Families Warwickshire Sep/Oct 2023 PRINT

Hello Autumn!

The new school year is here already and the children are heading off to school with fresh uniforms and hopefully a big smile. I hope you enjoyed some quality time with the family this summer.

This issue you’ll find a great selection of articles including how to identify and support your child’s learning style, 10 top tips for attending school open days, the role of Girlguiding and Scouts in today’s society and the age-old argument of how you split the household chores!

It won’t be long before it’s October half-term and Halloween so get prepared with our Autumn What’s On guide where you can find all the usual fun family days out and events plus our pick of the best pumpkin picking places in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Feeling creative? Get inspired by some fab spooky costume ideas that won’t break the bank and have fun playing tricks on your family with our top halloween pranks.

If you’re not looking forward to the nights drawing in and you’re already dreaming of your next holiday, check out our travel feature for the best family friendly destinations for 2024!

Look out for our fabulous True’s Mushroom House Playset giveaway. Apply inside and you’ll also ensure you receive our FREE digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Enjoy the magazine!

Ollie and his Super

Editor

Powers

Ollie sessions and the Ollie and his Super Powers books help children who struggle with emotions, anxiety or self-esteem.

Belinda, an Ollie coach at Help My Child, offers courses for schools and parents to help children thrive.

The Whole Class and Ollie Kids Group Sessions for schools are one hour a week programmes, where children learn some really cool stuff to help them take control of their emotions, rather than being controlled by them. They learn communication skills, emotional resilience, empathy and how to help themselves and others with anxiety and self-worth.

Parents can book one-to-one coaching with Belinda for their child. For more information and amazing reviews both from private sessions and from Ollie sessions at a recent school, visit www.helpmychild.co.uk or call Belinda for an informal chat on 01926 650 149 or 07485 120 444.

SPECIAL OFFER for Families Magazine Readers

Belinda is running some FREE informal, no obligation, Zoom sessions for parents, where you can find out more about the Ollie model including tips and advice for you to take away to help both you and your child. Book online www.HelpMyChild.co.uk

Claire

T: 07938 657719

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All content © Families Warwickshire. Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents of children 0-12. Print run 16,000.

Families Warwickshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without the prior consent of Families Warwickshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Warwickshire, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Next issue: November/December 2023

Booking deadline: Wednesday 4 October 2023

2024 family friendly holiday destinations

By Ashley Lutz

Family holidays are opportunities to spend quality time together while making unforgettable memories. With cost always a factor though, booking ahead can offer the benefits of low deposits, discounts and even free child places. Plus you have more time to get excited and have something to look forward to! If you’ve not booked a family trip for 2024, here are some fabulous ideas.

Crete

Explore the largest of the Greek islands. For younger kids there are many quiet beaches and secluded coves. For the bigger ones, theme parks, aquariums and water sports are easy to come by. Should you squeeze in a chilled ‘adult day,’ laid back boat trips and snaking coastal walks promise spectacular sea and valley views. This island really does have something for everyone.

Abu Dhabi

Consider booking Abu Dhabi over Dubai for winter sun. It’s more relaxed, very well suited to families of all ages and has a less chaotic feel to it. Familyfriendly activities include Ferrari World, waterparks, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and relaxing sunset cruises. There is even a Warner Bros World!

Portugal

Explore beyond the Algarve on a fun road trip. Even in the summer motorways tend to be quiet, making it easy to explore a variety of regions, each with its own unique character. There are so many fun routes to explore which take in long golden beaches, hilltop medieval villages, famous vineyards, the natural beauty of the islands and delicious food.

Switzerland

This can be a magical, great outdoor destination for family holidays and breaks. Whether bathing in one of the many lakes or rivers, up high, climbing a mountain on a hike or cycling through unique landscapes, Switzerland is a paradise for summer outdoor adventures.

Sweden

Consider a family trip to Sweden in summer. You can relax and explore in equal measure. Enjoy the pure bliss of jumping into lakes, kayaking and swimming in the sea. Rest your head in a tent for some wild camping or book into a comfy boutique hotel. From staying in the unspoilt nature of Swedish Lapland to exploring Stockholm and its vast archipelago, Sweden is a dream for nature lovers and adventurous travellers.

Krk Island, Croatia

Connected to the mainland by bridge and also accessible directly by air, this island is lesser known and there’s no need for ferries. Krk’s natural beauty and numerous activities like scuba diving, go karting or simply just relaxing on one of the many lovely beaches and coves make it perfect for families.

Mauritius

For stunning scenery and beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine and enough breeze to keep young children cool, Mauritius is perfect both for summer and Christmas holidays. This wonderful island is extremely family-friendly with plenty of hotels, restaurants and activities which cater well for families.

