Families® Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Magazine Birmingham are protected by copyright. We take every 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 for any consequence.

Contents In this Issue...

4 News 6 Mother’s Day 7 Clubs & Classes 8 Parenting &

4 7

Careers 10 Education 12 School Admission Appeals 13 Competitions 14 Easter 17 What’s On

14 17

Making the 11+ accessible for every child

11+lists

Specia

Dream Big

Work Hard

Achieve 11+ Goals

Call to book your FREE 11+ trial today!

Call 0121 733 6558 Visit www.ksol.co.uk Issue 32

3

News

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

The Baby Show is Back E

xciting news! The Baby Show is returning to Birmingham’s NEC. Now in its fourteenth year, the Show will be home to around 200 exhibitors showcasing their latest products with amazing discounts especially for NEC visitors.

Whether you need help with your baby’s sleeping habits or you’re struggling to get to grips with breastfeeding, the UK’s top parenting experts will be there to help you.

Highlights of The Baby Show: • Over 200 trusted brands offering visitors the chance to try before buying.

• Exclusive show offers and competitions from top parenting brands.

• Catwalk shows for maternity, baby and toddler wear.

• A complimentary crèche where

parents can drop off their little ones and enjoy the show knowing they are being cared for.

• The Baby Show Stars’ themed competition where the show’s cutest babies will win £100 each day.

• Dedicated baby facilities to ensure visitors have a hassle-free time, including private space for breast feeding.

Go to www.thebabyshow.co.uk to buy your tickets at Early Bird rates and save up to 40% Show dates: and times: Friday 13th, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th May, 9.30am – 5.00pm.

Bournville BookFest is back and it’s bigger than ever!

Bournville BookFest 2016 is organized by Busy Parents Network, which holds festivals throughout the year for families to enjoy together. It has grown quickly to become a firm favourite in Birmingham’s cultural calendar.

More than 80 events will take place in 13 different venues across the city, including Bournville, Library of Birmingham, Longbridge, Yardley Wood and Shard End. Authors, poets, illustrators, storytellers, actors, journalists, cartoonists, historians, dancers and performers will be inspiring youngsters to read, write and get passionate about stories.

Bestselling authors will be featured, including pre-schooler favourite Nick Sharratt (Shark in the Park). Bournville BookFest 2016 is Birmingham’s only children’s book festival, celebrating the fun of storytelling with everyone from babies to young adults. Complete with FREE events for children with special needs, this promises a day of discovery and delight for everyone.

Dates: 18 – 20th March, tickets cost from £3.50 per child per event.

Go to bournvillebookfest.com, or 0121 472 7989 for more details.

The report from our recent ISI Inspection has now been published and we are delighted to be able to share the findings from the Inspection Team with you.

The report offers an excellent insight into all areas of school life and recognises that “throughout the school, pupils in all year groups have an excellent standard of personal development and this is strongly supported by excellent pastoral care”. It also praises the very high-quality teaching and learning within the school observing that “teaching very successfully supports the school’s aims to enhance academic growth, to develop a passion for learning and to encourage self-discipline, confidence and independent thinking. Teachers know their pupils and their capabilities exceptionally well. They make effective use of kn this knowledge in planning carefully tailored teaching which takes pupils’ needs into account, enabling pupils to participate confidently and make excellent progress”.

To read the report in full, either scan the QR code or visit our website: www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk/about-ehs/inspection-report 4 Issue 32

News

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

ADVENTURE. ANIMALS. ACTION.

SPRING SPECTACULAR

Experience the future… TODAY

19th March - 10th April 2016 A choc-o-bloc array of Spring Newborns NEW Miniature Donkeys Ͳ ,ĂƩŽŶ͛Ɛ EĞǁĞƐƚ ZĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐ Easter Week Egg Hunts ŽŽďĞĞ͛Ɛ :ƵŶŐůĞ :ĂŵďŽƌĞĞ ^ŚŽǁ >> z /E KKZ Ed Zd /ED Ed >ĂƐĞƌ ŽŵďĂƚ ;ϴLJƌƐнͿ ůů ƚŚĞ ƵƐƵĂů ,ĂƩŽŶ ĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ

“Events like The Big Bang Fair are a critical way of sparking that imagination in the next generation – what we see in the mirror in 50 years time is in their hands” says Dr Ian Pearson, Futurologist.

Young people are being urged to find out more about the impact of technology on our future and the role they can play in its development by attending The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair, the UK’s largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people.

The Big Bang Fair is free and runs on 16th – 19th March, at The NEC, Birmingham For more information and tickets, go to: thebigbangfair.co.uk.

Time to Take Flight!

Is your child ready for a ‘higher’ education?

Then perhaps they would like to try Flight School, at Wonderful World of Trains and Planes.

So get on board, and prepare for take off!

0121 227 4000 hello@wwtrainsplanes.co.uk wonderfulworldtrainsplanes.co.uk

ADULT GOES FREE* with another 2 Full Paying Visitors

* ǁŚĞŶ ŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞ ŽŶůŝŶĞ Ăƚ ŚĂƩŽŶǁŽƌůĚ͘ĐŽŵ 18211A 2/16

WWTP are offering a fabulous opportunity for children aged 8 and above to complete five solo flights (one per visit to the venue). Youngsters will try a variety of aircraft, including Microlites, Seaplanes and Cessnas. The successful young pilots who complete all five flight levels will be awarded with one of WWTP’s pilot bears and a flight certificate.

dĞƌŵƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ĂƉƉůLJ Ͳ ƐĞĞ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ĨŽƌ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ

www.hattonworld.com Issue 32

5

Mother’s Day

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

A restaurant experience… at home H

ow would you like to arrange an exceptional, yet affordable, Mother’s Day meal? Or maybe you are planning a cosy meal for two? Or perhaps a special get together with family or friends for a christening, birthday, or anniversary? Wondering how to manage the catering? Well, Families Magazine is at hand with a fresh new suggestion.

La Belle Assiette is a new restaurant service, UK wide, that helps you entertain friends and family… in the comfort of your own home. Online, you can peruse the menus that the chefs in your area have created. In a few clicks you can book their service on their website (allow a minimum of 24 hours before your event). Simple!

On the date you have booked, the chef brings fresh ingredients to your home, cooks an amazing dinner, serves it to you and your guests, and even clears up afterwards!

