Families Oxfordshire Issue 41 Jan-Feb 2011

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January / February 2011 • Issue 41

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The useful magazine for families with children from birth to teenage

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news & views D

on't tell me you're exhausted.

We're only just starting a brand new year! I hope you've had a relaxing winter break. Of course, it's been hard work to keep everyone happy at Christmas. Perhaps now it's time to say 'well done' to yourself and to recharge your batteries. Here's your moment! Now that the children are back at school, why not relax with a cuppa and your copy of Families?

In this issue the focus is on nurseries and early years. Alice Millea talks about the joys of outdoor learning and play. Among other useful information there are also features on the language of emotions and the common myths surrounding dyslexia.

Happy New Year!

Felice, editor

this issue 2 NEWS & VIEWS - need-to-know info 6 NURSERY- childcare and early learning 8 EARLY YEARS - schools and nurseries 10 SEN - dyslexia: common myths 11 MUSIC - start early 12 BOOKS - mark thornton’s reviews 13 BABY - secrets and planning 14 EDUCATION - play and learn outdoor 16 PARENTING - dealing with emotions 17 NEW YEAR - new plans 18 OUT & ABOUT - what’s on 20 COMPETITIONS - you know what they say - you’ve got to be in it to win it!

Families Readers’ Panel We contact members of the Panel from time to time to ask their opinion and/or recommendations on a range of subjects from parenting to products and services. The information is used anonymously in this magazine only. In return, members of the Panel are entered into a draw for a book token from Mostly Books in Abingdon.

To join email: editor@familiesox.co.uk

Oxford first choice for children’s drama school London based Perform Drama, Dance and Singing Workshops started a class in January 2000 with 3 children. They now have 3,500 children attending their workshops across London. From January, Perform workshops are also available in Oxford.

Perform use a unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention by their experienced actor/teachers. They work exclusively with 4-8 year old children and their focus is entirely on the 4 C’s: Confidence, Communication, Co-ordination and Concentration. Children are not sent to auditions or castings, but the focus is on helping them develop their social skills whilst having the best fun of the week. The workshops are centrally run as opposed to being a franchised business.

Roaring to go at Tiny Tigers Tiny Tigers Karate classes are a new and fantastic way to get your child involved in the world of martial arts at an early age.

Martial Arts has long been proven to be one of the most effective methods of developing an understanding of positive values and life skills such as respect, perseverance, honesty and self-confidence in children. Tiny Tigers Karate also uses SAQ (speed, agility & quickness) training methods to enhance motor skill acquisition and development of both gross and fine motor skills, utilising stability and balance training, fast foot ladders and micro hurdles.

A perfect blend of coordination games and activities, combined with traditional karate exercises and values ensures your child gets the most out of their early years training, preparing them for martial arts success as they grow. Tiny Tigers is aimed at children from 2 – 5 years old. www.candomartialarts.co.uk 07989949226

Principal Lucy Quick says, “We are incredibly excited about opening in Oxford. It’s a creative area, and we have already found some fantastic local people to lead the workshops.” Classes in Oxford will be held at the Oxford Health & Raquets Club in Woodstock Road on Saturdays at 2.30 pm and Wednesdays at 4pm and 5pm.

All children are invited to a free trial session. www.perform.org.uk 0845 400 1276

Manor’s Consultant Paediatrician Illnesses in children can be very stressful for parents at any time of year. When is a runny nose just a cold, or a poorly tummy just a 24 hour bug, and when do these problems become serious? Should we be more worried as parents if it takes a long time to get over? We may see the GP and be reassured but what if it keeps coming back? Little ones can easily become run down and we all know the GP is very busy and it’s hard to keep going back for reassurance or to insist more is done.

Recurrent illnesses can be can be caused by underlying problems which can be resolved or managed quickly and easily once they have been diagnosed. Nuffield Health The Manor Hospital offers the services of a Consultant Paediatrician who can spend the time with you and your child, arrange tests if required to check out their symptoms and give you the reassurance you need.

The Manor Hospital Oxford 01865 307500

PO Box 167, Wantage, OX12 8ZJ tel : 01235 206657 www.familiesox.co.uk email: editor@familiesox.co.uk editor: Felice Vermeulen published six times a year NEXT ISSUE: MAR - APR 2011

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FAMILIES JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

SCIENCE OXFORD Science Oxford has announced exciting plans to create an innovative new cultural centre for science and enterprise within the heart of Oxford. The new centre, will take shape over the next five years.

Envisaged as a unique world class facility inspired by and showcasing cutting edge science and technology, the centre will house a suite of inspiring interactive galleries whose content will excite and enthuse visitors of all ages. The new centre will include a state of the art digital planetarium together with a public plaza, café and shop. When open, the complex is likely also to include an enterprise and innovation centre offering rentable office

space to businesses, as well as high-tech conference and corporate events facilities.

Ian Griffin, Chief Executive at Science Oxford says: “In creating a new public centre for science and innovation here in Oxford, our vision is to bring the excitement of science and the joy of discovery right to the heart of our city.

Our region has an array of world class science facilities and our economy is powered by science based companies, many of which have spun off from our world leading universities. Yet to date, there hasn’t been a place where local people and visitors to Oxford can learn about the amazing things that are being discovered and created locally.

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This major initiative will give Oxford a public face for science and enterprise and will become a major tourist destination attracting 100,000 visitors a year. The centre will showcase the inspiring discoveries and inventions local universities, research institutions and companies that drive Oxford’s economy, explaining to young and old alike how science and technology underpin our lives and culture, and will enable children to experience the excitement of science in and out of school.” www.scienceoxford.com 01865 728953

World Maths Day 1 March With World Maths Day just ahead of us, pupils from hundreds of UK schools are preparing to go head-to-head against students from across the globe in a huge international maths competition. This year, more than 2 million pupils from 37,000 schools across 200 countries will take part, answering over 500,000,000 questions in an attempt to push their classes to the top of the international league tables. There are three age categories – 5-8, 9-13 and 14-18, and you can practice and play on your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. Pre-register now at www.worldmathsday.com. But while the thrill of competition helps to sharpen some students’ maths skills (and prove that the subject is far from boring!), British children still have some work to do if they want to achieve the incredible consistency shown among the Malaysian, Thai and Hong Kong students who dominate year on year. World Maths Day aims to motivate parents into having a positive attitude to numeracy and to try to use it more readily in everyday situations with children. As part of this, the website www.zoobookoo.com has devised Ten Top Tips for Numeracy, with pointers on how to help your child learn. Take a look and maybe your child can take part in this truly unique world event. www.worldmathsday.com

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news & views Fifteen successes Fourteen pupils and one teacher from Cokethorpe School have celebrated individual successes and achievements during the Michaelmas Term.

A particular highlight was the selection of Sunny Ricketts (Year 13) for the U18 England Hockey Squad. Furthermore, history teacher Mr McLarin, recently captained Oxford Brookes (where he is completing his

masters) to the quarter finals of University Challenge, which takes place in January.

Headmaster, Mr Damian Ettinger, commented: “Nearly every day I hear of another accomplishment from one of our pupils; these can be personal achievements or at county, regional and national level. The range of interests and activities that they take part in out of school, illustrates the huge amount of talent amongst our pupils.

From different sports such as rugby or horse riding, hockey or judo, to music and drama, and other hobbies such as writing and photography, it gives me a great amount of pride that our pupils have the confidence, determination and desire to get involved with what life offers. These individual successes are celebrated within our flourishing school.”

Cokethorpe School www.cokethorpe.org.uk 01993 703921

COMPETITION WINNERS TREEHOUSE PLAY CENTRE PARTY ROOM BOOKING Ms L. Miles Stanford in the Vale

TREEHOUSE Free Entry Tickets Ms F. Tonkin, Witney Ms T. Jenkins, Sonning Common Ms J. Grimshaw, Moulsford Ms S. Chapple, Oxford Ms R. Form, Abingdon

BEAUTY & THE BEAST FAMILY TICKETS Ms J. Mutton Wootton nr Abingdon Ms Sally Hibberd Didcot Ms Mary Rowe Oxford

New Headmistress at Headington School The Governing Council of Headington School has appointed Mrs Caroline Jordan as the new headmistress to replace Mrs Anne Coutts, who will be leaving to be Principal of Canberra Girls' Grammar School.

Mrs Jordan was educated at St Helen’s and St Katharine’s School, Abingdon, going on to read Geology at St Edmund’s Hall, Oxford.

After a period of working in the commercial sector, she decided to enter education and completed her PGCE (Science) at the University of Manchester. She was head of Sixth Form and deputy senior housemistress at Wycombe Abbey School before becoming headmistress at St George’s School, Ascot.

