Families Warwickshire March/April 2023 PRINT

HelloSpring!

Atlast,theseasonsareturninganditreally feelslikespringisjustaroundthecorner.So,it’s timetostophibernatingandre-embracethebig outdoors!Trymakingourspringbirdcaféasa familyandhopefullyattractsomewildlifeinto yourgarden.

Therearelotsofnationaleventstakingplacein MarchandApril,we’vepickedsomeofour favouritesforyoualltogetinvolvedin.

WithEasterjustaroundthecorner,it’snottoosoontostartmaking plansforthoseall-importantegghunts.CheckoutourlocalWhat’s Onpagesfortheultimateguidetoentertainingthewholefamilythis spring.

Thisissuewehavesomeinterestinginformationonhowyoucan offeryourchildthefreedomof‘playingout’thatourkidsthesedays oftendon’tgettoenjoy.

Wetacklethesixreasonschildrenswitchofffromlearning(andhow tore-engagethem),discoverhowtostretchyourchild’simagination andofferupsomegreat,imaginativeandhealthyafterschoolsnack ideasforthekids.Plus,aCelebrityInterviewwiththeamazing GeorgeWebster,thefirsteverCBeebiespresentertohaveDown syndrome.Georgeshareshisjourneywithusinhisnewbook‘Thisis ME!’andwegivefiveluckyFamiliesreadersthechancetowina signedcopy.

Finally,inthisissue,wehaveSmobyNaturePlayhousestogiveaway andyoucanapplyinside.Bydoingso,you’llalsoensureyoureceive ourdigitalmagazinewithlotsmorecontentand goodiesonoffer.

EnjoythemagazineandhaveagreatEaster!

Thepaperusedinthismagazineismade withorcontainsforest-basedmaterials fromFSC-certifiedforestsanditsusewill nothaveharmedforests.

Contactus

We’reanenvironmentally responsiblepublication

Weoftencovertopicsrelatedtotheenvironmentinour magazinebuthaveyoueverwonderedhowenvironmentallyfriendlyweare?

YoumayhavespottedtheFSC®logointhemagazine.We’re happytoreportthatthisgivesanassurancethatallpaperwe useismadeofmaterialfromwell-managed,FSC®-certified forestsandothercontrolledsources.

ThemagazineisprintedbyBuxtonPressonresponsibly sourcedpaper.Eachaspectofourprinter’sbusinesshasbeen examinedforcontinualimprovementofitsgreencredentials.In fact,BuxtonPresshasevenbeenrecognisedforits achievementstodate,includingwinningPrintWeek’sawardof EnvironmentalCompanyoftheYear.Readmoreat www.buxtonpress.com/environment

FamiliesWarwickshireisreducingtheimpactofits publicationontheenvironmentbycarbon-offsetting, compensatingfortheemissionofcarbondioxideintothe atmosphereasaresultofthepapermakingprocess.

Inthisissue GetintoSpring Schools

What’sOn

Parenting

MeetGeorgeWebster

Let’sMake…

Allcontent©FamiliesWarwickshire.FamiliesWarwickshireisa bi-monthlymagazineforparentsofchildren0-12.Printrun16,000. FamiliesWarwickshireispartofFamiliesPrintLtd,afranchisecompany.All franchisedmagazinesinthegroupareindependentlyownedandoperatedunder licence.FamiliesisaregisteredtrademarkofLCMBLtd,RemenhamHouse, RegattaPlace,MarlowRoad,BourneEnd,BucksSL85TD.Thecontentsofthis magazinearefullyprotectedbycopyrightandnoneoftheeditorialor photographicmattermaybereproducedinanyformwithoutthepriorconsentof FamiliesWarwickshire.Everycareistakeninthepreparationofthismagazinebut FamiliesWarwickshire,ourdistributors,thefranchisecompany,FamiliesPrintLtd

4.

Getconnectedduring BritishScienceWeek

BritishScienceWeekisatendaycelebrationofscience, technology,engineeringandmathswhichtakesplacefrom 10to19March.

Thisyear’sthemeis‘Connection.’Nearlyallinnovationsin sciencearebuiltonconnectionsbetweenpeopleand connectionsoccuracrossallareasofscience,including animals,theinternetandevenbetweenhumanactionand climatechange.

DuringBritishScienceWeek,peoplefromallovertheUK takepartineventsandactivitiestodeveloptheirskillsin theseareasatawiderangeofvenues,suchascommunity groups,culturalcentresandmuseums.

ArangeofFREEactivitypacksandotherresources suitableforallagegroupscanalsobedownloadedforfun familyactivitiesinthehome.

Tofindalocalevent,visitwww.britishscienceweek.org

EnjoyEarthDay2023

EarthDaytakesplaceon22Aprileveryyearandisatime whenenvironmentalissuestakecentrestage.

Markedbymillionsaroundtheworld,EarthDayis designedtoshinealightontheseriousenvironmental problemswe’refacing,fromtheclimatecrisistoair pollutionanddeforestation.

ThefirstEarthDaytookplacein1970intheUStohighlight theimportanceofcleanairandwaterfollowingalargeoil spillinCalifornia.Theeventsawanastonishingtwenty millionpeopleacrosstheUStakingtothestreets–around tenpercentofthecountry’spopulationatthetime.Since then,ithasgonefromstrengthtostrengthisnowthe world’slargestcivicevent.

Therearethousandsofeventstakingplacearoundthe world–tofindaneventnearyouvisit www.bit.ly/EarthDayEventsMap

Formoreinformation,visitwww.earthday.org

It’stimefor RedNoseDay

Thisyear,RedNoseDaywilltakeplaceon Friday17Marchandthisyear,morethanever, it’simportanttohavefunandraisemoneyto supportpeopleinneed.

RedNoseDayisacampaigncreatedbyComic Relieftohelpraiseawarenessofandputanend tochildpoverty.Thecampaignfunds programmesandentertainmentandraises moneytokeepchildrensafe,healthyand educated.

Inthelastsixyears,RedNoseDayhasraised morethan250milliontohelpendchildpoverty. RedNoseDayhasalsopositivelyimpactedover twentyfivemillionchildrenaroundtheworld.

Sowhynotbuysomerednosesandhelpraise moneytokeepchildrensafe,healthyand educated?

