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IN THIS ISSUE
New Year, New You Celebrity Interview Winter What’s On
Issue 75 January/February 2024
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CONTENTS Happy New Year!
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From us all here at Families we wish you and your families health and happiness for 2024.
Claire Jones
If your goal is to work towards a healthier family this year, then remember, there’s twelve months ahead and lots of time to put your plans into action. We have a healthy idea for you to introduce to your family for each new month of 2024 in our New Year, New You feature. January and February can be dull and gloomy months, so cheer the family up by planning something to look forward to later in the year. If fun for you is heading to a festival, check out our top choices in this issue. Despite the inevitable bad weather to come, we all know that our kids still need to get outside. But what happens if you don’t have rainy day gear? We talk to CBeebies presenter, Gemma Hunt, about her role as the ambassador of The Waterproof and Wellies Project which plans to give every primary school in the UK ten sets of waterproof and wellies so all children can have fun outdoors. Our What’s On guide is full of fun for all the family. So wrap up warm and enjoy all that winter has to offer in Coventry & Warwickshire. This issue is packed with interesting articles on what makes a good pre-school or nursery, the lowdown on ultra-processed foods and 9 alternative sports to try. Plus we see the return of two favourites this issue: Ask the Expert where we learn about Myopia from Director & IP Optometrist, Dilesh Makwana of Eyesite Eyecare Centres and Meet the Head where we interview David Preston, Head of Arnold Lodge and hear what he has to say about teaching, school life and train tracks! Finally, in this issue, we have National Geographic Science Kit bundles to giveaway! Apply for six inside. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer. Enjoy the magazine!
Claire
Editor – Families Warwickshire & Families Birmingham
editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk 07938 657719 familieswarwickshiremag familieswarwickshiremag
In this issue 4 6 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 19
New Year, New You Clubs & Classes Festivals Meet the Head What’s On Early Years Celebrity Interview Schools Nutrition Ask the Expert
Page 8
NEXT ISSUE: March/April 2024
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Get creative in 2024! The Art Group Studios offers weekly painting classes and workshops for children and adults of all ages and abilities! Weekly classes run day time and evenings, 6 days a week and Sunday workshops run monthly. They also offer Children’s Holiday Art Clubs, Arty Parties, Sip and Paint Evenings, Painting Holidays and Weekend Retreats! All teachers are fully qualified, experienced teachers who just so happen to be practicing artists themselves.
Waterproof and wellies The Outdoor Guide Foundation was set up with the simple aim of making the outdoors accessible to all - and that starts with children. Nearly one third of primary school children in the UK come from families that are living below the poverty line. This means there is little money for household essentials, let alone for buying suitable clothing for outdoor play. That’s where The Waterproof and Wellies Project comes in. Over the next five years, it aims to donate at least ten waterproof suits and wellies to every state primary school in the country - all twenty thousand of them. Why? Because time outside is vital and there’s a startling statistic that suggests prisoners get more time outside in an average week than a child of primary school age. Waterproof and Wellies has already donated kits to more than three hundred schools. With the support of local families and businesses, the project can do much. To find out more and support the project, visit www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org
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If you’re looking for a place to learn to paint ... look no further. For bookings and enquiries, visit www.art-group-studios.co.uk Jessica@art-group-studios.co.uk 07812 608 221
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Painting Classes Workshops • Arty Parties www.art-group-studios.co.uk editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 3
NEW YEAR... News
Twelve months to a healthier family February Grow more veg & herbs
January Eat less meat Veganuary takes place every January. Having started in the UK in 2014, it now has global traction. If going vegan is a step too far for your family, how about Meatless Mondays? Even reducing red meat by a small amount can improve heart health. Try a half-and-half approach; instead of using just minced beef in recipes, replace half with beans, lentils or mushrooms. It increases the amount of fibre in your diet.
It might be looking a little bare out there but the frostbitten days of winter are coming to an end. What better time to visit the garden centre, shake out the gardening gloves and push some seeds into the soil. Assigning individual pots to the kids might encourage them to get more involved in growing their own veggies and herbs - and eating them!
March Bake healthier snacks
April Take up a sport together Biscuits and cakes are often the easiest snacks to reach for after school. With forward planning though, we can all do a little better. Homemade snacks don’t have to look or taste too different from shop-bought ones; by just by adding less refined white flour and more fibre you can improve gut health over the course of a year. For biscuits, try a bit less flour and a few more oats. With cakes and traybakes, using wholewheat flour is a great way to introduce more fibre, antioxidants and protein, along with tonnes of important nutrients like B vitamins, iron, magnesium and zinc.
Finding an active challenge you can enjoy as family, can be loads of fun and healthy. But finding something that works for every age is tricky. Ice skating and golf can be good levellers and appealing to older children. If nothing else comes to mind, swimming or cycling usually work for most; it’s all-round physical exercise and always seems to have an immediate and positive effect on appetite and sleep.
June Go dancing!
May Tackle anxiety At this time of year, school tests and exams can pile on extra pressure. Meditating regularly, even for a few minutes a day, can make a difference and there are lots of meditation apps designed for children, as well as adults. More effective than yoga, meditation is proven to reduce the reactivity of the brain in response to stress and a Harvard-based study in 2011 demonstrated that you can even reduce the size of the amygdala (the bit of the brain associated with the stress response) when you meditate for a longer period of time. 4 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
The days are long and the sunset casts a rosy glow… well hopefully! The festival season has arrived and it’s time to embrace the midsummer madness and go dancing. The health benefits of dance are impressive; cardio, weight-loss, strength, agility and balance are just the start. To top it all off, dancing brings joy and is a natural form of stress relief. Throw in some choreography and you’ve even got a workout for your memory too.
