FESTIVALS
FESTIVALS
Topfamily-friendlyfestivalsfor2025
CompiledbyAndrewCampbell
Discovertheultimatefamily-friendlyfestivalsacrosstheUKin2025,wheremusic,artsandoutdooradventurescome aliveforallages.Discoveruniqueexperienceswhichwillensurememorablemomentsandendlessfunforfamiliesin vibrant,engagingandoftenidyllicsettings.
TeddyRocksCharisworthFarm, BlandfordForum,Dorset 2-4May
WinnerofBestFamilyFestivalin2022, TeddyRocksisanimmersive,intimate three-daymusicevent,withonehundred percentofprofitssupportingchildren’s cancerresearch.Thismulti-awardwinning,independentfestivalhostsover onehundredactsfrominternationalto brandnewperformers.Thefestivaloffers activitiesforallages,includingfairground rides,comedytentandaxe-throwing. www.teddyrocks.co.uk
BeardedTheory,CattonPark, Derbyshire 21-25May
SetintheheartoftheMidlands, thisfestivalfeaturessensationallive performancesforadultsacrossmultiple stages.Theaward-winningchildren’s offeringincludesfun,educational classes,aToddlerTentwithsoftplay,a pop-uplibrary,poetrytentandcreative workshopslikepuppetmaking.Kidscan alsoenjoyachill-outarea,facepainting, circusactivitiesandatalentshow. NEW: ‘KidsRaveOn’withclublightingand DJperformances.Eveninghighlights includeLEDlightshowsandtheunique DOGSHOWperformance. www.beardedtheory.co.uk
ElderflowerFields,AshdownForest, Sussex 23-24May
Thisdelightful,family-friendlyeventoffers aweekendfilledwithmusic,sports, natureexplorationandarts.Tailoredfor familieswithyoungchildren,thisintimate festivaloffersasecureenvironmentwhere kidscanfreelyexplore.Highlightsinclude DragonflyHillforlivelyperformancesand LeapfrogLawnsforcraftsandgames. www.south.elderflowerfields.co.uk
TheBigRetreat,Pembrokeshire CoastNationalPark,Wales 23-25May
Thefestivalcelebrateswellbeing andadventurewithyoga,fitnessand livemusic.Itoffersdiversechildren’s activities,includingstorytelling,discos, waterslides,circustoysandbushcraft workshopsforsurvivalskillsand natureexploration.Familiescanenjoy acreativeandinspirationalatmosphere filledwitharts,crafts,singing,dancing andwellbeingclasses–aninclusive experienceinwhichtheycanhavefun, enjoyandlearntogether. www.thebigretreatfestival.com
Latitude,HenhamPark,Suffolk 24-27July
Award-winningLatitudeisamongthe biggestofthefamily-friendlyfestivalswith ahugearrayofactivitiesforbothchildren andparents.It’saproperpopfestival inthebeautifulgroundsofHenham ParkwithastunningKids’Area.Expect fireshows,pizza-making,traditional woodlandcraftsandexcitingscience experiments,amorerelaxedbutpacked programmeintheEnchantedGardenand anInbetweenersTeenArea. www.latitudefestival.com
CampSevernKidsFestival,WestMid Showground,Shropshire 25-27July
CampSevernoffersanall-inclusive adventureforchildrenages3to13. Thisfamily-friendlyeventispacked withinteractiveworkshops,outdoor gamesandthemedeventssuchas SpaceCamp,withStarWarscharacters, singingprincessesandinflatables.The festivalalsofeaturesengagingscience
workshops,blendingfunandeducation. Withcampingoptionsavailable,families canimmersethemselvesinthefestival atmosphere,enjoyingahassle-free experiencewhereallactivitiesare includedintheticketprice. www.kids-events.co.uk
FestivalofSport,PackingtonEstate, Warwickshire 1-4August
TheFestivalofSportatPackingtonEstate offersfamiliesanexcitingweekendfilled withdiversesportsactivitiesforchildren ages5to17.Featuringexpertcoaching andinteractionswithsportinglegends, kidscanexplorerugby,hockey,cricket andmore.Setinapicturesquelocation, thisfestivalprovidesauniqueopportunity forchildrentolearn,playandbeinspired bysportsheroes. www.festivalofsportuk.com
CampKindling,Sevenoaks,Kent 15-18August
Amagical,intimate,safeandsecure familyretreatinanancientforest, featuringoveronehundredactivities. Childrencanenjoythrillingadventures likewaterslides,ziplinesandrock climbing,whileadultsdelightinlive music,theatreandcomedyperformances. Pre-bookableactivitiesensurenolost timeandtherearenohiddencosts. www.campkindling.co.uk
Images
Topleft:Latitude
Bottomleft:ElderflowerFields Middle:CampKindling Topright:TeddyRocks Bottomright:FestivalofSport
Anewyearistheperfectopportunity toembracechange.Ifyoufeellikeyou oryourfamilyhasgotintoabitofa rutinrecenttimes,wehavesome greatideastoinspireyoutotry somethingnewwhichcangetyou feelingmorealivein2025!
Whynotstartbyplanningsomesummerfunwithourfamily festivalsguide.
ThisissuewefocusonChildren’sHealthwithexpertarticles onyourbaby’sguthealth,children’scircadianrhythmsand ideasonhowtokeepthekidsphysicallyactivethiswinter… indoors!
OurWhat’sOnguideispackedfullofgreatfamilyeventsand activitiesthroughoutCoventry&Warwickshirethiswinterand includessomereallyfunideasforFebruaryHalf-Term. Plus,there’ssomegreatarticlesonsupportinghighlyable childrenathome,toptipsforexampreparation,pastoralcare inprimaryschoolsandthreesimplerulesforapeaceful household.
Finally,wehavetwoLittlestPetShopBundles,worth£100 eachandaTeepeePlaytimeBundletogiveaway!Applyinside andeachissueyou’llreceiveadigitalversionofthemagazine tosharewithfriendsandfamilyPLUSmoregiveawaysand usefulinformationinourFREEnewsletter.
Ihope2025isagreatyearforyouandyourfamilies. Enjoythemagazine!
Feelmorealivein2025!
Weallknowthatwalkingisgreatforus.Gettingyourtenthousand stepsadayisoneofthebestlow-impactwaystostayhealthy andfit.Butwhywalkalone?Therearelotsoflocalwalkingclubs allacrossthecountry,sowhilethekidsareatschoolorbusywith weekendactivities,youcangetwalking,talkingandexploringin thefreshair.WithoverfivehundredwalkinggroupsacrossBritain, Ramblers (www.ramblers.org.uk/)isagreatplacetostart.
Itmightnotbeforthefaint-heartedbutthere’sareasonthatwild swimminghashadahugesurgeinpopularityinthelastdecade. Therearenolimitsonageorfitnesslevelsandthepositiveeffectsof coldwaterandfreshaironthemindandbodyareindisputable.The promiseofawarmcoat,flaskofhotteaorcoffeeandallthosefeelgoodendorphinsfloodingyourbodywhenyouemergewillhelpyou takethatchillyleapoffaith.
Thethoughtofafamilydayoutcanhaveusallcheckingourbank balancesbutqualityfamilytimedoesn’thavetocosttheearth. Sometimesjustatriptoyourlocalparkwithahotchocolateand agameofhide-and-seekisenoughtogeteveryonelaughingand chatting.Takeapedalboatoutonapondnearyouorplananature scavengerhunt.Kidsalsogofreeatlotsofmuseumsandattractions acrossthecountry;lookoutforannualmembershipstosavemoney acrosstheyearatyourfavouritespots.
Thelinkbetweendoingsomethingcreativeandpositivebenefits forthebrainiscommonlyacceptedbyscientists.Creativeactivities stimulatebothsidesofthebrainandcanevenhaveasimilareffect tomeditation,reducingstressandhelpingyoutobecomemore mindfulandultimately,happier.Potterypaintingisafantasticway tochannelyourinnerartistandloseyourselfincolourandcontour. Findyourlocalpotterypaintingstudio,grabyourmumfriendsand makeanightofit!Orbookinforamemorablekids’party.
Wealldefaulttorepeatingthemealsthatweknowwon’thavethe childrensulkingatthetable,especiallymid-weekwithhomework, after-schoolactivitiesandworkpressures.Buttheweekendisthe perfectexcusetodustoffthoseoldrecipebooksorsearchforsome mouth-wateringdishesonline.Ifyoufancysomeoneelsemakingthe decisionsforyou,companieslike HelloFresh,Gousto or Mindful Chef provideyouwithalltheinspiration,instructionsandingredients toensurethateventhefussiesteatersarebeggingforseconds.
