Families Warwickshire January-February 2013 by Families Magazine

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January/February 2013 Issue 9

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warwickshire

Happy 2013!

Nurseries: How to pick the right one FREE

DELIVERY!

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Education: How to cope with SEN, and tutoring for the 11+ 1

Contents

Issue 9 | January/February 2013 | Families Warwickshire

This Issue

Contact details Call: 01789 764667 E: editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Design by Caroline Smith www.carolinesmithdesign.co.uk Cover by Christine Lynne Burke Photography www.clbphotography.co.uk/ All content Copyright 2013 Families Warwickshire Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents, covering Stratfordupon-Avon and Warwick Districts with 21,000 copies. Towns covered include Stratford-uponAvon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welford-on-Avon, Shipston-onStour and Southam.

Advertise with us and reach 40,000 local parents and carers from just £30 a month! Next issue: March/April 2013 Main features: Holidays; Babies and Health; Easter Activities Deadline: February 8 Families Warwickshire is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the content, nor for any consequence.

Nurseries: How to Pick the Right One 5 8 Education: Tutoring for the 11+ q Education: SEN – The First Steps Health: Could WiFi be Dangerous? e t What Happens at... Baby Sensory

Regular Features

3 News t Clubs & Classes u Kids’ Page i Regular Groups o What’s On a Competitions and Offers

a Welcome... Wow, where did 2012 go? Here we are, another year older and hopefully wiser. Things are speeding up, and I’m sure it’s not just my age! Read our report on p12, which sounds a cautionary note about the technology we’re now all surrounded with.

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We’ve also got features on choosing the perfect nursery for your child, how to pick a tutor if the 11+ is on the horizon, and help if you’re taking your first steps into the world of Special Educational Needs, plus all the news and events you’d expect from us. Please support our local advertisers and mention Families when you call. And don’t forget there’s loads more on the website, or why not head over to Facebook and “Like” us to keep up to date? Happy New Year!

Gabrielle Starkey Editor www.facebook.com/ familieswarwickshire

q 2

Twitter: @familieswarks

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

Who? What? When? Why? Where?

News & views

Calling All Parents: Your Council Needs You!

Parents and carers are being asked for their opinions to help improve the family services offered by Warwickshire County Council. The Family and Parenting Support Team and Family Information Service are looking to recruit volunteers, whose opinions will help them offer the right support to families at the right time. The time commitment is very small – just a couple of hours 4 times a year – and volunteers don’t have to take part in every project. Parenting Practitioner Lorraine Jaeger, who set up the scheme, says: “We want our group of volunteers to mirror typical Warwickshire families and to represent everyone’s views. All we require is that they have responsibility for children and a desire to help influence the way family services are offered in the county. It’s a chance for families to have a say and make a difference.”

Supplying live rods and kit sets for tunnels, domes, wigwams - whatever your imagination desires! Phone: 01527 857742 Mobile: 07925 567739

www.greenmanwillows.net email: greenmanwillows@ymail.com

To find out more call 01926 742191 or email FPSvolunteers@warwickshire.gov.uk.

National Storytelling Week Storytelling can be found enriching lives everywhere, from nurseries and schools to support groups and theatrical performances. The 13th Annual National Storytelling Week takes place Sat 26 January-Sat 2 February 2013, encouraging all areas of the community to take part in creating and enjoying storytelling, this most ancient of communicative arts. National Storytelling week has an audience of around 17,000 people, so get involved in workshops, performances and events across the country. www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week

73 Clarendon Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4PN

Tel: 01926 337700

e: shop@ellaystoys.com

www.ellastoys.com

WANTED Consultants

Looking for some extra money, a new challenge or flexible hours? Become an Ella’s consultant and run your own business from home! Selling a fantastic range of traditional and innovative toys, games and books. No pressure or targets. Support and help given. Why not earn some freebies by having a party to see how it works (with no obligation to join)

A Rose by Any Other Name… Yummy Mummy Week was one of the highlights of our year in 2012, and this year it’s been rebranded as The Great Mums Get Together – because, obviously, great things happen when mums get together!

Available from your local representative. Join in the fun and become one of us! www.meandi.eu

Parents, carers and children are being urged to hold a coffee morning, cake sale or other fun fundraiser during March 10-17, to raise money for the 10 young people who are diagnosed with cancer every day, so now is the time to start organising it. CLIC Sargent, the charity behind the Great Mums Get Together, makes it really easy for you to set up your event – just call 08451 206658 or go to www.clicsargent.org.uk/gettogether for your fundraising pack.

Keep up to date online www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk www.facebook.com/familieswarwickshire www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

News & views

Who? What? When? Why? Where?

Cast your vote

FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CHANGES TO CHILD BENEFIT

The baby charity Tommy’s is calling for parents to vote for the companies they feel are most helpful to families, to decide their Baby-Friendly Awards.

1. Child Benefit is not being stopped for high earners.

Voting is open Mon 7 January-Mon 18 February, and one lucky voter will win a fantastic Peppa Pig Theme Park Mega Prize, including an exclusive breakfast meet and greet with Peppa Pig and George! Bounty, the birth pack company, is also donating £1 to Tommy’s for every vote cast, which will help with their work supporting families who have lost a child during pregnancy or birth. So why not do your bit for this great cause, with just a simple click. To vote, go to www.bounty.com/tommys-awards2013

The Messy Fun is Spreading Mess Around, the pre-school messy play group, is coming to Shipston and Blackwell in January. New leader Krissy Monaghan will be holding sessions at Townsend Hall in Shipston on Mondays at 10.15am from 14 January, and Blackwell Village Hall on Fridays at 10.15am from the 18th. All parents, babies and pre-schoolers are welcome. For more details call Krissy on 07500 772 514 or email krissy@mess-around.co.uk www.mess-around.co.uk

Anyone receiving Child Benefit, regardless of their income, is entitled to carry on receiving it. But from 7 January 2013, high earners may have to pay a tax charge on any Child Benefit payments they or their partner receive. This applies whether they’re married or not. 2. The tax charge increases in line with your income. For every £100 of income you or your partner have between £50,000 and £60,000, there is a tax charge of 1% of your total Child Benefit. Once your annual income is £60,000 or more, the tax charge is equal to the Child Benefit payments. It’s the higher earner who pays the tax. 3. Your income is based on your adjusted net income. Even if you or your partner have an income of £50,000 a year or more, you may find that the tax charge doesn’t apply. This is because the tax charge is based on your adjusted net income. This is your income less any payments you make to a pension scheme, donations to charity through Gift Aid and reductions due to membership of salary sacrifice schemes (such as the cycle-to-work scheme and childcare vouchers – see the box below for more on this). You could consider increasing payments to your pension, for example, to bring your annual adjusted net income down. 4. You can choose to keep or stop receiving Child Benefit. If you or your partner’s adjusted net income is over £60,000, it could make sense to stop receiving Child Benefit as the tax charge will wipe out any financial gain to you and you won’t have to complete a tax return. But if you don’t know exactly how much your income will be, or you’re under the £60,000 threshold, it’s best to carry on getting it. 5. If you decide to keep Child Benefit, you’ll have to do a tax return. If either you or your partner has an adjusted net income of £50,000 or more then the highest earner must complete a tax return, declaring the Child Benefit as income. It’s that person’s responsibility to make sure they’re registered for selfassessment by 6 October 2013 or they’ll face a penalty. They then have until 31 October 2013 to file their return with HMRC (or 31 January 2014 if filing online). More information. This information was provided to Families by MoneyVista; a free online service that provides access to financial experts. By entering your information, Money Vista works out what tax and national insurance you pay, your projected state pension and what your savings, investments and property might be worth in the future. Joining all these elements together lets you see the impact on your overall plan of financial decisions you are considering. See moneyvista.com. Parents can reduce the amount of tax they pay by joining a childcare voucher scheme at work. This means that an amount of pre-tax salary is changed into vouchers that can be used to pay for all sorts of childcare options, from nursery or nannies to after-school clubs and holiday camps.

Any budding engineers out there?

Anyone with children aged up to 15 is eligible, both parents can claim and a basic rate taxpayer can pay for up to £243 of childcare with vouchers each month, saving quite a bit in tax. The vouchers aren’t specific to any child, and can be saved up and used at any time.

National Science and Engineering Week is Fri15-Sun 24 March, and the theme this year is “invention and discovery”.

But, if you claim Child Tax Credit, it might affect the amount you receive. Go to www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/ccin.htm for a simple online form that will tell you if you’ll be better or worse off.

To get your children in the mood, why not try out some of the great competitions running at Young Engineers (www.youngengineers.org)? They currently have projects suitable for teams in or out of schools, at primary or secondary level, such as Project Eggs Factor – a challenge to build a model aircraft that can fly and land safely carrying two eggs! Registration is also open for The Big Bang West Midlands, an inspiring and fun science fair for children to be held at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, on Tues 25 June.

A childcare voucher scheme can help your employer, too, as they won’t have to pay National Insurance on the salary you’re using for vouchers. So if your employer doesn’t already run a voucher scheme, ask them to start one. There are lots of different companies (including Busy Bees, Computershare, Edenred and Kiddivouchers) who will run it all for them. If you’re selfemployed, ask your accountant about setting up your own scheme. Thanks to SuperCamps, the holiday club company that runs camps at The Croft School, Stratford, and Alcester Grammar School, for putting together this information. See more at www.supercamps.co.uk

www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/westmidlands/

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

zzle

Monkey Pu

Nurseries Choosing a Nursery

What’s On events calendar by Joanna Moorhead

If you can’t be at home all day, then childcare is one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make for your little one. Joanna Moorhead gives an overview of the pros and cons of nurseries, what to look for in a good one, and how to make sure you and your child are happy with your choice.

tudies show that attending nursery can increase a child’s confidence, because it involves mixing with adults and other children from outside the family group. It gives children social skills, and experience from an early age of an environment outside the home. The nursery ‘key worker’ scheme, under which each child is allocated a special member of staff with whom they can bond, helps provide security. Healthy food and menus are another big plus of nursery provision: staff work hard to ensure children are given a balanced diet. And as your child gets older, play and learning opportunities will be targeted appropriately: staff are trained in what young children can do when, and will be conscious of a child’s likely interests and potential.

Nurseries work best for parents who have regular working hours, because it’s difficult or impossible for staff to deal with erratic patterns of collection and drop-off: nurseries often open early in the morning and some close late in the evening, but they are not as flexible as, say, a nanny or a childminder. On the other hand, they have the big advantage that only very, very rarely will they be closed at short notice, so they’re more reliable than one carer who may be ill or have to cope with a sudden family emergency. But nurseries aren’t cheap – according to the latest figures, the average cost of a nursery place for a child under two for 25 hours a week is more than £100 per week. This may make a nursery prohibitively expensive if you have more than one child, although many do offer a sibling reduction, and you can get help with the costs through Childcare Vouchers and Child Tax Credit (see . So if the opening hours suit you, if your budget stretches to the fees, and if you like the idea of a social environment and a place with plenty of activities and trained carers, a nursery could be the perfect place for your child and for you.

How to choose the right nursery

tart your nursery search well ahead of the time when you’re actually going to need to leave your child: the more confident you are of the choices you make, the happier you’ll be when it comes to the day you have to head back to the office. Ask around so you get other parents’ views on what nurseries are like in your area. Make a shortlist of ones that might work for you (remember to take geography into account: how easy will it Catherine House be for you and/or your partner to do the drop off/collect?) and don’t hesitate to ask to visit a second time.

