Families Vale of York Sept/Oct 2015

sept/oct’15

free

The useful magazine for families with young children in York, Harrogate, Tadcaster, Wetherby and Selby

ASHVILLE COLLEGE Harrogate

Open Day Sat 10th Oct 1:30 - 4:30pm

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welcome to families As I write this we’re only half way through the summer holidays but my 7-year-old daughter had already been sitting in her school uniform saying she misses school.

I’d like to hope that this is because she loves her new blouses and wants to be Hermione Grainger most of the time but it’s likely that she’s really looking forward to the new term.

Having said that, I love autumn too: there’s still a whiff of summer with the promise of Christmas and for me it always feels like a new year rather than the almost end of an old one.

The beginning of the new school year gives us a second chance of resolutions as we get into the routine of a new term and for those parents with children starting school for the first time, a chance to take a new job opportunities perhaps.

Autumn’s a great time for children to try a new out-of-school club or class and it’s a perfect time to review eating choices, bedtimes and screen time as the new term gets into swing. Any sunny days will be a bonus as we actually expect rain in autumn, and even if labelling and ironing new uniform is a chore, there’s always that warm glow from the First Day of Term Photo – and the ensuing peace and quiet!

Before we go off on our holiday I’ll need to make a few last preparations for September and we’ve saved the best till last – new stationery & pens – what could be better than that?

Happy New Term!

Editor of Families VOY

STOCKELD

PARK

Where magic is made & adventures

begin

The Halloween Adventure Opens 21 Oct for spooky fun!

Located between Harrogate & Leeds. LS22 4AN See website for Halloween Special Events Calendar including Fright Nights, Wizard & Witch Training, Wizards Den & more!

www.stockeldpark.co.uk 2 Families Vale of York

in this

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families

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Tel: 01405 860831 editor@familiesvoy.co.uk www.familiesvoy.co.uk

news clubs & classes

p14

back to school

p18

outdoor education

p20

books

p21

what’s on

magazine Circulation: 18,000 Deadline:

The deadline for the Nov/Dec 2015 edition is early Oct 2015 Designed by: MOOIdesign Tel: 01405 869045 Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk Front Cover: Clothing from Florence & Fred www.clothingattesco.com Families Vale of York is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Vale of York are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

THE PAULINE QUIRKE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

IS ENROLLING NOW! Outstanding performing arts tuition for 4 - 18 year olds.

PQA Harrogate runs on Saturdays from 9.45am - 1pm.

Find us at Harrogate Grammar School, Arthurs Avenue, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 0DZ PQA York runs on Saturdays from 9.45am - 1pm and 1.45 - 5pm.

Find us at Huntington School, Huntington Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9WT

‘outstanding’

An education in a stunning rural location

Open Doors

Wednesday 23rd September 2015 9.30 to 11.45am Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, Harrogate HG3 2JG. email: admin@belmontgrosvenor.co.uk www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

Call FREEPHONE 0800 531 6282 or visit www.pqacademy.com

Please contact the school office on 01423 771029 to arrange a visit Follow us on

Families Vale of York 3

news families

We love to read More kids than ever are reading for pleasure

Former Children’s Laureate, Malorie Blackman has said she is “delighted” at figures released by the National Literacy Trust that show that increasing numbers of UK schoolchildren are choosing to read in their spare time and are developing a love of books as a result.

The Trust asked 32,000 eight to 18 year olds about their reading habits; favourites mentioned included The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games.

40% of the kids questioned thought reading was “cool”, while only 10% said they did not enjoy it.

Favourite books included:

We all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping with everything can be an everyday battle.

Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality Capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks?

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Chaos over childcare support

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff Kinney The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins Twilight - Stephanie Meyer Harry Potter - JK Rowling Gangsta Granny - David Walliams Alex Rider - Anthony Horowitz How to Train Your Dragon Cressida Cowell Divergent - Veronica Roth Frozen - Calliope Glass The Fault in our Stars - John Green

Parents left in the dark over new rules Changes in the workplace voucher system has led to confusion among many UK parents, with some not being fully informed about the childcare support changes.

The system has previously allowed working parents to be able to pay childminders with vouchers worth up to £243 per month. Parents could ‘buy’ these with their pre-tax salary. This has meant a saving of up to £930 per family.

From this autumn, however, the scheme will change. Families will now claim a ‘top-up’ payment, which means they can claim support worth 20p for each £1 they spend on child care.

Single parents who earn below £150,000 or couples who earn less than £300,000 (£150,000 per partner) can claim, though families with one parent who stays at home are not eligible.

The worry for many is that, with parents having to work out the rules and apply for payments themselves, some will slip through the loop. In the past, many employers helped with this. There is also confusion because the voucher system will remain but there is confusion as to whether families will have to re-apply. At the time of going to print, we were trying to get an answer from the Government on this point.

New Children’s Laureate As recommended by Announced

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Children’s writer Chris

n

Exhausted?

BUY OFRiddell THE DAY has been named as the ninth new Children’s Laureate, taking over from Malorie Blackman.

The illustrator and writer has worked The with easyNeil one-snap Gaiman and Quentin Blake, as label well clothing! as being the illustrator for way to Russell Brand’s children’s book.

He is also political cartoonist at The PUSH—CLICK— SNAPPED ON! Observer. He won theBrought Costa Children’s to you by Say It Personally Ltd Book Award in 2013 for his novel Goth (0844) 5611994 and has won twoCall: Kate Greenaway theirGirl clothes... www.snappytags.co.uk medals for illustration.

You can see some of his illustrations on his Instagram account, chris_riddell.

Do you coo?

Babies learn different aspects of language from mum or dad A study has shown that mums are more likely to coo and use non-word based language with babies. Dads are more likely to talk in ‘proper’ language. Surprisingly, both approaches are good for your baby’s development and have a role to play in how babies learn language.

A team at Washington State University attached microphones to parents of pre-school children and recorded verbal exchanges with their children, using speech recognition software to analyse results.

They believe the way women speak to children – using high pitched sounds and cooing to them – promotes bonding, while the more adult speech of dads gives them a bridge to adult life.

Professor Mark VanDam, who led the research, said: “The parents are complementary to their children’s language learning.” He added: “this isn’t a bad thing at all, it’s not a failing of the fathers.”

Gifts from Labels 4 Kids Labels4Kids has started a great range of personalised gifts for Christmas or birthdays from Disney, Hasbro, Nickelodeon and Mattel for your kids! Have your child’s name and the names of their friends into a story like Disney Frozen or Spongebob. Everything from Ninja Turtles to Disney Princess, books, clocks and name tags.

Allow 3 weeks for delivery as they are custom made to your personal requirements. Go to http://www. labels4kids.com/personalised-gift-range/disney-marvelnickelodeon.html to see more.

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We’ve been told for years to cut down on how much coffee we drink. It’s bad for the blood pressure, it can be linked to certain cancers and it makes you jittery – right?

Well, it seems new evidence has emerged to show that it may actually be good for you.

Three to five cups a day can reduce type 2 diabetes and heart disease, may protect from Parkinson’s and can reduce the risk of cancer of the pancreas, liver, breast and prostate. One of the chemicals in coffee – caffeic acid – can help cells defend themselves against cancerous cells.

Sadly, the fancy coffee shop kind packed with fatty and sugary flavourings is still bad for you!

Paracetamol use ‘may harm male foetus’ Commonly used drug associated with low testosterone

Pregnant women are often advised to take low doses of paracetamol for pain during pregnancy. However, it now emerges that the use of the popular drug could have an adverse effect on the development of male babies.