Nick Fisher, assisted by his wife Julie, cooked for my family and friends in January. While Nick prepared the meal in our kitchen he happily chatted to us about his meal planning, recipes, etc. His chef experiences

were impressive – he informed us that he had cooked for the likes of Harrison Ford, Michael Jackson, and Tom Cruise.

We had a five course meal which included: Amuse Bouche; Starter; Main Course; Dessert; Petit Fours. It is no exaggeration to say that each course looked, smelled and tasted divine.

While we were finishing our dinner – Nick and Julie were washing, drying and putting away the dishes. Throughout, we found Nick and Julie entertaining, polite, fun, informative, and great with our children.

Quite frankly, we didn’t want to let them leave the house! www.labelleassiette.co.uk

A perfect gift for Mothers Beautiful 3D casts of baby’s hands and feet in an attractive presentation frame

Frames available in Persian Walnut, Simple White, Shining Silver and Special Gold

For only £75, we visit you in the comfort of your own home, take baby’s impressions and deliver the completed presentation frame to your door.

Three keepsake jars are included for locks of hair, a first tooth, hospital armband, umbilical cord, or anything you like that reminds you of those precious early days.

Visit our website for further details.

Web: www.momspresent.co.uk Email: mail@momspresent.co.uk Tel: 0121 686 0338

6 Issue 32

Only £75

Photography by Paul Jones and TM Photography

Mothering Sunday 6th March Wonderful World of Trains and Planes wonderfulworldtrainsplanes.co.uk Mother’s Day Treat Date: 6.3.16 Time: 10:00 – 17:00 Cost: Adult £7.00; Children (3-15) £4.50 Free tea/coffee and cake for all mums!

Botanical Gardens birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk 0121 454 1860 Mothering Sunday Date: 6.3.16 Time: 10.00 – 17.00 Entry fee: Adult £7; Child over 5 years £4.75; Under 5s Free All Mums have free entry all day!

Drayton Manor Park Hotel draytonmanorhotel.com 01827 255995 Mother’s Day Dinner Date: 6.3.16 Time: 13.00 – 16.00 Cost: £17.95 for adults, £8.95 for under 12s and free for under 2s.

Moor Hall Hotel & Spa moorhallhotel.co.uk 0121 308 3751 or 0121 334 2323 Mother’s Day Meals Date: 6.3.16 Time: Varied. Log on to website or call numbers provided.

Clubs and Classes

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

How Can We Keep from Singing?

W

ould you like your child to experience world class musical opportunities? To have the chance to perform in large concert venues across the UK?

Why not take them along to Ex Cathedra, a leading UK choir which is giving youngsters aged 4 years – 18 years the chance to take part in high quality, fun and engaging singing activities. It is known that singing equips children with a range of life skills which make them flourish, not only in musicianship, but also across many areas of their personal and academic development.

Nurturing young singers is a high priority for Ex Cathedra. They are inviting your child along to one of their four flourishing Birmingham based youth choirs: Children’s Choir for children in YR-3; Junior Academy for Y4-8; Boys Academy for Y8/9-13; and, Girls Academy for Y9-13.

Ex Cathedra are highly regarded for the quality of their singing projects and performances. They have been honoured with prestigious national awards.

They passionately believe that everyone can enjoy singing - given the right opportunities. Each year their youth choirs sing for the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s performances of The Nutcracker, whilst past performances have taken place at the Royal Albert Hall, Symphony Hall and Canary Wharf. Once they even performed for Desmond Tutu!

As Howard Goodall CBE, National Ambassador for singing 2007 – 2011 says: “Spend five minutes with an Ex Cathedra vocal tutor and you’ll want to sing!”

TIME TO ENTER A NEW WORLD

To find out more about Ex Cathedra youth choirs go to www.excathedra.co.uk, email: education@excathedra.co.uk, or phone: 0121 616 3410

‘Fintastic’ swimming lessons for babies Learning to swim is a useful life skill.

The younger a child starts, the less likely it is that they will be nervous in water.

Mother and baby swim sessions teach your child how to gain confidence in the water. At Waterhugs your baby is taught to become safe and water confident through small friendly classes, exciting songs, activities and games to inspire, creative teaching techniques and through your enhanced confidence. The parent or carer will learn how to hold and move their little one to promote their early reflexes. When your child becomes more confident they will progress to the Make a Splash swim school.

Contact us at Waterhugs 0121 405 0440 or Make a Splash 0121 405 0550 to find out more.

Dizzyrs Dance

Acting, singing and dance classes for 4 to 18 year olds.

Various ages welcome Based in Highgate, Birmingham.

Find out more and start your child’s journey today stagecoach.co.uk/ edgbaston 01926 651159 edgbaston @stagecoach.co.uk

0773 4651192 www.dizzydancers.org

MUSIC

Clubs & Classes

DIRECTORY DANCE & DRAMA

CENTRAL STAGE SCHOOL Tap Street Jazz Musical Theatre Solihull: Adult & Children’s Classes Tel: Claire 07939 529 227 info@centralstageschool.co.uk www.centralstageschool.co.uk

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.co.uk

MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 4+

Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA

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

Solihull Young Dancers

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

SWIMMING TUITION Swimming lessons from 3.5 years to adults.

Lessons held in Solihull, Olton, Shirley & Acocks Green.

Learn the 4 strokes for all swimmers using fun themes!

Tel: 0121 405 0550 www.makeasplash.co.uk

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

www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL 07807 352087

Promote your little one’s natural reflexes and teach them to swim. Babies from 6 weeks & older can join the fun!

Tel: 0121 405 0440 www.waterhugs.co.uk

Issue 32

7

Parenting

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

A Gift to Treasure W

hether it be for Mother’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, birthday, the chance to celebrate the arrival of your new bundle of joy, or to mark the birthday of an older child… there is no gift more unique than a 3D cast of your precious children’s hands and feet.

Mom’s Present’s 3D casts capture a moment in time and preserve it forever in a beautiful presentation frame.

eBay testimonials include:

Mom’s Present’s success has been borne out of the quality of their product, the first class personal service they offer, word of mouth recommendations and the price, reduced by 50%, to just £75 until April 2016.

• ‘Great item, great price, prompt and excellent personal service. Highly recommended!’

The ‘Bespoke’ service is second to none, visiting clients in the comfort of their own home or, if they prefer, at Mom’s Present’s premises in Sutton Coldfield. This service is available within 25 miles of Birmingham.

