Families Warwickshire Jan/Feb 2023 PRINT

TAILORED HOME INSURANCE RIGHT DOWN TO THE FINEST DETAIL

A home is more than just bricks and mortar. That’s why NFU Mutual Bespoke home insurance covers not only your home but also your beloved garden.

To discuss your high-value home insurance, call Joel Long at the Central Warwickshire agency on 07977 399301 or search NFU Mutual Bespoke.

D James, A C Price, M J Welton, J P Bird & G J Wheatley is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers. For security and training purposes calls may be recorded and monitored.

HappyNewYear!

Januaryisoftenatimewhenmanyofusmake resolutionsfortheyearahead(whichgenerally lastweeksratherthanmonthsifyou’reanything likeme!)We’vegotsomegreatsuggestionson howyoucansticktothembychoosingand settingchallengesasafamily. Thatwayyoucanmotivateeachother,beaccountableandtry somethingnewwhicheveryonecanenjoy.

Withfinancesbecomingevermorestretched,weoffersomemoney savingtipstohelpparentsthroughtheseeconomicallychallenging times.

Asthechildrenheadbacktoschoolforthenewterm,wewantto highlighttheimportanceofchildren’smentalhealth.Thefocusthis issueisanxietyandwesharesomeadviceonhowtohelpfamiliesto supporttheirchildrenwhomaybestruggling.

GroveduToit,HeadmasterofPrincethorpeCollegeanswersour questionsinMeettheHead.Findoutmoreabouthim,hisschool andalsohisviewonhowtochoosetherightschoolforyourchild.

WitharticlesontheimportanceofsharedreadinginEarlyYears,an updateonSATsandtherealbenefitsofextra-curricularactivities, there’splentyofreallyinformativecontentinthisissue.Plus,theever popularWhat’sOnGuidefeaturessomegreatthingstodoand placestogothiswinterandduringtheFebruaryhalfterm.

Finally,wearegivingyouthechancetowina6-monthBritannica MagazinesubscriptionandBritannicaAllNewEncyclopidia!

Applyatfamiliesmag.co.uk/goandyou’llalso receiveourFREEdigitalmagazinewithlots morecontentandgoodiesonoffer.

Hopeyouenjoythemagazine!

Wearahatforabetterfuture!

WearAHatDay,aniconicandfunannualevent,isoneoftheUK’s mostpopularandfamily-friendlycharitablefundraisersandit’s happeningagainonFriday,31March!

Runningformorethantenyears,thiseventraisesmillionsforvital researchintobraintumours–thebiggestcancerkillerofchildren andadultsundertheageof40.WearAHatDayeventshelp childrenexploretheirindividualityandcreativity,whilstlearningto worktogetherandthinkofothers–inareallyfunway.

Participationfostersfriendships,createsbetterlocalandschool communities,offersuniquelearningopportunitiesandprovides newwaysforchildrentoexploreideasarounddifferentlife experiences,allwhilegivinghopetobraintumourpatientsand theirlovedones.

Jointhisevent,asafamilyorbypersuadingyourlocalschoolto takepart.RegisternowformoreinformationandyourFREE fundraisingpack.Justusethequickandeasywebformat www.wearahatday.org

FamiliesWarwickshireispartofFamiliesPrintLtd,afranchisecompany.All franchisedmagazinesinthegroupareindependentlyownedandoperatedunder licence.FamiliesisaregisteredtrademarkofLCMBLtd,RemenhamHouse, RegattaPlace,MarlowRoad,BourneEnd,BucksSL85TD.Thecontentsofthis magazinearefullyprotectedbycopyrightandnoneoftheeditorialor photographicmattermaybereproducedinanyformwithoutthepriorconsentof FamiliesWarwickshire.Everycareistakeninthepreparationofthismagazinebut FamiliesWarwickshire,ourdistributors,thefranchisecompany,FamiliesPrintLtd andLCMBLtdcannotbeheldresponsiblefortheclaimsofadvertisersnorforthe accuracyofthecontents,oranyconsequencethereof.

Challengesforallthefamilyin2023

ByClaireWinter

EveryNewYearweareinundatedwithhealth,fitnessandself-improvementmessages.Often,ifwedodecidetochallenge ourselvesandmakeachange,wedon’tfeeladequatelysupportedandquicklylosemotivation.Onewayofaddressingthisisto takeonanewchallengeasafamily.Notonlydoyouallhavetogetupoffthesofabutyougettospendqualitytimewitheach othertoo!

Doesyourfamilythriveonabitofcompetition?Youcouldmakeyourchallengeagoal-orientatedone.Orperhapsyouhavefamily memberswhowanttonailscreentime,healthyeatingorexercise?Callafamilymeetinganddecidewhichchallengewillsuityou all.Ifyoucan’tdecide,holdavote!Herearesomechallengeideas.

Reducescreentime

Catchmeifyoucan

Bemindful

Inthisstressfulworld,takingtimeto‘justbe’issoimportant.Try somerelaxingyogaandmeditationeveryeveningforjustfiveto tenminutes,foramonth. InsightTimer (www.insighttimer.com) isafreemeditationapp,packedwithdifferenttracksand exercises.

Makeafamilychartandlogeveryone’sgoalsandachievements.

Eataroundtheworld

Boredwithyournormalmeals? Inspireyourselvesby researchinghealthy ingredientsyou’venevertried before.Thenplanafamily challengetocookmealsfrom aroundtheworld.Everyone getstotrysomethingthey’ve noteatenbefore.

Simpletipsto saveyoumoney

ByGemmaBird

Thereisaprideandempowermentthatcomeswithbeingin controlofyourmoney.What’smore,wecanpassonthis attitudeandbasicmoneymanagementskillstoourchildren andhelpthemgetmoneysavvytoo.Withtherisingcostof living,manyofusarelookingforeasyandpracticalmoneysavingtips.Herearesomeofmyfavourites.