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News
...NEW YOU ...It’s the New Year! This is the perfect time for a reboot designed for the whole family. Get started with our step-by-step guide and let every month take you closer to a happier, healthier, family life. August Drink more water
July Tech-free weekends Or, more realistically, just one day! As it gets brighter and sunnier, it’s much easier to come up with tempting outdoor alternatives and any reduction in screentime is likely to improve sleep and mental health. Consider device-free times or designated tech free zones at home. Are you keeping to your own weekly or daily limits? Revisit the rules, especially with older kids and discuss what a healthy balance looks like. Visual timers help some children keep screentime under control.
Yawn, we know this, yet we are probably still not drinking enough. Let’s just recap how essential it is for our health. The blood is ninety percent water so good hydration basically effects every single organ and cell in the body, from heart to brain to skin. How about trying a different strategy for each family member? For one child, a new water bottle. For another…. deploying the dark art of parental bribery. For yourself, water infused with lemon instead of a coffee.
September Enrol in a new class
October The vitamin refresh It’s a new academic year and there is no need to limit the anticipation and thrill of a new start to just the children in the family! There’s also no need to spend a penny. Start by visiting your local council website to find out about free short adult education courses. Or you could check out the online learning platform backed by The Open University called Future Learn (www.futurelearn.com). Most of their courses are also free.
Perhaps you’ve dished out vitamin C to head off colds, tried some probiotics for gut health or have been taking Omega 3 to improve focus? The chances are you probably have some unfinished bottles lying around in a cupboard somewhere. October is a good time to sort through what you already have and set your priorities for the winter ahead. The NHS recommends all children under age 6 (who are not being fed formula) should have vitamins A, C and D as daily supplements. Vitamin D is particularly important as winter approaches, as we get less sunshine.
November Switch to sugar alternatives
December Family cooking day Adding more spices to our diets benefits us by replacing sweetness with flavour. Other sugar alternatives, like agave or stevia, convert to glucose more slowly, helping improve our energy and health over time. Date sugar is made from dehydrated dates, retaining more of the fibre and vitamins than standard refined sugar. Monk fruit is a natural sweetener made from a Southeast Asian fruit. It’s increasingly available in health food shops and is many times sweeter than sugar, yet it has no calories or effect on blood sugar. familiesonline.co.uk
Help! It’s nearly Christmas again! This year, it might be a good idea to get some meals in the freezer before the holidays start and relatives descend. Dedicate a day to cooking as a family and let each member choose a healthy recipe. It’s great for teamwork and even better if you discover some new family favourites. Younger members can get to work on healthier versions of seasonal staples like mince pies or gingerbread men. editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 5
CLUBS & CLASSES News
Alternative sports for your child to try By Andrew Campbell Whether your child is bored with the usual options or simply not interested in the conventional after-school and weekend sport activities, you might be able to entice them to get active, develop a new interest and meet other like-minded kids by considering one of these more left-field sports. Archery can captivate children’s interest with its blend of focus, precision and historical allure. It provides a sense of accomplishment as kids master the art of hitting targets with arrows. The sport encourages discipline, patience and fine motor skills, promoting mental and physical development. Archery also instils confidence, teamwork and respect for safety. Soft archery is now available as a safe and fun way to introduce the sport to young ones.
Cheerleading is growing in popularity as an alternative sport with over eighty nine thousand involved at recreational, competitive and elite level. Requiring a unique combination of gymnastics, dance and acrobatic stunts, it fosters physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and confidence. Competitions and events are held regularly at venues across the country and you are likely to find a club not too far away.
More info and local clubs at www.startarchery.co.uk
More info at www.ukca.org.uk
Padel tennis is an enticing sport for children due to its accessibility and engaging nature. It’s usually played in doubles on a smaller court enclosed by mesh or glass walls, making it easy for kids to keep the ball in play. Padel combines elements of tennis and squash, emphasising hand-eye co-ordination, strategy and teamwork. Its social and active aspects make it a fun and appealing sport for children. More info and local clubs at www.lta.org.uk
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Fencing is ideal for children who struggle with team sports. Combining physical activity with mental strategy and discipline, it also promotes agility, balance and co-ordination, all while teaching focus and quick decision-making. Fencing enhances self-confidence and sportsmanship through oneon-one combat. It’s safe and emphasises protective gear and rules. Additionally, the sport encourages a sense of chivalry and respect, offering valuable life lessons alongside the physical benefits. Local clubs at www.britishfencing.com
Parkour (or Freerunning) harnesses kids’ instinctive love of jumping and throwing themselves around. It enhances strength, agility and spatial awareness, instilling self-confidence. It’s an athletic discipline which focusses on moving through urban environments using acrobatic techniques like vaulting, climbing and jumping. But it’s also popular at indoor settings such as leisure centres, gym clubs and trampoline parks.
Futsal is an exciting, fastpaced form of football. It’s played in a smaller, confined space, making it easier for kids to get involved and actively participate. The emphasis on ball control, quick passing and teamwork help develop soccer skills while encouraging social interaction. Futsal’s reduced physical demand and emphasis on fun make it an attractive choice, fostering a love for the sport from an early age.