Thailand

For a long haul adventure, this is a great option. Travelling with children is easy, with welcoming locals and great domestic travel options helping you to explore with ease. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the chilled out vibes of island life, there’s something for everyone.

Ashley Lutz is a Travel Counsellor with seventeen years’ experience working with families to find inspiring holidays best suiting their wants, needs and budget.

More info at www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ashley.lutz

Girlguiding and Scouts today Building resilience, confidence and wellbeing

By Tara Pahari

Girlguiding has been a part of millions of girls’ lives for one hundred and thirteen years and counting. Set up because girls wanted an equal world with the same opportunities as boys, impressive progress has been made since it began. But things can still be tough for girls. With many facing high expectations and anxieties in every area of their lives, they can be limited by gender stereotypes and face barriers to accessing the things they need to feel happy.

In Girlguiding’s annual Girls’ Attitudes Survey, two in three girls and young women ages 11 to 21 said that being part of a youth organisation makes them feel accepted and more connected to others. Girls in Girlguiding are more confident than their peers, with nearly nine in ten saying they like being the way they are, compared with just six in ten who have never been in Girlguiding.

Youth groups such as Girlguiding and Scouts are equipping young people with transferable life skills such as leadership, money management and teamwork. A recent report from Demos has demonstrated how skills learnt from Scouting can make a significant difference to employability.

Guides today can still earn badges, in an updated programme which includes mindfulness, self-care and media criticism. Girls are also supported to develop emotionally, mentally and physically so they can make a positive contribution to their community and the wider world.

Empowering girls for more than a hundred years, Girlguiding is committed to doing the same today, with a keen focus on what drives, challenges and excites girls. Whether that’s the thrill of trying a new activity, singing around a campfire, enjoying the buzz of earning a new badge or emailing her MP about the issues she cares about; it’s a space where she can be herself, get creative, explore and most of all, have fun.

Meanwhile, Scouting embraces an inclusive Skills for Life strategy that encompasses teamwork, leadership and resilience and this has not gone unnoticed in the world of employment. The report highlighted that over half of Scouts felt ready for the world of work compared to a third of those who did not participate in any extra-curricular activities. With many employers struggling to hire people with teamwork skills or emotional resilience, these transferable skills are currently in huge demand.

For more information about joining Girlguiding visit www.girlguiding.org.uk and Scouts www.scouts.org.uk

Splitting the household workload

By Tanith Carey

The number of women in work has hit a record high at more than seventy five per cent in the UK. It’s great that we are gaining more equality in the workplace – except for one factor: women are still doing the lion’s share of the housework and organisation around kids, as well as the emotional heavy lifting.

Research from Stanford University has found that women still tend to take on a much greater proportion of childcare and household management in heterosexual relationships because they don’t feel entitled to put their own needs and time first.

The impact this overload can have is burn-out, numbness, emotional flatlining and even a dial down of their capacity to enjoy time with their kids. Women speak of feeling so overloaded that they want to quietly disappear in a puff of smoke.

One Mumsnet thread called: ‘Am I unreasonable to just pack my bags, disappear and leave everyone to it?’ crystallises the feelings of many women who feel too overwhelmed to enjoy their lives and who fantasise about being free of demands. A flurry of replies like: ‘If you let me tag along, I’ll bring cake’ and ‘I might do the same’ showed how much it touched a nerve.

With more paternity leave, dads working from home and outdated gender roles breaking down, we are moving in the right direction. But if you’re not there yet, what’s the best way to share the load more evenly?

Have a re-balancing conversation. In an amicable, constructive way, draw up a list together of everything you and your partner both do to keep your home going. This may include micro-tasks,

like being the one who always applies sunscreen to the kids, who arranges birthday parties and organises childcare.

Compare lists and consider ways to share the jobs more evenly. Point out that having to remind your partner to do tasks puts more pressure on you and that if they take responsibility for something, like the laundry, they should see it all the way through from start to finish. Remember too that partners are not mind-readers.

Your partner may not have noticed the toll that the build-up of unequal balance is taking on you. Co-parents may also lack confidence or think they won’t do some tasks as well as you. Be prepared to offer non-critical training! Remember that not all tasks need to be done exactly the same way.

Tanith Carey is the author of Feeling Blah? Why Anhedonia has left you joyless and how to recapture life’s highs (Welbeck £16.99) available from www.bookshop.org

Your brain has finite resources. It can’t multi-task. It can only rapidly switch attention, which is exhausting. When it feels like you have too many tabs open, your cortisol level can stay permanently raised, interrupting the workings of your reward system.

We are all familiar with the concept of to-do lists. But sometimes we need to write a ‘no-do’ list to intentionally reduce our mental load and free up more time for joy. The number of chores on your list may have built up because it feels easier to do them yourself and you haven’t had the time to train the people around you to share them.

