Families VOY Mar /Apr 12

45

mar/apr2012 issue

free

The useful magazine for families with young children in York, Harrogate, Tadcaster, Wetherby and Selby

NECW AL

LO SSEESS S CCLLAAS

Water Babies are the UK’s leading baby swimming school offering multiaward winning classes in your area.

classes held across Yorkshire including York and surrounding areas

Our fun, innovative classes teach life-saving water confidence skills from birth to four years.

To find out more and

Join in the fun call...

01904 607 110 2 Families Vale of York

waterbabies.co.uk

welcome

The fun and educational forest school programme for 2 to 6 year olds, designed specififically for parents and children

Bushbabies is a Magical and Innovative way for Children to connect with the Wonders of Nature

New classes for 2012 being held at Hagg Wood Dunnington & Moorlands NR Wiggington Call Adam on 07531 429722 | info@bushbabies-woodlandadventures.co.uk

Tennis Tykes advert:Layout 1 10/12/10 12:57 Page 1 www.bushbabies-woodlandadventures.co.uk

I’m not sure when having a bath began to constitute ‘me time’ but let’s face it sometimes that’s as good as it’s going to get. The bath is my refuge and the only place I ever get to actually read a book.

Mind you, I can’t always be sure that when I manage to secure the bathroom there’s only me in it...

With a precious book in one hand and mug - or maybe a glass - of something in the other, I generally manage about ten minutes before I hear the tiptoeing on the stairs. It’s usually one of two things: First there’s the steady stream of questions and requests for items in the kitchen which are only an arm’s reach from their dad but for some reason only I can give permission for: ‘Can I have a drink?

Can you test my spellings? Can I go on AQ Worlds..?’

The second interruption is more straightforward. My daughter just strips off and jumps in - at the age of four she’s unable to resist the ‘very deep’ water and bubbles.

Teaching tennis to little ones from 2 years A fun and educational tennis play and skills programme

And I never send them away because I think there’s an underlying motive: if I’m in the bath they can pretty much be sure of a captive audience. And if I’m fair, I even encourage them to come and read or sing to me. So I can’t complain can I?

Classes across North Leeds, Ilkley, Wetherby, Harrogate, Ripon and York

Still, these days it takes me months to get through a book.

For information call Caroline Buncall on 07843 342 662 • www.tennistykes.co.uk

Editor

in this issue p4 p8 p9 p10 p12 p18 p22 p23 p24 p25 p26 p28 p31

familiesmagazine Contact us:

PO Box 201, DN14 9ZW Tel: 01405 860831 editor@familiesvoy.co.uk www.familiesvoy.co.uk

Front cover:

Richard & Caroline Wynn-Davies, Yorkshire Wedding & Lifestyle Photographers www.richardwynndavies.co.uk.

18,000 The deadline for the May/June 2012 edition is early May 2012 MOOIdesign Tel:01405 869045 Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk

Circulation: Deadline: Designed by: Printed by:

Copyright Families in the Vale of York Mar/Apr 2012. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owners’ own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

Families in the Vale of York is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

news what do you do at? competition easter & mother’s day gifts childcare education ask the doctor cute tantrums 21st Century WI stepfamilies and the law book reviews what’s on beta mum

what’s online • • • • •

Ethical Easter Choosing a nursery Tips on flexible working Competitions Beta Mum Families Vale of York

3

news Fren

hil ch & Spanish for C

dren

Fun classes for children aged 2 - 11 With puppets, songs, craft, stories and snacks Harrogate, York, Selby & Leeds We’re expanding: teachers required

littlefidgets.co.uk

Tel 01904 706565

Your text can help Thomas

The parents of seriously ill four year old, Thomas Cammack are calling on the people of Yorkshire to help them pay for life saving treatment after he suffered a set back only days before his 4th birthday.

Thomas Cammack had been through a year of gruelling anti-cancer treatments when during routine end-of-treatment tests, doctors discovered the cancer had returned in his brain.

His parents, Toni Wood and Richard Cammack from Selby are now desperately trying to raise the £500,000 they will need to guarantee treatment in New York.

Thomas was diagnosed last January, just before his 3rd birthday, with Neuroblastoma - a cancer which had spread from his adrenal gland to his skull, bone marrow, blood and pelvis.

The UK has no relapse protocol and the family believe that their best chance of treatment is to be found in America. They, along with friends, family and the support of the charity Families Against Neuroblastoma (FAN) are appealing to the wider region for help.

It’s really easy to donate - just text THOM97 £1-£10 to 70070 or you can go to www.bmycharity.com/ ThomasCammackAppeal or www.thethomascammackappeal.co.uk

Teach your baby the enjoyment of water Skill related activities and underwater swims to build water confidence.

NEW! FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES NOW

AVAILABLE UK WIDE!

Classes available in and around Yorkshire Tel 01757 229880 www.babyswimmers.co.uk

New Baby Sensory Classes Rachel Hirst is now running Baby Sensory classes at two venues in our area. The programme which provides hundreds of sensory development activities for parents and babies to share in the vital first year takes place at Linton Village Memorial Hall, Wetherby on Tuesdays (1-2pm 0-6 Months; 2.30-3.30pm 0-13 Months) and St Wilfrid’s Church Hall, Harrogate on Thursdays (1011am 7-13 Months; 11.30am-12.30pm 0-6 Months).

‘Places are already booking up,’ says Rachel, ‘and I’ve had great fun meeting all the new babies - it’s great to see their huge smiles and great concentration!’

Baby Sensory has been designed specifically for babies from birth to 13 months and classes include fibre optic light shows, bubbles, bells, musical fun, baby signing, puppet shows, amazing light balls and much more.

Call or e-mail Rachel for further information, or to book a free trial session: 07801 367553 harrogate@babysensory.co.uk

All Change at Zak & Flo!

Zak & Flo, Bishopthorpe are making quite a few changes in 2012!

Having opened four years ago, owner Ruth Holden-Harris has been making some positive changes in response to the worldwide economic difficulties.

‘We have developed our purchasing over the past four years and now have an excellent selection of brands to suit all tastes and budgets,’ says Ruth. ‘We’ve introduced Christening wear for sale or to hire, a shoe department which includes school shoes up to a Eur 42 (in stock), and we are expecting deliveries of our Birkenstocks & Lelli Kellys any day now for Summer 2012!

Ruth’s also hoping to introduce maternity packages this year.

‘If you have a friend, teacher or colleague going on maternity leave, and you are having a collection, spend it with us on gift vouchers or hampers and we will add 10% to your gift.’

In February Ruth also doubled her workforce and her new website should be live any day soon.

‘Have a look at www.zakandflo.com and let us know what you think,’ says Ruth. ‘If you haven’t been in for a while you should pay us a visit and see what we have to offer!’

4 Families Vale of York

Something for every occassion

Send a special message to someone you care about this spring with 4littleart’s beautiful and affordable range of Easter and Mother’s Day Gifts.

Add a personal greeting and make a unique keepsake to be treasured.

With Canvas and framed art, and our favourites these hanging wooden hearts and stars.

Take a look at the full range on the 4littleart website at www.4littleart.co.uk

Happy Birthday Door 84 It’s a year since Door 84 was re-opened and the York-based youth club for young people aged 8-17 is celebrating in style.

‘We have a week of celebrations planned,’ says Heidi Haywood, who is manager at the centre which was formerly known as Young Groves. ‘We’re having a Zumbathon, a community party and free sessions which are a great way for people to come along, meet the team and find out what we are all about.’

Hold a

Craft Party Paint! Stick! Make!

All occasions, all ages All materials supplied Tuition & support given

Door 84 now has over 180 registered young people attending the various sessions on offer and their aim is to offer even more whilst keeping the costs low.

‘We only charge £1 a session,’ says Heidi, ‘and as we receive no core funding, we rely on fundraising, donations and allowing groups to rent the amazing facilities and space we have here.’

Over the last year Door 84 has managed to offer projects and activities such as DJ’in, Animation and Film Making, Cooking, Graffiti, Sports, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Dance and Drama.

Some of these have been funded with the help of York Rotary, Toyota, Shine Magazine and Ainsty Rotary.

‘We’ve changed our name from Young Groves to Door 84 and with help from a graphic designer the young people have re-designed the logo and created a website. It’s amazing to reflect on what has been achieved in just 12 months!’

The week-long celebrations include: · Sunday 18th March 1 - 3.30pm Zumbathon · Monday 19th – Wednesday 21st March Free Sessions all week for children & young people. · Sunday 25th March 1 - 4pm Community Party Contact Heidi on 01904 623177 or email door84@hotmail.co.uk for more details of session times / ages

Families Vale of York

5

news Wedding Favour Gift creates new Martin House Lottery Winner

Martin House the purpose built children’s hospice based in Boston Spa near Wetherby is now offering wedding favours specifically designed for couples who would like to support their children on their special wedding day.

‘We have designed a range of wedding favours that complement any wedding theme and design and suit modern wedding venues and ideas,’ says hospice fundraiser Carol Devine.

‘We also have pin badges, donation cards, happy bags containing wonderfully unique little gifts and lottery gift certificates!’

In the last few weeks Debra Garwood from Brighouse has scooped the Martin House top lottery prize of £1,000 from a lottery gift certificate that she received at a friends wedding. Debra is now going to be ordering gift certificates for her guests at her wedding!

Martin House are also organizing the Aldwark Manor Wedding Fayre on 11th March 2012. There will be over 20 inspirational exhibitors and two sensational fashion shows – one at 12.30pm and one at 2.30pm.

The event will be held at the Aldwark Manor Golf and Spa Resort near York from 11.30am-3.30pm. For further information contact Aldwark Manor on 01347 833 937.

Easter Bows

Candy Bows have a new range of Easter Greeting Cards with Bows and Easter gift cards all available from early March alongside their new greeting cards for special occasions, all with a bow attached.

March also sees the launch of their new party bag fillers which Candy Bows owner Charlotte Mackenzie thinks girls will love: ‘They’re perfect for all little girls as they include a bow presented on a special gift card from the party girl and they’ve proved to be a big hit with children’s boutiques and gift shops.’ www.candybows.co.uk

Calving in the classroom How would you like to see calves being born right in your classroom? Mark Thompson and Stockbridge Technology Centre are hoping to deliver just that this spring through his website ‘Discovering Our Countryside’ .

‘We’re hoping to catch our cows giving birth and post the film on our website,’ says Mark. ‘Once a school has signed up to Discovering Our Countryside, they will receive regular updates on ‘Countdown 2 Calving’. The children can follow the cows over the last few weeks of their pregnancy as they approach their calving date - and who knows, they may even see the calves being born!’

The calving sees the culmination of a year’s work looking after the cows and Mark’s updates will explain some of the tasks farmers carry out in preparation for the calves’ arrival and tips as to what the farmer looks for when the cows go into labour!

‘It’s all very exciting,’ says Mark, ‘and we’re completely in the hands of the animals - we never know quite what will happen - or when!

The calves are due after half term, but it’s anybody’s guess at to exactly when it will happen.’

Local school children will also begin their visits to Stockbridge when they will plant and cover lettuce, plant potatoes and onions. They are also in the green house sowing bedding plants, tomatoes, cabbage and herbs. These activities will be reflected in video showing similar commercial planting in field and greenhouse.

Schools can sign up at www.discovering-our-countryside.co.uk where they will find lots of exciting programs including bird nesting, frog spawning, piglets and later in March lambs being born as well as a host of crops being sown and grown.

You can also follow countdown to calving on Twitter @DiscovARCountry #Calving321

Tennis Tykes franchise business for sale

Tennis Tykes is currently looking for enthusiastic, lively and energetic individuals who would like to set up their own business to join the exciting tennis play and coaching programme franchise, working within its already established and thriving North Yorkshire area.

Owner Caroline Buncall says, ‘This is a great opportunity for an enthusiastic and self motivated individual who enjoys working with young children. You can work the hours to suit you and the pre school classes take place during the day before 3pm. We welcome applications from varying backgrounds, as full training and support is provided.’

For enquiries contact Caroline Buncall on 0784 3342662 or caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk.

For further information log onto www.tennistykes.co.uk

6 Families Vale of York

Keep Cool with Attach-a-Tag

We all know that it is essential for children to drink plenty of water. Whether at school, a club, playing or travelling we think these stylish bottles are a perfect way to encourage your child to drink regularly throughout the day. You can personalise the bottles with any name up to 24 characters making them easily recognisable and fun to use.

The bottles come with a pull out spout inside the drinking cap and are also supplied with a stopper - great for ensuring there are no leaks. There is also a clip for fastening to bags.

Clothes Labelling made easy!

Reusable Dry clean

Secure Comfortable Boil wash Iron proof Quick apply Small You provide name

We etch the name

Clothes labelling made easy

We post

Order online at:

www.attachatag.co.uk email:

enquiries@attachatag.co.uk

e em ch S h 01757 638926 ng as l isi c oo ra xtra sch s d n e r u Fu arn you tact tails EE - e for Conor de R f F

or call

No sewing . No ironing . No markers

Designed to keep drinks cool, these 400ml bottles are robust and practical and come in a number of designs including princess, spaceman, tractor and our daughter’s favourite - the cupcake!

Available from www.attachatag.com priced at £9.95 they make a great personalised gift.

Climbing at Brimham Harrogate Climbing Centre have some exciting outdoor courses running this spring. As the official partner of the National Trust in Yorkshire they offer a full package of outdoor courses at Brimham Rocks and other crags throughout Yorkshire. There are sessions for children, adults and families where you can work through a nationally accredited achievement scheme or you can just climb with friends.