More info at www.parkour.uk
More info at www.englandfootball.com
Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a smaller court with a low net. Pickleball is attractive to children because it’s easy to learn, offers immediate success and doesn’t require much physical strength. It fosters hand-eye co-ordination, social interaction, and physical activity. The sport’s adaptability and inclusive nature make it an appealing choice for children of various ages and skill levels. There are over two hundred and seventy pickleball courts in Britain. More info and local clubs at www. pickleballengland.org familiesonline.co.uk
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FESTIVALS
Top family-friendly festivals for 2024 By Andrew Campbell Time to plan ahead! The UK has loads of family-friendly festivals happening this year and, from music and comedy to food and drink, there’s really something for all ages. Some festivals offer plenty of activities for little ones to enjoy, as well as great music line-ups, whilst others are dedicated solely to family entertainment and activities. Here is our selection of some of the stand out festivals with dates to help you plan.
Gone Wild Festival Powderham Castle, Exeter 22-24 August and Holkham Hall, Norfolk 8-11 August Celebrating the great outdoors with fabulous music alongside familyfriendly, outdoor activities for all ages. Where else can you push your mum down a 50m mud slide, learn new survival skills then dance the night away? Activities include kayaking, nerf battles, circus workshops, high ropes, tree-climbing, adventure art and more. www.gonewildfestival.com
Just So Rode Hall, Cheshire 16-18 August This weekend-long camping festival aims to help families make memories together in the great outdoors whilst enjoying the very best music, theatre, circus, storytelling and much more. Childfriendly loos, baby change facilities, a breastfeeding tent and even a bath time tent, offer families practical assistance, while attractions include an exhaustive range of activities and workshops for the kids. www.justsofestival.org.uk
Victorious Festival Southsea, Portsmouth 23-25 August Set on the stunning Southsea seafront, this festival claims to be one of the most beautifully located in the UK. Not only does it feature some of the biggest names of the UK music scene during its three day run, but also a great comedy line-up with some big names. A newly expanded Kids’ Arena offers face painting, zip wires, skate sessions and family activities, all of which are FREE. www.victoriousfestival.co.uk
Gloworm Festival Holme Pierpoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire 16-18 August
Festival of Sport 2-5 August Venue TBC Festival of Sport is the ultimate family sports festival, with entertainment, camping, competitions and coaching from world-class sporting legends for kids ages 5 to 17. Sports on offer range from hockey, rugby, netball, cricket and football to kayaking, golf, trampolining, lacrosse, boxing, skateboarding and climbing. www.festivalofsportuk.com
Standon Calling, Standon Lordship, Hertfordshire 25-28 July An independent boutique music and arts festival with big acts and emerging talent, which features a whole area dedicated to entertaining babies, kids and teenagers during the daytime. It also offers on-site baby sitting for evenings, a swimming pool and dedicated family campsites only ten minutes from the car park. www.standon-calling.com
Aimed at children ages 0 to 13, expect music, activities and arts all geared towards different agegroups. From well-known children’s artists and headline acts, through to a funfair, farmyard, facilities for families, meet-and-greets with their heroes and places to play, every corner of this festival is an incredible adventure for all ages. www.glowormfestival.co.uk
Deer Shed Festival Baldersby Park, North Yorkshire 26-29 July Deer Shed is a three-day wonderland of music, arts, science and sport, set in beautiful North Yorkshire parkland. Choose from forest bathing, a circus masterclass, soft play, robotics, forensics, cinema and baby massage - there's plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. www.deershedfestival.com
8 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
Camp Bestival Lulworth Castle Dorset 25-28 July & Weston Park Shropshire 15-18 August This award-winning festival is known for its diverse line up of musical acts and its wide range of family-friendly activities and entertainment. In addition to music, the festival offers a variety of other attractions, such as comedy performances, theatre, circus acts, workshops and interactive art installations. Some areas are specifically geared towards children’s activities. www.campbestival.net familiesonline.co.uk
MEET THE HEAD How would your pupils describe you? This is a tricky one! I think it will depend on the context…whilst I’d like to think that I’m consistent in my approach to school leadership, different moments will need different approaches. Ultimately, I hope that pupils would see me as always trying to live up to our school values of kindness, honesty and hard work.
Mr David Preston, Headteacher
M t th Meet the H Head d of Arnold Lodge School
What does being a Head mean to you? Being a Head is a privilege – it is absolutely the best job in the world. I have been Head at Arnold Lodge for coming up on 8 years and I am still deeply grateful to get to be part of the school community and work with the pupils, parents and staff at the school.
This issue we talk to Mr David Preston, Headteacher of Arnold Lodge School in Leamington Spa. Arnold Lodge School is a leading, co-educational, independent school for pupils aged 4 – 18. The school places the happiness and confidence of children at the heart of its ethos and provides education for girls and boys in an environment that nurtures wellbeing to support academic achievement.
What have you been most proud of since being Head of Arnold Lodge School? Our Inspection report from May 2023, and the recognition in there of how wonderful Arnold Lodge is, is probably my proudest moment.
What inspired you to become a teacher and later, a head teacher? When I was in school, my teachers were wonderful and they made such a difference to me. As a result, teaching was always a path that I was on, I think. As teachers, we get to talk about our favourite things all day (in my case, English Literature & History) and work with young people. I couldn’t think of a more wonderful profession. How would you describe the ethos of Arnold Lodge School? Our ethos is to develop the happiness, confidence and skills of each pupil so they can be successful in their aspirations. Alongside this, our core values of hard work, honesty and kindness are central to our school culture. Collectively, this creates a happy, nurturing culture that focuses on helping each child achieve their very best.