Aswellasmakingadonation,youcanfindtips oncreatingyourownfundraiserorplanninga schoolfundraisingeventat www.rednoseday.com

TheGreatBritish SpringCleanisback

Whereveryoulive,youandyourfamilycanmakea differencetoyourlocalenvironmentbysparingjustafew hourstotakepartintheGreatBritishSpringCleanfrom17 Marchto2April.

Nowinitseighthyear,theeventaimstoencouragepeople acrossthecountry,fromindividualvolunteers–dubbed #LitterHeroesbythecharity–tofamilies,schools,groups offriends,businesses,communitygroupsandlocal authoritiestocometogethertocleanupstreets,parks, beachesandotherpublicspaces.

It’seasytogetinvolved.Simplypledgetotakepartand eitherorganisealitter-pickinyourcommunityorjoinan organisedevent.

Tofindoutmore,joinalocalevent,registertotakepart andaccessresourcesincludingahow-toguide,visit https://bit.ly/KBTspringclean

Bringingback playingout

Forthemajorityoftoday’sparents,thebestchildhood memoriesdon’tinvolveexpensivetoysororganised activities.Instead,theyrememberthesimplepleasuresof playingandrunningaroundoutsidewiththeirfriends.Their strongestandfondestmemoriesrecallamagicalsenseof freedomandpossibility.

Therehavebeenmanystudiesintothebenefitsoffree, unstructuredoutsideplay.Childrenplayingtogetherusetheir creativityandimaginationtocreategamesandinventrules; theylearnhowtocollaborate,share,negotiateandresolve conflicts.Theybuildresilience,independenceandsocial confidenceastheylearntonavigatetheworldwithoutadult interference.Allvaluableexperiencesastheygrowintoyoung adults.

Playingoutsideisalso thenatural,joyfulwaythatchildren arephysicallyactive anddeveloprunning,balancing, skipping,climbing,jumpingandevenballskillsattheirown pace.Youdon’thaveto‘make’childrendothis;justlookata schoolplaygroundatbreaktime!

Inthepast,playingoutsidewastheeasy,freewaythat childrengotallthesevitalhealthandwellbeingbenefits,every day.Allitneededwassafespacesclosetohome:streets, patchesofland,smallparkschildrencouldgetto.Itdidn’t needmoney,acaroranadulttotakethem.

Todaythingsareverydifferent.Whilescreensand‘lazy’ childrenorparentsoftengetblamed,oneofthebiggest barriersistraffic. UKtrafficvolumehasdoubledsincethe 1980s androadsarenowseenas‘justforcars.’Parentalfears arejustified,asthenumbersofchildrenbeingkilledorinjured onourroadsisshockingandshouldbeunacceptableinany society.

Sowhatcanparentsdo?

Gardensaresafebutnoteveryonehasone.Organised activitiesaregreatbutnotalwayspossibleanddon’treplace thebenefitsofunstructuredplay.

Playstreetsareonewaytoreclaimsomeofthefreedom childrenhavelost. Bytemporarilystoppingthroughtrafficon aresidentialstreet,neighbourscanopenupasafespacefor childrentoplaytogetherontheirdoorsteps.

In2009,agroupofBristolparentsclosedtheirstreetto throughtrafficforafewhourstogivetheirchildrensomeof thefreedomtheygrewupwith.Theircouncilthenagreedthat thiscouldhappeneveryweek.Theideabegantospreadand theysetupPlayingOuttosupportotherparentsandresidents dothesame.

PlayingOutbringsmoreplayandfreedomintochildren’s livesinaneasy,affordableway.Lookintosettingupyour ownspaceatwww.playingout.net.

IndependentschoolsCoventry&Warwickshire

ArnoldLodge

LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18)

T:01926778050

arnoldlodge.com

BiltonGrange Rugby (Ages3-13)

T:01788810217

biltongrange.co.uk

TheKingsleySchool

LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18)

T:01926421368

thekingsleyschool.co.uk

WholeSchoolOpenDay: Sat11Mar

PrepandJunior Schools

BablakeandKingHenry VIIIPrePrep

Coventry

T:02476271190

bablake.com

kinghenrys.co.uk

BablakeJunior

Coventry

T:02473271248

KingHenryVIIIJunior

Coventry

T:02476271190

kinghenrys.co.uk

OpenHouse:Fri24Mar

OpenHouse:Fri28Apr

CrackleyHallSchooland LittleCrackersNursery

Kenilworth

T:01926514444

crackleyhall.co.uk

CrescentSchool Rugby

T:01788521595

crescentschool.co.uk

OpenDay:Sat4Mar10:30

TheCroftPreparatory School

Stratford-upon-Avon

T:01789293795

croftschool.co.uk

OpenDay:Tue21Mar

10:00–12:00

HenleyMontessori PrimaryandMerrydays

MontessoriNursery

Henley-in-Arden

T:01564795722

henleymontessori.co.uk

StratfordPreparatory School

Stratford-upon-Avon

T:01789297993

stratfordprep.co.uk

WarwickPreparatory School

Warwick

T:01926491545

warwickprep.com

OpenDay:Sat18Mar 09:30–12:15

WarwickSchool

Warwick

T:01926776418

warwickschool.org

JuniorSchoolOpenMorning: Sat11Mar

SeniorSchools

BablakeSenior Coventry

T:02476271200

KingHenryVIIISenior

Coventry

T:02476271111

kinghenrys.co.uk

OpenHouse:Fri24Mar

OpenHouse:Fri28Apr

King’sHigh

Warwick

T:01926494485

kingshighwarwick.co.uk

Year5TasterDay:Sat25Mar

PrincethorpeCollege

Rugby

T:01926634201

princethorpe.co.uk

WarwickSchool

Warwick

T:01926776400

warwickschool.org

TheImportanceofPlay

Ihavealwaysknownplayisoneofthemostimportantthings childrendo.Theylearnsomuch,whetherit’sthroughcreative thinkingorsocialinteraction.RightfromtheEarlyYearsstage, wemakethemostofouroutdoorenvironments,fromplanting inthegardentoplayingwithsand,andForestSchool.

