Families Bedfordshire Jan-Feb 2014

FR EE

Bedfordshire

Issue No.8 January–February 2014

N URSER Y ISSUE ... ...How t o ch oose on e Health & Education What’s On

14,000 copies to parents with children aged 0-12 across Bedfordshire

EDITOR’S WELCOME

CONTENTS

In this issue we’re focused on our Nursery feature which includes some indispensable advice on what parents ought to think about when choosing a nursery for a child. And one writer looks at the debate surrounding the age that British children start school – is four too early?

News & Info How to choose the right nursery?

What’s the right age to start school?

Education news & views Help your child overcome bedwetting Health news & views Flexible working: what to consider What’s on: January & February

Finally, if you are thinking of making the case to your employer for flexible working, then read this article first as it gives you some top tips on things you ought to consider first.

Editor: Judith Dow editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk; www.FamiliesBedfordshire.co.uk Mob: 07889 894431 or phone: 01727 373929; Twitter: @familiesbeds Part of the Families® magazines group, established 1990. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned & operated under license. www.FamiliesOnline.co.uk Design: Cath Ranzetta

Hello and welcome to January!

I'd like to wish all of our readers a very happy New Year. I hope you’ve had a chance to put your feet up and relax over the holidays with your family before everything starts up again.

We’ve also got plenty of health and education news for you, including an article tackling the common problem of bedwetting.

See you in the Spring!

Judith

P.S. Our March–April issue will include What’s On for Easter and the holidays! Copy deadline: Friday 7 February

Competition winners: Congratulations to the winners of The Stables pantomime ticket, Mr & Mrs Timbers; also to R Efetha who won the After-School Party at 360 Play.

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Photo credits: Front cover: © Nicky Vincent www.nickyvincentphoto.com; p2 © Ben Hall (RSPB-images.com); p3 © Edward Bawden (1903–89), Ives Farmhouse, Great Bardfield, 1956, colour linocut © The Edward Bawden Estate; p6 © mickyso – Fotolia.com; © nadezhda1906 – Fotolia.com; p7 © Nicky Vincent www.nickyvincentphoto.com; p8 © AlikeYou – Fotolia.com; © Jacek Chabraszewski – Fotolia.com; p9 © nadezhda1906 – Fotolia.com; p10 © Acorn Preparatory School; © Polam School; p11 © SerrNovik – Fotolia.com; © Chris Dorney – Dreamstime.com; p13 © Bedford Borough Council; p14 © Frank Gärtner – Fotolia.com; p15 © Luton Culture (x2); p16 © Marilyn Barbone – Dreamstime.com; © Milton Keynes Model Railway Society; © English Heritage/Wrest Park Families Bedfordshire is printed by The Manson Group (01727 848440) on paper sourced from sustainable forests and the inks used are vegetable based.

Distribution: We are printing 14,000 copies which will be distributed to selected points in Bedfordshire. For further distribution information please contact: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk.

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NEWS & INFORMATION Counting the birds that are counting on you On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January, the nation takes part in the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch. The RSPB’s Lodge in Sandy (tel: 01767 680541) will also be holding its own event from 11am–3pm (see What’s On, p15).

The activity is the biggest garden wildlife survey in the world and last year almost 600,000 people counted the birds in their garden.

these other species and share them with its conservation partners after the survey.

More info: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

Babylab is looking for volunteers for new study

The Babylab at Birkbeck College, London, is about to launch a new study and they are looking for volunteers.

STAARS (Studying Autism and ADHD Risk in Siblings) will follow the development of children that are at genetic risk for two common developmental disorders – autism and ADHD. Families from all over the country that have an older child with autism and/or ADHD and a new baby are welcome to join this study at any point between finding out they are pregnant and until their baby is 14 months of age.

Big Garden Birdwatch provides the RSPB with masses of information about changes in the numbers of garden birds in winter, and helps to alert conservationists to significant declines in UK garden species like house sparrows and starlings.

The babies will visit the Babylab a few times until their third birthday. At every visit they will take part in a variety of studies. If they are tired they can have a nap while their parents fill in questionnaires or discuss their child’s development with the team of researchers. At the end of each visit children will receive a Babylab participation diploma and t-shirt. The Babylab reimburses all travel costs.

And this year, for the first time, participants are being asked to log some of the other wildlife they see in their gardens too. The charity will gather useful information about

Warden Hill School at Pumpkin Festival Their theme was to link in with their reaccreditation to the British Council International School’s Award and to celebrate this year’s World Cup in Brazil. They decided to make their pumpkins into international football players wearing their national kits. Both children and staff had great fun decorating the pumpkins (pictured) and were very proud of the finished entries.

More info on the research: www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16740758 To contact Babylab, tel: 0207 079 0761 or go to www.staars.org

Thank you to the school for sending in their lovely photographs. If you have any photos or events that your school is involved in, then please do get in touch by email: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk.

Warden Hill Infant School in Luton entered the Luton Hoo Pumpkin Festival held last October.

Discover the Marston Vale Line!

