Families Vale of York Sep-Oct 2011

42

sept/oct2011 issue

free

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

Ashville College

Open Day

Sat 8th Oct 1.30 - 4.30pm

Teaching tennis to little ones from 2 years A fun and educational tennis play and skills programme Classes across North Leeds, Ilkley, Wetherby, Harrogate, Ripon and York For information call Caroline Buncall on 07843 342 662 • www.tennistykes.co.uk

2 Families Vale of York

welcome

Don’t get me wrong, I love the summer holidays but I do think that September is my favourite month of the year.

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For me September is a month of new possibilities, fresh beginnings and milestones. It’s a pile of school books yet to be filled, crisp new uniform and still-warm days with the hope of an Indian summer. It brings back friends missed over the summer, a new teacher, maybe a new school – and in my case the startling realisation that there’s only one more year left before my youngest begins in reception.

Not, of course, that she needs to go because naturally, she ‘knows it all’ but she’s already very excited. We’ve been lucky enough to have been given some school clothes for her already and we’ve been treated to several fashion shows of ‘too big’ clothes whilst my son tries on his new uniform. It’s with a large ‘gulp’ that I realise next year they’ll fit her and she’ll be off into the future leaving behind a very quiet house.

So here’s to all the mums and dads who are packing their youngest child off to school this time and to the teachers who’ll be welcoming them. And if, like me, it’s your last year before they go, make the most of every minute – it’ll fly by.

Editor

in this issue familiesmagazine Contact us: PO Box 201, DN14 9ZW

Tel: 01405 860831 editor@familiesvoy.co.uk www.familiesvoy.co.uk Front cover: www.tesco.com/clothing Circulation: 17,000 Deadline: The deadline for the Nov/Dec 2011 edition is early October 2011 Designed by: MOOIdesign Tel:01405 869045 Printed by: Warwick Printers www.warwickprinting.co.uk Copyright Families in the Vale of York Sept/Oct 2011. 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.

‘So things weren’t looking good. As far as he was concerned, I had no ID, no insurance, no driving license, I’d lied about when I bought the car and my insurance company phone number was a mobile. I braced myself for a likely arrest.’

Read our dad blog at www.familiesvoy.co.uk

p4 p6 p7 p8 p10-19 p20-25 p28-30 p31

news the parent business competitions ask the doctor clubs & classes back to school what’s on beta mum

what’s online • School matters Have you chosen the right school? Elisabeth Dolton suggests simple ways to monitor the progress of the school and your child

• Mother’s Guilt ‘Our biggest mothering mistake really, is believing we shouldn’t be making any.’ Abi Foss shares some sound advice

• It’s a Dad’s Life Catch up with our dad-blogger Rob

• Beta Mum Words of wisdom & hilarity from Jacey

• Competitions Enter all our competitions online Families Vale of York

3

news

Could C o you b e a me&i be rrepresentative? ep me&i, a gorgeous range of me&i me kids clothes from Sweden ki has recently re has been launched in the UK.

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The br brand and wa wass founded foun foun ounded ded by tw two Swedish mums in 2004 and their clothes represent Swedish design at its best – high quality, funky colours and cool prints and they are really comfortable to wear. All the clothes are tried and tested by a panel of children for both comfort and looks. me&i makes shopping for children’s clothes a really enjoyable activity. Their clothes are sold exclusively through home parties, saving busy mums both time and effort.

They are now looking for representatives in the local area so if you are thinking about returning to work or just want to change to a job that fits round your family, take a look at the company’s website. www.meandi.eu 07725 030 821

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4 Families Vale of York

The Enchanted Forest; a place where magic is born and where folklore and fairy tales fall like fruit from the trees. But all is not well in the home of wizards and wishing wells. A dark force has cast a wicked spell over the heart of the enchanted world and only one brave adventurer can break through the wicked magic and free The Enchanted Forest: Samuel Blaise.

But this is one quest in which he cannot succeed alone. He needs you, dear friend and he asks that you bring only bravery, honesty and an open heart‌ If you want to journey with Samuel into the heart of The Enchanted Forest you’ll need to visit Stockeld Park on either 25th or 26th October where once again the Theatre in The Woods team will be there to entertain you with a magical interactive journey through the forest.

Online tickets are available and advisable www.thechristmasadventure.com

Treasures celebrates its first birthday It’s been a great first year for Treasures toy shop in Wetherby says owner Zhara Armstrong. ‘The feedback we get is really positive – I’ve lost count of the number of customers I’ve heard saying that this is what a “real� toy shop is like.

I’m also delighted that we have our “regulars�.

For example every Saturday morning we have one little boy who comes with his grandparents to choose a new animal from our Schleich range and we also have a number of children on reward charts for good school work or behaviour and they share their results with us. Our recently launched Treasures Wish List is proving very popular too and our free gift wrapping service is always greeted with a smile.’ Treasures will be a year old on Saturday 17th September they’re planning a party with great entertainment and lots of opportunities to win prizes to mark this occasion.

From September 1st competition entry sheets can be collected from the shop with a chance to win some fabulous prizes. ‘We’ll be running two themed colouring competitions,’ says Zhara, ‘one Lego and one Schleich with fantastic 1st prizes for both and lots of great runners up prizes. Our Lego first prize is the Pirates of the Caribbean Whitecap Bay (retail value ÂŁ72) and from Schleich we have figures & sets totalling ÂŁ50 for the winner.

In store entertainment – starts at 12 o’clock and will include Mr Dan The Circus Man who will be riding around Wetherby on his Unicycle juggling from 11am to warm things up! From 12 o’clock he will be at Treasures juggling and stilt walking.

He’ll also be judging both competitions – winners will be announced at 4pm. There’ll be free balloon modelling and free face painting, lucky dip and guaranteed great one day special offers.

Be sure to arrive in fancy dress - any child dressed up will get a prize!

Treasures, 8, High St, Wetherby www.treasurestoys.co.uk

OOPS! We’d like to apologise to Water Babies and Baby Swimmers. Our Swimming feature in July / Aug should have read that Water Babies instructors take 150 hours to qualify and are re-validated every 2 years. We inadvertently attributed this to Baby Swimmers whose instructors go through 10 weeks of training and are also re-validated for their life saving every two years.

Stutton Playgroup Celebrate an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report Stutton Playgroup near Tadcaster was recently awarded “Outstanding� by OFSTED achieving Grade 1 in all 17 judgements. ‘I was absolutely thrilled when we were told we’d received 17 outstandings,’ says Playgroup Leader and Manager Helen Smith. ‘A setting’s overall assessment is only as good as its lowest grade - so it’s pretty amazing really!’ ‘I believe this was the result of a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck,’ says Helen. ‘We have a highly qualified, dedicated team. I’m nearing the end of a BA (Hons) Degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development and my Deputy Manager Jean Daubney has just completed the first year of a Foundation Degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development. ‘It’s so nice to have all the hard work and energy we put into the provision recognised officially! We feel that we have the best job in the world and always think it is a huge honour and privilege - but it’s great when it’s formally recognised. ‘The OFSTED inspector really understood how we value learning through play and the importance of providing children with a quality learning environment. She commented on how we are very much in tune with the needs of each individual child within the setting and on our outdoor learning environment and our sustainability ethos. We encourage the children to recycle, compost and use the compost in our garden area where the children plant and grow a variety of produce - which they then eat at snack!

For further details about the setting visit www.stuttonplaygroup.org.uk.

For your little Pumpkin

Pregnant?

P Bumpercise can B benefit YOU! b Did you know that women who exercise during pregnancy have an increased ability to cope with labour and pain?

‘And that’s not all,’ says Sarah Owen who runs Bumpercise classes in York. ‘Second time mums who have come to my classes have gained less weight than in their first pregnancy, used less pain relief and have noted that they have felt less stressed and had improved sleep.’

‘Exercise alleviates many discomforts associated with pregnancy such as back ache, and varicose veins as well as lessening the chances of stress incontinence and prolapse in the future.’

‘I’d encourage pregnant mums to attend a specialised class such as mine where we tailor exercises to the needs of a woman’s changing body. There’s absolutely no need to stop exercising and you can even take it up if you haven’t done it before. However it is important to ensure you have proper instruction.’

Sarah runs Bumpercise classes at Acomb Methodist Church on Tuesdays at 6.15. To find out more call 01904 780 355

If you’re thinking ahead to Halloween and want something extra special, we love these sets from Candy Bows. The Tutu and Halloween bow set for ages 2-7 retail at £8.99, the tee-shirt (ages 2-3, 4-5, 6-7) is £11.50 and the bow on its own - £3.50 All are in limited stock and available from the 1st week of September at www.candybows.co.uk

Labels4kids - for cash Children’s labelling company Labels4Kids are recruiting sales agents. In exchange for a small start up cost, readers who refer friends and family to the company’s website can earn money back in commission. You get to show and explain products you like to others who may also benefit from their use, and make some money too.

Over the years Labels4Kids has been entered in and won numerous high profile awards, including Online Retailer of the Year in 2010 and 2011.

As well as ordering kits through the website, customers can read blogs on numerous topics including the latest educational and parent-related issues. There is also a Labels4Kids Facebook page where discounts, offers and news are posted.

For orders, go to www.labels4kids.com/fam To ask about becoming an agent, email sales@labels4kids.com.

Willow’s Wish Selby parents Sally Neal & Matthew Emmison have been busy this summer raising funds for their daughter’s charity Willow’s Wish.

Willow who is 7½ was born with cerebral palsy and has been told she is an ideal candidate for a potentially life changing operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) which will help her walk more independently, sit up on her own with greater ease and improve the level of discomfort she experiences on a daily basis.

‘Willow is as bright as a button but because she has cerebral palsy she cannot walk unaided and gets exhausted quickly using her walking frame or crutches,’ says Sally.

‘Her condition affects her in other ways which is especially noticeable when she is with her friends as she struggles to keep up with them. Willow has a determined spirit however and works extremely hard to achieve her current life style. She goes to a mainstream school and with the help of her fantastic support team she is included in all activities. As parents of a disabled child it is both heart breaking and humbling to witness your child’s struggle on a daily basis, even though she smiles in the face of adversity.’

The surgeon who is offering this procedure is based in America, so Willow and her family will have to spend 5 weeks in the USA to embark on the surgery and the intensive physiotherapy. The estimated cost of this is up to £60,000 and the family are looking for all the help they can get.

‘We are currently looking for help in the form of monetary donations, help with events or raffle prizes to raise the money.’

If you’d like to help you can find out more at www.willowswish.org.uk and you can show your support by following Willows Wish on Facebook.

New Event for New Mums A lovely range of maternity and breastfeeding bras and a large variety of modern reusable nappies will be demonstrated at a new monthly ‘Bras and Nappies’ event starting in York from September.

New mums and expectant mums can have bras expertly fitted by Caroline Bolton whilst local nappy advisor Karin Fothergill will be on hand to answer questions and help parents choose nappies that would best suit their lifestyle and budget.

The session will take place at The Avenues Children’s Centre from 12 noon, immediately after the Breastfeeding Workshop, on the third Saturday of every month (17th September, 15th October, 19th November).

To avoid disappointment, please book a place with either Caroline caroline.bolton@virgin.net 01904 70703 or Karin karin@stratfordnappies.co.uk 01759 37884.

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Families Vale of York

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theparentbusiness Amazing Faces Jackie Rowntree is mum to two children, Robyn aged 8 and Edward aged 6. She lives in Harrogate where she runs her face painting business Amazing Faces.

A graphic designer by trade, and with fine art as her first love, Jackie’s move into face painting was an obvious one, as to get good results you must have a natural flair.

“I love all things bright and beautiful and am totally addicted to face painting,” says Jackie, who had scaled down her graphic design work after the birth of her two children.

“After the children came along I found myself being asked to face paint at school, fetes and functions. I seemed to have a talent for it and so began some research.

“I spent time watching professionals at work and put in plenty of practice to develop my style and extend my repertoire. There’s quite a lot to learn about products and materials, how to queue manage and taking out the right insurance. It’s important to be reliable, prepared, creative and innovative - there’s so much more to face painting than tigers and butterflies!

“What people don’t realise about face painting is that adults love it too,” says Jackie, “they just don’t like to admit it! “At parties or functions I usually paint a couple of reluctant adult faces first and before long everyone is having either butterflies, horrific mock injuries or glamorous motifs on arms and cheekbones! It’s just as much fun painting at a 21st or 40th Birthday as it is at a Christening or child’s party.

Jackie is in demand at all sorts of functions across the region and recently painted at Stockeld Park and the Grassington Festival.

“I attend all kinds of events from children’s, teenage and adult birthday parties, hen nights, weddings & Christenings, promotion evenings and works bashes. I do Halloween, Christmas and New Year balls, community days, school and nursery events - in fact any kind of celebration or special occasion you choose will suit a face and/or body painter.’ Business and conference events can benefit too.

Being able to use her natural skills and talent is the best part of working for herself. “I love

improvising and trying out new ideas and especially seeing the delighted reaction on people’s faces.

“Of course there are down sides to working for yourself – the work is sometimes inconsistent and rainy days aren’t so good if you are working outdoors. But apart from that it fits in with home life and child rearing really well, which is a lot less stressful on the family as a whole. I’m there for the family but still contributing.

“Most of my work is weekends or after school when my husband Paul can have the children or they come along and we all make a day of it. On some occasions it is possible for my daughter to paint arms along side me (which she loves) as she did at the Cherry Blossom Picnic on the Stray this summer.

Jackie has great plans for the future of the business “My aim is to be The Face Painter that people in the Harrogate area want to use - because they know I’m of a professional standard. I also have ideas about how to take the website forward.

“Feedback from the website I developed has been great and people love the characters Robyn and Edward that I created based on our two children. I’d like to develop them and sell my own and other people’s products through links on the site and I’m looking for the right business person to help me do it!

“If I were to advise anyone thinking of going into business I would say website, website, website- and find someone who can optimize your website to get it up there on Google for your area. There are a number of ways this can be done, some are better than others. I found someone brilliant and cheap - so people shouldn’t be ripped off or bamboozled into having a complicated site.

Jackie works in Harrogate and the surrounding areas including Knaresborough, Pately Bridge, Ripon, Masham, York, Wetherby, Aberford, Leeds, York, Selby, Tadcaster, Thirsk and further afield for really special occasions. This autumn you can catch her at Stockeld Park when she’ll be painting faces over Halloween. 0794 960 2202 www.facepaintingharrogate.com

WIN a 2 hour FREE Face Painting session with Amazing Faces Parents- can your child come up with a creative face paint design? Teachers – would you like your class to enter? If so, you stand a chance of winning a 2 hour face painting session for your party or Christmas event.