Thiswinter, turnyourcentralheatingthermostatdownbyjust onedegree –itcansaveyouuptotenpercentayearonyour bill.

Popatentorgazebooveryourlaundryline, itwillallowthe washingtodrywithoutusingthetumbledryer.

Turnofftheradiatorsintheroomsyou’renotin.

Isyourbedroomcold? Switchonyourelectricblanket toget yourbedwarm;afortywattelectricblanketwillwarmupyour bedforjusttwopenceperhour.

Digoutyourslowcooker. Itcoststenpenceperhourtouse comparedtoyourovenatfiftytwopenceperhour.

Freeappslike TooGoodtoGo (www.toogoodtogo.co.uk)allow youto purchaseunsoldfoodatabigdiscount fromtopeateries attheendofservice.

Investingood-qualitybackpacksfordaysout soyouandthe kidscancarrywaterbottlesandsnacks,ratherthanbuying whenyou’reout.

Parkingondaysoutcanbeexpensive,soIuse YourParking Spaceapp (www.yourparkingspace.co.uk). Ittrackswhereyou areandfindscheaperparkingalternatives.

Reviewyoursubscriptions. Isthereanythingyoucando without?

SellyourunwanteditemsoneBay, especiallyclothing. Maximiseyoursellingpotentialbyironingtheitemsnicelyand hangingthemonmatchingwoodenhangers.Alwaysusethefull freetwelvephotoallowancewithclose-upsofanylogos. Photographyouritemsinnaturallight.

Whentravellingabroad,packsmart. Don’tbuysunscreenand essentialsattheairportoratouristdestinationasitwillalways bemoreexpensive.Checkfordealsbeforehandinhighstreet storesandsupermarkets.Alsobesuretotakemedicationslike painkillersandstingandbitereliefcreamswithyouasthese frequentlycostmuchmoreaboard.

GemmaBird,akaMoneyMum,isasocialmediasensation.

FormoreaboutChillyPowderchaletsforsummerand wintervisitwww.chillypowder.com

Reducinggrocerycosts

Bulkoutameal

Joinsupermarketmailinglists andnewslettersforgreatsavings. There’softenmoneyoffyourfirstonlineshopsosignupwithall thestoresthatofferthis.Thenshopwithadifferentoneeach weektomaximisesavings.

Sixtyfivepercentofmyfollowerssaidtheywouldtrythishack!

SATS:gettinginthe know

ByJessicaJoan

InMay,Year2(KS1)andYear6(KS2)pupilswilltaketheir SATSexams.Yet,fromtheirveryfirstdayatschool,children arebeingtrainedtobeabletoperforminpreparationfor theseassessments.

Somuchworkgoesonbehindthescenesinotheryearstoget childrenreadyandwhenitcomestotheyearinwhichtheytake theirSATS,teachersareunderpressureforthemtodowell.

Topreparefortheexams,yourchildrenwillbedoinglotsof maths,readingandwritingatschool,intertwinedwithother subjectssothattheyareconsistentlypractisingthoseskills. Sometimesthismeansthatotherfoundationsubjectsare deemed‘notasimportant’andadditionalmathsandEnglish lessonssqueezedininstead.

SohowcanyouensureyourchilddoeswellintheirSATS?

Yourchild’sschoolwillmorethanlikelybesendinghomemaths, Englishandreadinghomeworkinpreparation.Itcanbedifficult tomakeyourchilddohomework,especiallywhentheyhave beenworkedsohardduringtheschoolday;however,it’san importantsupportinpreparationforSATSsoanythingyoucan dowithyourchildcanreallymakeadifferencetohowthey perform.

Providingyourchildwithanyopportunitytoread,writeanddo mathematicalcalculationswillbemassivelyappreciatedbyyour child’steacher!

Inaddition,youcandownloadandlookatpastSATSpapers frompreviousyears(www.sats-papers.co.uk)togetanideaof

whatyourchildwillhavetodo.Therewillbesomethingsthat havechangedsinceyouwenttoschool,soaskyourchildto showyouhowtheydothings-theywillrelishthisopportunity!

Likewise,youcanalwaysspeaktoyourchild’steacherwhowill happilyshowyouhowyoucansupportyourchild’slearningat home.

Aswellasthesethings,ensuringyourchildeatswellandstays hydratedwillsupporttheirmindsandbodiesduringtheschool day.Similarly,creatingagoodbedtimeroutinewillmeanyour childgetsadecentnight’ssleepandhasthebrainpowertobe ‘ontheball’throughouttheschoolweek.

JessicaJoanisaprimaryschoolteacherfrom Worcestershirewithatenyearteachingcareer.After experiencingburnout,shesetupasaWork/LifeBalance CoachforstressedoutteachersandlaunchedherHappy TeacherCourse.Findoutmoreatwww.jessicajoan.co.uk

SATSandyourchild’s

practiseawellbeingtechniquetopromotefeelingsofcalmand self-assuranceduringthesetimes.Breathingtechniques, exerciseandmeditationareallgreatwaystosupportyour child’swellbeingthroughoutstressfultimesduringtheir childhood.

ThegovernmentpreviouslyannounceditsplanstoscrapKS1 SATS(Year2)aftertheintroductionoftheReceptionBaseline Assessment(RBA)whichbeganinSeptember2021andis

Thischangeiswelcomedamongstprimaryschoolteachers acrossthecountryasitlimitstheamountofpressured standardisedtestingthattakesplaceduringachild’searly schoolyears.Primaryschoolisatimeforchildrentoexplore theirlearningthroughplayandtheirowncuriosities.