Asadults,weknowthatwhenwe’reenjoyingourselvesina socialsettingwerelax,andstresslevelsfall.Whenthey activelyengageinimaginativeplay,thesamehappenswith children.It’ssoessentialtotheirdevelopment,both emotionallyandcognitively.

Weprideourselvesinthebreadthofexperienceweoffer,and ouroutsidespaceshavebeentransformedoverthelastyear withnewoutdoorplaygroundspacesacrossourschool.Both ourNurseryandReceptionchildrenhavenewplayspaces includingclimbingframes,musicalinstrumentsandbicycle tracks.AfterspeakingwithourchildrenonourSchoolCouncil, we’vedeliberatelykeptthespaceforolderchildrenasmoreof ablankcanvassotheycandeveloptheirownplay.

We’vealsoinvestedinanewForestSchool.It’sjoyoustosee thechildrenexploringandenjoyingthisleafy,greenoasisina lovely,securesettingattheheartoftheschoolcampus.

There’sastorytellingarea,plantingareaswherewe’regrowing vegetablesandsecretpathwaysweavingin-and-outofthe trees.Thechildrenhavebeenbuildingdens,ponddipping, doingartsandcrafts,andlearningsomuchaboutthenatural worldinasafeenvironment–that’sthebeautyofoutdoor education.

There’snothingmoreupliftingthanhearingthesoundof childrenplaying!

HellenDodsworth,HeadmistressWarwickPreparatorySchool

FamilyfunthisSpringinCoventry&Warwickshire

BritishMotorMuseum Gaydon

WolfRunJunior

LeamingtonSpa

Childrenandteenagerscangeta

tasteoftheactionandenjoywild runningandobstaclesatWolfRun

Junior.Opento7to17yearoldsand takingplaceon23Apr,25Jun&3 Sep2023.Thejuniorcourseis3km longandcanbecompletedonceor twice.Signuptodayandenjoyafun andactiveweekendwithfamilyand friendsinthegreatoutdoors! www.thewolfrun.com

AllThingsWild Honeybourne

Greatvaluefamilydayout,interact withfascinatinganimals,learnfrom expertkeepers,enjoyarideonthe

DinoTrainand explore thewonderful worldofDinosaurs.Checkavailability andbookticketsonline.

Open10:00–17:00everyday.

T:01386833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

BrandonMarshNatureReserve

Coventry

BrandonMarshrunsregularNature Totssessionsforpre-schoolchildren, WildlifeWatchafterschoolclubs, SaturdayNatureClubandFamily WaterwayWalks.Don’tmisstheir Beetalkandhoneytastingon25Mar hostedbyTheWarwickshireBee KeepingAssociation.Seewebsitefor openingtimesandtickets.

T:02476302912

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Theatre

RoyalSpaCentre

LeamingtonSpa

BOXOFFICE:01926334418

www.royalspacentre andtownhall.co.uk

SirScallywagandtheGolden

Underpants–FamilyConcert

Sun5Mar

Thisconcertisagreatintroductionto livemusicforchildren.Combining instrumentswithstory-tellingand projectedillustrationsfromthebestsellingchildren’sbookbyGiles AndreaeandKorkyPaul,theshowis fullofwit,invention,songsand actionswithplentyofopportunitiesto joinin-idealforages3-7butgreat funforeveryone!

AnimalsUnleashed

Tue11Apr

Stunningpuppetryandspecialeffects bringincrediblelife-likeandsize animalsanddinosaurstothestage rightbeforeyoureyesinthisbrandnewfunny,entertainingand educationalliveshowforthewhole family.However,whenTheAnimal Guyzareinvolved,talkingabout animalsdoesn’talwaysgotoplan… sobepreparedforawildshow!

Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsand understandhowacarworksin theInteractiveZone.Plus thecostumedguidedtoursgivethe wholefamilyaninsighttotheBritish motorindustryinafunandrelaxed way.Freeparking,afamilyfriendly caféandoutdoorplayareamakes thisagreatdayoutwhateverthe weather.

T:01926895300

www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

ComptonVerney NrWarwick Stunningparklandandlake,and woodlandadventureplayground. Award-winningartgallery. Restaurantandgiftshop.Lotsof familyfriendlyactivitiesonoverthe Easterholidays:WoodlandTribe;Get Mucky,GetMaking;AnimationCamp plusFamilyDayson1&22Apr.See websitefordetails.ClosedMondays exceptBankHolidays.

T:01926645500 www.comptonverney.org.uk

CoventryTransportMuseum

Coventry

Housingthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planet,theMuseumtellsthestoryof acitywhichchangedtheworld throughtransport.Captivating displays,interactivegalleriesand highlyimmersiveexhibitions.

Celebrate BritishScienceWeek with ahostofactivitiesfrom1–31Mar exploringthisyear’stheme, Connections.Learnhowreal appliancesworkinTinker,Make,Play on15AprortakeontheJunk

ModellingMakerChallengeoverthe Easterholidaysfrom1–16Apr.

T:02476234270

www.transport-museum.com

TheAlbanyTheatre

Coventry BOXOFFICE:02476998964 www.albanytheatre.co.uk

TerryDeary’sTwistedTales

Sat18Mar

Abrand-neworiginalcomedybyTerry Deary(authorofHorribleHistories®). Justthreeactorsperformover100 rolesinasmanyminutesoffactbased,fast-pacedfun!Suitablefor age8+.

FoundryWood LeamingtonSpa

Anurbancommunitywoodlandin theheartofLeamingtonSpaand Warwick.Learnaboutwoodland habitats,wildlifeconservation, traditionalwoodlandcrafts,and more.RegularMuddyPuddlesMini ForestSchool,MagicalWorldof StoriesandSingingforJoyfor familiesplusFoundryWood WellbeingsessionsandFullMoon HealingCirclesforadults.See websitefordatesandbooking. www.foundrywood.co.uk

TheWave Coventry

Grabyourgogglesandenjoyafamily dayoutatoneoftheUK’sawardwinningindoorwaterparksinthe heartofCoventryCityCentre! There’s6awesomeslidesforthrill seekers,awavepoolfor‘surfers’,a splashzoneforlittlewaterbabiesand alazyrivertorelax.Withallthis underoneroofthere’splentytodofor allthefamily.