Watch the children while they’re playing and pay attention to how much they’re interacting with the staff. How do the staff come across – do they seem happy, relaxed, fun to be around? Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Do they seem interested in your child and his/her likes/dislikes and interests? Ask about organised play sessions – weekly music groups, perhaps, or storytelling. Are there trips to the library and to the park? How are these organised, and how often do they take place? Make sure you understand what the nursery charges, how payment is made, and exactly what the fees include (do they cover meals, nappies, outings?). How many weeks a year is the nursery open? How are parents involved in the nursery, and are there opportunities for parents to meet up?

Is all well when I’m not there?

Little Crackers

ome nurseries have webcams which allow parents to see live images of their child at play from their desk at work. But while some parents welcome this idea, others are sceptical – they say they want their child’s nursery to know they trust its workers, and worry that they’ll be seen as a way of spying on care workers. Others say they like the idea of watching their child at play so much that they’d spend too much time doing it – and wouldn’t ever get any work done! As your child is settling into nursery, trust your instincts about how well it’s going. You know your child better than anyone else, so if your hunch is that your child is happy and contented, that’s almost certainly the case. Remember that in the early days, he or she will probably get more tired than usual –nursery is a big change, emotionally as well as physically. Both your child and you need time to adjust to the new set-up.

Make sure you read the most recent Ofsted inspection report for the nurseries you are considering, and ask whether they have any awards of excellence. Be guided by your instincts when looking at a nursery: it may seem a cliché to say do the children look happy, but it is an important barometer of whether a nursery is good. Be aware of the quality of both indoor and outdoor play areas: are the spaces pleasant, bright, welcoming and do they seem safe? Ask about meals, how the food is prepared, and what time meals are served. Are you able to provide input for your child’s food – suggestions for what s/he would like to eat or recipes? What kinds of snacks are provided and how often are they available? Tel: 01789 764667

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Nurseries ks

Tiddlywin

Try not to drag out your goodbyes: leaving your child will be difficult, especially at first, but keeping it brief will help you both. Remember that your child may cry every day when you drop them off (and so might you!) for quite a while; this is a normal part of getting used to this big change in your lives. Cope with it by emphasising the positives: think about why you’re working (to make money and provide a better standard of living; to ensure you have an interesting life, and income, in the longer term) and how much your child will benefit from a wider social network.

Cutting nursery costs

he government is currently considering reducing staff-to-child ratios in nurseries as a way of bringing down what many see as unsustainable prices – but the move is controversial, and organisations such as the Preschool Learning Alliance are warning that such a change could risk children’s safety and well-being. Under current regulations, there must be one staff member for every three under-twos, and one for every four children aged two and three. Most nurseries – even some of those attached to independent schools – provide governmentfunded places for three and four-year-olds under the Free Early Education scheme, which starts from the beginning of the term (1 September, 1 January or 1 April) after your child’s third birthday. If your child is younger, check whether your employer can help towards your nursery costs through the Childcare Voucher Scheme (see the box on p4 for more details). Some two-year-olds are also entitled to free early education, so contact the Family Information Service (FIS – see below) to see if you’re eligible. If you’re working and claiming Child Tax Credits, you may also be able to claim extra tax credits to help with the cost. Useful contacts Help with tax credits: www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/

Troubleshooting

ingers crossed, you’ll never have a problem with a nursery your child attends. But what happens when there IS an issue? As every working parent knows, nothing undermines your ability to work more than a nagging suspicion that your child isn’t happy, or isn’t being looked after as well as possible or even – worst scenario of all – isn’t safe. If you have any worries at all about your child’s nursery you must resolve them as quickly as possible. So as soon as something strikes you as ‘not right’, talk to the nursery manager or your allocated member of staff – many niggles are simply down to a lack of communication. Explain what’s up, and the chances are you’ll never have to mention it again, and things will all be smoothed over. But if you’re not satisfied that all is well, put your concern in writing to the nursery manager. All nurseries should have a complaints protocol – ask to see this if it’s not spelled out in the nursery handbook.

To help you decide, here’s some more in-depth information about some of the options locally... Warwick Preparatory School Nursery, Warwick Children in Nursery at Warwick Prep have been expressing themselves through music, taking inspiration from Stomp. Stomp is a British percussion group that uses ordinary objects to create music and theatre. The group has become an international phenomenon and even contributed to the closing ceremony of the London Olympics. The children at Warwick Prep Nursery have their own ‘Stomp’ corner in the outdoor play area using objects such saucepans and brooms to explore music – the brainchild of Nursery Nurse, Petina Barlow. Stomp proved so popular with the children that EYFS Co-ordinator and Nursery Manager Kate Smart even incorporated it into the nativity at Christmas (see picture). To make it more special, backing music for the ‘Stomp’ section was commissioned from musician and music producer Tim Jenkins.

They are also contactable through Facebook and Twitter (@WarksFIS)

As children become more self-assured, they venture into Nursery Plus, where enhanced learning experiences give opportunities for creative thinking, making choices, and following their own initiative to become confident learners. As children transfer into Pre-Reception, at the beginning of the pre-school year, they benefit from daily phonics and numeracy, and weekly sessions with our French, Music and Forest School teachers, which continue into Reception. For further information, please telephone the School Office on 01789 293795 or email office@croftschool.co.uk. The Croft Preparatory School. Alveston Hill, Loxley Road, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 7RL. www.croftschool.com

Warwick Preparatory School, Bridge Field, Banbury Road, Warwick CV34 6PL www.warwickprep.com

Little Nutkins, Henley-in-Arden

The Croft Preparatory School, Stratford-upon-Avon

Little Nutkins was opened by Sophie Dewar on the 1st September 2012. Sophie has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and it has been a dream of hers to open her own nursery. Sophie and her family and friends have worked hard refurbishing the setting.

Babies and toddlers are welcomed into The Croft Preparatory School through our exciting and engaging Parent Partnership Programme. The Croft hosts weekly Parent and Toddler sessions at its Early Years ISI ‘Outstanding’ department. Children and parents enjoy a great range of colourful, fun and

Little Nutkins provides day care for children aged 3mths-11 yrs, providing nursery care, holiday club and before- and after-school care. The nursery offers a specialized baby room with a sensory room, a fantastic outdoor area, a pre-school that prepares children for school and a generous sized toddler

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/childcare

Call 0845 090 8044 or 01926 742274, or email fis@warwickshire.gov.uk

From age two, children are welcomed into our bright, inspirational Nursery. Here, children begin their Early Years Learning Journey in our nurturing, caring and cosy environment. Through imaginative activities, children are encouraged to explore, and to build positive relationships with their peers and our experienced Nursery Staff.

“Stomp is perfect for nursery-age children as it is all about exploring sound and improvising,” commented Mrs Smart. “It opens up their imagination to music.”

Warwickshire County Council has a really good website page bringing together a lot of this information: Or contact the Council’s Family Information Service (FIS) direct:

stimulating activities, including cooking, outdoor exploration and ‘Boogie Bugs’, a creative music expression club.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

Nurseries Little Crackers

room. Little Nutkins prepares all children’s meals fresh on site and has a commitment to providing a good proportion of the “five a day”. Sophie has received lots of positive feedback from parents, who are all impressed with the changes and how quickly they are seeing things done. The team at Little Nutkins is dedicated to helping the children reach their full potential. Sophie welcomes parents and carers to visit the setting to discuss any of the services the nursery provides. Please call on 01564 898 187 to arrange a visit. Little Nutkins, Cherry Orchard, Henley-in-Arden B95 5JW.

Tiddlywinks Pre-School, Preston on Stour A Pre-School to be proud of! At Tiddlywinks Pre-School in Preston-on-Stour the fun never stops. A highly qualified, experienced and caring team ensure their children are learning, growing and laughing all day. Set in an idyllic rural environment, the team take advantage of their beautiful surroundings to crunch through autumn leaves and discover the very first spring bulbs, broadening even the most enquiring young minds. When not exploring the natural world, children enjoy outdoor play in their secure garden and are encouraged to develop socially, taking turns to serve fresh fruit at break time. The spacious Millennium Hall allows the children to choose from a wide variety of ever-changing activities, discovering their potential at their own unique pace. Children are nurtured as individuals, developing in their own time, building confidence and learning new skills within the framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage, in preparation for that exciting move to school.

Specialist Teachers are also part of our faculty, providing lessons in French and Dance, and children access our sensory room daily.

healthy, enjoying their early years at the Nursery, and for parents to have peace of mind that their children are in excellent hands.

The children’s learning is underpinned by the Early Years Foundation stage curriculum, which consists of Prime areas, which are fundamental to supporting development, and Specific areas, which support children in developing muchneeded life skills.

Monkey Puzzle Stratford-upon-Avon has benefited greatly from the support and experience of the Monkey Puzzle group, while still offering the care, love and attention offered by an independently owned nursery. As the owner (writes Stuart James), I attend the nursery each day and work closely with Michelle, an experienced and dedicated nursery manager. We are proud of our team here at Stratford, and would be delighted to meet any prospective parents who would like to visit our nursery. Please call Michelle on 01789 414 220 to book a viewing and share the Monkey Puzzle experience.

Parents play a pivotal part in nursery life, and workshops, assemblies and Parents’ evenings are held periodically throughout the year. The local community is also rich in learning experiences and walks to explore, meet people, and exercise are always a priority. Our organisation is committed to provide highest quality care and education, and staff attend regular training to ensure your children receive the best possible start on their learning journey. Please contact us to arrange a visit by calling 01926 888681 or emailing info@ catherinehousedaynursery.com

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, Trinity House, Aintree Road, Stratford-uponAvon CV37 9FL. www.monkeypuzzle stratforduponavon.co.uk/

Catherine House Day Nursery School, 21 Clarendon Street, Leamington Spa CV32 5SW. www.catherinehousedaynursery.com

Little Crackers Nursery, Crackley Hall School, Kenilworth

Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery, Stratford-upon-Avon

Little Crackers Nursery, at the heart of Crackley Hall School in Kenilworth, is carefully structured for two-year olds, threeyear olds and pre-school, and follows the exciting Reggio Emilia approach to learning.

This approach focuses around a central ‘piazza’ or open space where children can meet and interact, surrounded by different creative spaces or zones where they can explore and investigate, think, reflect and express themselves. The nursery is based in two rooms, one dedicated to the Terrific Twos and the larger main nursery room for the Thrilling Threes and Fabulous Fours. The emphasis is very much on learning through play. Activities in the nursery rooms are focused around the individual age groups’ specific needs and change regularly to give a wide range of experiences to suit every type of learner. Nursery numbers are limited so that each child gets plenty of attention from our friendly and experienced staff. Children at Little Crackers also benefit from trying new activities at an early age including music, dance, PE and French lessons, all taught by specialist teachers. Term-time and year-round places are available. To find out more contact Clare Bird, Nursery Manager on 01926 514418 or visit www.littlecrackers.co.uk Little Crackers Nursery, Crackley Hall School, St Joseph’s Park, Kenilworth CV8 2FT.

For more than thirty years Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries have been working closely with parents, staff and Ofsted to deliver childcare of the highest quality, providing children with unlimited opportunities to learn, develop and grow within a safe, secure and caring environment.

Tiddlywinks Pre-School welcomes children from the age of 2 and offers up to 15 hours free childcare from the term after your child’s third birthday. To find out more, and bring your child for a taster session, please contact Helen Stephens on 01789 459085.

Our settings are specifically designed to meet the needs of your children, with large, bright, open-plan rooms, creative outdoor play areas and a variety of equipment providing children with a stimulating environment in which to thrive.