Familylifemeanswedon’toftenhavetimeforthose‘self-care’ momentsthatweknowaresogoodforus.Yes,afull-bodymassage mighthavetobesavedforanannualbirthdaytreat.Butinvestina goodbodybrushandsetasidejustfiveminutesadaytobrushyour skininlongstrokestowardsyourheartandyou’llsoonbereaping therewardswithbettercirculationandglowingskin.
Newyear,newyou.Theoldclichéisalltoofamiliarand1Januarycanstirupstrangefeelings,pilingonthepressuretoturnovera ‘newleaf’beforewehaveevenfinishedtidyinguptheremnantsoftheNewYear’sEvecelebrations.Butthestartofabrand-new yearcanactuallybetheperfectopportunitytoembracesomeexcitingchanges,evenifitisjusttryingoutsomenewdishesor bookingthatfamilydayoutyou’vebeenmeaningtoforages.Timetofeelaliveandwelcome2025withopenarms!
Whileitmightnotbeasexcitingasanewphoneorothertrending gadgetyou’vehadyoureyeon,apowerbank–essentiallya portablebatterythatkeepsyourdevicesfullychargedonthemove–isoneofthoseitemsyouneverknewyouneededuntilyouhaveone. Whetheryourfamilyisspendingthenewyearheadingtothein-laws orhittingtheslopes,thisisthebestwaytoensurethereareno howlsofanguishfromthebackseatwhenyourkids’tablets,games consolesorheadphonesrunoutofjuice.
Holdaweeklyfamily gamesnight
Becausefamilylifeissobusy,howoftendowereallygettositdown andenjoyscreen-freetimetogether?Agreeonaneveningthat worksforeveryoneandswitchoffthedevices.WhetherMonopoly, cardgamesorkaraokeareyourbag,turnupthemusic,makesome popcornandenjoysomegoodold-fashionedfun.Gettweensand teenstojoininbylettingthempickthegamesorhavingafriend round.Checkoutcharityshopsforsecond-handgamesorstarta gameswapwithfriendsorneighbours.
Padelisoneofthefastest-growingsportsintheUK.Dreamtupby aMexicancoupleboredonholidayinthe1960s,it’saracketsport combiningelementsoftennisandsquashandtypicallyplayedas doubleswhichmakesittheperfectmixoffitnessandfunforthe wholefamily.Orroundupsomeotherparentsandkidsandget socialonacourtnearyou!Eventheteenagerswillbeupforago! Findoutmorefromthe LawnTennisAssociation website www.lta.org.uk/play/ways-to-play/padel
The‘I’mbored’chorusisanall-toofamiliarsoundtomost householdswithsmallchildren.Andwhenyou’retrippingoverthe toysstrewnacrossyourfloorswhileyoulistentotheircomplaints, thiscanaddtofrustrationlevels.Atoyrotationsystemisagreat solutionforeveryone.Hideorstoreawayhalfyourkids’toysand swapthemovereveryfewmonths;itmeanslessclutterforyouand thenoveltyfactorforthem
Guthealthisabuzzwordthat’sheretostay.Scientistsare discoveringmoreandmoreaboutthelinkbetweenahealthygut (whichcontainstrillionsoftinyorganismscalledmicrobes)andgood physicalandmentalhealth.Somefoodsareknowntobeparticularly goodforourguts,includingsourdoughbreadwhichcontainsnatural probioticswhichsupporthealthydigestionandtheimmunesystem. So,queuingforthatSaturday-morningloafalongwithyourlatteis totallyjustified.Ormakeyourownwiththekids!
Ifwatchinghomeimprovementprogrammeshasyoulongingfor alivingroomoverhaulorasparklingnewkitchen,don’tdespair! Changedoesn’talwayshavetobreakthebank.Simplymovinga pieceoffurnituretoadifferentpositionorbuyingacoolindoorplant caninstantlyrevamparoomandgiveitawholenewvibe.Orwhy notpainta‘feature’wallinastrikingcolourandgetthekidstomuck in–justremembertoputsomeprotectivesheetsdownfirst! Investinapower bank
Yourbaby’sbiome
ByLucyUpton
Ifyou’reaneworexpectantparent,youmayhaveheardalot abouttheimportanceofyourbaby’smicrobiome.Butwhat evenISit?Andwhyisitimportant?
Themicrobiomeencompassesthelargebutinvisiblecommunity ofmicroorganismssuchasbacteria,fungiandmore,thatlive invariousbodyparts.Theonereceivingthemostattentionin recentyearsisthegutmicrobiome.Yourbaby’sgutmicrobiome affectseverythingfromtheirdigestion(whichyoumightexpect) toimmunefunctionandbraindevelopment.
Theimportanceofthemicrobiome
Duringtheearlymonthsandyears,upuntiltheyreachage 3,babiesdevelopacommunityofgutbacteriathatwilllasta lifetime.Developingawell-balancedmicrobiomeduringthese yearsnotonlysupportsshort-termhealthbutwillalsoreduce theriskofconditionslikefoodallergies,asthma,obesityand immuneconditionslaterinlife.Severalfactorsinfluencehow yourbaby’smicrobiomedevelops,someofwhichyoucan controlandotherswhichyoucannot.
Modeofdelivery. Babiesbornvaginallyareexposedtotheir mother’svaginalmicrobiota,whilecaesarean-borninfantsare initiallyexposedtomicrobesfromtheirmother’sskinandthe hospitalenvironment.
Feedingmethod. Breastmilkisidealforgrowingahealthygut garden,containingitsownprobiotics(foodtofuelgutbacteria) andawholebreastmilkbiome.Babieswhoareformula-fed areknowntogrowadifferentcommunityofgutbacteriabut increasingly,formulamilkshaveaddedingredientstotryand mimicthecomponentsinbreastmilkthathelpgoodgutbacteria thrive.
Whenyourbabystartssolidfoods,theirgutmicrobiome undergoesasignificanttransformationastheyexperiencea diverserangeofnewfoods.
Environment. Exposuretopets,siblingsanddiverse environmentscanfuelthegrowthofyourbaby’smicrobiome. Alittledirtandoutdoorplayasyourbabygrowsolderarealso excellentfortheirgutcommunity.
Medications. Certaindrugsareknowntodisruptthebalanceof bacteriainyourbaby’sgut.Antibioticsarewell-knownculprits butothermedications,includingsomeanti-refluxmedications, arealsoknowntoimpactthegutmicrobiome.However,it’s importanttorememberthatthesemedicationscanbeessential fortreatingspecificconditionsandshouldalwaysbeusedunder theadviceofadoctor.
LucyUptonisfounderofTheChildren’sDietician (www.thechildrensdietician.co.uk)andexpertspeakerat TheBabyShow(www.thebabyshow.co.uk)withLidlGB,taking place7-9MarchatExCeLLondonand9-11MayatNEC
Breastmilkandthebaby biome
Breastmilkisadynamicsubstancerichinvariousfactors influencingyourbaby’smicrobiome.Researchsuggeststhat breastfeedinglowersyourbaby’sriskofcertaindiseases andhelpsbuildastrongimmunesystem. Belowarejustahandfulofgut-lovingcomponentsin breastmilkandhowtheyhelpyourbaby’sgutgardengrow anddevelop.
Theintroductionoffoodmarksasignificantshiftinyour baby’sgutmicrobiome.Suddenly,thereisaninfluxofnew optionstofeedthecommunityofbacteriaandcertainfoods arepotentfuel-namely,thosecontainingfibre.Whilstit’s essentialtobemindfulofoverallfibrecontentinyourbaby’s diet,prioritisingavariedweaningdiet,includingthefoods below,willbeakeystepinnurturingahealthymicrobiome.
Fruit. Offerarangeofcoloursandtypes,suchaspureed, mashedorsoftfingerfoodoptionslikebananas,steamed apples,raspberriesandripepear.
Vegetables. Offerarangeofoptions,includinggreenandroot vegetables.Manyworkwellasfingerfoodsand/orpureedor mashedoptions.
