Our FREE online maths test will help you identify the gaps in your child’s knowledge and the areas requiring further improvement. Go to aepublications.co.uk to take our test.
Do you know your child’s current mathematical ability?
Is your child’s maths strong enough for their transition to secondary school?
Take our free test to find out.
After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology.
* There is no requirement to provide an email address to access the free test.
** An email address is required should you wish to receive further information, including the explanation video.
CONTENTS
So it’s back to school already! Maybe you’ll have some time this month to take a look at our fabulous Education feature and explore how to support your child’s learning this year. Whatever stage your child is at you’ll find something of interest.
And it won’t be long before your child starts to get excited about half term and, in particular, Halloween. So take a look at our fab Halloween cooking and craft ideas and download our free Halloween activity pack! We’ve also got great suggestions for board games for the family as the nights draw in and familyfriendly museums to visit as the weather turns.
Education
Activities What’s
TAKE
5 Choose 5 activities for
By Andrew Campbell
If you are looking ahead to your child’s first or next school, you have big decisions ahead. Do your homework now and the choices will become clearer, particularly when it comes to visiting your shortlist.
TOP TIP: It can take a couple of visits to really nail your school choices. So attend Open Days for key schools two years in advance of your child’s start date so you have time to come back to an Open Day the following year. Bear in mind that independent schools are generally non-selective at Reception, so get
your name on waiting lists early. It can be good to visit the school and see it in action on a school day too, if you can.
Here are my tips for preparation and getting the most out of your visit.
1. Do your research
Study the school’s website noting where the gaps are in your knowledge and which questions you want to ask at the Open Day. Are there particular entry requirements? How long is the school day? How many students per class? Are there taster sessions for children before the start of term? Make a list of questions covering the things that are a priority for your family.
If your child is moving on to senior school, you may want to ask about things like mobile phone policy. If it’s a state school you are visiting, check your understanding of the catchment area, as they can change from year to year.
Senior School Open Events
Saturday 23rd September
Saturday 11th November
Junior School Open Event
Saturday 23rd September
Sixth Form Open Evening
Tuesday 10th October
School Day Tours available
We asked our friends at Parrot Street Book Club for their suggestions.
A fun fantasy adventure inspired by African mythology. Ages 5+.
Highly illustrated, laugh-out-loud Viking adventure. Ages 5+.
A beautifully illustrated, mysterious maritime adventure. Ages 8+.
A thrilling wartime mystery with a classic feel for readers. Ages 8+.
meets Escape Room in this entertaining adventure. Ages 8+.
By Maria Motunrayo Adebisi
Epic new fantasy series. Ages 8+.
A heartwarming, inclusive adventure story. Ages 5+.
A life-affirming story packed with friendship, resilience and empathy. Ages 8+.
By Judith Eagle
A gripping mystery set in 1950s London. Ages 8+.
Abbey Gate College is an independent school for pupils aged 4-18 years, located in the historic Saighton Grange and Aldford Village, nestled in 20 acres of beautiful grounds while offering modern facilities.
The College is a unique, inspiring and nurturing place to learn and grow, where the caring and committed teaching and support staff do all that they can to help your child fulfil their potential.
The College a safe and friendly school community, where we work with each child’s individual interests, passions and strengths; while also encouraging them to try new things, take risks and be creative.
The aim of the College is to lead and coach each child during these critical, formative years, so that they may achieve the best they can academically with a clear sense of self and how they can go on to make a positive difference to our world in the future - with courage and with compassion.
More info HERE.
When it comes to finding the perfect learning environment for your child, the team at Bridgewater School in Worsley believe that it is as much about instinct as academic success. Which is why all journeys at this family-focused independent school begin with a personal visit.
Open Days are held throughout the year and provide the ideal opportunity for families to see for themselves just why children are so happy here.
Besides enjoying the opportunity to speak to the Head teacher and Heads of Department, visitors to the school’s open events will also be able to discuss the many exciting possibilities open to their child with the school’s experienced, qualified and committed teaching staff.