Tiddlywinks Pre-School, Millenium Hall, Preston-on-Stour CV37 8NG. www.tiddlywinks-presch.co.uk

Our aim is for every child to be happy and

• Prices from £19.50 a session • Prices from £19.50 a session • Graduate led setting Setting committed to safeguarding • Graduate led•setting • Setting committed to safeguarding

Catherine House Day Nursery School, Leamington Spa Children come first at Catherine House Day Nursery, where they are cared for by highly qualified staff in an environment designed to meet their needs and curiosities. Children are provided with a wide range of activities and experiences, that ignite their thirst for learning and allow them to make connections to the world in which we live.

Tel: 01789 764667

Newly Registered Newly Registered Nursery Nursery in: in:

• New refurbished baby room baby room • New refurbished Nursery Education Funded Places • Nursery Education•Funded Places for for over threes • All staff CRB checked over threes • New designed toddler and pre-school • All staff CRB checked • New designed toddler and pre-school

HENLEY-IN-ARDEN

Ofsted registration Number EY454143

Owner/Manager: Sophie Dewar Tel No. 07771 823755/ 01564 898187 Ofsted registration Number EY454143 Email:Tellittlenutkins@gmail.com Owner/Manager: Sophie Dewar No. 07771823755/ 01564898187 Email: littlenutkins@gmail.com

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk • Prices from £19.50 a session • Graduate led setting

Education INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN EVENTS If you can’t make a school’s open event, most are happy to show you around on a day to suit you. Call the school in the first instance to discuss this.

Preparatory Schools

Getting Into That AllImportant Secondary School – Is Tuition Required? by KSOL

Crackley Hall School St. Joseph’s Park, Kenilworth CV8 2FT. Open Day: Tuesday 15 January, 10am-3pm Open Day: Saturday 23 March, 10.30am-12.30pm For more details, call 01926 514444 www.crackleyhall.co.uk/ Bablake Junior School Coundon Road, Coventry CV1 4AU. Open Morning: Saturday 19 January, 10.30am-12.30pm For more details, call 024 7627 1260 or email jhmsec@bablakejs.co.uk www.bablakejuniorschool.co.uk/

arents worry about making the right choice of secondary education for their children, and rightly so. After all, this will probably be the last major decision that you will make for your child. At the end of the secondary education process they will be 18 years old – young adults. Parents feel secure in choosing a grammar school, as they are generally in the top 10 of state schools in the Warwickshire area, and independent schools, generally, also offer academic excellence.

Warwick Preparatory School Bridge Field, Banbury Road, Warwick CV34 6PL. Open Morning: Saturday 9 February, 9.30am to 12 noon Open Afternoon: Wednesday 20 March For more details email Mrs Webster, Admissions Secretary, at admissions@warwickprep.com www.warwickprep.com/

However, parents are bombarded with myths and playground gossip about how to get their child into these prestigious schools.

Stratford Preparatory School Church House, Old Town, Stratford upon Avon CV37 6BG. Open Day: Monday 11 February, 10am-2pm & 6-8pm Open Morning: Saturday 16 March, 10am-12.30pm For more details, call 01789 29 79 93 or email secretary@stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk/

1. Is tutoring required?

The Croft Preparatory School Alveston Hill, Loxley Road, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7RL. For details, call Mrs Sally Jephcoate on 01789 293795 www.croftschool.co.uk/

Secondary Schools Princethorpe College Princethorpe, Rugby CV23 9PX. Open Morning Thursday 10 January, 10.30am-12.30pm For more details, call Loretta Curtis or Elaine Warwick on 01926 634201. www.princethorpe.co.uk/ Warwick School Warwick CV34 6PP. Junior and Senior School Open Morning Saturday 19 January, 10am-12noon Entrance Examinations for 2013 entry 11+/12+/13+ Tuesday 22 January Sixth Form Scholarship Exam, Tuesday 22 January 11+/12+ Scholarship Interviews, Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 January 7+/8+/9+10+ Monday 25 February For more details, call the Admissions Registrar on 01926 776400 or e-mail vt@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org/

So here are some common questions and myths regarding tutoring: Head teachers often say that tutoring is not required. This may be true, but many parents have their children tutored, thereby inadvertently raising the bar, and it is the majority of these children that secure a place. KSOL, a leading provider of 11+ tuition, understand the sentiments of head teachers. Children should be taught skills that will expand their maths and English skills. “Building confidence and a positive attitude to education is very important”, says Director Aron Dhunna. “Tutoring children is only part of the answer; empowerment and sharing of educatory responsibility is equally important. Any 11+ course needs to ensure parents, tutors and children communicate regularly and review a child’s progress.” 2. What should you look for in a tutor? The process for choosing a good tutor is no

An Independent Day School and Nursery for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-11

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Saturday 9 February 2013 9.30am to 12noon

School opens at 9.30am, Headmaster’ s talk at 10.45am and last tour at 11.30am. Event closes at 12noon.

Warwick Preparatory School, Bridge Field, Banbury Road,Warwick CV34 6PL For further information please visit www.warwickprep.com alternatively call 01926 491545 or email admissions@warwickprep.com

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Education different to choosing a school for your child. Ask yourself the following questions: i) Am I able to get my child to the tutoring venue? ii) What is the group size if it is not a 1-to-1 session? The ideal ratio between tutor and child is 1-to-5 iii) Insist on viewing a class in progress – there should be no objection. iv) Quiz current and past parents who have used the service, if possible, and find out what they think. 3. Is 1-to-1 tutoring more effective than group tuition? “The answer to this question often depends on the individual child,” says Anita Dhunna, Head Tutor at KSOL, “However, small tuition groups are generally more beneficial, as children thrive in an environment where there are like-minded children. Healthy competition empowers children and allows them to bounce ideas off each other. 1-to-1 tuition becomes a great tool if you need to focus on one or two topic areas that you know a child is finding challenging.” 4. If I am going to tutor my child, when should I start? This all depends on the child. “Children should ideally start in Year 4 or 5,” says Anita. “It is too early before that age as children are still learning core topics at school. You cannot build on loose foundations.” For more information, contact KSOL on 0121 244 8605, or email anita.d@ksol.co.uk

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Education What to Do if Your Child is “Different” by Gabrielle Starkey

hen I became pregnant, I felt like I’d stepped through the looking glass. A committed career woman, I’d never paid too much attention to family life, but suddenly it was everywhere, and I’d unwittingly joined a new club. There were new rules, and I was playing catch-up, but I soon began to feel at home in this warm, welcoming world of bumps and babies. But when my child’s behaviour started to go off the rails, at just 18 months, it stretched the welcome of my new world to the limit. I was forced, eventually, to step through another looking glass – into the world of Special Educational Needs (SEN). My 7-year-old son Luca was diagnosed last August as having Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which was a time of conflicting emotions. I was sad, of course, but also relieved to finally have a reason for his Jeckyll and Hyde-like behaviour. The diagnosis also unlocked a door to more help, support and understanding, and I am now more hopeful about his future. But I haven’t forgotten the years of embarrassment and social isolation that came with having a child that inexplicably refused to do as other, “normal” children did. So I decided to put together some tips and contacts to help other parents in the same situation. Every child is different and will need their own, personal help – one solution doesn’t fit all. But the SEN system can be a maze, and finding the right people and organisations to help you through it is all-important. I hope that if you’re struggling with the fact that your child seems different from his or her peers, you’ll find something here that will help.

See your doctor

Your first port of call is your GP. If you feel something is wrong, you don’t need to wait for the nursery or school to tell you (although they should, if they feel your child is struggling). Depending on your child’s symptoms, your GP can refer you to CAMHS (the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service – the county’s child psychologists), a Speech and Language therapist or a paediatrician. If you’re referred to CAMHS, ask as soon as possible about the length of the waiting list, as it can be very long (we were waiting 16 months for Luca to be assessed, although I’m assured it is not so bad now).

Keep talking

If your child is at nursery or school, liaise with the nursery manager or head teacher about your child’s progress and behaviour, and keep them informed of any changes outside school/nursery. This can help to build up a full picture of your child’s environment, which might shed some light on the problem. Your child will likely be on a plan called School/ Early Years Action, which helps the setting chart your child’s progress. Don’t get defensive – they will be trying to help you and your child, not judging you.

Get reading

Once you have received a diagnosis (or even before) read up on the problem, or what you

think it is. I have amassed quite a library on Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Attachment Disorder, ADHD, inflexible children and special diets! Be aware, though, that it’s all too easy to misdiagnose your child from a book or the internet – many symptoms overlap different diagnoses, and some behavioural problems actually have their roots in physical or emotional difficulties. For instance, a dyslexic child might be disruptive through frustration, or a child with hearing problems might switch off because they can’t hear the teacher. It’s important to see the professionals to get a proper diagnosis.

Don’t be ashamed

Your child’s disability is not your fault, you didn’t ask for it and beating yourself up about it won’t help anyone. It’s natural to feel sad if your high-flying dreams for your child might not now come true, but he/she is still your child and needs you. Think positive.

Reach out and make connections

Join a support group, even before diagnosis. This might be controversial, but having a child with SEN can be isolating, and meeting others in a similar situation – whatever their children’s difficulties – can help you feel less alone. It’s also a fact that there is help out there that can’t normally be accessed before diagnosis, and you can find out about it at these groups.

Become a “Velvet Bulldozer” Sandy Row, a mother of four adopted children with autism, has written a book called The Velvet Bulldozer about her determined battle with the authorities to get her children properly diagnosed and supported. If you feel you’re not getting appropriate support, don’t just give up – sometimes you have to fight for the best for your child.

Get in touch with the FIS

Warwickshire’s Family Information Service is for every family, not just those with disabled children, but they have a range of information on topics including childcare, finance, activities and additional support. They offer extra help to families who may have difficulty accessing services or those with additional needs. As wellas leaflets and factsheets covering a host of issues, friendly advisors can talk through specific queries over the phone or face to face. If the service doesn’t have the information you need they will put you in touch with services that can help and in certain cases find the information for you. See Useful Contacts box for contact info.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Education Here are two local places doing inspiring things for children with difficulties

Useful contacts Warwickshire Direct: Lots of useful links and advice. www.warwickshire.gov.uk/supportforchildrenandfamilies

Watermill Café, Crafty Barn and Shop A really warm, welcoming community café set up in a lovely barn conversion by Tracey, whose son became brain-injured after a heart attack at a young age. The café has a pottery painting side, which is set up to be inclusive for everyone, including children with disabilities – those who can’t hold a paintbrush can make thumb print pictures, for example. It is raising funding for alternative therapies for those with brain injuries and SEN, and Tracey is also working on opening a playbarn in an adjacent barn, which will be more low-key and natural than the usual huge soft-play warehouses. Wellesbourne Watermill Barn, Kineton Road, Wellesbourne CV35 9HG. Call 01789 841076 or email info@inglebyfoundation.org www.inglebyfoundation.org

Contact a Family West Midlands: Provides support, advice and information for families with disabled children, no matter what their condition or disability. Call 0121 415 4624 or email westmids.office@cafamily.org.uk Autism West Midlands: A really useful organisation which provides activities, events, training and support. Call Katie Oliver, the Family Outreach Worker, on 0121 450 7582 or email katieo@autismwestmidlands.org.uk Ileap (Inclusive Leisure, Education and Activities Project): A South Warwickshire charity that runs leisure activities, clubs and holiday provision for disabled and SEN people over the age of 4. www.ileap.co.uk/ British Dyslexia Association: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

Northleigh House School One of the most inspirational places I’ve been to, this small school helps secondary-age children who have had to leave mainstream school, mainly because of bullying. Some of the tales of the children here are heart-breaking, but not all have been bullied – some have social and learning difficulties, or have been hospitalised for a long illness and fallen behind. The staff at Northleigh nurture these children, teaching them one-on-one or in small groups, and give them back the confidence they’ve lost, as well as an education. Northleigh House School, Five Ways Road, Hatton, Warwick CV35 7HZ. Call 01926 484203 or email info@northleigh.co.uk www.northleigh.co.uk

North Warwickshire & Coventry Dyslexia Association: Has a good website with events and links – www.justdyslexic.org.uk/ Special People: Autism support group that puts on talks by inspirational people in the autism field. Run by Kenilworth parents Julie and Neil Thomas, whose son Jack is on the autistic spectrum. www.facebook.com/specialpeopleuk/ Family Information Service (FIS): Very helpful council service. Call 0845 090 8044 or see www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fis. You can also like the service on Facebook or follow @WarksFIS on Twitter.