Bedford – Bletchley by rail, the scenic route

Take the train to Milton Keynes Model Railway Exhibition 2014!

Saturday 15 February, 10am – 4.30pm

GroupSave Ticket r the ts fo Up to 4 adul ff peak) price of 2 (o children plus up to 4 each. for only £1 go Under 5s free.

Shenley Brook End School, Walbank Grove, Milton Keynes For further info please contact: Free shuttle bus from Bletchley & Milton Keynes Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership Central Rail Stations!

Entry discounts for Marston Vale Line passengers!

Tel: 01234 832645 Visit our award-winning website Adults: £5 (£4.50 with valid rail ticket); www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk Children: £3 (£2.50 with valid rail ticket); Families 2+2: £10 (£9.00 with valid rail ticket).

Find us on Facebook!

Bletch ley Park Offer!

2 for 1 entry for Vale Line passenMarston ge admission prices rs on at Bletchley Park. www.bletchleypa rk.org.uk 01908 6404 On production of 04 ticket. Offer valida valid un 31 December til 2014.

www.facebook.com/marstonvalecrp Follow us on Twitter!@marstonvalecrp Call (01908) 605417 for further information or visit www.mkmrs.org.uk

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

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NEWS & INFORMATION There’s lo ts to s ee this Win te r at the Hi ggins M us eum ‘A National Art: Watercolour & the British Landscape Tradition’ (free entry) runs until 27 April, and looks at how the great water colourists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries came to inspire and influence those of the mid-20th century, and how the method of watercolour came to be considered quintessentially British.

The exhibition is one of a number of displays at The Higgins Bedford, exploring the British landscape tradition. Visitors will also be able to enjoy ‘Recording Britain’, an exhibition organised by the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, from 9 January to 20 March, which is the result of a unique documentary project initiated by Sir Kenneth Clark at the start of the Second World War. A third landscape exhibition, ‘Bawden’s Britain’, which runs until 11 May, looks at how the artist and designer, Edward Bawden, was inspired by the landscapes and inhabitants of rural Essex. The exhibition celebrates Bawden’s closely observed depictions of rural life and the wit and humour that is unique to ‘the master of linocut’. www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

Help get your kids back to nature on holiday this summer

If you are starting to think ahead to planning this year’s summer holiday, the environmental charity Field Studies Council (FSC) has developed a new range of UK holidays at a reasonable price aimed at encouraging families to get outdoors through their Real Family Holidays.

With a number of locations to choose from across the country including the Pembrokeshire Coast and Lake District, they offer families the chance to mix an exciting range of activities with time to do your own thing and explore the local area. Accommodation is at certain FSC centres, housed in beautiful buildings from Georgian mansions to stunning country houses in sprawling estates. With lovely views and comfortable family bedrooms, they also offer outdoor and indoor recreation areas to relax in and socialise with other families.

FSC Chief Executive Rob Lucas says: ‘These holidays have been designed to reach as many families as possible and offer them an affordable way of spending time outside together, discovering a beautiful part of the UK and trying out some fun, different activities that they may not otherwise have had the chance to do.’

Bedford Young Mathematicians put to the Test

Young mathematicians from Bedford schools competed in the semi final of the National Young Mathematicians’ Award at the end of last year. The competition, now in its fourth year and run by tuition provider Explore Learning and the NRICH Project at the University of Cambridge, aims to inspire children to enjoy the challenges that maths can bring.

The four schools that featured were Newnham Middle School (pictured), Marston Vale Middle School, Harrold Middle School and Lincroft Middle School.

Carey Ann Dodah, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning says: ‘The National Young Mathematicians’ Award is an opportunity for children to work together, succeed as a team and really appreciate the fun that maths can bring! We want as many schools as possible to be proactive and sign their pupils up to take part; it really is a fantastic accolade to be named one of the best mathematicians in the county and it gives children great confidence in their abilities.’

For more info and to book: www.real-family-holidays.org

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editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NEWS & INFORMATION WIN family tickets to the Milton

Keynes Model Railway Exhibition!

Families Bedfordshire has three family tickets to give away to the Milton Keynes Model Railway Exhibition (www.mkmrs.org.uk/exhibitions) which will be held in Shenley Brook End, Milton Keynes on Saturday 15 February.

For your chance to win a family ticket, simply answer the following question correctly: Which year was Ridgmont Station built?

(Clue: check this page!) a) 1846 b) 1806 c) 1946

Enter online by Monday 3 February 2014 at: www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk/competitions

Conquer the Wild West!

From January to April, Perform children within Bedfordshire will not just be having fun acting, singing and dancing each week, they’ll also be braving The Wild West. Children will learn about the excitements of the Gold Rushes, experience the perils of a runaway mine train, decipher smoke signals and discover the ancient beauty and wisdom inherent in Native American customs and traditions.

Perform’s Principal Lucy Quick says: ‘The Wild West is our most exuberant theme yet. It is extremely physical and high energy, and the children get to go on a hugely exciting adventure to rescue The Horse with the Golden Mane, whilst developing those all important social skills along the way.’