Send your designs on paper to: Families Amazing Faces Competition, PO BOX 201, DN14 9ZW or you can email them to amazingfaces@btinternet.com Robyn and Edward will decide on the winner who will receive a free 2 hour face paint session for their event – wouldn’t that make a nice gift for someone!

Entries by 10th October please. Terms and Conditions can be seen online at www.familiesvoy.co.uk/amazingfaces

6 Families Vale of York

competitions

win a Sleigh Ride

win

a half-terms subscription to a High-Low QuickSlow class As High-Low QuickSlow comes to the end of its third year in business, Anne and Sarah reflect on what has been a very busy and exciting time.

Santa at Stockeld Park with

Christmas comes to Yorkshire with the arrival of Santa on the 12th November at Stockeld Park. One lucky reader is invited to join Father Christmas on a sleigh ride through the Enchanted Forest to kick off another spectacular festive season. You’ll sit next to Santa as the reindeers pull you past Figgy Pudding’s house, the Snow Queen and all our favourite forest friends.

After a magical ride, your family can enjoy The Christmas Adventure experience. Included in the prize is a visit to the award winning grotto, a family skate on the NEW real ice rink and the chance to explore the fun packed maze.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, go to www.familiesvoy.co.uk/santaride and follow the instructions there.

One runner up will receive a Stockeld Park Goody Bag and tickets for a family skate on the NEW real ice rink. Good Luck!

For more about all the events at Stockeld Park this Halloween, turn to our What’s On guide.

www.thechristmasadventure.com

Win tickets to see The Magic Hatter’s Christmas Cracker, a family magic show!

Having left their Primary School teaching jobs, the sisters decided to start their very own music and movement classes for children from 6 months old, in and around the Selby area. They worked together to write the early years programme and wrote and developed a variety of action songs. They then recorded the songs at a local studio.

The classes are based around four soft toy animals – High the giraffe, Low the snake, Quick the cheetah and Slow the tortoise.

Every class starts with a song that wakes the animals up from their basket. Then follows 45 minutes of fun, music and movement which includes follow me time, action songs, nursery rhymes, musical instruments, activity time, groovy moves, together time and a time to relax, cool down and listen to calming music. After this the children wave goodbye to the animals and return them to their basket for a sleep.

The programme is energetic and great fun for children and parents/carers. Anne and Sarah agree; ‘We have met lots of lovely families through running the classes and seeing the children sing and dance with huge smiles on their faces has to be the biggest reward.’

Classes are run in Drax, Escrick, Rawcliffe (Goole), Osgodby and Monk Fryston. High-Low Quick-Slow also deliver parties and run sessions in schools and pre-schools. www.highlowquickslow.co.uk Telephone: Anne 07903 270532 Sarah 07912209024

COMPETITION To celebrate going into their fourth year, Anne and Sarah are offering the chance to win a halfterms subscription to a High-Low Quick-Slow class.

Go to www.familiesvoy.co.uk/high-low and tell us the name of the Cheetah at High-Low Quick-Slow.

Full instructions & Ts &Cs can be found online.

Closing date 10th October.

Chi Children’s entertainer and magician The Magic Hatter is bringing an exciting new magic show to York this December, The Magic Hatter’s exc Chr Christmas Cracker! Jam-packed with comedy, music, storytelling, mag magic, illusions and more surprises than in Santa’s sleigh, this seasonal sho is festive fun for all the family...’yule’ love it! show Sho Shows are on December 19th, 21st and 22nd at Upstage Centre Youth The Theatre, 41 Monkgate, York, YO 7PB. YO31 To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket (2 x adults and 2 For the job that fits round x children) for any of the three dat dates, simply answer the following your family! que question...

Que Question: Apart from the We are looking for outgoing sea seasonal themes (Christmas and and driven mums with a keen Hallow Halloween), how many other magic t show themes do Magic Hatter interest in fashion.

Bir Birthdays offer?

You’ll find the answer by visiting www.magichatterbirthdays.co.uk.

To enter visit www.familiesvoy.co.uk/ magichatter and follow the instructions there.

Full Ts & Cs are online. Closing date 31st October. Good luck, ho-ho-hope to see you there!

Families Vale of York

7

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.

As we return to school & nursery local GP Clare Spencer takes a look at the unpleasant topic of head lice.

H

ead lice are something many of us have to face at one time or another and I’ve recently

had to treat my 3 children. Clearing my 2 year old daughter’s lovely long, thick hair took several weeks and nearly drove me to cut it short! (I didn’t.) I therefore have lots of knowledge and practical advice to share.

WHAT ARE HEAD LICE?

HOW DO YOU TREAT?

Head lice are tiny insects which live on the hairs of the scalp and neck of humans. They are incredibly common and are not discriminating between clean or dirty hair, so not an indication of being unclean in any way. The adults are varying shades are grey/brown/white, have 6 legs and are up to 4mm long. They are immediately recognizable when you see them. They can be seen clinging to hair or crawling round the head.

They don’t jump or fly. Nits are the louse eggs.

They are small, oval droplet shaped and stick to the hair despite combing (as opposed to dandruff or hair spray residue which can look like nits, but are mobile).

Head lice can be cured, although this can take time as there are now lice that are resistant to the insecticides used to treat them. The choice is between insecticides, non-insectical shampoos and physical methods, the best treatment probably being a combination of the chemical and physical. It is important to treat the whole household all at once so you don’t re-infect each other. You may have heard of people using Tea Tree Oil for which there is, as yet, no medical evidence of effectiveness.

• WET COMBING The insects (but not eggs) can be removed by acquiring a ‘nit comb’. These are fine toothed combs that can be bought at the chemist, or your GP can prescribe (‘Nitty Gritty’ or ‘Bug Buster Kit’). The best way is to wet the hair and then apply a conditioner (any will do).

With the conditioner still on, comb through the hair in sections so you know you have been through all of it. This takes 20-30 minutes in long hair. Wash the conditioner off and then repeat. My daughter came to sort of enjoy it!

In between each stroke, you need to wipe the comb on tissue to check for lice. Wet combing needs repeating every 2-3 days and continued till no lice have been seen for 10 days after the last one. The aim is remove all the lice as they hatch, before they have chance to mature and hatch eggs themselves. Wet combing doesn’t remove the eggs.

The eggs take 7-10 days to hatch and the baby lice (nymphs) take 7-10 days to mature into adults. Head lice only survive 2-3 days away from a human head as they feed on human blood (lovely thought).

HOW ARE HEAD LICE SPREAD? Spread is from head to head contact (not from pillow or hair brushes).

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THERE IS INFECTION? Some people have itching, but most commonly you know there are head lice when you see them. (Are you itching yet? I am just by writing about nits!) To look for lice and nits, part the hair systematically and comb through with a fine toothed nit comb (see wet combing below).

There may be small itchy pink bumps around the edge of the scalp which are small insect bites. Other signs of infection include crusting of the scalp, enlarged glands in the neck, and sometimes repeated episodes of impetigo (yellow crusting skin infections). If there are large numbers of lice, the scalp may smell unpleasant

DAY

N U R S E R Y

• INSECTICIDES & NON-INSECTICIDE SHAMPOOS These products kill live lice by a variety of means. You should only use them if you find live lice. They don’t kill the eggs though, so the treatment must be repeated a week later.

Remember, the eggs may hatch in between treatments. Baby lice can be removed by wet combing as above.

the road to learning, a journey of fun!

www.munchkins-day-nursery.com

spaces available for more information

CALL 01757 638868 info@munchkins-day-nursery.com

Opening Times: 7.15am - 6.30pm Unit 6 Brackenholme Business Park Near Selby on the A63 between hemingbrough & howden

8 Families Vale of York

Insecticides include products containing permethrin, malathion and phenothrin. Lice can become resistant to them with repeated use. They are should be rubbed into dry hair, allowed to dry naturally then left on for 8-12 hours. It should then be washed off with shampoo. The instructions on the box may tell you to remove it sooner, but it is more effective if left on for longer. The disadvantage is that these chemicals may cause skin irritation or make asthma worse.

Some chemicals work against lice in different ways (e.g. suffocation) and lice cannot become resistant to them. These chemicals include dimeticone and isopropyl myristate.

Dimeticone is left on overnight as above.

Isopropyl myristate (Full Marks Solution) is worth mentioning. You only need to leave it on for 10 minutes. However, it is oil based and takes 3-4 shampoos to get your hair back to its normal shiny state. Clinical trials have not yet been done to show that Full Marks Solution is as effective as other treatments (although, of course, it may be).

If you are pregnant, you should see your doctor to discuss the best method of treatment.

So if you find head lice in your little darling’s hair, or you get the letter home from school warning that there are head lice about, I hope you now have enough knowledge to look for lice and to decide how to treat if you find them.

For further information www.bad.org.uk (British Association of Dermatologists – they have a number of useful patient information leaflets on many skin conditions) www.patient.co.uk - they have good, reliable information on every medical condition you could think of.

Families Vale of York

9

Two New Venues for Socatots – & Two Job Vacancies

French and Spanish for Bigger Fidgets

Socatots have two new venues for September. On Mondays classes will run at Clifton Moor Church and Community Centre, Thursday classes will run at Burton Stone Community Centre and classes on Friday will be at Poppleton Road Memorial Hall.

Brian Macnair who runs Socatots is also looking for two new coaches – one for Selby and one for York both on Saturday mornings. Experience with children is essential. If you think you fit the bill, call Brian on 01765 620 374

Due to popular demand Little Fidgets will be offering several French and Spanish classes for children aged 4-7 in the York area this September. m as French will be available at Dringhouses Primary School on Mondays at 3.20pm horpe well as on Saturday mornings with Spanish on Saturday mornings at West Thorpe Methodist Church, Dringhouses.

“The younger children start learning languages the better”, says Lucy Amos, founder of Little Fidgets. “This is the perfect time to start - if they all started at this age, they’d be miles ahead when they started secondary school.”

New bab Lucy is also delighted that Little Fidgets which was founded in York has been introduc y classes have rds. shortlisted in the ‘Best Company’ category in the 2011 Mum & Working Awards. b e Jingles b d over the last een gradually y ire “We’re currently in the process of launching a franchise opportunity in Yorkshire in all are ut are soon to b ear at Jo a e introdu e and across the UK,” says Lucy. “Most of our wonderful language teachers are classes s of Yorkshire. are aime These n ced mums and our franchise opportunity has been built around the concept of 3 mon ew d at b flexible working. The launch of our franchise will make the Fidgets method even ven introd ths and give the abies from uction to m a g e ntle more widely available in the UK and will provide talented mums with a truly music u instrume sin n rewarding business opportunity.” sensory ts, songs, prop g activities s and age grou suitable 01904 706565 www.littlefidgets.co.uk p. for this For mo re detail near yo s of cla u s rk com/lee visit www.joji ses ters, Yo e P ngles. t d S s t or call 0 a . s s e n n o la s 1977 65 h6 g les 0455 cility wit launchin se of ool are ilt swimming fa u h e c S iv s g lu u in c b x m e re im y h tl w n s wit plosh S , a rece Sunday Splish S ptember 2011 3pm on ss. to e m S p la 1 from n from than 8 in the c k s will ru ol.co.u o Lesson l and no more h c s g in m o o im the p loshsw plishsp www.s -S Stagecoach York is holding an open evening for parents and prospective - Parents students stud ts aged 4 to 18. Go along to meet and young people aged 4 - 16 the principal and teachers and find out are invited to go along to an more about classes on Tuesday 20 informal open evening. You’ll September at 6pm at All Saints be able to get information Upper School, Mill Mount, off about the classes and speak The Mount, York. For further to the teachers and principal about what Stagecoach has information ring 01904 to offer. You can also arrange 672 662, email york@ a ‘Discovery Session’ where stagecoach.co.uk or just students can take part in classes go along on the night. and find out about Stagecoach first hand. Call 0113 210 3505 for more information.

New Ba by at Jo Jin Classes gles

Pool w e N t losh a p S h s li Sp

Open Evenings at Stagecoach York k

Selby, Wetherby & Kippax

Dates:

Sing as you go Children and parents at Rhythm Time have been getting involved in some musical fundraising this year dressing up as heroes to raise money for Children’s Hospices as part of their “Be a Hero” week.

“During the summer some of our fit mums also took part in the Harrogate Race for Life,” says Rhythm Time’s Lynn O’Malley. “We waved our pompoms as we ran, and I’d like to say we sang too, but it was hard enough to breathe! Thanks to the Rhythm Time mums though, we raised over £500 for Cancer research.”

Rhythm Time runs classes for babies (birth-15 months) or toddlers (15 months – 3 years), call Lynne on 07789 895894 or visit: www.rhythmtime.net

10 Families Vale of York

Stagecoach Selby Monday 12th September Selby High School Y08 4HT - 6pm Stagecoach Wetherby Tuesday 13th September Wetherby High School LS22 6JSN - 6pm Stagecoach Kippax Thursday 15th September - Brigshaw High School WF102HR - 6pm

Harrogate For information about Stagecoach in Harrogate & Ripon call 01423 771 138 www.stagecoach.co.uk

Extra Classes at The Little Gym

clubs&classes

The Little Gym in Harrogate is making a big impression, with more than 450 children aged from four months to 12 years now attending classes every week.

Programme director Holly Williamson said: “At The Little Gym we’re completely focused on the child’s progress – celebrating their success, helping them develop key motor skills in a supportive, noncompetitive environment and encouraging mums and dads to make new friends, too.

“Due to high demand we are putting on two extra advanced ‘Twister’ classes for primary school children to improve their skills, as well as additional Sunday sessions.

“Our ‘Bugs’ classes – for children aged four to 10 months – are really taking off, and we host up to four birthday parties every weekend and three-hour themed camps in the school holidays.”

Owner Kate Henebury and her team of qualified instructors have created a friendly, welcoming atmosphere since The Little Gym opened in February 2010, with children and their parents encouraged to get to know the staff really well.