Maths & English tuition Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition to children aged 5-14, designed to improve knowledge, confidence and enjoyment of learning.

Families Warwickshire.indd 1 www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

tries new things with relish. She counts the days until she can come back here!”

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Explore helps children make fantastic academic progress, in addition the vibrant atmosphere keeps them engaged and focussed enabling them to have fun while they learn.

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01/08/2012 14:51

Health Wireless Technology: Can You Feel the Force? By Helena Foss

an you remember a life before mobiles and texting? I often let my five-year-old son play games on my mobile. That’s normal, isn’t it? There is WiFi in most schools and there are phone masts on top of the tower block where my son’s school friend lives. In the past, community activists campaigned against such things. Today, they are simply part of the landscape. But surely this technology wouldn’t be allowed if it wasn’t proven to be safe, would it?

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As the more powerful G4 network is being rolled out across the nation, I think it’s wise to at least question the safety of wireless technology. Especially in light of the recent roll call of unethical activity in once-trusted institutions: banking (once a paragon of respectability); Sir Jimmy Savile (OBE no less); BBC management; abuse in care homes; corporate tax avoidance (one rule for the rich, another for the poor); Rupert Murdoch’s News International debacle; and prestigious medical journals losing credibility due to industry funding that skews research in favour of the drug corporations (a former editor of a reputable medical journal has estimated that this accounts for at least two thirds of trials published in major journals – you can read more about this online: http:// bit.ly/QuPaRg). Is nothing sacred anymore?

OK, so here is a little basic info Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is basically microwave radiation. Small doses, of course, will not kill you. (In fact, I would say microwave ovens are lifesaving at stress o’clock when the kids are famished and you resort to heating up a frozen meal!). But do we want this kind of invisible energy in our homes all the time? WiFi and cordless phones and baby monitors, we often forget, are EMRemitting devices too. The fact is that research funded by the

telecommunications industry says that EMR poses less of a danger than independent scientists say it does. Plus, the effects of EMR on children, whose skulls are thinner and whose brains are still developing, is still not fully researched or understood. In 2011, the World Health Organisation classified EMR from mobile phones as “possibly carcinogenic” and, according to a Daily Telegraph report in October 2012, a link between heavy mobile use (up to six hours a working day over 12 years) and brain tumours was upheld in an Italian court (an employee was suing his employer). The Telegraph has also reported a link found with hyperactivity and poor memory in the offspring of mice exposed to cellphone radiation by researchers at Yale University. OK, so let’s not panic – but let’s not ignore the issue either. Whilst the scientific debate continues, when it comes to erring on the side of precaution, I’m with Edmund Burke who said: “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” There are simple things you can do to reduce the risk to you and your family (see below), so try them out.

Further Information A comprehensive report on the controversies in current EMR research: http://archive. radiationresearch.org/pdfs/15reasons.asp

Simple tips to keep your family safe (just in case it isn’t) Always turn your WiFi router off at night (just a switch). Never put your mobile close to your baby’s head, nor let them use it as a toy. Think twice about whether your cordless baby monitor is necessary or place it as far as possible from baby. These devices also emit EMR (they work with WiFi after all). Carry your phone in your bag, not your pocket. Manufacturer’s small print warns users to keep mobiles away from the body, even though advertising campaigns show the opposite. The NHS advises children and teenagers to text or make short, essential calls only. The further away from the body/ears the better. Do not let your teenager sleep next to their phone (and especially not with it under their pillow for secret texting). (See the NHS leaflet on familiesonline.co.uk/radiation). Do not use your phone as an alarm clock next to your head. Go back to a corded phone. No re-wiring is required, simply buy two Ethernet boxes to plug in computers and laptops to your regular electricity socket. Radiation from cordless (DECT) phones is intense, and in some cases higher than a mobile phone (models/devices vary in intensity, check SAR levels). Get informed. We’ve collated lots of useful websites, articles, reports, videos etc. here: www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation

a Signs of meningitis

(a really helpful video) www.familiesonline.co.uk/ meningitissigns

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

Health

Vegetable Lasagne

ew Year is all about resolutions and so many people resolve to be healthier – here’s an excellent way to get more vegetables in to your diet in a tasty way. It’s also a good way of using up vegetables that are languishing at the back of the fridge. We’ve replaced the cheese sauce with crème fraiche – use half fat crème fraiche for a lower fat version. Children love layering the sauce and the lasagne sheets, but you might want to help them out with chopping all those vegetables. You can peel the layers from the onions and they can use scissors to chop them up, and many of the vegetables can be snapped into chunky pieces quite easily. Basil leaves can be torn up too, so it’s good for children of all ages.

Ingredients ½ medium onion 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 red pepper, diced ½ yellow pepper, diced 1 courgette, chopped Handful of spinach Handful of mushrooms, chopped 400g tin chopped tomatoes 2 tsp tomato puree Lasagne sheets 250ml crème fraiche 125g cheddar, grated Handful of fresh basil and oregano Preheat the oven to 180C (gas mark 4) Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan and soften the onions and garlic. Add the peppers, spinach, mushrooms & courgette & cook through. The vegetables should be soft but still retain a bit of bite. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato puree, basil and oregano then simmer for 10 minutes. In an oven-proof dish create alternate layers of vegetable sauce and lasagne sheets until you’ve used all the sauce. Dollop a few good spoonfuls of creme fraiche on the top and spread it round a bit. Top with the grated cheddar. Bake at 180C for 30 mins. Enjoy with crusty bread – great for a chilly winter’s day!

On the weekend of March 9, Sanchia Evans (right), a CLIC Sargent Children’s Social Worker at the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, will be throwing herself out of a plane to raise money for children and young people with cancer (see above). She told us why: “My role is to offer families practical and emotional support to reduce the impact of cancer. I work with about 60 families every month; I meet them on the ward, at the hospital or at their home. I sometimes travel up to 100 miles round trip to visit a family. It does make you realise how far some children have to travel to get to their treatment centre. One of the biggest challenges of our work on the ground is knowing that more support is needed and that we may be unable to do more to support families for lack of time and resources. This is why I have decided to go an extra 13,000ft to support the families! I am doing it in support of these brave people I meet and work with every day. Every day, I get to see people’s true strength, their courage and love, their fears and hope, their determination and positivity – it’s very inspiring. The most challenging aspect of my role is to watch people’s hearts break everyday. The highlight of working at CLIC Sargent is to see how positively people respond to the charity and the work we do, from meeting chief executives of major companies who donate to us, to the children who sing to raise money at Christmas. My skydive goal is to raise at least £345. I would really appreciate your support with messages and donations on my online page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Sanchia.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

If you’d like to join Sanchia in the ‘Who Would You Fall For?’ skydive, contact Noemie Salvaudon, CLIC Sargent’s Fundraising Manager, on 0113 288 3223 or email noemie.salvaudon@clicsargent.org.uk

Clubs & Classes Come and Try Out Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy

What Happens at... Baby Sensory

On Monday 14 January, Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy is holding a free trial day at Hatton Park Village Hall, Barcheston Drive, Warwick. The academy will welcome new dancers at the following times:

aby Sensory in Warwick, Leamington, Stratford and Southam is run by Gemma O’Rourke, who, as a mum herself to 2-year-old Dexter, knows how important the early years are. I went along to Hatton Park Village Hall on a Thursday morning to watch a 6 months+ class.

5-5.30pm Baby Ballet: A class which introduces children to the basics of ballet in a fun & stimulating way, using a specifically designed syllabus. Suitable for ages 2½ plus. 5.30-6.15pm Pre-primary/ Primary Ballet & Tap: For 4-7 years 6.15-7pm Street Dance: For 8+ years 7-8pm Grade 1 Ballet/ Tap/ Modern: For 8+ years. There are already two successful branches of Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy in Northampton with a 100% pass rate in exams. They also raised £100 for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital at their recent show “In the Reel”. For more information, go to www.krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk/

Baby Sensory sessions begin and end with songs and signing, but in between the classes are all different, because there are so many different sensory activities to cover. On the day I was there, Gemma used signing, songs and musical instruments in the first half, and concentrated on visuals – with black and white patterns, balloons, bubbles and coloured scarves, and a puppet show with lights – in the second. The babies – and the parents – seemed very relaxed. “She loves it,” says Lesley, mum to Lauren (1yr), “She can be grumpy before she gets here, but once here she’s happy.” Amit, whose son Dylan is 11 months, comes along with wife Anisha as often as he can, and they are on their third term. “He just lights up,” he says. “He was really cranky in the car, but as soon as he came in he was happy.” Two areas are set up – a large floor mat for the group work, and a separate area full of soft play equipment and sensory toys. This is because Baby Sensory works on the “playrest-play” theory that small children can only concentrate in short bursts. So every Baby Sensory class is split into 20 minutes of learning, then 15 minutes of free play, and then another 20 minutes of learning. “I just love the way he’s come on so well since he started,” says Rachel, who’s been bringing Charles (1yr) for four terms. “He loves bopping away to the music. He was crawling and walking very early – I think it’s due to this and baby swimming, they’ve really helped him.” Nikki, mum to Ellis (10mths) agrees. “I’ve seen him come on leaps and bounds. Gemma’s

been very good – she’s very engaging and tolerant! And the play area is like a resource – there are toys he’s discovered here, which we can then get at home.” The play break also incorporates a major plus for parents – time to get to know others with babies of the same age, which is especially important for new parents. I was particularly struck by how friendly this group was – some of them were heading off to a birthday party together after the class. “We’re quite good friends now with some of the mums,” says Anisha. “It’s good to get advice and experience from others – the break in the middle is really good for that.” “The only downside,” says Rachel, “is that Baby Sensory stops at 13 months, so we’re nearly finished, which is sad. But we’re looking forward to Toddler Sense!” And for others in the same predicament, don’t worry – Baby Sensory’s follow-on group, Toddler Sense (for ages 13months3yrs), is coming to Warwickshire from the end of February (venues tbc), to carry on the Sensory fun!

Where and when:

One-to-one tuition Small groups 3:1 Private sessions for family/friends

01789 772249 Crash Courses February Half Term

We cater for all standards, from tiny tots to triathletes!

Flexible booking to suit your individual availability

ASA REG. SWIM SCHOOL

Est 1986

Warwick: Thursdays, 10am and 11.15am, at Hatton Park Village Hall, Barcheston Drive, Hatton Park, Warwick CV35 7TR. Leamington Spa: Tuesdays, 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm, at Dale Street Methodist Church, Dale Street, Leamington CV32 5HL. Stratford-upon-Avon: Wednesdays, 2-3pm at The Rosebird Centre, Shipston Road, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8LU. Southam: Thursdays (time tbc) at The Grange Hall, Coventry Road, Southam CV47 1QA. The next full term starts the week commencing 14 January. To book, or for more information, call Gemma on 07989 502712 or email warwickshire@babysensory.co.uk www.babysensory.com/

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

Clubs & Classes Fun music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers FREE trial session!