Many studies have shown that male fertility levels are lower than in past decades, with all sorts of potential reasons from hormones in meat to pesticide use on crops being stated as possible reasons.

But a Professor at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh has said that the use of paracetamol for a week or more could lower a baby boy’s testosterone levels.

Doctors recommend that women should take the lowest possible dose and take it for as short a time as possible. If they have pain or fever, these can be serious in pregnancy, so it is best they talk to their GP. In a statement from the Royal College of General Practitioners, chair Professor Maureen Baker said: “Pregnant women who have been taking paracetamol to ease discomfort – either as prescribed by their doctor or self-medicated – should not panic as a result of this research. But if they are concerned about taking the drug regularly over a long period of time, they should make a non-urgent appointment with their GP, or visit their local pharmacist.”

Fatter Families

Obesity is now a problem at a younger age

Sticky Fingers

Further to our article by Paula Baker on Childminding in the July/August issue of Families, we’ve been asked how you can get in touch with her.

Sticky Fingers Childminding Ltd. can be found at Gate Helmsley, Near Stamford Bridge and you can contact Paula by phone on 01759 377399 or 07742526622 or email admin@stickyfingerschildminding.co.uk www.stickyfingerschildminding-ltd.co.uk

Obesity has long been seen as a problem in the UK but the age at which health professionals are seeing obese children is getting younger, according to a study.

Researchers at University College, London, examined data from 56,000 people born between 1946 and 2001. They found that obesity has become much more common and is starting earlier in life.

Because obesity is often carried on into adult life, these children are at risk of severe health problems in future and cost the NHS over £5 billion per year. The study showed that while 23% of six to 10 year olds were overweight in 1994, the figure now stands at 30%.

Eustace De Sousa, spokesperson for Public Health England, said: “Almost one in 10 children in Reception are obese - but what’s even more shocking is that by the time they leave primary school, this doubles to nearly one in five.”

“Something a little different for a birthday or just to treat your child this is the shop to have a look in” Gillian, Harrogate 45 COLD BATH ROAD, HARROGATE, HG2 0NL

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Families Vale of York 5

Could you have a Dirty Little Secret of your own?

Stockeld Adventures Begin The school holidays may well be over but there’s always the next one to look forward to!

And where better to start your days out planning than Stockeld Park which will soon be getting ready to entertain families through the autumn and winter seasons.

As always Stockeld Park promises to keep you If that’s not enough AtmosFEAR! and your children entertained from half term Entertainment Group return to Stockeld right though to New Year with an exciting Park this Halloween to transform the programme of events as well as old favourites usually beautiful and tranquil, woodland making a return appearance. surroundings into a world of terror where Again this year you’ll be able to skate on the only the brave hearted will make it through real outdoor ice rink, get lost in the huge Fright Night! Entrance to the forest is at timed snowflake maze and ski the Nordic ski trail. slots every 15 minutes from 1730 – 2130 and The Enchanted Forest filled with interactive it’s recommend you do the attractions in sculptures is a must for all ages as is a well- sequence, The forest – ‘Freaks in the Forest’, deserved hot chocolate at the Woodland Café The Maze – ‘Moonshine Massacre’ and then and a browse around the beautiful Christmas the marquee – ‘The Cage: Mutation’ shop.

New this autumn will be a Witch Trail through the woods and Pumpkin Carving with expert Christian who has a reputation throughout Yorkshire as a competent sculptor of pumpkins! You can also buy your own pumpkin to take home and have a go yourself.

Your children will be able be able to try their hand at a spot of Witch and Wizard Training with Make a Wish Entertainment. Workshops last 60 minutes and include hands-on training as well as crafty activities. There’ll be a catwalk show, certificates and a real broomstick for participants.

Other Halloween events include face painting, glitter tattoos, catwalk shows, and the wizard’s den where you can watch Wizard Malin and receive a bewitching gift from the depths of the cauldron. There’ll be a Craft Activity and Creepy Creatures day where you can meet snakes, spiders and a host of other creepy crawlies….you can even hold them if you are brave enough…..

Later in the season you’ll be able to enjoy the Firework Spectacular and a brand new Christmas event with a tribute to all things ‘Frozen’ including snowman-building, a snow machine, real live Huskies and special guests and activities to embrace the wonderful winter wonderland.

Santa arrives on Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th November and you can visit him in his grotto from midday. He’ll be available everyday from 28th November. To be in with a chance of winning a sleigh ride with Santa see our competition box below for more details.

There’s so much to do this season, you’ll be completely spoiled for choice – don’t miss it!

Stockeld Park estate is near Wetherby, Leeds and York. Parking and entry is free, simply pay by experience. Open daily from 21st Oct 2015 – 4th Jan 2016, 10.30 – 20.30. See our What’s On pages for details of all seasonal events. www.stockeldpark.co.uk

win

WIN A SLEIGH RIDE WITH SANTA & VIP TRIP TO STOCKELD PARK We’ve teamed up with Stockeld Park to give one lucky family the chance to join Santa on his sleigh ride through the Enchanted Forest on Saturday 14th November. You’ll get VIP access to the sleigh which will pass by the waiting crowds pulled by Santa’s reindeers and you’ll get to pay him a private visit to let him have all your Christmas wishes.

The fabulous prize also includes a VIP pass to all the great activities at this superb attraction.

You can head to the REAL ice rink, have a go on the Nordic ski trail, get lost in the magic maze and finish your day with a twilight walk retracing your sleigh ride through the Enchanted Forest.

To be in with a chance of winning this magical prize, simply visit www.familiesvoy.co.uk/ competitions where you can enter online. Winners will be notified via email. Closing date 31 October.

For a full list of events at Stockeld Park take a look at our What’s On guide starting on page 21.

6 Families Vale of York

Successful Leeds-based cleaning business Your Dirty Little Secret is about to move to the next level and has a new franchise opportunity available for the right person.

Having met as their boys started primary school, Andrea Jeal and Kully Bhatoa struck up a friendship, which led to encouragement and support as each began their own businesses. Seven years later and with both boys about to begin high school, the women are running their own successful businesses whilst managing their families.

‘Our friendship is the backbone for each other’s success as mums and business owners, “ says Andrea.

“Four years ago, I suggested that Kully should expand her business by diversifying into the residential market as her standards were extremely high on the commercial side,” Andrea explains, “and I felt that although it was a saturated market, finding reliable cleaners at a reasonable price was still a challenge.

“So Your Dirty Little Secret was created and nobody was prepared for the challenge, the growth and the business success that was about to unfold.”

Four years later, the business is rocketing and the success comes from Kully’s management skills and determination to ensure her staff and clients are happy, along with Andrea’s business and marketing expertise and a team of dedicated cleaning staff who are made up mainly of mums who work school hours.

Kully is now moving to the next level with her business and is providing a franchise opportunity to help others on their path to business success, financial wealth and to gain lifestyle balance. With a well-proven lean business model, which can be managed from home part or full-time, Kully can provide the right person with an opportunity to grow their business territory as quickly as they wish.

“This opportunity is perfect for someone looking for a new job opportunity and who wants to work for themselves. It fits perfectly around children, as Kully and I have shown, and nothing beats the satisfaction of running your own business,” adds Andrea.

“Cleaning businesses are a fast growing industry and you’d be helped along the way with a distinctly focused marketing strategy, professional services to support you, and a powerful training and development programme run

by Kully.”

Your Dirty Little Secret values itself on people and excellence and are passionate about results. From dependence to independence, you could rise above your own expectations by running your own business.