Full details of classes, which run Tuesday to Sunday, are available at: www.thelittlegym.co.uk or by calling 01423 701560. t it is ur 3 a Dnisaproy? knows how importan Gettingrselfyo mme Caroline Buncall gra ten al loc of founder

As a mum he rcise every day: this summer, voicing for children to get exe vies hit the headlines Da ting that lly Sa r, ice Off al ief Medic d new guidelines indica “The government’s Ch of physical play for under 5s and launche day. This advice comes amid a k ysical concerns over the lac ting in at least 3 hours of physical activity ch linking a lack of ph ipa they should be partic levels of childhood obesity and new resear t growing concern abou development and social interaction. tside in r for children to get ou activity with poor bra months when it’s harde for children to be active ter win the r ove n t eve ally “The good news, is tha play, there are still lots of opportunities loc 5s. ive and participate in act ysical activity classes now open to under rning goals. ph dation Stage early lea and fine with a whole host of ent’s Early Years Foun ss nm gro ver lls, go ski n the atio ow din foll -or e children’s basic co “At Tennis Tykes we te social interaction. Th at fun as we develop The children find it gre d balance and at the same time also promo cal aims of the Early Years ysi an motor control, agility our classes have all easily exceeded the ph dination.” children coming out of en having great balance, control and co-or ildr learning goals with ch sses visit cla on on 07843 342 662 For information .uk or contact them .co es tyk nis en w.t ww

Baby Ballet arrives in York Baby Ballet is excited to announce that new classes will be starting in York this September.

‘The first York classes will start on Friday 23rd September at Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, York,’ says Jane Herbert of Baby Ballet.

‘TinyToes will be for children aged 18 months to 3 years at 10.15am and Minimovers for 3 & 4 year olds will run at 11am.

‘Eventually we’ll be adding baby classes (6 - 18 months) and Tap (a 15 minute addition to Minimovers). We’re aiming to add more venues and days after October half term and Christmas and hope to have classes running on at least 3 days by the end of the year.

Classes will be taken by Louise Bradbury Jane’s business partner who spent time training at The Royal Ballet School in London.

‘We can’t wait to get started in York,’ says Louise whose own three year old daughter Orla attends Baby Ballet classes. ‘The children are going to have lots of fun. I’ve had so much pleasure out of dancing myself that I want to share my experiences and love of dance with the next generation.’

Families has already been along to one of Louise’s classes and can say without a doubt that children are going to love Baby Ballet. You’ll be able to read all about our visit in the November / December issue of Families.

Babyballet runs fun, informal 35 minute dance classes taught by a professionally trained dance teacher. Book a 3 week trial for £15.

To book or for more information contact Miss Jane on 07702 965 932 or e-mail york@babyballet.co.uk

Families Vale of York

11

s e s s a l C & s Club

wan Robina Co f o lp e h with the gives

ctivities school a f o den t u o veal hid ding ; they re tests, ad s s d s n a ie p fr to w children ad to ne teaching obbies le H n . o m s E o u c ro ls fo lass ball in P at schoo ide the c ay. rop the th ts d d u il e u o a n o w n y o t fu c e e tag aus ghts an have constan al advan Just bec bright li ine and re r. h e a s te With the th s e to o m in o e o b d c e bec d a chan intereste onfidenc at could your chil who isn’t a huge c skills th d is p il h it lo c e g v e e in ; th nd nd d here dancing g, and fi talents a - they’re ming or somethin rs im t e a w is s d rt t o e a o v t For more grea e is g ur ad ht have.

Everyon ldn’t be ut. Try o eld. ig u o fi o m g s w u rt in u o o d y o p n es n fi tions mean y k or on th e’ve bee ny ques doesn’t voy.co.u rts class nswer a om, as w a a fr n e a to s y o in .families p o p w e h a c w in h h w to s e e b ll sit sti riety will our web em and nty of va listed on about th lly is ple o a w ls re o a n k re re e Th ies a nt you to ’s activit they wa children , d n because u ro ar on all ye informati Regular exercise is hugely beneficial to long term

Languages

Practical Considerations While it might seem tempting to guide your child to musical, sporting and artistic genius outside the classroom, they need time for just ‘chilling’ too.

Liz Baker is a parent, and also a school teacher. In her view: “there is no point in enrolling in every class going. Don’t assume your child will get an academic head start. They will only benefit academically when they are ready, and not before. Remember children get exhausted too - give them time to themselves. Children should choose and be given a taste of each activity before deciding if he or she wants to commit to it longterm - there’s no gain in putting your child under pressure.”

Think ahead You may need to put your child’s name on a waiting list, particularly for more popular classes Stay local Walking distance is best, otherwise getting there and back becomes another chore Great staff The best leaders are enthusiastic, skilled, trained, and have eyes in the back of their heads to spot children who need a little more encouragement, particularly when they are new and might feel shy Additional costs Will you need specialist clothes or equipment?

Does the club offer these secondhand? Is there an annual subscription or insurance charge? How much are exam fees?

Look-see Many clubs offer a free trial class, especially if they run on a termly basis. If that’s not possible, ask to pay weekly for the first two sessions Give it time Some children are prone to dropping out. Unless you think they are completely and utterly unsuited to the activity, or really, really hate it, stick it out for at least a couple of terms.

12 Families Vale of York

With over 60 different languages now spoken in schools across the UK, we are bringing up our children in a truly multicultural society.

Experts agree that the earlier a child starts learning other languages, the better. Children are extremely receptive to new ideas and information, especially when they’re having fun.

Preschool language classes build confidence and familiarity on an instinctive level, typically through songs, dances and simple games. School age children should be more aware of grammar and syntax, and supplementing school lessons with a language club will pay dividends - boosting their confidence, vocabulary and appreciation of different cultures.

Sports & Movement Baby Sensory 07590 425 310 www.babysensory.com Multi-sensory play for babies up to 13 months Baby & Child Matters www.babyandchildmatters.co.uk 07545 056 248 You’re never too young for a class – try baby massage from 6 weeks to crawling.

BSS (Brazilian Soccer Schools)

York & Ripon 01765 620 374 www.icfds.org/yorkandripon Football coaching for children aged 5-16 years.

Enjoy – a – Ball www.enjoy-a-ball.com 07789 861 108.

Sports coaching programme for ages 3 – 9.

Classes in Harrogate area.

Flutterbabies 01937 558500 www.flutterbabies.co.uk Baby yoga in Wetherby.

Relax Kids www.relaxkids.com/ charliemitchell 07870 498886 Classes focus on improving concentration, listening skills, attention span, confidence & self esteem. Ages 2-5.

Active Bodies

health and fitness. It’s easy to see the value of activities that help children burn off some energy at the end of the school day, or build skills in sports which they already enjoy at school. Even the tiniest children can benefit from the social side of playing team games, or the fun element of learning a ‘solo’ sport like trampolining, tennis or diving.

When children are engaged, they pay more attention - 61% of young people claim to be better behaved in PE than other lessons, in most cases simply because they enjoy it more. This is particularly true amongst boys, and children who admit to misbehaving at school - of whom 73% claim to be better behaved in PE lessons.

Socatots York & YogaBugs Ripon www.yogabugs.com 0113 01765 620 374 250 6972 / 0845 899 7245 www.socatots.com Yoga for ages 4 – 7 in Soccer training for ages 6 Harrogate. months - school age.

Swimming Abbey Leisure Centre, Selby Tennis Tots www.selbyleisure.co.uk 07725 339 257 01757 213 758 www.tennis-tots.co.uk Tennis for ages 2-3½ and Selby swim scheme caters for babies a year and up 3½-5 across Harrogate. with fun games through Tennis Tykes to Ducklings & Dolphin www.tennistykes.co.uk grades for older children.

07843 342 662 Baby Swimmers Tennis play and coaching 01757 229 880 programme for children www.babyswimmers.co.uk aged 2+. Harrogate area. York, Pocklington, Harrogate & Leeds The Little Gym 01423 701 560 Harrogate Borough www.thelittlegym.co.uk Council Gym programmes for www.harrogate.gov.uk children from 4 months to Classes for all ages 12 years. & stages including Raindrops for ages 6 Toddler Sense months – 2 years.

07565 551415 Splish Splosh www.babysensory.com Swimming School Excitement and 0844 264 1102 adventure with a fastwww.splishsplosh moving, action-packed programme - for children swimmingschool.co.uk Classes in Harrogate, aged 13 months to 3 York, Selby, Pocklington. years.

Ages 3 months+ Tumbletots Swim Tots York & Selby 01904 412381, 01423 528882 Harrogate & Wetherby www.swim-tots.co.uk 01423 780367 York, Harrogate, www.tumbletots.com Boroughbridge & Thirsk.

Gym classes for ages 6 Classes from birth - premonths – 7 years school.

Swim York www.york.gov.uk/swimyork 01904 552 424 Classes run all year for ages 6month + at Energise or Yearsley Swimming Pool.

Tadcaster Community Swimming Pool 01937 833001 www.tadcasterpool.org.uk Aquatots & Ducklings programmes for all ages & stages.

Waterworld York www.waterworldyork.co.uk 01904 642 111 Swimmimg classes for age 2 + Water Babies www.waterbabies.co.uk 01904 607 110 Classes for babies from birth – 4 years. Babies need to be under 1 to begin. York & Harrogate.

Wetherby Leisure Centre www.leeds.gov.uk 01937 585 125 Swimming Lessons available for all ages following the ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming.

Did You K now?

Babies absorb

the mom sounds e n t t h develop eir ears from in the w “It has be e omb? says Rhy n proven that mu thm T sic en

ime’s Lyn gages all babies in ne O area m recall; help any ways. It imp ’Malley, “and there s of the brain,” ro s v e d s e v m e e lo mory, con fore can benefit interactio p speech n c balance a . It can even impro and language and entration and nd co-ord e v ination.” e fine and gross m nhances social otor skills ,

Music Music gives amazing educational and developmental benefits. From just three months, babies actively enjoy music groups, and as soon as they can shake a rattle, they can join in too. Belting out a song teaches rhythm and helps develop speech.

Those hand actions you do when you sing nursery rhymes?

They boost spatial reasoning, which will later be useful in maths and science. Playing an instrument is great for dexterity and coordination. It teaches teamwork and responsibility, and improves concentration and memory. At six or seven, children night start with a recorder, keyboard or violin. From eight, guitar is an option. Brass and wind instruments are great for older children, when children can join their school band or orchestra.

Theatre arts “I like acting and pretending to be someone else and learning songs and dances with my friends,” says five-year-old William, who has attended a children’s performing arts club for nearly a year. For boosting the confidence of shy or reserved children, drama can’t be beaten. And the skills that a child learns through performing arts classes will stand them in good stead throughout their lives - twenty years down the line, they’ll thank you when it comes to addressing a meeting room or chairing a conference.

Performing arts classes are not only for children with starry aspirations. Theatre arts bring literature to life, and build selfconfidence. Learning to perform in front of an audience can help children with public speaking; role playing and improvisation give their minds freedom to develop while developing empathy for other people’s feelings.

Arts and Crafts Children love to get messy, and the chance to create their own piece of art is something special. Even the smallest child loves the sensation of clay between fingers, or the thrill of splodging finger paints on paper. Expressing themselves through the arts - whether through painting, drawing, story writing or making ‘junk models’ - gives children the freedom to unleash their creativity and push boundaries.

By providing a balance and a creative outlet, art skills complement and assist literacy and numeracy skills in the classroom. If you’re not artistically inclined yourself, or never have the time to sit down and help your child create a wonderful cushion, collage or clay model, why not leave it to the experts?

clubs&classes Language Baby & Child Matters www.babyandchildmatters.co.uk 07545 056 248 Signing for pre-talkers in York & surrounding area.

Little Fidgets www.littlefidgets.co.uk 01904 706 565 French & Spanish classes for children aged 2-7 and their grown-up in Harrogate, York, Selby & surrounding area.

Classes last 45 minutes with songs, games and role-play and often a sticky craft activity related to the term’s topic. Max 10 per class.

Sing and Sign Ripon & Harrogate 01765 620 374 Classes in Harrogate, Ripon, Northallerton, Thirsk and Knaresborough.

Sing and Sign York 01904 690 038 www.singandsign.com Talking Tots www.talkingtots.info 07521 680 949 Classes to help to improve children’s communication skills and social confidence through fun games and activities.

For ages 1 – 4 year olds.

York & Wetherby.

Tiny Talk Baby signing classes York and Pocklington 01759 371 168.

Harrogate 07989 076 588 www.tinytalk.co.uk From newborn onwards!

Arts & Crafts Pots 2 Go Harrogate 01423 524 797 www.pots2go.co.uk Rainbows Ceramic Café York 01904 675 533 www.rainbowscafe.co.uk Mucky Pups Beverley & North Newbald 01430 801 102 www.mucky-pups.com Arts, crafts & messy time for pre-schoolers.

Smarty Art 01423 339 738 smartyart@live.co.uk Art and Craft session for 1-5 year olds . 45 minute sessions at Kirk Hammerton & Boroughbridge.

Young At Art www.youngatart-harrogate. co.uk Arts & craft sessions for children aged 1-11 in Harrogate. 1 hour sessions. 01423 502 215

Butterfly Dance Studios High-Low Quick-Slow www.butterflydancestudios. co.uk 01757 611234 www.highlowquickslow.co.uk 01405 780 626 Extensive classes from Fun music & movement ballet & tap to Latin for ages 6 months – 5 years. 45 minute classes American & Hip Hop. All ages – tots to adults. in Selby, Rawcliffe, Escrick, Osgodby, Monk Goole.

Fryston & Wistow.

Stagecoach York 01904 672 662 Jo Jingles Harrogate & Ripon 01977 650 455 01423 771 138 www.jojingles.com/leeds Wetherby 0113 210 3505 Harrogate, Wetherby Selby 0113 210 3505 & Boston Spa. Music, www.stagecoach.co.uk singing & movement Classes in drama, dance classes for babies & and singing for students young children ages 3 aged from 4 -19. Offers months – 5 years. training in performing MiM Music (Multiples arts and life skills, such in Mind) as confidence and self www.mimmusic.co.uk esteem.

07799 796 245 Singing & music class for York Youth Theatre families & childminders (Theatre Royal) with pre-school twins www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/ and children close in age. youth.shtml York.

Catering for ages 5-19.

A brilliant opportunity to Rhythm Time work with professional www.rhythmtime.net theatre practitioners and 07789 895 894 artists and perform on Music & Singing classes stage. for babies, toddlers & pre-schoolers. Harrogate Harrogate Youth & Wetherby.

Theatre

Music

Sing and Sign Ripon & Harrogate 01765 620 374 Classes in Harrogate, Ripon, Northallerton, Thirsk & Knaresborough.

Sing and Sign York 01904 690 038 www.singandsign.com Singamajigs www.singamajigs.co.uk 01423 552 918 Sing & jig from birth – 5.

Classes in Harrogate & surrounding area.

Sound Generation www.soundgeneration. co.uk 020 3344 2310 Provides quality and fun music teachers for schools or home tuition in North and West Yorkshire.