CLASSICAL BALLET CLASSES

Come along for a free no-obligation class

at the Greig Hall, Alcester Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus Ages: 3-18

BABY SENSORY

Call Sue on 01926 886995

Award winning baby development classes

[[[ VL]XLQXMQI RIX

Classes run weekly across Warwickshire including Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick and Leamington Spa

(01789) 766884

To find your nearest class contact

Gemma on: tel 07989 502712

info@ballet.uk.com

Cooking Classes and Parties

email: warwickshire@babysensory.co.uk

www.ballet.uk.com

www.babysensory.com

Ages 2 -11 Ages 2 - 11

Contact Charlotte on 07506 034899

Ballet

Tap

Street

Musical Theatre

ALL AT RADFORD SEMELE PRIMARY SCHOOL, LEAMINGTON SPA! Classes Also Available @ Newbold On Stour Village Hall Every Wednesday!

Children Taken From 2Yrs, IDTA Exams & Academy Shows, Academy Established 15yrs, Fully Qualified, Experienced And CRB Checked Teacher (AIDTA & AISTD)

Adult Classes

For More Details OR to Book your FREE TRIAL! Please Contact Miss Nikki On:

07958 643005

office@njadance.co.uk

www.njadance.co.uk

Advertise here from as little as £30 per month

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Calypso Kids Pre-school Music Classes for children aged 6 months - 4 years Classes are held at Townsend Hall, Sheep Street, Shipston on Stour CV36 4AE Wednesdays at 9.20am, 10.15am & 11.00am Fridays at 10.00am & 11.00am What’s in the lilly pad today? £3.50 per class when paying for a half-term block in advance or £4.50 a class to pay-as-you-play. Discounts are available for siblings.

Book a FREE Taster Class. Tel: 07890 399162 www.calypsokids.co.uk

Krystle Jayne’s Dance Academy Ballet, Tap, Modern & Street Dance classes for children

FREE TRIAL DAY: MON 14TH JANUARY at Hatton Park Village Hall, Warwick

IDTA & RAD Exams Shows & Competitions Fully qualified & experienced staff Branches in Warwick & Northampton

Baby Ballet 21/2 years Street Dance for 7+ years

Call 07791 852891

or email krystlegerrard@btinternet.com for more information Krystle Gerrard AIDTA CDE

www.krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

LITTLE RASCALS PRE-SCHOOL DANCE CLASSES

BOYS ONLY

THEATRE PARADE

STREET MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE CLASS CLASS

Jaykays Dance Company

Leamington Spa

Tel: 01789 764667

Mess Around offers fun, friendly, hassle free messy play sessions, parties and events for children from 0-4 years of age. Each session has 6 different fun activities that your child can enjoy at their own pace. We set it up, you and your child enjoy it – then we clean up the mess! Sessions running NOW in Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon & Shipston. For more info and to book, call Ingrid on 07889 470 091 for Warwick Krissy on 07500 772 514 for Stratford & Shipston

I.D.T.A Ballet & Tap, Street Dance, Freestyle, Gymnastics, Zumba H: 01926 422380 M: 07738 954258 E: enquiries@jaykaysdance.co.uk W: www jaykaysdance.co.uk

the fun of Messy Play... but without the messy house!

NEW ZUMBA CLASS

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Winter book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free online book and story club for primary children in homes and schools. Each month, recently published books are selected as Ed’s Books of the Month for Owlets (age 5-7) and Owls (over 7s). On the website, there are fun literacy activities to accompany each book, including word searches, quizzes, poetry and reviews, and there are new original stories in Edtime Stories. There are also lots of other fun online activities, complementary to the curriculum. Check out Ed’s Archive for Ed’s Books of the Month from previous months.

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS My Great Big Birthday Bash! by Betty G Birney

(Faber £3.99) ED SAYS: ‘Humphrey

loves being the classroom hamster with such a wonderful crowd of children. In this story he learns about the importance of birthdays to humans and enjoys the unsqueakable excitement that surrounds birthday parties. When he hears about plans for a surprise party, he doesn’t realise how much of a surprise it really is going to be.’ ‘This is another super book in the Humphrey’s Tiny Tales series. The life of this adorable character provides a lot of FUN-FUN-FUN for young readers on their own or reading together.’

Feathers in the Wind by Sally Grindley (Bloomsbury £4.99) ED SAYS: ‘Joe and

Aesha are thrilled to be going to the Indian city of Ahmedabad with their parents – a vet and a photographer. They will be there for the annual kite festival which is very exciting but which can be devastating for some of the birds. The children are eager to be involved but are they really putting themselves at risk when they try to help an injured bird on their own?’

Easyish

5 3 1 16

‘This is a fantastic adventure in the International Rescue series. It is a fast-moving story that will entertain boys and girls alike.’

FOR AGES 7 YEARS + Genie in Trouble by Ciaran Murtagh

(Piccadilly Press £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Jamie is

starting another tricky spelling test at school when suddenly his genie friend Balthazar appears. There is trouble back in Lampville and Balthazar needs Jamie to return to the Genie Academy with him to help sort things out. Jamie knows he is in for a dangerous challenge but secret plots in the genie world and magic carpet races are better than a spelling test any day! ‘This is a hilarious and wacky story by this very funny writer. It is entertaining and full of energy. If you enjoy this book, look out for the other titles in the series.’

Granny Grabbers’ Whizz Bang World by Charlotte Haptie (Hodder £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Delilah

Books for Under-5s Tracey Griffiths Black got in touch through the Facebook page, asking if Ed’s Reading Room did recommendations for under-5s. Her 2-year-old daughter loves Quentin Blake, Maisy, Paddington and Dr Seuss, but they were looking for inspiration for new books. Unfortunately Ed’s only review books for 5s and up, but we asked our ever-helpful readers, and this is what they recommended. Alix Hay of Mess Around: “Lissie loves the Tiger Who Came to Tea, had to read it to her every night!” Emma Lucy Alexander: “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Michael Rosen) and Monkey & Me (Emily Gravett)” Emma Hempell: “Any of the Julia Donaldson books – Monkey Puzzle, Squash and a Squeeze. Hairy McLairy is a big hit in this house too.”

‘This is a very funny and warm-hearted story. The madcap adventures and characters make for a real page-turner of a book.’

Linda Scannell: “Another vote for Julia Donaldson – Room on the Broom was always our favourite when my two were that age.”

Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI awardwinning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You are very welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at mgh@edontheweb.com about the website or about Ed on the Web Spelling Bees in schools.

Harder

4 5

1 4 3 2 2 6 3 3 5 5 6 2 5 3 4 4 1 For solutions visit our website www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

Alcester and Studley Districts Mondays: Stay & Play at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, B49 6AG. 10am. Call 01789 764093.

Smart’s parents are determined their daughter will excel in everything she does and to help them they send off for a childcare robot. Although at first Delilah isn’t sure what to make of the metal contraption with several long arms, soon Delilah and Granny Grabbers form a close bond. But when Delilah’s parents send off for the replacement Nanny Deluxe, is it time for Granny Grabbers to go to the scrapheap? Not without a lot of resistance!’

Sudoko 6

Word of Mouth:

Nikki Sayers of Dandy Development: “We still love Dear Zoo and Dear Santa and the Hungry Caterpillar is always a hit!”

The Red Lion Northend: “Duck in the Truck by Jez Alborough is quite popular here.” Families Warwickshire (forgetting this was for a little girl): “Luca’s 7 now, but having read these I’ve been reminded of a few – There’s an Ouch in My Pouch by Jeanne Willis and Garry Parsons, and Fix-it Duck by Jez Alborough (both brilliant rhyming books), and Dinosaurs Love Underpants – more rhymes, plus dinosaurs and pants! What more could a young boy want?!” Emma Hempell: “Ooh yes – Aliens Love Underpants as well! Nothing more amusing than pants!!” If you’d like to join in, join us at www.facebook.com/ familieswarwickshire

Rolling Programme: Baby Massage, Chatter Matters and Buggy Walk at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, Alcester B49 6AG. 11am-12noon. Call 01789 764093. Bumps & Babes at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, Alcester B49 6AG. 1-2pm. Call 01789 764093 for more details. Family Learning at Studley & District Children’s Centre, High St B80 7HJ. 10am-12noon. With crèche. To book call 01527 850136 or email studley@parentingproject.org.uk Crafty Little Monkeys at Henley in Arden Outreach Site, The Hub, Henley High School B95 6AF. 1011.30am. Drop in for craft, singing and snack time. Toddler Nosh at Henley in Arden Outreach Site, The Hub, Henley High School B95 6AF. 12.151.45pm. With creche. Call 01527 850136 or email studley@parentingproject.org.uk Tuesdays: Babes & Tots Healthcare at Church Rooms, Church St, Bidford-on-Avon. 9.45-11.30am. Drop in to see the Health Visitor. Call 01789 764093 for details. Rolling Programme: Baby Massage & Chatter Matters at Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford. 11.45am-1pm. Call 01789 764093. Group Triple P at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, Alcester B49 6AG 1-3pm. 8-week course, with creche. Call 01789 764093. Toddler Chatter Matters at Studley & District Children’s Centre, High St B80 7HJ. 9.30-10.30am. 6 weeks of fun for 12-24 months. To book call 01527 850136 or email studley@parentingproject.org.uk Toy Library at Studley & District Children’s Centre, High St B80 7HJ. 10-11am. For details call 01527 850136 or email studley@parentingproject.org.uk Cruisers & Crawlers at Studley & District Children’s Centre, High St B80 7HJ. 1.45-2.45pm. Active session for 6-12 months. To book call 01527 850136 or email studley@parentingproject.org.uk Bumps and Bundles at Henley in Arden Outreach Site, The Hub, Henley High School B95 6AF. 10.3012noon. A session for newborns, including Support with Breastfeeding. Just drop in. Multiple Mayhem at Henley in Arden Outreach Site, The Hub, Henley High School B95 6AF. 2-3.30pm. For twins, triplets and their parents. Fortnightly – call 01527 850136 for dates. Wednesdays: Swimming Group at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, Alcester B49 6AG. 12.301.30pm. 6-week course at St Nicholas School pool. £10 payable on booking. Call 01789 764093. Childminders R Us at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, Alcester B49 6AG. 9.30-11am. Play & support group. Just drop in. Babes & Tots Healthcare at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, Alcester B49 6AG. 1-3pm. See your Health Visitor. Just drop in. Cradle Club at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, Alcester B49 6AG. 1-3pm. Just drop in. Baby Clinic with Stay & Play at Studley & District Children’s Centre, High St B80 7HJ. 10-11.30am. Drop in to see the Health Visitor, and play. Baby Clinic with Stay & Play at Henley in Arden Outreach Site, The Hub, Henley High School B95 6AF. 10-11.30am. Health Visitor drop-in session. Thursdays: Movers and Crawlers at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, Alcester B49 6AG. 10-11.30am. Call 01789 764093 to book. Goslings Toddler Group at Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford. Call 01789 764093 for more details. Music & Movement at Studley Children’s Centre, High St B80 7HJ. 9.30-10.30am. To book call 01527 850136 or email studley@parentingproject.org.uk Toddler Chatter Matters at Studley & District Children’s Centre, High St B80 7HJ. 11am-12noon. 6 weeks of fun for 12-24 months. To book call 01527 850136 or email studley@parentingproject.org.uk Baby Chatter Matters at Henley in Arden Outreach Site, The Hub, Henley High School B95 6AF. 1-2pm. 6 weeks of fun for 4-6 months. To book call 01527 850136 or email studley@parentingproject.org.uk Messy Play at Studley & District Children’s Centre, High St B80 7HJ. 1.15-2.15pm. Just drop in Fridays: Toddler Talk at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, Alcester B49 6AG. 10-11.30am.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

What’s On Regular Classes

It is not possible to fit all of the local regular groups onto this page – go to the What’s On section of www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk for the full listings.