When drawing up a no-do list, write a list of the things you do each week. With each, ask yourself: Do I actually want this or is it just expected of me?

Then decide which ones you can cross off and which ones you can delegate. Before dropping tasks, check first that there won’t be any negative consequences for you or anyone around you, as a result.

Get muddy, get healthy

By Gabrielle Nash

Is your child always making mud pies, splashing in muddy puddles and making friends with worms, leaves or sticks? Do you embrace it or hate it?

We all have those memories of getting messy and muddy as a child but when it comes to our children, it can be difficult to allow them free rein. Yet scientific evidence now suggests young children who are encouraged to enjoy safe, outdoor muddy play will go on to develop stronger immune systems than children who are discouraged from it, leading to better overall health.

In the last decade, over sanitised childhoods have contributed to higher cases of allergies in the western world1. The percentage of children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and eczema has trebled over the last thirty years.

Meanwhile, other studies have also found children who grow up on farms, with easy access to farm animals and the outdoors have a lower risk of developing asthma2. The reason behind these findings is an immune system that is exposed to bacteria and viruses when young and becomes strong, meaning it is much less vulnerable to allergies and asthma.

So how can you safely achieve muddy play? The best way is to get your child outside as much as possible, from as young an age as possible. Touch trees, leaves, grass and mud. Play with sticks,

jump in puddles and breathe fresh air. Forest schools are now a popular alternative to traditional indoor nurseries and forest school activities run by Forestry England and the National Trust are increasingly common during the school holidays.

Locate your closest natural play areaplaygrounds made from natural materials; some even have options for den building and mud kitchens. Not only are you giving your child’s immune system a boost but being in the fresh air has countless other physical and emotional benefits. Instilling a love of the outdoors from a young age will continue the healthy habit of getting outside.

You can also give young children regular exposure to safe bacteria through mud kitchens and gardening. This helps bolster their immune systems from an early age, contributing to a more diverse range of bacteria in the gut and skin. Recent research has found a direct link between diverse microbes in a child’s gut and potentially chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes and even healthy brain development. If you don’t have access to a garden, consider a local allotment or community farm project where children learn about how our food is grown AND get their hands safely dirty.

Children who grow up with a pet, especially dogs, are also known to have a healthier immune system because of the

dirt an animal naturally brings in. Use common sense with this though. Don’t play in muddy areas to which cats or dogs have regular access so you can avoid harmful bacteria your child may not be used to. Always wash hands with warm soapy water.

Messy and muddy play requires patience and a relaxed attitude – from you!

Don’t put children in their best clothes outdoors; a second-hand puddle suit and old wellies will suffice.

Don’t wait for a sunny day. If the weather isn’t perfect, remember, you need rain to create that mud.

Get involved yourself. Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you have to miss the fun and it might even help your immune system!

The saying ‘a little bit of dirt never hurt you’ really is true.

1 www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/statisticsand-figures/

2 www.newscientist.com/article/2206654microbes-from-farms-may-protect-childrenfrom-asthma-even-in-cities/

Fun for all the family this Autumn

A guide to What’s On in Coventry and Warwickshire

October Half-Term (30 Oct – 3 Nov)

The Witching Hour

Magic Alley, Stratford-upon-Avon

Weekends from 7 Oct then 30 Oct – 4 Nov

Aspiring young detectives (ages 6 +) are invited to uncover the truth behind a spine-chilling crime in this immersive Halloween Murder Mystery. Experience lasts 1-1.5 hours. Book online. www.magicalleystratford.com

Pumpkin Spooktacular

Hatton Country World, Warwick

Events

Heritage Open Days

Coventry & Warwickshire

8 – 17 Sep

Each September thousands of volunteers across the country invite you to experience local history, architecture and culture. All for FREE! Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk to check the directory for events near you.

Warwick Comic Con and Gaming Festival

NAEC, Stoneleigh Park

16 Sep (10:00 – 16:30)

Fans will experience a day of awesome props, gaming, cosplay and more at the family friendly Comic Con and Gaming Festival. Under 6’s FREE. Book Online. www.ukcgf.com

Leamington Food and Drink

Festival Pump Room Gardens, Leamington Spa

9 – 10 Sep (10:00 – 18:00)

Celebrate the best in local and regional food and drink plus live entertainment, cookery demonstrations and a host of exhibitors! FREE entry.

Mamma Mia! (PG)

Compton Verney

16 Sep (18:30 – 21:45)

Sit under the stars in picturesque grounds and enjoy this classic movie at the UK’s largest outdoor cinema. Digbeth Dining Club also onsite. Book online. www.comptonverney.org.uk

Stratford-upon-Avon Food Festival

Town Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon

16 - 17 Sep (10:00 – 17:00)

Festival to celebrate the region’s vibrant food and drink scene! Plus live music, interactive workshops, demos and family friendly activities! FREE entry.