Performing Babyballet York 07702 965 932 www.babyballet.co.uk TinyToes for 18 months to 3 years and Minimovers for 3 & 4 year olds starting in September.

(Harrogate Theatre)

www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk For ages 6 -18. No auditions and the same opportunities and experiences for everyone - whatever background.

Riding Lights Youth Theatre www.ridinglights.org For ages 11-18 Flying Ducks Youth Theatre 01904 761806 www. flyingducksyouththeatre. com Junction, Goole www.junctiongoole.co.uk Electric Youth Theatre (518) & Vocalise Singing & Music (5-18) Stage Door Academy 01904 674 675 www.upstagecentre.org.uk Drama & musical theatre & singing in the Goole & Howden area.

Bluespoon Theatre Company Based in York 07923 359470 www.bluespoontheatre.com

Babyballet Harrogate 01132 602 449 www.babyballet.co.uk Classes in Harrogate & Tadcaster for children aged 18 months – preschool.

Upstage Centre Youth Theatre 01904 674 675 www.upstagecentre.org.uk One of the foremost youth theatres in York catering for ages 8-25.

Families Vale of York

13

??

t a o d u o y What do

The Families family has been extremely busy this summer finding out exactly what goes on in some of our local clubs and classes.

We’ve been so impressed with what’s on offer for our little ones; we just had to share it with you.

Baby Classes Baby

Families went along to two local groups to find out how mums and new babies are bonding over massage & play.

Massage

at Wetherby Children’s Centre

I arrived at the children’s centre just before midday on a really warm summer’s day and chatted to class leader Amy Lund before the new parents and babies arrived. ‘This is a great time to come along,’ says Amy, ‘as it’s just after baby weigh-in at the surgery next door.

I wondered whether it might be too near meal time but as Amy explains most babies don’t stick to meal times ‘breast milk is digested in 20 minutes,’ she adds so it’s okay to feed a little before a massage session anyway.’

Amy was soon welcoming her newest class of mums and babies for their 5 week course and began by outlining the course content and handing out files, information sheets a massage book and massage oil.

In all we had seven new mums with babies ranging from 6½ weeks to 6 months and soon the babies were down to their nappies all ready for mum’s magic touch. ‘It’s good to massage without nappies at home,’ Amy tells them, ‘as they love to kick around and feel free. Just after a bath is a good time too as they tend to be relaxed and receptive then.’

Amy is soon demonstrating gentle massage techniques on her son Toby who is more than happy to help his mum show how relaxing the leg and feet moves can be.

Throughout, Amy explains step-by-step how to move through the routine which draws on both Western and ancient Eastern massage techniques and then asks the parents to practise on their little ones.

Most babies are happy to oblige, one or two take time out to feed or be changed –which is not a problem and the whole feel of the class is relaxed and easy-going.

I asked Amy what benefits parents could expect from massaging their babies.

‘Research by the University of Warwick

14 Families Vale of York

shows that infants who are massaged cry less, sleep better, and have lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol compared with infants who have not received massage,’ she told me. And certainly the parents’ views bore this out as they explained why they had decided to come along. One mum explained her child has suffered from colic and that she was keen to learn how massage could help ease the symptoms.

The five week course is aimed at babies aged six weeks to nine months and has been developed by the International Association of Infant Massage and as well as learning massage, it’s a great way to meet other parents and carers in the area.

‘It’s not just babies who are relaxed by baby massage,’ says Amy. ‘Research by Imperial College London showed that mothers who attended infant massage classes had significantly less postnatal depression and very significantly better interaction with their babies than mothers who attended a support group.’

‘Massage is wonderful for all ages, ’says Amy who has been a trained massage therapist since 2005. ‘It’s great for premature babies and can really help a troubled teen open up – with touch we can often reach further than we might by just talking.’

Further Information Classes take place at 11.45am – 12.30pm on Wednesdays at Wetherby Children’s Centre, Hallfield Lane, Wetherby LS22 6JS 01937 581102 The cost is £45, which includes a massage kit (book, manual, massage oil) and 5 weeks tuition for one parent/carer and their baby. Spaces are limited so booking is essential.

clubs&classes

Baby Sensory Baby sensory classes take place at a number of venues across York.

I went along to Clement’s Hall on Nunthorpe Road in York to meet the mums and class leader Elizabeth Sales.

The session welcomes babies from birth to six months.

‘Each week we theme our session,’ Elizabeth explained ‘with all our activities linking to that central idea.

Our classes are split into three sections so the babies have lots of different opportunities to play.’

Elizabeth began the first 20 minute section with a welcome song accompanied by baby signing and soon the babies were gripping onto shakers and rattling along to music. I was impressed that they all seemed really happy to do this and they were soon mesmerised by Elizabeth’s soothing voice reading and signing an animal action book.

Elizabeth explained that Baby Sensory activities stimulate the senses and help babies develop – in the case of the ‘Five Little Speckled Frog’ song which came next the babies’ eye muscles were working hard to focus on movement as they were in the puppet show Elizabeth then put on for them - complete with animal noises!

We all loved the jungle cloth with its ferns and flowers dangling down and it became very clear to me that Elizabeth puts lots and lots of work into making the sessions run so smoothly – she’s

extremely well prepared.

As we moved into the second part of the class and the babies moved onto free play with an enormous selection of toys, I asked some of the mums what brought them to the class.

‘I was really impressed with all the equipment Elizabeth has,’ Charlie’s mum Ruth told me. ‘We also love the fact we can try out things before we decide to buy something for him – we can be sure he’s at the right stage for example.

At 10 weeks old, Charlie has been coming along to classes since he was 6 weeks old.

‘Although he slept for the first couple of weeks,’ laughs Ruth, ‘he seems to really enjoy himself and I’ve been impressed with the variety of activities –such as baby signing and the baby yoga we tried out last week.

It’s exactly what we were looking for and it helps us to have a routine – as much for me as for him!’

Like Charlie, Samuel has been coming to classes since he was 6 weeks old. A veteran at 6 months, he’ll soon be moving onto the next age class. Mum Nicky told me that she enjoys interacting with her son in the class; ‘It’s a bit of a shock to the system when you first have a baby so I found it really useful to get out and meet other people in a similar situation.

What’s been most exciting for me is finding out that Samuel can do things I’d not realised he could do and to

see him interact with other babies. I also love the fact there’s such a huge range of toys for him to try out.’

Soon we returned to our final 20 minute session where Elizabeth had made a jungle bed complete with furry jungle print throws. Resisting an urge to lie down and have a rest I marvelled at the babies jigging along to Jungle Book Music and then witnessed Elizabeth’s boundless energy as she rolled around ‘popping up’ puppets and setting up a baby disco complete with lights and bubbles.

What was most apparent, apart from Elizabeth’s limitless enthusiasm, is the variation of stimulation the babies receive. All this is explained as the activities take place so that at home parents can replicate similar sensory experiences. We all had lots of fun and I’m pretty sure the babies slept well afterwards – always a bonus!

Further Information Baby Sensory takes place at Clements Hall, Dunnington Reading Room, Haxby Memorial Hall and All Saints Hall, Station Road, Upper Poppleton. Classes are for babies up to 13 months.

Toddler Sense is run by Liz Torpey at English Martyrs Church Hall, Dalton Terrace and Haxby Memorial Hall and caters for children aged 13 months to 3 years. Toddler Sense focuses on mobility, excitement and adventure with a fast-moving, actionpacked programme – it’s different to Baby Sensory, but equally addictive!

Contact Elizabeth Sales 07590 425 310 northyorkshire@babysensory.co.uk Liz Torpey 07565 551415y ork@toddlersense.co.uk www.babysensory.com CREATIVE PLAY FOR CHILDREN UP TO THE AGE OF 11 YEARS OLD

• Stimulating multi-sensory baby classes • Exciting toddler classes • Educational pre-school sessions • Classes in Harrogate, Wetherby, Skipton and Wharfedale.

WEEKDA WEEKEN Y, & HOLID D A SESSION Y S

Call for your FREE trial session

Call Lynne on 07789 895894

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WE CLEAN UP THE MESS SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO! ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

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www.youngatart-harrogate.co.uk Telephone: 01423 502215

Families Vale of York

15

??

t a o d u o y o What d

We seem to have lots of classes for pre-schoolers – what happens when they start school? We tried out three classes that cater for both pre-school and school aged children.

Enjoy-a-Ball

DON’T MISS! THIS

TOY & BOOK STORE

Westcliffe Hall in Harrogate was our venue for Lesley Reid’s after school class. Aimed at children in year 2 & 3, my son at 9 was a little older than the oldest child there but joined in with gusto when he learned that this weeks sport was to be basketball.

‘Each week we focus on a different sport,’ says Lesley. ‘We cover 8 ball sports including football, cricket, basketball and volleyball – we’re bringing handball and dodgeball in soon too, so we’ll have ten in all.’

The multi-sports sports coaching programme has been a real hit in Harrogate and it’s easy to see why as the children get stuck in with bags of enthusiasm. Lesley warms them up with some fun activities and they enjoy her joking with them as she feigns false starts to encourage their listening skills. Soon they’re practising sport-specific skills working on travelling passes with the ball as Lesley instructs.

There’s plenty of healthy competition as two teams are set up to run a ‘dribble race’ and teamwork is in evidence as the children urge each other on.

My son Isaac is welcomed into the group and although he’s the oldest by a year, he’s given a run for his money by one of the other boys, Sam. ‘Sam loves coming here,’ his mum Alex told me as we watched them play. ‘It’s good for him to do something separate from school too and make a different set of friends. He’s getting a real taste of different sports and is learning the rules for them too. He’s particularly enjoyed football and cricket.’

Lesley tells me that Enjoy-a-Ball doesn’t only attract children who are already good at sports; ‘We have a real mix of ability,’ she says. ‘Some do join because they excel at sports, others do it to improve skills and get an hour of exercise.’

Lesley runs 24 classes a week across Harrogate catering for children from 2½ to 8. ‘The youngest children learn lots of basic ball skills but our objectives are also to develop life skills such as independence, social interaction and confidence.

‘Older children work on developing a wide range of gross motor skills such as bouncing, catching, throwing, balance, timing, etc. The lessons move progressively from easy to more difficult tasks and we always end with a fun game.

‘The older children, like those here, are introduced to the specific ball sports that we teach with the individual skills and rules for each sport. The children learn to play the game, which also develops spatial perception. The emphasis is on teamwork and life skills such as sportsmanship values, respect, confidence and concentration. ‘ After a short break, drink, chat and rules re-cap (no ‘double dribbles’!) the children move onto the main attraction – the game! It’s fast paced, noisy and full of excitement. The children whiz up and down and I’m hard pressed to snap a decent picture as they move so quickly. Most are red-faced at the end and have clearly loved every minute.

Lesley finishes with certificates since it’s the penultimate class of term.’

Usually we have a trophy,’ she tells me, ‘and next week, as it’s the last week the children can bring a friend.’

If you’re looking for a really energetic activity for a lively 6-8 year old then this would be a great class. Lesley has lots of patience and bags of infectious enthusiasm which help make it great fun for those taking part.

www.treasurestoys.co.uk 8 High Street Wetherby LS22 6LT

Tel: 01937 589187

Further Information Lesley runs classes across Harrogate at Westcliffe Hall, Woodlands Church Hall, Kidzplay Soft Play Centre, Knaresborough Community Centre & Ashville Pre-Prep School.

07789 861 108 / 08452 262 694 www.enjoy-a-ball.com

16 Families Vale of York

clubs&classes

Another local class catering for both pre-schoolers and children up to 11 is Harrogate’s Young at Art. We went along during the summer holidays to find out how much mess we could make!

Katie Herridge runs Young at Art from underneath Anstey Galleries on Swan Rd in Harrogate. She tells me that Young at Art was developed so that children would have somewhere to come and create without messing up their home; ‘The last thing a child needs to be told all the time is ‘don’t do that there’ - it can have a negative impact on their creative experience when it should be fun,’ says Katie. We developed the creative arts centre so that children can be free to create as they wish with a great range of resources that wouldn’t be available at home.’

When we arrived I was soon being whispered to by my son that ‘it looks really exciting in there.’ I had a peek. He was right – colourful walls and tables arranged with stimulating activities that were just waiting to be explored. He and my daughter were duly ‘aproned’ and allowed to get stuck in to whatever they fancied.

India who’s nearly 4 and loves arts & crafts began with some finger painting along with some of the younger children. Flower templates were set out together with some dishes of paint. Soon little fingers were squishing through the paint and the children were learning how to choose colours, share and ‘dab’ gently. India finished with a flourishing hand print which somewhat obscured the delicate petal-like effect we’d been aiming for but I reminded myself this was art – and all about selfexpression so we admired the result and moved on…

Isaac who’s 9 began by decorating a door hanger with paint and felt letters.

Soon India wanted to do one too and I rolled my sleeves up to get stuck in to ‘help’. Whilst the hangers were drying we found ourselves over at another table decorating some sea creatures.

India chose a seahorse and added lots of glitter whist Marie who was leading the session explained that classes revolve around a theme which changes every four weeks.

‘Each week different activities are offered based on that theme. We also have sand and water play, chalk, painting and play-doh to name but a few.’

Art teacher Marie is totally involved with the children, giving them ideas and helping them create their masterpieces.

Young at Art

‘It always helps to have a bit of structure,’ she tells me, ‘as facing a blank piece of paper can be daunting for older children.’

‘Classes during the holidays are more for mixed ages but generally we cater for children on a more age-specific basis with Explorers for children aged 12 months – 2½ years, Creators for those aged 2½ - 3½ years and Inventors for 3½ - 5 year-olds. At weekends sessions are mixed age for children up to 11 years.’

Some of the younger children were having great fun with the more messy activities. Twenty-month old twins, Rhys and Dylan, have been coming along since Young at Art opened in May and love every minute according to their nanny Nicole: ‘I love art myself so I really enjoy bringing them each week,’ she explains to me as I watch them help India paint and try on hats from a dressing up box.

Harriet who is 19 months old was trying out her first session and seemed to be enjoying herself. ‘We heard about classes from a friend and thought we’d come along,’ her mum tells me. ‘We’re currently trying to sell our house so the last thing I want is to have mess everywhere. Here she can make as much as she wants!’

I loved the way the children were just free to move to whichever activity they wanted – and that they were helped and encouraged by their parents, carers and Marie to finish their work of art before they moved on. What also impressed me was the extensive range of materials on offer. Even the most creative parent would be hard pressed to provide such a diverse range of experiences. If you lack the ‘arty’ streak (like me) but have a creative child it’s also a brilliant way to give them opportunities you might not think up yourself.