As with all our listings, please check before you go, and please tell them you saw it in Families! Call 01789 764093 for more details. Speech & Language Drop-in at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, Alcester B49 6AG. Bi-monthly. Call 01789 764093 for more details. Bumps and Bundles at Studley & District Children’s Centre, High St B80 7HJ. 10-11.30am. Call 01527 850136 or email studley@parentingproject.org.uk Open House at Studley Children’s Centre, High St B80 7HJ. 10-11.30am. Drop in to use playroom. Saturdays: Daddy Cool at Alcester & District Children’s Centre, St Faith’s Rd, Alcester B49 6AG. 10-11.30am. 1st Sat of the month. Just drop in. 01789 764093 Daddy Cool at Studley & District Children’s Centre, High St B80 7HJ. 10-11.30am. Monthly. Call 01527 850136 or email studley@parentingproject.org.uk.

Kenilworth

Baby Sensory at Hatton Park Village Hall, Barcheston Drive, Hatton Park, Warwick CV35 7TR. 10am and 11.15am. Call Gemma on 07989 502712.

Baby Massage at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 2-3pm. 4-week course. £10 in advance. To book, call 01926 856397.

Dandy Development (term time only) at Long Lawford Memorial Hall, Station Street, CV23 9BA. For up to 4yrs, 10am & 11am. Call 07890 241301.

Saturdays:

The Nikki Jay Academy of Dance at Radford Semele Primary School, Leamington CV31 1TQ. Classes from 4.30pm. Call 07958 643005 for details.

M.A.C. Club at Kenilworth Children’s Centre, Bertie Rd CV8 1JP1. For dads and male carers and children up to 4yrs. MONTHLY. 10-11.30am. Just drop in.

Mother and Toddler Group (term time only) at St Francis Church, High Street CV8 2FT. 10-11.15am. £1.50 per family. Birth-4yrs. Call Clare Bird on 01926 514 4444 or email cbird@crackleyhall.co.uk Big Chef Little Chef at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 1.30-3pm. Ages 2-5. £1/family. Fusion at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 1.30-3pm. Call 01926 856397. Tuesdays: Mini Messy Play at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 10.30-11.45am. For 8-20 months, £1/family, just drop in. Call 01926 856397. Cradle Club at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 10-11.30am. £1 per family, just drop-in. Call 01926 856397 for details. Buggy Breakfast at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 9-10am (all year round, including school holidays). For 0-5 years, £1/family. Triple P at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. Positive parenting course. To book, call 01926 856397. Family Nosh at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. Six-week budget cooking course. To book, call 01926 856397. Rhythm Time (term time only) at The Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End Car Park, CV8 1QJ. 10am12noon. Ages: 0-13m, 13m-3yrs and 3-5yrs. Call Sue 01926 886995 for a free taster session. Wednesdays: Dandy Development at Burton Green Hall, Hodgetts Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 1PH. Stage 1: 10am, Stage 2: 11am. Call Nikki on 07890 241301. Stay ‘n’ Play at Little Crackers Nursery, Crackley Hall School, Coventry Rd CV8 2FT. 10-11.30am for 0-4 years. £2 per family. Call 01926 514444. Childminders’ Stay and Play Group at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 1011.30am, term time only. £1. Call 01926 856397 to check dates then just drop in. Let’s Get Physical at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 1.30-3pm, 2-4yrs. £1/family, no need to book. Call 01926 856397 for details. NCT breastfeeding support drop-in. Alternate weeks at Kenilworth Children’s Centre, Bertie Rd CV8 1JP and St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Road, CV8 1FS. 10.30-11.30am. Free. Call 01926 853394/856397 for details. Baby & Child Health Drop-in Alternate weeks at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS and Kenilworth Children’s Centre, Bertie Road CV8 1JP. 10-11.30am. Call 01926 856397 for details. Free, no need to book. Expectant parents welcome. Thursdays: Buggy Breakfast at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 9-10am. From birth-5 years. Just drop-in. £1 per family. Call 01926 856397. Drop In at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 10-11am. Money advice. 01926 856397. Little Foresters at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 10-11.30am. Outdoor play for ages 0-5yrs. £1/family. Call 01926 856397 for details. Breastfeeding Buddies at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 1.30-2.30pm. Support group. £1 per family. Call 01926 856397 for details. Rhythm Time (term time only) at the Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End Car Park, CV8 1QJ. 1.40-3pm. Ages: 0-13m, 3-5yrs. Call Sue 01926 886995. Fridays: Rhyme Time at Kenilworth Library, Smalley Place CV8 1QG.10-10.30am. 2nd & 4th weeks of month. Free music sessions for 0-2 years – just drop in.

Fridays:

Saturdads at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 10-11.30am. For dads and male carers and children 0-5 years. £1 per family. Call 01926 856397 for dates. www.stjohns-kenilworth.ik.org

Rhyme Time at Leamington Spa Library, Royal Pump Rooms, The Parade CV32 4AA. 10.30-11am 1st & 3rd week of the month. Free music sessions for 0-2 years. Drop in. Call 01926 742721.

Our Place at St John’s Church, Warwick Road, CV8 1HY. 3rd Sat of month, 10.30am-12noon. For children aged 8-13 on the autistic spectrum. £2 per child. www.facebook.com/specialpeople

Namaste Group at Whitnash Children’s Centre, Nursery Lane, Leamington CV31 2PW. 9.30-11.30am, free group for Asian families. Call 01926 315586.

Leamington Spa and Warwick

Mondays:

Tel: 01789 764667

Stay & Play at St John’s Children’s Centre, Mortimer Rd CV8 1FS. 10-11.30am for 0-5 years, just drop in. £1 per family. Call 01926 856397 for further details.

Mondays: CookieTots at Leamington Spa Baptist Church, Chandos Street CV32 4RN, 10.30am. Fun cooking for ages 2-4yrs. To book call Charlotte on 07506 034 899 or email leamingtonspa@kiddycook.co.uk Sing & Sign Baby Signing Classes (term time only) at Busy Bees Nursery, Macbeth Approach, Leamington Spa CV34 6AD. 9.45am & 11am. For 6-24m. Call 01789 415591. Free trial available. Sing & Sign Baby Signing Classes (term time only) at St Mary Immaculate Parish Hall, West St, Warwick CV34 6AB. 9.45am and 11am. For 6-24mths. Free trial classes available. Call 01789 415591 for details. Rhythm Time (term time only) at St Mark’s Church, Rugby Rd, Leamington Spa CV32 6DL. 9.30am12noon. Ages: 0-13mths, 13mths-3yrs, 3-5yrs. Call Sue on 01926 886995 for a free taster session Rhythm Time (term time only) at Hatton Park Village Hall, Barcheston Drive, Warwick CV35 7TR. 9.30am-12noon. Ages 0-13mths, 13mths-3yrs, 3-5yrs. Call 01926 886995 for a free taster session. Mess Around at The Gap Community Centre, Oakwood Grove, Spinney Hill, Warwick CV34 5TD. 10am and 11.15am. To book call Ingrid on 07889 470 091 or email ingrid@mess-around.co.uk Tuesdays: CookieTots at Whitnash Community Centre, Acre Close Playing Field, Leamington CV31 2ND. 10.30am. Fun cooking sessions for ages 2-4yrs. Booking essential, call 07506 034 899 or email leamingtonspa@kiddycook.co.uk Baby Sensory at Dale Street Methodist Church, Leamington Spa. 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Call Gemma on 07989 502712. £6 per class. Rhythm Time (term time only) at The Octagon, St Mary Magdalene Church, Vicarage Rd, Lillington, Leamington CV32 7RH. 9.30-11.30am. 0-13mths, 13mths-3yrs, 3-5yrs. Call 01926 886995 for free taster session. Dandy Development at Barford Memorial Hall, Church Street, Barford CV35 8EN. Stage 1 (4-14 mths) 10-10.40am. Stage 2 (14mths-2_ yrs) 1111.50am. Call Nikki on 07890 241 301. Wednesdays: Arty Tots at Leamington Art Gallery & Museum. 11am-12noon, first Wednesday of the month. For 0-5 years, free. Call 01926 742700. Stay & Play Drop In at The Gap Community Centre, Oakwood Grove, Warwick CV34 5TD. 9.30-11am. For ages 0-5 years. Free. Call 01926 492701. Babies at The Gap Community Centre, Oakwood Grove, Spinney Hill, Warwick CV34 5TD. 1-2.30pm for 0-18mths. Free. Just call in. Call 01926 494200 CookieTots at Leamington Spa Baptist Church, Chandos Street CV32 4RN at 1.30pm. Fun cooking sessions for 2-4yrs. Booking essential, call 07506 034 899 or email leamingtonspa@kiddycook.co.uk Rhythm Time (term time only) at St Mark’s Church, Rugby Road, Leamington CV32 6DL. 9.30-11.30am. Ages: 0-13mths, 13mths-3yrs. Coffee served. Call Sue on 01926 886995 for free taster session. Rhythm Time (term time only) at All Saints Church, All Saints Rd (off EmscoteRd), Warwick CV34 5NJ. 9.30am-12noon. Ages: 0-13mth, 13mth-3yr, 3-5yr. Call Sue on 01926 886995 for a free taster session.

Dandy Development (term time only) at St Paul’s Church, Leicester Street, Leamington CV32 4TE. For up to 4yrs, groups from 10am. Call 07890 241301. Rhyme Time (Term time only) at Whitnash Library, Franklin Rd, Leamington CV31 2JH. 11.15-11.45am, 3rd week of the month. Free music sessions for 0-2 years – just drop in. Call 01926 421 464 for details.

Rhythm Time (term time only) at The Methodist Church, Bridge St, Wellesbourne, CV35 9OP. 9.3011am. Ages: 0-13mths, 13mths-3yrs. Coffee served. Call Sue 01926 886995 for a free taster session. Wednesdays: Calypso Kids at Townsend Hall, Sheep St, Shipstonon-Stour. 9.20am, 10.15am and 11am, for 6mths+. Call 07890 399162 or email hello@calypsokids.co.uk The Nikki Jay Academy of Dance at Newbold-onStour Village Hall, CV37 8UR. Clasees from 5pm – ballet, street and tap. Call 07958 643005 for details. Early Weeks Baby Play at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 9.30-10.30am. 3rd and 5th Weds. Call 01789 266 624 for details. Early Weeks Clinic at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 9.30-10.30am. 2nd and 4th Wed of month. Just drop in. Call 01789 266 624. Parents/Carers of Children with Special Needs at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Ave CV37 9PB. 9.30-11am. 1st Weds of month. Just drop in. Playhouse at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 11.45am-1.15pm. Just drop in.

Dandy Development at St Paul’s Church, Leicester Street CV32 4TE. Stage 1 at 10-10.40am, Stage 2 1111.50am. Call Nikki on 07890 241301. £4.50/£5.

Chatter Matters for Babies at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 2-3pm. 6 weeks of songs and rhymes. Call 01789 266 624 to book.

Rhythm Time (term time only) at St Marks Church, Rugby Road, Leamington CV32 6DL. 9.30am12noon. Ages: 0-13mths, 13mths-3yrs, 3-5yrs. Call Sue on 01926 886995 for free taster session.

Story Stomp at Stratford Library, 12 Henley Street CV37 6PZ. 11-11.30am (4th week of month). Free story sessions for 2-4 year olds. Call 01789 292209.