If you’re looking for something different and exciting to do as a family - climbing is great fun, stimulating and a brilliant way for families to spend time together. Their indoor centre at Hornbeam Park is huge and offers climbing and bouldering facilities for everyone from complete novices to experienced experts, with sessions suitable for families and kids clubs and activities for children aged 5+ For information about courses at Brimham see our What’s On pages, go to www.harrogateclimbingcentre.com or call 01423 815024

CUSTOMER SCHEME

Families Vale of York

7

What do you do at ...

Toddler Sense

Families editor Belinda Maunsell went along to Toddler Sense in York to discover how much fun the children get up to there.

Liz Torpey now runs six Toddler Sense classes a week in the York area and is enjoying every minute of it.

‘Like many parents I wasn’t looking forward to returning to work after my daughter Charlotte was born,’ Liz tells me, ‘so when a chance to start Toddler Sense came up, I jumped in feet first. I knew all about the programme as Charlotte and I had been attending Baby Sensory classes - the class which precedes Toddler Sense.

When I arrive Liz is whizzing round Haxby Memorial Hall setting out the free play equipment as she tells me who’ll be coming today. She explains the class caters for children aged 18 months and 3 years, that they begin with free play on the soft play equipment and then move on to a more structured session later on.

Soon the hall is filled with 12 toddlers and their respective parents and carers - and they’re a really lively bunch! All the little ones know exactly what they want to do and are soon enjoying bouncing and balancing, jumping and running under the careful guidance of Liz and their parents. The session allows the toddlers a chance to explore equipment they might not usually have access to such as ball pools, a bouncy castle, a jumpoline and balancing benches. All fabulous for children who are learning to walk steadily and might find ‘grown up’ soft play areas a bit daunting. There’s music and lots of interaction going on - and the mums are having lots of fun too!

Tappytots There are some very happy little tappers in North Yorkshire. Belinda Maunsell took her daughter along to meet some of them in Selby.

Sue Brierley runs Tappytots classes for children up to the age of six and is full of enthusiasm and excitement as we arrive. As she greets her regular members, my daughter eyes the silver shoes Sue is loaning her for the lesson ‘mummy they’re all sparkly - I really want them,’ she pleaded.

Soon the shoes are on and she discovers they’re ‘clicky’ too. Dancing class and silver clicky shoes - her life is complete.

It’s immediately clear that this is a full-on class.

With a dance background, Sue creates lots of fun opportunities for the children to dance to the music whilst taking them on a story journey.

We begin by saying hello to Ted Astaire Sue’s cuddly helper and warm up by being trees, flowers, a jack-in-the-box and even flamingos.

When I say ‘we’ I mean the parents play a full part in the class - it’s a bit tricky with a pen and pad, but I did my best as India constantly pulled me into the circle to join in.

Toddler Sense runs on Mondays & Thursdays in Holgate and on Fridays in Haxby. For more details visit www.babysensory.com or call Liz on 07565 551415 york@toddlersense.co.uk

Then there was stamping. Lots of it. Nice quiet stamping and fabulous loud stamps as we negotiated Pirate Bay with its paddling and jumping in the waves, clippy cloppy donkeys and a boat ride. There was lots of familiar music and opportunities to copy actions as we journeyed on doing our sailor dance finally arriving at the bay.

Soon Sue had the children twirling and tapping out rhythms with rhythm sticks and tambourines and we made some animal noises and later calmed things down a bit with some wafty scarves as waves. During our ‘picnic’ the children were keen to feed Ted cakes & buns and were totally engrossed in the imaginative play.

Sue is the mastermind behind Tappytots which she created along with Ted Astaire and all the characters the children meet on their different journeys each week. She also runs classes in schools which are designed to support early learning for children aged 4-6 year olds through a phonics-based educational movement and music programme.

‘I’ve been dancing since I was three,’ she tells me, ‘and performed professionally for many years. Now I’m a mum so I’ve been able to combine my skills to create a structured tap dance adventure programme for young children.’

Tapytots has different classes for different age groups, helping children progress from one stage to the next: Teeny Tappers is for the youngest tappers and lasts for 30 minutes.

Parents are encouraged to take part and interact with their children in class.

Tappy Tots is for children aged 3 until school age and last 40 minute classes. Parents watch as their child enjoys the class and builds in confidence.

Happy Tappers is for primary school children and these one hour classes are usually delivered as an after-school activity or club.

For more details about classes and venues in our area and NEW classes starting in YORK visit: www.taptots.co.uk or call Sue on 0113 379 0610 Families Vale of York

8

‘It’s a really friendly group,’ says Liz. ‘Some people already knew each other from being at Baby Sensory classes together and moved up to us at the same time. Others are new and have found new friends through the class.

The second part of the class is led by Liz and as we congregate on the mats in a circle she tells us we’re going to be building this week. The children then enjoy a series of different songs and activities including beating out rhythms with their bricks as they build, dancing and singing. Each activity lasts the length of a song with the children being encouraged to tidy up after each one great training for the future!

Again Liz had lots of different toys for the children to play with from bouncy ride-ons and a bubble machine to birth balls and trikes. The children finish off with a good old bounce on the equipment of their choice with a chance to swap and share - so everyone gets their turn.

I was impressed with Liz’s energy and enthusiasm - and her readiness to dress up in silly costumes - it certainly rubbed off on everyone there. Not only was everything full of fun - it was really well structured with lots of different things to try.

As Liz prepared for the arrival of her second class that morning she explained that Toddler Sense doesn’t charge any extra for siblings or twins which can be a real help in the current climate. And she does parties - I’m not sure where she gets her energy!

The children in this class were a little younger than my daughter, aged between 2 and 3 and on this occasion were all girls but Sue assures me plenty of boys enjoy the classes - and I can see why. This is the sort of class for a child who is full of energy and loves to make noise - Sue is great at harnessing that energy and engaging their imaginations along the way.

We had a great time. My only complaint was about those shoes; naturally she didn’t want to give them back. And boy did she let me know!

theparentbusiness Richard Wynn-Davies Photography Richard and Caroline Wynn-Davies live in Hambleton with their 18 month old son James. Hailing from Manchester and Wakefield respectively they’ve been married two and a half years and run their business Richard Wynn-Davies together.

Before moving into photography, Richard Wynn-Davies worked as a senior manager in financial services and his wife Caroline was a training & skills manager.

‘Like many professional photographers these days it started as a passionate hobby for me,’ says Richard. ‘My grandfather was a photographer in the Second World War and I spent a lot of time as a little boy around cameras and film.’

Richard and Caroline decided to turn their passion into a full time business three years ago.

competition

‘It’s the best decision we’ve ever made - apart from having James that is! Despite the stress we absolutely love working together,’ says Richard. ‘What we do is not typical - we don’t spend much time indoors as we’re not your usual studio photographers.

We love the outdoors – the light and the colours – so most of our photography is done in the biggest studio there is: mother nature! We call it “lifestyle photography” and with children it’s based very much around capturing their little personalities while at play – being completely themselves. Nothing forced, nothing fake.

‘Working for yourself in a business like ours is so very rewarding. We get to capture the happiest of times. We focus purely on children, families and weddings so it could be two people very much in love celebrating their engagement or getting married, or little ones at play, their imaginations running wild. We make so many great friends doing what we do and that has to be the best bit.

‘We are also fortunate in that we can fit our work around family life,’ says Richard. ‘We can be flexible with when we do our work. Where we have fixed appointments we are lucky to have willing grandparents to help out and a fabulous child minder in our village.’

So does Richard have any advice for parents thinking of going it alone?

‘I’d advise anyone who is thinking of going into business themselves to be bold in taking their first steps and to remember there is support out there. We use Business Link who have lots of free advice and seminars on how to get yourself up and running with a good plan.’

So is there time for anything else in their busy lives?

‘Outside work we love spending time out and about as a family.

We also love going to the cinema and restaurants, but since James has been around….well, you all know how it is!’

Richard Wynn-Davies Mother’s Day competition

With Mother’s Day around the corner RWD are giving away a family or childhood photo shoot with a beautifully framed 20”x16” photograph.

‘Our photo shoots are huge fun, the children love the experience and we will produce breathtaking photographs for you,’ says Richard.

Entering is easy: just head to the Childhood section of their website www.richardwynndavies.co.uk and follow the links.

You can also see examples of some of the beautiful photos Richard has taken on his website - one of which is adorning our front cover this time!

Tennis Tots is the UK’s leading tennis play and coaching programme for boys and girls aged 2-6 years of age

Richard & Caroline Wynn-Davies Richard Wynn-Davies Lifestyle Photography Email: capture@richardwynndavies.co.uk Phone: 01757 228647

To book a free trial call York / Pocklington - 07807 949874 Harrogate - 07725 339257 ww.tennis-tots.co.uk Families Vale of York

9

easter gifts Sick of Chocolate? Avoid mountains of the stuff and go for an alternative this Easter. We asked Zhara Armstrong of Treasures of Wetherby to give us some ideas. Hot gifts this spring are Playmobil Eggs, New Friends Lego and New Star Wars Lego. Here’s her pick of the best.

Playmobil Eggs and Families reader discount!

There are 4 new designs and with age recommendation starting at just 3 years these will make a great chocolate alternative for 3 – 7 year olds. They are all beautifully packed in bright colours and I’m tipping the Zoo Keeper with Baby Animals to be the best seller, appealing to both girls and boys and with three animals included there’s lots of scope for playing.

However Finn and Niamh didn’t agree, as ever Niamh (5 years) went for the Pink Unicorn and Finn (7 years) for the Racing Driver (I predict this to be No.2). The recommended retail price is £5.99 however if Families readers mention seeing the Treasures advert in Families we will give 10% off each Playmobil egg bought from Treasures. As an added benefit the Playmobil egg doubles as a money box.

Friends Lego Friends Lego launched in January and is a super range. We’ve had lots of requests for “girls Lego” and Lego have done a wonderful job with Friends. With lovely brightly coloured bricks, great attention to detail (hair bows for the girls and dogs) and especially designed mini – dolls with sweet oval faces, great clothes and lots of accessories, these will be a big hit this Easter.

With fourteen products launched in January and with pricing starting at just £4.99 it will be easy to test this out without having to spend a great deal. There are 5 friends in this range (Stephanie, Emma, Andrea, Olivia and Mia) and each set is themed around their daily life and friendships.

My suggestions for an alternative Easter present are Stephanie’s Outdoor Bakery @ £4.99 and Mia’s Puppy House @ £9.99.

In-Store

Compe titions

Treasure s competi are running tw tions ov er the s o great colouri You can n chool h w olidays. g Family C in the High F ield Barn o lo u ri n gC Castle in in the Play ompetition or the Sylvanian mobil C th Just pic o louring e Great Drago k n Compe when yo up your entry tition. great pri u next visit – d forms from Tre asures on’t mis zes! s out th ese are

New Star Wars Galaxy There are some great new Star Wars Lego sets which will make a lovely Easter present for Star Wars fans – ideal for boys or girls aged 7 upwards. Priced at £9.99, each includes a planet (all pieces are packed inside the planet), mini figure, ship and display stand with name plaque. The planets can be hung from the ceiling to make your own Star War Galaxy. I suspect Lego fans will want to collect all 3 but my favourite is the Naboo Starfighter with its sleek model of the Naboo Starfighter ship used to defend planet Naboo from the clutches of the Trade Federation.

Others in the range include TIE Interceptor & Death Star and Sebulba’s Podracer & Tatooine.

There are additions planned to this range launching later in the year.

10 Families Vale of York

What mums really want for

Mother’s Day look ads only – mums, d r fo e ag p a is ly open on Warning: This azine convenient ag m e th e av ) le r elsewhere (o y your other half‌ b d un fo e b ht ig it m this page where Psst, dads – want to know what mum really wants for Mothers’ Day? Here are some ideas to show her how much you care.

A family gathering Mothering Sunday was originally a day-off from Lent, when servants were allowed to travel home to see their mums, and have a slap-up dinner together. Traditional presents were flowers and cakes – and you won’t go too far wrong if you stick to tradition.

What mum doesn’t love having the family all around one table, with cake and flowers thrown in? But mum’s not making the feast, or doing the washing up – oh no. Book her favourite restaurant or pub, or make the meal yourself - and make sure you wash up afterwards.

Breakfast in bed Again, a traditional but excellent choice.

Try making Jamie Oliver’s ridiculously easy American-style pancakes (1 cup each of flour and milk, plus one large egg: www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/fruitrecipes/apple-pancakes-with-the-girls) with fruit and maple syrup, add flowers and a pot of tea, and Bob’s your auntie’s live-in lover. Follow up with a family walk – or take the kids off yourself to let her really enjoy that extended lie-in.

Time to herself This is one thing we mums often crave more than anything, so organise her some proper “me time�. Book her a spa day or indulge her hobby (yoga/writing/ crafts/cookery) with a weekend course.

If she doesn’t get to see her closest friends enough, maybe you could secretly liaise with them and organise a weekend away? You’ll be rolling in Brownie points after any of these.

along, life’s been a little (or a lot) less romantic. Mothers’ Day is the perfect time to put this right, with a hotel reservation slipped inside the card and the grandparents on standby for next weekend. Happy days all round.

Personalised works of art If home is where your woman’s heart is, then a few personal touches to beautify it won’t go far wrong. Book a portrait session for the whole family with a great local photographer - we have several excellent photographers advertising with us - or find a service that turns an existing photo into a fantastic artwork.

What woman could resist a framed print of her wedding day as a romantic gesture?