During the visit, families will be given a personal tour of the school’s unique woodland setting by a member of their student body, and find out more about the individualised support and teaching that they provide.
For parents interested in the benefits of a Bridgewater education, their Whole School Open Day takes place on Saturday 4 November.
More info HERE.
The Saturday Series returns at The Queen’s School and your daughter is not going to want to miss the next set of activity mornings for girls in Years 4, 5 and 6, designed to ensure a seamless transition to high school.
The Queen’s School believes it’s paramount that pupils feel not only prepared but genuinely excited about this important milestone in their educational journey; creating a warm and nurturing environment is the school’s top priority.
Queen’s understands that a smooth transition involves more than just academic preparation; it encompasses emotional wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging and the school is dedicated to fostering a sense of community even before it new pupils officially join.
Spaces are limited so register your daughter for Sweet Science, Desert Island Escape and Superstar Sports now to avoid missing out.
Register HERE.
At the end of the Summer Term, almost 70 Year 8 pupils from Stockport Grammar School headed to mid-Wales for an action-packed week of outdoor adventures.
They enjoyed a night under the stars, camping in the Welsh countryside before returning to the Outward Bound Centre at Aberdovey. From there the students had great adventures, from scrambling up rocky outcrops, abseiling down cliff faces and learning how to canoe! The Adventure Challenge and Leadership trip builds friendships, grows teambuilding skills and introduces the pupils to new experiences.
Speaking about the trip, which runs every year, Stockport Grammar’s Outdoor Education Co-ordinator Adam Hughes said: “I hope that all of the pupils take away new skills and special memories from this trip that they can use at school, at home and for the rest of their lives.”
More info HERE.
Is your child learning to read? Help them learn with these fun phonics activities.
Phonics information, games and activities. £12 per year.
Mr
YouTube Channel
Over 500 literacy resources recorded by a Year 1 teacher. FREE.
Jolly
Over 150 eBooks to help your child put learning to practice. FREE.
Identify and sort sounds and images, building phonemic awareness.
£25
Children sing a song for each phonics sound. CD & explanatory book. £8.75.
Reading Eggs
Online phonics activities and games for learning. £6.99 per month.
Mini-games help children recognise letters and practice blending sounds. FREE.
Created by reading experts. £5.03.
iPhone/iPad app
Fun, engaging combination of letter and sound pronunciation and writing practice. £6.99.
By Usha Patel
As the new school year gets going, many parents will be anticipating talking to their child’s teacher(s) at a Parents’ Evening. This may be a new experience or you may have attended these events already. So how do you get the most out of them?
READ MORE
Recently, the parent of a dyslexic student told me that, despite being offered speech-to-text assistive technology, he found writing and rewriting by hand helped organise his thoughts and process his ideas. So how could AI help assist with this?
READ MORE
Razzamataz Manchester South, which has been stated as one of Dragon’s Den’s top five success stories, is launching in the heart of Media City and it’s not to be missed.
Principal Ross said
“Manchester is a thriving hub of opportunities, I plan to use my experience and connections to give students fantastic prospects and links within the performing arts industry. I know through my own experience that amazing things can happen when you are a student at Razzamataz.”
Ross is inviting all young people of Greater Manchester to a FREE taster session so they can experience it for themselves.
Book your taster by 14 September.
Call 07795677022, EMAIL or visit HERE for more information.
After the buzz of the summer holidays, it can be hard to find ways to keep you and the kids active whilst working around busy back-to-school schedules but, Brio Leisure have got you covered!
Why not grab a Take 5 pass? For just £15, juniors can choose 5 activities for as little as £3 each when you pay upfront. Juniors can enjoy swim sessions such as wet ‘n’ wild and casual swimming, off-peak racquet sports and gym workouts for those over 12 and fitness classes for those over 14s.
The most flexible way to visit Brio Leisure is to pay as you go. Whether you’re looking to check out the gym, take a dip in the pool or join one of over 450 weekly fitness classes, then PAYG puts you in control with no longterm commitment. Perfect!