Breastmilk’sprebiotics. Prebioticsarefuelor‘food’forgut bacteria.BreastmilkisrichinasubstanceknownasHuman MilkOligosaccharides(HMOs),aformofprebiotic.HMOs reachyourbaby’sgutundigestedtoencouragethegrowthof foodbacteriaandsupportimmunefunction. Breastmilk’sprobiotics. Breastmilkcontainsacommunityof bacteria,sometimescalledthebreastmilkbiome.Thesehelpto establishandmaintainyourbaby’sbalancedgutmicrobiome. Antibodies. Certainantibodies,especiallyImmunoglobulin A(IgA),helpcoatyourbaby’sgutandprotectitfromharmful pathogens.
Beans,legumesandlentils. Theseareeasytoincorporate mashedorblendedintomealsorasoptionslikehummus, whichisexcellentontoastorloadedontoroastedvegetables. Grains. Oatsareperfectforporridge,milledinpancakesor sprinkledontopofmuffins.
Optimisingcircadian rhythmsfor
ByUshaPatel
Doyouhavedifficultiesgettingyourchildupinthemornings andworrythattheyarenotgettingsufficientsleep?
Sleepisavitalprocessforchildren,especiallyformemory consolidation.Thetransferofshort-termmemorieshappens duringsleep,wheneverythingyourchildlearnsduringthedayis movedtoapartofthebraincalledthehippocampus.Memories storedinthehippocampuscanberetrievedwhencalleduponin thefuture.
Therest,repair,andmemorycycleduringsleeparebeneficial notjustforourchildrenbutforallofusandunderstandingthis canhelpyoumakeinformeddecisionsaboutyourchild’ssleep habits.
Weeachhaveaninternal‘bodyclock’knownasthecircadian clock.Thisclockcreatesdailyrhythmsforsleeping,eatingand beingactiveduringatwenty-four-hourdaycycle.Byaligning yourchild’sroutinewiththeirnaturalcircadianrhythm,youcan helpthemachievetheirbestperformanceandgetthemostout ofeachschoolday.
Factorsthatgovernourcircadianrhythmstartinthemorning withdaylight.Ourbuilt-inlightsensorspickupthismorninglight andcreatealevelofalertness,gettingreadyforthedayahead. Morningdaylightcomprisesmorebluelightfrequencieswhich provideasignaltothebodyforalevelofactivity.Importantly, receivingthisbluelightinputinthemorningsignalstothe body’smaincentralclockthatitisthestartofthedailycycle.
Childrenmusteatasubstantialmealtostartthedayafterbeing asleepforeighthours(ormore,dependingontheirage).Eating
Thebestkindoflight
Isyourchildgettingenoughdaylightinthemornings? Walkingforaroundtwentyminutesinthemorning(to school)isawaytoensurethatyourchildisgettingenough bluelight,evenonovercastdays.
Generally,eveninglightingshouldbewarmer,especiallyin yourchild’sbedroom,upstairslandingandbathroom.Warmer lightinginyourchild’sbedroomtriggersthehormoneforsleep production,melatoninandilluminatingthedeskinsteadof theroomisconsideredgentlerontheeyesatthattimeofday. Electronicdevicesemitbluelight,sotheyshouldhavetheir bluelightsensorswitchedoffintheevening.
Sometimes,childrenwanttogetupatnighttodrinkwateror usethebathroom.Havingaglassofwaternexttothebedand warmlightinthebathroommeanstheyarenotoverstimulated atatimewhentheyshouldberesting.
Excessivelightexposurewhenchildrenaresupposedtobe sleepingtriggersthewakecycleandthechildneedstorestart theirsleepcyclefromthebeginning.
timesareanothercriticalfactoraffectingoptimumlearning performance.Thelastmealshouldbearoundthreetofourhours beforebed.Havingabreakaftereatingthelastmealsignalsto thecircadianclockthatthenight-timeactivitiesthebrainand bodyneedtodocanstartaheadofgoingtosleep.
Prematurebabiesandcircadianrhythms
Researchshowsthatpretermbabieswhospendtheirearly livesinNeonatalintensivecareunits(NICU)oftenhavepoorly adjustedcircadianclocks.
Exposuretoconstantbrightlightmeansthatthesenewborns finditdifficulttonaturallywinddownwhenitgetsdark,once theyarewellenoughtoleavethehospital.
Earlyexcessivelightexposure,inturn,impactstheirfeeding, growth,learningandgeneraldevelopment.Manychildrenwith ADHDalsoshowthesamesymptoms.
UshaPatelisaNeurocognitiveTherapistatRavivPractice London(www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk)
Thelastmeal
Whileallchildrenhavedifferenteatingpatternsandneeds, thetimingoftheday’slastmealiscritical.Whenthere’s sufficienttimebetweeneatingandgoingtobed,achild’s corebodytemperatureisreduced,providinganothertrigger forthebodytogointosleepmode.
Themoresignificantthegapbetweenthelastmealandgoing tosleep,themorethefoodisentirelydigested,thusitfeels naturalforchildrentowakeupbecausetheyarehungry.So, whenchildrenfinditchallengingtowakeupinthemorning, lengthenthetimebetweentheirlastfeedandbedtime.
Undigestedfoodfromalate-nightmealindicatestothebody’s circadianclockthatmoresleepisneededtofinishdigestion. Beingforcedtowakeupwhenyourchild’sbodyisnotreadyto dosoischallengingforthem.
Understandingourcircadianrhythmisessentialforeveryone andmakingsmalltweakscanhaveahugeimpactonoverall wellbeing. TheCircadianCode byDrSachinPandaisabook worthreading,especiallyforbusyworkingparents.
Eightwaystokeep kidsphysicallyactive
INDOORS
ByEllieMalt
Ah,winter.Theseasonof...cabinfever?Yes,keeping childrenoffscreensischallenging.Well,challenge accepted!Readonfortenwaystokeepthemmoving indoors!
Missionimpossible
Placeaprizeinthemiddleof theroom.Thentiestringso itcriss-crossestheroomat differentheightsandangles: theseareyourinvisiblelasers. Onechildwearsablindfold. Thesecondchildinstructs themonhowtonavigatethe mazewithouttouchingthe stringtogettheprize.They mustreturnthroughthe ‘lasers’towinthereward.
Tabletopshowdown
Gotakitchentable?You’ve gotapingpongtableinthe making!Grabsomemakeshift paddles(bookswork),a lightweightballandletthe gamesbegin.Youcanuse paperplatesandaballoonfor aslowerversion.Youcould alsotapeemptyshoeboxesto thetableendstomakegoals andusestrawstoblowthe balls.
Stairwaycardio
Ifyouhavestairs,whynotbuildsomestaminaandgeta cardioworkoutgoing?Setchallengeslike‘Howmanytimes canyougoupanddownintwominutes?’or‘Canyoubeat yourtimebytheendoftheweek?’Keepachartandmake itachallengeforthewholefamily.Forolderkidsyoucould encouragethemtodoasponsoredortimedstairmarathon.
Findthekey
Hidecluesaroundthehouse thatleadtoakeytoaccess afinalreward.Eachcluecan comewithamentalpuzzleor codetosolvebutalsoaphysical challengetooe.g.‘standon onelegfortensecondsbefore winningthenextclue.’Forolder children,youmaywanttotheme thisasanescaperoom.
Blanketfortextravaganza
Let’sstartwithaclassic:buildingaden.BUTwe’renottalking aboutatinytentinthecornerofthelivingroom.Ohno.We’re goingmega.Takeeveryblanket,sheetandcushionyoucan findandtransformyourlivingroomintoafortress.Oncebuilt, challengeyourkidstomakeapillowobstaclecourseinside!
Indooragilitycourse
Createanindooragilitycourseforeitheryourchildrenor pets.Usingmaskingtape,youcancreateanagilityladder acrossthefloorandamakeshiftbalancebeam.Everyday objectscanbecomeaseriesofjumps.Boxestapedtogether makegreattunnels.Letyourkidscompletethecircuitandtry tobeattheirpersonalbest.
Pop-upgym
Ifyou’vegotsparespace, youcantransformitintoa temporarygymevenwithout full-sizeequipment.For example,youcanbuyasmall standforyourbikethatturns itintoacyclingmachine. Lookforpullupbarsthatfit doorways.Oneeasywayto makeaDIYrowingmachine istousearesistanceband attachedtoanupright.Sitting onaskateboardorsimilar,you canpushbackandforthwith thelegs,pullingwiththearms. Finally,youcancreatestations forexerciseslikejumping jacksandpush-ups.