• ‘Highly recommended service, will defo use again. Thank you! 5*’

You can see Mom’s Present at The Baby Show, 13-15 May at the NEC, Birmingham. momspresent.co.uk, 0121 686 0338, mail@momspresent.co.uk

Dressed by the Kids Day – New Fundraising Event

2008|2009

29008|2009 002|8002

RUSSELL NURSERY SCHOOL

Children aged from 3 months to 5 years.

Ofsted Outstanding

• Qualified friendly staff.

• Daily home cooking.

• Interactive Whiteboard/Table.

• CCTV cameras in every room.

• Free Grant places available for age 2, 3 & 4 years

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

8 Issue 32

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

Ever wondered what would it be like to let the kids take control of your wardrobe? Well now is your chance to find out… whilst raising money for charity. On 29 April 2016, the country will unite in a day of completely uncoordinated clothing chaos, with the launch of Oxfam’s exciting new fundraising event, Dressed by the Kids Day. From sequin tops paired with baseball caps and cartoon socks, to your favourite suit jacket worn over that novelty neon vest from your hey-days, it’s time to embrace the unorthodox, throw open the wardrobe doors and let the little ones loose. Parents, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents nationwide will be wearing creative outfit concoctions to the office, or on the school run.

What could be more fun? Cue lots of giggles from the little ones as you give them free reign to become your stylist for the day.

Dressed by the Kids’ Day is designed to help raise vital funds for Oxfam in their fight against

world poverty. In just 15 years, extreme poverty has been halved. So, imagine - in 15 more years, poverty can be ended for good.

Tim Hunter, Head of Fundraising for Oxfam, comments: “It will come as no surprise that children are especially excited by Dressed by the Kids’ Day, so we can’t wait to let their imaginations and creativity run wild.”

Can’t wait sign up?

Go to: www.oxfam.com/dressedbythekidsday One Day. Your Outfit. Their Rules

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Careers

Challenge yourself to lead and mentor young people H

ow would you like the opportunity to inspire and engage a group of young people from a diverse range of backgrounds? Could you lead sessions and be responsible for the pastoral care of a group of young people?

The Challenge is the leading provider of the National Citizen Service (NCS) and we deliver a Summer and Autumn programme for 15-17 year olds in the local area. We aim to bring young people together from different backgrounds on an action packed programme, allowing them to learn new skills and make a positive contribution to their local community. In 2016, we will be aiming to work with 40,000 young people nationally.

A single programme for young people lasts three weeks and includes outdoor activities, skill development and community service.

Job opportunities We are looking for high calibre staff to work with these young people in summer 2016, offering approximately 4,500 well paid positions nationally. The roles that we will be recruiting for vary from mentor positions, to creative practitioners through to more specialised leadership roles. Time commitment varies depending on the role, but can range from as short as 3 days with our Creative Practitioner roles through to longer 14 day roles with our Mentor and Programme Leader roles and salary ranges from £75-110 per day.

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to build their experience with young people.

To apply and for more details go to: www.ncsthechallenge.org/jobs call 0121 771 3884, or e-mail staffingwestmidlands@the-challenge.org Places fill up quickly – so act soon!

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE WITH NCS AND THE CHALLENGE

RECRUITING FOR MENTORS AND LEADERS Lead. Inspire. Challenge. Motivate.

Applications Now Open! To apply online simply visit

www.ncsthechallenge.org/jobs

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 Forever Living Products are a very proud & ethical company who pride ourselves on good practice.

It is illegal for a promoter or a participant in a trading scheme to persuade anyone to make a payment by promising benefits from getting others to join a scheme.Do not be misled by claims that high earnings are easily achieved.

Issue 32

9

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Helping with Homework Helping your little one with their homework needn’t be difficult if you follow these simple tips.

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Like it or not, homework is a necessary part of school life. So how can you make it run as smoothly as possible?

Incorporate homework into a routine Many children benefit from having a set homework time - they’re somewhat less likely to push back if it is just what happens at 5pm or whenever works for you both; consistency is key.

Help yes, but don’t do it for them!

As a parent your key role is to ensure that your child has somewhere comfortable and reasonably quiet to do their homework and the items required, e.g. a dictionary or ruler.

You might also have to clarify what a question means or provide support if they are stuck. But do remember it is their homework not yours!

How much is too much?

Most primary age children will get 30 to 60 minutes a week plus reading and perhaps spellings and times tables. If you think your child is being set too much, it’s definitely worth having a chat with their teacher.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Improve 11+ Vocabulary in a Flash I

t is widely acknowledged that parents have a crucial part to play in helping a child develop a rich vocabulary, which is critical to success in the 11+.

Farquhar’s Vocabulary Flash Cards has developed a comprehensive vocabularybuilding resource with clear child-friendly definitions, the perfect tool for parents working with their child to enrich vocabulary and help them succeed in the verbal reasoning element of the 11+. Levels 1 and 2 focus on laying down the foundations of a broad vocabulary, Opposites 1 and 2 take an intense look at antonym pairs, and the fifth box supports work on tricky Compound Words.

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 32

Creator Mary Farquhar says: “We’ve done the hard work so you can focus on your area of expertise: your child. Don’t just “do” vocabulary once a week repetition is the key to internalising new words. Stick the cards up in the kitchen; practise them on the go; challenge each other to sneak new words into conversation; even act them out!

A great vocabulary is an asset for life, not just for the 11+: it’s worth the effort.”

For more information visit www.vocabularyflashcards.co.uk don’t forget to mention Families magazine

Education

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Inspiring tuition– free trial session!

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xplore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities.

The centres are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life.

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.

Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership today.

Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk

Visit Westbourne - Nursery, Kindergarten & Reception at our Open House Morning on Thursday 3 March and Thursday 16 June 2016 9:15 - 11:45 am

Preparatory School & Westbourne Open House (2½ - 11 yrs) Thursday 5 May 2016 9:30am - 3:00pm Senior School Open Day Thursday 30 June 2016 4:30pm - 7:00pm

Academic, Music, Sport, Art Scholarships 0121 454 5831 admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk

Issue 32

 11 

EDUCATION LAW

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

School Admission Appeals?

NoVate can help.

NoVate has access to lawyers with specialist knowledge of all aspects of educational needs and education law. NoVate can provide assistance to school and college governors and voluntary sector organisations who work with children and families.