Theatre

TheAlbanyTheatre

Coventry

BOXOFFICE:02476998964 www.albanytheatre.co.uk

TheSmartestGiantinTown

MON16–TUE17JAN

Thisheart-warmingtalebasedonthebestselling bookbyJuliaDonaldsonandAxelSchefflerabout friendshipandhelpingthoseinneedisbroughtto lifeinamusical,puppet-filledadventure.

Ernie’sJourney

SUN12FEB

Ernie’sJourneyisamagicalcircustheatre adventuredesignedtoconnectaudienceswiththe waterwaysaroundwheretheyliveandhowthey feedintonationalandinternationaloceansystems.

Thisshowisparticularlyenchantingfor4-11yearoldsbutthehigh-skillcircuswillamazeaudiences ofallages.

Pinocchio

TUE21FEB

SteveTiplady,asGeppetto,usestheobjectsofa carpenter’sworkshoptotellthetaleofthepuppet thatwantstobearealboy,andthepuppet-maker whowantstobearealfather.

Puppetry,shadows,illusionandespecially composedmusiccombinetocreateashowwith somethingforallages.

RoyalSpaCentre LeamingtonSpa BOXOFFICE:01926334418 www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

RoomontheBroom THU2–FRI3FEB

Jumponboardthebroomwiththewitchandher catinTallStories’fun-filledadaptationofRoomon theBroom,thebest-sellingpicturebookbyJulia DonaldsonandAxelScheffler.

Willthereeverberoomonthebroomforeveryone? FindoutinthemagicalOlivierAward-nominated showforeveryoneaged3andup.

Winterfun forallthe family

AllThingsWild Honeybourne

SirScallywagandtheGoldenUnderpants–FamilyConcert

SUN5MAR

WhenKingColin’sgoldenunderpantsgomissing, it’sSirScallywagtotherescue!Braveandbold, courageousandtrue,he’stheperfectknightforthe job…evenifheisonlysixyearsold!

Thisconcertisagreatintroductiontolivemusicfor children.It’sfullofwit,invention,songsandactions, andplentyofopportunitiestojoinin-theconcertis idealforages3-7butgreatfunforeveryone!

WarwickArtsCentre Coventry

BOXOFFICE:02476496000 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

BeautyandtheBeast

SUN29JAN

JoinBalletTheatreUKwithoneofthemost enchantinglovestoriesofalltime,“Beautyandthe Beast”.

Greatvaluefamilydayout,interactwithfascinating animals,learnfromexpertkeepers,enjoyarideon theDinoTrainandexplorethewonderfulworldof Dinosaurs.Enjoytheamazingthingsthatnature canbringwithallthefamily,whatevertheweather. Checkavailabilityandbookticketsonline. Open10:00–17:00everyday. T:01386833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

BrandonMarshNatureReserve Coventry

BrandonMarshrunsregularNatureTotssessions forpre-schoolchildren,WildlifeWatchafterschool clubs,plusactivitysessionsduringschoolholidays, includingcrafts,denbuildingandponddipping. Learnaboutdifferentanimalsandhavelotsoffun! Winteropeningtimes(until31Mar):9:30–16:00 Mon–Fri,10:00–16:00weekends. T:02476302912 www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

PopPrincesses

THU23FEB

Amagicalshowwherebeautifulprincessesbecome PopStars!Thisisthechildren’spopconcertwitha bigdifference.Featuringasoundtrackoftoppop hitsfromartistssuchasLittleMix,ArianaGrande, TaylorSwift,MeghanTrainorandMileyCyrus,plus allthebestsongsfromallyourfavouritefilmsand musicals.

RoyalShakespeareCompany

Stratford-upon-Avon BOXOFFICE:01789331111 www.rsc.org.uk

TheTempest

THU26JAN–SAT4MAR

Theworldisoutofkilter.Politicalunrestandan unsettledclimatemakefortroubledtimes.People areoutofkilter,too.Siblingrivalryandfamilyrifts causeheartacheanduneasysouls.Onanisland fullofstrangesoundsandwondroussights,a motheranddaughterstruggletosurvive.Young lovebringshopeforabetterlife:perhapshealing ourselvesandmendingtheplanetareoneandthe samething.Foryoungpeopleofallages,thisplayis afantasticwaytoexploretheconceptsoffreedom andpowerandincludesthemesofmagic,control andforgiveness.

Inspiredbytheoriginaltale,thisproductiontellsthe storyofBelle,andherattempttorescueherfather whoiscapturedbyaferociousBeast,onlytobe capturedherself.Littledoessheknowthatheisa PrincecursedbyamagicalEnchantress. TheonlywaytheBeastmaybecomehumanagain isifhelearnstoloveandbelovedinreturn.Will theyconfesstheirloveforoneanotherbeforeitis toolate?

BritishMotorMuseum Gaydon World'slargestcollectionofhistoricBritishcars, celebratingthepast,presentandfutureofBritish motoring.Agreatdayoutwhatevertheweather. T:01926895300 www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

ComptonVerney NrWarwick

Stunningparklandandlake,andwoodland adventureplayground.Award-winningartgallery. Restaurantandgiftshop.Checkouttheirwebsite forfunfamilyhalftermactivities.ClosedMondays exceptBankHolidays. T:01926645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk

CoventryTransportMuseum Coventry

Housingthelargestpubliclyownedcollectionof Britishvehiclesontheplanet,theMuseumtellsthe storyofacitywhichchangedtheworldthrough transport.Captivatingdisplays,interactivegalleries andhighlyimmersiveexhibitions.TrytheirMini ExplorerTrailandPlayBoxesfor0-5sonuntil31 Jan. T:02476234270 www.transport-museum.com

DavidGibb’sFamilyJukebox

SUN5FEB

JoinDavidandhismagicalmusicJukeboxashe takesyouonatripthroughhishilariousandoften surrealimagination,wherewolvesroamtheschool corridors,dragonsliveunderthebedandteddy bearsdancethenightawayatthedisco.Withlots ofopportunitiestojoininDavid’ssongwriting drawsfromawiderangeofmusicalinfluencesand genresincludingjazz,folk,reggae,androck‘n’roll.