Discover Narnia!

Perform’s half term experiences are specially designed to encourage creativity and boost confidence and communication skills. This February, they will focus on Narnia, where children will be invited to travel through the wardrobe to help Aslan the lion defeat the Wicked White Witch.

Any interested 4 to 8 year old can try out the classes by attending a Free Trial Session at St Leonard’s Church Hall, Leighton Road, Heath and Reach on Tuesdays at 4pm or 5pm.

For more info and to book, tel: 0845 400 1315 or go to www.perform.org.uk.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

A Special Bedtime storytime

Over 40 families with children at Hart Hill Nursery School and Children’s Centre in Luton recently went back to school for an evening of stories and hot chocolate. At the end of the school day the children went home for a quick change of clothes, getting dressed into their pyjamas and onesies before coming back to Hart Hill with their favourite teddy. Tricia Penfold, Headteacher at Hart Hill Nursery School, said: ‘Our story evening was a wonderful opportunity for parents and their children to enjoy a fun evening together at the nursery.’

New Volunteers required for restored Ridgmont Station!

The recently restored and refurbished Ridgmont Station, which was built in 1846, is now looking for new volunteers over the winter months to help out in the shop and restored ticket office. Plus, those with ‘green’ fingers will also be welcome to help with tree planting and the small wildlife garden.

Full training will be given and travel expenses will be reimbursed. So if you are interested, please contact Stephen Sleight to discuss further.

Tel: 01234 832645.

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NURSERIES

How to choose your child’s nursery

It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve made for your child in his or her life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know? Joanna Moorhead shares some tips.

There are all sorts of different nurseries out there. Big ones, small ones; ones run by the local council, and ones run by independent companies.

There are nurseries attached to primary schools, and there are standalone nurseries. When you start out looking for one, the plethora of what’s out there can make it all seem very daunting.

But here’s the first, the most important, and possibly even the only thing you need to know about how to make your choice. Listen to the voice inside your head, heed your instinct about what’s right for your child, and you’ll almost certainly make the ‘correct’ choice. Because the truth, of course, is that there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one; there is, however, a nursery that will suit your child best, because it will mesh in with your own and your partner’s ideas about how to raise a child, and what matters most in his or her life. All of which is why what you feel inside you about a nursery will give you the biggest guide as to what to go on.

Susie Glenister, owner of Banana Moon Day Nursery in Lower Sundon, Luton confirms this view: ‘As a parent, choosing a place for my children to thrive in when I was at work ultimately came down to instinct: about the rooms I walked into, the adults who would care for them, the food they would eat, and the amount of fresh air they would get. I wanted to go to work and pretty much forget about my children, because I knew they’d be safe, stimulated and nurtured personally. With childcare costs rising, having faith in who is taking care of your child is more important than ever. As a parent, your instincts will help you choose the best place for your child to learn and grow in.’

Looking round

To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area (or perhaps in the area where you work, if you’re thinking your child can be cared for at nursery while you work nearby). Comb through the nurseries in your area online; look at the Ofsted reports for any you

think sound promising. Think about what factors matter most to you in a nursery (see our checklist) and then make appointments to look around a selection of those that have, or might have, vacancies.

When you look round, don’t be too anxious about all the questions you need to ask or whether you’re going to miss something vital. Instead, switch on all your ‘vibes’ and take in the holistic sense of the place. Does it feel friendly, and welcoming, and a fun place to be, from what you can see of it? Do staff treat you warmly – are you convinced by what they’re telling you? Do you, in a nutshell, feel a sense of confidence about the place; would you feel confident about leaving the most important person in your life, your child, here in the care of the people you’ve met? If the answer is yes, the nursery you’ve just seen is a possible one for you; if you have any doubts whatsoever about this most crucial thing, whether you’re confident about leaving your baby there, cross it off your list at once.

YOUR NURSERY CHECK LIST Mrs Beth Smith, Manager, Little Pilgrims, part of Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School, Bedford, says: ‘A setting should offer you and your child as many “play visits” before starting as you need. They are an opportunity to talk to your key person about your child, their routine, their likes and dislikes. Gradually you will feel more confident and happy to leave them for, say, an hour with their new friends whilst you sit in the car park worrying! By the time their first day comes around, you will be happy to wave goodbye knowing that your little one will be well looked after and loved.’

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editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NURSERIES So what are the most important things you’re looking for in a nursery?

Here are some things you need to think about: ✓ kidsunlimited suggest that: ‘it is important that you write a list of questions you would like to ask. It’s a little like going to the doctors or attending an interview in as much as it can feel very overwhelming and it is only after you have left that you remember the all-important questions you didn’t ask. These could be anything from “How is sleep time arranged?” to “How will potty training be managed?” or “What does the Early Years Foundation Stage mean for my child?”’ ✓ Food: how important is it to you that food is organic? Do you like the idea of nursery children eating alongside staff – i.e. the family model –which some nurseries practice? ✓ Outdoor play space: this varies hugely from nursery to nursery.