Making a decision about where to send your child to school is one of the big decisions that parents have to make. Researching different schools, talking to other parents and visiting the schools all play an important part in reaching that decision. While many parents will find out that their child has been allocated a place at the school they chose, what can you do if you are refused a place at the school you really wanted for your child?

The starting point for anyone who wants to appeal is to understand that admissions are governed by two key documents. The first, is the School Admissions Code which concerns the admissions criteria for a school. The second, is the School Admissions Appeal Code, which sets out the process for appeals. Both these documents are available online. There may be a slightly different process depending on whether the school is maintained by a Local Authority or is an Academy but there is still a right of appeal.

Appeals in respect of grammar schools can also take place. Parents have to have at least 20 days before making an appeal and must be given at least 10 days notice before any hearing.

Parents can put in relevant documents for the panel to read before the hearing.

The Independent Appeal Panel will have a Clerk and consist of a Chair and at least two other people. They will be completely independent of the Local Authority or Academy. Their role is to make a decision in accordance with the Code.

The hearing will be in private and the venue of the location must be accessible. There will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions and they can expect to be asked some questions as well. The decision should be made in 5 days and reasons for the decision must be given.

The Independent Appeal Panel has to decide whether the admissions arrangements comply with the code and if they were properly applied.

If they were, the panel has to go on to consider

whether the admission of additional children would prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources.

Parents may often get advice from other parents or other people who want to help but they may not be familiar with the details of these documents. Whatever other people may tell you, the law for admissions is in the Code and this should be carefully read by anyone who wants to appeal. Some parents may feel confident enough to read the Code and do the appeal by themselves, but many parents may prefer to get legal help. Novate Direct Legal Solutions has access to many barristers who have extensive experience of all areas of education law. NoVate are always happy to talk about any education case, please visit www.novatedls.com. Where appropriate an initial 30 minute conference with a barrister will be provided free of charge.

If your case requires a solicitor, NoVate can recommend a legal expert to suit your budget.

by No5 Education Law Barrister Russell Holland

Some of the areas we can help you with include: - Special educational needs - Admissions - Disability discrimination - Exclusions and formal disciplinary procedures - Further and higher education - Judicial review and statutory appeals - Governance and funding

NoVate has access to many education law barristers to suit your needs.

If your case requires a solicitor, we can recommend a legal expert to suit your budget.

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

www.novatedirectlegalsolutions.com e: info@novatedls.com | t: 0845 201 0160 12  Issue 32

Clubs and Classes Competitions

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

Win a family ticket* to see How the Lion became the King of Tinga Tinga Land at Birmingham Town Hall H

ow the Lion Became King Of Tinga Tinga Land, is a fun-packed performance that will transport children and their families to a high-octane adventure on the African Plain. A new children’s stage show from the creator of Tweenies, How Lion Became King of Tinga Tinga Land follows the adventure of the Wise Old Bird ‘Banjoko’ who decides that the land of Tinga Tinga should have a King, and how she sets about finding the suitable Animal worthy to wear the crown of Tinga Tinga land. On her journey ‘Banjoko’ meets a Cheeky Monkey, a Goofy Giraffe, Groovy Zebra and a very Proud Lion.

Five performers will lead audiences through a lively journey filled with music, puppetry, dancing, and plenty of interaction.

Kids will be encouraged to turn up in costume as their favourite animal, and masks etc will be available for sale on the day.

Suitable for ages 3+ To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket to the Saturday 2nd April, 11am performance log on to www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk/win and answer this question: What is the name of the Wise Old Bird in How the Lion Became King Of Tinga Tinga Land? Is it: (A) Maliki; (B) Banjoko, or: (C) Lutalo The competition closes Thursday 24 March. Good luck! * For four people thsh.co.uk, 0121 780 3333

Design a train competition:

Wonderful World of Trains and Planes will launch a ‘Design a Train’ competition asking kids to use their imagination to design the livery, what they would like to see on a train, how would they arrange the seats, etc. Their imagination really is the limit!

To take part, your child can submit their design in one of the following ways: At the Wonderful World of Trains and Planes attraction; on www.wonderfulworldtrainsplanes.co.uk ; on Facebook at wonderfulworldbirmingham; or on twitter.com/ WWorld_Bham .

The best idea at the end of the Easter holidays wins a Hornby Caledonian Belle train set.

Get designing!

From Saturday 19th March – End of Easter holidays

Bounce your way to family fun with jump nation Families Birmingham is partnering with Jump Nation to offer the whole family a free session of high-flying fun at a brand new trampoline park, the largest in Europe, which boasts 218 wall-to-wall trampolines connected together to form one huge bounce space.

The award-winning trampoline arena welcomes families, groups and fitness enthusiasts as well as birthday parties and corporate events for aerial fun, and you and your family could try it out… for free!

All you need to do is answer this question.

How many trampolines are there at Jump Nation Walsall? a) 118

b) 150

c) 218

Send your answers to jumpnation@tangerinepr.com by 1st April 2016 for your chance to win.

For more information on sessions and classes, or to book your tickets, visit: www.jumpnation.com If you do not wish for your contact details to be stored or to be contacted by Jump Nation regarding future events and competitions, please state this in the entry email.

Issue 32

13

Easter Activities

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

An A – Z Guide of What’s On this Easter ACKERS ADVENTURE

Egg Dancing

Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B11 2PY ackers-adventure.co.uk 0121 772 5111 School Holiday Programme Date: 29 March; 1 April; 8 April Time: 10:00 – 16.00 Entry fee: tbc see website An adventurous activities programme for 8-16 yr olds.

BOTANICAL GARDENS

Bushcraft Family Taster Session

Date: 30 March Time: 10.00 – 13.15 Cost: £80 for 2 adults and 2 children A morning of Bushcraft designed for families.

Pre-booking essential.

Climbing Taster Session for Families

Date: 31 March Time: 10:00 – 13.15 Cost: £80 for 2 adults and 2 children Learn the basics of climbing and abseiling.

Pre booking essential.

BLISTS HILL VICTORIAN TOWN Legges Way, Madeley, Telford, TF7 5DU ironbridge.org.uk 01952 433424

Dates: 25 March – 10 April Time: 10:00 – 17:00 Entry fee: Normal entry fees apply (refer to website) Enjoy the unusual Victorian spectacle of egg dancing, which will take place twice a day during the Easter period.

Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TR birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk 0121 454 1860 Bird Conservation Day Date: 20.4.16 Time: 10:00 – 17:00 Entry fee: Adult £7; Child over 5 years £4.75; Under 5s Free Learn how to look after our feathered friends.

Easter Egg Hunt

HATTON ADVENTURE WORLD Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick, CV35 8XA hattonworld.com 01926 843411 Easter Eggstravaganza

Date: 19th March – 10th April Time: 10:00 – 17:30 Entry fee: see website Easter 2016 will see the return of Hatton’s Outdoor Laser Combat, and more Easter fun for the whole family.

PACKWOOD HOUSE

Packwood Lane, Lapworth, Solihull, B94 6AT nationaltrust.org.uk/ packwood-house 01564 782024 Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt 2016

Date: 27.3.16 Time: 10.00 – 17.00 Entry fee: Adult £7; Child over 5 years £4.75; Under 5s Free Celebrate Easter Sunday at the Botanical Gardens.

Date: 25 – 28 March Time: 11:00 – 16:00 Entry Fee: : Adult £7.85; Child £4.55; Family £16.65 Trail – additional £3 per child Join in with this year’s Packwood House family Easter Egg Hunt.

Date: 28.3.16 – 1.4.16 Time: 10.00 – 17.00 Entry fee: Adult £7; Child over 5 years £4.75; Under 16s Free!

A week of fantastic Easter holiday fun!

THE TRENTHAM ESTATE

Easter Holiday Fun

Easter Fun at the Monkey Forest

Date: 25 March - 15 April Time: 09:00 – 19:00 Entry Fee: Adults £7.75; Child: £5.75 The Trentham Estate rabbits have made you an Easter trail and hidden lots of eggs.

Stone Road Trentham Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire, ST4 8AX trentham.co.uk 01782 646646

Calling all train enthusiasts, flight cadets & car racers Upcoming events: Easter 2016 O O O

Launch of Flight School Easter egg hunt ‘Design a Train’ children’s competition

Super Sunday, 10th April O

Special one day event with lots of guest models

Children’s intro to modelling, 30th April O

A fun introduction into railway modelling

Opening times: School Holidays and Bank Holidays open every day 10am-5pm.

During term time open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm. All the exhibits and attractions are included in the price.

To book tickets, visit www.wonderfulworldtrainsplanes.co.uk 3 Mary Ann Street, St Paul’s Square, Birmingham B3 1BG Tel: 0121 227 4000

14 Issue 32

@WWorld_Bham

Find us just off

St Paul’s Square in the centre of Birmingham

wonderfulworldbirmingham

Parties Easter Holidays Childcare

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk

Putting the magic back into the Easter holidays

L

ooking for something for your children to do this Easter? Then Super Camps daily activity camps are the perfect way to put the magic back into the school holidays. The programme is jam-packed with fun activities that will keep your children entertained for hours, and our ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating gives you the peace of mind that your children are in the best possible care. Camps include a variety of sports, games, and arts and crafts. No two days are the same and the price includes all activities.

01235 467300, supercamps.co.uk

Other Easter Holiday Childcare Academic Excellence

Venue: 9 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1NP Times: 9 – 4pm (extended hours 8am – 6pm) To book: 0121 454 2858 or admin@academicexcellence.org.uk academicexcellence.org.uk

Kings Camps

Venue: Blue Coat School, Somerset Road, Birmingham, B17 OHR Times: 8.30am-5.30pm (extended hours)

To book: 0114 263 2160 info@kingscamps.org kingscamps.org

THE H>¶F AB!$

FROM

£30

The Strings Club

Award winning musically themed school holiday childcare. The Strings Club offers holiday care during most school holidays.

Venues in Harborne.

8.30 – 5.45pm To book: 0121 296 9204 or info@thestringsclub.org thestringsclub.org

Childcare Vouchers Accepted

PER DAY

;B?<74L 9HA MONDAY - FRIDAY 8�M TO 6PM

WITH AC�IV�TIES FOR AGES 4 - 1�

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Early Bird Discounts!

EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITY CAMPS s Age rs 2Y 4-1

ST PETERS SCHOOL SOLIHULL 29.3.16 - 8.4.16

MULTI SPORTS FUN GAMES EASTER EGG HUNT EASTER THEMED ARTS & CRAFTS XBOX KINNECT

FROM

£13.60

CHALLENGE THE COACH

20% OFF EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT Book before 15.3.16

mail@justcamps.co.uk

0771 692 6147

www.justcamps.co.uk

Issue 32

15

13-15 May

NEC Birmingham

Everything You Need For Bump Baby & You

Book Now

Leading Brands Unbeatable Savings

Expert Advice

Book Advance Tickets Now Save Up To 35%* - Enter Code FAMILIES

thebabyshow.co.uk KICKS COUNT *Saving based on the advance ticket price of £20. To book by phone call 0871 231 0844, calls cost 10p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Advance Booking Office closes 12/05/16, £2.10 transaction fee applies per booking. For more information on the products featured visit thebabyshow.co.uk.

16 Issue 32

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk New Alexandra Theatre Address: Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham, B5 4DS atgtickets.com 0844 871 3011

What’s On Theatre & Shows

Times: 10.30; 13.00; 14.00; 17.30; 19.00 Tickets: £15 - £24 Age: 7+ years The perfect treat for the fans of Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather. A real treat of entertainment, full of spectacular circus tricks, original songs, and live music. A five star production.

First Stages - Tadpoles

Dates: 12 March 2016 Times: 11.30; 14.00 Tickets: Adults £9; Children £6; Babes-In-Arms £2 Come and meet Captain Clever. He’s good at code breaking, superfast and scared of nothing. This show features the voice of Sue Johnston OBE as Mission Control.

First Stages – Rumpelstiltskin

Horrible Histories - Groovy Greeks

Dates: Tue 22 - Sat 26 March Times: 10.30; 13.30; 18.30; 14.30 Tickets: £14.65 - £19.65 Go along and see how groovy the Greeks really were. Prepare to meet the Minotaur, be in a Greek play, and compete in the first Olympic games. 3D effects included.

Horrible Histories - Incredible Invaders

Dates: Tue 22 - Sat 26 March 2016 Times: 10.30; 13.30; 14.30; 18.30 Tickets: £14.65 - £19.65 Go on a thousand year journey with the Incredible Invaders. Prepare yourselves, the 3D effects are not for the fainthearted!

Watch out for the Vikings as they sail into the audience.