T:02476252500 www.thewavecoventry.com

TwycrossZoo Atherstone

EnjoyafamilyfundayoutattheZoo! Exploretheanimalworldanytimeof theyear,withindoorandoutdoor habitats,interactiveexperiencesand fun,excitingencounterswithover 500animals,from125different species.Ifyou’refeelingbrave,why notjourneythoughthedeep,dark woodandvisitTheGruffalo

DiscoveryLand–theonlylandofits kindintheUKwhichaimstoinspire morechildrenthaneverbeforeabout theimportanceofconservationand thenaturalworld.Checkwebsitefor Easterfun!

T:08444741777 www.twycrosszoo.org

onstagealongwithprehistoricbirds flyingrightoveryourheads…this comedic&thrilling,brandnew,whole family-funadventureisn’tonetomiss!

ISpyWithMyLittleEye

Tue4Apr

MollyandBingothepuppyarehaving abirthdaypartyandyou’reallinvited! There’llbeaterrifictreasurehunt,all yourfavouritesing-alongsongsand lotsoffantasticgamestoplay, includingMolly’sfavourite,ISpyWith MyLittleEye!Basedonthepicture bookbyStevenLee.Asweetsurprise andphotoswithBingoandthe birthdaygirlwillbeavailableafterthe showsobringalongyourcamerasto capturethesmiles.Suitablefor2+.

WarwickArtsCentre

TheTigerWhoCametoTea

Fri24–Sun26Mar

Jointhetea-guzzlingtigerinthis delightfulfamilyshow;packedwith oodlesofmagic,sing-a-longsongs andclumsychaos.Directfromthe WestEnd,don’tmissthisstunning stageadaptationoftheclassictaleby JudithKerrofteatimemayhem… expecttobesurprised!

JurrasicLive

Sat1–Sun2Apr

Featuringmindblowingspecial effects,professionalpuppeteersand theUK’smostrealisticdinosaursLIVE

Coventry BOXOFFICE:02476496000 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

PyjamaConcert:SnoozyStories& YawnyYarns

Sun5Mar

Putonyourpyjamasandheaddown toButterworthHalltoexperiencean excitingrangeofbedtimestories,told bytheUniversityofWarwick musicians.FromLittleRedRiding HoodandTheThreeLittlePigsto storiesyouwillhelpcreateduringthe concert,thisistheperfectafternoon outforallthefamily!

HattonAdventureWorld NrWarwick

Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily. Comerainorshinethere’splentyto dowithindoorandoutdoor attractionsandentertainmentforall thefamily. SpringSpectacular!

1–16Apr

Springtimefunandfrolicsatthefarm awaityouthisEaster.TheSpring ArrivalsMarqueewillbepackedwith babyanimalsandifyouwait patiently,youmightevenwitnessa birth!There’slotstoseeanddo: outdoorfunfairridesandbouncy castle;babyanimals;springwildlife walk;aMagicandPuppetshowand don’tforgettocheeronyourfavourite sheepintheGrandNationalSheep Race!Bookonline.T:01926843411 www.hattonworld.com/adventureworld

RedwingsHorseSanctuary Oxhill.

Hometo80rescuedhorses,ponies anddonkeys.Caféandgiftshop,plus theopportunitytoadoptahorse, ponyordonkey.Entryandparking arefreebutdonationsare appreciatedanddogsonleadsare welcome.OpenFriday–Monday 10:00–16:00.Bookingisrequired.

T:08700400033

www.redwings.org.uk/visiting

HillCloseGardens Warwick

RareVictorianGardenstoexplore withChildren’strailandspecial eventsandworkshopsthroughout theyear.Checkwebsiteforopening hours.

‘Lookaround’–What’sinthe Garden?

4Apr(11:30–12:30)

FREEworkshopfor6-9yearolds

T:01926493339

www.hillclosegardens.com

MusicalPicnics

Sun12Mar,Sun23Apr

DropintotheFoyerat11:00–12:30to participateinanoriginal,family performancefeaturinganeclecticmix ofincrediblemusicians,musical styles,cultures,instrumentsand personalities.Suitableforalland FREE!

TheBelgradeTheatre–Coventry BOXOFFICE:02476553055 www.belgrade.co.uk

UnexpectedTwist

Tue11–Sat15Apr

UnexpectedTwististhere-tellingof theCharlesDickensclassic,Oliver Twist,byoneofthebest-lovedfigures inthechildren'sbookworld,Michael Rosen.Thisthrillingproductionis broughttovividlifebyTheChildren’s TheatrePartnership. Agerecommendation8+.

StratfordButterflyFarm

Stratford-upon-Avon

ThisEasterthewholefamilycan enjoytherelaxingpleasureof walkingamongstsomeofthe world’smoststunningandcolourful butterfliesinatropicalrainforest setting,completewithfish-filled pools,splashingwaterfallsand beautifulblooms.

EasterHolidays

1-16Apr

ThepopularMeettheMini-Beast handlingsessionsand demonstrationswilltakeplacedaily intheDiscoveryZoneat11:00 throughouttheEasterHolidays (exceptGoodFriday,EasterSunday andEasterMonday).

12Apr -HoltHallApiary’s beekeeperMatthewIngramwillbe intheDiscoveryZonealongwith hisbees.Visitorswillbeableto interactandlearnallaboutthese wonderfulpollinators.

Thegiftshophasawiderangeof natureinspiredfairtradegiftsand sellssoftdrinks,snacks, confectionaryandice-creams. ToguaranteeentranceoverEaster, purchaseticketsinadvanceonline.

T:01789299288

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

TheNationalTrust Warwickshire Bringthewholefamilytogetherthis Easterandtreatyourlovedonestoa springadventureatourlocalNational Trustproperties:BaddesleyClinton; CoughtonCourt;PackwoodHouse; CharlecotePark;UponHouseand GardensandFarnboroughHall.From gettingactiveinthegreatoutdoors,to spottingthesignsofspring,and experiencingnatureburstingintolife. Pluseachpropertyhasitsownunique NationalTrustEastertrail,each endingwithachocolateegg,sowhy notvisitthemall.Seeindividual websitesfordetailsandprices. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

WarwickCastle Warwick Agreatdayoutforthewholefamily! Witnesstheincredibleskillsofthe bowmanandgetlostintimeinthe HorribleHistories®Maze.Seethe spectacularandfascinatingbirdsin theUK’sbiggestbirdofpreyshow, TheFalconer’sQuest.Explorethe castletowersandrampartsandover 64acresofbeautifulgroundsand gardens.Kidscanimmerse themselvesintheworldofZogwith thepopularZogandtheQuestforthe GoldenStartrailandthefun-filledZog Playland.Didyouknowyoucanalso bookasleepoveratthecastle?See websitefordetails.