DinosaurWorldLive!

SAT25–SUN26FEB

Daretoexperiencethedangersanddelightsof DinosaurWorldLiveinthisroarsomeinteractive showforallthefamily.

Grabyourcompassandjointheintrepidexplorer acrossunchartedterritoriestodiscoveraprehistoricworldofastonishing(andremarkablylifelike)dinosaurs.Aspecialmeetandgreetafterthe showoffersallbraveexplorersthechancetomake anewdinosaurfriend.

FoundryWood LeamingtonSpa

Anurbancommunitywoodlandintheheartof LeamingtonSpaandWarwick.Learnabout woodlandhabitats,wildlifeconservation,traditional woodlandcrafts,andmore.RegularMuddy PuddlesMiniForestSchool,MagicalWorldof StoriesandSingingforJoyforfamiliesplus FoundryWoodWellbeingsessionsandFullMoon HealingCirclesforadults.Seewebsitefordates andbooking. www.foundrywood.co.uk

GoApe Coventry

Thrill-seekingadultsandfun-seekingchildrencan experiencethebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandminiLandRoversatCoombeAbbey thiswinter.Swing,bounce,throworzoominto actiononweekendsandselectedweekdaysinJan/ Feb.OpenallweekFebhalfterm!Save15%ona TreetopChallengeFamilyTicketwithcode FAMILY15until30March.Conditionsapply. Bookingrequired. www.goape.co.uk

HattonAdventureWorld

NrWarwick

Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily.Come rainorshinethere’splentytodowith indoorandoutdoorattractionsand entertainmentforallthefamily.

JackandtheBeanstalk–APanto Adventure! Sun19–Mon27Feb

Pantoisbackandit’sbiggerandbetter thisFebruaryhalfterm.YourPanto ticketsalsoincludesfullentrytoHatton AdventureWorldincludingall-day animalhandling,falconrydisplays,laser combat,fairgroundrides,softplayand slidemania,guineapigvillageandmore. Bookonline.

T:01926843411 www.hattonworld.com/adventureworld

HillCloseGardens Warwick

RareVictorianGardenstoexplorewith Children’strailandspecialeventsand workshopsthroughouttheyear.There’s alsoaspecialgardencreatedfor childrenwheretheycanplayinthemud kitchenandareinvitedtoplant,water, weedandharvestfruitandvegetables, sogopreparedtogetstuckin!

Winteropeningtimes:Weekdaysonly, 11:00-16:00,lastentry15:30.Self-service refreshments. T:01926493339 www.hillclosegardens.com

HerbertArtGallery Coventry

Eventsandexhibitionsallyearround. Runsregularartandactivitysessions forpre-schoolers,sensoryplaydays, storytelling,familyfriendlyworkshops, arttalksandmasterclasses.Some eventsrequirepre-booking,othersare dropin.Seewebsitefordetails. T:02476237521 www.theherbert.org

JumpIn Warwick

Avoidthecoldthiswinterandburnoff thatexcessenergyatJumpInAdventure ParkinWarwick.Theperfectplacefor familiestoenjoysomequalityjumpin’ fun!CheckouttheAfterSchooldeal Mon-Thu,it’sgreatvalue! T:08000988212 www.gojumpin.com

WolfRunJunior

LeamingtonSpa

Childrenandteenagerscangeta tasteoftheactionandenjoywild runningandobstaclesatWolfRun Junior.Opento7-17yearoldsand takingplaceon23Apr,25Jun& 3Sep2023,thejuniorcourseis3km longandcanbecompletedonceor twice.Signuptodayandenjoyafun andactiveweekendwithfamilyand friendsinthegreatoutdoors! www.thewolfrun.com

KenilworthCastleand

ElizabethanGarden Kenilworth Wrapupwarmandletthekidsrunfree thiswinteratthismightyhistoricvenue. Exploretheruinsandhaveagreat dayout.

MakeHistorythishalfterm Sat18–Sun26Feb(10:00–16:00) StepbackintimethisFebruaryhalfterm ashistoryisbroughttolifeatKenilworth Castle.Meetthehistoricperformers, enjoyhands-onactivitiesandlotsof fresh-airfamilyfun.Bookonlineand save. T:01926852078 www.english-heritage.org.uk

TheMADMuseum Stratford-upon-Avon VisittheUK’sonlyMechanicalArt venue.Housinganimpressivecollection ofeccentricandingeniouscreations. Interactwithartworks,contraptionsand machines.Afunplacetovisitforallthe family.Freefamilyactivitysheets.Under 5’sareFREE. T:01789269356 www.themadmuseum.co.uk

PlanetIce Coventry Skateforfun,learntoskate,booka partyortakethefamilytowatchanIce HockeygameandsupporttheCoventry Blazethiswinter.Seewebsitefor fixturesandbooking. T:02476630693 www.planet-ice.co.uk www.coventryblaze.co.uk

ThePlayVillage Warwick

TheChildren’sPlayVillageoffersa warm,magicalandstimulating environmentwherechildrencanexplore anddiscoveraworldofimaginaryfun. Sessionsare2.5hours.Booking required.Holidaydatesareverypopular sobookearlyifyou’relookingforaslot duringFebruaryhalfterm. T:01926830635 www.childrensplayvillage.co.uk