Why not contact Kully on 07914 199187 for a confidential conversation and to see whether you fit their criteria?

www.yourdirtylittle-secret.co.uk

dad’s in charge

NEW LOCAL CLASSES

New rules have completely changed the way parents can take time off after having a baby By Judy Yorke Just a few years ago, dads could only take a fortnight off to spend with their newborn. While 2011 saw the introduction of increased paternity leave, it was only available when mums went back to work.

But new Shared Parental Leave regulations give eligible parents across the UK flexibility to juggle childcare between them. After a compulsory two weeks off for the mother, parents can share up to 50 weeks of leave in the baby’s first year (or the first year of adoption).

The law applies to same sex couples and those bringing up a child together, even if it’s from a previous relationship.

Taking it in turns

How you split the leave is up to you. It will depend on who earns more, who feels their career will be least affected by taking time off, and who wants to be at home.

Significantly, for the first time, dads can take the year off while mums return to work.

The leave can be taken in blocks (up to three each) so you can alternate time off if one of you has a particularly busy time at work before resuming parental leave.

It’s a big advantage if you don’t want to be away from work for too long.

Some dads might want to return to work in the early months when mums

are breastfeeding. Once babies start on solids, it can be easier for dads to be fully hands-on so they might want to take time off then, either in one go or in several blocks.

Sharing the load

One big advantage is that parents can be off at the same time. Many mums need their partner’s support in those first magical, exhausting, bewildering weeks and can dread their partner going back to work after a fortnight. In these cases, a few more weeks with both of you at home could help enormously.

Having time off together can benefit families with older children while everyone is getting used to a new member of the family. It means one parent can focus on them and make sure they don’t feel left out. This can also be important in the school holidays when day trips with a newborn are tricky.

To find out more:

Enter your postcode at www.babysensory.com Email: northyorkshire@babysensory.co.uk Check: www.facebook.com/BabySensoryUK Classes at: babysensory.com www.

Harrogate, Ripon, York, Pocklington, Beverley

oddlersense.com www.t

Can you afford it?

Finances will play an important part in the decision. While you can share up to 50 weeks, only 37 are paid. You will receive £139.58 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.

See more on https://www.gov.uk/ government/topical-events/sharedparental-leave.

Journalist Judy Yorke has written for many titles including the Daily Mirror, Closer and Woman. She trains businesses and individuals in writing skills and is an editor, copywriter and journalism tutor. She lives in Brighton with husband Adrian and sons, Kit, 10, and Rory, eight.

Families Vale of York 7

Rhythm Time Joins CAA

s e s s a l c & s club New dance studio to open in York York will be getting a brand new dance studio thanks to the growing popularity of a local dance teacher. The Katie Ventress School of Dance will be running 27 classes a week for children and teenagers in a new, custom-fitted dance studio at the Raylor Centre on James Street, York, from September this year.

Katie Ventress, originally from Driffield, teaches a mixture of ballet, modern, tap and musical theatre dance classes to children from the age of 18 months right through to teens and young adults. Demand for her classes has prompted her to open up her own studio, which has been kitted out with non-slip, shock absorbent dance flooring, mirrors and ballet barres.

‘I’ve been running dance classes in York church halls since September last year as well as dance clubs at various York primary schools,’ explains Katie, who has worked in London’s West End and who was professionally trained alongside pop star Pixie Lott. ‘Having my own space just makes sense. It means I can offer more classes in an ideal environment to keep up with demand.’

Some of her classes include ballet for toddlers aged 18 months who participate with their parents; ballet from 2 – 4 year olds; and ballet, modern, tap and musical theatre classes from four years plus. The classes, which are all limited to 14 children, focus on fun, but also provide structured tuition for those wanting to become a professional dancer. All classes are taught by Katie, who is professionally trained, insured, CRB checked and holds recent first aid and child safeguarding certificates.

The new studio will open with a party on Friday 4 September where anyone is welcome to meet Katie and some of her dancers. Classes will commence on Saturday 5 September 2015.

More information can be found on www.katieventressschoolofdance.co.uk. To book a class, email info@katieventressschoolofdance.co.uk or call 07919008078. The studio address is The Raylor Centre, James Street, York YO19 3DW.

Popular Children’s music group Rhythm Time has become a founding Member of the Children’s Activities Association.

This is a not-for-profit community interest company set up by some of the biggest names in the industry. Their aims include raising standards in the Children’s Activities Sector, encouraging best practice, giving more children the opportunity to experience a greater range of activities and importantly - to ensure you have a simple and clear way to identify the UK’s most exemplary children’s activities providers.

“If you’re looking to book a class or club all you need to do now is look for the Children’s Activities Association logo for reassurance that this provider is a CAA member,” says Lynne O’Malley of Rhythm Time, “which means they have agreed to a comprehensive code of practice covering really important issues such as child safeguarding, insurance, training and H&S - and that they are also working towards being accredited!

“With so many different classes and clubs out there and no guidelines in place until now, it was hard for parents to make informed choices - now it’s easy - just look for the logo!

“We are very proud to be CAA members along with all the Rhythm Time franchisees,” added Lynne.

If you want to know more about the CAA visit www.childrensactivitiesassociation.org For information on Rhythm Time music classes in the area go to www.rhythmtime.net or call Lynne O’Malley on 07789 895894

Looking for a new activity?

If you’re looking for a new and exciting after school activity for your child, Harrogate Climbing Centre has a range of instructed indoor rock climbing sessions suitable for children from as young as 5 years.

Rock climbing is great for improving fitness, building selfconfidence and getting young people working together.

From one-off experiences to progressive after-school and weekend courses, Harrogate Climbing Centre has something for everyone.

If the whole family would like to get involved, taster sessions can be booked at a time to suit you – these are private sessions that can accommodate a mixture of adults and children.

For budding adventurers looking for a longer term hobby the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) scheme allows children to develop their climbing skills and knowledge over a period of time. Harrogate Climbing Centre delivers all 5 Levels of NICAS meaning that children can learn the basics and then progress onto advanced climbing techniques. Throughout the NICAS courses children are coached by a highly trained in-house team who are passionate about passing on their skills and introducing young people to the sport.

All of the sessions are fully supervised and all equipment is provided in the cost of each session. One off sessions cost £8 for Little Monkeys (5-6yrs), £11 for Rock Its (711yrs) and £11 for Hang Time (11-17yrs). NICAS courses are £10 per session and are booked as half term blocks.

For more information or to book visit the Harrogate Climbing Centre website www.harrogateclimbingcentre.com or call on 01423 815024.

New Under 5’s Gymnastics Activity Classes in Wetherby Gym Gems have new Thursday sessions starting this September for the Under 5’s.

The sessions offer youngsters the opportunity to try-out traditional gymnastics skills such as rolling, jumping, and swinging encouraged by British Gymnastically trained coaches using musical stimulation.

Lisa Ann Davis, Head Coach said: “September is always an exciting time as parents are looking out for new activities.

We are in the process of updating our face-book page with footage of our activities in the sessions so everybody can see what fun we have whilst learning.

“We are also running a parent and child class and an independent class for Pre-schoolers just like our Wednesday sessions.”

Lisa is also now taking bookings for their specialist baby classes running in blocks of 4 weeks on the Wednesday sessions. The class, designed purely for children aged eight weeks to walking, will be running at the Wetherby Sports Association at 12.15pm or 3.00pm depending on booking requirements.

For more information contact Lisa on 07946 082801, email gym_gems@ yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

FREE football kit with Football Tots – saving £25!

Footballtots is an excellent pre-school football activity. The combination of energetic games, fun activities and educational development has proved a winning formula for parents and budding footballers across North Yorkshire.

Their focus is to encourage pre-school boys and girls to enjoy learning a range of new skills, from educational concepts such as counting, colours and shapes to social development in listening to instructions and taking turns.