T:08712652000 www.warwick-castle.com

RytonPoolsCountryPark

Bubbenhall

Wrapupwarmandexploreover100 acreswithmilesofflat,surfaced footpathsperfectforbikes,plustwo excitingadventureplayareas,a visitor/educationcentreandacafé. Eventsandhandsonactivities throughouttheyear.Dogfriendly. Cashlesspayanddisplaycarparking.

T:02476305592 http://countryparks.warwickshire. gov.uk

HerbertArtGallery Coventry FamiliescantakeaFREEdetective trailtocelebratethereleaseof MontgomeryBonbon:Murderatthe Museumuntil31Mar;VisitDippythe DiplodocusfreshfromtheNatural HistoryMuseum;CelebrateWorld BookDaywithyour0-4’son2Mar withasensoryretellingofMichael Rosen’sWe’reGoingonaBearHunt; Family-friendlyEasterartsandcraft activitiesinspiredbyDividedSelves exhibitionareonofferfrom1–15Apr orwhynottryanArtMasterclassin Samosa-Makingon6AprorScreenPrintingon13Apr.Someevents requirepre-booking,othersaredrop in.Seewebsitefordetails.

T:02476237521

www.theherbert.org

KenilworthCastleand ElizabethanGarden Kenilworth GetoutdoorsthisSpringandexplore themightymedievalkeep,climbup Tudortowers,wanderthrougha uniqueElizabethanGardenandget handsonwithhistoryinthefamilyfriendlyexhibition.From7–10Apr, jointheperformersatKenilworth CastleforfourdaysofEasterfun. There’llbeplentyofopportunityfor thewholefamilytogetinvolvedin traditionalgames,activitiesand challenges.

EasterAdventureQuest

1 -6&11–16Apr(10:00–17:00)

VisitingovertheEasterholidays? Explorethegroundsandgardensto huntforcluesandchallengesand discovertraditionalEastergames. TrackdowntheEastereggsandyou’ll berewardedwithanadventurer’s certificateandatastychocolatetreat. Thequestcostsjust£2,whichisin additiontothenormalticketpriceand payableonsite.Witheggs,chocolate andfamilyfun,it’stheperfectwayto getoutandaboutinhistorythis Easter.Bookonline.

T:01926852078 www.english-heritage.org.uk

LuntRomanFort NrCoventry

ExploretheuniqueRomanFortress, takinginthesitesoftheramparts,the granarybuildingandtheworld’sonly knowngyrus!

EasterHolidays:SpoonWars

4-13Apr(10:00–15:00)

ThisEaster,prepareforbattle–in spoonform!Createyourown miniaturespoonwarrior,toaddtothe vastbattlescenewhichwillgoon permanentdisplayintheLuntRoman Fort’smuseum!Allmaterialsare provided.Aimedatages5–12butall welcome.Under4’sgofree.Book online. www.luntromanfort.org

ToadvertisewithuscallClaireon07938657719

oremaileditor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

TheMADMuseum

Stratford-upon-Avon VisittheUK’sonlyMechanicalArt venue.Housinganimpressive collectionofeccentricandingenious creations.Interactwithartworks, contraptionsandmachines.Afun placetovisitforallthefamily.Free familyactivitysheets.Under5’sare FREE.Bookonlineforvisitsduring schoolholidays.

T:01789269356 www.themadmuseum.co.uk

ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust Stratford-upon-Avon VisitWilliamShakespeare’sBirthplace andexplorehischildhoodhome whereitallbegan.

ShakespeareWeek

20–26Mar

BepartofShakespeareWeekandjoin schoolsandfamiliesupanddownthe countrytocelebrateShakespeare. Discoveraseriesofunmissable events,attheShakespearefamily homesinStratford-upon-Avon,online andacrossthecountrywithMichael Rosen,MarciaWilliamsandthe HorribleHistories®artistMartin Brown.

T:01789204016 www.shakespeare.org.uk

Shakespeare’sSchoolroom& Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon Visitthe600-year-oldbuildingwhere WilliamShakespearewasinspiredby literatureandtheatrefortheveryfirst time!Funforallthefamilyincluding dressingupTudor-style,traditional Tudorgames,quillwritinganda lessonfromaTudorSchoolMaster!

T:01789203170

www.shakespearesschoolroom.org

PlanetIce Coventry

Skateforfun,learntoskate,booka partyortakethefamilytowatchan IceHockeygameandsupportthe CoventryBlaze.Seewebsitefor fixturesandbooking.

HeroesOnIce

22Apr

KPOW!!!!!Isitabird?Isitaplane? No,it’stheSuperhumanSkating HeroesinanoutofthisworldEaster Gala.Marvelattheastonishing skatersasallyourfavourite superheroesfightcrimeinawebof intrigueandsavetheday.Whenitis safefromvillains,youcanbecomean iceherotooandjointhecaped crusadersontheiceaftertheshow. Youcanevendonyourcapesand masksandwinaprizeforthebest costume!Bookonline.

T:02476630693 www.planet-ice.co.uk www.coventryblaze.co.uk

Don’tmiss

GaietyMusicalTheatre Festival

RagleyHall,Alcester

Sun30Apr

Prepareforshowtunesoverloadat theUK’sfirstoutdoormusicfestival dedicatedsolelytoMusicalTheatre. Enjoysetsfromthebiggestnamesin thebusinessaccompaniedbythe LondonMusicalTheatreOrchestra ontheMainStage,World-class artistsperformliveontheAcoustic Stageandthere’sachancetosee thestarsoftomorrowatthe CommunityBandstand.Plusa BackstageHubwiththeatrically themedworkshopsandactivitiesfor allthefamily.Withplentyofstallsin theTheatreVillage,foodanddrink outlets,atraditionalfunfairandeven aSilentDisco,there’ssomethingfor everyone!Bookyourticketsonline nowanddon’tmissthisgreatfamily dayout. www.gaietyfestival.co.uk

DippytheDiplodocus

HerbertArtGallery&Museum, Coventry AJurassicgianthasstompeditsway intoCoventrythisSpring.The NaturalHistoryMuseum’siconic Diplodocuscast–Dippy–hastaken upathree-yearresidencyatHerbert ArtGallery&Museumwithtickets forthefreeinstallationDippyin Coventry:TheNation’sFavourite Dinosauravailableat www.DippyInCoventry.co.uk

Theexhibitionissuretobeahuge hitwithallages,sowhileticketsare FREE,it’srecommendedyoubook aheadtoavoidqueues.