Mrs Helen Batchelor, chairman of governors at Headington School, said: "We are delighted about Caroline’s appointment and look forward to welcoming her to Headington School. We have in place a very strong senior management team, and in the interregnum from January 2011, Dr Jennette Jefferies, the deputy head, will take on the role of acting head until Mrs Caroline Jordan joins us in September 2011".

Headington School www.headington.org 01865 759113 Headington School

Recommended Family Holidays Ever arrived at a holiday destination to find the accommodation wasn’t quite what the brochure said it would be? Well, you needn’t worry about these unexpected surprises anymore. There’s a website that specialises only in “recommended holidays”. Every property on the site is recommended and rated by other mums and dads, so you can be assured your holiday has been experienced by like minded people. There are hundreds of holiday options, focusing on family friendly features. Recommended Family Holiday was set up just over a ago by a former City worker and mum of two who says: “Following Recommended Family Holiday’s successful first year, the website has recently been completely re-designed and re-launched. We have made massive changes to the layout and design, including loads more photos of the holiday cottages & villas.” www.recommendedfamilyholidays.com 07747 603278

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FAMILIES JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

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NURSERY Childcare and Early Learning Childcare comes in a range of shapes and sizes, including willing relatives, nurseries, childminders, nannies and au pairs.

by Robina Cowan

F

or now, let’s look at nurseries. Apart from you of course, do nurseries offer the best childcare? That depends on what would suit your child – and finding a good nursery. If your child would thrive on the constant stimulation of other children and adults they trust, using a wide range of toys and outdoor facilities then the answer is probably yes. Other advantages include year-round care and the experience of qualified staff, which can be particularly reassuring for first-time parents.

When and where to start Nurseries with the best reputations tend to be hot property, and in some, baby units are more scarce than places for 2-5 yearolds. It’s crucial to start looking well ahead of the time you’ll need a place, and join a waiting list if necessary. Some mothers start while they are still pregnant; other parents wait until their child is a babe in arms and they have a better idea of what they need.

Your child’s needs Once you’ve drawn up a shortlist of the nurseries you are considering, go and look around and ask lots of questions to see if they would suit your child. Although all nurseries follow Ofsted government guidelines, there is room for interpretation in the way the childcare and learning are delivered. For example, private nurseries might serve organic, freshly cooked meals

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or include additional activities such as dancing, French and outings.

Consider issues such as your child’s daily routine (nap times, type of food provided etc), staff qualifications and experience, staff to child ratios and what the staff turnover is like. Check that you are happy with the range of toys and equipment available, cleanliness of the premises, security, the policy on discipline and late collections. Ask to see the latest Ofsted report or read it online.

Find out if there are any extra charges for nappies, meals, certain activities and the cost of the deposit to go on the waiting list.

Factor in the time it will take you to travel to and from the nursery, probably during rush hour. After all this, the most important thing is to absorb the atmosphere and look at whether the children are relaxed and happy, and members of staff are responsive and caring.

Nurseries in a nutshell Daycare nurseries A useful option for working parents, day nurseries are typically open from 8am to early evening and children can stay for all or part of the day.

Some parents feel uneasy about leaving their baby in sole care, no matter how wellqualified that person is. It’s reassuring to know that nursery staff can safely take breaks, and that you are covered if a member of staff is off sick.

Consistency - your child can stay in the same environment from the day you go back to work until they start school.

Social environment - children who attend nursery find it easier to settle into school routines when they join reception classes.

Playtime, naps and meals are at more or less set times.

You’ll need backup care when your child is unwell or if you’re late to collect.

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Nursery classes in schools

Private nursery schools

A first step into school, although a school nursery place does not automatically guarantee a place in reception.

Stimulation - by two and a half most children benefit from some kind of preschool environment. They learn without knowing it while using letters, shapes and numbers, looking at books and expressing themselves through making things, drawing and singing.

Convenient if you are already dropping siblings at the school.

Stimulation - some children are ready for school earlier than others and readily take to structured, educational play.

Peer group - the opportunity to make friends of the same age.

Age-specific activities are geared to the schoolchildren they are becoming, rather than the babies they used to be.

Might be more flexible on the availability of hours or days you need to fit in with your work schedule.

Sessions tend to be just three hours which is not always practical for many families.

Often smaller scale with a personal touch, and the nursery head is usually involved in the running of the school.

Pre-schools and playgroups

Some offer wrap-around care but most are generally open during school hours only and in term time.

The Preschool Learning Alliance is one of the largest providers of quality childcare in England, offering a wide choice of settings from pre-schools and baby and toddler groups to full day care places in nurseries and children’s centres.

PLA settings are managed by experienced and qualified managers who lead teams of nursery workers and support staff, training them to meet children’s individual needs.

Parents are encouraged to be active members, so you can be more involved in your child’s care.

Settings tend to be community operations so don’t expect glamorous premises.

You may need additional care if you work fulltime although wrap around hours may be available.

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Help with the costs Nursery fees vary greatly, depending on location, demand and what is offered, but can be from around £100 to over £200 a week.

Local authorities receive government funding so they can offer 15 hours a week of early years education to all three and four year-olds from the term after their third birthday. If you choose a nursery which costs more than the funding or need more hours, you top up the difference.

Child tax credits and working tax credits are available to help with childcare costs. From April 2011, the ‘child’ element of the child tax credit will be increased for families earning up to £16,190 a year with an above-inflation increase.

At the same time though, families earning over £41,400 will no longer be eligible for the full tax credit.

Some employers offer childcare vouchers which staff can opt to receive instead of part of their salary. Parents can save up to £1000 a year by reducing their income tax and national insurance contributions.

More information The National Day Nurseries Association provides a lot of useful information including a free checklist to take on your visit, and contact details for NDNA member nurseries. www.ndna.org.uk The Preschool Alliance website has useful sections for parents and practitioners, including links to find local PLA childcare. www.pre-school.org.uk The Family Information Directory offers a national directory of childcare and family services, which provides information on support available at every stage in a child’s life, including finding and choosing childcare. www.direct.gov.uk/childcare

What parents say about nurseries Socialisation: ‘Although I’m not at work, from the age of two I felt it was important for my son to start learning to get on with a range of other children and adults, to help him when he started school.’ Matt, father of Ollie, three.

Explore all options: ‘Go and see as many different nurseries as you can. Don’t get tied up in the Ofsted and what other people think. You know your child better than anyone.’ Ramona, mother of Holly, five.

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EARLY YEARS It is remarkable how quickly babies develop from very helpless beings to little individuals who learn ‘on the go’, wherever they go.

Once toddlers start to walk, their opportunities for learning increase dramatically. The world is their oyster.

So how do we help them to learn whilst maintaining their safety and letting them know, and learn, there are certain boundaries? They are still totally self-centred, having little or no concept of others in any respect other than a physical presence.

Miriam Brown, Early Years manager at Kids Unlimited says, “I believe firmly that this is a time to introduce them to the ‘wonders’ in the world rather than bombarding them with learning devices. Daily life experiences guide and teach our toddlers as they absorb everything like ultimate sponges.

“Isn’t it great to learn about the properties of water by pouring and squirting water in the

Choosing a nursery From trusting your instincts to dissecting Ofsted reports, the factors to consider when choosing a nursery for your child are numerous. Taster days and gentle inductions should be Fun at the Manor provided by all good nurseries and are invaluable.

Try to be prepared when you visit and to know what you would like to ask and look out for.

The flexibility of the hours of care at the

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bath every night? At the same time they can be gently guided into understanding that water needs to stay in the bath, otherwise the mat gets wet. Certainly, we can teach shapes and numbers, but through their play – when out for a walk point out that a drain cover is round, a circle, and that we can make a circle with our thumb and forefinger.

Later, when washing hands the same shape can be made and soap bubbles blown.

Numbers are more fun if they relate to parts of our body and also help in learning the names of those parts, for example, one nose, two eyes, ears, etc. Interestingly, this also starts an awareness of symmetry. Using those same numbers in counting rhymes reinforces numbers in a fun way and assists with early rhythms of speech.”

The examples are almost endless. The important thing for parents and carers to remember is that things that are mundane and ordinary to us are a source of wonder and excitement to a toddler, plus, that a responsible adult is a toddler’s best and most enduring learning resource! www.kidsunlimited.co.uk 0845 3652988

nursery may be important to you. Is there provision for an early drop off and a late pick up? At what age can children start at the nursery and how many other very young ones might there be? The importance of the key worker is as significant as the question of funding, Early Years vouchers and the availability of bursaries.