Footballtots provides the perfect positive environment for children to develop these life skills. Jenny MacNair of Footballtots said: “Many pre-school children find concentrating, listening and sharing difficult, but our coaches are experienced and help parents and children through this difficult stage, we play fun games which ensure children look forward to cooperating and joining in.”

FREE Footballtots Football Kit worth £25.00 For the Winter term Footballtots are offering all Families readers a FREE Footballtots Football Kit worth £25.00. All you have to do is register and pay for the Winter 2015 term before the 18th September, quoting FAMILIES FREEKIT. If you would like more details about classes visit www.football-tots.net. If you would like to book for the winter 2015 term email Jenny MacNair on info@football-tots.net.

Linguacook - learn to cook! (in a foreign language) Linguacook offers cookery classes and language workshops for children aged five upwards.

Children can have fun creating their own culinary masterpieces while at the same time improving their language skills.

With classes available in French and German, this is a perfect place for children to both acquire some cooking skills and learn a foreign language: enjoyable, educational... and somebody else clears up the mess!

In the course of an afternoon children will make a delicious recipe, with all ingredients and cooking materials provided. Past recipes have included Fougasse (savoury French filled bread), macarons, pizza, enchiladas and profiteroles. Linguacook Around The World themed sessions focus on the cuisine of a particular country such as China, Indonesia, Finland or Greece with pupils acquiring cultural as well as culinary knowledge.

Pupils working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award may use Linguacook classes to count towards their Skills section of the award.

A typical Linguacook session involves introductions in the target language, followed by recipe instruction in French / German (and English where necessary), followed by plenty of baking and cooking. Learning is fun and hands-on and children make many new friends along the way.

Linguacook sessions take place in the well-equipped Food Technology kitchens of Read School in its historic setting of Drax, Selby. Classes are open to children of all ages 5-17 and cater for all levels of language and cooking ability.

For more information please contact Madame Ainley on 07786 266715 or enquiries@linguacook.co.uk

New Toddler Sense Classes begin in September Following the successful launch of Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense across the Vale of York, regional franchisee Elizabeth Davies is delighted to announce the addition of several more Toddler Sense locations to complement their already popular York city centre, Haxby and South Cave classes.

“In September, we will be launching Toddler Sense in Woodthorpe, York, Sutton Upon Derwent, Driffield, Malton and Beverley” said Elizabeth.

Toddler Sense introduces children, aged 13 months to 5 years old, to a whole new world of adventure. The activities are designed to keep toddlers and children busy, active, and stimulated by offering them an imaginative experience in a safe and happy environment.

“Each week introduces fresh new ideas and an action-packed adventure.”added Elizabeth. “There is always something new to look forward to.

“It is a very exciting time of year to join Toddler Sense with attendees being treated to a ‘Spooky Wooky’ party at the end of October and a ‘Fireworks Extravaganza’ at the beginning of November. Children will have fun investigating Bouncy Spiders, Skeleton Shadows, a Pumpkin Parade, a Torch Procession and toddler friendly fireworks.

“The youngest members of the family will not be left out and will also be treated to an autumn special at their Baby Sensory classes. Babies, aged birth to 13 months, will be able to explore the sights, sounds, textures and smells of autumn with our spectacular ‘Baby Pumpkin’ session featuring the Pumpkin Bounce and baby safe fireworks/ bonfire.”

For more information email northyorkshire@babysensory.co.uk or visit www.babysensory.com/en/toddlersense

The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts launches its newest Academy in York The Pauline Quirke Academy is a weekend performing arts school for 4-18 year olds. Due to high demand PQA York is delighted to be opening a second Academy on Saturday 3rd October.

Speaking of the brand new Academy, Pauline said, “When we opened our first academy in 2007 our mission was simply to provide the very best performing arts education. We’ve grown a lot since then, but that mission hasn’t changed. By working with people we believe are outstanding in their field, we aim to bring the widest, most exciting experience to our students in an environment that is both friendly and rewarding.”

PQA’s core modules in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television teach a comprehensive range of skills, which are useful for everyday life, not just a career in the performing arts.

PQA believe in rewarding and inspiring their students, so along with regular reports to monitor their progress, all students are offered group exams through Trinity College London - at no additional charge to parents.

PQA York is holding a free open day on Saturday 3rd October from 1.45 –5.00 pm at Huntington School, Huntington Road, Huntington, York. YO32 9WT. For more information visit www.pqacademy.com or call 0800 531 6282.

Families Vale of York 9

clubs&classes

Too Much, Too Soon?

Are we pushing our kids too far by signing them up to lots of clubs and classes - or offering valuable advantages?

By Sally J. Hall

Ashville College

Sports Club

Children’s Swimming Lessons • • • • •

Lessons available from Parent & Toddler up to Junior Lifesaving Tuesday evening, Friday evening & Saturday morning Lessons run during school term time only Group based lessons or private tuition Casual swimming & kids’ pool parties also available

Book early to avoid disappointment Please call in to the sports club to enquire, telephone 01423 724812 or email sportsclub@ashville.co.uk Ashville College Sports Club, Yew Tree Lane, Harrogate HG2 9JP www.ashvillesportsclub.co.uk

Most parents agree; kids need to be stimulated and to have plenty going on to stop them getting bored. Mums and dads are only too aware of the value of after-school clubs to ensure their children are well looked after and stimulated.

But with a vast range on offer, it can be tempting to sign them up for a different activity every evening. Piano on Monday, gymnastic Tuesday, maths Wednesday – and so it goes on, with more over the weekend.

Of course we might not all be able to offer our child such a packed schedule – finances alone might make this impossible – but there’s no doubt that a couple of well-chosen activities can be great for giving your child an insight into areas that the school curriculum can’t cover.

What age is best to start classes?

Early years: They get very tired so keep outside activities to a minimum. For excess energy, a good run in the park is great for letting off steam. An art, singing or baby ballet-type class with the emphasis on play would be great.

Infant school: Add a low-key activity to look forward to. Singing, music making, dancing, simple sports and swimming are all great choices for little ones.

Junior school: As dreaded tests loom, add an educational class if your child is struggling with one subject. Extra maths or reading tuition can make all the difference to confidence.

Senior school: It’s easier to add activities as energy and independence increases. As more exams come up, be flexible about allowing them to miss or drop activities.

Linguacook Mixing Languages with Cooking

Have fun creating culinary masterpieces whilst improving language skills

Classes for ages 5-17. All abilities catered for

Classes available in French & German

Saturdays 1:00 – 4:00pm Autumn Programme starts Saturday September 12th Book online at

www.linguacook.co.uk Courses run at The Read School, Drax t: 07786 266 715 e: enquiries@linguacook.co.uk Follow us on twitter @linguacook

10 Families Vale of York

Mini Mozart? Many parents are convinced

their child is a musical genius – and they may be right – but pushing a child into playing an instrument can put them off for life! From seven years, a 30 or 45 minute class is plenty, with ten minutes of daily practice. This can increase slowly. Take a look at The Music Rooms in Selby which offers tuition in all instruments.

Fitness Fanatic Sports and dance are great for fitness and flexibility and the chance to play with teams from other areas – though for younger kids, avoid classes that are too aggressive or pressurised. Be prepared for many hours spent track, field or pool-side if your child loves sports. For swimming try Baby Swimmers, Splish Splosh Swimming School, Little Stars, Flutterbabies or Swimtime who all run high quality local classes.

Mastermind If one subject is a struggle, one-to-one tuition can pay dividends and if your child wants to study a particular subject later on, it can be invaluable. Both First Class Learning and Explore Learning run classes in our area.