What advice would you give to parents choosing a school? Pick a school based on how much the school values and your family values align, the school culture and how it makes you, and your child, feel. So many independent schools hide behind statistics and by keeping families at arm’s length. Open Days are great but, if you can, visit the school during the school day for a tour and get a genuine feel for it. What is your most useless skill? My son loves trains and he has quite a good collection of wooden train track. After much practice, I can make quite a complicated train track. It’s generally a useless skill other than for a train loving little boy! Netflix or Kindle? There’s a time and place for both, I think. I’d default to Kindle (I’m an English and History teacher!)
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WHAT’S ON
Fun for all the family this Winter A guide to What’s On in Coventry and Warwickshire Events
DESI BEATs Family Rave Warwick University Students Union, Coventry 28 Jan (14:00 – 16:00) Authentic family nightclub experience, with craft and play activities for under 8’s. DJ Bobby Friction will bring you a mashup of jungle, garage, dnb, bhangra and breaks with iconic desi beats, all played at a safe level for little ears. Fancy dress optional but bright and beautiful colours encouraged. Tickets on Eventbrite.
Doze under Dippy Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry 27 Jan & 24 Feb (18:30 – 09:00) Stay overnight in the museum, snoozing under the feet of a 26-foot Diplodocus! This truly unique family experience will be a night to remember full of exploration and funfilled activities designed for children aged 6 – 11 and their grown-ups. Full timetable for sleepover online. Likely to sell out fast! Book online. dippyincoventry.co.uk
Family Friendly Art Talks Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry 27 Jan (11:00, 12:00, 13:00 & 14:00) Explore the artworks on display with a guided tour from the expert learning team. These talks engage children and encourage them to share their views, supporting them with their own interpretations and encourage early access to art through animated talks using childfriendly language. Designed for age 3+ but all welcome. FREE, relaxed drop-in sessions. www.theherbert.org
Outdoor Fun Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve Coventry Great for scenic pools, reedbeds, grassland and woodland or a spot of birdwatching. With regular Nature Tots sessions for pre-school children, Wildlife Watch after school clubs, plus activity sessions during school holidays. Winter opening (until 31 Mar): 9:30 – 16:00 Mon – Fri, 10:00 – 16:00 weekends. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk Compton Verney Nr Warwick Stunning parkland and lake, and woodland adventure playground. Award-winning art gallery. Restaurant and gift shop. Check out their website for fun family half term activities. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays. www.comptonverney.org.uk Country Parks Warwickshire Warwickshire country parks offer a diverse portfolio of green spaces with five country parks and three greenways covering over 1,200 acres for families to enjoy. Wrap up warm and head out for a wintery walk, a bike ride or make a day of it with family and friends. It’s a great way to keep active this Winter. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk Draycote Water Rugby Whether you’re looking for walks, cycling, birdwatching, water sports, fishing or a great children’s outdoor play area, there’s everything you need here for a great day out for the whole family. Draycote Water is a 240-hectare reservoir and country park open from 7:30 – 18:30 daily with a cafe and onsite parking. www.stwater.co.uk/our-visitorsites/draycote-water/
Foundry Wood Leamington An urban community woodland in the heart of Leamington Spa and Warwick. Learn about woodland habitats, wildlife conservation, traditional woodland crafts, and more. Regular events for families and wellbeing events for adults throughout the year. See website for details and booking. www.foundrywood.co.uk Hill Close Gardens Warwick Rare Victorian Gardens to explore with Children’s trail and special events and workshops throughout the year. Plus, special children’s garden with mud kitchen where kids can plant, water, weed and harvest fruit and vegetables, so go prepared to get stuck in! Open weekdays only in winter, see website for details. www.hillclosegardens.com National Trust Warwickshire Wrap up warm and explore the outdoors this winter at our local National Trust properties: Baddesley Clinton; Coughton Court; Packwood House; Charlecote Park; Upon House and Gardens and Farnborough Hall. See individual websites for details of half term activities at each venue. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
10 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
The Mysterious Disappearance of Mrs Christmas! Magic Alley, Stratford-upon-Avon 27 Dec - 20 Jan This post-Christmas Whodunnit is aimed at older children (6+) and adults. Unleash your inner detective and become the hero of this enchanting tale. Book online. www.magicalleystratford.com Morgan & West’s Massive Magic Show Macready Theatre, Rugby 12 Feb (14:00 – 15:00) Brand new magic show from Morgan & West full of their trademark wit, whimsy, and wall-to-wall silliness all crammed into one hour of non-stop fun for all the family. Age recommendation: 5 – 105! Book online. macreadytheatre.co.uk/whats-on
Days Out All Things Wild Honeybourne Interact with fascinating animals, learn from expert keepers, enjoy a ride on the Dino Train and explore the wonderful world of Dinosaurs. www.allthingswild.co.uk Astley Book Farm Bedworth The largest second-hand bookshop in the Midlands. Browse books for the whole family then grab a refreshment in the coffee shop & Yurt and relax. Bliss! www.astleybookfarm.com Hatton Adventure World Nr Warwick Fantastic day out for all the family. Come rain or shine there’s plenty to do with indoor and outdoor attractions and entertainment for all the family. www.hattonworld.com /adventure-world Twycross Zoo Atherstone Enjoy a family fun day out at the Zoo! Explore the animal world and have fun, exciting encounters with over 500 animals, from 125 different species. www.twycrosszoo.org