Think about how important outdoor play is to your child, and decide how much importance you’re going to attach to whether the nursery has a garden, how big it is, and how many activities take place in it. ✓ Wifi: do you have worries about wifi and its potential impact on young children? If so, make sure you ask about whether there’s a wifi network at the nursery, and how extensive it is.

See www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Visit the Families Bedfordshire Directory of Nurseries online: www.familiesonline.co.uk/LOCATIONS/Bedfordshire/Directory

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NURSERIES What’s the right age to start school?

A fierce battle has broken out between the Department of Education and a group of campaigners who say British children are being disadvantaged by going to school aged four. Joanna Moorhead investigates.

What is it that children start much too early at four, that stems their creativity and reduces their chance of good exam results further down the line?

According to a growing group of educationalists, thinkers, teachers and parents, the blight on the lives of young children is... school. Or at least, it’s too much school too soon – and that, according to the backers of a new campaign, is exactly what’s happening to thousands of British fouryear-olds each year.

The argument put forward by the Save Childhood Movement, which is running the ‘Too Much, Too Soon’ campaign in favour of waiting until children are six before they go to school, is that young children need the chance to play, and should not be shoehorned into ‘learning’ too early.

The campaigners say that in other parts of the world, early childhood is recognised as a valuable phase of development in its own right – whereas in Britain, it’s seen solely as preparation for school.

Misconceptions

There’s a misconception in Britain, say the campaigners, that starting early with school means settling down to learn more quickly, and achieving more in the long term. But, they say, that’s not borne out by what happens in other countries.

‘Children who enter school at six or seven – after several years of high quality nursery education – consistently achieve better educational results as well as higher levels of wellbeing,’ said 127 senior educational figures in a letter to the Daily Telegraph in September.

‘The success of the Scandinavian system suggests that many problems in English education – such as the widening gap in achievement between rich and poor, problems with boys’ literacy, and the “summer borns” issue – could be addressed by fundamentally re-thinking our early years policies.’

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Specifically, the Too Much Too Soon campaign is calling for: ☞ the early years to be re-established as a unique development stage in its own right ☞ protection for the rights of young children to develop naturally ☞ an end to baseline testing ☞ a new emphasis on the importance of play

Link with mental health

For the Too Much Too Soon lobby, the emphasis on formal education from a young age is part of a mindset that sees testing and academic pressure as good for young people – whereas they believe it’s harmful rather than helpful. They point out, for example, that the now-implemented Year One Phonics Screening Check in English primary schools is unnecessary and say there’s little correlation between the results of the phonics check and a child’s reading achievements at the end of Year 2.

They point out, too, that prescriptions of Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, have quadrupled in the last ten years, and many believe the drug is being used to ‘normalise’ behaviour that may partly have come from having too many expectations heaped on them at too young an age. Mental health disorders among children and young people are also on the rise – again, the question the campaigners ask is whether that could be linked with early pressure at school.

The Department for Education has hit back at the Too Much Too Soon campaign, saying it amounts to a call for dumbing down. Those behind it were a ‘powerful and badly misguided lobby who are responsible for the devaluation of exams and the culture of low expectations in state schools,’ according to a DoE spokesman. ‘We need a system that aims to prepare pupils to solve hard problems in calculus, or be a poet or engineer – a system freed from the grip of those who bleat bogus poppsychology about “self image”, which is an excuse for not teaching poor children how to add up.’

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

NURSERIES Nursery inspections get tough

by Joanna Parry

Ofsted are to toughen up their inspections of nurseries, daycare

facilities and pre-schools, as figures show that over 150,000 children are enrolled in substandard settings.

In future, all nurseries will be expected to achieve an outstanding or good rating, while those with lower ratings will potentially face

Harpers

Nursery School, Baby Unit and Forest School

BLUNHAM ‘A Unique Learning Experience’

closure. Nurseries will now be in line with schools, in that there will

no longer be a ‘satisfactory’ category. Instead, nurseries considered to

be under performing must improve dramatically within two years,

while those rated as inadequate will be re-inspected in a matter of weeks, with the prospect of being de-registered and ultimately closed.

‘I wouldn’t have wanted my child to go to an inadequate nursery and

I don’t believe that any other parent would either,’ said Sir Michael Wilshaw, chief executive of Ofsted. ‘So we’re going to be less tolerant.

When we go back to re-inspect an inadequate setting and it hasn’t improved, it’s likely that we may take steps to cancel the registration.’

This is all part of Ofsted’s overhaul of the early years inspection system, amid fears that too many young children are languishing in inadequate and substandard care. But is this move as positive as it

sounds? Davina Ludlow, director of daynurseries.co.uk, said, ‘While we believe that every child deserves the very best education, we are

concerned about the impact this ‘downgrade’ could have on nurseries

Forest School lessons Full Early Years Curriculum FREE places for two year olds Experienced and qualified teaching staff OFSTED rated ‘Outstanding’ Hands-on meaningful learning Home cooked healthy meals Safe, caring and happy environment Teaching and Learning for children aged 6wks-5yrs

Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-6.00pm Acres of grounds for curiosity and challenge

Tel: 01767 641499 www.harpersnursery.co.uk

and hardworking staff members. The change being brought in by Ofsted risks adversely impacting staff motivation, resulting in more harm than good.’