If a nursery were able to provide a specialist to offer music and physical recreation sessions to our children we would certainly see this as an advantage. Are the parents looked after too? Would there be the possibility of arranging social gatherings for the parents supporting the nursery which would facilitate the furthering of friendships made amongst the children?

Whatever the reason for choosing a nursery for our child, we would all love them to be

Images: courtesy www.kidsunlimited.co.uk 0845 365 2988

How do toddlers learn?

able to enjoy the advantages of life at home such as gardens and open areas, indoor play areas and separate snack and rest areas.

A dedicated messy play area and an animated story teller are things to look out for too. Remember that the day of your visit may be a quiet day at the nursery. Ask about the number of children in each session so that you can be sure that it will not be too crowded.

A sense of being part of a wider community where they will come across older children and familiar adults so reflecting family life may well be important to us, in which case a nursery connected to a school would be ideal as well as providing a natural next step for the children.

The role of the staff and the key worker in particular in all is critical as we bestow our most precious belongings to the care of others. How experienced are they and do they have the necessary qualifications? The staff must be happy and motivated in their work and positive about all aspects of the nursery. Is this nursery completely in line with the national requirements? All good nurseries will expect you to ask about these things so do not feel that you can’t.

What we really want to know is whether or not any given nursery is going to be perfect enough for our children and finding the answer will require time and effort. We must ask friends, look on websites and make visits in our quest to find, for our children, a home from home … but with even more to do!

Kindly provided by The Manor Preparatory School, Abingdon. Mrs. Karen Copson www.manorprep.org 01235 858462

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Pre-prep refurb Abingdon Preparatory School is in the process of refurbishing its Pre-prep (Reception to Year 2) facilities with a fantastic new ‘outdoor learning area’ with sand and water and a newly refurbished playground.

The Pre-prep department also enjoys the School’s music room, ICT suite, art room, swimming pool and sports hall. The Prep School is opening its doors this term to visitors who would like to see and learn more about the school’s phonics teaching.

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Speaking about this new initiative, Mike Rees, the acting Headmaster, said, “We are extremely proud of the innovative teaching that takes place throughout Abingdon Prep and we are inviting visitors to come and see our phonics work in action. The new-style phonics teaching has had very impressive results and it is great to see how much our youngest pupils are enjoying it.”

Mike Rees is acting Head at Abingdon Prep School until April 2011 when Crispin HydeDunn takes up the Headship.

The Pre-prep phonics open morning will be on 15 March 2011.

Early start at Rye St Antony

Getting ready for outdoor play at the Old Station Nursery

Let’s play outside Outdoor play has been a really big topic around the Old Station Nurseries in 2010.

They’ve increased the emphasis on ‘taking the classroom outside’; which gives children the same opportunities to learn, play and explore wherever they are. Initially, there had been reservations from some staff members, who saw outdoors as a place to run around or use bikes, and inside for more structured play.

Sarah Steel, nursery owner, says: “Within The Old Station Nursery group we have been encouraging our staff teams to develop interesting areas outside, and have been introducing new outdoor ‘collections’ which the children can access themselves.

For example, a large box full of pieces of plastic pipe, guttering, watering cans and lengths of hose pipe form the water collection and provide hours of fun. We have also purchased a lot of all in one waterproof suits to make it easier to splash around outside and then still be warm and dry inside. “ If you’d like to follow the nurseries’ further development of outdoor play in 2011, you can visit the settings in Oxfordshire: Benson, Faringdon or Filkins, and see for yourself. www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk 01367 243800 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

Rye St Antony’s co-educational nursery provides a secure, happy and stimulating environment where each child is nurtured, valued and guided to become a confident, enthusiastic and independent learner. Firsthand experiences, exploration and play provide excitement, pleasure and adventure, both indoors and outside in our extensive wooded grounds, an outdoor environment which gives children opportunities to investigate, explore and develop their physical skills. Children also have the benefit of the school’s impressive sports hall.

Supportive adult role models encourage children to talk about their experiences, extend their interests and become successful learners.

The school offers a broad and rich curriculum which provides strong foundations for future learning and promotes children’s progress in the following areas: personal, social and emotional well-being; language and communication skills; reading and writing; problem solving, reasoning and numeracy; knowledge and understanding of the world; physical and creative development. This

Phonics at Abingdon Preparatory www.abingdon.org.uk/prep 01865 391570

curriculum, incorporating Every Child Matters, is enriched by specialist teaching staff, for example, in music and dance.

The nursery forms part of the school’s Foundation Stage. Weekly link sessions are incorporated into the curriculum, for example, in physical education, music and art, in order to develop positive relationships, friendships and behaviour throughout the Foundation Stage.

Relationships with parents are strong, and many opportunities are made available to exchange information and feedback on children’s progress and developments in early years care and education.

Parents are encouraged to be involved in their children’s learning. They are invited to come into school to share their own professional knowledge and interests with the children. Recently the pupils learnt of the work of a policeman and a policewoman, and enjoyed dressing up in uniform and sitting in a flashing-light police car. Links with the local community are maintained through numerous events, for example the charity walk for Barnardo’s.

Rye St Antony School is holding an Early Years Open Afternoon on Wednesday 16 February 2011 from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm. www.ryestantony.co.uk 01865 762802

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SEN DYSLEXIA – common myths Dyslexia is often misunderstood, hard to diagnose and those affected by it often do not receive adequate support. So what is it and how does it affect children? Corinna Shepherd explains.

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y interest in dyslexia and my passion to help those who struggle with it started around five years ago. At the time, my son was struggling with literacy and lost interest in learning. At the same time, I was on a course for work on dyslexia and other learning difficulties.

This caused me to realise he might be dyslexic, I had him assessed by an educational psychologist who confirmed that he was indeed mildly dyslexic. In response the school did not offer much support and advice as they felt he was performing adequately, but I knew he was not reaching his potential. My interest in this subject and the fact that dyslexia is often not picked up or addressed satisfactorily led me to establish The Chilterns IDL (Dyslexia) Centre in January 2007, and two further centres over the next few years.

So what is dyslexia?

The word dyslexia comes from the Greek, literally meaning ‘difficulty with words’. The condition can affect spelling and reading, and many people believe that’s all it is. But it can also affect individuals in other areas such as confusing dates and times; confusing left and right; difficulties getting ideas down on paper; difficulties sequencing numbers and information; and following verbal instructions. Working memory is often also poor. This shows itself when new information needs to be processed effectively and quickly.

While dyslexia can be viewed as a learning difficulty, it can also be seen as a gift. Some talents shared by dyslexics include the ability to think in pictures, being creative and intuitive and being good with their hands. They’re often highly aware of their environment and have vivid imaginations.

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Children with dyslexia often have above average intelligence, yet they struggle with words and processing new information.

Who is affected?

The exact percentage of the population is debated, but it’s generally thought to affect between 8% and 15%, 4% severely. That means that in a class of 30 children, 3 are likely to have dyslexic tendencies, maybe mild or possibly severe. So everyone is likely to know at least one child or adult who is dyslexic. Children with dyslexic tendencies are likely to be resistant to traditional teaching methods and benefit from a one-to-one, multi-sensory learning environment.

Dyslexia often runs in families, with a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle or cousin struggling with it, too. Most are born with it and don’t grow out of it, although they do learn to cope with it. It’s not directly linked to intelligence. Children and adults with other learning difficulties or sensory disabilities may also have dyslexic difficulties.

How to recognise dyslexia Sometimes it is hard to get a diagnosis of dyslexia. However, there’s a lot you can pick up about your child just by sitting down together with them and a good book, appropriate to their developmental stage and interest level. Areas of difficulty to look out for include: Does your child struggle with reading or spelling?

Do they avoid picking up a book?

Do they guess at a word, looking at the whole word or just the initial letter?

Do they forget how to read or spell a word as soon as they’ve turned the page?

Do they find it hard to sound out individual letters in simple 3 letter words, for example cat, bat?

Do they find it hard to rhyme simple words?

Do they skip little words such as, and or the?

Do they miss out words when reading?

These are all potential indicators of dyslexia. Other non-language indicators in primary-age children include difficulty with tying shoe laces, tie or dressing generally; difficulty telling left from right, ordering the days of the week, months of the year etc; having a poor sense of direction; lacking confidence; and having a poor self-image.

The presence of any, most or all of them does not necessarily mean your child is dyslexic, but I would recommend further investigation if you have any concerns.

I think my child might be dyslexic. What should I do?