Museums & History British Motor Museum Gaydon Explore over 400 British classic cars, take part in themed trails, experience touch screen exhibits and understand how a car works. Fun for all the family! www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk Coventry Transport Museum Coventry Visit the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles on the planet and learn about how Coventry changed the world through transport. www.transport-museum.com Herbert Art Gallery and Museum Coventry The perfect place to delve into Coventry’s history and engage with art and culture. PLUS visit Dippy the Diplodocus fresh from the Natural History Museum. www.theherbert.org MAD Museum Stratford-upon-Avon Interact with artworks, contraptions and machines at the UK’s only Mechanical Art venue. An impressive collection of eccentric and ingenious creations. www.themadmuseum.co.uk Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Stratford-upon-Avon Discover the fascinating stories behind the world’s greatest storyteller across his family homes. www.shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Visit the 600-year-old building where William Shakespeare sat in the 1570s and wrote his first works and experience Tudor school life, dress, art and stories. www.shakespearesschoolroom.org St. Mary’s Guildhall / Tales of Tea Coventry Visit this historical gem in the heart of the City. Discover its 700 year old history then visit Tales of Tea in the stunning vaulted Undercroft. Pre-booking required. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
Warwick Castle Warwick Explore the castle towers and ramparts and over 64 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. With live shows, events and extraordinary entertainment for all the family including Legend of the Trebuchet, the Horrible Histories® maze and The Falconer’s Quest! Short-break packages available. Book online. www.warwick-castle.com familiesonline.co.uk
WHAT’S ON
Get Active
Adventure Zone Rugby Brand new state-of-the-art Soft Play centre for children aged 0-12. Plus 10 pin bowling, AR darts, Crazy Golf, Pool tables and Shuffleboards located in Strikes Bar providing entertainment for the whole family! www.theadventurezone.co.uk Go Ape Coventry The best of high rope antics, axe throwing and mini-Land Rovers at Coombe Abbey for thrill-seeking adults and fun-seeking children. Book online. www.goape.co.uk Planet Ice Coventry Skate for fun, learn to skate, book a party or take the family to watch an Ice Hockey game and support the Coventry Blaze this winter. See website for fixtures and booking. www.planet-ice.co.uk www.coventryblaze.co.uk The Wave Coventry Grab your goggles and enjoy a family day out at one of the UK’s award-winning indoor water parks in the heart of Coventry City Centre! www.thewavecoventry.com
DON’T MISS!
Red Kangaroo Coventry Bounce right into RedKangaroo trampoline park this winter. Have fun on the UK’s tallest indoor drop slide, tonnes of inflatables, dodgeball courts, the Wipeout machine, a Ninja Warrior obstacle course, 20m tumble track, bouncing basketball and that’s without the 40,000+ square foot of jumping fun. www.redkangaroo.co.uk Warwick Sport Climbing Centre Warwick University School age children and adults can try climbing or bouldering in Coventry. Junior Pay & Play, Membership (Instructor led sessions available) plus Kids Parties. No experience necessary, just clip in and climb! warwick.ac.uk/services/sport /climbing/junior/ Wolf Run Junior Leamington Spa/Lutterworth Children and teenagers can get a taste of the action and enjoy wild running and obstacles at Wolf Run Junior. Open to 7 - 17 year olds and taking place on 28 Apr, 9 Jun & 15 Sep 2024. The junior course is 3km long and can be completed once or twice. www.thewolfrun.com
Spectacle of Light Compton Verney, Warwickshire 26 Jan – 18 Feb 2024 Spectacle of Light returns for its third year with brand new installations like the remarkable Wave and other immersive pieces in this beautiful After-Dark Experience for all the family! Discover the night-time wonder of Compton Verney as you venture through an enchanting spectacle of light, colour and sound. Sip delicious hot chocolate as you meander along this magical trail. Take a moment by the house to tuck into scrumptious street food from Digbeth Dining Club. Don’t forget to head inside and enjoy a range of drinks from the fully stocked bar throughout the evening to help quench your thirst! Save 10% on ticket prices when you book before 25 Jan. Family tickets are two adults and two children. Pre-booking is essential as no tickets will be available on the door. www.comptonverney.org.uk
Theatre Rugby Theatre Rugby
February Half Term (12 – 16 Feb) Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve Coventry Join in with some outdoor fun this half term! Frosty Faries and Wintery Wizards 12 Feb (10:00 – 11:00) Teeny Tiny Den Building 12 Feb (11:15 – 12:15) Den Building 14 Feb (10:00 – 11:00) Campfire Fun and Hot Chocolates 14 Feb (11:15 – 12:15) Book online www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk Kenilworth Castle Kenilworth 10 – 18 Feb Join characters from the past for historical hijinks and hands on shenanigans at Kenilworth Castle this half term. Be transported back in time through interactive stories of medieval life and hands on activities to learn more about what it takes to become a medieval knight. Book online and save 10%. www.english-heritage.org.uk Lunt Roman Fort Nr Coventry Explore the unique Roman Fortress, taking in the sites of the ramparts, the granary building and the world’s only known gyrus! Open to the public at select dates and times during the school holidays. Check online for details. www.luntromanfort.org Rugby Art Gallery & Museum Rugby Town Centre Low-cost activities for children of all ages to get involved in this half term. Open Tue – Sat. Sign up to the newsletter or find out more online. www.ragm.co.uk
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Cinderella Fri 16 Jan – Sun 28 Jan www.rugbytheatre.co.uk
The Albany Theatre Coventry