Raceacrosstheliving room
Everyonehastenminutes tofindasmanyboxesand bitsofjunkaspossible.Then theyhaveonehourtobuilda vehicle.Eachchildwillgetto testtheircreationbyattaching ittotheirbodyandtaking partinakneelingrace.They muststayinsidethevehicle andcannotholditwithhands, armsorfeet.Dependingon theirage,youcouldaddan obstacleortwo.Pointscanbe appliedforstyle,originality, movingpartsetc.
Threesimplerules forapeaceful household
ByPaulDix
Askyourchildrenwhattherulesareinyourhomeandyou maygetavarietyofstrangeresponses:‘Cleaningmyroom?’ or‘IsitnotcallingGranny‘skibidibruv’oreven‘ThereARE rules?’Inotherwords,therulesinyourheadarelikelytobe verydifferentfromtheonesintheirs.
Teachingyourhousehold’srulesonceandneverreferringto themagainbynameiscommon.However,justbecauseyou’ve taughttheserulesdoesn’tmeanyourchildhaslearnedthem (askanyteacher).
Withalackofclarityaroundtheboundaries, manychildren becomefocusedontryingnottoupsettheadults. This encouragesthewrongbehaviours-sneakiness,secretiveness andtryingtohidethings.Nothingpositiveislearnedhere.Itis difficulttohaveatrustingrelationshipifonesidecan’tbeopen.
Somehomeshaverulesforeverysituation.Forscreens,for travellingonthebus,forwherethetoothpastelives,forbedtime -thenthreenewrulesinthemorning.Therearesomanyrules thatnobodycankeeptrackofthem.Theyarequicklyforgotten andchildrendon’thavetheconsistencytheyneed.
Yourchildneedsrulestofeelsafe. Youneedrulestostaysane. Butyouonlyneedthreeandtheymustbesimple.Threerules thatcanbeusedinathousanddifferentsituations.Threepegs thatyoucanconstantlyandconsistentlyusetohangbehaviour on;positiveandnegative.
Everytimeyoutalktoyourchildabouttheirbehaviour,referto oneofyourrules;eachtimeyoucelebratefantasticbehaviour, referbacktooneoftherules.
Iuse Ready,Respectful,Safe. Alotofschoolsdothesame.You mightpreferKind,CaringandCooperative.Thewordsthatyou choosearenotmagic;youjustneedsinglewordrulesthatcan easilybeintegratedintoeveryconversationaboutbehaviour.
Don’tbetemptedtonegotiateruleswithyourchild:youarethe adultsoyougettodecidetherules.Alengthynegotiationwon’t giveyoubetterrules.Itmightjustovercomplicatewhatneedsto beperfectlysimple.
Nowsetaboutyourwork.MakesureyourchildknowswhatSafe meanswhencrossingtheroadandwhatitmeanswhentheyare online.ShowthemwhatReadylookslikeinthemorningbefore schoolandatnightbeforebed.TeachthemthatRespectmatters asmuchwhentalkingtogrannyasitdoestopeopleyouhave onlyjustmet.
Celebratetheirgreatmomentswithequalemphasisonthe rules: ‘Lovehowsafelyyouwerecarryingthat,’‘Thankyou forbeingready.Itmakeseverythingsomucheasier’and‘I’ve noticedhowrespectfulyouhavebeentalkingtogrannytoday. Alsothatyouthankedherforthemoney.’
Threerulesareasolidfoundationonwhichtobuildanew approachtobehaviour inyourhome.Onethatisconsistently safe,withboundariesthatarecentraltoguidingyourchild andyourresponsetotheirbehaviour.Withrealclarityaround expectations,therulesintheirheadswillbethesameasin yours.Soonyouwon’tneedtorefertotheindividualrulesand itwillsimplybe:‘Thisishowwedoithere.’Theneverything changes.
Agoodsign?
Youmightwanttocoveryourfridgeingroovyposterswiththe newrules,paintthemasabedroomwallmuraloreventattoo themonyourself.Anyofthesewouldbemostentertainingbut won’tdoanythingtohelpyourchildknowandunderstandthem. Insteadofredecorating,simplymakesurethattherulesfallfrom themouthofeveryadult,everytime.Whenyourchildsaysto you:‘ALLRIGHT,enough,Iknowtherules!!’thatisagoodsign.
PaulDixisaspecialistinchildren’sbehaviourandtheauthorof WhentheParentsChange,EverythingChanges:SeismicShiftsin Children’sBehaviour,availablefromwww.bookshop.org
stagecoachkenilworth,leamingtonspa& warwick
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FunforallthefamilythisWinter AguidetoWhat’sOninCoventryandWarwickshire
FebruaryHalf-Term
StratfordButterflyFarm
Stratford-upon-Avon 15–23Feb
Enjoytherelaxingpleasureof walkingamongstsomeofthe world’smoststunningandcolourful butterfliesinatropicalrainforest setting,completewithfish-filled pools,splashingwaterfallsand beautifulblooms.Discover RainforestRealm,anewexhibition featuringamagnificentspectacled caiman.MeettheMini-Beast handling,ButterflyLife-cycle,Pupae andBeetledemonstrationsheld dailyintheDiscoveryZoneat11:00. Bookonline. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk
Half-TermHistoryMakers
KenilworthCastle,Kenilworth 15-23Feb(10:00–16:00)
Joincharactersfromthepastfor heritage-inspiredhijinksandhandsonshenanigans.bZentsTheatre Companypresentthe'TalesofRobin Hood'atKenilworthCastlethishalf term.Younglordsandladiescan alsotesttheiraimwith‘have-a-go’ archerysessions.Bookonlineand save15%. www.english-heritage.org.uk
WarwickCastle
Warwick 15-23Feb(10:00–16:00)
Arrowsattheready…astheFestival ofArcherytakesoverthecastle. Watchthecastle’sexpertarchersput theirskillstothetestinaseriesof exhilaratingperformances.Withlive shows,daringchallenges,interactive quizzes,have-a-goarchery,anda grandfinaleshoot-off.Plus,Zog Playland,HorribleHistoriesMaze, WinterBirdsofPrey,staterooms, imposingtowersandramparts–there’ssomethingforthewhole family!Bookonline. www.warwick-castle.com
Zoobee'sMagicAcademy –AMagicalAdventure! HattonAdventureWorld,NrWarwick 15–23Feb JoinZoobeeforamagical experiencewherechildrencanlearn enchantingtricks,watch mesmerisingshows,andembarkon aZoobeehunt!YourMagicAcademy ticketalsoincludesfullentryto HattonAdventureWorld,withall-day animalhandling,falconrydisplays, fairgroundrides,softplayandSlide Mania,guineapigvillage,andso muchmore.Bookonline. www.hattonworld.com /adventure-world
BrandonMarshNatureReserve Coventry
Forprimaryagedchildren: 17Feb(10:00–11:00) FrostyFairiesandWinteryWizards 20Feb(10:00–11:00) DenBuilding 20Feb(11:15-12:15) CampfireFun andHotChocolates
Wrapupwarmandjoininwithsome outdoorfunthishalf-term! Bookingessential. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk EnchantedTeaRoom Leamington Variousdates Characterafternoonteapartiesand princesspamperrooms.Perfectfor ahalf-termtreatorbirthdayparty. Suitableforchildrenage3–12. Bookonline. www.enchantedeventsuk.com
RugbyArtGallery&Museum RugbyTownCentre Low-costactivitiesforchildrenofall agestogetinvolvedinthishalf-term. OpenTue–Sat.Signuptothe newsletterorfindoutmoreonline. www.ragm.co.uk
CoventryPoliceMuseum CoventryCouncilHouse, CoventryCityCentre OpenThursdays&Fridays (10:00–14:00subjecttovolunteers) Learnaboutpolicingthroughthe years,uniforms,confiscatedartifacts andcrimesthathaveneverbeen solved. museum.westmidlands.police.uk/explore /coventry-police-museum/
Museums & History
BritishMotorMuseum
Gaydon
Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsandunderstand howacarworks.Funforallthefamily! www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
CoventryTransportMuseum
Coventry
Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthowCoventry changedtheworldthroughtransport. www.transport-museum.com
HerbertArtGalleryandMuseum
Coventry
Theperfectplacetodelveinto Coventry’shistoryandengagewithart andculture.PLUSvisitDippythe DiplodocusfromtheNaturalHistory Museum. www.theherbert.org
KenilworthCastleandElizabethan Garden
Kenilworth
Getoutdoorsandexplorethemighty medievalkeep,climbupTudortowers, wanderthroughauniqueElizabethan Gardenandgethandsonwithhistory. www.english-heritage.org.uk
MADMuseum
Stratford-upon-Avon
Interactwithartworks,contraptions andmachinesattheUK’sonly MechanicalArtvenue.Animpressive collectionofeccentricandingenious creations. www.themadmuseum.co.uk
MidlandAirMuseum
HeartofEnglandForest Warwickshire
Abeautifulpartoftheworld,richin historyandlegends,rollinggreen countryside,rivers,andbusy markettow.Covering7,000acres with58milesofpublicand permissivefootpaths–an adventureintheforestawaitsyour familythisWinter!WildTribe HolidayClubTuesdays& Thursdays.Bookonline. www.heartofenglandforest.org
BrandonMarshNatureReserve
Coventry
Greatforscenicpools,reedbeds, grasslandandwoodlandoraspot ofbirdwatching.Withregular NatureTotssessionsforpre-school children,WildlifeWatchafter schoolclubs,plusactivitysessions duringschoolholidays.Winter opening (until31Mar):9:30–16:00 Mon–Fri,10:00–16:00weekends. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust .org.uk
OutdoorFun
ComptonVerney
NrWarwick
Stunningparklandandlake,and woodlandadventureplayground. Award-winningartgallery. Restaurantandgiftshop.Check outtheirwebsiteforfunfamilyhalf termactivities.ClosedMondays exceptBankHolidays. www.comptonverney.org.uk
CoombeAbbeyCountryPark
Coventry
With500acresofbeautiful gardens,woodland,lakesidewalks, andbirdhides,there’splentyto explore.Withgreatoutdoorplay areas,acaféandavarietyof activitiesfrompotterytopond dipping,plusregulareventsinthe parkandattheHotel,it’sagreat placeforafamilytrip,ascenicstroll orabikeride. www.coombeabbey.com
CountryParks
Warwickshire
Warwickshirecountryparksoffera diverseportfolioofgreenspaces withfivecountryparksandthree greenwayscoveringover1,200 acresforfamiliestoenjoy.Wrapup warmandheadoutforawintery walk,abikerideormakeadayofit withfamilyandfriends.It’sagreat waytokeepactivethisWinter. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk
DraycoteWater
Rugby
Whetheryou’relookingforwalks, cycling,birdwatching,watersports, fishingoragreatchildren’soutdoor playarea,there’severythingyou needforagreatdayoutforthe wholefamily.DraycoteWaterisa 240-hectarereservoirandcountry parkopenfrom7:30–16:30daily withacafeandonsiteparking. www.stwater.co.uk/our-visitorsites/draycote-water/ HillCloseGardens
Warwick RareVictorianGardenstoexplore withChildren’strailandspecial eventsandworkshopsthroughout theyear.Plus,specialchildren’s gardenwithmudkitchenwhere kidscanplant,water,weedand harvestfruitandvegetables,sogo preparedtogetstuckin!Open weekdaysonlyinwinter. www.hillclosegardens.com NationalTrust
Warwickshire
Wrapupwarmandexplorethe outdoorsthiswinteratourlocal NationalTrustproperties: BaddesleyClinton;Coughton Court;PackwoodHouse; CharlecotePark;UponHouseand GardensandFarnboroughHall. Seeindividualwebsitesfordetails ofhalf-termactivitiesateach venue.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Baginton,NrCoventry
Experiencetheworldofaviationwith over45aircraftondisplay,Vulcan guidedtourandsit-inMeteorcockpit. TeaRoomandFREEparking. www.midlandairmuseum.co.uk
ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust
Stratford-upon-Avon
Discoverthefascinatingstoriesbehind theworld’sgreateststorytelleracross hisfamilyhomes. www.shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’sSchoolroom &Guildhall
Stratford-upon-Avon
Visitthe600-year-oldbuildingwhere WilliamShakespearesatinthe1570s andwrotehisfirstworksand experienceTudorschoollife,dress,art andstories. www.shakespearesschoolroom.org
St.Mary’sGuildhall/TalesofTea Coventry
Visitthishistoricalgemintheheartof theCity.Discoverits700yearold historythenvisitTalesofTeainthe stunningvaultedUndercroft. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk
DaysOut
AllThingsWild
Honeybourne
Interactwithfascinatinganimals, learnfromexpertkeepers,enjoya rideontheDinoTrainandexplore thewonderfulworldofDinosaurs. www.allthingswild.co.uk
AstleyBookFarm
Bedworth
Thelargestsecond-handbookshop intheMidlands.Browsebooksfor thewholefamilythengrabahot drinkandsnackintheCoffeeShop &Yurtandrelax. www.astleybookfarm.com
HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily. Comerainorshinethere’splentyto dowithindoorandoutdoor attractionsandentertainment. www.hattonworld.com /adventure-world
TwycrossZoo
Atherstone
Withover100animals,TheGruffalo DiscoveryLand,animalexperiences, naturereserves,softplayandmuch more!PayforadayandvisitFREE for12months.Afundayoutforall thefamily! www.twycrosszoo.org
RedwingsHorseSanctuary
Oxhill
Hometo80rescuedhorses,ponies anddonkeys.Café/giftshop.FREE entryandparking,donations appreciated,adoptionswelcomed. Bookingrequired. www.redwings.org.uk
GetActive
AdventureZone Rugby SoftPlaycentreforchildrenaged0-12. Plus10pinbowling,ARdarts,Crazy Golf,PooltablesandShuffleboardsin StrikesBar.Funforallthefamily! www.theadventurezone.co.uk
AirHopTrampolinePark Warwick
Theultimateplayexperienceforall ages!OpenJump,UnlimitedAfter SchoolJumps,Toddler&Family Takeover,SENSessionsandNEW Classic90Party.Bookthebounciest partiesintown. www.airhop.co.uk
GoApe Coventry
Thebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandmini-LandRoversat CoombeAbbeyforthrill-seekingadults andfun-seekingchildren.Bookonline. www.goape.co.uk
Theatre
TheAlbanyTheatre Coventry
SleepingBeauty Sat4Jan–Sun12Jan
DinosaurWorldLIVE! Sun16Feb
Agerecommendation:2+ www.albanytheatre.co.uk
RoyalShakespeare Company
Stratford-upon-Avon
WolfRunJunior2025
JuniorParkrun Stratford-upon-Avon, Leamington,Rugby,Coventry AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2Kfor juniors(4-14yearsold)Sundaysat 9:00.Childrenmustbeableto completethecoursewithoutanadult. www.parkrun.com
MrKarting Warwick Junior&FamilyArriveandDrive KartingplusChildren’sKartingparties. Perfectforcompetitivekidsaged8+ (andtheirgrown-ups!)Opendaily. www.mrkarting.co.uk
LeamingtonSpa/Lutterworth
Childrenover7andteenagerscangetatasteoftheactionandenjoywild runningandobstaclesatWolfRunJunioreventsin2025. SpringWolfJunior 13Apr
TheOffchurchBury,Warwickshire (Enterby10Apr)
SummerWolfJunior 8Jun
StanfordHall,Leicestershire (Enterby5Jun)
AutumnWolfJunior 14Sep
TheOffchurchBury,Warwickshire (Enterby11Sep)
Opento7-17-year-olds*,thejuniorcourseis3kmlongandcanbe completedonceortwice.It’sdesignedtochallenge,thrillandinspireyoung runnersandistheultimatefundayoutforfriendsandfamilies.Whynotget ateamtogether?Every5thrunnergoesFREE!