Speak to an educational specialist, such as your child’s teacher. Or ask to speak to the SENCO (special educational needs coordinator). Every school must now have a teacher with this responsibility. If your child is at nursery, their nursery teacher or health visitor will be able to point you in the right direction, although there is often a relucatance to consider dyslexia at this early age. You could also look at the Code of Practice, which sets out the way schools and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) should provide extra support to meet children’s special educational needs. The Code of Practice is available free from DCSF Publications, tel: 0845 60 222 60, CoP Ref: DfES/581/2001, copies can also be downloaded from http://tinyurl.com/dyslexia-cop JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

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MUSIC Can you grow out of dyslexia?

Hey Hey we’re the Monkeys

As children grow up, they learn to compensate for their difficulties, the more successful ones using their strengths to overcome their condition. Support during the formative years is vital to help overcome difficulties and unlock their potential in literacy and in other areas.

As a parent, you can help your child at home by encouraging them to enjoy the world of words through fun books. Books that are relevant to their interest and developmental age are best, particularly if they have been designed with the dyslexic child in mind. Children struggling with dyslexia love pictures and colours, so colourful illustrations relevant to the words are engaging and helpful for these children.

The multi-sensory approach is best, so supporting reading and writing with games or activities will help your children in an enjoyable way. This may help your child be less resistant to more formal learning tasks, such as homework set by school.

Keep talking to key members of staff at your child’s school to ensure your child gets the best help and support that they need.

Seek out extra private tuition, if you feel more help is needed and you can afford it.

One-to-one tuition based on a multisensory approach with a dyslexia specialist is best.

A love of music is a gift for life, and it’s never too early to start. Having specialist music providers attending nurseries is proving more and more popular in Oxfordshire. It enables nurseries to fulfil the requirements of the preschool curriculum without needing to be musical specialists themselves. Monkey Music holds open weekly classes at venues across Oxfordshire, but also offers structured lessons in nurseries such as the Dinky Doo Nursery at The Dragon School and St Anne’s College Nursery in Oxford. The structured classes, run by talented musicians and performers, are run every weekday in Oxford, Witney, Thame and at the Manor Prep School in Abingdon.

Whilst the dynamic in a nursery music class may differ slightly from a weekly class attended by children with their carers, all nursery children look forward to the visits from their Monkey Music teacher and rapidly become very proficient in recognising different musical sounds and following rhythmic beats playing in the Monkey Music band.

Liz Meadowcroft, owner of Monkey Music says, “Monkey Music lessons offer a great

Further information Corinna can be contacted for a confidential chat on 07721 368978, or visit the Chilterns IDL Centre www.cstraining.info British Dyslexia Assocation www.bdadyslexia.org.uk Dyslexia Action www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk For more information on Corinna’s new series of books developed specifically for dyslexic children and a mini test visit www.dancingkites.co.uk

starting point for a life of music and it doesn’t matter if your tastes lean towards Glyndebourne or Glastonbury – it is equally fun and relevant for everyone. I’m delighted to announce that Diana Pemberton-Pigott has just joined the teaching team, and is looking forward to running classes in Oxford from January 2011.” www.monkeymusic.co.uk 01865 326746

Rhythm but no blues at Salt Box Salt Box Music Company’s team of experienced teachers have been leading structured music sessions in day nurseries, pre-schools, and infant schools across Oxfordshire since 2003.

The Early Years specialist for the Oxford School of Music is an independent organisation delivering interactive and imaginative educational music programmes for 0-8 year olds.

All music sessions support the curriculum and include a wide range of techniques to develop core skills such as rhythm, tempo, pitch, texture, and dynamics, all delivered in a uniquely fun and imaginative way. Children use a wide selection of instruments from every corner of the world and props and

puppets are used to enhance the learning experience.

Each lesson is planned in advance to meet the needs of the group and is delivered by experienced teachers. All lessons are documented in a lesson plan which is made available for the educational records of the setting.

Nurseries & schools can book regular weekly sessions or one-off sessions that support a particular activity, or simply to support their project work.

Salt Box Music also provides parent and child sessions, parties, & school holiday activities.

Free trial sessions are offered. www.saltboxmusic.co.uk 01993 704207

YES, YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL! Successful ‘business mum’ is seeking 5 working partners to work part-time, from home, alongside & without compromising family commitments or current career.

If you have a supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or, you wish to develop an extraordinary income,

please call Michele Poynter 01865 882405 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

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DANCE BOOKS THE ‘MOSTLY BOOKS’ REVIEWS

by Mark Thornton Mega Mash-up: Romans v Dinosaurs on Mars Tim Wesson, Nikalas Catlow This is a great idea from new publisher Nosy Crow - a comic book with a twist, combining fiction with doodle books to make a mega mash-up! In this book, the Romans and Dinosaurs are living together in Romosauria, but their world is threatened by a giant asteroid. Together with them, you must save their world. The exciting illustrations are incomplete so you can fill in the gaps with your own drawings and add to this crazy world of Romosauria.

A hilarious and innovative idea that children are sure to enjoy.

Withering Tights Louise Rennison This is everything you would expect and hope for from Louise Rennison. No doubt this is why it has just won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize - and it really is very funny indeed. Dother Hall

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performing arts college is something a bit different, located somewhere 'Up North', in the countryside with bearded cheesemaking villagers and wildlife, it's not quite the showbiz experience Tallulah was hoping for! Things soon perk up though, with 6 weeks of parent-free freedom, boys and theatre, it can only be a barrel of laughs...with a few misadventures along the way.

Henderson Boys: Grey Wolves Robert Muchamore Another tense and gripping foray into the Second World War with Charles Henderson and his boys as they go undercover for the British people who are facing starvation.

German submarines have been attacking the cargo vessels that are carrying vital fuel, weapons and food to Britain - and Britain is relying upon these supplies.

It's up to Henderson and his team of young agents to sabotage the German u-boats and ensure Britain is not fatally weakened.

How the Weather Works Christiane Dorion and Beverley Young Yet another brilliant book by Templar, and, like their previous 'How the World Works', it's a fun way to learn about the weather.

With pop-ups, pull-tabs, booklets, fantastic illustrations and loads of interesting facts, this book will answer all your important weather related questions. From why hurricanes happen to why it snows. Lots of fun and children will learn a lot too!

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BABY SLEEP DEPRIVED WITH BABY?

n her book Baby Secrets, baby sleep expert Jo Tantum discusses a problem many new parents are faced with.

Isn’t life hard enough without having to live on very little sleep? Sleep deprivation has been named as a torture technique because that is exactly what it is. If your child doesn’t sleep, you become a living zombie; you are probably sleeping in different beds, snapping at everyone, getting over emotional at everything. You start looking at the floor in the supermarket and think if I can just find a quiet corner, I’ll have a quick nap... There are parents everywhere reading this and thinking yes that’s me - HELP! Well, don’t worry, help has arrived, and whatever problem you may be having and however you got there, it can be fixed.

Many parents start off one of two ways with their delicious newborn; they will either have an angelic baby who sleeps all the time, anywhere, or a baby who is very alert and doesn’t seem to want to sleep. Most babies, including the seemingly angelic ones, may well become the baby that doesn’t want to sleep.

The reasons this happens, so that you can be forewarned, is in the first two weeks your baby is sleepy and after this they will wake up and will be hungry. Most parents are told to feed on demand and so by the time your baby is able to sleep for 12 hours through the night (yes it is possible!) he or she will be used to being fed to sleep and that is what they will continue to do.

When you aren’t getting any sleep, you will do anything to get some. So out of desperation your baby will be picking up bad habits on how to get to sleep. Rocking your baby and using a dummy all contribute to your baby’s inability to go to sleep by themselves.

Firstly, don’t panic. There is always a way to re-teach them. It’s certainly harder as your baby gets older, especially after a year, but it’s still achievable. Setting up a good bedtime routine will reassure your baby, and for younger babies, a dream feed before you go to bed also helps them to sleep longer in the night. Making sure your baby has lots of daytime naps will stop your baby becoming overtired. For example, a newborn will need

to sleep every hour and a 6 month-old every 2 hours.

Overtiredness is one of the main reasons that your baby finds it difficult to go into a deep sleep. You need to be consistent with whichever routine you choose, and also realise that it took time for this to become a habit so it may take time for it to work, but be strong, encourage your baby and it will work.

Your baby craves some sleep as much as you do and what better lesson for them to learn, and for you to teach them…how to go to sleep!

Jo Tantum is a leading baby sleep expert and author of ‘Baby Secrets’.

New pre-conception clinic in Oxford

Careful planning before becoming pregnant can lead to a better experience for women and their families and may improve the chances of a successful, healthy pregnancy.