Stratford Butterfly Farm Stratford-upon-Avon 10 – 18 Feb This February half term the whole family can enjoy the relaxing pleasure of walking amongst some of the world’s most stunning and colourful butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting, complete with fish-filled pools, splashing waterfalls and beautiful blooms. Discover Rainforest Realm, a New exhibition featuring a magnificent spectacled caiman. Meet the MiniBeast handling, Pupae and Beetle demonstrations will be held daily in the Discovery Zone at 11:00, The gift shop has a range of nature inspired Fairtrade gifts and sells soft drinks, snacks, confectionary and ice-creams. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk Warwick Castle Warwick 10 – 19 Feb Arrows at the ready as the Festival of Archery takes over the castle grounds this February half term. Be astounded by the centuries-old art of archery as expert archers put their skills to the test in a series of exhilarating performances and try it for yourself at ‘Have-a-go-Archery’. Plus, get lost in time in the Horrible Histories® Maze, have up-close encounter with incredible birds of prey and explore the imposing towers and ramparts. Book online. www.warwick-castle.com
Puss in Boots Sat 6 Jan – Sun 14 Jan Ministry of Science LIVE! Sat 3 Feb Age recommendation: 6+ Blue Badge Bunch Thu 15 Feb Age recommendation: 5+ Pop Diva’s LIVE! Fri 16 Feb www.albanytheatre.co.uk
Belgrade Theatre Coventry Shrek the Musical Tue 30 Jan – Sun 4 Feb Age Recommendation: 5+ Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World Wed 7 Feb – Sun 11 Feb Age Recommendation: 6+ The Gruffalo’s Child Fri 16 Feb – Sun 18 Feb www.belgrade.co.uk
Warwick Arts Centre Coventry
Royal Shakespeare Company Stratford-upon-Avon A Midsummer Night’s Dream Tue 30 Jan – Sat 30 Mar www.rsc.org.uk
We’re going on a Bear Hunt Sat 10 Feb – Tue 13 Feb Age recommendation: 3+ Luna loves Library Day: The Musical Sun 18 Feb Age recommendation: 3+ www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
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EARLY YEARS
What makes a good pre-school or nursery? When choosing a nursery or pre-school, most parents base their decision on a combination of personal recommendation, the vibe of the setting, how much they like the staff and the setting’s Ofsted report and rating.
closely with parents to help new children settle? Settling a child into nursery or pre-school can be a stressful and anxious experience for both parent and child. Not all children are the same, so settings should, where possible, be flexible enough to adjust theirprocedurestosuiteachchild.
But what are the other features that contribute to the success of a nursery or pre-school setting? What really makes the difference between your child having a great experience, rather than just an acceptable one? Here are some things to take note of when you are visiting potential nurseries for your child.
Good nurseries provide daily feedback to parents, send weekly emails and use social media to show the nursery in action. Parents should expect to receive regular updates from their child’s key workerandbekeptinformedoftheir child’sprogressandwhatis happening more generally at the nursery.
Staff team
Look out for nurseries and pre-schools that help parents understand and support at home what their children have been learning at the setting. For instance, use of Home-Link Books which suggest small, achievable, fun activities that parents can do with their children at home.
By Justina Gapper
Recruiting the right staff and ensuring they work closely as a team iscrucialtothe successofanurserysetting.Lookoutfor theway staff interact with each other. Are they supporting each other, anticipating issues and problems and each other’s needs, as well asthoseofthe children?Lookoutfornurserymanagerswhoare present in the main part of the nursery, as opposed to spending all their time sitting in an office. When they are working alongside their staff, they can steer the ship and also offer support at particularlybusytimesoftheday. Communication Communication between nursery key workers and parents is a number one priority. Can you see evidence of nursery staff working
Structure, routine and safety To feel safe, children need routine, so it is important that staff are able to maintain this. Parents also need complete peace of mind that their child is safe at the setting and may want to check whether the nursery has installed CCTV and telecoms on its entrancestoensuresecureaccess.
Thinking ahead to school Nobody wants to rush children or parents towards school and nursery should be viewed as an experience that is important in its own right and not simply about preparing little ones for school transition. Having said this, it is useful understand what kind of process and support system a nursery has in place for transitioning children to school. For instance, does the setting provide transition reports for schools? These are generally, based on several areas of learning and give teachers a detailed account of the child that will be joining them. Is a child’s Reception teacher invited to visit them at the setting before they start school? It’s clearly very valuable for little ones to meet their school teacher for the first time in a relaxed and familiar environment. Primary teachers say it is social, emotional and self-care skills and a desire to learn that are important when children start school. Ask the nurseries you are visiting to explain how they go about nurturing these skills.
12 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
Helping children embrace the great outdoors... Gemma Hunt, children’s storyteller and long-time presenter of CBeebies show Swashbuckle, tells Families about her role as ambassador for The Waterproof and Wellies Project for The Outdoor Guide Foundation and why she’s passionate about getting kids and families outside.
Tell us about The Waterproof and Wellies Project?
What has The Waterproof and Wellies Project achieved so far?
We’re looking to raise £6m to provide ten sets of waterproof jackets, trousers and wellies to the twenty thousand state primary schools in the UK. Unfortunately around thirty percent of children do not own their own wellies. So having these sets in schools enables them to play outside in all weathers without ruining their shoes!
Since Covid, we have donated more than three thousand sets of waterproofs and wellies to UK schools. We need more support from businesses and individuals as we’re still a way off our target and there are more than three hundred schools on the waiting list who are desperate for the gear.
Why do you feel particularly passionate about this project?
You’re also a writer. Tell us about your new book.