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

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EDUCATION A New Independent School In Luton ‘In June last year I got the go-ahead from the Department of Education to open a new independent school in Luton, Acorn Preparatory.’

‘I am the mother of three children and each of my children has at one time or another attended a private primary school for a variety of reasons: specific learning difficulties, being gifted, low self-confidence, and bullying being just a few of them. Each of my children benefited hugely from attending a private school, particularly due to small class sizes and an ethos of care: achieving better academically, gaining more self-confidence and being educated to be caring, well mannered young people.

The financial costs, which were sometimes huge, were well worth the benefits.’

‘I am also a teacher and a brain scientist and as such know the amazing developments that happen in the brain during precisely defined time periods. For example, a child of reception age has entered a phase where the brain is ready to lay the foundations for all the values and principles that will guide its entire life – just for that one, precise year. In Year 1 the brain is at its peak for learning of facts, and in Year 2 the child needs help to retain their self-confidence and identity in a world that can easily rob you of both.’

Independent Schools: Open Days

OPEN DAY Thursday 30 January King’s House Prep School, High Street Leagrave, Luton Tel: 01582 491430 • www.kingshouseschool.co.uk OPEN MORNING Friday 14 February, 9.30am–12 noon Beechwood Park School, Markyate Tel: 01582 840333 • www.beechwoodpark.net OPEN WEEK 24 February – 1 March, 10–12 noon Polam School, 45 Lansdowne Road, Bedford Tel: 01234 261864 • www.polamschool.co.uk

Polam School is growing!

Polam School in Bedford has recently seen a growth in its numbers of pupils. While it still remains a relatively small independent school and nursery in Bedford, its recent success can be put down to a number of factors, according to Admissions & Marketing Manager, Sarah Elam. With the appointment of a new head two and a half years ago, plus a massive refurbishment programme to ‘brighten it up’, the school is moving in a strong forward direction. Good news in the current economic climate.

Mrs Elam explained that the re-branding exercise that the school recently underwent helped to reinforce the image in people’s minds of the values of Polam School, once it had reverted back to its original name. Small classes also attract parents to the school and there has been a high conversion rate resulting in things looking ‘very buoyant’.

‘My dream therefore is for a small school, with small classes, where each child is seen and known in depth; a school where children are encouraged to achieve well academically but never at the expense of an excellent character education; a school where teaching for each Year is attuned to maximise the natural developments occurring in the brain; a school that is truly a place “where every child shines”.’

Polam School is holding its Open Week from 24 February to 1 March, 10am –12 noon. To book a tour, tel: 01234 261864.

More info: www.polamschool.co.uk.

‘I am pleased that the Ofsted inspector who assessed the curriculum for our new school and had also observed the three- and four-year-olds in our already established nursery gave us a “good” in all categories. In his report he particularly praised our character education programme, our teachers, and the outstanding personal development of our pupils.’

‘If you would like your child to join our school I would be pleased to hear from you and show you around.’

Headteacher, Dr Christiane Fisher, BSc, EPA, EYP, PGCE, PhD More info: www.acornprepschool.com or tel: 01582 574 390

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editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

EDUCATION Get them writing

GCSE shakeup

The trust calls for a renewed focus both at school and at home on ways to get boys into writing. ‘It’s so important for boys to find a topic that interests them before they pick up a pen and start writing,’ says Simon Mayo, whose protagonist is a 14-year-old boy obsessed with science. ‘I wasn’t particularly interested in writing at school but I was hampered by being fantastically slow. When I started writing the first Itch book it was as a short story for my son, but then I was completely captivated by the plot and characters, and the story took over. If you can grab a child’s imagination in the same way, getting them to write about a hobby or something they really enjoy doing then the whole story writing world is open to them.’ www.literacytrust.org.uk

Will we see a revival of Charles Dickens and Jane Austen in Michael Gove’s new GCSEs? In the latest of a number of moves to make GCSEs more demanding, the Education Secretary has announced the introduction of a new curriculum. Under these more challenging examinations, students will be expected to memorise maths formulae and concentrate more on spelling, punctuation and grammar, plus studying more pre-20th century authors.

Christmas might have passed but give the gift of reading this New Year to your sons! Broadcaster Simon Mayo, author of the Itch series, is supporting a new drive to get boys reading and writing, as National Literacy Trust research shows boys’ are half as likely to enjoy writing and reading than girls.

The new curriculum, beginning in September 2015 with the first exams being taken in English and maths in summer 2017, has the aim of improving pupils’ achievement, compared with their contemporaries in other countries. While the maths syllabus will include ratios, vectors and conditional probability amongst other topics, the new curriculum for English literature demands students study at least one Shakespeare play, one 19th century novel, a selection of poetry, and British fiction or drama from 1914 onwards. In English language, the emphasis will primarily be on ‘unseen’ texts.