TheNationalTrust Warwickshire

Rainorshinethere'salwayssomething todiscover,plentyofspacetorun aroundandanoutdooradventuretobe hadatourlocalNationalTrust properties:BaddesleyClinton; CoughtonCourt;PackwoodHouse; CharlecotePark;UponHouseand GardensandFarnboroughHall.See individualwebsitesfordetailsofhalf termactivitiesateachvenue. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

TheWave Coventry

Grabyourgogglesandenjoyafamily dayoutatoneoftheUK’sawardwinningindoorwaterparksintheheart ofCoventryCityCentre!There’s6 awesomeslidesforthrillseekers,awave poolfor‘surfers’,asplashzoneforlittle waterbabiesandalazyrivertorelax. Withallthisunderoneroofthere’s plentytodoforallthefamily. www.thewavecoventry.com

TwycrossZoo Atherstone EnjoyafamilyfundayoutattheZoo! Exploretheanimalworldanytimeofthe year,withindoorandoutdoorhabitats, interactiveexperiencesandfun,exciting encounterswithover500animals,from 125differentspecies.Ifyou’refeeling brave,whynotjourneythoughthedeep, darkwoodandvisitTheGruffalo DiscoveryLand–theonlylandofits kindintheUKwhichaimstoinspire morechildrenthaneverbeforeabout theimportanceofconservationandthe naturalworld. T:08444741777 www.twycrosszoo.org

Don’tmiss

Sat18–Sun26Feb

ThisFebruaryhalftermthewhole familycanenjoytherelaxingpleasure ofwalkingamongstsomeofthe world’smoststunningandcolourful butterfliesinatropicalrainforest setting,completewithfish-filledpools, splashingwaterfallsandbeautiful blooms.

MeettheMini-Beasthandling sessions,PupaeandBeetle demonstrationswillbehelddailyin theDiscoveryZone.Pleasesee websiteformoreinformation. Thegiftshophasawiderangeof natureinspiredFairtradegiftsandsells softdrinks,snacks,confectionaryand ice-creams.

Toguaranteeentranceoverhalfterm, ticketsshouldbepurchasedin advanceonline.TheButterflyFarm recommendsreadingthe‘Information’ sectionofthewebsitetohelpplana visit.

T:01789299288 www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

RedwingsHorseSanctuary Oxhill Hometo80rescuedhorses,poniesand donkeys.Caféandgiftshop,plusthe opportunitytoadoptahorse,ponyor donkey.Entryandparkingarefreeand dogsonleadsarewelcome. OpenFri–Mon10:00–16:00. Bookingisrequired. T:08700400033 www.redwings.org.uk/visiting

RytonPoolsCountryPark

Bubbenhall

Wrapupwarmandexploreover100 acreswithmilesofflat,surfaced footpathsperfectforbikes,plustwo excitingadventureplayareas,avisitor/ educationcentreandacafé.Eventsand handsonactivitiesthroughouttheyear. Dogfriendly.Cashlesspayanddisplay carparking. T:02476305592 countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk

Shakespeare’sSchoolroom& Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Visitthe600-year-oldbuildingwhere WilliamShakespearewasinspiredby literatureandtheatrefortheveryfirst time!Funforallthefamilyincluding dressingupTudor-style,traditional Tudorgames,quillwritingandalesson fromaTudorSchoolMaster! T:01789203170 www.shakespearesschoolroom.org

WarwickCastle Warwick Agreatdayoutforthewholefamily! Witnesstheincredibleskillsofthe bowmanandgetlostintimeinthe HorribleHistories®Maze.Seethe spectacularandfascinatingbirdsinthe UK’sbiggestbirdofpreyshow,The Falconer’sQuest.Explorethecastle towersandrampartsandover64acres ofbeautifulgroundsandgardens. Kidscanimmersethemselvesinthe worldofZogwiththepopularZogand theQuestfortheGoldenStartrailand thefun-filledZogPlayland. T:08712652000 www.warwick-castle.com

Sing-a-long-aGrease

Belgrade Theatre,Coventry Sat14Jan

Dustoffthosepinkjackets,grease upthosequiffsandletyour inhibitionsgoforanevening whereyouarethestarsand Greaseistheword!

Theeveningbeginswithyourhost leadingavocalwarm-upbefore theyshowyouhowtouseyour freeinteractivepropbag.You’ll evengetachancetolearnhowto handjive.

Thenjustsitbackandwatch Danny&Sandyandthegangin theclassicfilmstarringJohn TravoltaandOliviaNewton-John, whilesinginganddancingalong tothelyricsasshownonthe screen.

Fancydressisstrongly encouragedandfullaudience participationessential. Bookonline. Agerecommendation:PG www.belgrade.co.uk/events/ sing-a-long-a-grease/

SpectacleofLight

ComptonVerney Fri10Feb–Sun5Mar (EveryThu-Sun)

Discoverthenight-timewonderof ComptonVerneythrougha wonderfulspectacleoflightand sound.Enjoythisbeautiful illuminatedtrailthroughthe majesticwoodlandandaroundthe parklandalllitunderthestars. Sipdelicioushotchocolateasyou meanderalongthisbeautifultrail. Takeamomentbythehouseto tuckintoscrumptiousstreetfood fromDigbethDiningClub. Don’tforgettoheadinside,and enjoyarangeofdrinksfromthe fullystockedbarthroughoutthe eveningtohelpquenchyour thirst!