Something really unique With a little planning ahead, you and the kids can present mum with a truly unique and handmade creation. Take the children’s fingerprints or hand or foot casts, and have them made into pictures, keepsakes or jewellery. Alternatively, take the kids to a pottery painting shop and have a great time making a personalised plate, mug or vase that mum will treasure forever.

Whatever you decide, we hope every mum has a wonderful Mothers’ Day!

Time with you, alone Chances are, since the kids came

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Families Vale of York

11

How love changes

childcare

Joanna Moorhead reveals the secret ingredient in childcare – and explains how Ofsted has caught on to it as well

If 18 years of organising childcare for my children taught me anything at all, it’s this: you can pay someone to look after your kids, but you can’t pay someone to love them.

What this means – or at least, what it means to me – is that when and if someone comes along who actually does love your kids, hold onto them for all you’re worth; because they are literally priceless in your family’s life.

For me, the wonderful carer who really did love my daughters was Linda, who looked after them (and sometimes me as well) for eight years. She arrived in our family’s life when my eldest child was two, and she stayed until the birth of my fourth. When she left, she said it was because she didn’t want to fall in love with another of my babies – because then it would be too hard to leave, and during the time she’d been working for us, she and her husband had moved further out of town.

Across the years I reckon I’ve paid at least 20 different carers to look after my children – and I still occasionally have to find childcare for my youngest daughter, who is nine. I’ve searched for – and found – carers for tiny babies, and for older (and not always very easy) pre-schoolers. I’ve found nurseries for some of my children, and I’ve had au pairs from time to time.

None of the carers in our family were as much a part of our team as Linda was, and none of them loved my children as much as

12 Families Vale of York

she did (she still comes back to see them, several years on); but the more the carer engaged with, and enjoyed, whichever child or children she was looking after, the happier the children were. So I have no doubt at all what matters most in choosing a childcarer.

Look for someone who makes your child happy, pure and simple. Look for someone your child looks forward to being with, and is happy to share his or her days with.

Often – or so it has sometimes seemed to me – parents are too ambitious in their hopes for a childcarer; and ironically, this means they end up getting a raw deal for their child.

They want a carer who, as well as looking after their child, will also manage to make the beds and iron the laundry and leave the kitchen spotless at the end of the day. And of course, if you’ve been out at work since dawn and you’ve got another tough day tomorrow, tidiness does matter – because in order to enjoy a bit of time with your child, you don’t want to have to start ploughing through the washing up. But expecting too much ‘round the edges’ from a carer means your child can miss out: because it’s that primary relationship between the nanny, or mother’s help, or childminder, that matters more than anything else.

Interestingly, Ofsted recently came to the same conclusion. In recent years, the main thrust of an Ofsted check on a nursery or childminder has been on safety issues,

especially safeguarding ones. But under new plans, inspectors will concentrate instead, in the future, on whether children feel loved and emotionally secure while they’re in the nursery or childminder’s home, and will look at children’s personal development, such as how ready they are to share and to take turns, and how well they engage with the other children around them.

The plans are out for consultation until April, but they’ve already received a warm welcome – because of course they make perfect sense.

I’d also say, looking back over my many years of employing childcarers, that – strangely enough – the carers the kids would have chosen were unfailingly the ones who were most successful in our family. The litmus test of a childcarer’s abilities is, at the end of the day, whether your child would choose to be with that person (assuming you aren’t available which, of course, you’re not).

For this reason, it seems a bit odd to me that parents sometimes report feeling jealous of the feelings their child has for their childcarer.

No carer is ever going to replace a parent, but surely the very best accolade for the choice you’ve made for your children is if your replacement is the next-best person in their life? Ideally, a carer should resemble a much-loved family member – depending on what sort of carer they are, and what sort of age they are. So in my family, Linda was a

childcare ‘granny’ figure (although she was only ten years older than me, and a very glamorous granny when she first arrived at our door, aged just 40); we’ve had Czech and Polish au pairs, usually shared with other families, who have had a big-sisterly relationship with my daughters; and we’ve had carers in nurseries who have been like favourite aunties.

And all in all, my daughters have laughed a lot, and enjoyed their time, and improved their social skills through their attachments and their relationships with the people who’ve cared for them. Like every working mother, I owe all these people who’ve backed me up through the years a huge debt of gratitude: because we all need to know our kids are safe and happy in order to do our jobs. So, follow your instincts is what I’d say: find someone your child really likes being with, and a carer who clearly enjoys being with your child. If you’re very , very lucky, you may even find someone to love him, or her; and then you’ll truly have hit the jackpot.

An au pair or mother’s help: au pairs or mother’s helps tend to come from other EU countries, and may or may not live in your house. They’re often not trained, but will need to have some experience of childcare; they look after your children, and may do some housework as well. Expect to pay: between £6 and £8 an hour for a live-out, less if they’re live-in and you’re providing food.

Childcare pitfalls *Don’t be vague with your carer about what you want/need. But once you’ve spelt out what you need, be prepared to trust her to provide what your child needs when she’s in charge, within the boundaries you have set. *Don’t enter into a childcare arrangement unless you’re certain that the logistics work. Any niggle about practicalities is likely to grow much, much bigger as time goes by. *Don’t forget to trust your instincts. Never ignore any nagging doubts about a carer’s suitability – explore the doubts instead, because you need to be completely sure that all is well when you’re not around.

Established 1966

Fantastic p re-‐school s etting f or children aged 2 -‐ 5 Learn t hrough p lay i n a f riendly, fun & s timulating e nvironment Mornings 9.15-12.15 Term Time Funded places for 3+

01423 339559 ouseburnplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk Ouseburn Playgroup, The Village Hall, Little Ouseburn, York YO26 9TD

www.ouseburnplaygroup.btck.co.uk

Childcare: your options There’s lots to think about when you’re weighing up which sort of childcare to go for. Do you want your child looked after at home, or somewhere else; with other children, or one-to-one with a carer?

You’ll also need to consider what sort of care will dovetail with your working hours; plus (and all-importantly) your budget.

A nursery: usually open long hours, typically from 7am to 7pm. You need to think about how you’ll get your child to and from nursery; also, if you intend having another child soon, remember that having two children at nursery will double (or almost double, if there’s a sibling discount) the costs. Expect to pay: £30-50 a day.

A childminder: looks after up to six children (three of whom can be under five) in her own home. Childminders can often be flexible about working hours. Expect to pay: between £3 and £8 an hour.

A nanny: looks after your child in your own home, and may live in or live out.

You can cut your costs, and give your child a playmate, if you share a nanny with another family with a similar-aged child. Expect to pay: between £7 and £10 an hour, plus you’re responsible for your nanny’s tax and NI contributions.

• Nannies • Maternity Practitioners • Nursery Staff • Babysitting • Mobile Creches 'MP ?JJ WMSP AFGJBA?PC LCCBQ AMLR?AR RFC ?ECLAW UGRF ? FCJNGLE F?LB Contact: Vickie Edwards on 01904 691698 or log on to: www.bb-childcare.co.uk or email info@bbchildcareuk.com

Families Vale of York

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TheMontessoriMovement Montessori education has been seen as an ‘alternative’ approach but in reality has helped to shape what we now see as more mainstream education. Families asked Helen Gration to explain the principles of Montessori education and in particular how the method helps nurture a sense of community in children.

We’ve also been out and about in North Yorkshire to see what our local Montessori nurseries have been up to.

Montessori and our future communities micro communities In a world which is becoming a smaller and smaller we need to inspire our children to create a society which lives, loves and works together. We must be alert enough to know that the early years are a time when every child absorbs what is happening around them, forming principles which will stick with them for life.

Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor, recognised this over a hundred years ago and created a philosophy that would empower children to build positive, selffulfilling blocks for a concrete future. It’s even more relevant today which is why a Montessori nursery offers twenty-first century children a place where unity, identity, learning and kinship all come together in a micro version of a working community.

A Montessori nursery is a place where children are filled with wonder, fulfilment and challenge. We appreciate that they are our future parents, inventors, teachers, and leaders so we train and teach our staff to be the best role-models we can offer these young minds. We show respect for what the child wants and needs to learn, as well as how it will be learned.

free choice We understand that not one child is the same and so we don’t impose a certain play, or an area of learning, because of the frustration and conflict it can produce. There has to be space for the child who wants to work with mathematics and play with the number rods, rather than draw in the art corner. But because each area has been carefully constructed they link and support the child as he/she explores and plays. No time is wasted - the rooms are prepared with every area that will inspire a child to experiment and pursue knowledge. But importantly, we allow their choice within the rooms to be free.

The teacher is trained to guide and direct, knowing when to encourage a child to develop a skill or try another activity. Being able to choose what they learn creates a very positive atmosphere. It also creates respect for the child and from the child so that during the activities, he or she will learn the essential ground rules that make the nursery work so well.

HELEN GRATION Managing Director, Home to Home Nursery Company, Yorkshire Montessori Training Centre Regional Chair (Yorkshire & Humberside) Board of Trustees, National Day Nurseries Association Families Vale of York

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order & boundaries The children in a Montessori nursery learn how to play, work and move within its rooms. Discussion, activities, and role-modelling by the adults and their playmates, all reflect the systems that they will use. They get to know the words, actions and steps they need, so they can build an awareness and interest in those around them. They repeat manners; they learn about well-meant and well-placed interruptions; and they see how to offer help to a friend! There is an order and system in place that they enjoy and that helps them to thrive.

Many pieces of research have shown how children enjoy order and how it helps to produce the best experiences for them.

Dr Maria Montessori recognised that a century ago and created ground rules with clear, useful boundaries, so that each child knew what was expected of him/her. It works today just as well and it mimics the best communities that these children can join, or create, in the future.

positive role models It’s important to us that the behaviour and role-modelling we want has been displayed from the very start. It is the foundation for future situations they will meet and they often try it out during role-play, ‘dressing up’ time, which mimics adult situations at work and home. This is the world they want to be part of – look at how often your child will follow you around with the hoover, play mummies and daddies, doctors, or create a car or train out of a box. ‘Let me into your world!’ they are shouting, so we must offer the finest examples to them.

rewarding achievement Importantly, the Montessori philosophy is based on promoting good, positive behaviour. As a result, we will be on the receiving end of optimism and achievement. We all want to be congratulated, to hear a ‘well done’ or ‘fantastic!’ It’s a great feeling whether you are 3 years old, or 53 years old. What can be better for a community?

Positive comments to encourage high self-esteem and confidence at the very start of life is the backbone of Montessori teaching. Our children will absorb their early years’ community as their practice for life. That is why a Montessori nursery places such emphasis on creating a society that works for these young, promising minds, one where love and learning are rewarding, enjoyable and desired.

Rigg Farm Montessori Nursery Rigg Farm Montessori Nursery near Harrogate focuses strongly on the idea of community.

‘As a Montessori nursery we believe community means a sense of belonging and being part not only of our immediate family, friends and neighbourhood but part of the global community,’ says nursery manager Terri Micallef, ‘In building a child’s confidence, competence, self-esteem and respect for others, our children are encouraged to take care of each other and the environment.

The nursery has a farm which means the children help look after all sorts of animals including pigs, goats, sheep, hens, geese and guinea pigs.

‘Our farm enables the children to gain responsibility for living creatures by taking care of them,’ says Terri.

‘Growing vegetables and flowers develops an awareness of nature and why we need to look after the environment.

‘As part of the world community, we strive to encourage our children’s own cultural identity as well as to understand the world’s diversity and to appreciate each individual’s strengths and differences.

‘We also have an open door policy so parents and carers are welcome to be part of their child’s day and share their experience and cultures with us and the children. This has also been extended to schools and colleges where over the years we have had students on placements from Harrogate College, Leeds University, St.John Fishers and Harrogate Grammar school.

‘Rigg Farm reflects the wider community and our Montessori approach creates environments which foster the fulfilment of the child’s highest potential as members of a family and the world community.’

Find out more at www.riggfarmmontessori.com

childcare

Outstanding Ofsted 2011, in all 14 areas

FULFORD & STRENSALL, YORK from birth to 5 years We have re-named our nurseries to recognise our Outstanding Montessori childcare.

Watch out for our new name, the York Montessori Nursery.

t: 01904 642666 & 01904 490339

@yorkmontessori

www.hometohomenursery.co.uk

Crimple Valley Montessori ‘With so many children now attending nursery settings it is important to maintain links with home,’ says Crimple Valley Montessori headteacher Karen Diggle, ‘and we’re always encouraging parents to share experiences and resources with us in order for the children to experience a sense of the wider community.

‘During the autumn term the children had a fabulous time baking a variety of offerings including individual blackberry and apple crumbles to take home.

We were very lucky to have some families with fruit trees and we even managed a small school outing to one of the gardens to pick some fruit.

‘To see a project through from beginning to end is hugely worthwhile and one of our children Thomas was particularly proud of some enormous pumpkins which he grew from seed with his grandad.

‘The children had a great time making pumpkin soup from Thomas’ pumpkin as well as carving out a face to create our lantern which we put on display at the front door. We’ve now put the pumpkin seeds in a safe place to dry ready for Thomas to hand out to all his friends during early spring in preparation for our fun Crimple Valley Montessori Pumpkin Growing Competition 2012!’

To find out more call 01423 522200 www.crimplevalleymontessori.co.uk

Acorns Montessori Children at Acorns Montessori Nursery in Camblesforth near Selby had fun exploring their local community when an idea from the children sparked off a trip to the post office.