There are only four Obstetric Physicians specialising in medical problems in pregnancy in the UK. One of them, Dr Lucy Mackillop, has opened a clinic with Oxford Radcliffe Private Healthcare.

The clinic has been set up for women who have either a pre-existing condition such as high blood pressure, or because of complications experienced in a previous pregnancy.

Dr Lucy Mackillop, Obstetric Physician at the clinic, is passionate about obstetric medicine and campaigns for better recognition of the importance of pre-pregnancy advice for women with medical conditions: “People underestimate the stress that pregnancy

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

places on the body. For women with preexisting medical conditions, pregnancy can worsen the condition and potentially affect the health of the baby. Understanding this, optimising health prior to pregnancy and careful monitoring during pregnancy is vital to provide the best chances of a successful pregnancy.”

The clinic provides advice and support for all women planning their pregnancy. It is especially vital for women with pre-existing medical conditions or a history of medical complications in pregnancy that puts them at risk, including: high blood pressure; history of clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism); congenital or acquired heart disease; diabetes; epilepsy; auto-immune disorders, such as SLE; obesity BMI of 30 or more; previous history of preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets), acute fatty liver of pregnancy or obstetric cholestasis.

Advice is given on optimising medications before pregnancy and the implications of a condition on the pregnancy are discussed. A comprehensive healthcare plan is then developed.

Women can either be referred by their GP or they can go directly to Dr Lucy Mackillop at www.planapregnancy.co.uk

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EDUCATION

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COME OUT, COME OUT, WHERE EVER YOU ARE!

very Tuesday afternoon when I pick my daughter up from school I am greeted by a minibus full of smiling children dressed in waterproofs and, more often than not, plastered from head to toe in mud. And in school time too. At first I wondered what they had been doing. I soon found out: Forest School.

Forest Schools are now run across the UK; there are over 150 participating settings in Oxfordshire alone. The concept originated in Sweden and the first Forest Schools were held in Denmark in the 1980s, reaching the UK in the late 1990s. Forest Schools are essentially outdoor classrooms. According to the website of one of the UK providers of Forest Schools training, (www.forestschools.com), the philosophy of Forest Schools is to “encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences”. In childrens’ terms this means that once a fortnight they spend a morning in the woods, playing. At my daughter’s school, Charlbury School, pupils in Foundation Stage and Year 1 visit the same local woodland every fortnight (half the class attends each week). Suitably attired, they go whatever the weather.

Their time is not structured, in the usual classroom sense, and they have the freedom to interact with the woodland and each other in whichever way they choose.

I would have thought that the combination of children + freedom + the woods would be a fairly lethal one but seemingly not.

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The evidence from those countries where Forest Schools have been running for years is that the combination is a pretty amazing one. The benefits of Forest School have been shown to be both wide-ranging and substantial.

What the children don’t realise, of course, is that they are learning all the time. As you would expect, children attending Forest School benefit academically in the areas of science and geography in particular. It gives them an opportunity to learn about the natural environment and seasonal change. But the children learn so much more. It has long been seen from the Forest Schools in Sweden and Denmark that children also benefit emotionally, socially and physically. Children who have attended have been seen to improve in selfconfidence. Their social and physical skills develop and, with that, their motivation and self-esteem.

There are web resources aplenty extolling the virtues of Forest School, talking of children reaching their personal potential and the like, but the muddy faces of the children as they get off the minibus tell me all I need to know about the benefits of a morning in the woods. And every Tuesday, my daughter cannot wait to go.

For more information about Forest School in action, visit the Charlbury Primary School website at http://charlbury.oxon.sch.uk/forest-school

by Alice Millea

The website includes a video, made in 2008, of pupils enjoying Forest School and interviews with teachers and Forest School trainers. There is also a link to the website of the Oxfordshire Forest School Service which co-ordinates Forest School provision and training across the county.

Watch those birds Yes, it’s that time of year again. It's the Big Garden Birdwatch, and the RSPB are once again inviting us to get involved. This year the survey takes place over the weekend of 29 and 30 January 2011, when hundreds of thousands of people can be found with pen and paper in hand, checking out the birds visiting their gardens. Why not take the time to record all of the birds that visit your garden that weekend and join in the world's biggest wildlife survey, while having fun with your family without leaving the comfort of your own home. You could even help smash the RSPB’s record of half a million participants - after all, the more results they receive, the clearer the picture they’ll get of what's happening to our garden birds in the UK. Find out more at www.rspb.org.uk 020 7808 1246

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Forest Schools in Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Forest School Service, based at Hill End Centre in Farmoor, runs Forest School sessions for a variety of settings, including schools, nurseries and children’s centres across the county. The Service is also developing links with childminders and home educators to ensure that as many families as possible are introduced to the rich learning Forest School affords.

and learning outdoors. There are also two day Outdoor First Aid courses and opportunities to learn about developing stimulating outdoor environments.

Forest School is led by trained leaders, who are passionate about sharing the message that playing outdoors in a natural environment is vital to children’s well being.

Adults learn how to empower children to assess and manage their own risks.

Apart from this, training courses for practitioners are offered to become Forest School leaders or assistants. Professional development days are also offered on themes such as “story making outdoors”, “using fire and building safe structures”, which will include den making and rope bridges. These special days are open to anyone with an interest in children’s play

What’s up at Dragonswood?

The Dragonswood people in neighbouring Northamptonshire produce wonderful outdoor play furniture and other wooden items for use in nurseries, playgroups, schools or even at home. As teachers, Early Years practitioners and carpenters, Pamela, Tom and Eddie own and manage their own outstanding forest schools for groups of children with a huge variety of needs, and they offer these resources to encourage and enable.

They’ve also launched a Sensory Dome - a room within a room to discover the senses, and a Reflectapod. Both can be seen on the web site.

07831 635802 www.dragonswood.co.uk

Oxfordshire Forest School Service Forest.school@oxfordshire.gov.uk 01865 862065 Main images on pages 14 & 15 provided by Oxfordshire Forest School Service

Outdoor play keeps the doctor away Play England has responded to new claims that 20% of UK kids could be at risk from rickets. Catherine Prisk, Assistant Director at Play England, said: “At Play England we know that outdoor play is essential for children's physical health as well as their emotional development. It is really sad that in the 21st century we are seeing the resurgence of diseases that we thought were stamped out in the 1930s and are now rearing a generation of battery reared children - with unhealthy diets and kept indoors on their computers.

As part of this consultancy, members of Oxfordshire Play Partnership have attended a play strategy workshop run by Play England in December.

“We at Play England recommend that one hour a day of outdoor play will keep the doctor away and help children lead balanced and healthy lifestyles. One of the major issues in this epidemic is that children no longer have regular access to outdoor local playable spaces and that parents feel that our towns and neighbourhoods are not safe enough to let children play out on their own. We need to build parents' confidence to let their children play out on their own, by tackling barriers such as traffic and the lack of good places to play.

“Children's play has already been earmarked for being one of the first in line to face government cut backs, we all need to urge government that parks, playgrounds, playtime at school and playable public space are a vital frontline service for many families and communities across the country. Play England is calling for MPs, councillors, individuals and organisations to show their support for children's play and sign up to the Manifesto for children's play.” www.playengland.org.uk

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

Who’s playing in Oxfordshire?

Oxfordshire is one of 20 local authorities to be awarded some bespoke consultancy from Play England to help to decide the best way forward for play in the county. The application was put in by Oxfordshire County Council's Participation & Play team.

Help organise Playday 2011 Playday is a recurring national celebration of children and young people's right to play.

Oxfordshire Play Association are now starting to think about Playday 2011.

Would you like to be involved, or want to share ideas? Would you like to help run a big event, or would you like to run a mini Playday in your local area? Get in touch with OPA! 01865 779474 www.oxonplay.org.uk

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PARENTING

Volumes of emotions Developing a language for emotions helps children learn to stay calm, Dr Clare Bailey from Parenting Matters explains.

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oddlers often have such overwhelmingly strong feelings that they have no idea what these feelings are, where they came from or even whether they’re theirs. Ever denied your child a biscuit just before tea and then watched in horror as they’re reduced to a screaming heap tugging at your legs?

They spend the next few years learning to recognise and manage these emotions without exploding. And then they hit adolescence and seem to start the process all over again. So how can we help our kids develop self-control and learn not to turn into mini tyrants at the flick of a switch?

Accepting, naming and labelling emotions (including positive ones) are all first steps towards helping children learn to deal with strong emotions. This is particularly important for children who are impulsive, inclined to be negative or have autistic personality traits, as they may be less aware of their emotions than others of their age.