Sing & Sign Baby Signing Classes (term time only) at St Mary Immaculate Parish Hall, West St, Warwick CV34 6AB. 9.45am and 11am. For 6-24mths. Free trial available. Call 01789 415591 for details. The Nikki Jay Academy of Dance at Radford Semele Primary School, Leamington CV31 1TQ. Classes from 4.30pm. Call 07958 643005. Saturdays: Art Cart Family Fun Sessions at Leamington Spa Art Gallery, Royal Pump Rooms, CV32 4AA. 1-3pm, last Saturday of the month. Free, just drop in. For children up to 12 years. Call 01926 742700 for details. Kiddy Cook at 9 Hill Close, Leamington. Monthly session for ages 4+. Jan 19: Happy, Healthy New Year. Feb 16: Beautiful Bread. Booking essential, contact Charlotte at leamingtonspa@kiddycook.co.uk or call 07506 034 899. Dads Aloud at Warwick Children’s Centre, Coventry Rd CV34 4LJ. 10am-12noon. Fortnightly. For dads/ carers & their child(ren) aged 0-4yrs. 01926 492701. Action Dads! at The Gap Community Centre, Oakwood Grove, Spinney Hill, Warwick CV34 5TD. 10am-12noon. Fortnightly. £1. Call 01926 494200. The Nikki Jay Academy of Dance at Radford Semele Primary School, Leamington CV31 1TQ. Classes from 9am. Call 07958 643005 for details.

Stratford-on-Avon District Mondays: Mess Around at Townsend Hall, Sheep Street, Shipston-on-Stour, CV36 4AE, 10.15am. (Term time only). Call Krissy on 07500 772 514. Tumble Tots at Shottery Memorial Hall CV37 9BL. Physical play, from 6 months. Call 01926 856313. Meet & Play at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 9.30-11am, a fun play session for under 5s. No need to book, just come along. Young Parents at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 1.30-3pm, for parents under 24yrs. No need to book, just come along. Antenatal Parentcraft Group at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 6.30-8.30pm. Call 01789 266 624 to book. Tuesdays: Big Chef, Little Chef at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. From 26 Feb. Cooking fun for ages 2-5. Call 01789 266 624 for details. Postnatal Clinic with Midwife at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 1-3.30pm. Just turn up. Call 01789 266 624.

Thursdays:

Baby Resuscitation at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 1-3pm. First Tues of month. Call 01789 266 624 for details.

Stay & Play at Whitnash Children’s Centre, Nursery Lane, Leamington CV31 2PW. 1.30-3pm Free. Call 01926 315586 for further information.

Baby Weigh & Play at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 1.30-3.30pm. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays. Just drop in. 01789 266 624 for details.

Rhyme Time at Warwick Library, Shire Hall. 9.30am and 11am. Fortnightly, call 01926 412 189 for dates. Free music sessions for 0-2yrs, just drop in.

Rhyme Time at Stratford-upon-Avon Library CV37 6PZ. 11-11.30am fortnightly. Free music sessions for 0-2 years, just drop in. Call 01789 292209 for dates.

Baby Clinic at The Gap, Oakwood Grove, Spinney Hill, Warwick CV34 5TD. 10am-12noon, 3rd Thurs of month. Drop-in for baby weigh. Call 01926 494200.

Sing & Sign Baby Signing Class (term time only) at Wellesbourne Children’s Centre, Kineton Road CV35 9NF. 9.30am. From around 6-24mths. Free

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

trials available. To book a place, call 01789 415591.

Story Stomp at Wellesbourne Library, Kineton Rd CV35 9NF. 10-10.30am (2nd & 4th weeks of the month). Free story time sessions for 2-4 year olds. Baby Sensory at the Rosebird Centre, Shipston Rd, CV37 8LU. 2-3pm, ages 0-13mths. 07989 502712. Thursdays: Sing & Sign Baby Signing Classes at the Rosebird Community Hall, Shipston Road CV37 8LU. 9.45am and 11am for Stage 1. Call Pippa on 01789 415591. Rhythm Time (term time only) at St Peter’s Mission, Manor Road, CV37 7EA. 9.30am-12noon. For up to 5yrs. Call Sue 01926 886995 for a free taster session. Baby Play at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 11am-12noon. For under 18 months. Call 01789 266 624 for details, just drop in. Breastfeeding Support at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 9.30-11am. No need to book, just come along. Call 01789 266 624 Rhythm Time at St Peter’s Mission, Manor Road CV37 7EA. 10.10am Babies (0-14mths) 9.30am and 10.50am Toddlers (14mths-3yrs). Call Sue on 01926 886995 for details and free taster session. Mess Around at Stratford Armouries, 10am and 11.15am. Call Krissy on 07500 772 514 or email krissy@mess-around.co.uk to book or for details. Fridays: Calypso Kids at the Townsend Hall, Sheep St, Shipston-on-Stour. 10am, for 6mths+. Call 07890 399 162 or email hello@calypsokids.co.uk Mess Around at Blackwell Village Hall, Blackwell, nr Shipston-on-Stour CV36, 10.15am. Call Krissy on 07500 772 514 or email krissy@mess-around.co.uk Story Stomp at Wellesbourne Library, Kineton Rd CV35 9NF. 10-10.30am (1st & 3rd weeks of the month). Free story time sessions for 2-4 year olds. Rhythm Time at St Peter’s Mission, Manor Road CV37 7EA. 10.20am Baby Group, 9.40am and 11am Toddlers, 11.40am Pre-school group (3-5yrs). Call Sue on 01926 886995 for free taster session. Toddler Chatter Matters at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 9.30-10.30am. To book, call 01789 266 624 or email stratford@ parentingproject.org.uk Talk & Play at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 9.30-10.30am. To book, call 01789 266 624 or email stratford@parentingproject.org.uk Speech & Language Development Check at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 11am-12.30pm. For children up to 5yrs. Please call 01789 266624 to book an appointment. Speech & Language at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 1-2.30pm on 1st Friday of the month. Drop in for any language needs. Baby Massage at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Ave CV37 9PB. 11am-12noon. 01789 266 624 Rhythm Time (term time only) at St Peter’s Mission, Manor Road, CV37 7EA. 9.30am-12noon. For up to 5yrs. Call Sue 01926 886995 for free session. Saturdays: Daddy Cool at Stratford Children’s Centre, Drayton Avenue CV37 9PB. 10-11.30am on 2nd Saturday of the month. For dads and male carers. Just drop in.

What’s On

Things to do and places to go in Warwickshire

Exhibitions and performances

Mini Beast Mania

Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 8XA. Sat 12-Sun 13 January, 11am to 4pm Paul the Bugman is on hand to show you a variety of weird and wonderful creatures, from cockroaches and Giant Snails to Tarantulas “Barny” the Boa Constrictor! www.hattonworld.com/farmvillage/

Family Wassailing

Godiva Awakes

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP. Until Sun 27 January This exhibition explores the creation of Imagineer Productions’ Olympic Project, Godiva Awakes, and recounts her story from miraculous awakening in Coventry to her epic journey to London. Through a display of conceptual drawings, objects, film, photos and clothing, visitors have the opportunity to contribute to Godiva’s future and the next chapter in her story. www.theherbert.org

Say It with Flowers

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford CV37 9HH. From Tues 1 January A popular exhibition showcasing the floral symbolism and language of love in Shakespeare’s plays. Share your stories on our popular ‘Sweetheart Board’. Normal admission applies. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Dig for Shakespeare: The Finds

Nash’s House & New Place, Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP. From Weds 2 January View new archaeological finds uncovered at the site of Shakespeare’s final home. Normal admission applies. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Twelfth Night Revels

Sat 5-Sun 6 January 10am-12noon and 2-4pm at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratfordupon-Avon, CV37 6QW. 12noon-1pm at Nash’s House & New Place, Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP. 1-2pm at Hall’s Croft, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG. See a condensed version of Twelfth Night performed by Shakespeare Aloud! www.shakespeare.org.uk

The Winter’s Tale

Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB. Thurs 24 January-Sat 23 February Shakespeare’s bittersweet tale of jealousy and forgiveness, directed by Lucy Bailey. To book, call 0844 800 1110 (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm). www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on/the-winters-tale/

Grand Designs: The Building of Hall’s Croft

Hall’s Croft, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG. Thurs 14-Sun 17 February Exhibition showcasing the features of a wealthy Tudor/Jacobean house, plus a children’s quiz. Normal admission applies. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Happy Birthday Hall’s Croft

Hall’s Croft, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG. From Fri 15 February Celebrate 400 years of history, meet some of the house’s characters and uncover its secrets through an exciting house party exhibition. Normal admission applies. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Treasures

Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW. From Fri 15 February Experience the world of Shakespeare through unique items from the Trust’s collections. Supported by the DCMS/Wolfson Fund. Normal admission applies.

Rubbish

Warwick Arts Centre, Wed 20-Sat 23 February, various times Imagine a world that celebrates its rubbish; where, at the touch of a puppeteer’s hand, the contents of a bin bag can transform before your eyes. A visually stunning and playful production, exploring the unexpected value of discarded objects. Come and enjoy the beauty, silliness and the inventive world of Rubbish. “The outstanding children’s company Theatre-Rites” The Guardian. Cost £9.95 (£6.95). Approx 75mins. Age 6+. For more information, call 024 7652 4524 or see http://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/family/

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW. Saturday 12 January, 4-5.30pm Join us in the Wassail! Awaken the fruit trees and care away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest of fruit in the autumn. Make trolls, drink cider (or apple juice!) and make lots of noise. All ages. £3 per person or £4 for non Warwickshire Wildlife Trust member. You must book your place in advance by calling 024 7630 2912. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/ events/2012/10/16/family-wassailing

Get Started with Your Digital Camera, with Linda Scannell

The Open Door Café, 3 Slade Hill, Hampton Magna, Warwick CV35 8SA. Sat 19 January, 9.30am-12.30pm A great way to learn how to use, upload, download and take pics – with a Christmas gift maybe..? £25 inc refreshments. Booking essential. Call Linda on 07545 346368.

Mini Beast Mania

Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 8XA. Sat 19-Sun 20 January, 11am to 4pm Paul the Bugman is on hand to show you a variety of weird and wonderful creatures, from cockroaches and Giant Snails to Tarantulas “Barny” the Boa Constrictor! www.hattonworld.com/farmvillage/

Book Magic: Hurdles

Leamington Library, Royal Pump Rooms, Parade, Leamington Spa CV32 4AA. Sat 19 and Sun 20 January, 2pm Poetry & photography workshops with Julie Boden & Joanna Ornowska. Free. For details call 01926 742721 or email leamingtonlibrary@ warwickshire.gov.uk

Tiny Tot Explorers: Art Play

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP. Tues 22-Thurs 24 January, 10-11.30am and 1-2pm Taking elements of our popular sensory play sessions, there will be plenty of creativity and learning through the use of sensory art materials and techniques. Have fun, be messy and have something to take home. For children aged 1-3. Cost £1. Booking is essential, please call 024 7629 4774. www.theherbert.org

Artists’ Open Day

cockroaches and Giant Snails to Tarantulas “Barny” the Boa Constrictor! www.hattonworld.com/farmvillage/

Book Magic: Silly Stories and Songs

Leamington Library, Royal Pump Rooms, Parade, Leamington Spa CV32 4AA. Sun 27 January, 2pm Join popular local storyteller Sally Tonge for a fun session. Free. For details call 01926 742721 or email leamingtonlibrary@warwickshire.gov.uk

Discovering Family History in Coventry and Warwickshire

The History Centre, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP. Sat 2, 16 and 23 February and 16 March, 10am-4pm A four-week course for those who have started looking into their family history and wish to dig a little deeper. To book please call 024 7629 4774 or go to www.theherbert.org/openlearning

Book Magic: Greek Tales

Rugby Library, Little Elborow Street, Rugby CV21 3BZ. Sun 3 February, 2pm Join Julie Ann Cooper to hear about the myths and legends of Ancient Greece. Free. For details call 01788 533250 or email libraryenquiryteam@ warwickshire.gov.uk

Warwick Pancake Races

Warwick Market Place, Warwick, CV34 4BJ. Tues 12 February, 1.30pm The Rotary Club’s popular event is calling for teams – have your school got what it takes to beat last year’s winners, Newburgh School (Infants) and Budbrooke School (Juniors)? £10 per team donation. For more details, call 01926 496 262

Warwick Castle Unlocked: Secret Towers and Passageways

Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 4QU. 16th February to 31st December Four rooms that have remained closed for generations – Barbican Battlements & Captain’s Room; Bear Tower; Watergate Room; and The Guards’ Room in Guy’s Tower -– are being reopened to visitors. The ancient rooms shed light on the defining chapters in Warwick Castle’s past to reveal tales of battle, siege, murder, power struggles and hauntings. For more details and to book, call 01926 495 421 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri only) or go to www.warwick-castle.com, click on What’s On and look under Special Events.