The exams will also end the use of A* to G letter grades in favour of a numbered scale from nine to one, with nine being the highest grade. Plus, course modules and assessments will be dropped, with grades determined by only one exam for most subjects. The new curriculum for the rest of the GCSE subjects will be announced this spring.

National Storytelling Week

This February brings seven days of reading, sharing and listening with the 14th Annual National Storytelling Week. From 1–8 February, schools, drama clubs and performance groups across the country will hold events to celebrate the joy of storytelling. Over the past decade National Storytelling Week has gone from strength to strength, with all areas of the community taking part in creating and enjoying storytelling

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

– in fact, Storytelling Week is estimated to reach an audience of 17,000 this year! Storytelling enriches lives everywhere, in nurseries and schools as well as community centres and theatres, and during Storytelling Week there will be a whole host of storytelling events across the country.

More info: www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week Articles compiled by Joanna Parry

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HEALTH: BEDWETTING BANISHING THE WET MONSTER: HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD OVERCOME WETTING THE BED

BY ELISABETH DOLTON

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

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

Researchers have found that deep sleepers are more likely to wet the bed, as the brain doesn’t get the signal that the bladder is full. Children sometimes don’t go to the toilet due to fears such as being scared of the dark. Starting to wet the bed especially after being dry can be due to emotional problems such as stress and anxiety. Although rare, constipation, diabetes, or an infection can cause bedwetting.

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

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

LIFTING AND NIGHT PANTS Waking your child to go to the toilet and wearing night pants can increase confidence and help for sleepovers. However some believe these should be avoided because they interfere with the child’s individual motivation to wake up and use the toilet.

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

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

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

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

DRINKING AND EATING ‘Avoid or limit foods that that are spicy, or high in sugar or fat, including fizzy drinks,’ says Alyson Carter, a Registered Nutritional Therapy Council Practitioner. ‘These foods can irritate or inflame the bladder, loosening the muscles, making it harder for a child to keep control.’ Fresh foods, and calming foods such as oats, are recommended. Alyson also advises restricting fluids from around one and a half hours before bedtime.

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

We asked her to help ensure our daughter went to the toilet regularly.’

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There is no doubt bedwetting feels embarrassing to talk about and it can be stressful, but every year 15% of children who wet the bed become dry with no intervention. They will all outgrow it eventually, but if you and your child are motivated to get dry, choose your method and stay positive. It worked for us.

Further information and help: Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence www.eric.org.uk www.uofmhealth.org/health-library www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bedwetting www.webmd.boots.com/children/guide/bedwetting-children

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

HEALTH TOP TIPS: BEDWETTING ★ Make the bed in several layers, alternating a fitted sheet with a

GET OUTDOORS FOR A HEALTHY NEW Y EAR

waterproof pad. This allows you to quickly and easily remove the wet items and avoids the need to re-make the bed.

★ Leave dry pyjamas and towels out, so that a child can find them

easily.

★ Make sure there are no hidden fears or problems about getting up

at night. For example, fear of the dark or spiders, getting up from a top bunk, etc. Try leaving the bathroom light on and keep a clear path to the bathroom.

★ Protection. Use waterproof covers for the mattress and duvet,

and use absorbent quilted sheets. A moisturiser cream is useful to rub on the skin that is likely to become wet, to prevent chaffing and soreness.

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

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

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

Prevent this by being supportive and reassure them that bedwet ting is common and that they will overcome it

★ Try to be sensitive to any family or school disruption that might

be stressful to your child. Do not tease or allow siblings to tease a child who has wet the bed

★ Encourage your child’s co-operation to be dry at night. Give

simple explanations about what is happening and how the bladder works. Go to the toilet before going to bed.

★ Encourage your child to help change any wet sheets. This will

increase their awareness and may give extra motivation for them to get out of bed and go to the toilet to avoid the chore of changing the sheets.

Wear A Hat Day #WearAHatDay is the UK’s premier brain tumour awareness event, taking place this year on Friday 28 March. To register for a #WearAHatDay event: Hat-phone: 01296 733011. Hat-mail: wearahatday@braintumourresearch.org. Hat-web: www.wearahatday.org

Outdoor activities pack a punch this winter, says Steve Pease, Manager of Bedford’s Kempston Outdoor Centre.

With the success of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and the Gold medal achieved in kayaking from Bedford’s own Etienne Stott, the time has never been better to try new and exciting activity opportunities.

Adventurous activities may not be in the forefront of everybody’s mind such as more mainstream sports, but the combination of adventure and good healthy exercise are just some of the benefits of participation for all ages. Pursuits such as climbing and kayaking are physical activities that are both challenging and importantly huge fun to take part in.

The need to get our children up and active has seemingly never been greater, and adventurous activities not only aid a healthy lifestyle but can foster confidence, skill development, independence and an appreciation of the natural environment.

Being active doesn’t have to wait until the warmer summer weather either! Your local Outdoor Centre in Kempston has an indoor climbing wall, with busy dedicated clubs for ages 7 to 18 running during school term times, plus a canoe and kayak club running from April to October, for those who have Olympic aspirations of their own one day.