Dippy’stimeattheHerbertwillsee lotsofchild-friendly,dinosaurthemedactivitiesandexhibits,which aresuretokeepyourdino-madlittle onesentertainedforhours.

Photocredit:TrusteesoftheNaturalHistory Museum,London

Sixreasonschildrenswitchofffrom learning(andhowtore-engagethem)

ByGailHugman

Givenelevenyearsofcompulsoryfull-timeschooling,it’snot surprisingmanychildrencomeacrossdifficultiesthataffect theirperformanceandabilitytolearnandsomeswitchoff learningaltogether.Thereasonsfor‘switchingoff’canbe manyandvaried.HerearesixofthemostcommonIhave comeacrossalongwithstepswhichcanhelpchildren re-engage.

Boredom

Itisnotuncommonforparentstoknowintuitivelythattheirchild coulddomuchbetteriftheyappliedthemselves.Childrenneed threethingstohelpthemdothis:tounderstandhowschoolwork helpsthemdevelopskills,toknowwhichgoaltoaimfornext andtoreceivepositivepraiseforsmallaswellasbig achievements.

Summerborn

Summerbornbabiesaretheyoungestintheirclass,whichcan meanuptoelevenmonths’lessexperienceoflifeand development.Beinginagroupofchildrenwhoarephysically biggerandwhoknowandcandomore,canaffectconfidence andself-belief.Talkingtoyourchildabouttheagedifferenceand whatitmeanscanhelptokeepthemengaged.

Learningdifferences

Sometimeschildrenswitchoffbecausetheyhavean undiagnosedlearningdifference.Theygetbyusingcoping strategiessuchascopyingfriendsortellingyouthey‘readbetter intheirhead,’tohidetheirembarrassment.Trustyourgut instinctifsomethingdoesn’tfeelright.

Majorevents

Separationanddivorce,bereavement,movinghouse,illnessand thebirthofasiblingalldisruptdailylife.Ittakesthreeyearsto recoverfromamajorstresseventandwecansometimesforget thisinthehurlyburly.Havingachattohelpsettleyourchild’s mindabouttheeventorremindthemhowmuchthey’ve achievedorchangedcanhelpto‘update’theirbrainandrefocus onmovingforward.

Notknowingwhoorhowtoaskforhelp

Anormallyenthusiastic7-year-oldchildhadbecomereluctantto gotoschoolandhisworkwasstartingtosuffer.Histeacherand parentbothnoticedthechange.Wheninvestigated,itturnedout thattheboy’sdeskhadbeenmovednexttothewindowinclass andhewascold!Hedidn’tknowwhototell.Sometimesthe

mostchallengingissueshavethesimplestsolutions.Askyour childwhat’sgoingoninschool.Don’toverthinkit;startsimple.

Poorconcentration

Thepossibilitiesfordistractionfromlearningarenumerous.Too muchscreentimecanagitateyoungdevelopingbrains;not enoughsleep;notunderstandingorlikingasubject;beingtoo hot,toocold,toohungryorchattingwithafriendandmissing instructionscanallleadtoconcentrationissues.Itismore importantthaneverthatyourchildcanfocusandconcentrate wellintheclassroom.

Howtohelp

Sitdownwithyourchildandaskthemwhattheyseeastheir strengthsandwhattheyareproudof,thentellthemwhatyou seetheyhaveachievedinthelastyear.Askthemwhathelpthey wouldwishforatschoolifyouhadamagicwand.Bytakingan interestandshowingyoucare,thishelpsgetthediscussion startedtoteaseoutanythingontheirmindthatyoucanhelp with.

GailHugmanisthebestsellingauthorof 100Thingsto LearnBeforeYou’re10. Achildren’slifecoach,sheowns andrunsHumanatCore(www.humanatcore.com), whichhelpsparentsmotivateandengagetheir childrenthroughscience-based,onlinepersonal developmentcourses.

Concentrationskills

Tryadailybrainwarmupbeforeschoolwithtimed,pacy exercises:

Throwballtowallandcatchorthrowballtoperson–orhandto hand-andcatch.

Traceasimplepictureorpattern.

Twominutes-repeatedlycopyoutandsayatimestableOR writeoutspellings.

Twominutes–squeezeastressballtoreleasetensionand develophandcontrol.

Twominutes-lookattimetableforthedaytogetthebrainready.

Workingmemory

Workingmemoryandprocessingissuesarenotameasureof intelligencebuttheyslowchildrendown.Thegoodnewsis childrencanimprovewithhelp.Trythesesimpledaily activitiesforworkingmemoryissues:

Readhomeworktoyourchild.

Showyourchildwhattodofirst,whattodosecondetcandlook ateachstepwhenfinished.

Helpyourchildreadoftentoboostconfidence. Playmemorygamesfrequently.

Healthyafter-schoolsnackideas

BySarahAlder

It’safamiliarsceneacrossthecountryatschoolpickuptime.Childrencomerunningoutoftheclassroomtogreet youandinsteadof‘hello’,it’s:‘canIhaveasnack?’.Sohowdowesatisfytheirravenousafter-schoolhungerwith healthyfoods?

It’sgoodtohavesomequickandeasyideastohandtoavoidspendingafortuneonpackagedsnacks.

Savoury Funbites

Fruity

Celerysticksfilledwithpeanutbutterand raisinsorcreamcheeseandtomatoare reallyyummyandcanevenbepresented asastacktomakeaGruffalologpile house!