Last of the Summer Fun

Leam Boat Centre, Leamington Spa

22 Sep (17:00 – 19:00)

Enjoy an evening on (or off!) the river and raise vital funds for charity. Paddle, pedal, row or just chill with a drink and a bite to eat! Tickets on Eventbrite.

Firework Champions

Ragley Hall, Alcester

23 Sep (Gates Open 16:00 - 20:50)

Enjoy an evening of 4 stunning firework displays at the UK’s biggest firework event within the grounds of a picturesque stately home. Book online.

www.fireworkchampions.co.uk

Stratford Mop Fair

Town Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon

11 Oct (15:00 – 23:00)

12 Oct (11:00 – 23:00)

The annual Mop Fair returns this October bringing one of the biggest street fairs in the country to the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Fun for all the family!

Warwick Mop Fair

Town Centre, Warwick

13 & 20 Oct (17:00 – 22:00)

14 & 21 Oct (12:00 – 22:00)

All the fun of the fair is back in Warwick for two weekends this October. Part of Warwick’s history for nearly 700 years! Fun for all the family!

www.warwickmopfair.co.uk

Autumn Alcester Food Festival

Town Centre, Alcester

21 Oct (09:00 – 17:00)

Visit the historic town of Alcester and enjoy a wide range of fabulous food, drink and fun! Supported by local shops, cafes, pubs and exhibitors. FREE entry.

Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve Coventry

Set in 220 acres and Headquarters of Warwickshire

Wildlife Trust, the reserve has a wide variety of large pools, bird hides, woodland walks and wildflower meadows.

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Compton Verney Warwickshire

Whether you’re looking for fine art, forest art or family outdoor fun you’ll find it all here set within 120 acres of stunning parkland. Family activities throughout the year. Book online. www.comptonverney.org.uk

Weekends from 14 Oct then 28 – 31 Oct There’ll be lots of spooky things to see and do plus all the usual Hatton fun…you’ll be sure to have a FANGTASTIC time! All children get a free pumpkin. Book online.

NEW for 2023, Pumpkin Hollow!

Late night spooky experience 6pm –10pm every Sat in Oct plus 31st. Drive in Cinema, night time pumpkin picking, bar, street food, live music and scare experience. Adults (and dogs) only! Some cinema showings may be suitable for older children, see website for details.

www.adventure.hattonworld.com

The Haunted Castle

Warwick Castle

21 Oct – 5 Nov (10:00 – 17:00)

From venturing through the Haunted Hollows, casting spells with the Witches of Warwick, defending the Castle from oncoming invaders in witches and wizard schools to spooky fun and games for all the family at the Dead Centre Stage, there’s something for everyone this Halloween! Book online.

www.warwick-castle.com

Halloween Half-Term

Kenilworth Castle

27 Oct – 3 Nov (10:00 – 17:00)

Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Kenilworth Castle this half-term. Follow the trail to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories. Book online and save 10%.

www.english-heritage.org.uk

St John’s Haunted House

Warwick

28 Oct – 31 Oct (10:00 – 16:00)

Get ready for a family friendly bonechilling experience with guaranteed screams and thrills! Explore the Haunted House, go on a spooky children’s trail, get messy creating potions and make a witch craft and slime to take home. Dress up for adults and children is welcomed! Children under 2 FREE. Book online.

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ heritageboxoffice

Rugby Art Gallery & Museum

Rugby Town Centre

28 Oct – 4 Nov

This half-term Rugby Art Gallery and Museum are running an exciting programme of low-cost activities for children of all ages to get involved in, including a FREE Halloween hunt! Open Tue – Sat.Sign up to the newsletter or see website to find out more.

www.ragm.co.uk

Ghostly Guildhall

St Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry

28 Oct – 5 Nov (10:00 – 15:00)

Immerse yourselves in ghoulish medieval mysteries and unearth history dating back to the 14th century at the Guildhall this half-term. Book online. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk

In Minibeast Metropolis discover an assortment of poison dart frogs, spiders, medical leeches, axolotl, and slithering snakes. In Rainforest Realm find a magnificent spectacled caiman and a Malagasy giant chameleon!

Spooky Half-Term Stratford Butterfly Farm

28 Oct – 5 Nov

There are plenty of creepie crawlies as well as hundreds of beautiful tropical butterflies to keep the whole family entertained this October halfterm.

Outdoor Fun

Foundry Wood Leamington Spa

Visit this urban community woodland and learn about woodland habitats, wildlife conservation and traditional woodland crafts. Special events throughout the year for all ages.

www.foundrywood.co.uk

Hill Close Gardens Warwick

Rare Victorian Gardens to explore with Children’s trail and garden. Regular special events and workshops throughout the year.

www.hillclosegardens.com

Don’t miss the Meet the Mini-Beast Handling Sessions, Butterfly Lifecycle, Pupae Preparation, Beetle and Snake Demonstrations held daily at 11:00 in the Discovery Zone. Book online.