You can, as in other sports, look cool climbing, and darting about in a kayak on the river. In short, adventurous activities pack a punch, dynamic and fun whilst engaging your child’s body and mind; so get them off the sofa and see what’s on offer locally.

Kempston Outdoor Centre, Hillgrounds Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8QQ. Tel: 01234 718666 or email: KempstonOutdoorCentre@bedford.gov.uk

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Bedfordshire

13

FLEXIBLE WORKING

Aiming to work flexibly? Think carefully before you ask your employer

by Mandy Garner, editor of Workingmums.co.uk

This year the right to request flexible working, which has previously only applied to parents and carers, will extend to all employees. Employers can turn down a request on any of eight grounds so it pays to think carefully before you lodge a request. Below are some tips which might get you the flexibility you need.

1. Check out what your company’s policy is on flexible working.

All companies are obliged to consider flexible working, but they are not obliged to agree to every request. However, some companies are more innovative in their policy on flexible working and may already have trialled different forms of flexible working from the usual ones of working different shift patterns or cutting your hours. For instance, they might offer term time only working or working from home or annualised hours.

2. Be clear about the hours you want to work

and how you want to work them. For instance, could you do some of your work at home in order to cut down on travelling time? Look at your childcare options too and ensure they fit with your working hours. Can you afford to work part time? Or does working full time and paying full time childcare work out to be uneconomical? Can your partner also go part time so you can split the childcare or picking up times?

3. Once you know the hours you want to work and how,

make a business plan which emphasises the advantages for both you and the company of working this way. For example, you could say there are aspects of your job – research, reading, data input – that could be done better at home with no other distractions around. Think through the logistics from both your and your employer’s perspective and prepare a compromise solution. Give yourself plenty of time for negotiations. It is best, for instance, to at least open conversations on flexible working before you go on maternity leave rather than a week before you return, even if your situation or ideas about working patterns might alter after the birth.

5. Put your request in writing

to your line manager and sign and date the letter.

6. Your employer then has 28 days

to arrange a meeting with you to discuss your request. Be calm and business-like in your negotiations. Don’t lose your calm if they turn you down flat – this is actually proof that they are not abiding by the legislation as they should at least consider your case properly and give you reasonable grounds for turning you down.

Similarly if they do not reply to your request, this goes against the legislation. Try to pre-empt any concerns they have and suggest ways that you would address them. This is where a compromise suggestion may come in handy or you could propose that you work the new pattern for a trial period, subject to review. Your employer should reply in writing within 14 days of the meeting.

7. If you suspect your manager has not followed procedures properly

or has not given due attention to your case, make an appeal to his or her line manager within 14 days of receipt of their decision. Reasonable grounds for dismissing requests for flexible working include that it would have a detrimental effect on other staff or on the company’s ability to meet customer need, but these need to be fleshed out.

8. If this appeal is not successful,

you could lodge a claim with an employment tribunal on the grounds of sex discrimination, particularly if the decision forces you to leave your job.

4. Talk to other people

in your company and elsewhere who have negotiated flexible working and ask them about their experiences and tips.

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Mandy Garner is editor of www.Workingmums.co.uk, job site and community for working mums.

Visit the site to search for flexible jobs, or to find advice on flexible working or starting your own business.

editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

Please always phone before setting out in case details have changed since press deadline or if we got it wrong.

BABY TIME Monday 6 January, 11am Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Sensory play for ages 0–2. £3 To book, call: 01582 548600

JANUARY

RECORDING BRITAIN ?

V&A EXHIBITION 9 January–20 March The Higgins, Castle Lane, Bedford More info, tel: 01234 718618 or www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk

Please send events to be listed to: editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

'BUMPS, BABIES & BEYOND' Every Wednesday, 1–3pm Flitwick Village Hall Drop-in group for parents-to-be and parents with babies, organised

by Mid-Beds NCT. NCT breastfeeding counsellor available during term time.

Suggested donation: £2 per week.

Refreshments provided.

TUESDAY NATURE WALK Tuesdays, from 9.30–11.30 am RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Guided walk around the Lodge reserve with a leader; discovering birds, wildlife and enjoying nature.

Adults £3 (free for RSPB members).

Every Tuesday except during school holidays.

More info, tel: 01767 680541 TOY AMNESTY 2–31 January Snakes and Ladders, Blackburn Road, Houghton Regis, Dunstable Make room for your children’s new presents by bringing unwanted good quality toys to the Helen & Douglas House donation station at Snakes and Ladders, Dunstable.

Everyone that donates will receive 15% off child entry to Snakes and Ladders if they then go in to play.

Toys must be good quality and no electrical goods.

More info, tel: 01582 660 111 or www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk

NEW YEAR GET TOGETHER Sunday 12 January, 1–3.30pm HULA Animal Rescue, South Midlands Animal Sanctuary Glebe Farm, Salford Road, Aspley Guise Bargains in the Bazaar January Sale; meet rescued animals; fun & games for children; refreshments.

Admission only £2 adults; accompanied children free. Free parking.