‘A Montessori nursery is a place where children can feel comfortable and at home and where each child is able to become actively and purposely involved,’ says nursery manager Christine Kot.’ ‘It’s also a place where they are given the opportunity in calm surroundings to use and learn through their senses. Our children have the freedom to move about and choose the activities that interest them, responding to their continually changing needs. Children often become absorbed in their ‘work’ and this helps to develop concentration and an early enthusiasm for learning, so they are given long un-interrupted periods of time in which they can carry out their chosen activities or tasks. Although the children are encouraged to do things for themselves, help is always at hand should they need it.

‘With this in mind some of the children were interested in writing letters and posting them. So they could learn more about their community we decided to take some of them to the local post office. Before they went they wrote a letter and put the nursery’s address on it. Then they walked to the post office, bought a stamp for the letter and posted it in the letter box. The next day, with great excitement, the children waited for the letter to be delivered by the postman!

‘These kinds of experiences undoubtedly help contribute to the children’s knowledge of the world beyond their own doorstep - and respond directly to the interests of the children themselves,’ added Christine.

Find out more at www.acornsmontessori.co.uk

Families Vale of York

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education news Incorporating schools & nurseries

‘Bags To School’ For Ashville Pre-Prep Pupils!

Pupils at Harrogate’s Ashville Pre-Prep School have gone “Bags to School” as they aim to raise funds to give their playground a major facelift.

The boys and girls aged between four and seven have been collecting clothes for a scheme which converts the unwanted garments into cash for the school, which is located on Yew Tree Lane.

A total of 40 bags of full of clothes were collected by the textile recycling organisation, Bags to School, which pays £500 for every tonne donated. The school is using the money to fund a mosaic on the school wall.

Carol Berrie, Head of Ashville Pre-Prep School, said: ‘Bags to School is a superb fund-raising initiative which not only benefits us, but helps the environment too as the fabrics are recycled.’

Messy Play!

Children at Stockton Day Nursery have being exploring the many different textures around us. The small 26 place nursery situated in the school grounds, Stockton on the Forest, invited their babies to investigate the texture of paint - the results were messy to say the least!

The nursery also loves to take advantage of their countryside setting with the older children who have been exploring the textures of the great outdoors in their nearby wooded area.

New Play Leader for Ouseburn Playgroup Ouseburn Playgroup has been offering fantastic early years provision for children aged 2 to 5 for over 40 years, but 2012 promises to be one of their best years yet.

New play leader Caroline Short brings a wealth of experience and fresh ideas to involve the children in new activities; ‘We have so much planned,’ says Caroline, ‘from music and dance sessions to planting vegetables and meeting the animals from the local open farm. There are lots of opportunities to get involved in, whatever your age or tastes!’

‘We base activities around the children’s developmental next steps, their interests and the Early Years Foundation Stage and are as child-led as possible to allow the children to gain the maximum out of their play. Our home corner is often transformed into a hairdressers, mechanics garage, cafe or post office, while our outside area provides space for “letting off steam”, riding bikes, building castles, playing ball and creating obstacle courses.

Playgroup sessions run from 9.15 to 12.15 every weekday morning during term time and funding is available for children aged 3+. For more information call 01423 339559 during morning sessions or visit www.ouseburnplaygroup.btck.co.uk

Little Green Growing!

How time has flown by since Little Green Rascals Nursery opened in July 2009!

‘The gardens have matured and our rooms have filled with all of our wonderful rascals,’ says business manager Claire Hardware. ‘So much so, that we are currently undertaking an extension to create another 24 spaces.’

Due for completion in March 2012, just in time for the spring months, the new room will have bi-folding doors leading straight out onto their adventure garden to promote free-flow and bring the outside world in.

‘We have introduced new classes, including Art with local artist Gerard, Drama with the effervescent Nicolette, PE and French with the super fit and well travelled Bea and Music with Ben – a musician with over 10 years experience, which is sure to keep us busy,‘ Claire adds.

‘Our newly acquired woodland ‘The Whin’ is currently being fenced, with plans already drawn for the different areas, which includes a story telling corner, den building and climbing areas, a wild flower meadow, base camp and much, much more. This area will enable us to ensure that our Forest School ethos is part of everyday life at Little Green Racsals.’

If you would like to find out more about a day in the life of a Rascal, call 01904 607959 www.littlegreenrascals.co.uk

16 Families Vale of York

Burn Bridge welcomes local visitors In addition to the many varied and interesting activities on offer during their sessions, Burn Bridge Pre School organises visitors and regular trips to enhance the learning and development of the children. Within the last term they’ve had visits from the fire service and from guide dogs for the blind.

‘The children were very excited to be able to go inside the fire engine,’ said chair of the pre-school Rachel Baskind, ‘and enjoyed being guided around obstacles when the guide dogs visited.’

With a lovely rural setting, just a 10 minutes’ drive from Harrogate town centre, Burn Bridge Pre School offers up to 5 morning sessions per week for children aged 2 to 4 years old. They have a small team of friendly, dedicated qualified and experienced staff and provide a safe, caring environment with a range of play based activities that give children the opportunity to develop their social skills and learning. www.burnbridgepreschool.co.uk 0780 4068631

Extra-curricular excellence at Highfield Highfield is the Prep School for Harrogate Ladies’ College catering for boys and girls aged 4-11 and extra-curricular activities are in abundance with music reaping some fabulous rewards.

The school has four choirs who meet and perform regularly and the Gallery choir was last year’s winner at The Harrogate Music Festival. More recently three children have gained entry to the choral groups of the prestigious National Youth Choir.

Head of Music, Clare Young, is thrilled with the children’s success: ‘I am delighted the three children have secured positions with the National Youth Choir. Our expert coaches have given the youngsters the confidence and skill to deliver such fantastic performances. The children’s musical ability really is exceptional and Highfield will be supporting them all the way’.

With over 40 extra-curricular clubs every week, there’s something for every child from water polo, gymnastics, tennis and karate to art, photography and cookery. In addition, 120 individual drama lessons, 27 dance lessons and 96 music lessons take place each week including piano, flute, drums, harp, guitar and singing.

Little Crickets are Born Harlow Hilltop Pre-school Ltd has recently re-opened as Little Crickets Pre-school in its newly refurbished building at Harrogate Cricket Club grounds off St George’s Road. The preschool will have sole use of the building, with a dedicated outside area, offering sessions Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

‘We are very lucky to have moved to our new location where we are able to provide an inclusive and enabling learning environment for our pre-school children,’ said pre-school manager Claire Jackson, ‘Our pre-school has been running since 1974 and we offer children stimulating opportunities for learning and fun in a secure setting.”

Little Crickets Pre-school is a registered charity and is Ofsted regulated, adhering to the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

Snow fun @Roko The snow may have been causing problems for the grown-ups this winter but children who attend First Steps @ Roko day nursery in York, have been enjoying exploring the snow outside.

‘The babies have especially enjoyed going on the sledge around the garden, and exploring the environment in the snowy conditions,’ said nursery manager Amanda Nutbrown, ‘and the older children have had fun making snow angels.’

‘This has allowed the children to talk to their friends about their experiences in the snow this year and in the past. We’ve been able to incorporate this into the ‘time’ aspect of the children’s development by talking about the different seasons in the year and asking the children to draw pictures of winter. www.firststepsnursery.net

Belmont Grosvenor is ‘Excellent’ say inspectors Inspectors have awarded Belmont Grosvenor School their ultimate accolade.

In a report just published, members of the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) describe the quality of teaching, and the pupils’ achievements at Belmont Grosvenor School as “excellent� – their highest-possible rating.

And the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage provision – for children up to the age of five – has been rated “outstanding�.

A team of four inspectors from the ISI – the independent sector’s equivalent of Ofsted - spent a week at the co-educational prep school, observing all aspects of school life, from the quality of lessons and teaching, to extra-curricular activities, pastoral care, leadership at the school and relations with parents.

Headteacher Jane Merriman, said she was extremely proud of the findings of the ISI report. ‘I am overjoyed that the high standards of teaching and the achievements of pupils here at Belmont Grosvenor School have been recognised by the ISI. ‘This glowing report highlights the excellent all-round education that we offer children, enabling them to fulfil their aspirations and potential,’ she said.

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Baby Signing Sensory Den Superb Garden Trips and Outings Age 0-14 years

7am - 6:30pm

Children at Orchard Trees Day Nursery enjoy Extended Premises Children at Orchard Trees Day Nursery near Wheldrake have benefited from an extension of the premises.

Adventures at The Mount School The Mount Pre-school in York wants its children to live adventurously!

The pre-school environment helps to nurture the confidence children need to try new experiences and the school also provides a wide range of extracurricular opportunities for them to do so, including weekly specialist French and Dance lessons and even a Spanish club. ‘Children take part in educational visits and visitors are invited into school which helps to bring learning to life,’ says Jane Wright, ‘and weekly Forest School sessions in their own Woodland Area provide also the children with opportunities to promote their well being and confidence in the natural world. ‘It is the spirit of adventure which propels children forward to new discoveries and new areas of fulfilment, both in work and play. As they grow older, that spirit will help them to continually find new interest and wonder in their lives.’

‘Due to the demand for our Out of School Clubs, we‘ve extended the nursery by taking on another unit on our site, which is part of the same building we already occupy,’ said nursery manager Liz Pawson. ‘The new Room is mainly used for our breakfast, after school and school holiday clubs for nearby schools. However, our Rising 5s, who start school in September, also benefit from it because they spend the day in here whilst the children are at school. We provide opportunities to prepare for school as well as lots of vibrant activities and free play. They love it! ‘We recently used the space to celebrate Chinese New Year which was a great opportunity to find out about a different country, customs and cultures. We looked at traditional dress, tried to eat our lunch with chopsticks, and made a dragon which we paraded around the Nursery with Chinese music playing. All the children thoroughly enjoyed the week and it was a fabulous learning experience for them.�

For more information about Orchard Trees you can visit their website at www.OrchardTreesDayNursery.co.uk

YORK/SELBY 10 Minutes to Designer Outlet 01904 44 98 00 www.OrchardTreesDayNursery.co.uk

OPEN TO NON-GYM MEMBERS

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independent

education?

When it comes to moving on after your child’s primary school education what options are available to you?

In this article Tory Gillingham, General Secretary of the York Boarding Schools’ Group, a group of 15 independent prep and senior schools located in around the city of York, gives a guide into the Independent School option, and how to choose the right school.

Drawing on her own personal experiences of selecting a school suitable for her own two children, and 18 years spent marketing schools in the York area, Tory is the ideal guide to the whole process of selecting the right school for both parents and children.

Right before we start lets dispel some myths surrounding independent schools: 1. They are not dark, cold institutions where parents are forbidden and children are made to eat gruel! – they are warm and welcoming - home from home. Children are encouraged to grow and develop with the help of a huge range of facilities, and parents are very much asked to be a major part of this process.

2. They do not grab you on your first visit and expect you to sign your child up straight away – they welcome you, show you (proudly) around their school, let you meet current pupils and will spend as much time as you like answering any questions you have. They will also expect that you will want to visit again, probably more than once, and that you may then decide not to enrol your child after all.

Over the years I have spoken to many parents who have been anxious, like we were to ensure that they found the right school for their child. Comments ranged from ‘its such a minefield’, ‘I don’t think we are the right people for independent schools (wrong they are for everyone!)’, ‘where do I start?’

18 Families Vale of York

-are you a first time buyer To each and everyone I give the following advice, which I would like to share with you:

1. What are you looking for?

Write a list of everything that you are looking for in a school for your children. This should not only include the needs of your children - academic, sport, music or art facilities but should also include the location in proximity to your home – don’t forget there could be times that your child may need picking up late after a match or theatre trip - single sex or co-education, and whether the school has a boarding element.

2. Gather the information about the schools There are many ways of finding information about independent schools: • Look up the schools on-line – all schools now have very comprehensive and easy to navigate websites.

• If you are looking for a school in the York area you could visit www.yorkboarding. co.uk where you can gain direct access to 15 schools in and around the City of York

• Contact the schools and ask for information to be sent to you. The school will ask you a number of questions about you, contact details, where did you hear about them, and about your child. Please do not be alarmed by this, they are not registering your child, but instead are trying to help you by narrowing down the information you require and assessing the suitability of their school for your child and you.

3. Selecting the Schools to visit Try to narrow your choice down to no more than five schools, otherwise you will start to feel overwhelmed. Look for the ones that best fit the criteria that you set out at the beginning of this whole process. Speak to the schools on the telephone if you have questions to ask at this stage. They really don’t mind how many times you call.

4. Visiting the School The day has come for you to visit the school. Make sure that you visit the school during term time. However fantastic the facilities are at the school they will not reflect the atmosphere that you will experience when the school is full of pupils and staff. Take with you all the questions that you might have. I often advise parents (and children) to write down the questions, remember you are interviewing them as much as they are assessing you. Make sure that you see everything that you want to see while you are there and if you are not shown it, ask to see it before you leave.

5. What next?

You are probably by now totally exhausted having done five schools in as many days, spoken to what seems like hundreds of pupils and staff and seen every single sports facility and music department that could possibly exist – but I bet you also have a clear decision in your mind as to the school you have chosen for your child! I often compare the selecting of a school to the buying of a house; how will you know which school is the right one, you just do, something (and it may turn out to be something very small) will draw you to that school over all the rest.

When my parents were choosing a school for me, many years ago,

education

and Magic Tree Day Nursery for boys and girls aged 3 months to 11 years of age.

An excellent education in a stunning rural location “Outstanding” Inspection 2012

Open Morning

Thursday 3rd May 9:30 - 11:45am If you can’t make that day, individual tours can be arranged be contacting the school office.

Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, Harrogate HG3 2JG Tel: 01423 771029 www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk email: admin@belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

they visited one of the schools on their selected list. I have to admit it was, on paper the least popular choice but was in a good location – they walked into the school and met the Headmistress and that was it! The result; seven very happy years for me at a school that was perfect for me and my parents!

Once you have decided on the right school for your child, and registered, the school will guide you all the way through the process of enrolment; taster days, uniform fitting and all the inevitable form filling you will need to do!

They are with you every step of the way right up to the day your child eventually leaves the school. You will become part of a community that is always welcoming and in every case will have your child’s welfare and development foremost throughout their school career.

Tory Gillingham, is happy to speak to any parents who are currently looking at the independent schools option for their child, or may be doing so in the future. She has a sound knowledge of the independent schools sector and was educated, lives and works in the Yorkshire area. Tory can be contacted, in confidence, on 01653 699800.

Families Vale of York

19

The Extra-Curricular Factor “You’ve seen daughter at home miming perfectly to the X Factor finalists, recreating that scary scene from Doctor Who and you’re pretty sure she has the moves like Jagger!”

Alistair Cowey, Head of Key Stage One, Queen Mary’s School takes a look at the extracurricular opportunities Independent education can offer Is this scene familiar? It is the afternoon of the school nativity play. Your little princess has managed to secure the role of one of the shepherds celebrating the birth of The Saviour of the Earth.

This is a step up from the one –dimensional sheep of the previous year. After frantic searching of kitchen drawers the night before, you have finally found that stripy tea towel that will form part of her head piece. That belt from your terry towelling dressing gown now has pride of place around her middle. And although the spearmint green clashes with the brown tunic supplied by school, a slightly mis-matched shepherd won’t surely be the centre of attention once things get going in the stable.

You strain your head to catch a glimpse of your precious one as Peggy from the class above moves into your line of vision. Come on, out of the way!

Cattle are meant to be lowing not wandering!

Someone has mumbled something. There’s a giggle from the audience. It’s only Sarah trying to fish out her tinselly coat- hanger halo from the manger. But where’s Number One Shepherd? She’s gone. Off stage. Replaced by the Magi.

Nothing against these fine gift-bearing folk but you’ve only really come to watch that one shepherd.

Next year, that Amanda from Year 2 moves on to Junior School and that opens the door to the role of Mary. You’ve seen your daughter at home miming perfectly to the X Factor finalists, recreating that scary scene from Doctor Who and you’re pretty sure she has the moves like Jagger! Wouldn’t it be

good for other people to discover what you realise already? As you cast an eye stage left to catch a flash of that tea-towel, you just know that you’re not the only mum to have had such a thought...

However it doesn’t have to be like this.

Independent Education can offer your child a wide range of subjects and activities that allow them to thrive and grow as individuals and by discovering their passions and having the platform to demonstrate them to classmates, older pupils and family, their self confidence and love of learning grows.

At Queen Mary’s School, near Topcliffe, Thirsk, one of the by-words is opportunity. In the Pre-Prep department the children are presented with many windows in which they can showcase their talents.

Don’t for one minute think that everyone who steps onto our stage in the main hall will be snapped up by a West End producer on the lookout for new talent. It might well happen one day but what the children are given is the chance to discover whether a particular skill is for them. The Year 1 and 2 Christmas Play is written specifically for those children, with comic references made to the watching parents. The children love this element, even if the lines aren’t really that funny. What sets independent schools like Queen Mary’s apart is that the small class sizes allow all the children to have a major speaking and acting role. This year it was Jack and the Beanstalk. Everyone had several lines to say and all formed part of the choir. It is always a delight to see those children who may not be the most academically gifted come to the fore before a large audience. Perhaps if they had not been

Clifton Pre-Prep School

For boys and girls aged 3 - 8 years ‘Academically excellent’

given the opportunity then a talent would have laid dormant until who knows when?

In the independent sector Sport and Outdoor Education are introduced in the same way as music and drama. At Queen Mary’s There is the climbing wall in the courtyard and the trip to Brimham Rocks with helmets and harnesses. We are fortunate to have our own pool and wide open spaces. The children in Years 1 and 2 will all take part in swimming galas and gym competitions.

The wonderful riding facilities, adventure trail and accessibility to woods, fields and river cater for the brave, the intrepid, the inquisitive and the downright foolhardy! Children bring their cameras and binoculars on Wednesdays as we explore lakes, bridges, places of work and invite interesting guests. We have the freedom to do this without bureaucratic red tape! Intellectual curiosity is indeed a worthy aim.

And all these activities and more are available on the one site.

Choosing independent education certainly offers an alternative to the mad rush home, quick tea and dash out again to the local tennis court, ballet studio, swimming pool or equestrian centre. Mum’s Taxi Co. could indeed be a thing of the past.

ASHVILLE ADVENTURE Ashville Pre-Prep School is a purpose built school for children aged 4-7

Building the foundation of your child’s education

Come and Visit Us! Contact us to arrange a visit to our nursery or reception classes. We look forward to meeting you!

Clifton Pre-Prep School York YO30 6AB Tel: 01904 527361 enquiries@cliftonprep.sch.uk www.st-peters.york.sch.uk/clifton

Clifton Pre-Prep • St Olave’s • St Peter’s

20 Families Vale of York

A fun interactive session for pre-school children and their parents. Stay and play at Ashville Pre-Prep school.

Children will be invited to engage in a range of activities, including story telling, arts and crafts and even feeding the guinea pigs! At the end of the session parents will be offered an informal tour of the school whilst children enjoy a snack.

Come and see what makes Ashville different.

Stay and Play Wednesday 14th March 10.00 - 11.30am Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate HG2 9JP 01423 566358 ashville@ashville.co.uk www.ashville.co.uk

Local Independent Schools Information & Open Days St Peter’s / Clifton Pre-prep, York

Belmont Grosvenor School, Harrogate

Open Week: 19-23 March 2012 Briefly: Clifton is the Pre-prep section of the St Peter’s School Foundation.

Pupils follow a stimulating programme at Clifton, before progressing to St Olave’s Preparatory School and on to St Peter’s School. For those wishing to board a range of options is also available from Year 7. Boarding at St Peter’s and St Olave’s recently received an overall rating of Outstanding from Ofsted.

The nursery for 3-year-olds is the bedrock of the school and from Reception upwards, pupils have access to on-site facilities including a swimming pool and sports hall.

Pupils follow a broad, balanced curriculum with focus on providing a caring, supportive environment.

Contact: A limited number of spaces is available in some year groups for September 2012. To arrange a visit, telephone Judy Sunderland on 01904 527361.

Open Day: 3 May 9:30-11:45am Briefly: Belmont Grosvenor School, along with its Magic Tree Nursery, is based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, on the outskirts of Harrogate, and caters for children from the age of three months to 11 years. Co-educational and providing a rich, diverse, happy and supportive learning environment the school aims to foster children’s intellectual, creative, sporting and personal development.

Bursaries are available.

Contact: www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk or call 01423 771029 to arrange a tour.

.......................................

Queen Ethelburga’s,York

Open Day: 17 March 2012 Briefly: Queen Ethelburga’s welcomes pupils aged 2 to 19 who share the philosophy of ‘To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have’. Education extends from Kindergarten through to the end of Sixth Form.

The campus is set in 100 acres of manicured country park over £45 million invested in new resources in recent years and the BHS approved Royal Court Equestrian Centre is considered by many to be one of the finest in Europe at any independent school.

A wide range of scholarships and bursaries are offered and the College operates a daily bus service from a wide area covering York, Leeds, Harrogate, Wetherby, Thirsk and surrounding villages.

Contact: 01423 333330 www.QE.org

.......................................

Highfield Prep, Harrogate Open Day: 26 May 2012 Briefly: Over 200 children are catered for, with two classes in each year. Class sizes average 15, with before and after School care available. A bespoke bus service is in operation and an on-site Health Centre is open each day. High quality, specialist teaching to small groups of children is at the centre of Highfield’s offering with high academic standards, and close attention to building children’s confidence and nurturing their independence. Over 40 extra-curricular clubs run every week, with a particular emphasis on Sports, Music and Art. Transition arrangements are strong and pupils who attend Bankfield Pre Prep School (which caters for boys and girls, aged 2-4) have many opportunities to visit Highfield prior to joining in Reception. All girls who leave Highfield Prep school have a guaranteed place at Harrogate Ladies’ College.

Contact: Telephone: 01423 504543 Website: www.hlc.org.uk

education

.......................................

Ashville College, Harrogate

Open Day: Pre-prep Stay & Play 14 March 2012 Briefly: Caters for boys & girls aged 4 -18 taking both day and boarding pupils. The School offers a broad, balanced, relevant curriculum and offers an extensive range of extra-curricular activities both during and after school.

These include includ speech and drama, music, choirs, languages, swimming, science and art. External coaches run other clubs as diverse as karate and rock climbing.

Contact: Admissions and general enquiries : www.ashville.co.uk 01423 566358

.......................................

Queen Mary’s School, Thirsk Open Day: 16 March 9.30 - 12pm Briefly: Mixed pre-prep school for children aged 2 - 7 and girls’ day & boarding from 7 - 16. The school priorities are individual academic achievement, the development of musical and sporting talent to the highest level possible and the encouragement of each child’s leadership qualities and spiritual awareness.

Contact: Tory Robeson head of admissions 01845 575040 www.queenmarys.org

THE MOUNT PRE-SCHOOL

Everyday is Open Day Come and see us

.......................................

The Mount School, York Open Days - see contacts below Briefly: Quaker day and Boarding School for Girls aged 3 - 18. Boys are welcomed up to the age of seven in preschool & The Mount Junior School.

The school is non-selective and seeks to develop the full potential of each individual child. They provide a fully inclusive curriculum where every subject and activity is available to every child allowing everyone to reach their full potential. Particular emphasis is placed on the value of activites outside the classroom including visits and residential trips.

Contact: The school will organise a personal visit or taster day at any time. Contact registrar Julia Hampshire to book a visit on 01904 667529 or e-mail registrar@mountschoolyork.co.uk. www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

7.30am - 6.00pm Open all year Girls and Boys aged 3 & 4 years old For further information and to arrange a visit please contact Julia Hampshire

Tel: 01904 667529 E-mail: registrar@mountschoolyork.co.uk Dalton Terrace, York, YO24 4DD www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

Families Vale of York

21

ask the

doctor

Clare Spencer is a local GP with experience in obstetrics and gynaecology. She lives near Harrogate with her husband and 3 children.

Clare juggles life working part time and being mum.

Local GP Clare Spencer offers some advice on childhood eczema

E

czema is the term used to describe changes in the upper layer of the skin that include redness,

blistering, oozing, crusting, scaling, thickening and sometimes pigmentation (although not all of these changes will necessarily occur together). It can range from very mild to very severe and can be anywhere on the body, although there are common patterns of distribution. Eczema is very common in babies but many children grow out of it as they get older. It is absolutely not contagious.

I’m not going to talk about diagnosis.

If you suspect your baby or child has eczema, or any skin conditions, you should go and see you own doctor for diagnosis and the right management plan for you.

There are many different types of eczema, but the ones most common in children are atopic, pompholyx, discoid and seborrhoeic.

•

Atopic eczema can come along with hay fever, rhinitis (inflammation of the nose) and asthma – known as ‘atopy’.

There may be a family history of any of the atopic conditions.

•

Pompholyx eczema is blistering restricted to the hands and feet

•

Discoid eczema has coin shaped discs of eczema.

•

Seborrhoeic eczema is where the skin is thick, scaly and flakey and is more common in babies.

Triggers Anything can potentially irritate skin prone to eczema, but there are a number of common triggers that, once identified, can be avoided if possible.

•

Skin irritants - soaps, shampoos and detergents can dry the skin further.

•

Contact allergens - such as house dust mites, animal hair, pollen

•

Inhaled allergens - particularly when eczema is seasonal and there is asthma also

•

Food allergens - food allergies should be considered only in moderate to severe eczema which is not responding to optimal medical management. Allergies are more likely if there are other bowel problems or failure to thrive.

•

Other factors - although not well understood, stress and extremes of weather may trigger a flare.

A note on prevention There is no good evidence that excluding food in pregnancy and breast feeding prevents development of atopic eczema in infants. There is evidence, however, that exclusive breast feeding for three months or more may help prevent the development of infant eczema where there is a family history of atopy.

22 Families Vale of York

Management The key thing in the management of eczema is to moisturize, moisturize and then moisturize more! If the skin is dry, it is more likely to become inflamed, then itchy and then more inflamed. Dry inflamed skin can then crack and become infected. Topical steroid creams and ointments can treat the inflammation. Antibiotics may be needed to treat infection. Most eczema can be managed by your GP, but if it doesn’t respond, may need referring to dermatology for other management.

1. EMOLLIENTS

Emollients are unperfumed medical moisturisers and should be used several times a day, even when the eczema has cleared, to try to prevent the eczema coming back.

Mild eczema can be cleared with emollients alone. Applying emollient 2-3 times a day can be a challenge and feel like hard work. It is such an important step in managing your child’s eczema though and so have faith that you are helping your child and it will be making a difference.

You may need more than one type of emollient. Creams contain more water and are lighter to apply, making the skin feel less greasy. Ointments are much more greasy and so much more effective at holding the moisture in the skin. In a big tub they are quite ‘lard like.’ They are best used at night because of the greasiness – with old pajamas or cotton body stockings if the eczema is more severe. They are usually prescribed in 500g tubs and it is recommended that you use a spoon to scoop some out onto you hands to prevent the tub harbouring infection. Emollients should be smoothed rather than rubbed onto the skin as the process of rubbing them in can cause more inflammation.