31 Oct Join the team in dressing up for Halloween, the spookier the costume the better!

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

National Trust Warwickshire

Visit one of our local National Trust properties for a summer of play: Baddesley Clinton; Coughton Court; Packwood House; Charlecote Park; Upon House and Gardens and Farnborough Hall.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Ryton Pools Country Park Bubbenhall

Over 100 acres with miles of flat, surfaced footpaths perfect for bikes, plus two exciting adventure play areas, a visitor/education centre and a café. http://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk

Here’s our favourite local places to pick your own (PYO) pumpkins or lovely farm shops to buy them this Halloween.

Cobbs at The Farm

Stratford-upon-Avon

www.cobbsfarmshops.co.uk

Farmers Fayre Farm Shop & Kitchen NAEC, Stoneleigh Park

www.farmersfayre.co.uk

Hilltop Farm Leamington (PYO)

www.hilltopfarmshop.com

Lower Clopton Farm Shop Stratford-upon-Avon (PYO) www.lowerclopton.co.uk

Malt Kiln Farm Rugby (PYO) www.maltkilnfarmshop.co.uk

The Barn at Berryfields Meriden (PYO) www.thebarnatberryfields.co.uk

The Pumpkin Place Wolston, Coventry (PYO) www.facebook.com/ thepumpkinplacewolston

See websites for booking details

Museums & History

British Motor Museum Gaydon

Explore over 400Britishclassic cars, take part in themed trails, experience touch screen exhibits and understand how a car works. Fun for all the family! www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

Coventry Transport Museum

Coventry

Visit the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles on the planet and learn about how Coventry changed the world through transport. www.transport-museum.com

Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

Coventry

The perfect place to delve into Coventry’s history and engage with art and culture. PLUS visit Dippy the Diplodocus fresh from the Natural History Museum.

www.theherbert.org

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden Kenilworth

Get outdoors and explore the mighty medieval keep, climb up Tudor towers, wander through a unique Elizabethan Garden and get hands on with history. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Lunt Roman Fort Nr Coventry

Explore the unique Roman Fortress, taking in the sites of the ramparts, the granary building and the world’s only known gyrus! Open school holidays. www.luntromanfort.org

MAD Museum Stratford-upon-Avon

Interactwith artworks, contraptions and machines at the UK’s only Mechanical Art venue. An impressive collection of eccentric and ingenious creations. www.themadmuseum.co.uk

Midland Air Museum

Baginton, Nr Coventry

Experience the world of aviation in a friendly and informal environment. Visit the unique aeronautical collection and learn about local aviation history. www.midlandairmuseum.co.uk

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Stratford-upon-Avon

Discover the fascinating stories behind the world’s greatest storyteller across his family homes. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall Stratford-upon-Avon

Visit the 600-year-old building where William Shakespeare sat in the 1570s and wrote his first works and experience Tudor school life, dress, art and stories. www.shakespearesschoolroom.org

St. Mary’s Guildhall / Tales of Tea Coventry

Visit this historical gem in the heart of the City. Discover its 700 year old history then visit Tales of Tea in the stunning vaulted Undercroft. Prebooking required.

www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk

Go Ape Coventry

The best of high rope antics, axe throwing and mini-Land Rovers at Coombe Abbey for thrill-seeking adults and fun-seeking children. www.goape.co.uk

Jump In Warwick

The perfect place for families to burn off excess energy and enjoy some quality jumpin’ fun! Check out the After School deal Mon-Thu, it’s great value! www.gojumpin.com

Junior Parkrun Stratford-uponAvon, Leamington, Rugby, Coventry

A free, fun and friendly weekly 2K event for juniors (4-14 years old) Every Sunday at 9:00. Children must be able to complete the course without an adult. www.parkrun.com

All Things Wild

Honeybourne

Planet Ice Coventry

Get down to the rink and skate for fun, learn to skate or book a party. After school skates and bring a friend Friday options available.

www.planet-ice.co.uk

Spot-On Wake Henley-in-Arden

Visit the ultimate water sports destination and try Wakeboarding or SUP (6+) or challenge the family to the Aqua Jungle over water ropes course (8+).

www.spotonwake.co.uk

The Wave Coventry

Grab your goggles and enjoy a family day out at one of the UK’s awardwinning indoor water parks in the heart of Coventry City Centre!

www.thewavecoventry.com

Days Out

Hatton Adventure World

Nr Warwick

Interact with fascinating animals, learn from expert keepers, enjoy a ride on the DinoTrain and explore the wonderful world of Dinosaurs. www.allthingswild.co.uk