I long for children to enjoy the physical, mental and spiritual value of getting outdoors more. It’s so good for their appreciation of our great British countryside, wildlife and nature. I love to see my daughter play outside, climbing trees, investigating flowers and spotting insects, coming back with flushed cheeks and grubby knees! On occasion, we’ve ruined clothing or footwear as we haven’t had the right gear with us BUT we’ve been able to replace them. This isn’t possible for all families so to have the right outerwear to enjoy time outside together is essential. How do you think children’s experience of outdoor time today compares to yours as a child? I don’t think we get outside as much as we used to – there are so many inside distractions. It used to be a treat to run around outside, play games and let off steam. Now children seem to view it more as a punishment as they’d often prefer to stay indoors connected to electronics and Wi-Fi. Of course, we had more freedom to roam safely and I understand why we may not be so willing for our children to go out alone now but that is all the more reason to try and do so as a family. How much time do you spend outside with your family? Honestly, not as much as we should. We do walk to school or play in the garden every day and we like to take our daughter out on her bike. Luckily we live near the coast and great country parks like Betteshanger Park near Deal in Kent where we can walk, cycle and scoot. There’s also a great play area there and the most delicious café (I recommend the sweetcorn fritter burgers!). To motivate our daughter, we turn outside time into an adventure or give ourselves a purpose. Like going out to collect leaves or feathers for an art project or going on a litter pick. If we take her bike or scooter that usually stops the moans about her legs aching if we’ve walked too far!
You can see how you can support us at The Outdoor Guide Foundation website at www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org My newest book is about helping children to express and deal with big feelings like anger, jealousy and frustration. I understand the power of imitative behaviour and wanted to write something that children could read (or have read to them) that would inspire them to better manage their behaviour. My favourite role model has been Jesus so I wanted to take some stories told by or about him and re-tell them from the perspective of a mixed race family like mine. My husband and daughter and my parents and I all appear in the stories. What motivated you to write it? I wanted to write a series of children’s books that represented our own mixed race family. I struggled to find good books for my daughter that depicted our family dynamic - so I wrote them! The first book is about encouraging children to be a good friend and is called See! Let’s Be A Good Friend; the newest one has five helpful short stories which explore emotions. It’s called See! Let’s Be ME and is available from www.bookshop.org
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What advice would you give to families whose access to green spaces is limited? Make the most of the outdoor spaces you do have access to. Take outdoor games if there is no play area. If it’s rainy, put your waterproofs on and take a flask of hot chocolate and a big umbrella! 14 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
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editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 15
SCHOOLS
Independent Schools Coventry & Warwickshire
Arnold Lodge Leamington Spa (Ages 4-18) T: 01926 778050 www.arnoldlodge.com Reception Open Morning: Fri 8 Mar 09:30 – 11:00 Bilton Grange Rugby (Ages 3-13) T: 01788 810217 www.biltongrange.co.uk Open Day: Sat 24 Feb The Kingsley School Leamington Spa (Ages 3-18) T: 01926 421368 www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk Reception Open Eve: Thu 25 Jan, 16:15 – 17:15
Prep and Junior Schools Bablake and King Henry VIII Pre Prep Coventry T: 024 7627 1190 www.bablake.com www.kinghenrys.co.uk Bablake Junior Coventry T: 024 7327 1248 www.bablake.com Open House: Tue 23 Jan 09:00 – 10:30 Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery Kenilworth T: 01926 514444 www.crackleyhall.co.uk Open Morning: Sat 9 Mar 10:30 – 12:30
Crescent School Rugby T: 01788 521595 www.crescentschool.co.uk Open Morning: Sat 16 Mar 10:00 – 12:00
Senior Schools
King Henry VIII Junior Coventry T: 024 7327 1190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk Open House: Wed 31 Jan 09:00 – 10:30
King Henry VIII Senior Coventry T: 024 7327 1190 www.kinghenrys.co.uk Open House: Thu 25 Jan 09:30 – 11:00
Stratford Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 297993 www.stratfordprep.co.uk Open Day: Sat 2 Mar 10:00 – 13:00
King’s High Warwick T: 01926 494485 www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk Open Eve: Fri 26 Jan 16:30 – 19:30
The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon T: 01789 293795 www.croftschool.co.uk Open Day: Wed 6 Mar 10:00 – 12:00
Princethorpe College Rugby T: 01926 634201 www.princethorpe.co.uk
Warwick Junior School Warwick T: 01926 776418 www.warwickschool.org Warwick Preparatory School Warwick T: 01926 491545 www.warwickprep.com Open Day: Sat 16 Mar 09:30 – 12:15
Bablake Senior Coventry T: 024 7327 1248 www.bablake.com
Warwick Senior School Warwick T: 01926 776400 www.warwickschool.org
Register for open events online
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FURTHER What will your child be? JOIN US AT OUR
OPEN DAY
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16 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
Church House, Old Town, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 6BG
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NUTRITION
Ultra-processed foods: the dangers and alternatives By Charlotte Stirling-Reed There has been a lot in the press recently about UPFs (ultra processed foods), especially related to what we feed our children. In an ideal world, most babies, toddlers and young children would eat meals cooked from scratch at home as the standard. This allows them to get used to fresh food and ingredients and a variety of tastes and flavours that are typical of your family meals. It also means that you know exactly what’s going into your young children’s bodies and how the dishes are made. In this way, it’s easier for you to have more control over the everyday diets of your children. However, on the other side of the coin, parenting is HARD and sometimes preparing freshly cooked meals for young children, up to three times a day, just isn’t achievable. That’s okay. It’s very much to be expected in our busy society and with more of us both working and raising children. There really is nothing wrong with having the odd packaged snack, fruit pouch or pack of baby biscuits, so try not to get sucked into the ‘giving young children UPFs is terrible’ idea. However, what you should know is that offering them as regular options can be problematic because they: Don’t represent the balanced options necessary for snacks and meals. Are often high in sugar and/or calories but with little extra nutrients such as iron, protein, iodine or zinc, for example. Are often not very satiating so don’t sufficiently fill little ones at mealtimes, either leaving them hungry or eating more than what should be a ‘portion’. Are often overly sweet to encourage little ones to accept them readily and want more. However, this doesn’t help babies and toddlers to explore and accept a wider variety of tastes. Sometimes have added, unnecessary ingredients such as sugar, salt, fillers and oils that aren’t needed and that you wouldn’t add when home cooking.