Birmingham Hippodrome

Address: Hurst St, Southside, B5 4TB birminghamhippodrome.com 0844 338 5000

Dates: 16.4.16 Times: 11.30; 14.00 Tickets: Adults £9; Children £6; Babes-In-Arms £2; Age Recommendation: Ages 5-9 The award-winning Big Brum Theatre in Education Company presents their own version of this well-loved and classic Brother’s Grimm fairytale.

Crescent Theatre

Address: 20 Sheepcote Street, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B16 8AE crescent-theatre.co.uk 0121 643 5858

Cinderella

Dates: 17 - 19 March Times: 14.00; 19.30 Tickets: £19 (Under 16s: £17) Production by Midland Theatre Ballet.

This is a beautiful interpretation of this well-known classic fairytale. Unique choreography, fabulous sets and costumes.

Tickets: £12 (£8) Age recommendation: tbc A family-friendly folk musical. Through this performance you will share Beatrix’s loves, losses, struggles and triumphs as one of best authors of children’s literature.

Solihull Arts Complex

Address: Solihull Central Library and Arts Complex, Theatre Square, Touchwood, Homer Rd, Solihull, B91 3RG 0121 704 6962 solihullartscomplex.co.uk

Rainbow Magic Live - Saving Fairyland

Date: Mon 14 March Times: 5.30pm Tickets: £12 The Rainbow Fairies from ‘Rainbow Magic’ come to life in this new musical show. Go on the journey with best friends Rachel and Kirsty and have lots of fun adventures on the way!

My Pet Monster and Me

Date: Friday 1st April Times: 2.30pm Tickets: £8 Suitable for: Ages 3+ Sophie is a daydreamer, whose life suddenly becomes more exciting when she finds a strange egg, and out hatches… a cuddly baby monster. A show with plenty of laughs.

A Dragon’s Tale

Date: Thu 7 April 2016 Times: 11am & 2pm Tickets: £7 (child inc. workshop) £6 adult Age Suitability: 4+ years A magical story told through music, puppets, sound effects and changing scenery. Based on the legend of the Lambton Worm. Craft workshop straight after the show.

Thriller Live

Dates: Mon 7 - Sat 12 March Times: various – see website Tickets: £16.65 - £31.65 Come and experience an exciting, electrifying show. Enjoy two ‘thrilling’ hours of Michael Jackson’s most memorable music.

Venue: New Alexandra Theatre Suffolk St, Queensway, B’ham, B5 4DS atgtickets.com 0844 871 3011

Fame

Date: Tue 26 - Sat 30 April Times: 14.30; 19.30 Tickets: £12 - £16 Fame bursts on to stage at Solihull Arts Complex. A lively, energetic, top tapping, production which follows the dreams of a talented group of students at the New York City High School of Performing Arts.

A treat for the whole family.

mac birmingham Address: Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH macbirmingham.co.uk 0121 446 3232 info@macbirmingham.co.uk

SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX

Red Earth Theatre: The Remarkable Tale of Oliver Twist

Mary Poppins

Dates: Wed 9 Mar - Sat 23 Apr Times: 14.00; 14.30; 19.30 Tickets: From £25 Come and see this timeless classic, adapted from the stories by PL Travers and the famous Walt Disney film and brought to ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ life, on stage, at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Let It Be

Dates: Mon 25 - Sat 30 Apr Times: 14.00; 14.30; 19.30 Tickets: From £13.50 Age: No under 3s admitted.

One of the of the West End’s most popular shows comes to Birmingham. Come and re-live the music of the Fab Four, and Get Back into the swinging 60s!

Birmingham Repertory Theatre Address: Centenary Square, Broad St, Birmingham, B1 2EP birmingham-rep.co.uk Box Office: 0121 236 4455 Enquiries: 0121 245 2000

Hetty Feather

Dates: 8 – 12 March

Dates: Thursday 10 March Times: 13.00 & 18.00 Tickets: £12 (£8) Age Recommendation: Suitable for age 6+; recommended age 8+ A fresh take on a familiar story – Red Earth Theatre set their production in a Victorian music hall, making this story larger than life for all the family.

Hairy Maclary & Friends

Dates: Sun 27 – Mon 28 March Times: 11.00; 13.00; 14.00; 15.00 Tickets: £11.50 (£9.50) Age Range: 1+ Hairy Maclary and friends are back in the UK and larger than life this Easter. This production features music and singing and, of course, several of your favourite Hairy Maclary stories. A must see!

Rainbow Magic Live MON 14 MAR Tickets £12

My Pet Monster & Me FRI 1 APR Tickets £8

5.30pm in Theatre

2.30pm in Theatre - age 3+

A Dragon’s Tale THUR 7 APR Tickets £6/£7 ch.

The Chris & Pui Show SAT 4 JUNE Tickets £12/£10 ch.

London Contemporary Theatre: Stig Of The Dump

Dates: Fri 1 – Sat 2 April Times: 13.30; 17.00; 18.00 Tickets: £12 (£8) Age recommendation: tbc This is the tale of where a boy, Barney makes a secret friend, Stig, a man who lives in a disused chalk pit which people through their rubbish into. They cannot speak, but they become great friends.

An entertaining and touching story brought to life at mac birmingham.

Hookhitch: My Friend Peter Dates: Sun 17 April Times: 11.30 & 14.30

Using puppets, music & sound effects, ages 4+.

Inc. paper dragon workshop for children (optional).

11am & 2pm in Studio

CBeebies favourite duo return with songs, rhymes, comedy and joining in!

11am & 2pm in Theatre

www.solihullartscomplex.co.uk

Box Office: 0121 704 6962 10.30am-4pm Mon-Sat Issue 32

17

What’s On Activities Out and About

ACKERS ADVENTURE

Golden Hillock Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, B11 2PY ackers-adventure.co.uk 0121 772 5111

Like us on

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk FACEBOOK Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield

year olds with a paying adult. All juniors must be accompanied by an adult.

BACK TO BACKS, NATIONAL TRUST 55-63 Hurst Street/50-54 Inge Street, Birmingham, B5 4TE nationaltrust.org.uk 0344 800 1895

Queen’s Birthday decorative rag wreaths workshop

Condensed Ski Course

Date: 12th March Time: 10:00 - 16:00 Entry fee: Adults £90; Juniors £80 (1216yrs).

Pre booking essential.

Learn to Ski in a Day at Ackers Adventure.