As we left armed with a sea horse, a turtle, door hangers and a painting India was asking if we could come again – proof enough that she enjoyed it. And I’m fairly sure most of the adults had as much fun as the children – I know I did!

Further Information Sessions for pre-schoolers run on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays.

Weekend classes cater for children aged 1-11 children and holiday sessions for ages 3-11. Maximum class numbers are 8. Parties are also catered for. www.youngatart-harrogate.co.uk

Come and Join the Fun! The award winning movement to music, dance and singing programme for boys and girls from 6 months upwards run within a fun, safe and caring environment.

Babies 6 - 18mths Mini Movers 3 - 4 yrs

Tiny Toes 18 mths - 3 yrs Tots Tap 2 1/2 yrs +

Classes starting in York from September 2011 York Area Contact Miss Jane on

07702 965 932 york@babyballet.co.uk

www.babyballet.co.uk Families Vale of York

17

Tennis Tykes My daughter India and I visited Tennis Tykes at St Andrew’s Church Hall in Starbeck to find out what pre-schoolers get up to in class. Classes also take place for children aged 5-6 after school.

The children at our session varied in ability and for one boy, Jackson, it was his first session - as it was for my daughter.

Both were warmly welcomed by Caroline into the group together with the others and the session began with a discussion about how the children’s week had been before the warm-up began.

Caroline soon had the children feeling for their hearts beating faster as the momentum increased and this week’s theme ‘Under the Sea’ got in full swing.

The children were being crabs and other sea creatures and it was easy to see how these clever warm-up moves would help them later in their tennis.

We soon got onto some ‘pancake flips’ and ‘egg frying’ where the children worked on balancing their rackets and balls with equipment specifically designed for little ones. India particularly enjoyed taking her ‘dog’ for a walk as Caroline encouraged them to keep their ball rolling close by using a backhand grip

– all really advanced stuff for two to three year olds – and they were doing brilliantly.

Soon Caroline had the children helping her to count out yellow lines to mark out the court space and explained how the children were going to volley ‘it’s like a high five, ‘she tells them and soon they’re practising over the nets. Although we were at a tennis class it was very clear there were many other aspects of learning going on including work on colours, numbers and of course listening and confidencebuilding.

We soon have some cones out and begin ‘battleships’. Caroline explains and we’re soon playing quite a great game involving knocking the sponge balls off cones and moving them across to the opposing team. Parents or carers are completely hands-on in this class and it seemed to me to be an excellent way of sharing something with your little one that can foster a life-long enjoyment of sport.

Caroline has seen the positive effects tennis has had on the physical and emotional development of young children through her sessions.

‘As well as reaching physical

goals we fulfil a large number of other headline educational goals with children problem solving, using reasoning and developing their numeracy and literacy skills.

I’ve seen their confidence and life skills come on in leaps and bounds too – it’s so rewarding.’

At the end of the 45 minute session, the children earned stickers for achieving a specific task – this week’s was the backhand volley – and this was then placed in the child’s sticker booklet.

Caroline’s’ expertise and passion for tennis is evident to me from the moment I arrive but what’s equally as evident is the way in which she really relates to the children. Everything in the lesson is designed to make tennis fun and easy to understand and just at their level. The children behave well for Caroline and clearly want to please her which makes for a well-organised session where progress is made and fun is shared.

India spent the rest of the day telling everyone about it and displaying her sticker proudly. At the end of the day I asked her if she’d enjoyed herself. Her reply?

‘Yes, can we go again?’

● ● ● ●

18 Families Vale of York

Baby signing Movement & bonding Fibre optic light shows Music

● ● ●

Further Information Pre-School Age lessons Under 5’s lessons take place in Harrogate, Wetherby, York, Ripon and various venues in Leeds on weekdays before 3pm and on Saturday mornings.

School- Age lessons - age 5-6 Sessions for 5-6 year olds run at Ripley Town Hall & Starbeck and are split into reception and year 1 groups (although this is very much a guide and children generally attend the session that best reflects their ability). Sessions take place without parental involvement which builds on their independence.

Children learn the game of tennis on smaller courts with the adapted mini tennis equipment. The lessons follow the LTA’s Mini Tennis Red programme.

Fun competition and scoring is also introduced.

Contact: 07843 342 662 caroline.buncall@tennistykes.co.uk www.tennistykes.co.uk

Puppet shows Massage Water Play

clubs&classes

Over to You Have you ever wondered what parents think of our local clubs & classes? Jed Devine has been attending Brian Macnair’s Socatots and BSS (Brazilian Soccer School) sessions in York since he was two years old and has just completed over 75 kick-ups at only 6 years old!

Jo Jingles is Here!

Fun Music, Singing & Movement Classes for children aged 3 months to 5 years Develop your child’s t Social Skills t Confidence t Co-ordination t Language t Listening Skills t Imagination Children’s Parties & Nursery Sessions also available!

Families invited his parents Tracy and Geoff to tell us about his time at the classes and why he’s enjoyed them so much.

Tracy began taking Jed to Socatots when he was still quite young:

“

I discovered Socatots when Jed was just over 2 years of age. There were new classes in York and Brian still reminds me to this day that it was actually new to us all as when we signed up to start in January 2007 it was Brian’s first Socatots lesson too!

What I liked about Brian was that he quickly learned all the children’s names and at the beginning of each session when we sat in a circle he would go round and ask each child by name how they were - not an easy task when sometimes he didn’t get much response from the 2 year olds!!

As well as learning football skills, without realising it the children were also learning their colours, how to take turns and use ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Each session finished with circle time, song singing and stickers.

When I think back the thing I enjoyed the most about Socatots was the fact that I felt involved with Jed and his activity as parental participation is essential. It was fun for us both. I do also remember on occasions wondering whether to carry on as sometimes Jed wouldn’t be co-operative. But with hindsight, what 2 year old is always co-operative? Perseverance was certainly the key!!

“

As soon as Jed was of school age he became old enough to start BSS. His dad Geoff takes over the story:

“

As a Dad who loves his football, this is where things really began to get interesting for Jed. I remember his first BSS session well - the class was made up of both children who had previously attended Socatots and those who were attending for the first time. The difference was obvious and without knowing I could have split the class up into these two groups easily. So much of what is built upon in the Socatots classes is used as the foundation for BSS and this gave Jed a real head start.

Although it’s all about the football, I think Jed has gained in other ways from BSS in terms of learning about the importance of team work, listening, concentration, setting goals, and celebrating them when they are achieved.

When we asked Jed what he thought of BSS he replied, ‘brilliant, I just love it.’ And when we asked him what he thought was the best thing about it he told us: ‘Passing, learning skills. People learn off other people, so when new children come they can learn off the others.’ As parents we all want our children to by happy in what they do, and sometimes you doubt the things you put in front of them, but little responses like this make all the difference.

At the time of writing, Jed has been attending BSS for almost two years, and over this time his ability with the football has grown and grown. His ‘keep ups’ and ‘core skills’ just keep getting better and better. I’d love to take some credit for it, but it’s simply down to his love of the football and willingness to practise with it. The same can be said for so many of the boys in the class who I think are developing an understanding of the game way beyond their years.

To put this into perspective, at six years of age I wouldn’t have been able to do any of the skills the boys at BSS are perfecting. My boys’ club years, which I loved, were made up almost entirely of just playing matches and chasing results. As a player, I don’t think I really improved until I stopped playing under this sort of system and allowed myself more time for just me and the ball.

It seems like such an obvious thing, but witnessing it in action at BSS is very rewarding.

In my view, what sets BSS apart is the ‘love the game first’ mentality and not the ‘win by any means’ mantra of traditional coaching which I think still persists elsewhere. To me it’s a breath of fresh air and something that’s needed. After all, we all know the tried and tested coaching doesn’t win World Cups!

When I look to the future I hope, of course, that Jed’s enthusiasm for the game continues, but should he decide to move his attention to other things I’ll still be more than happy with all that BSS has given him along the way.

“

You can see Jed completing his kick-ups at www.icfds.com/yorkandripon To find out more about Socatots & BSS you can contact Brian on 01765 620 374 or email b.macnair@socatots.com www.socatots.com/york&ripon

For details on classes in: Wakefield (Sandal & Stanley), Pontefract, Normanton, Ackworth, Horbury/Ossett, Garforth, Sherburn in Elmet, Wetherby, Boston Spa & Harrogate Call Paula on 01977 650455 or email jojinglesleeds@yahoo.co.uk www.jojingles.com/leeds

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Families Vale of York

19

Your

child’s

education starts at home How home life can make a big difference in the education of children

By Elisabeth Dolton Did you know that just by keeping books in your home you can significantly increase your children’s likelihood of going to university and that’s irrespective of background, size of family, where they live, parents occupation or any other social factor? Further research has also shown that the biggest impact on a child’s educational development is reading to them from a very early age. So if your child is starting school for the first time this year, or they are already progressing rapidly through the school years, undertaking a few small activities at home can make a huge difference to the development and education of children and powerfully build on the learning they receive from school.

Why bother...

Most of us want our children to do well at school and a parent’s role in that success cannot be underestimated. Studies in Britain have shown that children who are supported by their families with homework are likely to perform significantly better in academic examinations at 16 years old and beyond than those who do not. Recent reports show boys are still having difficulties with literacy (reading, writing or spelling), and girls are having difficulties with numeracy, despite improvements in primary school results.

Even the best teachers can be hard pressed to address the individual needs of every child, especially in a crowded classroom. And what if your child shows a particular interest or aptitude towards a certain topic? A love of physics can start at any age. Similarly, if your child finds a topic difficult, your interest as a parent will help, no matter how well or how fast your child understands what they are being taught. Parents’ small actions can plug these gaps, support children and really boost their development.

W h a t

c a n

y o u

d o ?

Activities that involve reading, listening, writing, number awareness, sequencing, counting and learning to become aware of the world that surrounds them are perfect. They will help encourage a love and understanding of language, maths and science which are basic tools to boost any child’s education.

•

Keep a library – A few books placed in reach of your children to pick up any time for browsing or talking about. A recent study conducted in the US found that children coming from a “bookish home” remained in education for around three years longer than young people born into families with empty bookshelves.

•

Read to your children - Sharing stories and reading together are vital to the development of a child’s literacy skills. Just ten minutes at the start or end of the day will be enough to help them to acquire the skills they need to develop as a reader.

Download free games, activities, and worksheets online – There are many websites offering free activities that encourage basic skill development for children and keep it fun.

5 great we

•

Problem solving – Encourage your children to think things through and work things out for themselves. Ask them why they think metal goes rusty, why the sky is grey, why the Police car makes a noise, etc. Point out things that are different to home - buildings, accents, clothes, food, and customs. Experts suggest giving your child a simple map of where they are going, or following a recipe together are great techniques to boost concentration.

•

Keep talking - New experiences and discoveries are always stimulating, so encourage your child to try new things. Look for opportunities to talk to your child about their day - children enjoy sharing what they are learning.

•

Put a pen in their hands - Help them develop their handwriting skills by writing words and sentences for them to copy.

Point out examples of lovely handwriting and pictures when you see them, encourage them to ‘sign’ birthday and Christmas cards to their friends, and always get them to sign their own artwork.

•

worksheetsb..sites for information, tips and free . w ww.bbc.co.uk /schools/paren ts/resources www.handwrit ingforkids.com www.readingf orlife.org.uk www.direct.g ov.uk/en/paren schoolslearnin ts ganddevelopm / ent/helpingyo www.easyed. urchildtolearn co.uk

20 0 Families Vale of York

Overall, making sure your activities with them are fun will make a real difference. Children thrive on encouragement, someone who will listen to them when they are struggling as well as achieving. Giving them a little personal attention that they can’t get in the classroom, all add up to fun learning for your child and peace of mind for you that they are achieving the best they can.

backtoschool

Finally a breakthrough in Reading Eggs is a revolutionary product from Australian educational publisher Blake Publishing designed to get children reading by combining the best elements of online and book learning in one easy to use process.

The program has been running in Australia for 3 years and due to its huge success it has now been adapted for the UK market, specifically incorporating synthetic phonics.

learning to read

The importance of synthetic phonics • Synthetic phonics is a method of teaching reading which first teaches the letter sounds and then builds up to blending these sounds together to achieve full pronunciation of whole words e.g. “s-t-r-ee-tâ€? • Children who learn using synthetic phonics are able to try new words working from sound alone without needing prior knowledge of families of words • Research has shown that children learning to read using synthetic phonics have developed skills and progressed to a higher level faster than those without • The use of synthetic phonics in teaching has been supported by the British government and has not only been added to the national curriculum but a funding scheme has also been developed where schools can claim up to ÂŁ3,000 for an effective phonics program

Where Reading Eggs came from...

For two years a team of Australian educators, programmers and animators worked to turn learning the basics of reading into a fun journey through a highly interactive digital world that engages children on many levels.

Full of educationally sound, fun and interactive activities, Reading Eggs

focuses on the most fundamental skill needed in school: reading. Children from 3 to7 years of age or older children struggling with reading will enjoy the huge variety of reading lessons, activities and games that make up the Reading Eggs program.

Sara Leman, Blake Publishing’s literacy expert says “Parents are often keen to get involved in their child’s learning but can find it difficult to know how to help. Reading Eggs is designed to reward children for their efforts thereby maintaining the motivation to learn. It also allows children to learn at their own pace in a safe, familiar environment. The games are great fun and children love the stickers and e-toys they collect as their learning progresses. There’s never been anything quite like it.� “The trick is to make the necessary repetition fun, so it’s driven by the child who wants to learn. Parental involvement is also important.

Family support is a crucial factor in helping young children to become fluent readers.�

What parents and teachers think about Reading Eggs The testimonial page on the Reading Eggs website is full of parents, teachers and

carers who have seen first hand the affect the program has had on their children’s reading ability. Parents such as Arthur who commented: “Reading Eggs is incredible!! My Daughter can’t get enough of the activities, she enjoys them so much.

We had to turn the computer off because she was getting tired. In just THREE days she started reading the most basic of words. Thank you so much Reading Eggs.�

Over 500,000 children across the world have already had the Reading Eggs experience. The program focuses on the importance of phonics and basic reading skills and is already being used by many teachers who incorporated the program into their daily lesson.

Using the code in the advertisement on P9 you can trial the site for an extended period and see for yourself what the program entails and why it has been so successful, simply visit www.readingeggs.co.uk.

You too can be one of the 90% of parents who reported a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading skills after using the program.

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Families Vale of York

21

Moving on up!

A new school year and it’s not just the children who have things to learn.