Here are some ideas to help children deal with strong emotions: Add a positive comment afterwards, “I can see that must have made you cross, but I’m so impressed at how calm you’re staying.”

Predict success – “I bet next time that happens, you’ll remember to count to five and stay calm.”

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Teach your child the ‘Turtle Technique’ – when they’re really upset or overwhelmed tell them to imagine they’re a turtle and retreat into their shell until they’ve calmed down.

It’s OK to feel… but it’s not ok to hit… Move to consequences for out-of-control and destructive behaviour. This could involve some form of ‘Time Out to Calm Down’ that helps them learn what’s not acceptable (but don’t force your child onto a ‘naughty step’ as this can be counterproductive). Or some form of loss of privilege (but not severe, so you can follow through without creating another battle and breeding resentment – putting away the DS for a week is no more effective than for two days).

The real menace in dealing with a five year old is that in no time you start to sound like a five year old. Just as we need to be able to stand back and think “I can cope – I know he’ll grow out of this phase.” We can teach our children to start to use these sorts of ‘coping thoughts’. So a child might say to themselves, “It was a mistake, he didn’t mean it,” or “Take three slow breaths, it will be OK.” You can help them practice this approach in situations they often find difficult and develop their resilience by asking “what could you do next time? What else? And what would happen if you did that? How could you stay calm?”

Remember, children are natural mimics who act like their parents, despite every effort to teach them good manners.

Demonstrating restraint shows your children how to deal with challenges; if you’re prone to road rage when in the car try to restrain your torrent of abuse for inconsiderate drivers (or partners). Talk aloud about how you feel, “It makes me so angry when someone steals the parking place I was waiting for, I’m going to take a few slow breaths and calm down before finding another one.”

Most importantly, although hard to do, watch closely for situations where they react even just a bit more calmly than usual and tell them that you noticed. If you look for and describe what you want to see more of, even if it’s only a small improvement and nothing close to that perfect child you had in mind, children lay down a template of what you value and will graduate towards it. Even if it takes, well… years.

Parenting Matters are running a Parenting Coaching Course in Abingdon in a private room at Snakes and Ladders on Thursday mornings from 20 January 2011 for nine weeks.

They also offer tailor-made courses at your home or at work, telephone consultations and one-to-one sessions. www.parentingmatters.co.uk 01494 677575 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

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NEW YEAR A New Year state of mind ~ lift your spirits The New Year has arrived and we are feeling the effects of eating too much at Christmas and all the stresses of the season. It is so easy for us to get upset and bogged down with negativity especially with the bad weather and anti climax after the clock struck 12! However, here are a few tips on how to improve the atmosphere in your home this month – with no expense but lots of rewards!

Cuddles It is official; they can help us all relax. The British Heart Foundation has already researched the links between cuddling and our emotional states. Did you know, when we get a cuddle, we release Oxytocin, which is the hormone which gives us that warm fuzzy feeling – so hug your nearest and everyone can be a winner!

Positive thinking Actively visualise what you want to achieve and actually believe that you can do it – and great things will happen. It may sound a little bit airy fairy – but it is true. If you struggle with this concept, then write down what it is you want to achieve and look at it everyday. Slowly it will creep into your subconscious and all will be revealed!

Smile Give yourself a free face lift! It takes more than double the amount of muscles to frown, so let your face rest a bit and you’ll appear younger for longer! Now that really is something to be happy about in these winter months!

Massage Stay warm with a quick massage – get the whole family involved or give your self a quick pummel by making a fist with your hands and massaging your whole body as quickly as you can. This is a great way to wake yourself up, when the sky is grey and start off your day. It also helps you get rid of any tension so you can start the day with a clear mind.

Relax and beat illness Relaxing can help strengthen your immune system. By actively taking time out to chill, your nervous system learns how to settle itself in all levels of situations from different weathers to stressful times. This results in it directing the immune system to attack viruses developed with less energy than required with someone who does not take the time to relax and in turn, makes any

illnesses less extreme.

We can all become healthier and happier by consciously making a few changes here and there. And before you know it, those resolutions that seemed so difficult will be a breeze!

Relax Kids have created a range of products and relaxation classes to help keep your children calm. For more exercises or information, visit www.relaxkids.com and see how they can help you. Products include Marneta Viegas’ books “The Wishing Star” and “Aladdin’s Magic Carpet” and the Relax Your Child range of CDs, designed to help combat specific issues such as anxiety, self esteem and concentration.

New Year, New Mum, New Business?

If your New Year's resolution is to find a family friendly way to work, an empowering and hands-on book by flexible working experts Antonia Chitty and Helen Lindop may help.

Running your own business from home is a dream shared by millions of British mums, but the majority of them are unable or unwilling to turn it into reality*.

High profile mumpreneurs are inspiring role models for mums thinking about setting up their own businesses, so it's no surprise that the research reveals that over three quarters (76%) of British mums who don't work for themselves would like to do so. But what stops those millions of mums turning their aspirations into reality? According to Antonia Chitty, coauthor of the book, many are daunted because they lack reliable information about launching and operating a business successfully.

Packed with practical advice to help you launch the business that's right for you, Antonia and Helen's book features over 120 proven ideas for flexible work and goes in-depth with 23 of them. * A survey of 1000 mothers with children under the age of 18 in the UK was conducted in March 2010 by Redshift Research and social network MumsLikeYou for Phoenix Trading.

Families Oxfordshire has copies of Start a Family Friendly Business to give away to readers living in Oxfordshire.

If you want to be entered in a draw for a copy please send your name, full address, postcode and telephone number by post to Families Oxfordshire (SAFFB) P.O. Box 167 Wantage OX12 8ZJ or by email to editor@familiesox.co.uk by 18 Feb ‘11.

Your details will not be used for any other purpose than this draw. Entrants agree to the possibility of their name being published in the Mar-April ‘11 issue of Families Oxfordshire and on the Families website.

No correspondence will be entered into.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

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OUT & ABOUT .

CORNERSTONE ARTS CENTRE

NEW THEATRE & OFS STUDIO

25 Station Road Didcot OX11 7NE 01235 515144 www.cornerstone-arts.org.uk 6 Feb 2pm BILLY GOAT’S GRUFF The perplexing question of fairy tales – what really happened between the wolf and his three porky friends? Why was Goldilocks wandering in the woods? How did the goats overcome a mighty troll? The Theatre of Widdershins explains all with the help of fun, laughter, some gorgeous puppets and a gypsy soundtrack that you’ll be humming all the way home! Ages 3+ 12 Feb 3pm HAMLET Young people’s version performed by the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark…the king has died in suspicious circumstances and within a month the queen has married again. And now a ghost is stalking the palace at night. The young prince Hamlet feels it’s up to him to solve the mystery, but where to start? Ages 5-12 27 February 2pm POTTED PANTO CBBC's Dan and Jeff present their most extravagant show yet, now in amazing 3D! The creators of Potted Potter and Potted Pirates cram all the classic pantomimes into just 70 minutes. With only a glass slipper and some magic beans, the dastardly double act dash from Aladdin to Dick Whittington while trying to work out how two of them can play all seven dwarves. Ages 6+ 6 March 2pm THE WAY BACK HOME One day a boy finds a plane in his cupboard. He flies his plane higher and higher until he runs out of petrol and lands on the moon. He is frightened, lost and alone until a passing Martian lands there too! Who is this strange alien? Can they be friends? And how will they find their way back home? Ages 3+ and adults

George Street, OX1 2AG 0870 606 3500 www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk 8 -11 Mar 7.15pm OXFORDSHIRE GANG SHOW The Oxford Gang Show is a family variety show performed by scouts and guides from Oxfordshire. Gang Show gives these 200+ young people the opportunity to develop the skills required to put on a show in a professional theatre. See how talented they are.

KENTON THEATRE New Street Henley-on-Thames RG9 2BP 01491 575698 www.kentontheatre.co.uk 20 & 21 Jan 7.15pm, 22 Jan 2pm & 7.15pm

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Journey through Wonderland with Alice to meet new friends: White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Dormouse, March Hare, Caterpillar and enemy - Queen of Hearts and her family. A colourful story with song, dance and some slapstick for all the family Behind You Productions.

22 Feb 11am & 2pm ELMER Join Blunderbus as they whisk you away to a land of fantasy and make believe with this bewitching, new musical adaptation of David McKee’s Elmer the Elephant.

Elmer was not an ordinary elephant. Elmer was red and yellow and green and blue. In fact, Elmer was every colour of the rainbow! But Elmer didn’t want to be different, he wanted to be just like all the other elephants. Told with breathtaking puppets, original music and stunning scenery. Ages 4 – 7 and their adults.