Ackers offer a whole day’s tuition for anyone wishing to learn to ski quickly. Go from beginner to recreational standard skiers in 5 hours of tuition (with breaks).

Canoe & Kayak Taster Day

Date: 29th March Time: 10.00 – 16.00 Cost: Adults £60 Introduction to Canoeing and Kayaking.

This course covers the basics of equipment, getting into the water, paddling and leading a group. Price includes all equipment and instruction.

Pre-booking essential.

Date: 16th April Times: 10.30 – 12.30 Entry fee: Adult £7.85; Child £4.55; Family £16.65 Booking essential Explore your creative side at the Back to Backs this Spring. Go along to make your own decorative rag wreath. Learn about the techniques which will help you create a wreath for all occasions.

BARBER INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TS barber.org.uk 0121 414 2261 education@barber.org.uk

Canoe/Kayak Family Taster

Date: 29th March Times: 10:00 - 13:15 Cost: Family Taster Session for £80 (2 adults & 2 chldren 8ys+) A family introduction to Canoeing and Kayaking. The course covers the basics of equipment, getting into the water and paddling . Price includes all equipment and instruction.

Pre-booking essential.

ThrillSeeker Activity Taster Day

Date: 30th April Time: 10:30 - 15:30 Cost: £22 per person Age: 5+ Here is a chance to try different activities on one of Ackers Adventure Thrillseeker Taster Days! You can try skiing, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, jungle challenge, archery, zip wire and fan descender. BBQ onsite. Free tobogganing for under 12

Creative Sundays Workshops

Dates, Themes and Times: 6 March: Abstract Stencil Painting 13 March: Painted Leaves and Plants 20 March: Woven Textile Pictures 3 April: Surreal Leaf Animals 10 April: Charcoal Relief Prints 17 April: Angular Abstract Tiles 24 April: Funky Contour Faces Times of each event: 11.00 - 12.30 (ages 4 – 8 years) 13.30 – 15.00 (ages 8 – 12 years) -Entry fee: £5 per child, per session.

At each session children will be inspired to create wonderful pieces of art using a range of mediums, and techniques. Take them along to the Barber Institute to be filled with inspiration by using colour, shapes, textures and nature in their very own masterpieces.

Bournville Bookfest at Barber

Date: 18th March Time: 11.00 – 16.00 Entry fee: FREE All ages welcome.

Tickets for all book festival sessions, including those taking place at the Barber, can be booked via bournvillebookfest. com.

The Bournville Bookfest is returning to the Barber.

Come along to hear Nick Sharratt – famous illustrator of Jacqueline Wilson’s Tracey Beaker series – read his latest releases ‘Viking’s in the Supermarket’, and ‘Shark in the Park on a Windy Day’.

Laugh Your Socks Off! with award-winning author Jeremy Strong.

Turn your favourite Barber characters into cartoons at art workshop.

The whole Bookfest runs 18 - 20 March.

ThrillSeeker Activity Taster Days 1 Day, 1 Price, 8 Activities A great day full of Adventure for all !

Zip Wire, Kayak, Ski, Canoe, FanDrop, Climb, Archery & Jungle Challenge BBQ & Free Tobogganing th 30 April, 6th August & 1st October

School Holiday Programmes An array of Awesome Activities to try every school holiday for 8-16 year olds! £30 pp per day, 10am till 4pm Pre booking essential for all activities 0121 772 5111 bookings@ackers-adventure.co.uk

18 Issue 32

Date: 5th – 6th March; 19th – 20th March; 7th – 8th May Time: 09.45 – 16.00 Tickets: Adult - £15.91; Child (4 - 15 YRS) £11.68; UNDER 4 YEARS – free Cadbury characters will be coming along this weekend to welcome visitors at regular intervals throughout the day.

BIRMINGHAM CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP

The Sooty Show; Sooty in Space

Music Maze (8 – 11 years) ZigZag Ensemble (12 -16 years)

Heritage Weekend

CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF bcmg.org.uk/whats-on 0121 616 2616 info@bcmg.org.uk

Dates: Sunday 6th March; Sunday 3rd April Time: 10.00 – 15.00 Entry: Free A free, exciting music workshop day, with some of the world class musicians of the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. This is a chance for your budding Beethovens to improvise and create music based around a theme.

Booking essential via website.

Families@4

Date: Sunday 1st May Time: 4pm (pre-concert activities from 3pm) Tickets: £5, under 3s go free.

Buy three tickets and the fourth family member gets in for free!

Book tickets on: 0121 345 0491, bcmg.org.uk An hour long concert for the whole family.

Part of the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s family concert series.

BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM

Black Country Living Museum, Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ bclm.co.uk 0121 557 9643

Newcomen Engine in Steam The Outdoor Professionals

Cadbury Character Weekend

Dates: 30 April - 02 May Time: 10.00 – 17.00 Entry fee: from £15.50 for Adults, from £7.25 for Children Here’s your chance to come and see the only full sized working replica of Newcomen’s steam engine of 1712. The staff and volunteers who run the engine will be available to chat to visitors.

Tug Boat Gathering

Dates: 30 April - 02 May Time: 10.00 – 17.00 Cost: from £15.50 for Adults, from £7.25 for Children Make this Bank Holiday weekend different. Go to one of the largest tug boat gatherings in the country.

Take the family to see tug boats from near and far making a rare appearance at the Museum. Visitors can chat to the tug boat owners.

CADBURY WORLD

Cadbury World, Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 2LU cadburyworld.co.uk 0844 880 7667

Date: 12th – 13th March; 23rd – 24th April; Time: 09.45 – 16.00 Tickets: Adult - £15.91; Child (4 - 15 YRS) £11.68; UNDER 4 YEARS – free Sooty and Sweep entertain with music, magic and mayhem galore! Sooty in space is a great show for the whole family to enjoy.

Date: 16th – 17th April Time: All day Tickets: Adult - £15.91; Child (4 - 15 YRS) £11.68; UNDER 4 YEARS – free Take a guided tour around Bournville, and gain a history of our home town. See George and Richard Cadbury’s vision.

GENTING ARENA NEC, Perimeter Road, Birmingham, B40 1NT gentingarena.co.uk 0844 338 8000

Crufts

Date: 10 -13 March Time: 08.15 - 18.30 Tickets: From £18 Car Parking: £12.00 per day A show full of things to see and do.