All proceeds for the care and welfare of HULA’s animals.

More info, tel: 01908 584000 or www.hularescue.org TODDLER TIME Friday 17 January, 11am Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Fun and creative activities for ages 3–5. £3 To book, call: 01582 548600 RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH WEEKEND 25–26 January, 11am–3pm RSPB The Lodge, Sandy Join the Big Lodge Birdwatch. See if you can add to the day’s bird and wildlife list on the reserve and get useful tips on identifying birds coming to the garden feeders.

Friendly RSPB staff and volunteers on hand with information on Giving Nature a Home and feeding garden birds. Join a guided bird walk setting off at intervals throughout the event.

Cost: free, donations gratefully accepted.

More info, tel: 01767 680541 CHINESE NEW YEAR CRAFT MORNING Saturday 25 January, 10–11am Barton Library Celebrate Chinese New Year by creating wonderful themed crafts.

www.familiesbedfordshire.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

KING’S ARMS GARDEN OPEN Sunday 26 January, 2–4pm King’s Arms Garden, 1 Brinsmade Road, Ampthill Part of the NGS Gardens Open for Charity scheme.

Admission £2, children free.

More info, tel: 01525 755648 or www.ngs.org.uk

NATIONAL LIBRARIES DAY: LULU LOVES LIBRARIES Wednesday 5 February, 9.15–9.45am Luton Central Library Wednesday 5 February, 10.30–11am Leagrave Library Wednesday 5 February, 2.15 –2.45pm Lewsey Library Anna McQuinn, author of Lulu Loves Libraries, joins our Bookstart Rhyme Times.

Sing songs and hear stories.

0–4 years. Free.

FEBRUARY

VALENTINE’S ARTY CRAFTY Thursday 13 February, 11am–12 noon Snakes and Ladders, Blackburn Road, Houghton Regis, Dunstable Special Arty Crafty session where your little ones can make a card for the one they love! The session is included in entry.

More info, tel: 01582 660 111 or www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk

CHINESE NEW YEAR CRAFTS Saturday 1 February, 10am–12 noon Wootton Library Pop in and celebrate Chinese New Year.

FAMILY FUN EVENT Sunday 2 February, 1–4pm Parkside Hall, Woburn Street, Ampthill Family fun event to raise money for Macmillan Cancer, with face painting, bouncy castle, raffle, refreshments & more!

50p adult entry.

Bedfordshire

15

WHAT’S ON

MILTON KEYNES MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION Saturday 15 February, 10am–4.30pm Shenley Brook End School, Wallbank Grove, Shenley Brook End, Milton Keynes Adults £5 (£4.50); children £3 (£2.50); family groups £10 (£9) Discount on entry if you travel to the show by rail and show a valid ticket.

More info, tel: Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership on 01234 832645 or www.mkmrs.org.uk HALF TERM ACTIVITIES AT MEAD OPEN FARM Mead Open Farm, Stanbridge Road, Leighton Buzzard Help to bottle feed lambs and meet cute rabbits in Bunny Hop! Visit the Lamb Nursery and see all of the newborns and expectant mums to be, every day.

Plus, back for another year is Mead Open Farm’s famous LambCam! Log on to the website and tune into LambCam: you may even see a lamb being born live!

More info, tel. 01525 852954 or www.meadopenfarm.co.uk TIME TRAVELLER TRAIL 15–23 February Wrest Park, Silsoe, Luton Travel through time at Wrest Park and solve the time travelling clues to win a prize! www.english-heritage.org.uk/ wrestpark

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Bedfordshire

FEBRUARY HALF TERM

OLD MACDONALD HAD A FARM Monday 17 February, 2.30pm Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable www.grovetheatre.co.uk

RAINBOW FISH ? INDOOR CRAFT & STORYTELLING Monday 17 February at 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford Brighten up the end of winter with rainbow storytelling and make a bright and colourful window decoration. £3.50 per child, booking essential.

To book, tel: 01234 767037

BANANAS IN PYJAMAS Tuesday 18 February, 1pm Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable New singing, all dancing show. www.grovetheatre.co.uk

£3.50 per child, booking essential.

To book, tel: 01234 767037

TODDLER TIME Friday 21 February, 11am Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton Fun and creative activities for ages 3–5. £3.

To book, call: 01582 548600

STUNT FEST Saturday 22 February, gates open at 12 noon.

Main event from 2–5.30pm.

Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough Awesome stunts and displays for all the family, featuring some of the top UK stunt drivers and riders. www.santapod.com

MOLE’S UNDERGROUND WORLD ? INDOOR FUN, FACTS & CRAFT Friday 21 February at 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm Marston Vale Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford Find out about these secretive creatures and make your own model of the mole’s underground world.

ANDY & MIKE’S... TICK TOCK TIME MACHINE Sunday 23 February, 2pm Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable www.grovetheatre.co.uk

MAISY STORYTIME Saturday 22 February, 11am–12 noon Barton Library Maisy Mouse stories and fun!

FamiliesBedfordshire.co.uk

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editor@familiesbedfordshire.co.uk