Mini Thespian Kids thrive in acting and singing classes and may go on to theatre school.

It builds confidence and the ability to express themselves. Try Stagecoach or Pauline Quirke Academy who cover all aspects of performance in their weekend classes in York, Harrogate, Selby & Wetherby.

Alternatives For every kind of child, there’s

an activity to suit, so check the clubs and classes section of the Families website to see what’s near you. From archery to zoology, you’ll find something they love.

What do clubs and classes offer your child?

• A chance to mix with

children from other schools and areas; this will widen your child’s social circle • A chance to take part in artistic, musical and sporting activities not offered at school • A potential career • Teamwork skills • Increases confidence and the ability to mix • The ability to develop persistence and patience • But - play is important too Educational Psychologist Peter Gray wrote in the Independent that we should allow our children more time for playing. He believes that more time in the classroom and less at play can be detrimental, because kids miss out on life skills that can only be learned through play. “Judgement, wisdom and creative ability …come from life experiences,” he says. “For children, those experiences are embedded in play.”

Swimming Lessons • • • • •

All Ages and Abilities Group lessons One to One Lessons Lessons Local to you Gift Vouchers

Call Debbie or Ray: 01757 247047 or 07768 179840

Email : Sarah.roberts@swimtime.org Learn to swim, be safe, have fun!

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What’s on the menu?

.s w im ti m e . o

Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

Under 5’s Gymnastics We’re here to have lots of fun… ...why don’t you come and join us?

Lots of activities specially designed for different stages of physical development including balancing, jumping, swinging and rolling.

Learning through play and music using hand apparatus and large apparatus for variety.

Building strength, co-ordination, agility and balance and increasing physical confidence and self esteem Parent and child classes and independent sessions.

WETHERBY SPORTS ASSOCIATION

Lodge Lane, Wetherby,LS22 5HA (in the leisure centre car park) for class times and availability on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Contact Lisa 07946 082801 Gym_Gems@yahoo.com

Families Vale of York 11

s e s s a l c & s club Music

High-Low Quick-Slow 01757 611 234 www.highlowquickslow.co.uk Fun music & movement for ages 6months – 5 years. 45 minute classes in , Rawcliffe, Escrick, Osgodby, Monk Fryston, Drax & Wistow.

Jo Jingles 01977 650 455 www.jojingles.com/leeds Wetherby & Boston Spa. Music, singing & movement classes for babies & young children ages 3mths-5yrs.

Rhythm Time www.rhythmtime.net 07789 895 894 Music & Singing classes for babies, toddlers & preschoolers. Harrogate & Wetherby.

Sing and Sign York 01904 690 038 www.singandsign.com Classes in Poppleton, Wheldrake & York Library.

Singamajigs www.singamajigs.co.uk 01423 552 918 Sing & jig from birth – 5. Classes in Harrogate & surrounding area.

The Music Rooms - Selby 07976 250 785 info@themusicroomsselby.co.uk Tuition in ALL instruments with 6 teaching rooms, band rehearsal rooms, instrument repairs, choirs, workshops & music courses

Sports & Movement

Baby Sensory York: york@babysensory.co.uk; Harrogate & Wetherby: harrogate@babysensory.co.uk 07721885724; Ripon & Northallerton: ripon@babysensory.co.uk 07970122187; Malton & Pocklington: eastyork@babysensory.co.uk 07961727253 Multi-sensory play for babies up to 13 months www.babysensory.com Enjoy – a – Ball www.enjoy-a-ball.com 07789 861 108 Sports coaching programme for ages 3 – 9. Classes in Harrogate & Knaresborough area.

Flutterbabies 07768 538 527 www.flutterbabies.co.uk Baby Yoga in York (8 weeks +), Baby Swimming (12 weeks – 4 years), Baby Massage (newborn+) & Baby Signing (6 – 20 months).

Football Tots 07595 297 639 www.football-tots.net Football for ages 2-5 in York, Selby, Ripon & Thirsk.

Go Yoga 74741 933 488 www.yoga-yoga.org.uk & www.goyogaharrogate.com Yoga for babies, toddlers, children & parents in Harrogate. Baby massage too.

Gym Gems 07946 082 801 Classes for under 5s at the Wetherby Sports Association with North Leeds Gymnastics Academy.

Harrogate Climbing Centre 01423 815 024 www.harrogateclimbingcentre.co.uk Climbing clubs for ages 5 upwards.

Rugby Tots www.rugbytots.co.uk For ages 2-7 in York, Harrogate, Knaresborough & Ripon.

Sambarca 07595 297 639 www.sambarca.com Football for boys & girls aged 5-16 in York & Ripon.

Tappytots 01977 621 616 www.tappytots.co.uk Music & dance adventure for 2-5 year olds in York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Tennis Tots Harrogate: 07725 339 257 York & Pocklington: 07725 029 867 www.tennis-tots.co.uk Tennis for ages 2-6.

Inspired forest school adventures for children aged 2 to 11 years old Gruffalo hunting Elf rocket blasting Leprechaun gold tracking Fairy villages Super rainbow volcanoes Wand making...and lots more

We run birthday parties and holiday camps too!

Now running midweek term time sessions at local parks

NEW Bushcraft adventure sessions for 5 to 11 years old Our exciting new program that includes survival skills, bow & arrows, den making and fire lighting

Birthday parties Parent and child classes Events and fetes Primary, nursery and preschool’s INSET and training days

Classes and parties run all year round across Yorkshire

Call 07788 713 393 info@thewoodlandadventurecompany.co.uk www.thewoodlandadventurecompany.co.uk

Tennis Tykes www.tennistykes.co.uk Harrogate, & Wetherby 07843 342 662 Tennis play & coaching programme for children aged 2+.

The Little Gym 01423 701 560 www.thelittlegym.co.uk Gym programmes for children from 4mths to 12 yrs.

Toddler Sense York: york@toddlersense.co.uk 07718604343 Harrogate & Wetherby: harrogate@toddlersense.co.uk Excitement & adventure with a fast-moving, actionpacked programme - for children aged 13mths to 3yrs.

Sutton Upon Derwent, Driffield & Malton: eastyork@toddlersense.co.uk Beverley, Brough & South Cave: beverley@toddlersense.co.uk Tumbletots York & Selby 01904 412 381 www.tumbletots.com Gym classes for ages 6 months – 7 years

Performing

Babyballet York Central, North & West 07702 965 932 www.babyballet.co.uk Tinies for 18mths to 3yrs & Movers for 3 -4 yr olds. Classes in Woodthorpe, Clifton Moor, Manor Academy & Clements Hall.

Bluespoon Theatre Company Based in York 07923 359 470 www.bluespoontheatre.com Butterfly Dance Studios www.butterflydancestudios.co.uk 01405 780 626 Extensive classes from ballet & tap to Latin American & Hip Hop. All ages – tots to adults. Goole.

Diddi Dance www.diddidance.com 07917 757 566 Funky pre-school dance classes in, Harrogate, Knaresborough & Boston Spa. En Pointe Classical Dance School www.enpointeyork.co.uk Classical dance school for ages 1+ in York. Classes in Fulford, Wigginton, Holgate, Huntington, Fishergate & Heworth.

Flying Ducks Youth Theatre www.flyingducksyouththeatre.com For ages up to 12 & 12-18 in York Harrogate Youth Theatre (Harrogate Theatre) www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk For ages 3 -18. No auditions and the same opportunities and experiences for everyone - whatever background.

Junction, Goole www.junctiongoole.co.uk Electric Youth Theatre (5-18), School of Rock (12+), Ukulele Junction (12+) all ages & abilities.