Ask your GP to put the emollient ‘on repeat’ so it is easy to phone and get more. Make sure also that nursery and school have some to use during the day.

Beware – some emollients contain paraffin and so are flammable. You shouldn’t smoke near these.

2. SOAP SUBSTITUTES

Soaps dry the skin, so you should use a soap substitute instead of soap and bubble bath. You can

use emollient ointment as soap or bath additives, or there are more specific named soap substitutes. In children under 1 year, you can use the emollient as a shampoo also.

In older children, shampoo should be unperfumed. Try not to get shampoo in the bath. In seborrhoeic eczema bath oil can help to loosen the scales on the body and scalp.

3. STEROIDS

Topical steroids applied to the skin can reduce inflammation and so are used to control flares of eczema.

They come in different potencies from mild to very strong and must be used under medical supervision.

They are used in areas where the eczema is active. In addition they can be used regularly in moderate or severe eczema that keeps flaring up. It is important that steroids are applied thinly. There are ‘finger tip units (FTU)’ for how much you need for each area – a squirt the length of one finger tip treats the area on the body of 2 hands, fingers together.

It is best to apply the steroid 30 minutes before smothering with emollient.

People are often nervous about using steroids, but they are the next best way after emollients to get control of eczema. Fear of side effects often makes people stop using them too early, which can result in under treated eczema, needing further longer courses of treatment. They can cause skin thinning, but only if used for long periods without proper supervision.

4. ANTIBIOTICS

Antibiotics are only used if there is infection in the eczema – if it looks yellow, weepy and crusty

5. ANTIHISTAMINES

Antihistamines can be useful if the eczema is very itchy. Sedating

antihistamines can be used if eczema flares are keeping your child awake at night.

6. SPECIAL DIETS

If food allergies are suspected, you should be referred for further investigation. You can try omitting cow’s milk under medical supervision for short periods, and breast feeding mothers can try omitting cows milk from their diet.

This is not to be undertaken lightly – only on medical advice and where there is a proven allergy.

Dietician input may be needed.

….AND IF EMOLLIENTS AND STEROIDS DON’T WORK?

You may need a dermatology referral for further management options. Bandages and dressings can be tried. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are calcineurin inhibitor creams that can be prescribed by a dermatologist.

In addition, there are tablets that suppress the immune system and light therapy that can also be tried. Don’t be tempted into herbal remedies as there is little evidence that they work, and some even contain hidden steroids.

For further information www.nice.org.uk has a guideline on atopic eczema with a separate guideline for patients.

www.dermnetnz.org has many photos (some not pretty!) and information on all types of eczema www.bad.org.uk is the website for the British Association of Dermatologists and has patient information leaflets on eczema and dermatitis. www.sign.ac.uk has an excellent evidence based guideline on the managemant of eczema in primary care.

The

cuteness

of

tantrums

by Helena Foss

Relentless: That is the word I tend to mutter when I’m stomping around in a grumpy haze, steadying myself on walls and furniture, hand clamped onto forehead, begging the powers that be for strength as I surrender to the teeth-clenching exasperation that sometimes constitutes motherhood.

‘It’s just relentless.’ I hiss to myself.

‘Relentless! Why did no-one tell me just how damn hard this parenting thing was going to be?’

Actually, mothering is only really relentless when I am not quite rising to the challenges it is chucking at me. And the last few months, dear readers, I have mostly been struggling with: boundaries. Ah yes, that old brick wall that children just love kicking against, for as long as they possibly can, until their little metaphorical feet hurt too much to keep going. What is it with little ones? Why do they give us such a hard time? I mean, where is their respect?

Losing It

Not long ago I found myself in that awful position of being the kind of mother I thought I would never be, losing my rag as I attempted to manage an all-guns-blazing tantrum, smack bang in the middle of town, at rush hour.

Reasoning was not getting anywhere. Neither was shouting. In the end, I had to grab my boy by the scruff of the neck and yank him onto a bus, holding him at arms length to avoid his attempts to scratch me. Determinedly ignoring the bus full of tut-tutting commuters, I pulled him and his flailing limbs upstairs and mercifully found a place right at the back for him to howl himself into exhaustion. Not my finest hour.

I really thought I knew about boundaries. Not only do I have a background in therapy, hey, I watched almost every episode of BBC3’s ‘The House of Tiny Tearaways’ with child psychology expert Professor Tanya Byron at the helm. The theory is great; but practically speaking, I had no idea how tough it would be to draw that all important line without resorting to threats, bribery or a big stick.

With the jigging motion of sitting on the back seat of that bus starting to calm us both down and normalise my blood pressure, I noticed that my internal dialogue was sounding horribly judgemental: ‘After all I have done for you,’ my inner embittered doormat moaned, ‘you ungrateful little...’ Cue the scratchy sound

of a needle veering off an old vinyl record.

‘Noooooo!’ I yelled inwardly, sitting up with a jolt as if waking up out of a nightmare. This was not the person I ever wanted to be.

The Blame Game

See, I know that blame is the easy option.

The popular American family therapist Dr Phil insists that you have to teach people how to treat you. In fact, it is your job to point out when people are taking you for granted. But this takes courage, tenacity and, importantly, respect for oneself. It means giving up the niceness and needto-be-needed so prevalent in the female conditioning.

Lying in bed that night, still stunned at just how hellish my afternoon had been, it dawned on me that I had been giving into everyone’s wants apart from my own – and lost my sense of self in the process. It was indeed mortifying to mentally assess just how resentful towards my family I had become; how relentless everyone’s needs felt upon me. My son had given me the gift of reflecting back just how secretly angry I was at myself, for relentlessly ignoring my own needs.

The art of good taking good care of oneself, as well as our children, I have found, is being able to set ground rules as a matter of fact. ‘This is Mummy time’ has to be said in the same straightforward manner as ‘the grass is green’. It is just how it is; no need to defend it with barbed wire and machine guns. As a friend of mine likes to say, ‘once everyone in the family knows their place, even the dog and the cat, we can all relax.’

Helena Foss is a hypnotherapist and writer about all things holistic and spiritual.

See:

www.helenafoss.co.uk

myself, are not wired for considered, rational behaviour. If they want something they want it.

Now. Not having it can bring on a full-blown grief reaction. As overt as they are with their sadness, they are with their happiness and love too. There is nothing quite like my son running up to fling his arms around me when I walk through the door, after nipping to the corner shop.

Cute Tantrums

The other week, my son’s school nursery teacher told me she had asked the class if anyone knew what a tantrum was. My boy’s hand, apparently, shot up. ‘A tantrum,’ he said solemnly as he stood in front of the class, ‘is when you just pry and pry and pry.’ (He hasn’t got the hard ‘c’ sound nailed in that particular

‘You know, when I think back to those days of tantrums,’ a mother of several teenagers reminisced to me recently, ‘I actually think it was really cute.’

word just yet). The discussion opened up and, one by one, the faces of his nursery chums lit up. ‘Oh yes,’ they chimed, ‘I do that sometimes too!’ And: ‘So do I!’

Cute?! It took me a while to get my head round that one. Children’s little brains, I have to remind

A four-year-olds tantrum support group!

Awwwww. Now that really is cute.

Families Vale of York

23

“Forget Jam & Jerusalem.

We like chocolate and champagne!”

Over the past few years, the Women’s Institute has had something of a facelift. Sarah Butters shared coffee with the ladies of the modern day WI here in Yorkshire As Karen Slade and Louisa Garton share a coffee over a kitchen table in Yorkshire, neither can believe they are the founding ladies of the local WI. Both are young mums. Neither offer me a home baked treat and they’re both fully clothed.

However these two women are the brains behind the Boston Spa Women’s Institute. They decided to set up a branch of the largest women’s organisation last summer, holding their first meeting in October of last year.

“I didn’t think anyone would turn up,” admits Karen.

“But on the night, women were queuing out of the door at Boston Spa Village Hall. We couldn’t believe it.”

More than 60 local ladies turned up to the group’s first meeting and the rest is WI history.

“None of us could sleep that night,” adds Louisa, now the branch Treasurer. “I woke my husband to tell him what we’d done. It was amazing. That night, we knew we’d tapped into something.”

Forget jam making, competitive bake offs and circle dancing. The now 80 members of the Boston Spa WI spend one evening a month meditating, getting glamorous and eating chocolate. It’s a hands on get together where the women, who are aged between 22 and 88, are encouraged to get their hands dirty.

Most recently, the ladies were invited to a Speed Dating evening to coincide with Valentine’s Day – a far cry from crochet workshops and slide shows.

“Everyone was welcomed with a glass of champagne, and then we circulated a series of

Baby signing Movement

& bonding ● Fibre

optic light shows ● Music

Puppet shows Massage ● Water Play

●

●

●

●

For classes in Harrogate & Wetherby please contact Rachel on 07801 367553 or email harrogate@babysensory.co.uk.

For classes in York please contact Elizabeth on 07590 425310 or email northyorkshire@babysensory.co.uk.

www.babysensory.com

24 Families Vale of York

questions which made people go and talk to different members,” explained Karen. “It was a great way of everyone getting to know each other and speaking to people they’d never spoken to before.”

From the outset, this has been a modern WI branch.

The idea is to take traditional themes and give them a modern twist. When the ladies invited a local florist to talk about festive flower arranging, out went chrysanthemums and carnations and in came bold, vibrant centerpieces for the Christmas table.

The founding mothers of the WI would surely raise an eyebrow at the forthcoming ‘Ladies up Ladders’ DIY workshop planned for later in the year, but the members in Boston Spa don’t bat an eye lid.

Organising and planning the activities for the group is hard work and both Karen and Louisa juggle it with family life and work. Louisa is mum to 3 year Holly and Thomas who’s 9 months old, while Karen is mum to girls Isla who’s 3 and Seren who’s 2. You’d think the childen would be oblivious to the monthly goings on at the local village hall, but they’re not.

“When Father Christmas visited Isla’s nursery last year and asked what she wanted, she asked for a pastry brush! Already she’s far more WI than me!” laughs Karen.

Apart from the Union Flag in the porch area, it’s hard to believe I’m in the home of a WI chairwoman.

There’s no freshly baked scones or bread baking in the oven, however the welcome is warm and the conversation easy. These are women like you and me gathering for an evening each month to find friendship and have some fun. But with an already healthy membership, are new ladies welcome?

“Absolutely!” exclaims Louisa. “It’s my aim to get 100 members. I get such a buzz from thinking that one night last year we sat round this table talking about it and now we have 80 members. I love seeing it grow. It gets me away from the kids, from my husband, from my job. It’s a place I can be myself.”

It’s a sentiment shared by Karen and I imagine many of the other members of this flourishing but fledgling WI. The idea of getting together with a group of women with different interests, all at different stages of their lives is clearly popular with the ladies who gather every month in Boston Spa. “Because our members range hugely in age, we don’t all have young children in common,” says Karen. “That means we find lots of other stuff to talk about, stuff we all enjoy.”

“Like wine, chocolate and champagne?” suggests Louisa.

It doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend an evening.

law

stepfamily?

What is a

Stepfamilies are the fastest-growing form of family in the country.

Experienced family lawyer at Raworths, Harrogate Carmelita Ardren takes a look at the legal status of the stepfamily.

Thinking back, even to my parents’ generation, the concept of a family has changed quite significantly.

The last 50 years have seen massive changes in the way that we manage our day-to-day lives and relationships. The rate of marriages is declining, there is a continuing rise in cohabitation and the 2004 Civil Partnership Act was brought into effect.

Stepfamilies are created when two parents separate, and one or both of them enters into a new relationship. They have always been around, but now they are the fastestgrowing form of family in the country and it is estimated that one in three of us are affected by the issues facing stepfamilies.

So what is the legal status of the stepfamily? The answer very much depends upon whether you and your partner are married, are parties to a civil partnership or cohabiting.

If you are married or civil-partnered to each other then you would be forgiven for thinking that you automatically acquired some additional parental responsibility for your step children. This is not so.

You do, however, have the right to apply to share parental responsibility with the natural parents. This can be done either by obtaining the consent of the natural parents and signing a formal agreement or, in the event that the consent is not forthcoming, an application to the court. What does this give you? Having parental responsibility is not the ‘be all and end all’ but it does give you the opportunity to be consulted in the major decisions in that child’s life.

For example, it enables you to give consent to medical treatment in the absence of the natural parents, a particularly important issue when the children are young.

What if you are unmarried but are still in a committed relationship?

In those circumstances the position is very different.

There still seems to be the common misconception that cohabitants share the same legal rights as their married or civil-partnered counterparts, both during the relationship and upon relationship breakdown.

Those who rely upon that understanding, beware! There is no legal concept of common law husband and wife! That applies both in relation to inheritance, financial and children matters. There is not even automatic parental responsibility for your own children unless you are named on the birth certificate and, other than making an application to the court for an order that a child should live with you, no easy way of obtaining parental responsibility for your step children. In our modern society, when a vast number of couples choose to live together rather than marry, that can come as a shock. It is important that you understand what are your legal rights and responsibilities.

and resentment later. Our changing attitudes as a society that sees little difference socially to whether children are brought up in a ‘blended’ or in a more traditional nucleus family is way ahead of the actual legal position!

Carmelita Ardren is an experienced family lawyer at Raworths in Harrogate. She is a member of Resolution which represents 6,000 family lawyers committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. She is also a trained collaborative lawyer and a member of the Law Society Family Law Panel.