Adults can also enjoy 5 activities across 5 weeks for just £25! This includes swimming, spa (where available), fitness classes, offpeak racquets and the gym too.
Membership and activity terms and conditions apply.
More info HERE.
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.
To 5 November – Dunham Massey
Fungi Friends A Family Trail
Talk a walk around the Dunham Massey Park accompanied by Little Mouse and discover a collection of fascinating facts about fungi. Free event (admission applies)
17 Sept – Waterside, Sale Grooving with Pirates! Join a bunch of merry buccaneers on a funk and jazz adventure across the seas! A swashbuckling tale of friendship.
Capesthorne Hall
Why not come and experience recreational tree climbing at Capesthorne Hall. This is a fantastic experience for anyone aged 6 and above to safely ascend into the canopy of a tree! Also available on the 15 October.
22-25 Sep – Tatton Park
Segway Experience
Try a Segway experience, environmentally friendly, fun-filled machines create a fantastic day out.
Sat 23 Sep – Love
Factory Manchester
Taco and Tequila Festival
Biggest taco and tequila festival with 50 types of tequila, 30+ tacos, street food, world class cocktails,
live music & DJ’s all day long!
23 Sep – Z Arts, Hulme
The Really Fabulous Family Cabaret
A group of marvellous highly skilled performers bring you a rip-roaring ride of fabulousness. Song, dance, and specialty acts share the stage to bring you a joyous fest of a show.
23-24 Sep – Cockfields
Farm, Ashton-under-lyne Monster Trucks
See the Monster Trucks drive around our Event Arena, Jumping Cars and Crushing them. 2 Shows each day one Morning and one Afternoon. This is one definitely not to be missed.
23 & 24 Sep – Arley Hall, Cheshire Food Festival
The nation’s favourite food festival is back with great food and drink at some of the country’s most treasured locations. GBFF offers a chance for foodies, friends and family to come together for a special day out.
24 Sep– Lowry Theatre, Salford
Andy And The Odd Socks
Who are the Odd Socks?
The oddest tale of Britain’s best new band.
Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
Film screening of Cirque de Soleil’s Saltimbanco
A marvelous mix of traditional circus acts with modern acrobatics. Experience the sheer power and delight of Saltimbanco on the big screen.
24 Sep & 27 Oct - East
Lancs Railway, Bury
The Wizarding Adventure
During this magical interactive experience you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl. Become a wonderful wizard and graduate with prestigious honours of hocus-pocusry.
Sat 30 Sep– Lowry
Olaf Falafel’s Super Stupid Show
Join comedian and children’s author Olaf Falafel for an hour of kid’s comedy which is now 20% more stupider than ever.
30 Sep-1 Oct – East
Lancs Railway, Bury
Day Out With Thomas!
The steam team’s number one blue engine, Thomas is waiting for you on the East Lancashire Railway for one great big adventure!
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.
1 Oct – Waterside, Sale
Alice in Wonderland
Box Tale Soup invite you down the rabbit hole into a timeless world of wondrous fantasy. Carroll’s Wonderland floods onto the stage in a whirl of strange contraptions and curious characters.
7-8 Oct – Stockport Plaza
Tales From Acorn Wood
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience.
7-29 Oct – Reddish Vale Farm
Halloween Festival
Come down to Reddish Vale Farm for a spooktacular time this Halloween, visit all our animals and indoor/ outdoor play area and then join in some ‘fangtastic fun’.
9-29 Oct – Cockfields
Farm, Ashton-under-lyne Little Pumpkin Pickers
Pumpkin picking just for the little uns. A new event
Pumpkins After Dark and the Pumpkin Festival are all happening this year.
14 Oct – Stockport Plaza Wrestling
Join us for some high flying, hard hitting, body slam mayhem as
professional wrestling returns to The Stockport Plaza for an evening the whole family will enjoy.