Sarah Ebner takes a look As your child moves up the school, they (and you!) will face all sorts of different issues. Unfortunately I don’t have enough space here to go through them all, but here are three which I’m pretty sure you’ll encounter…

Homework You’ll soon look back upon the days of reading books and learning individual letters as a halcyon time. And if you’re anything like me, you might find that homework is taking up far too much of your – and your child’s - time.

The Government is keen to promote homework and offers specific guidelines. These suggest an hour a week for Years 1 and 2, one and a half hours a week for Years 3 and 4, and 30 minutes a day for Years 5 and 6.

The idea behind homework is that it builds on what children have learnt at school. The aim is to help learning and encourage children to study on their own and be self-disciplined. It’s not supposed to rely on parents teaching their children new concepts.

But for pupils, homework can become a real burden, and doesn’t actually seem to enhance learning a great deal. It’s worth noting that there’s no definite link between homework and student achievement.

In fact, for primary-school children, there appears to be no link at all.

A review of 75 years’ worth of studies by the University of London’s Institute of Education found that the benefits were negligible.

As a child moves up the school, I think homework can help with exam preparation and possibly time-management skills. But I’m not convinced that children need so much of it. However, the reality is that homework does exist, so here are some tips to ease the pain: 1 Find somewhere quiet to do it – not in front of the TV or around loud younger siblings.

2 Set up a workstation – a desk or table rather then the floor.

3 Don’t do it too late – your child, and you, shouldn’t do homework when you’re too tired.

4 Don’t help if you don’t know – it’s confusing if you offer help with maths, but don’t know the methods your child uses.

5 If all else fails, offer bribes – for instance, tell them they can play on the computer only after they’ve finished.

Sport at school You may notice that your child plays a lot less school ol sport than you used to. PE is part of the National Curriculum, but not a big part. In Key Stage 1, children will take part in some combination of dance, games and gymnastics twice a week, but dancing to nursery rhymes never really appealed to my daughter. In Key Stage 2, they continue with these, but add in athletics, ‘outdoor pursuits’ or swimming (still across only two sessions a week).

One major problem is that lots of schools don’t have sporting facilities and playing fields have been sold off (private schools tend to have much better facilities). ime Many teachers no longer want to spend their free time coaching sport, and, unfortunately, sporty kids tend to

22 Families Vale of York

play their sports at clubs outside school (or ironically, in after-school clubs on school premises, but run by other people).

Do encourage your child to play sport, in or outside school, as it will set them up for life. And take heart: the revised curriculum recently announced by the Government promised an element of competitive sport.

The next step: secondary schools It’s vital for you to start thinking about secondary schools before your child enters Year 6. So, you need to look up OFSTED reports, find out about schools near you and speak to local parents.

There may be all sorts of application criteria which you need to address a year or so ahead (for faith schools, for example), and if you’re choosing a school which selects its pupils in some way (either academically or in a particular area such as music) you might want to think about hiring a tutor. You should plan to go on Open Days when your child is in Year 5 (or earlier if you’re very keen!).

Don’t choose a school on the basis of your child’s friendships (or yours for that yo th matter). They will make new friends, and you need to make su sure this is the right school for their personality and ab abilities, not anyone else’s. Take advantage of parents’ evenings to find ou out how your child is doing. Many teachers don’t give ve specific spe very information, so you may need to press them.

There’s no point entering your child for a selective school if they Th ar not no going to get in, or manage the work once they are are there. th Sa Sara Sarah Ebner is the author of The Starting School Survival Guid Gu Guide: everything you need to know when your child starts prim pr primary school, published by White Ladder and available from fr om bookshops and Amazon, http://www.amazon.co.uk/ St Starting-School-Survival-Guide-everything/dp/1905410875.

Schoolopendays

backtoschool

As open day season will soon be upon us, Alicia Coad of Ashville Pre-Prep, Harrogate looks at the minefield of choosing a school for your child.

As one group of parents wave a teary goodbye to their children heading off to school for the first time, there is another group who have that stark realisation that their three year old is growing up and will be joining the masses in just a year.

Choosing a school is a total minefield with lots of ‘friendly’ advice from grandparents, neighbours and of course other parents. Back in my day it was easy - everyone went to the local school.

Write down your child’s name – tick – write down your address – tick and there you were; a place was allocated. But in this day and age of Ofsted reports, appeals, voluntary aided, independent, Montessori etc it’s no longer quite so simple. So how do you choose the right school for your child?

The next question is what do you do when you’re there? My advice would be to follow the ‘green cross code’….

STOP – Before you get inside the building.

Look at the outside; does it look in good condition? What are the outside facilities like? Does it look like parking and nearby roads are safe?

LOOK – This may seem obvious, but look at the quality of the work on the walls; do the displays look new and fresh? How does the quality of the work compare to other schools? Can you see progress as the children go through the years? Displays give a lot away about a school and the general ethos.

LISTEN – To listen you need to ask in the first place and don’t be afraid - you are the customer! Ask some of the children what they like about school and if you have certain concerns or interests; again, make sure you ask. Listen carefully to the answers. Do the teachers sound passionate about their school and more importantly do they enjoy their jobs?

Ashville Pre-Prep, for children aged 4-7 hold their open day in a slightly different format, to enable the pre-schoolers to join in the fun. This years Ashville Family Afternoon takes place on Saturday 8th October 1.30pm- 4.30pm.

Activities include Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Arts and Craft, Sports, music making and refreshments will available.

All are welcome to join in and have an informal look at the school. decision overwhelm you - remember, you can always move your child if things don’t work out.

The main thing is to make sure your child is happy and confident as they walk through the door on their first day.

We are lucky that in North Yorkshire there That is far easier to achieve if you too are a wide range of schools on offer, many of feel happy and confident about your them rated as outstanding. So don’t let the choice.

© Darrenbake | D Dream amst stim ime. im e.co com co m

My advice would be to visit as many as you have time to go to. Don’t simply believe what you’ve heard – “x school is marvellous, y is dreadful” - get out there and visit yourself.

Just as no two children are the same, one school will not be right for everyone. It is also probably a long time since you were last in a school so your expectations may be wide of

the mark – things have changed! The more schools you visit, the more you will get a feel for what is on offer in North Yorkshire and be able to make your decision with confidence

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

Open Morning

OPEN MORNING

Queen Mary’s School, Baldersby Park, Thirsk

Thursday 6th October 1:30-3:30pm

Bursaries available If you can’t make that day, individual tours can be arranged at any time by contacting the school office Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, Harrogate HG3 2JG Tel: 01423 771029 www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk email: admin@belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

Saturday 8th October 2011 9.30am until midday.

We look forward to welcoming you to our thriving and successful school.

For further information please contact: Mrs Tory Robeson, Head of Admissions 01845 575040 email: admissions@queenmarys.org or visit our website www.queenmarys.org A School of the Woodard Corporation Registered Charity No: 1098410

Outstanding Girls Day and Boarding School with mixed Pre Prep

Families Vale of York

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education

news round-up

With the help of Joanna Parry

Sinking schools Head teachers have warned that the Government’s plans to allow popular schools to expand at the expense of local rivals will create a network of “sink schools” in deprived areas. Education Secretary Michael Gove has announced a new school admissions code that will enable oversubscribed schools to take in more pupils, while also allowing them to give priority to the children of teachers. As well as this, the school admissions code will prevent the use of area-wide lotteries which have been used by some schools if they are besieged by applications. Michael Gove told schools they could actually increase the size of classes for five- to seven-year-olds to over 30 children, if that means being able to take in children of armed services personnel or to avoid splitting up twins. The general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, Brian Lightman, said of the new code: “It will create sink schools in many areas of deprivation and hit hardest those children whose parents do not or cannot take an interest in their education. Those schools left with the most challenging pupils, who need the most intensive support, will suffer a slow spiral of decline.” He also warned that the code would “do nothing to improve social mobility”.

Youngsters Enjoy ‘Grow Your Own’ Fruit & Vegetables

Pre-prep School moves home!

There has been much excitement over the summer holidays as The Read Pre-prep School moved from its former base at Adamson House, to new accommodation on the main Read School site, in the village of Drax.

Builders, decorators, plumbers and maintenance staff have been hard at work over the holidays to convert the former Maths and Music building into a suitable base for the very youngest pupils. A relatively new building, the Shipley Building was opened in 2003, and has now been further improved and adapted to the needs of our smallest children.

‘With three large, light and airy classrooms, a safe outdoor play area and more modern facilities, this will be a fantastic place for the Pre-Prep and nursery children to begin their school careers, providing a safe, happy and stimulating environment,’ says Janet Falkingham of the Read School.

‘The staff and pupils are looking forward with anticipation and excitement to beginning the new school year in their new surroundings.’

If you’d like to see for yourself what the Read School Pre-prep and Nursery can offer your child there will be an Open Morning on Saturday 8 October 9.30 – 12.00 noon. Individual appointments are available on request at other times. www.readschool.co.uk

24 Families Vale of York

Children at the Magic Tree Day Nursery, based in the grounds of Belmont Grosvenor School, have been busy cultivating their own vegetable plot in the school’s 20-acres of grounds on the edge of Harrogate.

Throughout the summer term, the children grew crops of potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, peas and carrots – and enjoyed the home-grown vegetables at snack time.

Now, with the start of the autumn term, the children are getting ready to plant a new crop of seasonal vegetables. Beth Dunwoody, manager at the Magic Tree Day Nursery said the children were really enjoying sowing the seeds, cultivating the plot and then watching their crops grow.

“We wanted to encourage our children at Magic Tree to grow their own healthy produce and become more aware of how their food is produced,” she said. They’re all really enjoying working on the vegetable plot and learning about the benefits of healthy eating. ” The Magic Tree Day Nursery is part of Belmont Grosvenor School, an independent co-educational prep school based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, which caters for children from the age of three months to 11 years.

Both are holding an open afternoon on Thursday 6 October between 1.30 and 3.30pm. Go along and see the school and nursery for yourself, or at any other time, by ringing the school on 01423 771029 or visiting the website at www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

Not ready for sch ool?

New research sh ows that thousand s of children are ready for school’ ‘not by the time they reach the age of In fact, up to 50% five. of five-year-olds are not ready for school and as a consequence they are unable to lea properly when th rn ey start. Sally Go ddard Blythe, a ch development expe ild rt and director of the Institute for Ne Physiological Psyc urohology in Chester , claims that child are failing to deve ren lop vital physical an d communication skills after being denied interactio n with their paren during their early ts years, as many pa rents are not enga them in games, rh ging ymes, music and books.

“It’s alarming the proportion of child ren with immature motor skills when they start school, regardless of intelligence,” says Sally Goddard Bl ythe, who has released a new bo ok, “A significant perce The Genius of Natural Childhood . ntage of children have problems th don’t need to ha ey ve. They seem to have missed out early stages of de on velopment.” She believes that muc the reason for th h of is is parents using electronic toys to toddlers occupie keep d, rather than int eracting with them more traditional m in a anner, and that th is can affect a ch development even ild’s to the point of th e child being wron thought to have gly behavioural prob lems.

“Parents are tired and stressed and you can understan the temptation to d put a fretful child in front of the TV give them an ele or ctronic game to ke ep hours. But what them quiet for tw o that means is that the baby isn’t so interacting, listen cially ing and learning to take turns when comes to comm it unicating.” She added: “If they ha immature motor ve skills, it will affec t th eir ability to sit sti pay attention, ho ll, ld a pencil and ev en grip a knife an properly.” Recent d fork ly there has also be en an Ofsted rep that found an inc ort reasing number of children are being diagnosed as ha ving special need s.

Risk is part of the curriculum at Queen Mary’s The rural location of Queen Mary’s School provides the perfect setting for outdoor activities and to take advantage of this the school employs a full time outdoor education instructor.

‘The sheer joy – and trepidation – of pupils trying something new brings an additional vitality and energy to school life,’ says head of admissions Victoria Robeson. ‘We introduce this at the younger end of the school where all reception children enjoy the benefit of the outdoor classroom and woodland nature walks. Years 1&2 are regularly seen on the climbing wall or on a ‘secret mission’ in the woods with Miss Charmer.

‘Queen Mary’s understands that risk is fundamental to success.

Rather than avoid all challenges, pupils are taught to recognise, welcome and manage such situations and so learn to enjoy them safely through experiment and experience.

The Pre Prep department at Queen Mary’s School is for two to seven year olds. Described as “Outstanding” in a recent Ofsted report, the department has also been awarded the local authority’s Gold Award for Quality Assurance, proving that teaching standards are of the very highest.

You can find out more at Queen Mary’s open morning on 8th October from 9.30 am – Midday. www.queenmarys.org

backtoschool Philip Hardy is the new headteacher of Clifton Pre-Prep in York. We asked him how he sees his new role.

Congratulations on your job as head teacher. What aspect of the job are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to getting to know all of the children individually and working with the fabulous, dedicated staff at Clifton Pre-prep School as well as the parental body. To continue the development of creating an exciting learning environment for the children, I am relishing the opportunity to work alongside the management teams at both St Peter’s and St Olave’s. As a family, we are very much looking forward to moving to York and settling into the local community.

Will you be a ‘hands on’ head – will you be teaching any of the children on a regular basis?

My whole ethos of schools is that the children should be at the centre of all that takes place. I will be continually working with the children and finding opportunities to engage with them in all social activity be that in the classroom, at playtimes or during trips and activity outside of school. I will be a very handson head ensuring I spend time with all children and classes during the week and intend to commit time to teaching the children myself.

Have you found that in the current economic climate, fewer families are opting for private education?

Not necessarily, I believe that people are prioritising lifestyle choices as they still want the very best for their children.

However, we must be very mindful of the pressures and challenges that this current economic climate brings to all and ensure that we continue to offer the very best education.

teaching, inspired trips and after school activities enables us to achieve high standards.

Do you cater for children who have special educational needs?

All children have their own specific individual learning needs and at Clifton Pre-prep School we make every effort to ensure these are fulfilled. Here at Clifton Pre-prep children learn through play with an emphasis on reading and number skills when the children are ready. The aim is to develop children’s motor, intellectual, creative, social and language skills in a happy family atmosphere.

Why do you think your parents choose Clifton Pre-prep?

The children who attend Clifton Pre-prep come from a wide variety of backgrounds creating a rich social mix in the school.

Parents choose the school for a number for reasons; it is a direct feeder school to St Olave’s and St Peter’s; it has an outstanding nursery which provides an excellent base for entry into our Reception; it has small class sizes to provide individual attention and quality teaching; the children are taught the skills of competitive games; and finally it has a proven track record of producing rounded individuals who are well prepared for their exciting future in their next stage of their education lives.