Save10%onadvancetickets bookedby9Feb.Under3’sFREE. www.comptonverney.org.uk/ event/spectacle/

IndependentschoolsCoventryandWarwickshire

ArnoldLodge

LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18) T:01926778050 arnoldlodge.com OpenDay:Sat13May 10:00–13:00

BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13) T:01788810217 biltongrange.co.uk OpenDay:Sat25Feb

TheKingsleySchool

LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18) T:01926421368 thekingsleyschool.co.uk

SeniorSchoolTasterDay (Yr5):Sat14Jan WholeSchoolOpenDay: Sat11Mar

PrepandJunior Schools

BablakeandKingHenryVIII PrePrep Coventry T:02476271285 bablake.com kinghenrys.co.uk OpenHouse:Fri14Feb 9:00–11:30

BablakePreparatory Coventry T:02476271260 bablake.com

KingHenryVIIIPreparatory Coventry T:02476271160 kinghenrys.co.uk

CrackleyHallSchooland

LittleCrackersNursery Kenilworth T:01926514444 crackleyhall.co.uk

CrescentSchool Rugby T:01788521595 crescentschool.co.uk

TheCroftPreparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789293795 croftschool.co.uk

HenleyMontessori

PrimaryandMerrydays MontessoriNursery Henley-in-Arden T:01564795722 henleymontessori.co.uk

StratfordPreparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789297993 stratfordprep.co.uk

WarwickPreparatorySchool Warwick T:01926491545 warwickprep.com

WarwickSchool Warwick T:01926776418 warwickschool.org

JuniorSchoolTasterDay (Yr3):Sat4Feb JuniorSchoolOpenMorning: Sat11Mar

SeniorSchools

BablakeSenior Coventry T:02476271200 bablake.com

KingHenryVIIISenior Coventry T:02476271111 kinghenrys.co.uk OpenHouse:Fri27Jan

King’sHigh Warwick T:01926494485 kingshighwarwick.co.uk

PrincethorpeCollege Rugby T:01926634201 princethorpe.co.uk

WarwickSchool Warwick T:01926776400 warwickschool.org

Seewebsitesfor opendays.

WhattheGoodSchoolsGuide says…WarwickPreparatory SchoolReview2022

‘Mainentrypointsarenursery,receptionandyear3.Uptoyear 2,academicallynon-selective,withentranceviaatasterday. Fromyear3(girlsonly),assessmentmorningwithtestsin Englishandmathsandapresentationon‘somethingtheybring intotalkabout’.Increasinglygirlsapplyforyear5and6withan eyetotheseniorschool.’

‘Oneofthemoreacademiclocalschools,whichhastheadded benefitofofferingapotentiallystress-freeall-throughoptionso youcanavoidthe11+frenzy.’

‘Buttheschool’srealforte,wefelt,waslifebeyondthe classroom:“Thereisalwayssomuchgoingon–academics, sport,musicanddramarightthroughtoLegoandjewellery makingandallthethingsyouwouldn’texpect,” saidaparent. Allthebenefitsofsharedfacilitiesincludingworld-classmusic centre,professionallyequippedtheatreandstunningsports amenities.’

‘Frenchtaughtfromtheoffinthededicatedlanguagesroom. Spanishtaughtforthelasttwotermsofyear6,andthere’san optionalGermanclub.’

‘Musicfacilitiesamongthebestwe’veseen.Three-quarters learnaninstrumentandthere’sbreadthtoo.ArtandDTare specialistandwell-resourceddepartments.’

‘Cricket,netball,hockey,football,swimmingonoffer,includinga pool.Andeventheyoungestgetpropercoaching.’

Readthefullreviewat warwickprep.com/goodschoolsguide

aspectsIhopeparentsandpupilswillrecogniseinmyapproach toteaching.

HowwouldyoudescribetheethosofPrincethorpeCollege?

Princethorpeisacommunity,afamily.Wevaluefriendship, kindness,andcompassion.Itisaschoolwhereeverypupilwill

findaplacetobelong,wherewesupportandpushinequal measure.Ourtwoschoolrulesare:bekindandalwaysdoyour best–anexcellentsummaryofwhatwehopetoinstilinevery child.

WhatdoesbeingaHeadmeantoyou?

Itisadirectiongivingresponsibility,ensuringPrincethorpe equipseverypupilwiththeskillsandknowledgeneededto changeaverychallengingworld.Societyneedsyoungpeople thatwillmakeadifferenceandasHead,Iwanttoensure PrincethorpeCollegecontinuestoofferthatjourneytoallour pupils.

Howdoyouthinkyourpupilswoulddescribeyou? Passionate,energetic,caringandfair.

Ifyouweren’tHeadofPrincethorpeCollege,whatwouldyou be?

Iwouldlovetoownmyownrestaurant.Gatheringpeoplearound goodfoodisalwaysapositiveexperienceandIenjoyseeing thosememoriescreated.

Whatadvicewouldyougivetoparentschoosingaschool?

MayaAngelousaid:“Peoplewillforgetwhatyousaid,peoplewill forgetwhatyoudid,butpeoplewillneverforgethowyoumade themfeel.”Ibelievethisisoneofthemostimportant considerationswhenchoosingaschoolforyourchild.Itdoesnot matterwheretheygo,aslongastheyfeelcaredfor,accepted, happy,andthattheybelong.Visitschoolstoexperiencetheir atmosphereandvalues–asaparentyouwillknowwhatisbest foryourchild.

PremierLeagueorLastNightoftheProms?

Thisistoughastheyaretwoofmygreatpassions–sportand theperformingarts.Iwouldhopeitisamid-dayfixture,leaving meenoughtimetoheadtotheRoyalAlbertHall.

Sharedreadingand language development

ByDrJamieLingwood

Earlylanguagedevelopmentisincrediblyimportantand sittingdowntoreadwithyourchildgivesthemabig advantage.Herearemythoughtsonthehow’sandwhy’sof sharedreading.