The legal issues that affect stepfamilies can be particularly difficult and complex whether you are married to your new partner or not.

It is important that you are able to talk and understand your legal position so that you can define your roles and expectations from early on in the relationship to avoid confusion

Families Vale of York

25

parenting

book

reviews

Autism: A Practical Guide to Improving Your Child’s Quality of Life

By Jonathan & Polly Tommey

By Roni Jay

Shattered Modern Motherhood and the Illusion of Equality

By Rebecca Asher

Published by Piatkus

Published by Prentice Hall Life

Published by Harvill Secker

ISBN 978-0-7499-4238-0 RRP £12.99 Including numerous examples of the authors’ own experiences of bringing up their son with autism, this book helps the reader realise that they are not alone. With topics ranging from understanding the first signs of autism and the diagnosis, finding a support network and gaining the most appropriate education for your child, to exploring the various types of therapies available and planning for the future, this book provides parents a valuable insight into a somewhat daunting world. Of particular interest to me was the section on diet and nutrition, and how changing this can be highly beneficial to a child with autism. This will be an important resource for both new and experienced parents of children with autism.

ISBN 0273720279

ISBN 9781-846-553974

RRP £9.99 Paperback

RRP £12.99

Reviewed by Emilie Amos

The Parenting Book

By Nicky and Sila Lee

This is not a 6-inch manual on everything you need to know about parenting! Instead, it sets out the vital principles to help you get your children safely from toddlerhood to the end of their teens. The author writes from a position of commonsense. She knows that life is busy and you are often strapped for time, therefore she covers what really matters when it comes to raising happy, healthy, well-balanced children.

The book covers questions like: “What can I teach my children that will have the most positive impact on their lives?” and “What little things will make the biggest difference to their happiness now and success in the future?”

Why are British women still primarily responsible for young children despite changed career expectations?

Rebecca Asher lifts the lid on the current situation and finds that men are excluded through the Mumfocus of the health service combined with the lack of flexible working rights. Women, steamrollered into the main caring role, become disillusioned by reality yet entrenched as gatekeepers. International comparisons demonstrate that government policy promotes change, which Asher includes in a proposal to facilitate more equal participation in the responsibilities and pleasures of raising children. Thought provoking, perceptive and challenging – for existing and expectant parents!

Reviewed by Louise Turner

Reviewed by Jan Deykin

Bullying: A Parent’s Guide

By Jennifer Thompson

Simply Wonderwoman

By Joanna Gosling

Published by Alpha International

Published Need2Know Books

Published by Kyle Books

ISBN 978-1-905887-36-1

ISBN: 978-1-86144-216-1

ISBN 978-0-85783-058-6

RRP £8.99 This is based on Nicky and Sila Lee’s own experiences of bringing up their four children and also on the parenting classes they have been running for the past twelve years. They deal with the tricky issues that many families have to negotiate these days, such as such as drugs, sex, alcohol, and the Internet, and all in an open and thought-provoking way. It is peppered with quotes about family relationships from both parents and children that reinforce the down-to-earth advice. The authors are Christians and part of the Alpha movement but the advice seems relevant to parents of all persuasions, religious or otherwise.

RRP £9.99 Paperback

RRP £17.99 Hardback

As a former bullying victim herself, Thomson has channeled her own bitterness and rage into a determination to help others. Whilst the book can make for heart breaking reading at times, it’s packed with practical advice and useful contacts.

Invaluable tips include recording every incident, photographing injuries and printing web pages in the case of cyber bullying, to make sure you approach the school or police with all the facts, and a clear knowledge of your rights and their obligations. This empowering book will arm parents with all they need to fight for their children’s right to a happy childhood.

This is a stylish reference book that’s perfect for dipping into for inspiration on ways to make life run more smoothly—and isn’t that something we all dream of? Divided into two, the first part deals with the practicalities of family life and has helpful and timesaving hints on essential matters such as speed cleaning the oven or restoring a bobbly jumper. The second part is called ‘The Nice Stuff’ and the author has some fun suggestions for things to make and do using all that precious time you’ve saved. This would make a great gift for a new mother.

Reviewed by Sarah Naughton

Reviewed by Sally Harris

Reviewed by Sally Harris

26 Families Vale of York

The 10 Most Important Things You Can Do For Your Children

Ed’s reading room

ed’s

reading room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Spring book selection for you to enjoy. The books are all available online from Ed’s Reading Room at www.edontheweb.com.

for ages 5-7 years Seahorse Stars: The Lost Lagoon

by Zuzu Singer

(Usborne ÂŁ4.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Cammie can’t wait to become a Seahorse Star but the next Wave Wanderer task is proving a bit of a problem. Finding her way around Rainbow Reef with a compass is fairly easy but Cammie gets into a complete muddle with maps. Will Cammie be able to complete the task successfully? And can she trust Corinetta who is usually far from friendly but now seems to want to be Cammie’s friend?

e5FGQ GQ ? JMTCJW QRMPW ?@MSR BCRCPKGL?RGML ?LB DPGCLBQFGN UGRF EPC?R GJJSQRP?RGMLQ RFPMSEFMSR 8FW LMR AMJJCAR ?JJ RFC @MMIQ GL RFGQ QSNCP QCPGCQ f

More Meerkat Madness

by Ian Whybrow

(HarperCollins ÂŁ4.99)

ED SAYS: ‘The young meerkats adore Uncle Fearless but they are not happy about his new female meerkat friend so they decide to go and look for their mama who has gone missing. They come across a young lion cub also looking for his mother. Once assured they are not going to be eaten by him, they agree to help him and so embark on another adventure in the desert. But problems arise. Will there be anyone to help them in their hour of need?

e5FGQ GQ ? BCJGEFRDSJJW DSLLW QRMPW DMP LCUJW AMLDGBCLR PC?BCPQ RM CLHMW ML RFCGP MUL MP DMP PC?BGLE RMECRFCP a ?LMRFCP PMKN RFPMSEF RFC BCQCPR UGRF RFCQC JMT?@JC KCCPI?RQ f

Friendship and Other Weapons Group Activities to Help Young Girls Aged 5-11 to Cope with Bullying

By Signe Whitson Published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN 9781-84905-8759 RRP ÂŁ19.99 From gossip to social exclusion, bullying amongst girls can be very subtle and start at a surprisingly young age. How do you help your daughter or girls in your care? This book is a very practical guide to the forms that bullying can take and how to prepare girls to recognise and resist it by expressing themselves assertively while maintaining their selfconfidence and values. Organised as a 12-step programme for a group, it is also enlightening for parents: I found the ‘bully ban’ assertive statement suggestions very helpful. A great resource.

Reviewed by Jan Deykin

for ages 7 years plus Wild: Tiger Trouble

by Lucy Courtenay (Hodder ÂŁ4.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Taya and Tori Wild are twins who argue about most things – except about animals which is just as well as their lives revolve around them. Their father is a wildlife photographer and their mother looks after animals in need in their home, currently two tiger cubs. When their father becomes ill and can’t travel for work they start a new business with animals for films. Things are about to get really wild for the Wild family!

e)CPC GQ ?L CVAGRGLE ?LB CLRCPR?GLGLE QRMPW DMP @MWQ ?LB EGPJQ ?JGIC N?PRGASJ?PJW DMP ?LGK?J JMTCPQ *D WMS CLHMW RFGQ @MMI JMMI MSR DMP RFC MRFCP QRMPGCQ GL RFGQ QCPGCQ f

Lily

by Holly Webb (Orchard Books ÂŁ5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘Lily’s family were once powerful magicians but now hide away largely unseen. While Lily is allowed to roam around doing as she pleases, her sister Georgie, as the special one, is being trained in magic. Lily no longer resents her sister as she decides she is very lucky not to be seen as special.

When Lily discovers their mother’s dark plot involving dreadful spells and magical weapons, she realises she must rescue Georgie.

e5FGQ GQ RFC DGPQR QRMPW GL ? UMLBCPDSJ LCU QCPGCQ *R GQ ?ARGML N?AICB a ? PC?J N?EC RSPLCP MD ? @MMI f 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 wordsearches, 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.

Families Vale of York

27

what’s on

in march/april‘12

Lamb feeding at Too Hoots

see below for more details

We’ve ordered everything according to start date – be sure to look out for multiple date entries.

And be sure to check before you set off. These were correct as we went to print but may have changed.

10-11 MAR 10AM - 5PM

18 MAR 1-3PM

24 & 31 MAR 11AM

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEKEND

ARTRAGEOUS

BIRD WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS

MAGNA

BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS

FOUNTAINS ABBEY

As part of National Science and Engineering Week, families are invited to the Kitchen Sink Show - a curious, messy, slimy world full of the materials and objects of everyday life.

01709 720002 www.visitmagna.co.uk

Go and make fun things with the Learning Team.

Free - normal admission charges apply.

01904 472027 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

An illustrated talk about equipment and photography followed by a birding walk in the grounds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

17 March, 1-4 pm

YORK BUMP & BABY FAIR JOSPEH ROWNTREE SCHOOL 17 MAR 12PM

MOTHERS DAY CRAFTS HARDCASTLE CRAGS Children’s Crafts for Mothers’ Day £2.50 01422 844518 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 17 & 18 MAR

THE GROSS LAB EUREKA! Have a peek at the grosser side of life where you can make poo, sick, snot and blood and take a look at some of the bugs that could make you poorly. 01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk

28 Families Vale of York

24 Mar 10am - 2pm

HARROGATE BABY FAIR & FAMILY DAY ASHVILLE COLLEGE Over 45 stalls aimed at parents of children under twelve, showcasing useful and unique products and also offering advice and information about services available to parents, and classes for both pre-school and school age children. Entry is free entry, bouncy castle & face painting. harrogatebabyfair@gmail.com

31 MAR - 15 APR 11AM- 3PM

FOUNTAINS ABBEY SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN - A RIOT OF COLOUR Follow the clues on the trail and join in with drop-in craft activites in Swanley Grange.

01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk.

31 MARCH - 15 APRIL 10AM - 5PM FREE EASTER TRAIL ANIMAL WORLD AT TOO HOOTS

Follow the trail to win your Easter egg. Free with admission. Lamb feeding at set times - call for details. Lots of animals to see & feed including over 30 different breeds of chickens! Toys to play on, picnic area, tearoom & garden centre.

01405 862854 www.toohoots.com Too Hoots Nurseries, Hirst Road, Carlton, Goole DN14 9PX

6,7,8,9 APR 10AM - 5PM

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA PIGLETS AT THE FARMER’S CART 31 MAR– 15 APR 12 - 4PM

Including the Great Easter Egg Hunt, egg painting competition, giant straw maze, bunny BBQs and chicken flappin’.

01904 499183 www.thefarmerscart.co.uk

EASTER CELEBRATIONS AND TRAIL BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Challenging trails, games, face painting, eggy artrageous and egg and spoon racing on selected days. Daily, trail £2 per child, includes Cadbury Egg Head prize.

01904 472027 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 31 Mar- 15 Apr 10.30am - 4pm

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR! DIG Enjoy the new ‘Looking Back at Hungate’ exhibition & have a go at some traditional Victorian fairground games.

01904 615 505 www.digyork.com 31 MAR - 15 APR

EASTER ACTIVITIES NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM Including communal art project & Easter egg hunt. www.nrm.org.uk 31 MAR - 15 APR

COMMOTION IN THE OCEAN

2 & 10 APR

6,7 & 8 APR

KIDS OUTDOOR CLIMBING DAY

EASTER TRAIL

BRIMHAM ROCKS

BRIMHAM ROCKS

If you want to try climbing in the great outdoors join Harrogate Climbing Centre on this fully supervised day. No previous climbing experience is necessary, just go along and have fun. More Information: Harrogate Climbing Centre, 01423 815024, info@harrogateclimbingcentre.com

Follow the Trail to collect your Easter surprise. £2 per trail sheet.

01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

2 - 6 & 9 - 13 Apr 10.30am - 4.00pm

EAST RIDDLESDEN HALL

THE ROYAL GATEWAY QUEST

Can you find all the bunnies hidden around our grounds? If you can, you’ll win a chocolate surprise. You can choose to do the full trail or the Little Chicks Trail specially designed for the under 5s. 01535 607075 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

MICKLEGATE BAR MUSEUM The King is coming to York, but there is danger in the city... Make and colour in your detector disc and follow the clues to uncover the identity of the hidden assassin, then claim your prize!

Suitable for ages 7 and over. With have-a-go craft activities for younger children.

01904 615 505 www.micklegatebar.com

EUREKA!

2 - 13 APR 10am - 5pm

Explore oceans-full of underwater activities, including a tribute to the sinking of the Titanic.

01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk

EGG TRAIL & SPLAT WORKSHOPS MAGNA

6 - 9 APR 10.30AM - 4PM

EASTER EGG TRAIL

6 - 9 Apr

TRADITIONAL EASTER FAIR CASTLE HOWARD Ride an old fashioned dray pulled by Shire horses, swing and spin on the rides at the traditional Easter fair and explore the adventure playground. Lots of Easter fun to be had with a trail will take you around the grounds, Molly the Rabbit and her friend Rapaelle.01653 648333 www.castlehoward. co.uk 6 - 9 APR 10.00 am - 4.00 pm

A bit of an ‘eggy’ puzzle to solve, fun for all the family! £1 extra for trail - Prizes on completion.