*Alljuniorwolfrunnersmustbeaccompaniedbyapayingadult. Enterall3junioreventsinonecalendaryeartobeaTrilogyWolfandreceive a10%discount!Allentriesmustberegisteredonlineandpurchasedatthe sametimetoreceivethediscount.PlusgetthechancetopurchaseaTrilogy shirtandtakepartinaspecialphotoopportunityattheSeptemberevent. www.thewolfrun.com
PlanetIce Coventry
Skateforfun,learntoskate,booka partyortakethefamilytowatchanIce Hockeygameandsupportthe CoventryBlazethisWinter. Seewebsiteforfixturesandbooking. www.planet-ice.co.uk www.coventryblaze.co.uk
TheWave Coventry
Grabyourgogglesandenjoyafamily dayoutatoneoftheUK’sawardwinningindoorwaterparksintheheart ofCoventryCityCentre! www.thewavecoventry.com
WarwickSportClimbingCentre WarwickUniversity Schoolagechildrenandadultscantry climbingorboulderinginCoventry. JuniorPay&Play,Instructorled sessionsplusKidsParties. warwick.ac.uk/services/sport /climbing/junior/
TheRedShoes Sat7Nov–Sun19Jan www.rsc.org.uk
RoyalSpaCentre LeamingtonSpa
GiddyGoat-FamilyConcert Sun2Mar
Agerecommendation:3-7 www.royalspacentreandtownhall .co.uk
RugbyTheatre
Rugby Aladdin Fri24Jan–Sun2Feb www.rugbytheatre.co.uk
WarwickArtsCentre Coventry
PiratesLoveUnderpants Mon17Feb
Agerecommendation:1+ Breathe Tue18Feb
Agerecommendation:5+ RudeScience! Thu20Feb www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
WHAT’SON
TheShoemaker’sTrails RoyalShakespeareTheatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
Until13Jan
FREEfamilytrail.FindThe Shoemaker’sfavouriteshoesfrom pastproductionsthathe’shidden aroundthetheatre.Whichisyour favouritepair?Exploretheiconic buildingandcreateyourownshoe designstodazzletheShoemaker. Pickupthetrailfromleafletracks aroundtheSwanandRSCTheatre. www.rsc.org.uk/events/christmas -activities
SleepingBeauty TheAlbanyTheatre,Coventry 4-12Jan
Amagicalpantomimeadventurefor allthefamily,suitableforallages. WillthewickedfairyCarabosse prevailorwillthevaliantPrincebe abletosavethebeautifulPrincess beforeit’stoolate?Thiscommunity pantoispackedwithtalented performersfromacrossCoventry andWarwickshire.Bookonlineand supportyourlocaltheatre. www.albanytheatre.co.uk
TSG:JackandtheBeanstalk WarwickArtsCentre, Coventry 9–12Jan
Getreadyforplentyofcatchysongs, high-energydanceroutinesandside -splittinghumourinthisclassic pantothatwillkeepthewholefamily entertained!Relaxedperformance12 Jan,12:30.Allticketsfor9Jan performance£19.Bookonline. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
TheCurseofChristmasFuture MagicAlley,Stratford-upon-Avon Until12Jan
TheEvilQueenhascastasinister curseontheNorthPole,erasingall memoriesofChristmasfromFather Christmas,Mrs.Christmas,andall theelves.Canyouandyourfamily breakthisdarkspellandensurethat Christmashasafuture?Forchildren over6asrequiressolvingforensic puzzlesandprimarylevelreading skills.
https://magicalleystratford.com /christmas-event-without-fatherchristmas/
CVSounds:EternalTaalWith LanternParade ComptonVerney,NrWarwick 18Jan(17:30–20:00)
EnjoyaDJBhangradanceparty hostedbyGatisGardener’slantern paradeandEternalTaal,anallfemaleBhangracompany.Explore theexhibition,giveyourstorytothe BlueLadies,weaveadreamfrom upcycledSari’sandendyour eveningparadingthroughthe landscape,lettinggoandhonouring thetrees.Under2’sFREE. Bookonline. www.comptonverney.org.uk
BrickClub–HostileHabitats BritishMotorMuseum, Gaydon 18Jan
Getcreativeandproblemsolvewith LEGO®bricks!Inspiredbydevices builttoexploredangerousplaces, childrencanbuildandcodevehicles toexplorehostilehabitatsand rescueunwaryscientistsfrom danger!Forchildrenaged7–11. www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk
RSPBBigGardenBirdWatch 24–26Jan
Playyourpartintheworld’slargest gardenwildlifesurvey.Getyour FREEguideonlineandspendan hourononeofthedesignateddates watchingthebirdsonyourpatch andrecordthebirdsthatlandthen telltheRSPBwhatyousaw(submit onlineorbypost).Simple,funand FREE! www.rspb.org.uk
*YoucanjointheRSPBBigGarden BirdWatchat FoundryWood, LeamingtonSpaon 26Jan(10:00–12:00)
Grabyourbinoculars,waterproofs andwelliesandspendafewhoursin thewoodlandwatchingand identifyingbirds.Identificationsheets andbirdbooksprovided,noneedto book–justturnupandjoinin.
DozeunderDippy HerbertArtGallery&Museum, Coventry 15Feb(18:30–09:00)
Stayovernightinthemuseum, snoozingunderthefeetofa26-foot Diplodocus!Trulyuniquefamily experiencefullofexplorationand fun-filledactivitiesdesignedfor childrenaged6–11andtheir grown-ups.Likelytoselloutfast! Bookonline. https://dippyincoventry.co.uk RoaldDahlandtheImagination Seekers MacreadyTheatre,Rugby 16Feb(Ageguidance5+)
AllaroundtheworldRoaldDahl’s wordsaredisappearing,notonly frombooksbutchildren’smindstoo! Nowonlyasecretorganisation knownastheAncientGuildof TaleTenderscansavethestoriesandtheyneedyourhelp... www.ticketsource.co.uk/rugbyarts/roald-dahl-and-the-imaginati on-seekers/e-yeadvg
TheMagicalStoryWish BennHall,Rugby 19Feb (Ageguidance3-8)
Fullyinteractive,musical,pantostyleextravaganzafilledwithfun andgames.CanyouhelpIzzyfoil DoomVonDoom'splansorcrack thecluesforpiratetreasure?Sing withamermaid,roarwithadinosaur –grabyourticketsnowandletthe funbegin! https://uk.patronbase.com/_Benn Hall/Productions
AnafternoonattheOpera: MyFirstConcert WarwickArtsCentre,Coventry 20Feb(13:00-14:00)
Relaxed,interactiveconcert designedespeciallyforbabies, childrenandtheiradultsbroughtto youbyprofessionalmusicians sharingtheirloveforclassicalmusic. Enjoymusicasafamily.Tickets£5. ChildrenFREE.Bookonline.FREE drop-increativewraparoundactivity 11:30–13:00inthefoyerpriortothe concert. www.warwickartscentre.co.uk MicroworldCoventry HerbertArtGallery,Coventry Until23Feb2025(10:00–15:15) Animmersiveandinteractive artworkfilledwithdigitalcreatures forallages.£3forall.Under3’sand GoCV+FREE.Quietslotsavailable. www.theherbert.org/whatson/1822/microworld-coventry
Supportinghighly ablechildrenat home
ByErinMiller
Asateacher,themostcommonquestionIreceivefrom parentsis:‘howcanIsupportmychild’slearningathome?’All parentsaskthisquestion,whethertheirchildisstrugglingor flourishingatschool.
Youmayfindthatyourchild’sschoolhasmoresupportand resourcesavailableforchildrenwhoarestrugglingthanfor childrenwhoarethrivinginschool.Itisquitenaturalthatschools aremostconcernedwithensuringthatchildrenwhostruggleare givenasmuchsupportaspossibletoaccessthecurriculum.
Unfortunately,thebyproductofthisisthatsometimeslesstime isspentnurturingthetalentsofthemostablechildren.The DepartmentforEducationdoesnotstatehowschoolsshould meettheneedsoftheirmostablelearners,onlythatallschools haveanobligationtoprovideaneducationwhichmeetsthe needsofeverylearner.
Ofcourse,manyschoolsdoanexcellentjobinsupportingtheir highlyablechildrentobuildupontheirtalentsbutrealistically, ahighlyablechildwillhaveathirstforknowledgethatmustbe fosteredathomeaswellasinschool.Therefore,itisusefulto knowwhatyoucandoathomeifyouhaveachildwhoishighly able.
Whattodoathomeisasmuchaboutcreatingtheright atmosphereasitisfindingconcreteenrichmentactivitiesfor yourchild.
Ibelievethatthisisthreefold.
Firstly,beahomewhichisopentointellectualcuriosity
Ifyourchildexpressesaninterestinsomething,askmore questionsandallowyourselftobeguidedbytheirinterestin yourchoiceofmedia,outingsandfamilyactivities.
Secondly,beahouseholdwhichvisiblyvalueseducation
Forexample,havingbooksondisplayinyourhome communicatesthatyouvaluereading.Thiscanbeachieved easilyandcheaplythroughvisitstolibrariesandcharityshops.
Enrichmentforprimaryages
NationalGeographicKids (www.natgeokids.com/uk): humanities,naturalsciences,games,videos,articles. EpicReads (www.epicreads.com):hostsreadingchallenges forbook-hungrychildren.
PrimaryHomeworkHelp (www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk): widerangeofresourcesalignedwiththeprimarycurriculum. NASA’sClimateKids (www.climatekids.nasa.gov):games, videos,activitiesaboutclimatescience. Aquila (www.aquila.co.uk):asubscriptionmagazineaimedat highlyablechildren. www.code.org: usedbyschools,helpschildrenlearnhowto code.