Makeitaconversation

Sharedreadingissomuchmorethansimplyreadingbooks aloudfromstarttofinish.It’spowerfulasaninteractive experience,creatingaconversationalongtheway.Evidence suggeststhataskingchildrenlotsofopenquestionsabout bookscanreallyboostlanguageskills.Exposuretonewwords buildstheirvocabularyandthemoretheyhearspokenlanguage, themoreeasilytheycanuseitthemselves.Theearlieryoustart, thebettertheirreadingageswillbeatschool.Researchhas demonstratedhowsharedreadingprotectsagainstalotof languagedifficultiesanddelays.Itcanevenpredicthow successfulchildrencouldbeasadultsintermsofincome!

Doingityourownway

Parents,grandparents,carersorsiblingwilleachhavetheirown readingstyles;andthat’sagoodthing.Findtheflowthatcomes mostnaturallytoyou,makingtheexperiencemoreinteractiveas yougoalong.

Picturebooksareagoodstart

Picturebookswithfewornowordsaregreatstartingpoints.A goodexampleis Hug byJezAlborough,whichsimplyrepeatsthe word‘hug’oneachpage.It’sthendowntotheadulttocreatea storyaroundthis,startingaconversationwiththechild.Talking withthemaboutwhattheyseeandwhattheythinkaboutthe storynaturallyinvolvesusingamixofwordsandgrammatically structuredsentences.Thebookbecomesapromptforchildren toexpressthemselves.

Readingthesamebookoverandover...

Ihearthisalotfromparents:‘Mychildwantstoreadthesame bookoverandoveragain.’Asanadult,whatdoyoudo?Doyou readthebookforthethirtyfifthtimethisweekorencourage themtoreadsomethingelse?Arecentstudysuggeststhat readingthesamebookrepeatedlycanhelpwithachild’s memory,intermsofbuildingfamiliaritywithparticularwords.

Bonjour!Hola!Hallo!Ciao!

BilinguaSingsessionsareavailableforchildrenfromtheageof just4weeksold!Youcanchoosefromfourdifferentlanguages locally–French,Spanish,GermanandItalian.

Thesessionsarefulloffamiliarrhymes–thinkHumptyDumpty orTwinkleTwinkle-andsimplesongstointroducebabiesand youngchildrentoasecondlanguageinaneasy,naturalandfun way.

ThesongsandrhymesaresunginbothEnglishandthesecond language,sonopriorknowledgeoftheadditionallanguageis requiredbeforeattending.Sensoryprops,suchasbubbles, instrumentsandpuppets,addtotheenjoymentofthesessions.

BilinguaSingsessionsare availablefornurserysettings andPrimaryschoolstoo,sothe loveoflanguagelearningfor childrencancontinuethroughto age11!

Thebiggestchallengeisyourstamina-knowingit’sallinagood causemighthelphere!

Whenandwhere?

Whenitcomestosharedreading,littleandoftenistheway forward.Youdon’thavetositdownandrigidlyreadwithyour childforasethouratatime.Fiveminuteshereandthereisjust asuseful,particularlywhenitcomestokeepingthemmotivated.

Fitreadingaroundwhatworksforyouandthestructureofyour ownlives.Youmaywellchooseatimetowardstheendofthe daywhenyou’resettlingthemdownforbed.Butforalotof people,thatisn’tsuccessfulbecause,bythatpoint,theirchildis tootiredtoengageproperly.Rememberitdoesn’thavetobe bedtime.Pickadifferentpointintheday.Orgrabfiveminutes whenyou’retravellingonthebustogether,forexample.

Andfinally…

Doityourself!Whenyourchildseesyoureadingandclearly enjoyingit,theywillwanttocopyyou.Thiswillhelpthem developahabitthatwillopenupalifelongworldofadventures andlearning.

DrJamieLingwoodisaLecturerinPsychologyat LiverpoolHopeUniversity(www.hope.ac.uk/psychology) andbelongstotheChildLabresearchgroup,agroupof psychologistsandeducatorswhoareinterestedin researchinghowchildrendevelopandgrow.

Ballsports

Cooking

Formanyadults,it’sachorebutit’s generallygreatfunforkidsandladen withtheopportunitytoacquire importantdevelopmentskills: Finemotorskills -mixing,rollingand usingcookingimplements

Mathsskills -measuringingredients andunderstandingfractions,addition andsubtraction

Focusandattentiontodetail

HorseRiding

Languages

Ingeneralterms,theyoungerthemind, theeasieritistolearnasecond language.Thiscanenablechildrento communicatewithfriendsorfamilyor whenabroad.Otherbenefitsinclude: Improvedschoolperformance- better memoryandproblem-solvingskills Improvedcareeropportunities Betterunderstanding oftheworldand othercultures

MartialArts

Musicalinstrument

Learninganinstrumentcanhave upsidesforyourchildthatyoumay nothaveconsidered: Mathsskills -sequencessuchas beat,tempoandrhythminvolve recurringmathematicalpatterns Socialskills -childrencanjoin groupsandorchestrasand acquireasenseofbelongingand

Swimming

Youmayfeeltheswimmingprogramme

sufficientoryourchildjustlovessplashing about.Thebenefitsare: Watersafety -drowningisoneofthe mostcommoncausesofdeathinchildren Physicalhealth –brilliantforhealthy heartandlungs,strengthandflexibility, staminaandevenbalanceandposture Opensthedoortoothersports -such askayaking,surfing,triathalonand scubadiving

Tentoptipsfor alleviatingchildren’s anxiety

ByClaireMoreau

Parentingisoftenmarvellousandrewardingbutit’salso complex,especiallyifyourchildisstrugglingwithanxiety andyouareunsurewhattodonext.FamiliesaskedClaire Moreau,aqualifiedmindfulnessteacher,tosharehertips forlesseningchildren’sanxiety.Don’tbedeceivedbythe simplicityofthese…tryputtingthemintopractice–theydo work!