Astley Book Farm

Bedworth

The largest second-hand bookshop in the Midlands. Browse books for the whole family then grab a refreshment and relax in the coffee shop & Yurt. www.astleybookfarm.com

Belgrade Theatre

Coventry

Tales From Acorn Wood

Wed 13 – Sun 17 Sep

Fantastic day out for all the family. Come rain or shine there’s plenty to do with indoor and outdoor attractions and entertainment. www.hattonworld.com/adventureworld

Twycross Zoo Atherstone

Enjoy a family fun day out at the Zoo! Explore the animal world and have fun, exciting encounters with over 500 animals, from 125 different species. www.twycrosszoo.org

Theatre

Age recommendation: 1 – 6 years

The Smeds and the Smoos

Tue 31 Oct – Wed 1 Nov

Age recommendation: 3+ www.belgrade.co.uk

Royal Spa Centre Leamington Spa

The Sooty Show – 75th Birthday Spectacular!

Fri 3 Nov

There’s a Monster In Your Show

Tue 7 Nov www.royalspacentreandtownhall.

Warwick Castle Warwick

Explore the castle towers and ramparts and over 64 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. With live shows, events and extraordinary entertainment for all the family including Legend of the Trebuchet, the Horrible Histories® maze and The Falconer’s Quest! Plus if you’re feeling brave this October, experience The Haunted Castle (21 Oct – 5 Nov) in the daytime or brace yourself for an evening of spinechilling scares at the Castle After Dark (21, 27-29 & 31 Oct) Book a short-break package which includes Castle entry and really make the most of your visit.

www.warwick-castle.com

Royal Shakespeare Company Stratford-upon-Avon

The Box of Delights

Tue 31 Oct – Sun 7 Jan 2024

Age recommendation: 7+ www.rsc.org.uk

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry

The Amazing Bubble Man

Sun 29 Oct

Celebrating different learning styles

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

Just as none of us look the same, everyone is born with tendencies towards certain learning styles when developing literacy, language and motor skills. Recognising your child’s learning style is important in understanding how they access their learning, particularly if they appear to be struggling in certain areas.

Visual learners rely on what they see. Encourage them to use visual aids, sit at the front of the class and write down or draw information.

Kinesthetic learners learn best through doing and moving. They benefit from using tools, acting out or role-playing new information and having freedom of movement.

Auditory learners learn best through hearing and listening. Engage in discussions about what they are learning, read stories out loud and repeat information.

Solitary learners absorb information independently of other people. Let them make notes and recite back, provide quiet learning spaces and give opportunities for sharing their learning. Verbal learners respond well to written or spoken words. Play word games, use rhymes, acronyms and mnemonics, read their writing aloud, encourage discussion and debate.

Logical learners use logic and structures in order to learn effectively. Provide problem-solving tasks, challenge them to work things out for themselves and have them verbalise ideas and answers.

Identifying your child’s learning style. Observe how your child naturally interacts with the world around them and also note weaknesses: what types of tasks do they find challenging?

Watch how your child expresses themselves. Children will be more expressive through their natural learning style. Auditory learners express themselves best through words whilst visual learners are more apt to reveal their emotions through facial expressions. Kinesthetic learners use more body language and may seem unable to stop themselves fidgeting.

Consider your child’s interests. These will likely reflect their learning styles. Auditory learners usually show an interest in music and sounds. Visual learners often have interests both in reading, watching TV and looking at interesting objects. With kinesthetic learners, look for an interest in physical activities.

See how your child solves problems. Children lean into their learning styles. Auditory learners tend to talk through and discuss possible solutions whilst visual learners use their eyes to solve problems. Kinesthetic learners will usually try to solve problems with their hands.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Independent schools - Coventry & Warwickshire

Arnold Lodge

Leamington Spa (Ages 4-18)

T: 01926 778050

arnoldlodge.com

Open Day: Sat 23 Sep

10:00 – 13:00

Bilton Grange

Rugby (Ages 3-13)

T: 01788 810217

biltongrange.co.uk

Open Day: Sat 7 Oct

The Kingsley School

Leamington Spa (Ages 3-18)

T: 01926 421368

thekingsleyschool.co.uk

Working Open Afternoon:

Fri 15 Sep 14:00 – 16:30

Prep and Junior Schools

Bablake and King Henry VIII

Pre Prep

Coventry

T: 024 7627 1190

bablake.com

kinghenrys.co.uk

Open House: Thu 12 Oct

09:00 – 11:30

Bablake Junior Coventry

T: 024 7327 1248

Open Morning: Sat 23 Sep 09:30 – 12:30

Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery

Kenilworth

T: 01926 514444 crackleyhall.co.uk

Reception Open Eve: Thu 28 Sep 18:30

Crescent School Rugby

T: 01788 521595

crescentschool.co.uk

Reception Open Eve: Tue 3 Oct 19:00 – 20:00

King Henry VIII Junior Coventry

T: 024 7627 1190

kinghenrys.co.uk

Open Morning: Sat 30 Sep

09:30 – 12:30

Stratford Preparatory School

Stratford-upon-Avon

T: 01789 297993 stratfordprep.co.uk

The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon

T: 01789 293795 croftschool.co.uk

Warwick Junior School

Warwick

T: 01926 776418 warwickschool.org

Open Morning: Sat 30 Sep 10:00 – 12:30

Warwick Preparatory School

Warwick

T: 01926 491545 warwickprep.com

Open Day: Sat 16 Sep 09:30 – 12:15

Senior Schools

Bablake Senior Coventry

T: 024 7627 1200

bablake.com

Open Morning: Sat 23 Sep 09:30 – 12:30

King Henry VIII Senior Coventry

T: 024 7627 1111

kinghenrys.co.uk

Open Morning: Sat 30 Sep

09:30 – 12:30

King’s High

Warwick

T: 01926 494485

kingshighwarwick.co.uk

Princethorpe College

Rugby

T: 01926 634201

princethorpe.co.uk

Open Afternoon: Sun 17 Sep

14:00 – 17:00

Warwick Senior School

Warwick

T: 01926 776400

warwickschool.org

Open Morning: Sat 30 Sep 10:00 – 12:30

10 top tips for attending school open days

By Andrew Campbell

If you are looking ahead to your child’s first or next school, you have big decisions ahead. Do your homework now and the choices will become clearer, particularly when it comes to visiting your shortlist.

TOP TIPS: It can take a couple of visits to really nail your school choices. So attend open days for key schools two years in advance of your child’s start date so you have time to come back to an open day the following year. Bear in mind that independent schools are generally non-selective at Reception, so get your name on waiting lists early. It can be good to visit the school and see it in action on a school day too, if you can.

Here are Families Warwickshire’s top 10 tips for preparation and getting the most out of your visit.

Do your research

Study the school’s website noting where the gaps are in your knowledge and which questions you want to ask at the open day. Are there particular entry requirements? How long is the school day? How many students per class? Are there taster sessions for children before the start of term? Make a list of questions covering the things that are a priority for your family. If your child is moving on to senior school, you may want to ask about things like mobile phone policy. If it’s a state school you are visiting, check your understanding of the catchment area, as these can change from year to year.

Feel the vibe

Are the pupils around you happy and smiling? If it’s a school day, are they enjoying each other’s company? Do they seem articulate, confident and polite? Are the staff warm, welcoming and personable? Do they talk passionately about their subjects? At primary schools, is there colourful artwork and children’s projects on display?

Go to the Headʻs talk

Schools very much reflect the personality, vision, values and ethos of the Headteacher. If the Head is giving a talk, you will get a real sense of these by attending. If you feel the Head speaks your language, it’s likely you will go on to like the school.

Talk to the students

Often, groups of students are recruited to show parents around, particularly at senior school level. Ask these students the same questions you ask the teachers, looking out for differences in what you hear. Remember kids are known for saying it like it

really is! Ask students how they found their first year? Worse thing and best thing? What is the food like (very important to your child!)?

Ask about pastoral care

Your child’s happiness, physical and emotional wellbeing at school are crucial. Ask how the school covers these needs. Is there is a specific pastoral care department and who runs it? Meet and chat to them or to the Head or another senior member of the team. With mental health issues on the rise amongst even the youngest children, it’s a must-ask question.

Involve older children

While you probably won’t be taking your four-year-old to visit schools, it’s useful to take older children if the school allows. Give them space to ask questions and, if appropriate, encourage them to engage with teachers and students as you walk round the school.

Is the school offering the right balance of subjects?

This becomes more critical at secondary school. Are GCSE and A level subjects very academic or more practical? For example, if your child loves music, cooking or design technology, are there the facilities and will your child be free to pursue these subjects to GCSE and A level? Where do pupils typically go onto? This can be a good indicator of the curriculum focus.

Ask about facilities and co-curricular activities

What interests does your child have and does the school cater for them? How much sport/PE is on offer? Which clubs are run? Is there a breakfast club? Plenty of outdoor space? What special trips are on offer?

Speak to key subject teachers

What does the maths teacher say when you discuss your child’s challenges in maths? How does the English teacher engage with your child who is passionate about English? Does the drama teacher impress you?

Single sex or co-ed?

Many parents have a strong feeling either way. But if you don’t, it’s worth visiting both types of schools and asking staff what they see as the benefits and downsides so you can weigh these up.

Halloween costume ideas

By Tamsin Ryan

Kids love an excuse to dress up and Halloween provides the perfect opportunity. However, forking out to buy a brand-new costume, which is likely to only be suitable for just one night of the year, can seem wasteful, both in terms of the cost and the impact on the planet. If you have young children, all the black costumes and skeletons can sometimes be a bit scary too, so something a bit more colourful may be in order. So, why not try something a little different this year?