Thirdlyandperhapsmostimportantly,supportyourchildto becomeanindependentlearner
Aconcernthattheparentsofhighlyablechildrenoftenvoiceis thattheirchildisboredorunder-stimulatedatschool.Relative toage,childrenneedtounderstandthattheyalsohavea responsibilityfortheirlearning.Theyshouldhaveroutines andpracticestoturntoiftheyfinishtheirworkearlyatschool oriftheywanttopursueaninterestinaparticulartopic.For example,alwayshavingareadingbookorknowingwheretofind extensiontasksoractivities.
YoumayhavenoticedthatIhaveusedthephrases‘mostable’ and‘highlyable’interchangeably.Thisisbecause,sincethe YoungGiftedandTalentedProgramme closedin2010,there hasbeennoofficial,nationalterminologytodescribethemost ablestudents.Therefore,thedefinitionandidentificationof ‘highlyable’variesfromschooltoschool.
Thisdefinitionalinformationisalsolikely(andrightly)tobe keptin-houseasmakingthislabelknowntochildrencanhave awkwardconnotations,bothforthepressureitcanplaceupon individualstudentsandtheimpactitcanhaveonotherstudents whodonotreceivesuchalabel.
Therefore,becautiousabouthowyouapproachdiscussingthis topicwithyourchild,ifyouchoosetoatall.It’slikelytheywill alreadyhaveanawarenessofwheretheyfallintheirpeergroup andlabelscanbedamagingforhighlyablestudents.
ErinMillerisateacherwithakeeninterestinhowresearchcanbe usedintheclassroomtoimprovelearning.
Enrichmentforteens
FutureLearn: offeringshortcoursesfromvariousuniversities. Perfectforgivingsecondarychildrenexperiencesofstudying subjectstheyhavepreviouslynotencountered.
Nrich.maths.org: fromtheUniversityofCambridge,helping giftedmathematicians(age3+).
BBCBitesize (www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize):resourcesofexcellent qualityacrossallsubjects,linkedtothenationalcurriculum. ScratchbyMIT (www.scratch.mit.edu):forchildreninterested indevelopingtheircodingskills(ScratchJravailablefor youngerchildren).
EDUCATION
Toptipsfor preparation
ByLucyAlexandraSpencer
Preparationforthe11+grammarorindependentschoolexams cansometimesfeeloverwhelmingbutwithcarefulplanning, itcanbecomeamanageableandevenrewardingexperience. Trytheseactionable,supportivesteps:
Creatingastudyroutine
Tohelpyourchildfeelprepared,establishaconsistentstudy routineasearlyaspossible.Setupaquiet,well-litareafor homeworkanduseacalendartovisuallymarkoutrevision. Regularshortpracticesessionsareoftenmoreeffectivethan infrequent,longones.Monitoryourchild’sprogressinschool reportsandaddressanysubjectareaswherethey’restruggling. Sincethe11+typicallyassesseschildrenabovetheiragelevel, stayingaheadofthecurriculumexpectationsiskey.
Considertutoringsupport
Ifyourchildfindscertainareaschallengingorneedsmotivation, itmaybeworthlookingintotutoringsupport.Groupsessions, onlineprogrammesorone-to-onetutoringcanprovidetargeted guidance.
Registeringforexams
Checkapplicationdeadlinesforeachschool,asthesevary widely.Manyindependentschoolsrequireapplicationsby Juneoftheyearyourchildturns10,whilegrammarschool applicationsoftenonlyopeninMayandJuneofYear5.Mark thesedatesinyourcalendarandifyou’reclosetomissinga deadline,contacttheschooldirectly.
Usingmockexamstobuildconfidence
Usemockexamstopreparefortherealtest.Startwithhome practicebysettingatimerandsimulatingsilentexamconditions.
Aftereachsession,reviewyourchild’sanswerstohighlight strengthsandareasoffocus.Whenyourchildfeelsready, considerbookinganexternalmocktesttoreplicatethefullexam experience,includingthepresenceofotherstudents.Thiscan boostconfidenceandreduceexam-daynerves.
Finalpreparationsandexamday
Inthefinalweeks,reviewkeyconceptswithoutoverwhelming yourchild.Usesimplerelaxationtechniques,likedeepbreathing, tohelpthemstaycalmandpositive.Onexamday,ensurethey haveanutritiousbreakfastanddouble-checkthattheyhaveall therequiredmaterials.Keeptheatmospherecalm,offerwordsof encouragementandfocusonpositiveaffirmationstohelpthem feelsupportedandreadytosucceed.
LucySpencerisfounderofEducationBoutique (www.educationboutique.co.uk),whichprovidesin-person tutoringforchildren,schoolsandlocalauthorities,designedto meetindividualneedsandensuringthateachchildcanaccess therightresourcesattheirownpace.
IndependentSchools Coventry&Warwickshire
ArnoldLodge LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18) T:01926778050 www.arnoldlodge.com
ReceptionOpenMorning: Fri7Mar09:30–11:00
BiltonGrange
Rugby (Ages3-13)
T:01788810217
www.biltongrange.co.uk
OpenDay:Sat8Mar
TheKingsleySchool
PrepandJuniorSchools
BablakePrePrep
Coventry
T:02476271285 www.bablake.com
BablakeJunior
Coventry T:02473271248 www.bablake.com
OpenMorning:Tue4Feb 09:30–10:30
CrackleyHallSchooland LittleCrackersNursery
Kenilworth T:01926514444 www.crackleyhall.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat8Mar 10:30–12:30
CrescentSchool
Rugby T:01788521595
www.crescentschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Sat15Mar 10:00–12:00
KingHenryVIIIPre-Prep
Coventry T:02476271190
www.kinghenrys.co.uk
LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18) T:01926421368 www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk
KingHenryVIIIJunior
Coventry T:02476271160
www.kinghenrys.co.uk
StratfordPreparatorySchool
Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789297993
www.stratfordprep.co.uk
OpenDay:Sat15Mar
TheCroftPreparatorySchool
Stratford-upon-Avon T:01789293795 www.croftschool.co.uk
OpenMorning:Wed12Mar 10:00–12:00
WarwickJuniorSchool
Warwick T:01926776418 www.warwickschool.org
OpenWeek:Mon24 –Thu27Feb
WarwickPreparatorySchool
Warwick T:01926491545 www.warwickprep.com
OpenAfternoon:Tue21Jan 14:00–15:00
SeniorSchools
BablakeSenior Coventry T:02473271248
www.bablake.com
OpenMorning:Thu27Feb 09:30–11:00
KingHenryVIIISenior
Coventry T:02473271190
www.kinghenrys.co.uk
OpenMorning:Fri24Jan 09:30–11:00
King’sHigh
Warwick T:01926494485 www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk
OpenEve:Fri31Jan 16:30–19:30
PrincethorpeCollege
Rugby T:01926634201 www.princethorpe.co.uk
OpenMorning:Thu13Mar 10:30–12:30
WarwickSeniorSchool
Warwick T:01926776400 www.warwickschool.org
Registerforopen eventsonline
Whatdotheinspectors expect?
ThegoodnewsisthatOfstedandtheIndependent SchoolsInspectorate(ISI)nowassesspersonal development,whichincludesmentalhealthinschools. Areassuchasresilience,confidence,independenceand howtokeepmentallyhealthyareallcoveredintheir assessments.Aspartofpastoralcare,allschoolsarenow alsorequiredtoprovideamentalhealthandrelationships curriculum.
Aschooljudged‘Outstanding’by Ofsted intheareaof personaldevelopmentwillprovide highqualitypastoral support alongsideawide,richsetofexperienceswhich supportpupilstobe confident,resilientandindependent. Itwillofferexceptionalqualityopportunitiesforchildrento developtheirtalentsandinterestsandstronglyencourage takeupofthese,especiallyamongstdisadvantagedpupils.
Schoolsthatare‘Outstanding’intheareaofpersonal developmentareexpectedtopromoteequalityanddiversion andteachpupilshowtoberesponsible,activecitizenswho contributepositivelytosocietyanddemonstratetheirown ‘outstanding’personaldevelopment.
However, dolookbeyondOfsted’scurrentone-word judgementsandcheckwhentheylastvisited theschools thatyouareconsideringtoo.Morethanninetypercent ofmainstreamstateschoolsaresummedupas‘Good’or ‘Outstanding’andyet,clearly,thereisplentytodistinguish theseschoolsfromeachother.What’smore,alotcan changeinbetweenOfstedvisits.