Katie Ventress School of Dance 07919 008078 www.katieventressschoolofdance. co.uk Ballet, Tap, Modern Theatre Dance & Musical Theatre/ Drama for ages 4+ in York.

Kids2Dance www.kids2dance.co.uk 0113 287 6252 Dance & movement classes for ages 6mths - 4 yrs in Selby, York, Tadcaster, Howden, Carlton, Eggborough, Sherburn, Brayton, Hambleton, South Milford & surrounding areas.

Pauline Quirk Academy www.pqacademy.com York: 07753 179 070 Harrogate: 07928 835 516 York and Harrogate- based classes in comedy & drama, musical theatre, film & television for ages 4-18. Based at Huntington School, York & Harrogate Grammar School.

Razzamataz 01759 306 676 www.razzamataz.co.uk Drama, dance & music for ages 4-18 at York High School Riding Lights Youth Theatre www.ridinglights.org For ages 11-18 in York.

Stagecoach York: 01904 672 662 Harrogate: 01423 771 138 Selby: 0113 210 3505 Wetherby: 0113 210 3505 www.stagecoach.co.uk Classes in drama, dance and singing for students aged from 4 -19. Offers training in performing arts and life skills, such as confidence and self esteem.

Stage Door Academy www.stagedooracademy1.co.uk 01405 780 357 Drama & musical theatre & singing in the Goole & Howden area.

Upstage Centre Youth Theatre 01904 674 675 www.upstagecentre.org.uk Catering for ages 8-25 in York.

York Youth Theatre (Theatre Royal) www. yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/youth.shtml Catering for ages 5-19. A brilliant opportunity to work with professional theatre practitioners and artists and perform on stage.

Arts, Crafts & Creative

Swimming

Ashville College Sports Club Swimming lessons from parent & toddler up to junior lifesaving.

Group-based or private tuition available during term-time only.

Baby Swimmers 0808 133 44 55 www.babyswimmers.co.uk York, Pocklington, Harrogate & Leeds Flutterbabie s 07768 538 527 www.flutterbabies.co.uk Baby Swimming at Bramhope, Goosewood Holiday Park & Scholes Primary School.

Harrogate Borough Council www.harrogate.gov.uk Classes for all ages & stages at all 5 pools including Raindrops for ages 6mths-3yrs.

Little Stars Swimming School www.emilyfrances.co.uk littlestarsinfo@emilyfrances.co.uk 07970694358 Lessons for babies, pre-schoolers, beginners, intermediates & oneto-ones. Lessons run Sun – Tues 1pm – 5.30pm & Weds – Fri 9am – 5.30pm at Cawood Park Selby Leisure Centre 01942 828508 www.selbyleisurecentre.org Swimtots & lessons for all ages.

Splish Splosh Swimming School 0844 264 1102 www.splishsploshswimmingschool.net Classes in York & further afield. Ages 3 months+ Swimtime 01757 247 047 www.swimtime.org Local swimming lessons for all ages & abilities.

Swim Tots 01423 528 882 www.swim-tots.co.uk York, Harrogate & Boroughbridge. Classes from birth – pre-school.

Swim York www.york.gov.uk 01904 552 424 Classes run all year for ages 6mths+ at Energise or Yearsley Swimming Pool.

Tadcaster Community Swimming Pool 01937 833 001 www.tadcasterpool.org.uk Aquatots (ages 3-4) & programmes for all ages & stages.

Water Babies www.waterbabies.co.uk 01904 607 110 Classes for babies from birth – 4 yrs. Babies need to be under 1 to begin. York & Harrogate.

Wetherby Leisure Centre www.leeds.gov.uk 01937 585 125 Swimming Lessons available for all ages & stages.

Linguacook Selby area www.linguacook.co.uk enquiries@linguacook.co.uk Fabulous cookery and language workshops for children aged 5-17.

Pots 2 Go Harrogate 01423 524 797 www.pots2go.co.uk Rainbows Ceramic Café York 01904 675 533 www.rainbowscafe.co.uk Young At Art 01937 582 153 www.youngatart-harrogate.co.uk Workshops & holiday arts & craft sessions for children aged 1-11 in Harrogate & Wetherby.

*This voucher must be provided at the start of the session. Terms and Conditions apply.

See website for details. Expires 31st Oct 2015

Award-winning tuition Maths & English ages 5 -14

New skills Confidence Enthusiasm

Free trial session - book today!

York 01904 406 355 www.explorelearning.co.uk Families Vale of York 13

Young Artists Brighten Up Waiting Room

news

Mount Junior Girls 100% LAMDA Ashville Adds Distinctions New PrePupils at The Mount Junior School have scored 100% Distinctions in national School To Its again drama examinations.

School, which also scored perfect DistinctionsEducational The only in 2012 and 2014 in the national examinations for the London Academy of Music Family and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA), is York’s only all-girl

Young heart patients arriving for appointments at a Leeds hospital will be cheered up as they wait to see their consultant thanks to pupils from a Harrogate school.

Pupils from Belmont Grosvenor have chosen the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund as their charity for 2015.

As well as taking part in a series of fundraising events throughout the school year, pupils entered an in-school painting competition, with the best pictures being framed, and hung on the wall of the newlyrefurbished children’s waiting room at Leeds General Infirmary.

The winning artists were invited into the Children’s Heart Unit at Leeds General Infirmary to hang their pictures on the wall, as well as cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the new room.

Gail Bland, charities coordinator at Belmont Grosvenor School, said the children were very excited about being invited into the hospital to see their paintings in situ – and to help open the new waiting room.

“The art competition was open to all pupils at the school, from nursery to Year 6, and the standard of entries was very high. The theme was ‘Family Days Out in Yorkshire’ and winners were chosen from each year group – we are delighted that our pupils’ artwork will help brighten up this very important part of the hospital,” she said. www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

Leading Harrogate school for junior years. independent school, Ashville, Drama teacher, Rachel Lavell, said: is throwing open the doors “The girls did incredibly well for the examiners to a brand new educational with their group pieces, which they also performed facility this September. for parents and friends at our annual Drama From the start of the new academic year, Ashville Pre-school - an Showcase, entitled I See A Voice. extension of Ashville Pre-prep School - will be offering morning and “I enjoy teaching these enthusiastic girls who afternoon sessions, and whole days, for three-year-olds. have such tremendous levels of energy which they Led by industry expert Sam Salt and a newly-recruited specialist team, willingly channel into insightful performances. In the new facility will be based within a purpose-built building adjacent group recitals, the girls worked very well together as a team and they really excelled in their concert to the Pre-prep School. this year,” said Rachel, who also teaches Drama to Carol Berrie, Head of Ashville Pre Prep School, said: The Mount’s senior students.

“We are incredibly excited to be extending our Early Years provision by Principal Julie Lodrick said: opening our own Pre-School, Acorns at Ashville “I am delighted for the girls, who worked very hard “For the last few years we have tested the water by hosting a series of indeed and truly deserve their accolade. Credit is taster days for children, which proved to be very popular indeed. also due to Rachel and our Junior School teachers.

“The response from parents has shown that there is a real demand for The Mount boasts acting icons Dame Judi Dench, us to open our own pre-school.

Mary Ure and Naomi Sheldon among its alumnae.

“As soon as it was known we would be launching one this September, www.mountschoolyork.co.uk we had a plethora of enquiries from parents asking if they could put their children’s names Pictured, Reception children at The Mount Junior School The girls brought for the school a load of gifts, including with hats and toys intended for Namibia down.” knitted hats (it gets extremely cold at night) and stuffed toys of elephants and bears, which were lovingly crafted Mrs Berrie added: by the Mothers’ Union knitters of St Giles, Bramhope.