Vegetablesticks(carrot,cucumber, pepperetc)areeasytoprepareandwork wellwithhoumous.Or,forsomethinga bitdifferent,trybreadstickswitha yoghurt-baseddiporguacamole.

I’magreatfanofsavourymuffins.These canbebatchedcookedandfrozen.Fora great courgette,spinachandcheese muffin recipe,headto https://bit.ly/ktsavourymuffin

Torampupthenoveltyfactor,youcan makeasimplebuttasty savourymix and keepitinanairtightcontainerforthekids tosnackonthroughouttheweek.There’s oneat https://bit.ly/kttrailmix youcan try.Oryoucanmixtogethersomedried fruitandseedsifyoudon’thavemuch preptime.

Don’tforgethealthycerealswhichmakea greatsnackespeciallyifpairedwithsome fruitandmilkoryoghurt-thinkpopped rice,Shreddies,ShreddedWheator Cheerios.Andthenthere’sthefun favourite– popcorn! Trypoppingyour ownandexperimentingwithflavours (thinkcinnamon,smokedpaprika, Marmite,butter…)

Notalwaysafirmfavouritewithkidsbut fruitcanbeofferedindifferentwaysto keepitinteresting.Thinkfruitsalad,fruit kebabs,choppedapple,bananaand grapes,berriesandnaturalyoghurt(you canusefrozenberriestosavesome moneyandtoofferthemallyearround).

Fruitsmoothies arereallytastyandgo downwellwithkids,whilsthome-made fruitmuffinsdon’tevenfeellikefruit!See https://bit.ly/ktsmoothie forrecipe.

CarbFilled

TopTip

Thinkofsnacksasminimealswhichshouldideallyincludeasmall amountoffoodsfromdifferentfoodgroupstoensureyourkidsstay fullerforlonger.Thiswillreducethedemandformoresnacks!

Thinkoatcakewithpeanutbutteror cheese,toastedfruitbreadorevena fruity,lowsugarflapjack -there’sagreat recipeat https://bit.ly/ktflapjacks

Youcanalsoservecheesewithcrackers orplainsconeswithcheese.Greatfor dayswhenthekidsreallyneedtoget theirteethintosomething….

Images,toprowfromlefttoright: celerystickswithpeanutbutterandraisins,savourymix,fruitkebabsandnaturalyoghurt.

Bottomrowfromlefttoright: courgette,spinachandcheesemuffins,popcorn,fruity,lowsugarflapjack.

SarahAlderofKitchenTitbits(www.kitchentitbits.co.uk)isamealplanningandfamilymealtimesmentorwhoworkswith parentstosupportfussyeaters.Visithersiteforlotsoftipsandadviceandtofindoutabouthercoursesandworkshops.

Stretchingyour child’simagination

ByJemmaZSmith

Imaginationistheabilitytocreatementalimages,thoughts orideas.Ithelpsustogeneratenewideas,tothink creativelyandtoconsiderpossibilitiesthatmaynotbe rootedincurrentreality.Imaginationcanbeapowerfultool forproblem-solvingandinnovation.

Imaginationisoftenassociatedwithchildhoodandisan importantaspectofchilddevelopment.Childrenusetheir imaginationstocreatestories,gamesandotherformsofplayin whichtheyexploretheirenvironmentandlearnabouttheworld.

However,imaginationisn’tonlyimportantinchildhood.There aremanyjobsthatrelyonimaginationandcreativethinking.For example,imaginationisusedbythefollowingprofessionalsin thefollowingways:

Painters,sculptors,photographers -tocreateworksofart

Novelists,screenwritersandotherwriters - tocreatestories andcharacters

Actors -toportraycharactersandbringstoriestolife

Architects -todesignbuildingsandotherstructures

Graphicdesigners -tocreatevisualdesignsforwebsites, advertisementsandothermedia

Musicians -tocomposemusicandcreatenewsounds

Gamedesigners -tocreateinteractivegamesandvirtual worlds

Marketers -tocomeupwithcreativemarketingcampaignsand advertisements

Teachers -tocreateengaginglessonplansandactivitiesfor theirstudents

Engineers -todesignandbuildnewproductsandsystems

Imaginationtakesmanyforms,includingvisualimaginationto creatementalimagesorpictures,verbalimaginationinstories orideasusingwordsandmusicalimaginationcreatingmelodies andharmonies.Itcanalsoinvolvetheuseofallfivesenses,such aswhensomeoneimaginesthetaste,smell,ortextureofafood theyhaveneverexperienced.

Byprovidingopportunitiesforchildrentousetheirimagination andencouragingthemtobecreative,parentscandeveloptheir creativethinkingskills.

Allimaginativeplaystartswithanunderstandingoftheworld aroundus,sotohelpachildtousetheirimaginationwemust firstintroducethemtodifferentexperiences,fromsensory experiencessuchasdiscoveringnewfoodsorsmells,to listeningtodifferentaccentsandinstruments.Thisexposureto theworldallowsyourchildtohavealargemental‘dressingup box’tousewhencreatingcharactersandscenariosfortheir imaginativeplay.

JemmaZoeSmithisDirectorofTheEducationHotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).

Followus

SUMMER WORKSHOPS

MeetGeorgeWebster

ByCatherineLobleandLisaWander

FamilieschatswithGeorgeWebster,the22-year-oldTV presenter,actor,dancerandambassadorforMencap.George wascatapultedintothepubliceyewhenhespokeaboutDown syndromeinhismyth-bustingvideoforBBCBitesize.A trailblazer,heisnowthefirsteverCBeebiespresentertohave Downsyndrome.InNovember2022,GeorgewonaBAFTA (ChildrenandYoungPeopleAwards)forBestPresenter.

Congratulationsonwinning yourBAFTA!Howdoyoufeel aboutthatachievement?

Ifeelreallyproudandreally honouredtoachievethe awardforpresenter.Iwork withsomanybrilliantpeople atCBeebiesandIfeellike thingsarestartingtoimprove forpeoplelikemeinthemedia industry.

Tellusaboutyourjourneyto becomeapresenteron CBeebies.

Ialwayslovedacting,dancing andperformingatschooland sincethenonethinghasledto another.Whilevolunteeringat Parkrun,Skyfilmedmefora documentaryandIthen becameaMencap ambassador.WhenmyBBC Bitesizevideobustingthefive mythsofDownsyndromegot fivemillionhits,CBeebiesgot intouchinvitingmetobea

guestpresenterandnowI’ma regular!