Creative Movement Class

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP. Tues 19 February, 12.30-1.15pm & 1.30-2.15pm This playful movement class led by dance artist Tara Rutter for children aged 2 -5 years and their adults provides a fantastic opportunity for children’s individuality and creativity to develop. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Free, but booking is required – call 024 7683 2386 or email info@theherbert.org www.theherbert.org

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HH. Weds 23 January Capture the beauty of the Cottage in winter. Bring your own materials. Children welcome. An exhibition will follow in spring. Normal admission applies, but there is free entry for those who agree to lend their artwork for display. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Book Magic: Greek Tales

Children’s Big Birdwatch Breakfast

Family Sleepovers

Hill Close Gardens, Bread and Meat Close, Warwick CV34 6HF. Sat 26 January, 9.30am-12noon £3.50 per child (3 yrs and older), accompanying adult free. For details call 01926 493339 or email centremanager@hcgt.org.uk www.hillclosegardens.com/

Mini Beast Mania

Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 8XA. Sat 26-Sun 27 January, 11am to 4pm Paul the Bugman is on hand to show you a variety of weird and wonderful creatures, from

Leamington Library, Royal Pump Rooms, Parade, Leamington Spa CV32 4AA. Sun 24 February, 2pm Join Julie Ann Cooper to hear about the myths and legends of Ancient Greece. Free. For details call 01926 742721 or email leamingtonlibrary@ warwickshire.gov.uk Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden, CV8 1NE. Fri 1 March, 7pm-10am Have you ever fancied a sleepover in a historic building? Here’s your chance. Bring your family for a unique night-time event. Camping beds are provided – bring your sleeping bag and pillow. Activities include a family tour of the castle, evening meal, a twilight walk and storytelling in the Gatehouse, bedtime drink and hearty breakfast. Suitable for families with children aged 8 +. To book, call 0870 333 1183. Non-members: Adult £85/Child £70/Family £240; Members: Adult £75/Child £65/Family £215 www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/ properties/kenilworth-castle/

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01789 764667

What’s On

Please phone before you go, in case details have changed since we went to print. Due to space restraints, it has not been possible to include all events. Please go to www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk for full listings.

February Half-Term Courses and Activities Warwick School has a wide-ranging

programme of holiday courses open to pupils from all schools. For full details, go to www. warwickschool.org and click on Community.

Swimming Crash Courses

Broom Swim School, The Grange, Mill Lane, Broom B50 4HS. High-quality lessons in a private pool, for all ages and abilities. For more details call Sallie Walters on 01789 772249.

The Art Base will be running day-long art courses at The Croft School and The Armouries, Stratford-upon-Avon. For details, call 01789 774705 or email info@art-base.co.uk www.art-base.co.uk Play in a Day

Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, Gibbet Hill Rd, Coventry CV4 7AL. Mon 18 February, Rehearsals 10am, Performance 7pm Using improvisation, drama games, music, scriptwriting, theatre skills and your imagination, help to create your very own production and perform it to friends and family. Cost £28, Performance £1.50. Suitable for ages 8-14. For more details, call 024 7652 4524 or see www. warwickartscentre.co.uk/events/family/

Incredible Inventors

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP. Mon 18-Fri 22 February, 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm Free drop-in workshops inspired by inventors throughout history. Content suitable for 4+ but all are welcome. Monday 18: Bags of Glue! Tuesday 19: Wheely Wonderful Watches Wednesday 20: Optical Illusions Thursday 21: Balloon Rockets Friday 22: Transport of the Future For more details call 024 7683 2386 or email info@theherbert.org www.theherbert.org

Really Wild Activities: Mammal Madness

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW. Monday 18th February, 10.30am-12noon Learn about the mammals that live on our reserve. Suitable for all ages. £3 per person, £4 for non WWT member. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. To book, call 024 7630 2912. For more information visit www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk

Jazzy Jewellery

Leamington Library: Mon 18 Feb, 2.30-4pm Market Hall Museum, Warwick: Weds 20 Feb, 10.30am-12noon and 2-3.30pm Southam Library: Thurs 21 Feb, 10.30am-12noon Explore jewellery from ancient to modern times and make your own brooch, necklace or badge. £2.50 per child, £1 for Under 5s. Suitable for children aged 4-12. Early booking is advised. To find your local library number, call 0300 555 8171. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For Market Hall events, no need to book, just drop in.

Really Wild Activities: Winter Dens

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW. Tuesday 19th February, 10.30am-12noon Come along and build a winter den. Suitable for 4+ years. £3 per person, £4 for non WWT member. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. To book, call 024 7630 2912. For more information visit www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk

Tel: 01789 764667

Registered charity:1093411

Kiddy Cook Spring Sessions

The Open Door Café, 3 Slade Hill, Hampton Magna, Warwick CV35 8SA. Weds 20 February, 10-10.45am (Cookie Tots) and 11.15am-12noon (Kiddy Cook) Come along to cook something delicious, and take it home (if it lasts that long)! Cost £6 per child (includes all ingredients). For more details call Holly on 01926 410446 or see www.facebook.com/theopendoorcafe

Really Wild Activities: Nature Explorers

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW. Wednesday 20th February, 10.30am-12noon Explore our reserve looking for signs of animals. Suitable for 4+ years. £3 per person, £4 for non WWT member. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. To book, call 024 7630 2912. For more information visit www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk

WEAR A HAT DAY Thursday 28 th March

2013

Half Term Art Club

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, Royal Pump Rooms, The Parade, Leamington Spa, CV32 4AA. Thursday 21 February, 2-4pm Inspired by John Bridgeman’s play sculptures, create your own ideal 3D playground. Sessions last 30 minutes, starting at 2, 2.45 and 3.30pm. Free, drop in and join in. For ages 6-12 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For details call 01926 742700 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalpumprooms

Really Wild Activities: Winter Woodlands for Tots

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW. Thursday 21st February, 10.30am-12noon Discover our woodland. Suitable for 2-4 years. £3 per person, £4 for non WWT member. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. To book, call 024 7630 2912. www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk

Really Wild Activities: Creative Crafts

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW. Friday 22nd February, 10.30am-12noon Suitable for all ages. £3 per person, £4 for non WWT member. All children under 8 must be accompanied. To book, call 024 7630 2912. www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk

Events A Rose By Any Other Name

Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW. Thurs 14-Sun 24 February A celebration of famous Shakespearean love scenes. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Trail of Love

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon. CV37 9HH. Thurs 14-Sun 24 February Find Shakespearian love quotes and a secret message hidden in the wood. Tie romantic tributes to a Sweetheart Tree, plus a Valentine’s I Spy game for children. Normal admission applies. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Seek Thy Love

Nash’s House & New Place, Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP. Thurs 14-Sun 24 February Match famous Shakespearian couples concealed around the house and garden. See what’s new in our family activity marquee. Normal admission applies. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Tongues I’ll Hang on Every Tree...

Nash’s House & New Place, Chapel Street,

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

www.braintumourresearch.org Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP. Thurs 14-Sun 17 February Hang your favourite Shakespearian love quotes around the Knot Garden. Look out for famous lovers. Normal admission applies. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Half Term Family Fun Trail

Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden, Castle Green, Off Castle Road, Kenilworth CV8 1NE. Sat 16-Sun 24 February, 10am-4pm Crack clues and solve a mystery to earn a prize. Outdoor fun around the grounds of the castle. Free to English Heritage members. Non-members: Adult: £8.20 / Concessions: £7.40 / Child: £4.90 / Family: £21.30. For more details call 01926 852078. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ daysout/properties/kenilworth-castle/

February Frolics Lambing Event

Hatton Country World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwick CV35 8XA. 16th to 24th February See newborn lambs every day in the Lambing Marquee. Plus new arrivals in Farmyard Favourites, adventure play and frolicking fun all day long. www.hattonworld.com/farmvillage/

Snowdrop Weekend: Snowdrop Display and Garden Visit

Hill Close Gardens, Bread and Meat Close, Warwick CV34 6HF. Sat 16-Sun 17 February, 11am-4.30pm See the unusual snowdrops from the Lammas Room or take a stroll round the Gardens. Snowdrops and other winter plants will be available to buy.

Adults £3.50, children (5 - 16 yrs) £1. For more details call 01926 493339, email: centremanager@hcgt.org.uk www.hillclosegardens.com/

Auto Science Live: Half Term Family Fun

Heritage Motor Centre, Banbury Road Gaydon, Warwickshire CV35 0BJ. Sat 16-Sun 24 February A week of family-friendly activities and workshops bringing automotive engineering and the science behind it to life. Visit the website for full details and booking information. Normal museum admission prices apply, some workshops carry an extra charge and need to be pre-booked. Call 01926 645031 or visit www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

Book Magic with Astrosaurs author Steve Cole

Tues 19 February, 10.30am (Rugby Library) and 2pm (Warwick Library) Free session with the Steve Cole, author of the popular Astrosaurs books. Come along, hear a story and get a signed copy. www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ sharetheword

Book Magic with Laugh Your Socks Off author Jeremy Strong

Thurs 21 February, 10.30am (Nuneaton Library) and 2pm (Leamington Library) Free session with the Jeremy Strong, author of the popular Laugh Your Socks Off series. Come along, hear a story and get your signed copy. www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ sharetheword

Competitions & Offers Enter all competitions online at www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk/competitions

WIN TICKETS TO

Join CBeebies’ Andy Day and his comedy partner Mike James on an excellent adventure! This widely acclaimed live show sees Andy and Mike whisked on a time-travel adventure. Following thediscovery of a mysterious machine, the intrepid duo must collect items from both the past and future, whilst avoiding being trapped in the mists of time forever. Will they make it? One thing’s certain… they haven’t a chance without the audience’s help!

We’re offering one lucky family the opportunity to see the show at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington Spa on Tues 19 February and meet the stars!

Just go online to enter!

WIN THREE PAIRS OF TICKETS The National Homebuilding and Renovating Show returns to the NEC in Birmingham this March for its 22nd year, and we have three pairs of tickets to be won. If you’re thinking of renovating your home, self-building or adding any of the latest eco-friendly features, you’ll want to go along and see the very latest in design and technology. And as well as companies showing their latest innovations, there will be plenty of advice on offer, on subjects ranging from Planning to Remodelling to Landscaping, from some of the biggest names in the industry.

Just go online to enter!

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