MILL ARTS CENTRE Spiceball Park Banbury OX16 5QE 01295 252050 www.themillartscentre.co.uk 12 – 23 Jan PINOCCHIO Follow the magical story of a little wooden puppet comes to life as a real boy. Pinocchio is about the joys of childhood and the challenges of growing up in a world of uncertainties. The play, based on the fascinating original Italian story, is presented by Cherwell Theatre Company. Colourful puppets and an array of talented performers combine to create stunning visual drama.

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NORTH WALL ARTS CENTRE

South Parade Summertown OX2 7NN 01865 319 450 www.thenorthwall.com 24 Feb 2.30pm JACK Storyteller and puppeteer Rod Burnett weaves a tall tale of high adventure.

With a Celtic harp, Irish bodhrán and tabletop puppets he tells a story of enchantment and magic, of cruelty and humour, ingenuity and triumph over gigantic adversity. Ages 5-11 and adults.

OXFORD PLAYHOUSE & BT STUDIO 11-12 Beaumont Street Oxford OX1 2LW 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 19 Jan 7.30pm NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA This talented group of under 25s are destined to become the next UK jazz generation. The National Youth Jazz Orchestra brings a 22 piece band with two vocalists providing a truly uplifting celebration of the jazz big band sound.

PEGASUS THEATRE Magdalen Road Oxford OX4 1RE 01865 812150 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk 28 Jan 6pm HIDDEN HISTORIES How much do you know about your local area? A lot of Oxford seems wellknown yet hidden away behind gates and doors. Pupils from years 3 to 6 in Church Cowley Primary, West Oxford Community Primary, New Marston Primary and Wood Farm Primary schools have made their own history books and a series of short performances showing some of the amazing things they have discovered. Presented in partnership with Oxford Preservation Trust. All ages.

17 – 19 Feb 6.30pm (Sat matinee 1.30pm) STANDING IN ANOTHER’S SHOES What does it mean to feel as someone else does, to look at things from their point of view – would we behave differently? A huge variety of ideas has resulted in a platform of inspiring performances involving young people from 6 to 19 years. Animated shoes, an interpretation of Frankenstein, an adaptation of children’s book ‘Giraffe’s Can’t Dance’ by Giles Andreae and much, much more makes this a magical, mythical, wonderfully unique show. Performed by Pegasus Youth Theatre groups and inspired by the UN International Year of Youth. All ages.

27 Feb 10am to 5pm & 5 Mar 1.30pm to 6.30pm DANCE-A-THON 45 Minute taster sessions ranging from African dance to Zumba, stopping at Ballet, Charleston, Samba and Tap on the way!

THE THEATRE 2 Spring Street Chipping Norton OX7 5NL 01608 642350 www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk 18 Jan 10.30am & 7.30pm CINEMA BAMBINO: THE AMERICAN (CERT 15) Elegant thriller, starring George

NEW THEATRE & OFS STUDIO

Clooney. Screening for adults with babes in arms. Check details.

George Street, OX1 2AG 0870 606 3500 www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk 27 Feb 2.30pm BARRY POTTY & HIS FULL BLOOD BROTHER Paul in The Ghostly Shadows Join Paul and Barry Chuckle in their latest hilarious adventure. Barry Potty and his full blood brother, Paul, arrive accidentally at Pigsnorts School of Magic where the evil Lord Fonterall is plotting to take over the school. Will he win and stop the Chuckle brothers in their attempt to spoil his evil and wicked plan? Featuring ghosts, ghouls and spectacular magic. Fun for all the family from ages 3+

5 Feb 3.30pm THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Based on the original story by Kenneth Grahame, presented by Talking Scarlet. When Mole plucks up the courage to explore the Riverbank with his friend Ratty, nothing can prepare him for the adventure that awaits. Along with Badger and the irrepressible Mr. Toad, the foursome career from one exploit to the next, culminating in a battle not only to save Toad Hall, but their very way of life.

23 Feb 11.30am & 2.30pm LAURA’S STAR Pied Piper Theatre Company bring this much loved book to life with live music and puppetry. Ages 3 - 7.

JANUARY 8 Jan 1pm – 4pm PITT STOP: AFRICAN GAMES Pitt Rivers Museum 01865 270927 www.prm.ox.ac.uk Learn how to make and play Mancala, a simply addictive game. Free drop-in activities for ages 5+.

8 Jan - 6 Mar HOLOGRAMS 2 The Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock 01993 811456 www.tomocc.org.uk Enjoy holograms by leading holographic artists using a variety of different techniques.

FAMILIES TIP: The museum has recently opened a new, permanent interactive dinosaur gallery with a range of dinosaur activities including 'feed the dinosaurs'.

15 Jan, 1pm - 4pm ANIMAL SUPER HEROES Oxford University Museum of Natural History 01865 272 950 www.oum.ox.ac.uk An exciting adventure with super skills and special powers from the animal kingdom. Make your own animal super hero mask. Family activity.

15 Jan 2pm – 4pm COIN HANDLING IN THE MONEY

GALLERY Ashmolean Museum 01865 278002 www.ashmolean.org Get your hands on real pieces of history in the guise of coins, from Ancient Greeks, to Romans and Victorians.

Drop-in 16 Jan 9.30am,10.30am & 3pm u 5s; 11.30am for 5+

CUSHION CONCERTS - HARP Jacqueline Du Pre Music Building, St Hilda's College 01865 305305 www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/index.php/jdp/ Bring your own cushion!

22 & 23 Jan WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

EXHIBITION Science Oxford Live, St Clements 01865 810000 WWW.SCIENCEOXFORDLIVE.COM Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of the world’s most breathtaking examples of wildlife photography.

Suitable for all ages.

22 Jan 2pm – 4pm COIN HANDLING IN THE MONEY

GALLERY Ashmolean Museum 01865 278002 www.ashmolean.org Get your hands on real pieces of history in the guise of coins, from Ancient Greeks, to Romans and Victorians.

Drop-in 28 Jan 6pm -8pm GUIDED WALK: DARK OF THE

MOON HIKE: GUIDED WALK Northmoor Trust Hill Farm Little Wittenham OX14 4QZ 01865 407792 www.northmoortrust.co.uk Investigate the sights and sounds of the dark winter nights. Family friendly event.

29 Jan 2pm - 4pm FAMILY PRINTING WORKSHOP Bodleian Library 01865 277224 www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley/about/visitors/family Dr Paul Nash, a specialist in historic printing presses, will give a short talk on the history of printing, after which you will set your own name in type, and print from this.

The workshop will use some of the historic printing presses owned by the Library. Children aged 8+ must be accompanied by an adult, and vice versa.

Booking is essential.

29 Jan 2pm – 4pm COIN HANDLING IN THE MONEY

GALLERY. Ashmolean Museum 01865 278002 www.ashmolean.org Get your hands on real pieces of history in the guise of coins, from Ancient Greeks, to Romans and Victorians.

Drop-in

We have made every effort to ensure our listings are accurate and up-to-date. However, please call venues to confirm.

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OUT & ABOUT FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY

5 Feb PITT STOP: LYRA’S FURS Pitt Rivers Museum 01865 270927 www.prm.ox.ac.uk Discover the collection of Arctic clothing that inspired Philip Pullman. Follow in Lyra's footsteps and prepare for a journey north.

6 Feb 9.30am, 10.30am & 3pm for U5s; 11.30am for over 5+ CUSHION CONCERT- TABLA & SITAR Jacqueline Du Pre Music Building, St Hilda's College 01865 305305 www.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/index.php/jdp/ Bring your own cushion!

11 Feb 1.45 pm – 3.45pm POTTERING IN HARRY'S

23 Feb DIDCOT BROAD GAUGE STEAMDAY Didcot Railway Centre, Great Western Society 01235 817200 www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 23 Feb 10am - 4pm STAGE COMBAT Oxford Playhouse 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com Bish, bash, bosh! Come along to this energetic workshop and learn the basic skills and techniques for stage combat. No weapons will be used and the workshop will happen under the watchful guidance of our expert stage combat practitioner. Ages11 - 15 23 Feb 10.30am - 12.30pm WIND CHIMES IN THE

FOOTSTEPS TOUR Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours 01865 252200 www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com 12 Feb 1pm – 4pm KINGS AND QUEENS Ashmolean Museum 01865 278000 www.ashmolean.org Find golden crowns and King Alfred’s Jewel. Make your own crown to take home. Mini-tours for families.