“Whilst Ashville Pre-School will be located in Seventeen Mount girls, from Year 11 and College I, its own, purpose-built facility, it will be very travelled to Namibia with three members of staff from much an extension of the Pre-prep School. the all-girl Quaker school based in the heart of York.

This means the pupils will be part of the wider Before the trip, the girls had worked with the school’s Ashville family, and, naturally, have access to award-winning chef to better understand how to cook all of Ashville’s superb facilities. their own meals using ingredients they were likely to find “Every parent wants the best possible start for in Namibia. They also held fundraising drives to bolster their child, and that’s exactly what they will get their supplies of donations to Vergonoeg, which included when they join Acorns at Ashville. They will be books, the hand-crafted knitted goods, sports kit and given every opportunity to thrive and flourish toys. from an early age.

From The Mount With Love

“And the good news is we will be part of the government’s early years funding scheme.”

Further details about Acorns at Ashville can be obtained by emailing Mrs Denise Hunter at d.hunter@ashville.co.uk or by calling her on 01423 724 815

Girls at York’s Mount School travelled to Namibia in July. The intrepid explorers went to a rural settlement area for the San people (also known as Bushman or Basarwa) to work with the local school for 7 to 15 year olds. The district, called Vergonoeg, means ‘far enough’ in Afrikaans.

Children in The Mount’s Reception year were very pleased to hear about the older girls making an international trip to help other children. “I think it’s good and kind to take these presents because people in Namibia get cold at night and because not all the children have many toys to hug,” said Erin in The Mount’s Reception class.

Summer School proves a hit!

More than 120 pupils from schools across York completed an academic summer school programme during the holidays as part of the city’s Independent State School Partnership (ISSP).

Now in its third year, the summer school attracted 126 children from 11 schools across the city.

Aimed at able, interested and motivated pupils in Years 7 and 8, the summer school took the form of an extended masterclass with the young people studying one subject over four days. The children chose from one of four workshops Maths, Fairy Tales (a combination of poetry, history, psychology and creative writing), Psychology and Art, and pursued it through extended in-depth study, a style of learning frequently requested by ISSP students.

Annette Aylett, York ISSP Coordinator, said: “This was an opportunity to be involved in exciting, fun and challenging workshops delivered by outstanding professionals. There were many highlights, ranging from the sheer joy the children showed whilst in their classes to the way they worked alongside other children they’d never met before but who shared their love of learning.

“The standard of the art work was breathtaking. Staff were very impressed with the children’s positive attitude and behaviour and with their high academic ability and willingness to share their work with others. The children only wanted to do difficult and challenging things - and they really flourished in the classrooms, where the atmosphere was buzzing!”

In addition to the academic learning, the pupils enjoyed daily lunchtime activities including sport, computing, Knex model building and the highly popular Cook Your Own Lunch option, which saw pupils cook and devour everything from pizza to chilli with jacket potatoes.

Schools involved in the partnership were: All Saints, Archbishop Holgate’s, Bootham, Canon Lee, Huntington, Joseph Rowntree, Manor, Millthorpe, St Olave’s, St Peter’s, The Mount and York High School.

Inspiring tuition– free trial session!

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life.

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.

Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership today. Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk.

How to cope with first day nerves s) (yours and their

By Liat Hughes-Joshi

You’ve bought the uniform, sewn on the nametapes and packed their book bag. Now the big first day is almost upon you, reduce the chances of tears at the classroom door with our starting school tips.

A few days beforehand, ease them into a ‘school compatible’ routine If you’ve been enjoying the summer holidays with later nights and relaxed, lazy mornings, head towards the sort of getting up and bedtimes needed for school in advance of day one. It’ll be less of a shock than a sudden change.

Highlight the positives of school life

Read stories about school together try Lauren Child or Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s lovely books on the subject.

Or recount tales of your own positive experiences (skip the anecdotes about the super-scary teacher and inedible lunches). Remind them, too, of the things they enjoyed at any settling-in visits, such as ‘ooh, you’ll be able to play with the dressing up box again!’

Pre-empt worries

Your child could be anxious about classroom life but unable to articulate their concerns. Ask them how they’re feeling about it and listen out for anything that you can help explain. It could be, what to do if they need the loo during lessons, where you’ll be at picking up time or what happens if they don’t like lunch. Tell them that it’s absolutely fine to talk to the teacher if they’re scared or sad.

Check out the school run in advance

A parent getting flustered because they’ve spent ten minutes trying to find

parking or the right entrance to the building will not contribute to the calm first day vibe we’re after here.

Do a practice school run a couple of days before if it’s anything other than straightforward and make sure you know where to pick up from, as well as drop off.

On the morning, keep farewells short but sweet

A quick hug will often be more reassuring than a ten minute parting ritual which makes it all seem a bigger deal than just a few hours apart. Avoid saying that you’ll miss your child too - it puts the idea in their head that they should miss you. If your little one is especially nervous, it can work well to give them a kiss on their hand to ‘keep’ in their pocket during the day.

Skip the mascara but remember a tissue

It’s not just the children who can end up in tears - it’s normal for parents to feel emotional when they first send their reception child through those school gates. If you think you’re about to cry, do try and hold off until you’re out of sight of your child if possible.

Most four-year-olds will be more likely to get upset if they see mum sobbing – they probably won’t understand that it’s because you’re proud/ taken aback by how grown-up they suddenly look.

But rest assured, if tears should roll, be it yours or your child’s, you won’t be the only ones and we promise no-one will remember in years to come.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

Children’s Parties

at Ashville College, Harrogate

Open up the world for your child with our Montessori nurseries.

Outstanding care and education to inspire and guide each individual child.

Fulford 01904 642666 Strensall 01904 490339

www.yorkmontessori.com

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Hall hire & catering options Dedicated party co-ordinator Pool parties Football parties Roller Disco parties Face painting Bouncy Castle Enjoy-a-ball activities Peppa Pig lookalike appearances Contact our events team on 01423 724 827 or email parties@ashville.co.uk Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate HG2 9JP www.ashvilletrading.co.uk

Families Vale of York 15

been there - done that Ten mistakes that parents make when they’re new to school life

By Liat Hughes-Joshi

Mums and dads of older children share their top tips on what they would have told themselves to avoid problems when they were new to the school run.

Complaining to the teacher - based on what your child told you happened… only it didn’t…

You take what your child has said as gospel, march into see the teacher, only to fall flat on your (red with embarrassment) face when you discover your little one has got completely the wrong end of the stick.

Even the most switched on, truthful child can mishear or misunderstand sometimes.

Stay open-minded and communicate to the teacher that you appreciate what you’ve been told might not be what actually occurred!

Sweating the small stuff An interest in how your child is doing is healthy but getting overly-wrapped up with the minutiae of reading levels is less so. Who could tackle the hardest spellings at the age of five will not go on their CV, after all.

As Emma, mum to Jamie, 12, and Lucy, 9, puts it “I realise now that who was sitting on which table or reading which books wasn’t anywhere near as important as I thought it was then. If your child is progressing and enjoying school, try not to worry.”

Getting embroiled in school gate competitiveness Engaging with ‘Competitive Mum’ (there’s one in every class…) is a lose-lose situation. If your child is ahead of hers, she’ll hate you for it. If hers has one up on yours, you’ll end up inwardly fuming at her smugness. Do not participate in her FBIstyle interrogations about whether your child has done grade 42 piano or is taking their platinum swimming badge yet.