01677 425323 www.thorpperrow.com

Take part in a gigantic Easter Egg trail - follow the clues and make your way through the pavilions to uncover the locations of the missing eggs. Also “Egg Splat” workshops - get your hands dirty as you make your own egg splat.

Workshops will run throughout the day. £1 per child. (Weekdays Only) 01709 720002 www.visitmagna.co.uk

31 MAR - 15 APR 11-AM - 4PM

3 APR 1PM

EASTER ACTIVITIES

BRILLIANT BANNERS

HARDCASTLE CRAGS

BRIMHAM ROCKS

Eggstraordinary Trails, Crafts, and Activities. All Tickets £1.50 (Cadbury Trail) 01422 844518 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Get arty and help decorate new banners for Brimham. Booking essential.

01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

8 - 9 APR

31 Mar - 16 Apr 11am – 4.30pm

4 & 11 APR

EASTER HOLIDAY CHILDREN’S TRAILS

LLAMA WALKS

A fun event for all the family in the grounds.

01423 770152 www.ripleycastle.co.uk

TREASURER’S HOUSE

BRIMHAM ROCKS

Children of all ages will be able to explore the historic rooms,solving clues and spotting bunnies. Successful bunny hunters will be able to take away a Cadbury Egghead chocolate egg.

Closed Fridays.

01904 624247 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Take a llama for a stroll. Booking Essential.

Tickets £3 01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

31 MAR - 15 APR

EASTER TRAIL THORP PERROW

31 Mar

TABLE TOTS SALE SELBY ABBEY LEISURE CENTRE Sell and or Buy quality pre-loved toys, books, equipment & clothes for mums-to-be, babies, tots & young children.

07706 22 77 42 www.tabletots.co.uk

6 - 9 APR

EASTER WEEKEND HAREWOOD HOUSE Something for all the family with a Children’s Craft Village, Easter egg trails through the bird garden, a famous Easter Egg hunt around the grounds and the chance to see Harewood’s very own chef demonstrating traditional chocolate egg making. 0113 218 1010 www.harewood.org

EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA RIPLEY CASTLE

8 & 9 APR

EASTER FUN DAYS NEWBY HALL & GARDENS

5 APR 11 AM

01423 322583 www.newbyhall.com

FAIRY SECRETS AND NATURE’S WONDERS

8 - 9 APR 11am- 4pm

BRIMHAM ROCKS

CADBURY EASTER FUN

Explore the wildlife and fairy-life at a secret location. Learn how to recognise animals, birds and fairies, and if you’re very lucky, make a wish with fairy dust! Booking essential. Tickets £2.

01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

FOUNTAINS ABBEY Enjoy Easter trails, have your face painted, join in with games and collect a chocolate ‘Egghead’. Trails cost £1.

01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk Families Vale of York

29

what’son continued... in march/april‘12

NEW CLASSES FOR TENNIS TYKES Tennis Tykes has paired up with the prestigious Roko Fitness Club in York, opening new term time classes there on a Thursday afternoon.

Fun Easter holiday classes incorporating lots of fun Easter themed games and activities will also run at Roko and at Kidzplay in Harrogate.

ROKO FITNESS CLUB, YORK Wednesday 11th April ,Thursday 12th April and Friday 13th April 11.00am11.45am (2-3 year olds) and 11.45am – 12.30pm (3.5 & 4 year olds), Friday 13th April 1.00-2.30pm (5- 6 year olds)

KIDZPLAY PARTY ROOM, HARROGATE Monday 2nd April, Wednesday 4th April, Tuesday 10th April, Thursday 12th April 9.30am-10.15am (2-3 year olds), 10.15am-11.00am (3.5 & 4 year olds), Ripley Town Hall/Ripley Tennis Court, Harrogate (5-6 year olds), Thursday 12th April 1.00-2.30pm) There is a special Easter holiday class rate so that the pre school classes (2-4 year olds) cost just £5 and the school age classes (5-6 year olds) cost £10. The Kidzplay classes in Harrogate also include free play in the soft play area following the class. If you book more than one class per child you also get a 10% discount off the total cost of your booking. For further information, please contact Caroline Buncall on 07843342662, email caroline. buncall@tennistykes.co.uk or log onto www.tennistykes.co.uk

9 APR 11AM - 4PM

14 Apr

EGG ACTIVITY DAY THORP PERROW

TABLE TOTS SALE JOSEPH ROWNTREE SCHOOL

Lots of Easter fun, arts, crafts and games with eggs. Suitable for all ages - no need to book.

01677 425323 www.thorpperrow.com

Sell and or Buy quality pre-loved toys, books, equipment & clothes for mums-to-be, babies, tots & young children.07706 22 77 42 www.tabletots.co.uk

9 APR 1OAM

14 APR 11:15AM - 12:30PM

FAMILY OUTDOOR CLIMBING DAY BRIMHAM ROCKS

SELBY NCT NEARLY NEW SALE SELBY METHODIST CHURCH, PORTHOLME ROAD

Join Harrogate Climbing Centre and climb the famous rocks at Brimham. Take the whole family and have a go at climbing in the great outdoors!

Child to adult ration 2:1. All Tickets £35 Booking essential. 01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

LIVE IT! RIPON MUSEUM

Join the staff and inmates of the Victorian Workhouse Museum and help out with the daily tasks. FREE activities. Normal admissions apply. 01765 690799 www.riponmuseums.co.uk 13 APR 1PM

SPRING ART BRIMHAM ROCKS

6 - 17 MAR

Get out your coloured paints and glitter and take your hardboiled eggs along for a best decorated and egg rolling competition.

01765 608888 www.fountainsabbey.org.uk

4 & 5 APR

SUMMER HOLIDAY

TIDDLER & OTHER TERRIFIC TALES HARROGATE THEATRE

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE

30 MAR - 1 APR

THE CLOUD MAN

DISNEY ON ICE PRINCESSES & HEROES MOTORPOINT ARENA, SHEFFIELD

CHRIS & PUI THE GRAND THEATRE & OPERA HOUSE, LEEDS 0870 121 4901 www.leedsgrandtheatre.com 20 - 24 MAR

SWALLOWS & AMAZONS WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE 0113 213 7700 www.wyp.org.uk 26 & 27 MAR

SCIENCE MUSEUM LIVE ON TOUR YORK THEATRE ROYAL 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

30 Families Vale of York

29 - 31 MAR

10 MAR

18 MAR

FOUNTAINS ABBEY

Fun family day at the races.

01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

EASTER EGG EGGSPLOITS

WETHERBY RACES FAMILY DAY & MASCOT GOLD CUP

YORK THEATRE ROYAL

8 - 9 APR 11AM - 4PM

9 APR from 2pm

Join the Workhouse Players as they take on famous Dickens Characters and read from the novels as part of the author’s 200th birthday celebrations. Book in advance. Tickets £4 01765 690799 www.riponmuseums.co.uk

By The Flying Ducks Youth Theatre.Tickets £8 & £7 from Michael Whyte on 01904 768963 or by visiting www. flyingducksyouththeatre.com.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

01405 763652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk

Annual Easter chocolate fest - £2 per child for Easter egg trail tickets.

01924 863892 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR DICKENS! EVENING EVENT RIPON MUSEUM

29 APR

Let your imagination run riot and create wild art with a springtime theme. Booking essential 01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

JUNCTION

NOSTELL PRIORY

26 Apr 7pm

11 APR 2.00PM - 4.00PM

theatre

Good quality, nearly new prams, buggies, cots, highchairs and other baby equipment, children’s clothes and toys. Early entry at 11am for NCT members. 0844 243 6257 selbyNCTNNS@gmail.com

0114 2 789 789 www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk 2 APR

WIND IN THE WILLOWS LEEDS CITY VARIETIES 01132 243 0808 www.cityvarieties.co.uk 2 & 3 APR

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS WAKEFIELD THEATRE ROYAL & OPERA HOUSE 01924 211311 www.wakefieldtheatres.co.uk 3 APR

RUMPLESTILTSKIN DONCASTER CIVIC THEATRE

01302 342349 www.doncastercivic.co.uk

01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk 5 APR

THE KIDZ CONCERT ST. GEORGE’S HALL

www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 01274 432000 7 APR

THE KIDZ CONCERT HULL NEW THEATRE

01482 300 300 www.hullcc.gov.uk/hullnewtheatre 10 APR

BOB’S BIG THEATRE BUILD GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK 01904 671818 10 & 11 APR

THE WIZARD OF OZ YORK BARBICAN

www.yorkbarbican.co.uk 12 APR

RUMPLESTILTSKIN LEEDS CITY VARIETIES 01132 243 0808 www.cityvarieties.co.uk 12 - 13 APR

MUTTNIK: THE FIRST DOG IN SPACE YORK THEATRE ROYAL 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

classes Tuesdays 7.15-8.15pm

YOGA IN YORK ST GEORGE’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, FISHERGATE

beta mum

From 14+ weeks post conception. Drop in (£7.50) or pay in advance at £6.50 for 6 weeks Anna Semlyen Yoga in York www.yogainyork.co.uk 07891 989310

Fellow Beta Mums, rejoice!

Tuesdays 6.15 - 7.15

For I have confirmation that we’re not alone…

BUMPERCISE ACOMB METHODIST CHURCH Antenatal and postnatal exercise. Contact Sarah on 01904 780 355 / 07828 727 539 Weds & Thurs 6.30 - 8.15pm

YOGA FOR PREGNANCY JACOB’S WELL, TRINITY LANE, YORK. With Sophie Carr

www.yogaco.co.uk

01904 733752

Mondays 10.30am - 12pm

BABY YOGA ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH HALL, PRIORY ST, CENTRAL YORK. With Alison Goodwin www.yogaco.co.uk 01904 799097

12 - 14 APR

14 APR

LITTLE RED YOU KNOW WHO HARROGATE THEATRE

THE UGLY DUCKLING

01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk 12 - 14 APR

THE OWL & THE PUSSYCAT WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE 0113 213 7700 www.wyp.org.uk 13 APR

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS HULL NEW THEATRE 01482 300 300 www.hullcc. gov.uk/hullnewtheatre

THE GEORGIAN THEATRE ROYAL, RICHMOND

01748 825252 www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk 15 APR

THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS WAKEFIELD THEATRE ROYAL & OPERA HOUSE 01924 211311 www.wakefieldtheatres.co.uk 28 - 29 APR

MY FIRST SLEEPING BEAUTY GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

14 APR

01904 671818

THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS HULL NEW THEATRE

2 - 5 MAY

14 APR

4 & 5 MAY

TITANIC THE MUSICAL YORK THEATRE ROYAL

SCIENCE MUSEUM:LIVE ON TOUR HARROGATE THEATRE

01482 300 300 www.hullcc. gov.uk/hullnewtheatre

01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk 14 APR

WHOSE STORY IS IT ANYWAY? YORK THEATRE ROYAL 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

WIND IN YHE WILLOWS HARROGATE THEATRE 01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

01423 502116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk 5 & 6 MAY

PEPPA PIG’S TREASURE HUNT YORK BARBICAN www.yorkbarbican.co.uk

Two friends have displayed reassuringly Beta tendencies recently, from which we can all take comfort.

The first friend (let’s save her blushes and call her Annie) had booked a cab to get her to work in the morning because her car was in the garage.

The taxi duly pulled up at the kerb, only for Annie to discover that she’d been locked in the house. Unable to find her keys, she turned the place upside down until she finally stumbled across the spare set and let herself out.

Knowing her family would be home when she got back, she posted the spares back through the letterbox and trotted off down her garden path.

Now, our Annie’s a securityconscious gal and has invested in electric security gates.

Unfortunately, the electricity supply can be a bit dodgy in poor weather and, of course, this was the morning that the gates refused to budge.

With the cab driver looking on in puzzlement from the roadside, just three feet away, Annie wrenched at the gates to no avail.

Finally, she realised she was a prisoner in her own garden, and was forced to wave away the cab and call for help. Luckily, her mobile phone was in her bag and fully charged.

Unluckily, like her electric gates, her sim card is faulty and often refuses to work. You know how you just find a way to cope with things instead of fixing them?

Well for several weeks, Annie has been dashing around coping with her dodgy phone by removing and reinserting the sim card.

If you have an iPhone, you’ll know that the only way of taking out the sim is poking a pin or something in the holder, so poor Annie was reduced to running around the garden looking for a thin, sharp twig, so she could remove her sim card, put it back in, activate the phone and beg someone to release her from her own front garden.

Of course, our own mums are often (irritatingly) Alpha Mums and that was the case here – once telephoned, Annie’s mother came swiftly to the rescue.

My other friend (Sarah, for the purposes of this column) is another one with an Alpha Mum of her own. Sarah’s a busy, working mother of two and the girls’ granny often lends a hand with the childcare – and more.

A couple of weeks ago, Sarah was on a work trip away when her mum texted to say, ‘Remember it’s Jean’s bday on Friday.’

Helpful, you might think, for your mother to remind you of the birthday of an elderly friend of the family.

Sadly (and bizarrely), Sarah was unfamiliar with the abbreviation ‘bday’ for birthday. And she was busy. And wasn’t really concentrating.

So what she read was ‘Remember it’s B’s jeans day on Friday’.

She was most puzzled when she came back from her trip and did the school run on the Friday. Her daughter, B, was resplendent in jeans, jumper and jazzy boots, while all the other children were in school uniform as normal.

Give your child a head start at school!

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Completing the activities with your child is a great shared activity that will help develop positive attitudes towards reading and learning.

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7-13 Years

Continuing the Reading Journey Packed full of hundreds of great online activities and games, Reading Eggspress is a great way for your child to continue developing their reading skills.

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