Avoidfuellinganxiety

Childrenabsorbemotionslikespongesandiftheydon’tknow howtomanagethem,theycanfeelfrustrated,powerlessand overwhelmed.Overhearingthenewsoremotionally-charged adultconversationcanfuelchildren’sanxiety.Teenagerscanbe alarmedbynewsthreadsonsocialmedia.Besidesclimate changeandCovid,youngergenerationsarenowworryingabout thewarinUkraineanditspotentialconsequences.

Toptip: Avoidwatching/listeningtothenewswithyoung children;talktoteenagersaboutthenewsthreadstheyfollow; keepadultconversationamongstadults.Withoutaltogether avoidingsensitivetopics,discussionscanbeheldwithinfamilies inanage-appropriateway.

Encouragechildrento expressfeelings

Childrenaremorelikelytoexpresstheirfeelingswhentheysense thatwearefullyavailable.Sittinginanareatheypassbywhen returningfromschooloraweekendactivityandgentlyinviting themtojoinuscanbeastart.

Teenagersmightbemorereluctantthanyoungchildrento expresshowtheyfeel.Lettingthemknowthatwe’rereadyto welcomewhatevertroublesthemmightnotproducean immediateresult,but,intime,itcanpromptthemtoopenup.

Toptip: Tellthemtheyhavetherighttofeeloverwhelmedor stressed– ‘it’sokaynottobeokay.’ Listenintentlytothemwithout movinginto‘fix-itmode.’Sometimestheyjustneedasteady, listeningear.

Befully present

Mobilephonesarepartof ourlivesandessential communicationdevices. Yet,thealertsand notificationskeepus constantlylookingat themandfamilymembers oftenhavetocompete.

Beingfullypresentwiththeactivityorconversationwe’re havingwithourchildren-withoutbeingdistractedbymobile phones-demonstratesthatwevalue‘real’timetogetherover virtualcommunicationwithotherpeopleandthatwearefully available.

Toptip: Atmealtimes,geteveryonetoputtheirphonesaway forasetlengthoftime.

Limitscreen time

Researchhasfoundthattoomuch screentimecanleadtomentalhealth issuesinchildren,suchasanxietyand depression.Mostchildrenprefer electronicmediatoplayingand interactingwithfamilyandpeers, whichimpactstheirsocial development.

Screen time

Monitorscreentime,ensurethecontentisage-appropriate, communicatewithchildrenaboutinappropriateimagesand modelhealthydevicehabits.

Toptip: Playingboardgames,readingandlisteningtomusic aregreatalternatives.Askyourkidstohelpyoudiscover theirmusicaltastes–thiscanleadtorichintergenerational conversations!

Offerreassurance

Smallstepscangoalong way.Iftheyworryaboutthe future,bringthembacktothe presentmoment—’righthere, rightnow,withyou,alliswell.’ Tellthemthatyoulovethem nomatterwhat.Theseare bothpillarsofmindfulness.

Createafamilyroutinethat dissolvestheirworriesevenif onlyforashorttime-inmyfamily,everyotherFridayevening, homemadepizzaissacred.Wecatchupwhilecooking,thenwe watchafilmtogether.

Toptip: Empowerthembydoingsomethingasafamilytohelp thesituationtheyareworryingabout–forinstance,organisea carbootsaleorafamilyruntoraisemoneyforcharity.

Spendtimeinnature

Thetermnature-deficitdisorder(NDD)wascoinedbyRichard Louvinhis2005book LastChildintheWoods. NDDcan contributetomanyproblems,includinghigherratesofphysical andemotionalillnesses.Thegoodnewsisitcaneasilybe reversed.Spendingtimeinnatureiseasierthanwethink:village greens,parks,commonsandnaturereservesaboundintheUK. Theyprovidetheperfectsettingforfreefamilyactivities:walking, cycling,playingfrisbeeorracketsportshelpsliftthemood; watchingnature’slifecycleisalwaysatreat.

Toptip: Swapamealindoorsforapicnic,yes,evenifitiscold! Nothingbeatsagoodwalkorcycleridebeforereturninghome toahotdrinkormeal.

Therearemanymindfulnessapps/recordedmeditationsfor adultsandchildrenwhichmayhelpthemtorelaxandunwind. However,nothingcompareswithattendingacoursewitha qualifiedmindfulnessteacher.Suchacourseteacheskey mindfulnessskillsthathelpchildrenandadultsidentifyand manageemotions,improveconcentration,relaxandstrengthen innerresources.Parentsandchildrencanbenefitfromsimple exercisesthathelpestablishastrongmindfulnesspractice.

Toptip: Children’scoursesareonlytaughtinpersonbutmany adultscoursesarenowdeliveredonZoomsoitiseasiertofit themaroundfamilylife.

SpeaktoyourGP

If,despiteyourbestintentions andcare,yourchild’sbehaviour oranxietylevelbecomes worrying,itisbesttoseek medicaladvice.GPscanrefera childtoapsychologistor occupationaltherapistwith traininginmentalhealth.

Toptip: Gettingsupportfor yourselfwhileyou’resupporting yourchildreniscritical.Charitieslike www.youngminds.org.uk

Withlittleones,creatinga comforting,winddown routinecanhelp(readinga booktogether,listeningto soothingmusic).

Withteenagers,blockingthe mobilephoneatasettimeis recommended.Finally,atall ages,placinghandsonthe belly,breathingeasilyand focusingonthebreath,followingthegentlemovementofthe bellythatrisesandfalls.Countingthebreathtoten(in-one, out–two,in–three,out–fouretc)overandovercan quietenabusymind.

Toptip: Whatevertheirages,noscreensbeforebedtime.