Sometimes have been made using high heat treatments to create longer shelf lives. This may reduce the vitamin and mineral content. What are the alternatives to UPFs? Firstly, think about UPFs as ‘every now and then’ foods for young children, where possible. Make big batches of meals and snacks at home to portion freeze for weeks ahead. Use fridge-raid meals. These are meals where you look in the fridge and make mini picnics out of all the foods that need using up. This both reduces prep time and food waste at the same time. I do this at least twice a week. Don’t be afraid of using pre-prepared options when you need the convenience, even if they are sweeter or have a little added salt. Team them up with extras which add more nutrients to the eating occasion. For example, if you’re offering crisps, add a tangerine and some hummus to dip them in. If you’re offering a baby pouch, try decanting the pouch, mashing in some lentils and spreading it on a piece of toast to create more of a meal.
Charlotte is working in association with Stokke and their iconic Tripp Trapp chair (www.stokke.com), the chair that grows with the child. Her new book, How to Feed Your Family is out now. You can also find helpful downloadable resources for family feeding on her website at www.srnutrition.co.uk/factsheets
WIN a family ticket to WIN Camp Bestival! One lucky family has the chance to score a family ticket to Camp Bestival.
Evaluating foods Check the ingredients. Many items that are syrups, juice concentrates or end in ‘ose’ contain free sugars, which we want kids to be getting less of in their diets. Taste it yourself. See if you recognise the flavours, find it super chewy or notice anything strange about the food. Check the portion sizes. Products with serving suggestions eg ‘great for older toddler served with some veggies’ can be helpful and show that a brand is trying to help consumers get the balance right. 18 Families Warwickshire editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk
This four-day safe, fun, magical and adventurous festival for kids of all ages, takes place during the summer holidays in both Dorset and Shropshire. Multi award-winning and designed specifically for families, enjoy hundreds of activities from bushcraft, circus schools, sports and immersive theatre to incredible live acts and DJs, family raves, circus spectaculars, wellness, award-winning street food and cabaret. www.campbestival.net Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go T&Cs: www.bit.ly/cmpbest
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ASK THE EXPERT
Ask the Expert As parents our children's health and happiness is our top priority and what could be more important than their sight? Poor vision can hold them back from doing things they love and it is important that parents are fully informed about common eye health problems. We Ask the Expert, Dilesh Makwana from Eyesite Opticians, to explain more about Myopia in children, also known as short sightedness.
What is Myopia? Myopia is the medical term for short sightedness and is caused by the eye growing too long. It can make seeing things at a distance blurry.
What causes Myopia? Children grow really fast, and so can their Myopia. Modern lifestyles with near vision activities seem to be a main cause but genetics is a factor too. • Increased Screen Time By 2050, 50% • Less Outdoor time of the GLOBAL • Educational Demands population is • Urbanisation predicted to be myopic • Genetics
How could Myopia affect my child? Myopia can interfere with children's quality of life, making it harder for them to participate in sport, school and other daily activities. It can worsen quickly, particularly in younger children, so it's important to start treatment as soon as possible. If untreated, it can lead to severe eye health problems later in life like Glaucoma, Cataracts and Retinal Detachments.
How to spot the signs of Myopia in my child? Children might report the whiteboard or the TV being a bit tricky to see. Other signs to watch out for are: • Headaches • Tired Eyes • Regularly rubbing their eyes • Needs to sit close to screens If you notice any of these, it’s best to book an appointment with an Optician.
What’s the treatment? Your child’s Optician will recommend the best course of treatment. Studies have shown there have been a few methods that may prevent the progression of myopia these include Myopia control glasses, Nightlenses or Orthokeratology contact lenses or MiSight Contact Lenses.
Does my child need regular eye exams? Yes, just as your child grows, their eyes also continue to change as they get older. Regular eye exams help to spot any changes that could impair their vision and they can help keep their eyes healthy for the future.
What can I do to help my child's eyes? • Going outdoors to play can help keep Myopia away • Incorporate a digital detox into your child’s weekly routine • Sleep is important - children need around nine hours of sleep a day • Encourage children to keep all books and devices at a distance
Eyesite Opticians have been treating Myopia for many years and have had great success with slowing Myopia. They have four Eyecare Centres across Coventry in Radford, Bell Green, Ball Hill & Tile Hill. Visit www.eyesiteeyecare.co.uk to arrange an appointment. familiesonline.co.uk
editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Families Warwickshire 19
ISI Inspection
Excellent in every area!
Come and see what a Crescent edducation caan do d fo f r your cchhild at ouur O pen M orning oonn Open Morning SSaturday aturdday 1166 M arch 20 024. March 2024.
To book your place visit crescentschool.co.uk or scan the QR code.
Families Warwickshire
Crescent School An independent school for 4-11 year olds A Princethorpe Foundation School. Registered Charity Number 1087124.
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