If your kids are anything like my daughter, then they will probably have already managed to amass a selection of costumes at home, which means you have a great starting point. With a little creativity, many of them can be upcycled or modified to create the perfect Halloween outfit, without having to break the bank. The skills and equipment required are very limited, so most people should have what they need at home.

Spooky scientist

This costume started life as a doctor’s lab coat! I then found some test tubes, which we had from planting seeds on a previous visit to an RHS garden and filled them with water and food colouring. I also re-purposed one of my husband’s old lanyards from a conference he went to and used it to create a name badge. I’m sure many of you will also have a small pair of Harry Potter style glasses you could add for the final touch. Then finish it off with some spiky green hair! This costume was very simple to put together and only an ipad/ laptop and printer were necessary for the name badge.

Day of the Dead

This began with a pink princess dress and a Frozen cape, which I covered in faux flowers I had stashed at home and some little wooden skulls that I had bought a few years ago from Hobbycraft for Halloween. I then found a headband covered in flowers (from the days when I used to go to fancy dress parties) and added some little skull beads to it that I found on Amazon. The only equipment required for this transformation was a glue gun.

Freaky fairy

What was once a Tinkerbell fairy dress, became a fairy outfit with a difference. I covered the wings in cobwebs from last year’s Halloween decorations and covered the wings and the fairy dress in green (glow in the dark) spiders. I also made a matching wand, using a stick from the garden and some leftover ribbons, felt and jewels. You could always make the wand more sinister, depending on the age of your child and how spooky they want to go. Again, I used the glue gun for this creation, along with a knife for cutting out the star for the wand.

Hopefully this has given you a few ideas to get started with your Halloween transformations.

Tamsin Ryan offers more costume tips and ideas for Halloween games on her kids’ party ideas site at www.icecreamandjelly.com

Top Halloween pranks for families

Over the years, Halloween has become a fun celebration embraced by many but it doesn’t have to be all about the treats! It’s also a great time to play some fun tricks on your family. So check out these ghoulish ideas and get ready for the most spooktacular season of the year!

Skeleton fun

Pranking your family with a skeleton is both easy and creative. Your family won’t expect a skeleton at the dinner table, in the passenger seat of your car or in the shower. Glow in the dark ones are a particularly great and unexpected surprise!

Glowing eyes

Looking to spook your family at night? Try making some glowing eyes to put in your garden. Simply draw some eyes onto the tube of a toilet roll, cut them out and place glow sticks into them. Some carefully placed ones could also spook the neighbours too…

Spooky insects

It’s not Halloween unless fake creepy crawlies are involved! You can hide them in beds, the bathroom or even freeze them in ice cube trays. It’s an easy scare and relatively low cost.

Fake treats

We all know Halloween is synonymous with treats, so, with this prank, you get the best of both worlds. You can cover fruit or vegetables in chocolate to make them look like a tasty treat and watch your loved ones grimace when they take a bite! Popular options are Brussel sprouts, onions or chocolate covered grapes wrapped in sweet wrappers.

Mirror Messages

Use a little bit of liquid soap on your finger and write on the bathroom window. When your unsuspecting victim gets in the shower and fogs up the mirror, they will see your secret message. It could be their name or something more in tune with Halloween like ‘I’m watching you.’ Or something simple like ‘Happy Halloween’ or ‘Boo!’

Gory Food

This may require a little more creativity, but making sausages look like chopped fingers (don’t forget the ketchup!) or Rice Krispie treats look like brains is usually something kids relish. Another idea is to peel green grapes – the texture and look of the inside of the grape is surprisingly similar to an eyeball…

Guess the Body Parts

The idea is to blindfold your kids and get them to feel food and guess which body part it is. You can use foods like spaghetti for a brain, sausages for fingers, jelly for a heart or perhaps pickled onions for eyes. The options are endless and it is so much fun to see the look on their faces when you reveal the truth at the end.

Spooky Noises

These days, finding sound clips on YouTube can be the answer to scaring people when they least expect it. Especially when you can connect your phone to devices such as speakers or an Alexa. Have a search to find ghost noises or perhaps creaky floorboards, then play your prank when your victim least suspects it. (But make sure it isn’t when someone is driving, using the stairs or wielding sharp objectssafety first!).

Bloody Handprints

A simple but effective decoration. Simply find some removable fake blood, place it on your hands or on some plastic gloves and get creative. Maybe try putting bloody hand prints across the window or on a floor - definitely not one for the carpet though.

Remember, Halloween isn’t for everyone; so only visit houses decorated with a pumpkin or decorations and don’t play pranks on people you don’t know.

By Claire Winter