The best way to see the reasons why parents would choose to send their children here is to come and talk to the children and our staff to find out first hand. We are holding a ‘Come and Visit’ us week from 10th to the 14th October and will be delighted to show any parent’s considering a private education our happy nursery and school. www.st-peters.york.sch.uk/clifton

What benefits are there for children who attend an independent school rather than a state school – and what do you offer that puts you ahead of other independent schools?

There are more opportunities offered at an independent school with more time spent on the wider curriculum including sport, drama, music, foreign languages.

The children are not limited to a diet of numeracy and literacy, as the most important factor at Clifton Pre-prep School is to teach the ‘Whole Child’ making them happy, confident, well behaved, creative children who work extremely hard to improve themselves.

The School works hard to foster a life time’s love of learning at an early age through a rich and varied curriculum in a stimulating environment. Small class sizes, individual attention, quality Families Vale of York

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26 Families Vale of York

Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre Situated at Bond End in Knaresborough, the Arts & Crafts centre is an impressive building full of even more impressive people as we found out when we were treated to an exclusive ‘behind-thescenes’ tour by Sam one of the trained tour guides.

Henshaws offers a number of different services to adults with visual impairments and other disabilities and difficulties.

Half day sessions are offered in areas ranging from pottery, jewellery and paper making to beauty & wellbeing, textiles and horticulture. In addition ‘Handmade at Henshaws’ is a social enterprise producing a range of goods for sale including funky bags, paper and cards, handcrafted jewellery and art work.

They also make their own pickles and chutneys, have a plant nursery and have a fabulous café – as we were to find out.

As we were shown each of the arts areas we chatted to some of the art makers and those people who work there supporting them. Our favourites were jewellery and papermaking where we chatted to Dolly Connor who makes beautiful sparkly sculptures and wall hangings.

Music was another favourite and Henshaws has its own band The

Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre is a focal point within the local arts community and a lovely place to while away an hour or two. Families editor Belinda Maunsell took along her two children during the summer holidays to find out more.

Henshaws Hotspots who’ve released an EP & album. Sam, our guide, drums in the band and told us it was one of his favourite activities ‘along with being in the multi-sensory room and beauty and well being.’

We spent quite a while in the art room and also really enjoyed the current exhibition by Michael Woods ‘As Far as I can Reach’ which is a collection of large abstract paintings. The children picked their favourites and told me what they could see in the pictures.

Before we sampled lunch we were also lucky enough to see a fabulous exhibition

by Di Lofthouse MBE. Di is an artist and a disabled rights activist whose current exhibition is based on her visit to Auschwitz last year.

I’d heard all about the famous ‘Henshaws Sausage’ so was more than happy to sample a couple in a sandwich at lunchtime – as were the kids. The fully licensed café offers vocational opportunities to students from Henshaws College and art makers at the centre – as centre manager Phill told me proper work situations ensure people work in the ‘real world’. After a very tasty lunch we wandered round the grounds, took a walk in the sensory garden and followed

the Alice in Wonderland Trail.

No visit to Henshaws would be complete without a visit to the shop. There were so many pretty things to buy it was hard to choose but we all settled on bracelets – I’m still wearing mine.

We all had an inspirational afternoon – it was lovely to meet so many enthusiastic art makers and be in such a calming environment. Everywhere we went people wanted to stop and chat – not just to me but to the children too. I came away encouraged that such enterprises exist and vow to be there again soon – and not only for another ‘sausage fix’!

Further information The centre and licensed café is open Monday to Friday, 10am – 4 pm. Henshaws offers a programme of community events and activities including art exhibitions, live music, film screenings, theatre events and events for children and families.

The centre is fully accessible and free tours are available to members of the public, groups and schools. To find out what’s on, to book a tour or to find out more visit www.henshaws.org. uk/arts-and-crafts-centre

Photo-shoot

winners

We just had to share these wonderful photos of the HarrisonBould family with you. They were the lucky winners of our July photo-shoot competition with RWD Photography.

The shoot began at their home in Boston Spa and moved on into the local park where Su, Michael and their two children Eliana (9) and Freddy (6) had a great time.

‘We had a really fun morning,’ says Richard Wynn Davies, of RWD Photography.

‘To start with we spent time in the garden hunting for ladybirds and playing with here Eliana and Freddy’s pet rabbits and guinea pigs and then we went to the park where the children played on the swings and climbing frames.’

‘The photo shoot was really fantastic fun,’ says Su Harrison-Bould. ‘Richard and Caroline put us all at ease as soon as they arrived. They set up and took some fantastic family shots as well as individual shots of the kids. Richard even took some photos of me and my husband which will be great to see as we haven’t had a photo together for years! We could have gone from mid twenties to mid forties without a photo together - so that will be really special!

‘The children liked the fact that they were being followed round the park to get photos of them jumping off swings and at the top of the climbing maze! They felt very special indeed. Eliana loved the fact that she could even have photos taken with her beloved guinea pigs too!’

You can see the photos on RWDs Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rwdphotography www.richardwynndavies.co.uk.

Families Vale of York

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what’son in Sept/Oct‘11

We try to be up to date but, as always, remember to check before you set off. Check too for multiple date entries where we’ve listed under the start date.

Every Day

10 Sept 11:00am

ANIMAL WORLD AT TOO HOOTS Lots of animals to see & feed, toys to play on, picnic area, tearoom & garden centre.Hirst Road, Carlton, Near Goole, DN14 9PX 01405 862854 6 Sept LAUNCH PARTY – BABY & TODDLER GROUP MARYGATE PLAYGROUP Celebrating the launch of new Baby and toddler sessions moving to mornings. With bouncy castle and cakes.

7 - 11 Sept MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS RIPLEY CASTLE The Moscow State Circus brings its latest and most spectacular show to date to the UK 9 Sept 12pm - 2pm HERITAGE OPEN DAYS LOTHERTON HALL As part of Heritage Open Days enjoy some object handling and reminisce about times gone by.

Free entry to the Hall on 8th to 11th September. www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall 10 Sept 8pm DRIVE-IN MOVIE - TOP GUN HAREWOOD HOUSE Gates open 5.30pm www.harewood.org 10 Sept 6.30pm BAT TALK & WALK HAREWOOD HOUSE Adult: £10 Accompanied Children 10-15 year: FREE www.harewood.org 10 Sept 11am – 4.30pm HERITAGE OPEN DAY TREASURER’S HOUSE As part of national Heritage Open Day, Treasurer’s House will throw open its doors free to all visitors. Special opportunities to investigate hidden treasures. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

HERITAGE OPEN DAY BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Free admission as part of National Heritage Open Day. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 10 & 11 Sept SCARECROW TRAIL HUNTINGTON MEMORIAL HALL Refreshments - Raffle – Tombola - Face painting – Prizes – Minibus around the trail. For more information contact Sylvia on 07776 305510 or e-mail HuntingtonMH@aol.com 11 Sept 11am - 4pm FAIRY DAY THORP PERROW Follow the Fairy Trail with the little folk from the woods, to lead you to mad ‘Fairy Ellie’ (one of the best children’s entertainers) who will surprise you with lots of sparkly fairy magic. Suitable for all ages. www.thorpperrow.com 15 Sept 9.30am - 12 noon OPEN MORNING MAYGATE PLAYGROUP, YORK Drop in and see what goes on. Children’s work is on show, and parents can chat to the staff and watch the children in action.

17 Sept 12-3pm 1ST BIRTHDAY PARTY TREASURES WETHERBY See our news pages for full details.

17 & 18 Sept

17 – 18 Sept STEAM SHUTTLE WEEKEND NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM Specially chartered steam journeys from York to Locomotion at Shildon. Times and prices tbc. www.nrm.org.uk/shuttle 23 Sept 7pm FILM SCREENING - THE SECRET GARDEN FOUNTAINS ABBEY A special screening of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s timeless classic filmed on location at Fountains Abbey in 1993. Enjoy this wonderful Yorkshire story about childhood, friendship and the English Countryside in Fountains Hall. 6pm optional guided tour of the Hall and Garden . Tickets £5 per adult, £2.50 per child. Under 5s free. Booking essential. www.fountainsabbey.org.uk.

24 & 25 Sept TUDOR TREATS & SWEETS CLIFFORD’S TOWER Step back in time to meet the Tudors, where the tables of noble families would have witnessed a variety of sweet treats. Discover how delicacies such as marzipan and sugared spices were made & also Tudor table manners to take home!

24 – 25 Sept STEAM SHUTTLE WEEKEND NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM Specially chartered steam journeys from York to Locomotion at Shildon. Times and prices tbc. www.nrm.org.uk/shuttle

CARNIVAL EUREKA! Children will have the chance to design and make their own fabulous costumes & noisy percussion instruments culminating in a joyous parade. www.eureka. org.uk

10th Sept midnight MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE MIDNIGHT WALK HUMBER BRIDGE Sponsored return walk over the Humber Bridge. Event begins on the stroke of midnight from the North Bank. £10 registration fee includes t-shirt. Themed 27 – 30 Oct 5.30 – 9.30pm events, dress as Doctors, Nurses and Theatre Staff.

Prizes for or the best dressed, individual and group as well as most sponsorship money raised!

Haunted walk through three unique experiences.

For more details, Call 01904 436625, e-mail cheryl.barrett@ AtmosFEAR, the UK’s top scare entertainment producers will transform Stockeld Park’s usually serene and mariecurie.org.uk beautiful surroundings into a creepy world, where terror lurks around every corner. Not for the faint-hearted.

Booking online advisable.

FRIGHT NIGHT STOCKELD PARK

30 Sept - 2 Oct AUTUMN STEAM GALA NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY Including Gala Art, Jazz & Steam event at Levisham Station on 1 Oct 12–4pm, beer tent, open art studio. www.nymr.co.uk 1 Oct 10am- 4pm CRAFT AND GIFT FAIR NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM FOR ENGLAND A range of crafts and gift ideas at a unique venue. Free Admission Over 35 stalls selling handmade crafts and gifts. www.ncm.org.uk 1 & 2 Oct 10am- 4pm KITE FESTIVAL BOLTON ABBEY ESTATE Fly your kite alongside the professionals. www.boltonabbey.com 1 & 2 Oct 11am FOOD AND CRAFT FESTIVAL BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Check www.biggreenfestival.org.uk for details.

4 Oct 10am - 12pm LITTLE LOTHERTON LOTHERTON HALL Under 5’s craft sessions for parents, carers and little ones.

Booking is required, contact (0113) 281 3229. www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall

5 Oct 1pm to 3pm FAMILY DAY LOTHERTON HALL Workshops for all the family to enjoy. www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall 8 Oct 1- 3pm BIG DRAW: GIANT WARRIORS LOTHERTON HALL Help to make giant artwork based on Native Americans of the Plains.

Booking is required, contact (0113) 281 3259. www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall 13 Oct – 6 Nov HALLOWEEN TRAIL THORP PERROW A trail of gruesome ghouls and ghosts.

A spooky experience you won’t forget! www.thorpperrow.com 15 & 16 Oct LET’S PRETEND LOTHERTON HALL Take the various trails around the house, who will you be today? Includes dressing up and self-led play. www. leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall 14-16 Oct RAILWAY IN WARTIME NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY The clocks have been turned back to 1943 with ENSA entertainers, street parades, vehicle displays and reenactments along the railway. www.nymr.co.uk 22- 30 Oct GLITTER TATTOOS STOCKELD PARK 22 - 30 Oct AUTUMN GLORY...FOOD, FOLK & FUN HAREWOOD HOUSE With Twilight Tales, Diwali celebrations and Halloween fun!... www.harewood.org 22 – 30 Oct11am-3pm SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN - BATS AND OWLS FOUNTAINS ABBEY Free trail and drop in self-led activities in Swanley Grange. Normal admission charge. www.fountainsabbey.org.uk.

22 - 30 Oct 10am- 4pm PUMPKIN TRAIL BOLTON ABBEY ESTATE Can you find all the pumpkins and Halloween characters hidden in the wood? www.boltonabbey.com

22 - 30 October 10am – 4pm GHOULISH GATEKEEPER MICKLEGATE BAR MUSEUM Visit the medieval ghoul to make a selection of gruesome Halloween decorations and props. Suitable for ages 7 - 12.

22 – 30 October BIG FUN WITH LITTLE TRAINS NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM A half term week of toy madness for the whole family with toy trains, miniature railway, play trains, meccano, hands-on workshops, fun craft activities, collection items and much more. Admission Free. www.nrm.org.uk/octhalfterm

The

AT STOCKELD

PARK

Halloween Adventure Opens from 21 October Season Cards available online

22 - 30 Oct HAUNTED HALLOWEEN WEEK RIPLEY CASTLE Ghostly Halloween Tours of the Castle for children are being held twice a day at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Dress up to be in with chance of winning a prize - two age groups - 5 to 8 year olds to dress as wizards or witches and 9 to 16 year olds as ‘Harry Potter’ characters. Also spooky Haunted Halloween Trail taking place between 9am & 4.30pm each day. www.ripleycastle.co.uk 22 – 30 Oct HALF TERM HALLOWEEN FUN EUREKA! A monster mash of Halloween fun. www.eureka.org.uk 22 - 30 Oct HALLOWEEN TRAIL LOTHERTON HALL Explore the house and find spooky clues to be in with a chance of winning a fiendish prize! www.leeds. gov.uk/lothertonhall 22 & 23 Oct COUNTRYSIDE LIVE GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND Great day out for the family which aims to bring countryside to the public with livestock, equine competitions, cookery demonstrations, hands-on crafts for adults & children.

24 & 25 Oct 12- 5pm LIVE OWLS STOCKELD PARK See real life spooky owls & birds of prey close up. Free.

24 – 28 Oct 12-4pm CRAFT ACTIVITIES STOCKELD PARK Make a pirate ship or dinosaur or design a wand and much more.

24 – 30 Oct WIZARD’S DEN STOCKELD PARK Visit Wizard Merlin as he performs magic in his den. Gift included.

24 – 30 Oct 2-5pm FACE PAINTING STOCKELD PARK 24 – 30 Oct HALLOWEEN CATWALK STOCKELD PARK Daily catwalk prizes for best dressed.