Whohasbeenmost supportiveinhelpingyou achieveyoursuccess?

Myparentshavebeenreally supportivethroughoutmylife andtheyalwayskeeptelling me‘justbeyourself.’Ialways amandIwanttosaythank youtothemfortheirloveand support.Also,mysupport teachersatschool,myfriends, theNHSandlocalcharities.

Whatadvicewouldyougiveto encourageotheryoungsters whoarefacingchallenges andwanttopursuesimilar careers?

Beyourselfanddreambig.We canalldreambigsodon’tlet anyoneelsedecideforyouas it’syourlife.Getinvolvedwith localperformingartsgroups too.

GIVEAWAY!

Five signed copies of This is ME! picture book

Families has teamed up with BAFTA award-winning TV presenter, George Webster, CBeebies’ first presenter with Down syndrome, to o er five lucky children copies of George’s new book, This is ME!

Whatdoyouenjoymost aboutpresenting?

Iloveeverythingabout presentingatCBeebies!I’ve metloadsofbrilliantpeople andnowwe’regreatfriends. Ialsoenjoyshowingthe viewersathomethatpeople likemecanberepresented withinthemediaandthat ‘difference’caninspiretheir kids’lives.Theirkidscanhave manyrolemodels,nomatter whoandwhattheyare.

You’venowwrittenapicture bookcalledThisisME!Tellus more.

ThisisME! isaboutme,my friendsandfamilywhenIwas younger.It’saboutcelebrating differencesnomatterwhatwe looklikeandwhoweare.It’s alsoabouteachpersonhaving theirownglowinsidethatwe allneedtosee.

Yorkshireasthefirstinclusive dancegroupwithMeshdance andwatchingmyappearance onStrictlyComeDancing backonChristmasDay.

Youareanambassadorfor thecharityMencap,which workstoimprovethelifeof youngpeoplewithlearning difficulties.Telluswhatthis workmeanstoyou.

ItmeansalottomeasIhave manyfriendswithalearning disabilityandthey’reall brilliant.Peoplelikeusexist andworkingwithMencap meansourvoicesgetheard.I wantpeopletounderstandus moreratherthanbescaredof us.

Wherewouldyouliketosee yourcareerheadinginthe future?

This is ME! is a heartfelt and uplifting story that follows a little boy called George as he tells the reader all about who he is, his life and his experiences. George knows that having Down syndrome is an important part of him but it does not define him.

uplifting story that follows a little

Thebookillustrationsarethe perfectaccompanimentto yourrhymingwords.Howdid thepartnershipcome together?

I’dlovetodomorepresenting andactingwork.Iwouldlove tobeinDeathinParadise, EastEndersandDoctorWho. OrIcouldbethenewJames Bond-whynot!Also,I’dlove tocompeteonthemainshow ofStrictlyComeDancing.

Featuring George’s real-life friends and family as well as a joyful cast of characters reflective of society and with bright and bold illustrations by best-selling illustrator, Tim Budgen, This is ME! celebrates uniqueness, being ourselves and how our di erences make us special.

Scan the QR code to apply or visit familiesmag.co.uk/go

Closing date: 21 April

T&Cs at https://bit.ly/gwbookgiveaway

Mypublisher,Scholastic Children’sBooks,pairedme withthewonderfulillustrator, TimBudgen.Workingwithhim andmyco-author,Claire Taylor,hasbeenbrilliantanda realcollaborativeeffort.

Whathasbeenthebest momentofyourcareersofar?

Therearesomany!Working withCBeebies,writingabook, winningaBAFTA,beingon Casualty,goingtothe premiereofS.A.Mand dancingonstagewithTalent Hub.PlusgoingtoUDance NationalFinalstorepresent

Ifyouhadtobustonemyth abouthavingDown syndrome,whatwoulditbe?

‘PeoplewithDownsyndrome arealwayshappy.’Thisjust isn’ttrue!Wehavearangeof emotionslikeeveryliving personhas.

Whatdoyoudotorelax?

Ilovegoingtothetheatreor cinema,watchingfilmsandTV andlisteningtomusic.Oh, andthrashingmyDadatFIFA!

andCutout Keep

Let’s make a spring bird café!

Celebrate the arrival of spring by making this funky spring bird café from our friends at Wonderbly. It’s great for small fans of nature and you get to feed the local bird population at the same time.

You will need:

• Milk carton

• Paper plate

• Pencil

• Ruler

• Scissors or Stanley knife (for adults only)

• Paint (use acrylic paint if you want your bird café to go outside but make sure you wear an overall or apron as it doesn’t wash out!)

• Decorative tape (optional)

• Bobbins and mini umbrellas

• Dowel or BBQ sticks

• Yummy seeds

• Flappy customers!

Step 1:

Grab your (empty) milk carton. Take your ruler and get your child assistant to measure and trace two flaps for awnings and a hole for the birds. Then cut the holes.

Step 5:

While you’re doing the fiddly bits, let your child make their café’s sign with some cardboard and paint. Leave to dry and then help the café owner write their name with a marker before you cut and glue it.

Step 2:

Paint the milk carton and paper plate to make your building and outdoor area. For sharper colour, give your milk carton two coats.

Step 6:

Almost time for the grand opening. Get the kids to stock the café with seeds. Birds especially love sunflower seeds and peanuts.

Step 3:

Tile your roof by painting tiles on with the brush and adorn your awnings. We used decorative tape but you can paint or colour in with pens and pencils.

Step 4:

Make some bunting using thread and decorative tape. You can even make a window plant box by folding up some paper and gluing it underneath one of the awnings.

Wonderbly creates beautiful, personalised children’s books that inspire courage, curiosity, and kindness in children all over the world. A treat for any curious little mind.

www.wonderbly.com

Step 7:

Nearly ready! Grown-ups, make a little ‘X’ with the Stanley knife below the seed hole and push a piece of dowel or a cocktail stick through. Finally, pop some tables and parasols outside for your first customers. Bobbins and mini umbrellas are perfect for this, or you could use corks and leaves if you want more plants.

Instructions: &