12 & 13 Feb SNOWDROP WEEKEND Waterperry Gardens 01844 339254 www.waterperrygardens.co.uk See more than 30 different varieties of snowdrop carpeting the old orchard and riverside walk. Free guided tours on both days at 11am,12.30pm and 2pm 13 Feb 2.45pm – 3.15pm SIR THOMAS BODLEY'S

WILLOWS River and Rowing Museum Henley on Thames 01491 415605 www.rrm.co.uk Get ready for March winds. Make a simple wind chime with a tin can and junk materials. Age 4-7 23, 24 & 25 Feb 1pm - 4pm CHINA! Ashmolean Museum 01865 278000 www.ashmolean.org Celebrate Chinese New Year by making a fire dragon or a paper blossom for our good-luck tree. Drop in.

FEBRUARY 24 & 25 Feb 10am, 11.30am, 2pm, 3.30pm WALLACE

AND GROMIT'S WORLD OF INVENTION Science Oxford Live 01865 810000 www.scienceoxfordlive.com Be inspired by Wallace’s love of inventing, and try to build a real invention of your own! Not to be missed!

Booking required. Suitable for 7+ 25 Feb 9am – 3pm HUBBLE, BUBBLE, TOIL AND

TROUBLE Oxford Playhouse 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com An introduction to Shakespeare, breathing life into ageold words and stories. Ages 8 – 11 25 Feb 1.30pm FAMILY TOUR Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours 01865 252200 www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com 26 Feb 2pm - 4pm FAMILY PRINTING WORKSHOP Bodleian Library, 01865 277224 www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley/about/visitors/family Dr Paul Nash, a specialist in historic printing presses, will give a short talk on the history of printing, after which you will set your own name in type, and print from this.

The workshop will use some of the historic printing presses owned by the Library. Children aged 8+ must be accompanied by an adult, and vice versa.

Booking is essential.

28 Feb - 13 Mar OXFORD INTERNATIONAL

FAMILY FRIENDLY TOUR

WOMEN'S FESTIVAL

Bodleian Library 01865 277224 www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/bodley/about/visitors/family Children 5-11must be accompanied by an adult, and vice versa. Booking essential.

19 Feb 10am – 2pm FAMILY FUN DAY Bate Collection of Musical Instruments Faculty of Music 01865 276139 www.bate.ox.ac.uk 19 & 20 Feb DIDCOT BROAD GAUGE STEAMDAYS Didcot Railway Centre, Great Western Society 01235 817200 www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 19 & 20 Feb SNOWDROP WEEKEND Waterperry Gardens 01844 339254 www.waterperrygardens.co.uk See more than 30 different varieties of snowdrops. Free garden tour with the experts at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm each day.

19 Feb - 19 Mar DANCIN' OXFORD - DANCE

www.oxfordwomen.co.uk Various venues and locations in and around Oxford City Centre

FESTIVAL Dancin’ Oxford 01865 252820 www.dancinoxford.co.uk Performances at various venues and locations in and around Oxford City Centre.

21 Feb 10am PLAY IN TWO DAYS: EVERY PICTURE

TELLS A STORY. The Theatre Chipping Norton 01608 642350 www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk Using The Theatre’s own gallery as a starting point, join two days of drama games and exercises which will culminate in a play, based on the pictures .

21 Feb 10am – 4pm SECRET LIFE OF THE TEENAGER Oxford Playhouse 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com Create a script based on your own opinions and experiences as a teenager in 2011, rehearse it and perform it. Ages 12 – 16 21 – 23 Feb 1pm - 4pm DINOSAURS AND DRAGON

MARCH 24 Feb,10am PLAY IN TWO DAYS: TREASURE TRAIL The Theatre Chipping Norton 01608 642350 www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk A group of children go in search of treasure and return with some very interesting stories to tell. Come and play lots of exciting drama games, expand your imagination and create a short play to perform in front of family and friends on Friday at 12.45pm 24 Feb 10am – 4pm STREET VIBE Oxford Playhouse 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com Get into the basics of urban dance. Whether you’re a born dancer or trying it for the frst time, this workshop will show you how to live it, move it - and love it! For details of other dance workshops, talks and opportunities, please see the Dancin’ Oxford website at www.dancinoxford.co.uk Workshop held at Drama Studio, Oxford and Cherwell Valley College. Ages10 - 14 24 Feb 10.30am - 4pm PIRATES OF THE THAMES River and Rowing Museum Henley on Thames 01491 415600 www.rrm.co.uk Yes - there really were pirates on the River Thames many years ago! Search for a buried treasure, make a model pirate ship and a parrot for your shoulder. Plus lots more timber-shivering activities. Dress as a pirate and get in free! Drop in any time.

4 Mar 1.45pm – 3.45pm POTTERING IN HARRY'S

FOOTSTEPS TOUR Oxford Official Guided Walking Tours 01865 252200 www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com 5 & 6 Mar DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Didcot Railway Centre, Great Western Society 01235 817200 www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 8 Mar PANCAKE DAY Waddesdon Manor Plant Centre Waddesdon Nr Aylesbury HP18 0JH 01296 653226 www.waddesdon.org.uk Indulge yourself in a celebration of Shrove Tuesday to make your own pancake from the usual to the unusual.

Entre a free prize draw to win a Champagne Tea. 12 Mar 1pm – 4pm FABULOUS FRAMES Ashmolean Museum 01865 278000 www.ashmolean.org Create a frame fit for a masterpiece. Mini-tours for families throughout the afternoon.

12 Mar 10am – 4pm WOW! HOW? 2011 Pitt Rivers Museum 01865 270927 www.prm.ox.ac.uk Oxford University Museum of Natural History www.oum.ox.ac.uk Make, test, explore and explode with excitement at the annual bonanza of experiments and hands-on fun.

For ages 8+. Drop-in.

HUNTERS: HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES Pitt Rivers Museum 01865 270927 www.prm.ox.ac.uk Oxford University Museum of Natural History www.oum.ox.ac.uk Have fun with famous dinosaurs and discover wonderful armour to defend yourself against giant beasts.

Lively talk at 3.30pm.

22 & 23 Feb 11am or 2pm OWLS GALORE! Science Oxford Live 01865 810000 www.scienceoxfordlive.com Owl expert Rod Smallman, will be on hand to answer all of your questions, and will be bringing some of his own owls along with him. Suitable for 5+ 22 Feb 9am - 3pm NO STRINGS ATTACHED Oxford Playhouse 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com Become a master puppeteer at this puppetry workshop, manipulating everyday objects to create characters and tell stories. Ages10 – 14

Send your diary dates for March - April by Friday 18 February 2011 to editor@familiesox.co.uk

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competition WIN ONE OF FIVE FAMILY SKATING VOUCHERS AT THE OXFORD ICE RINK

W

hen you next visit the Oxford Ice Rink you’ll be amazed to see how a £700,000 improvement programme has made the rink better than ever before. With upgraded changing and shower facilities, rink barrier and surrounds, a new refrigeration unit and boilers, the rink is the place to be for family fun and leisure. The Oxford Ice Rink is very easy to reach as it’s right in the heart of Oxford; just a 10 minute walk from Oxford City centre and railway station.

Car parking is also available right outside the rink. There are general sessions every day of the week and with morning, afternoon and evenings sessions there is always a good time to visit. You can also hire the ice for a Big Day Ice Party for your child’s special occasion. Keep an eye out for the Ice Disco sessions which are also extremely popular. You can listen to your favourite tunes whilst you skate. www.oxford.gov.uk/leisure 0844 8933 222

To enter simply answer this question How long does it take to walk to the Oxford Ice Rink from Oxford City centre?

Terms and Conditions Valid for 2 adults and 2 children (includes entrance and skate hire) For use in any general skating session (see timetable for details) Must be used by March 31st 2011 No purchase necessary.

Not exchangeable for cash or merchandise alternative.

Excludes employees their friends, family and any partner agencies or associates of Fusion Lifestyle.

Send your entry by e-mail to editor@familiesox.co.uk or by post to: Families Oxfordshire OXFORD ICE RINK Competition, PO Box 167, Wantage, OX12 8ZJ Closing date is: 18 Feb 2011 and DON’T FORGET, as always, to send us your name, address and telephone number Your details will not be used for any purpose other than this competition. Winners agree to the possibility of their name being published in the Mar/Apr 2011 issue of Families Oxfordshire and on the Families website.

No correspondence will be entered into.

Entries open to Oxfordshire residents only.

Copyright Families Oxfordshire January 2011. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner's own risk and while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Oxfordshire is part of a group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take care in preparing this magazine but publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011