Forparentswithchildrenintheprivatesector,the IndependentSchoolInspectorate(ISI) benchmarksare similartoOfsted.TheISIisagovernmentapprovedbodythat inspectsandprovidesobjectiveevaluationofindependent schools.However, ISIreportsaremorenuanced than Ofstedreportsanddon’tgivesinglewordsummative judgementsforeachareainspected.
Theirrecentlyrevisedframeworkhaspupilwellbeingrunning throughit,resultinginTESmagazinestating:
‘Theupshotof[thenewframework]isthatpersonal,social, healthandeconomic(PSHE)educationisnowprobablythe singlemostimportantsubjectthatschoolsteachwhenit comestoinspectionoutcomes.’
AmandaChilds,Chairofthe IndependentAssociationof PrepSchools(IAPS)PastoralandWellbeingCommittee, added:
‘Pastoralcareiswhattheindependentsectorisrenowned for.Itisaboutachildknowingtheyarecompletelyvalued andcaredfor;allowingthemtofeelsafeinordertodiscover themselves,whattheyarecapableofanddevelopinga positivesenseofself.’
Pastoral carein primary schools
ByMelanieSanderson
Newsreportslastyearclaimedthereisachildwitha suspectedmentalhealthconcernineveryprimaryschool classroominthecountry.FiguresreleasedbyNHSEngland showedmorethan165,000childrenages6to10werein contactwithNHSmentalhealthservicesattheendof February2024,whilethenumberofprimary-agechildren inEnglandeitherwaitingorbeingtreatedformentalhealth problems,increasedbyoveraquarterinlessthanayear.
Thepicturehasneverbeenstarkerandschoolshaveakeypart toplaybothintermsofpreventionandprovidingexpertsupport. Thepasttwentyyearshasseenschoolsevolvefromplaces whereitwas‘brainfirst’tospaceswherebodyandmindare recognisedasneedingequaldevelopmentalattention.
Beforeanythingelse, aschoolshouldbeacentreforcare. Pastoralcareencompassesawiderangeofinitiativesand approaches.Agoodprimaryschoolwillembedpastoralcare intoallitdoeswithinthecultureoftheschool:howitteaches, howitprotects,howitlistensandlearns.Apastorallystrong schoolisinthebestpositiontothriveacademically.
Whentheyexperienceanxiety,childrencan’taccesslearning, makingitcrucialthatallschoolshavearobustpastoralcare systemtosupportpupils’development.Simplemeasureslike buddybenches,mindfulnesslessonsandworryboxesormood chartsarenowwidelyofferedandcanmakeabigdifference. Animalsaregoodtoo.Someschoolshaveatherapydogand evenclasspetslikegoldfishorhamsterscanhelpchildrenopen up.
Acommonthreadrunningthroughprimaryschoolswitha strongpastoralofferingseemstobe plentifulopportunities forfreshair,physicalexerciseandbeinginnature. Evenin someofthemostspace-pressedinner-cityschools,children arecultivatingaminiallotmentorgrowingsunflowersinthe playground.Similarly,ForestSchoolsofferingregularoutdoor hands-onlearningsessionsinnaturalenvironments,arebuilding youngchildren’sconfidenceandself-esteem.
Extra-curricularactivitiesalsoplayarole,fosteringsocial engagement,personaldevelopmentandasenseofbelonging amongpupils. Aninclusivesportingethos isoftenfrontand centreinschoolswithgoodpastoralcare,particularlyinthe co-curriculartimetable.However,dolookforschoolsthatoffer awideselectionofclubswhichappealtoallkindsofinterests beyondsporttoo.
AmandaChilds,ChairoftheIAPSadds: ‘Pastoralcareismore thanformalPSHElessons.Itincorporateseveryinteractionan individualhasinschool;fromthemomenttheyarriveuntilthey leave.Itisaboutagenuine,positiveculture,havingexcellentrole
modelsandhighexpectations,balancedwithakindandrealistic viewofthesupportanyindividualchildneedstosucceed-and thatwillbedifferentforeverysinglechild.’
Centraltoarobustpastoralapproachis stafffullytrainedin mentalhealthfirstaidandsafeguarding. Thisalsoincludesthe non-teachingstaffthatchildrenoftenseekouttotalktosuchas schoolnurses,lunchtimeandofficestaff.Sometimesthesupport offeredwillbealisteningear,atothertimes,childrenmight requiresignpostingtoadditionalsupport.Themorementally healthyschoolsusuallyhaveaschoolnurse,mentalhealth supportteamsandevendedicatedcounselling.
ForDeanTaylor,AssociateHeadteacherat SevenKingsSchool, aco-edstateschoolforages4to18ineastLondon,it’sthe relationshipbetweenstaff andpupilsthatholdsthekeyto positivementalhealthinschools.Deansays: ‘Theethosismore importantthananythingandyoucanwalkaroundthisschooland seethatit’sinclusive,friendly,safeandwithclearandconsistent boundaries’.
SevenKingspaysparticularattentiontopressurepointsand makessureeverychildhasatrustedadult.There’sajoined-up approachwiththeSENCOtoo,intheknowledgethatyoungsters withconditionssuchasADHDandautismcanbeparticularlyat riskofmentalhealthproblems. ‘Themostvulnerablepupilshave aone-pageprofilethat’ssharedwithallstaff’ addsDean.
Finally, successfulpastoralcareinvolvestheschool,child andparents. Startingschoolisahugemilestoneforthewhole familyandacarefullymanagedtransitionmakesforasmoother pastoralpathwayrightfromthestart.Likewise,primaryschools withgoodpastoralprovisionworkcloselywithsecondary schoolsinYear6toensureaseamlesstransitiontothenext stageofeducation.
Goodschoolstakethetimetogettoreallyknowachild personally;whattheylikeordon’tlikeandwhattheyare interestedin.Schoolswherepastoralcareisforegroundedwill extendtheirofferingstoparentstoo.Theymightofferuseful parenttalks,forinstanceonsafeuseoftechnologyandshare wellbeingresources.Crucially,theseschoolswillhavethe confidencetocollaboratewithparents inrobustandtrusting ways.Ifyouthinkyourchildmightneedhelp,yourfirstportof callshouldbeyourchild’sformteacherortutorwhocanelevate yourconcernstotheappropriatestaffmember.
MelanieSandersonisManagingEditorofTheGoodSchools Guide(www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk),whichreviewsthekey components,pastoralcarebeingone,ofhundredsofschools peryear,providingparentswithin-depth,unbiasedinsights.
Rolloutoffreebreakfast clubstobegininApril
TheChancellorhasannouncedthatuptosevenhundred andfiftystate-fundedprimaryschoolswillstartoffering freebreakfastclubsfromAprilthisyear.
Thisinitiativewillrunduringthesummerterm(April-July)as apilotphasetoprepareforanationalrollout.
TheDepartmentforEducationwillworkwiththeschools selectedaspartofthepilottounderstandhowbreakfast clubscanbedeliveredtomeettheneedsofschools,parents andpupilswhentheprogrammeisrolledoutnationally.
TheGovernmentclaimsbreakfastclubswillhelpreduce thenumberofstudentsstartingtheschooldayhungryand ensurechildrencometoschoolreadytolearn.Itwillalso supportthegovernment’saimtotacklechildpovertyby addressingrisingfoodinsecurityamongchildren. Moreinfo:www.gov.uk/government/news
GetreadyforWorldBook Day2025
PutThursday6March2025inyourdiaryforWorldBook Day2025andstartplanningyourchild’scostume. Markedinoveronehundredcountries,childrenand schoolsgetinvolvedbydressingupastheirfavouritebook charactersandreadingtogethertocelebrateauthors, illustratorsandbooks.EachyearWorldBookDayreleases abrand-newline-upof£1booksandissuestokensthat childrencanusetochooseoneofthebooksfor Thisyear’sbooksincludeshortstoriesfromfamilyfavourites Bluey and PaddingtonBear forbeginningandearlyreading abilities,asearch-and-findstoryfrom JuliaDonaldsonand AxelScheffler andaselectionofpoemsfromthe2022-2024 Children’sLaureate,JosephCoelho. Formorefluentand independentreaders, BenjaminDean captivatesyoung adultswithastandalonethriller,while TomPalmer scores with TheSoccerDiaries:RockyTakestheLead. Moreinfo:www.worldbookday.com