21-29 Oct – RHS
Bridgewater Spooktacular Half Term Fun
Follow the fangtastic family trail around the garden this half term and look out for scary sights. Discover creepy crawlies and spooky stories with Halloween fun for all the family. Advance booking required. Normal garden admission applies, free for RHS Members and children under 5.
21-29 Oct – Tatton Park Pumkin Patch at the Farm
Come down to the Farm to meet all your Farmyard favourites and then it’s off to search for your perfect pumpkin.
Sun 22 Oct – Lowry, Salford
Will Tell & The Big Red Baron
A fun-filled colourful comic adventure with engaging storytelling and catchy original songs.
23 Oct – Capesthorne Hall
Spooky Halloween Fun Come and drive yourselves around our Spooky Safari this Halloween if you
dare! We are once again offering our Mini OffRovers Experience for children at Capesthorne Hall as an opportunity to do something different that you’ve never done before! Also available on the 29 Oct.
23-29 Oct – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang One of the world’s favourite musicals, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will have audiences of all ages flying high with its mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. Based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming’s children’s book and featuring an unforgettable score.
24-29 Oct – Lowry, Salford
The Smeds and The Smoos Live
Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
25-31 Oct Manchester City Centre
Inflatable Monsters are back with the Halloween in the City Trail
See cartoon-like monsters popping out of the city’s buildings – from huge tentacles to three-eyed monsters peeping out from above.
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.
26-28 Oct – East Lancs Railway, Bury
Halloween Ghost Trains! Join us for family Halloween fun aboard the ‘scream train’ and help the Monster Squad keep order and vanquish the ghouliees!
27-31 Oct – Cathedral Gardens, Manchester Scare Skate
Enjoy some skating fun in the centre of town this Halloween with themed music and decorations.
Sat 28 Oct – Z Arts; Hulme Halloween Disco
Enjoy a spook-tacular disco! We promise this special Halloween event to be all treats no tricks! Kemoy will be on the decks, blasting the tunes, bringing the party vibe and giving out prizes!
Victoria Baths, Manchester Mini Monster Mash
Join us for an unforgettable spooky Silent Disco. Grab your dancing shoes & your best fancy dress for a
howling good time!
28-29 Oct Freight Island, Manchester Spooktacular Social at Freight Island
Eyes peeled for tickets
4-5 November – East Lancs Railway, Bury Gruffalo Family Fun Day Meet the Gruffalo at intervals on each day at Bury Transport Museum. There will be a host of other family fun activities including fun fair rides, face painters, craft activities and more.
From the bold colours of the hot borders to the buttery yellow and burnt oranges of the Worsley Welcome Garden, nature is putting on the performance of its life this autumn at RHS Garden Bridgewater. Watch the season unfold in the Paradise Garden, where the bronze foliage of the tall beech columns takes centre stage. While in the Chinese Water Garden, the vibrant pops of colour from maples and acers continue to dazzle well into November.
Plan your visit today HERE.
Did you know that 40% of parents surveyed said their baby didn’t start sleeping well enough for them to function safely in their job until between 18 months and 3 years old. (Baby2Sleep 2023)
Now that you know you are not alone in your struggles, it’s time to get much needed help.
We live in a time poor, tech rich society, so Nicole Ratcliffe, founder of Baby2Sleep, has created selfpaced online learning to fit into the busy lifestyle of today’s parents taught through short videos or audio files.
Helping you understand your young child’s brain, why they may struggle with sleep and give you strategies to improve it, and help you support their emotional development, communication, and behaviour. This means you can fit learning into your life while listening on the move or watching with your partner.
You don’t need to be dictated to but given evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions that feel right for you and your family, without judgement.
More info HERE.
6000 Hama beads and 3 uniquely shaped pegboards for endless 3D designs
2 sets available
*T&C’s apply
Super hero: let your child choose and act out imaginative adventures.
Circus: make tickets and provide hula hoops, face paint, animals etc.
Astronaut: create cardboard spaceships and helmets.
TV character: Paw Patrol, Postman Pat, Peppa Pig. Storybook character: a favourite or a classic eg Cinderella.