25 Oct 11am

Picture courtesy of Stockeld Park

WILD CHILD - WALKING FESTIVAL NOSTELL PRIORY A family event to celebrate discovery and exploration with a family trail and sesonal activities for all to enjoy. Part of seasonal walking festival. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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Families Vale of York

29

25 & 26 Oct 4- 6pm THEATRE IN THE WOODS STOCKELD PARK 16 performances – see news pages for more details.

theatre

it to E HEATnRfor a young cinhilad,dbaence r T E E R r fou WNTs a special occaesriosibling perfoerm three o H RO P h n onlyposite the ay old E w lw n s S a a e e is lv O e e J thems theatre (just op ps, to s

the ards erha York A trip to ntomime or, p tread the bo tre in central ges. s, a rs a a of show see a p any youngste Rowntree The embers of all M m e variety to musical h id e p c e w n s a o ie HALLOWEEN MADNESS J show. g d es au rovidin ty fundraisers ir first trip to ld. The there, p e ri years o ctory!) welcom MURTON PARK perform erts, from cha ly remember th fa s t p a u K ro it c g K d n l n a o c c fo Creepy craft activities including lo d y f n a o host ing tod rass ba duced pumpkin carving and trick or treat A whole ce shows to b those perform nt it caused.

-be-intro f n e soon-to e to see d n a basket decorating plus a ghoulish s from da hows. Many o er the excitem uggie eatre websit b s om for b story in the witch’s hovel.

Th theatre e, and remem ccess, ro eph Rowntree tr a a e d th le b e abes in a s th is o d J , . e g to th in mime, B 26 Oct 10.30am – 4pm eye on sy park s along 1 panto heatre.co.uk 1 0 2 ’ With ea seats, keep an your little one rs Playe ww.jrt e LLAMA WALKS! AROUND THE owntree has…” w booster g shows to tak for the R w, “Oh, yes, it in d e m n o e c 26 Oct 12pm to 2pm p p ROCKS! u ady o altogether no has alre BRIMHAM ROCKS Booking d in December NIGHTINGALE Meet the Nidderdale Llama Team, the Woo LOTHERTON HALL pet and stroke a llama and take Craft activities relating to different 17 - 22 Oct it for a walk! Children must be themes throughout the house. accompanied by an adult. £2.50 Suitable for ages 11 to 17.

ANNIE 01423 711052 or 07743 690770 6 & 7 Sept Booking is required, call (0113) YORK BARBICAN www.nationaltrust.org.uk 281 3259. www.leeds.gov.uk/ www.yorkbarbican.co.uk NUMBERJACKS lothertonhall 26 Oct 6pm – 8pm GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK 19 & 20 Oct www.atgtickets.com 01904 27 Oct 12pm to 2pm HAUNTED HALL 671818 PEPPA PIG’S TREASURE HUNT BARLEY HALL LANTERN MAKING WAKEFIELD THEATRE ROYAL Suitable for children. Haunted Hall 6 - 10 Sept LOTHERTON HALL AND OPERA HOUSE tour starts every thirty minutes.

Have a go at making your own ANNIE Peppa Pig and her friends are going A spine-chilling night awaits lantern. www.leeds.gov.uk/ on a treasure hunt and need your ALHAMBRA THEATRE you as you explore Barley Hall lothertonhall help! www.wakefieldtheatres.co.uk BRADFORD by candlelight in the company www.bradford-theatres.co.uk of a cast of creepy characters.

27 Oct 10am 20-22 Oct Admission includes a hot chocolate.

FAMILY ACTIVITY WALK 10 - 11 Sept STICK MAN 26 Oct 10am HARDCASTLE CRAGS HARROGATE THEATRE BANG GOES THE THEORY A steep walk down through the FAMILY ORIENTEERING Scamp Theatre present an LIVE woods from Clough Hole car adaptation of Gruffalo-creator TREASURE HUNT ST. GEORGE’S HALL park to Gibson Mill, with activities and newly appointed Children’s HARDCASTLE CRAGS www.bradford-theatres.co.uk along the way.

Laureate Julia Donaldson’s Pick up an orienteering map from www.nationaltrust.org.uk fabulous book – Stick Man. 22 Sep - 8 Oct the information point and navigate www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk 27 – 30 Oct 5.30 – 9.30pm around the course, answering HARE AND TORTOISE questions and collecting objects FRIGHT NIGHT 20 - 25 Sept YORK THEATRE ROYAL along the way. Certificate on STOCKELD PARK www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk completion. Family £5.

JOSEPH & HIS AMAZING Haunted walk through three 01904 623568 www.nationaltrust.org.uk TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT unique experiences. AtmosFEAR, ALHAMBRA THEATRE BRADFORD 2 Oct 2.30pm the UK’s top scare entertainment 26 Oct 10am to 12pm www.bradford-theatres.co.uk producers will transform Stockeld STIG OF THE DUMP MONSTERS, GHOULS AND Park’s usually serene & beautiful POCKLINGTON ARTS CENTRE 26 27 Sept GHOST CRAFTS surroundings into a creepy world, A tale of a unique friendship, suitable LOTHERTON HALL where terror lurks around every NUMBERJACKS for ages 8+, young people & families.

Have fun making halloween crafts. corner. Not for the faint-hearted.

ST. GEORGE’S HALL www.pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall Booking online advisable. www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 4-8 Oct 26 Oct 27 – 30 Oct 11am – 1.30pm 27 Oct JUNGLE BOOK BISCUIT DECORATING PUMPKIN CARVING DEMOS BOB THE BUILDER LIVE GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK STOCKELD PARK STOCKELD PARK ST. GEORGE’S HALL www.atgtickets.com 01904 You can pick your own from the www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 671818 pumpkin patch from 21 Oct. 27 - 29 Oct 13 Oct 28 Oct 26 Oct

classes

YOGA IN YORK

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Pregnancy HARROGATE 7-8pm at Yoga in York Tuesd THEATRE ays from 6 Friends M eeting Ho weeks pre use for wo th Sept g Performed by Moscow m advance nant £7.50 drop in / £6.50 pay en 14+ Ballet - La Classique. in Baby and www.harrogatetheatre.

P 9th Sept (n arents Yoga Friday co.uk s 11 -12 n o t 1 6 S ep oon from Rm, Muse ) at Briar H u Usual to p m St for 6+ weeks ouse Resources 15 Oct postnatal. ay in adva £6 nce for 6 w With Anna ee JAMES CAMPBELL’S ks . www.yogaiSemlyen, British Wh COMEDY 4 KIDS eel of Yog nyork.co.u a Dip k 01904 654 HARROGATE THEATRE 355 / 0789 1 989310 James Campbell is a stand YOGACO up comedian for children Yoga for P over 6, their parents and regnancy Wed & Th anyone who likes comedy urs Trinity Lan 6.30 - 8.15pm at without the rude words. His e, central Jacob’s W York. £7.5 Sophie Car ell, brand new show will cover 0 yogaco.co r www.yogaco.co.u per class. ways to make parsnips k .uk in fo@ 01904 733 interesting, how to look a Mum and 752 Baby Yog chicken in both eyes at the a Mon 10.30 same time and why owls don’t Church Hal - 12 noon at St Colu like Easter. l, m P b ri a’ o s ry St, centr class. Alis www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk al Yo o yogawithal n Goodwin www.yo rk. £6 per gaco.co.u ison@yaho k 01904 799 o.co.uk 097

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THE MAGICIAN’S DAUGHTER HARROGATE THEATRE Little Angel Theatre bring their trademark blend of puppetry & song to this captivating story guaranteed to captivate little ones. www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk 27-29 Oct

BOB THE MAN ON THE MOON WEST YORKSHIRE PLAYHOUSE Suitable for ages 3+ www.wyp.org.uk 29 Oct

THE NUTCRACKER WAKEFIELD THEATRE ROYAL AND OPERA HOUSE Performed by The State Ballet Academy of Minsk. www.wakefieldtheatres.co.uk 2 Nov

STICK MAN DONCASTER CIVIC THEATRE www.doncastercivic.co.uk

LIVE CREEPY CRAWLIES STOCKELD PARK Meet an array of Halloween creatures including spiders, snakes & scorpions. Free.

28 Oct 1pm to 3pm CRAFTINESS LOTHERTON HALL Drop-in craft activities relating to different themes. www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall 28 Oct 4pm HALLOWEEN BAT WALK NOSTELL PRIORY Halloween and A walking festival event. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 28 - 30 Oct 6.30 YORK MANSION HOUSE Candlelit Tours & Spooky Stories Unlock some of the murky secrets of York’s grandest residence with this spooky candlelit tour.

28 & 29 Oct GOTHIC GHOST TOURS WHITBY ABBEY What better place for a ghost story, than the setting for the tale of Dracula? Let the costumed storyteller lead you through this mysterious & spooky tour. 5.30pm tour is suitable for young children.

Later tours not recommended for the under 10’s.

29 Oct 5-7pm HALLOWEEN PARTY CRAZY TYKES Go along in fancy dress – party with games & buffet. Tickets only £7.50 per child. www.crazytykes.co.uk 29 Oct 1pm to 3pm MASK MAKING LOTHERTON HALL Create your own scary face! www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall 29 Oct WITCHING HOUR EUREKA! Scary gallery trails, practical magic, traditional Halloween games & some spooky dancing. Evening event pre-booking essential. Not suitable for Under 3’s. www.eureka.org.uk 29 & 30 Oct 11am HALLOWEEN TRAIL BRIMHAM ROCKS Scare yourself with a terrifying Halloween Trail. All Tickets £2 29 - 30 Oct CASTLE HOWARD HAUNTING HALLOWEEN Listen to spooky stories and follow the pumpkin trail, but beware of the ghosts! www.castlehoward.co.uk

29 & 30 Oct 12pm, 2pm & 4pm MONSTER TOURS THORP PERROW Join the mysterious guide for a strange adventure looking for monsters & beasties in the woods - suitable for all ages. www.thorpperrow.com 29 October 5.45pm HALLOWEEN WALK HARROGATE VALLEY GARDENS Ghosts, goblins & things that go bump in the night will be raising money for Henshaws in the town’s fourth Halloween walk. Fancy dress is encouraged & families can also take part in apple bobbing & splat the rat. Hot food & refreshments will be available. Last walk ends at 8.30 pm. Tickets £4

beta mum

My seven-year-old is bodybuilding. After ten minutes of ‘weightlifting’ with a tin of custard in one hand and a tin of rice pudding in the other, I noticed a big difference in the size of his biceps. I did!

30 Oct 2 pm HALLOWEEN STORY-TELLING IN THE HAYLOFT FOUNTAINS ABBEY Dress up - a prize for the best costumes. Suitable for 4-9 year olds. www.fountainsabbey.org.uk.

30 & 31 October 12pm HALLOWEEN WEEKEND BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Tricks & treats, blood curdling soup and art workshops. Dress as scarily as you can! www.nationaltrust.org.uk 4th Nov 6.15pm arrival FIREWORKS DISPLAY STOCKELD PARK Display begins at 6.45. Booking online advisable.

4 Nov CASTLE HOWARD NSPCC CHRISTMAS FAIR Annual NSPCC Christmas Fair in the beautiful surroundings of Castle Howard. www.castlehoward.co.uk

Big fun with little trains

Fre entr e y

22-30 October 2011

Make a playdate for our fantastic week of toys, models and rides.

Event sponsor nrm.org.uk/halfterm

‘Seen bigger knots in cotton,’ my dad used to say. Hilariously. And it was still just as hilarious the millionth time. You can imagine.

‘Muscles like sparrow’s kneecaps’ was another sidesplitter. It was a right laugh in my house during the 1970s. I still answer to the name ‘Felicity Fernickerpants’ in weak moments.

Anyway, I digress from my selfflagellating theme. Yes, another unticked item on the BetaMum’s Biblically-long to-do list is ‘exercise’. Too expensive, I don’t have the right clothes/shoes/bra, too outdoorsy, too dangerous, too time-consuming, too freaking healthy, too… essentially… tedious.

I can hear you, gym freaks! I can hear you bleating on about finding exercise I enjoy. Well, I enjoy dancing - but the things I like about it cannot be recreated sober, in rows, in front of other people, in a blindingly-lit sports hall. Wearing lycra.

Dancing has to be a slightly sleazy, slightly tipsy, dimly-lit affair, which a) defeats the purpose and b) makes it more expensive than even the swankiest health club. And I’m not sure you’re meant to have a hangover after ‘exercise’.

have to look after the kids… Oh, I’m chock-full of reasons not to exercise.

What I really love is going to the gym. I like the swish black machines, the watching telly on the cross-trainer, the nice coffee, the clean and quiet pool, the free shampoo, the hairdryers, the fake wooden lockers, the sauna, the being waved airily through the turnstyles. The whole overprivileged, self-indulgent caboodle.

But I simply can’t afford it. I’m an expert at being frugal. No, honestly, I’ve been in magazines for it. I can do clothes, furnishings, gardening, food… all to luxury levels and all on a shoestring.

My home is kitted out eclectically and, I hope, stylishly from eBay, charity shops and skips. I have far too many clothes, all (OK.. most) of which cost next to nothing.

I’ve served nettle soup to dinner guests and I almost never go to a beauty salon.

But I can’t seem to tackle exercise on a budget. Even the gods are against me.

Yesterday, we took the kids out for a family bike ride. At the furthest point from home, my front tyre exploded with a terminal hiss like a flatulent horse, much to the hilarity I can tolerate swimming. But York’s of the other cyclists on the path. pool provision is practically thirdHow I laughed. world, the kids will go mental if Bonding experiences are damaged I go without them (and I have to somewhat when Mummy has to stay with them in the shallow end push her bike, while the rest of the if I do take them, so they don’t family sail off home and have to do irritating things like drown) and drive back to rescue her in the car. the killer is that you have to get so damned wet.

Mind you, I pushed the squeaking, deflated old bike (that’s the actual Walking? Yes, I do that. But bike, cheeky) to the pub and had because it’s fairly slow, I don’t have five minutes blissful peace in the time to do enough to keep me garden with half a cider and a properly fit. packet of wasabi peanuts. I think it I loved karate but they changed did me the world of good. the night. I’d like to try kickboxing but it’s on an evening when I Families Vale of York

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Come and see why our Pre-Prep and Junior Schools were both rated ‘outstanding’ in the recent ISI Inspection

Open Afternoon Saturday 8th October 1.30 - 4.30pm Whole school will be open

Pre-Prep School

Junior School

Ages 4-7

Ages 8-11

Come and join our jungle themed fun day for families with young children!

• • • • • •

Bouncy Castle Face Painting Story Telling Singing Games Healthy Snacks

• Small class sizes • Excellent extra-curricular programme • Outstanding pastoral care Come and see what makes Ashville special...

• • • •

Tour the school Meet the Headteacher Join in activities Talk to current pupils

Green Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG2 9JP 01423 admissions@ashville.co.uk www.ashville.co.uk 32 Families Vale 566358 of York