Amazing dog shows, lots of canine related shopping. Over 22k dogs striving for the title of Best in Show 2016.

Disney On Ice

Silver Anniversary Celebration Date: 6 - 10 April Time: tbc nearer the Tickets: £19.18 - £46.62 Booking hotline: 0844 33 88 222 Celebrate the wonder of Disney On Ice at this special anniversary production. Enjoy the magic of Disney’s most heartwarming tales of love, loyalty, courage and humour with The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and, of course, Frozen.

macbirmingham

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH macbirmingham.co.uk 0121 446 3232

Creative Easter Courses

Family Textiles: Felt Animal Masks Date: Tue 29 March Time: 10.00 – 15.00 Cost: £18 per adult and child; £11 per additional person Age suitability: 6 -11yrs + PG Create your own spring themed felt animal masks.

Baby & Toddler Creative Play

Date: Tue 29 March; Mon 4 Apr Time: 10.00 - 10.45 Cost: £7 per adult and child; £5 per additional person Age suitability: 2 months - 2yrs + PG Creative play in a stimulating and imaginative environment for tots and their parents/carers.

***Please check the organiser’s website in case of changes to schedule. Thank you.

What’s On

www.familiesbirmingham.co.uk Follow us on TWITTER @familiesbirm mac Explorers: Magical Cities

5+ £5.00, Child 2-4 years £3.00, Child under 2 years free.

No Pre-booking necessary.

Visitors are invited to come along dressed in their favourite costumes and listen to stories of Knights, dragons, princesses and other Castle related themes. Visitors can also participate in craft activities

NEC

THINKTANK

Date: Tue 29 March Time: 10.00 – 15.00 Cost: £12 Age suitability: 6 years + The children will make a Cardboard City.

They will use their imagination to create a fantasy city.

North Ave, Birmingham, B40 1NT thebabyshow.co.uk Date: 13 - 15 May See p16 for details.

Caribbean; from the Welsh, to Chinese traditions. Come along, watch, dance, sing and enjoy a vibrant celebration of Birmingham’s multiculturalism.

SAREHOLE MILL

TAMWORTH CASTLE

Sunday Tours of Sarehole Mill

St. George’s Day

The Baby Show

Cole Bank Road Birmingham, B13 0BD birminghammuseums.org.uk/sarehole 0121 348 8263 Date: 13 March Times: 11.30 and 13.30 Tickets: Adult £6; Concession £5; Child under 16 FREE Take a tour around one of the two surviving working watermills in Birmingham. Learn about the lives of the millers who worked here. Explore the idyllic childhood haunt of J.R.R Tolkien.

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Birmingham St Patrick’s Festival, c/o Irish in Birmingham, 45 Alcester Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B12 0PH stpatricksbirmingham.com info@stpatricksbirmingham.com St. Patricks Day Festival Birmingham 2016 Date: Sunday 13th March Times: 12:00 - 14:00 Venue: Digbeth High Street The annual Birmingham St. Patrick’s Day parade boasts a diverse and rich range of entertainment, from the Irish, to the

Tamworth Castle, The Holloway, Tamworth, Staffs, B79 7NA tamworthcastle.co.uk 01827 709626 Date: 23rd April Time: 11.30 - 16.00 Entry fee: Adult £7.00, OAP £6, Child 5+ £4.50, Child 2-4 years £2.50, Child under 2 years free.

No Pre-booking necessary.

St. Georges Day at Tamworth Castle features re-enactments in the Castle Grounds.

This will be a day of fun including Medieval games with Lady Freville, learning about Medieval weaponry and armour and having a go at laundry the Medieval way!

Outdoors in the grounds there will be have a go archery, Medieval jousting, a living history encampment, children’s Medieval activities, street entertainers and much more.

Storytelling with Ruby

Date: 2nd May Time: 11.30 - 16.45 Entry fee: Adult £7.00, OAP £6.00, Child

Easter Activities

Age: Recommended for 0-7 years.

Enjoy a delicious feast of musical entertainment, suitable for the whole family to enjoy. Little ones can join in with the professional musicians as they are introduced to a world of music, dance and storytelling.

Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG birminghammuseums.org.uk/ thinktank 0121 348 8000

Destination Space:

Family show Date: 28 March - 8 April Time: 13.00 - 13.30 Entry fee: Free event No booking required.

Through amazing demonstrations and experiments explore what life is like for the entire space crew in our Destination Space family show. Learn more about Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station in December.

Show takes place Monday - Friday.

THSH – TOWN HALL/ SYMPHONY HALL TOWN HALL, BIRMINGHAM Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ thsh.co.uk 0121 780 3333

SYMPHONY HALL

Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA thsh.co.uk 0121 345 0600

Musical Picnic

Date: 12 March; 9 April Time: 10:30am Tickets: Free Event Venue: Symphony Hall Café Bar

How the Lion became King of Tinga Tinga Land

Dates and Times: Friday 1st April, 2pm; Saturday 2nd April, 11am; Saturday 2nd April (relaxed performance), 3pm Tickets: £12.50 plus transaction fee Venue: Town Hall Town Hall Birmingham presents a new children’s stage show.

Disney Frozen in Concert

Date: 16th April Time: 14.00; 18.00 Tickets: £49.50, £41.50, £33.50, £25 plus transaction fee* Venue: Symphony Hall Frozen fans can experience this modern day classic with amazing music.

WONDERFUL WORLD OF PLANES AND TRAINS

3 Mary Ann Street, St Paul’s Sq, B1 1BG wonderfulworldtrainsplanes.co.uk 0121 227 4000 Super Sunday 10.4.16 Special one day event with lots of guest models.

Learn to draw, paint & sculpt!

Fantastic & fun art workshops & family days!

Bring the kids along for a week of some fantastic Easter fun!

27th March - 1st April Easter Sunday Easter egg hunt and bouncy castle Easter Monday Bouncy castle, children’s entertainer, Bibbledy Bob with children’s activities and games All Week Story and nature trials Visit our website for more information

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

Pick up our Families First leaflet or visit our website: www.barber.org.uk Family Concert with Craft When Yesterday We Met...

Storytelling Through Song Saturday 5 March 12.30pm – 3pm Hands-on concert with pre-show craft £5 adults/£3 children Bournville Bookfest 2016 BOOKING ESSENTIAL Saturday 19 March 11am – 4pm Laugh, draw & meet top children’s authors at the Barber!

To book: www.bournvillebookfest.com

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