School teacher: teach the ABCs to stuffed toys or younger siblings.
Police: let kids enjoy the idea of being responsible. Factory: use old containers, tools, masking tape and set a task.
Taxi: two chairs, plate for steering wheel and a destination. Hospital: provide white coat and medical tools.
Grocery store: promote early maths skills, use pretend money and home produce.
Restaurant: set up pretend restaurant with menus, play food and tables.
Post Office: use envelopes, stamps and boxes; children can send and receive.
Dentist: settle patient nerves, provide chair, coat and pretend tools.
Cardboard city: create a pretend urban area using cardboard boxes.
Bug small world: use plastic bugs in a sensory tray.
Dinosaur land: use a tray with sand, pebbles, plastic trees and dinosaur toys
Animals at lake: make miniature beach with sand and animal figurines.
Get crafting with this range of craft activities that will get the family in the Halloween mood.
Free printable bunting
Flying ghost stick puppet
Chalkboard paint pumpkin
Handprint spider
Rock skulls
Witches’ cauldrons
Halloween bowling
Haunted house
Puffy ghosts
Make these delicious and super-scary Halloween recipes with the kids.
Meringue ghost ice-cream sundaes
Monster cookies
Chocolate mousse mud pots
Spooky sausage rolls
Pumpkin fondue with crispy bats & crunchy veg
Apple pie mummies
Haunted pizza
Banana ghosts
Monster burgers
Worth £40 each
6000 Hama beads and 3 uniquely shaped pegboards for endless 3D designs
2 sets available
*T&C’s apply
Come and play with True and Bartleby
Multi-level house complete with furniture
5 Available
Ages 3+ APPLY
T&C’s apply
GIVEAWAYS
Pilot the ship and enter the battlefield with this two-in-one vehicle collectable
APPLY HERE
5 available
*T&C’s apply
6000 Hama beads and 3 uniquely shaped pegboards for endless 3D designs
2 sets available
*T&C’s apply APPLY
Authors of The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food: A book for children explain how parents can support fussy eaters to expand their range of foods, using a sensory ‘food science’ based approach.
Fussy eating is common in children, often peaking around age 3.
The consequences include poor dietary variety, especially with fruit and vegetables, leading to concerns about nutrient intake and possible negative health outcomes. Evidence suggests that repeated exposure to new foods, using a sensory based approach, can help children expand their diet.
By becoming Food Scientists, children can explore new foods using a step by step, practical approach at a speed with which they are comfortable.
They are encouraged to explore foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in a fun way using all their senses by looking, touching, smelling, licking and listening to their sounds.
Evidence suggests that the more you expose children to new fruits and vegetables, the more likely they are in time to accept them. Initially suggest your child LOOK at the food they are exploring and describe its colour and shape. Using a magnifying glass enables them to look closely and compare the inside and outside.
Your child can then TOUCH and feel the food with their fingers to see if it smooth, bumpy, wet, dry, soft or hard.
Encourage them to explore further by looking inside, using cutters, peelers or juicers. They can use tongs or a napkin if they dislike getting their hands wet.
Authors of The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food: A book for children explain how parents can support fussy eaters to expand their range of foods, using a sensory ‘food science’ based approach.
Encourage your child to progress to eating, from tolerating the food in their space to bringing it closer to their nose and mouth, to find out if it is a big SMELL that fills the room or smaller one, that stays close to the food.
Finally, children are encouraged to explore a small piece of food in their mouth, by taking a bite and to listen to the SOUND. Is it a squelchy or a louder crunchy sound?
Give children permission to spit the food out (into a tissue) if they dislike it.
Many children are reluctant to TASTE new foods. Suggest they take a small ‘snake taste’ by putting their tongue quickly on the food. How do the inside and outside compare? Salty, sugary, sour or bitter? They can take a bigger, longer lick, if they want.
The Fussy Eater’s Guide to Exploring Food is for children and parents.
Its large childfriendly print and photographs show children how to become food scientists, exploring the sensory elements of different foods.
In small steps, the book supports children to become comfortable with new foods and eventually be able to eat them.
We asked Ashley Lutz of Travel Counsellors for her top recommendations. Remember booking ahead can mean low deposits, discounts and even free child places.
The largest of the Greek islands’ really does have something for everyone. For younger kids, there are quiet beaches and secluded coves. For older ones, plenty of theme parks, aquariums and water sports.
Connected to the mainland by bridge and accessible directly by air, this island is lesser known and there’s no need for ferries. Krk’s natural beauty and numerous activities like scuba diving, go karting or simply just relaxing on one of the many lovely beaches and coves make it perfect for families.
A magical, ‘great outdoors’ destination for family holidays. Whether bathing in one of the many lakes or rivers, hiking up a mountain or cycling through unique landscapes, Switzerland is a paradise for summer adventures.
Explore beyond the Algarve on a fun road trip. Motorways tend to be quiet, making it easy to explore a variety of regions, each with its own unique character. Lots of fun routes to explore which take in long golden beaches, hilltop medieval villages, famous vineyards, the island’s natural beauty and delicious food.
We asked Ashley Lutz of Travel Counsellors for her top recommendations. Remember booking ahead can mean low deposits, discounts and even free child places.
Consider booking Abu Dhabi over Dubai for winter sun. It’s more relaxed, very well suited to families of all ages and has a less chaotic feel. Family-friendly activities include Ferrari World, waterparks, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and Warner Bros World.
Enjoy the pure bliss of jumping into lakes, kayaking and swimming in the sea. Rest your head in a tent for some wild camping or book into a comfy boutique hotel. From the unspoilt nature of Swedish Lapland to exploring Stockholm and its vast archipelago, Sweden is a dream for nature lovers and adventurous travellers.
For stunning scenery and beautiful beaches, gorgeous year-round sunshine and enough breeze to keep young children cool, Mauritius is perfect both for summer and Christmas holidays. Expect family-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities.
For a long haul adventure, this is a great option. My best advice: don’t just fly and flop. Travelling with children is easy here, with welcoming locals and great domestic travel options making exploring easy. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the chilled out vibes of island life, there’s truly something for everyone.
Head for one of these museums this October half term and you will definitely keep the kids engaged! And, many of them are FREE.
Sheffield Loads of interactive and hands-on activities.
Dedicated, designed and curated by children, a brand-new museum full of wonder. FREE
Dunfermline, Scotland Award winning. Handson activities. FREE.
Hancock, Newcastle Natural history, archaeology, geology and world cultures. FREE
Leeds
Fascinating history of Leeds, signposted selfie points, all-round excellent facilities. FREE
Derby
Hands-on activities, regular family workshops. FREE.
London
Climb aboard vintage buses/trains/taxis/tubes.
FREE for under 17s.
Liverpool
Hands on, interactive displays telling Liverpool’s story. FREE.
Birmingham
Steam engines, talking robots, spitfire gallery and planetarium.
It’s the perfect time of year to invest in a new board game and these are not just brilliant fun, they also encourage aspects of children’s development.
Fosters self-regulation in young ones in a fun and silly way.
Ages 3-6. £21.15.
Great for encouraging focussed attention, Ages 3+. £6.
Children have to learn to suppress their first impulse.
Ages 4+. £14.39.
Develops language skills and self-regulation.
Ages 4+. £18.50.
Fast paced game which tests memory and matching skills. Ages 3+. £8.30.
Practises turn-taking, planning, prioritising and boosts short term memory.
Ages 4-7. £29.35.
Promotes planning, decision making and fine motor skills.
Ages 4+. £16.49.
Award-winning game of strategic fish hunting. Ages 8+. £17.23.
Improves spatial awareness, decision making and executive functioning.
Ages 8+. £22.35.
Worth £40 each
5 available
Come and play with True and Bartleby
Multi-level house complete with furniture for endless play possibilities
Compatible with all True and the Rainbow Kingdom figures, so True’s friends can join the fun Ages 3+