If all else fails, adopt a vacant look and mutter “the reading scheme – don’t understand it”, or change the subject quickly – the weather, last night’s Eastenders, anything but school.

Not helping at school…or doing so for the wrong reasons Volunteering for the Parent Teacher Association is an ideal way to make friends and feel that you’re a part of the school community. You might also be able to assist in class as a volunteer - just don’t do it to snoop on who gets up to what in there.

Freaking out about friendship fall-outs Reception children switch friends quicker than you can ask ‘who’s your best buddy?’ It’s completely normal and bust-ups are quickly forgotten.

Provide a shoulder to cry on and offer reassuring advice. You could also arrange playdates with other classmates to build bonds.

Cath, recalls how daughter Ava, 7, fell out with her best friend: ‘I was ready to storm around to her house. Then I realised they change best friends every day. It wasn’t a big deal for her. “

Tackling other parents about problems between the children Some little horror has been merciless to your child and your protective instincts are kicking in. But do not head over to give the other mum what for. She could have a different version of events and you’re unlikely to change her mind about who said or did what to whom. There’s also scope for a parental fall-out that will endure long after the kids make up. Cue an awkward few years at the school gate…

If the situation’s serious, raise it with the teacher and let them sort things out.

Losing sight of the fact the teacher has 29 other pupils to look after At ‘big school’, you aren’t going to be able to have the daily chat with staff you might have been used to at nursery or with a childminder. There could be 30 children in the class - if every parent asked for that ‘quick five minute catch up’ on a daily basis, ‘Miss’ would be there for 2.5 hours.

Sangeeta, mum to Maya, 6, says: “there’s an element of ‘no news is good news’. If they’re struggling or misbehaving, the teacher will tell you. You get used to not knowing so much about what they do.”c

Expecting your child to be chatty and delighted to see you at 3pm Even little ones who were fine with full-time nursery can have the stuffing knocked out of them by starting school. With so much to learn, by home time many reception kids (and teachers!) are exhausted.

Alison, mum of Jack, 7, advises: “I wanted to catch up with him but he used to be so grouchy. Don’t sign up for any after-school activities initially.

Lots of early nights helped, too. Oh, and always have a snack waiting for them – he still comes out starving every day.”

Focusing on whether they know their letters before they start but not worrying about getting their coat or shoes on Ask a reception teacher what they would like their new charges to be able to do and it probably won’t be about letters or counting. What they would like is for your child to be able to dress and undress for PE, use the loo independently and maybe recognise their name on their coat peg/ belongings.

Not naming absolutely anything of use or importance!

There’s a black hole in every primary school into which children’s belongings fall, never to be seen again. If you want to maximise chances of getting lost items back, add their name to everything. And be very wary when your child asks if they can take their favourite teddy/ toy into show the other children, as there’s a chance it will never be seen again.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

16 Families Vale of York

The Benefits of Extra Tuition For Your Child

by Becky Nicholson

As an experienced primary school teacher and private tutor I see many parents who wonder whether their child might benefit from a little extra help in maths or English. Perhaps their youngster struggles with their schoolwork, or maybe, they have a bright child who needs a little extra push to fulfil their potential? A large number of parents I speak to, have a child who is not quite keeping up with their class and as a result, have low confidence in their abilities. A lack of confidence can result in under performance and poor concentration.

A good private tutor or tuition centre will make sure that the specific learning needs of each child is met, as well as developing confidence, self-esteem and independent study skills. Motivating a child to want to succeed is key. Indeed, if a child feels they can succeed, they invariably will.

If you are thinking of getting extra tuition for your child but wondering where to start looking, here are some important factors to consider: • Only buy tuition from a provider who has undertaken a thorough diagnostic assessment and interview with your child to identify their academic learning needs and attitude to learning.

This way, they can personalise a programme of work and adapt their teaching style to suit your child.

• Look for a system of reward and encouragement. If the tutor just gives your poor youngster input and worksheets, that is unlikely to be much fun! A good tutor will have a solid system of praise and reward to motivate and encourage their students.

• Following on from that, ask the tutor how their programme of work develops confidence and self-esteem. Crucial to a child’s success is their feeling of being good at something. If they think they can do it – they will!

• Ask for proof of success. Can the tutor give evidence of students who have improved in maths and English? Are there any testimonials available to read? Do other parents and students speak positively about their experiences?

• Does the tuition match the work done in schools? Buying tuition that is aligned with the National Curriculum has obvious benefits. My students are delighted to score top marks in their school spellings or their times-tables tests because they have learned them in the centre. Others have breezed through school writing tasks because they have already practised sample answers beforehand.

• Does the tuition have ‘hidden’ benefits too, such as fostering your child’s sense of pride in their work, or discipline in getting homework done regularly and on time. How about developing good study habits and independent learning skills? Everything here is crucial for today’s young learners.

HLC

HLC

HLC

Bankfield nURSeRY

HiGHfield PReP

HaRRoGate ladieS’ ColleGe

Boys & Girls Age 2-4

Boys & Girls Age 4-11

Girls aged 11-18

Visit our

Open Day

on thursday 24 September 2015

About Becky and First Class Learning (FCL): This article was written for Families

by Becky Nicholson, manager of the FCL centre in York. Becky is a fully qualified primary school teacher and worked in schools for 14 years before moving to FCL. Becky is passionate about helping children succeed by building on their abilities and boosting their confidence.

The FCL programme has been designed by educationalists with extensive experience in mainstream education. With over 250 centres in the UK FCL has a proven record of delivering quality, supplementary education to children from 4 to 16 years of age. All FCL material is produced in the UK in accordance with the National Curriculum.

To find out more, call Becky on 07932 751 003 or visit www.firstclasslearning.co.uk/ york-south

To book, call 01423 537045 or email admissions@hlc.org.uk

www.hlc.org.uk

Families Vale of York 17

outdooreducation As parents we know that children are happy in the outdoors, and once even the most hardened of citydwellers have got used to the damp and mud, they revel in unstructured time spent in the natural world. This applies not only to small children, but older ones too – contact with nature is known to impact positively on teenage anxiety and depression.

Nature’s classroom

By Hannah Hunter

Outdoor play can develop children’s understanding of risk, as well as testing their emotional and physical strength. Learning how high they can climb or how brave they can be, teaches them about themselves as well as how they relate to the environment. Contact with nature has even been shown to increase creativity and language development.

Children’s activity levels automatically go up when they are outdoors. As childhood obesity has a direct link with inactivity, outdoor learning could be a key to tackling this growing problem.

Despite this, many of today’s children are missing out. According to Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts: “Children in 2015 are spending half as much time outdoors as they were a generation ago and it can not be unrelated that one in ten children suffer from depression. Society is starting to realise the risks that this separation from our natural environment poses to our children’s health and happiness.”

So what can you do as a parent to increase your kids’ contact with nature? Here we explore some of the options:

Forest schools

Inspired by Danish ‘open air life’ nurseries, the first UK Forest School was started in Somerset in 1993, at Bridgewater College. Since then the movement has spread across the UK, with many Local Authorities employing trained Forest Schools practitioners to deliver a woodland learning experience each week, usually to primary-aged children and nurseries.

Leading charity, The Forest School Association, lists the principles governing the sessions. Small groups of children are taken into woodland or other natural environment, “to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.” Children are encouraged to explore their environments, taking supported risks, and the learning is child-centred rather than teacher-led.

Clubs and classes

Family nature days

As well as providing accessible venues for school and group outings, the Wildlife Trusts run activities across the UK just for families and children, organised by local groups, ranging from ‘nature tots’ toddler groups to family pond-dipping days.

Visit their website to find local information wildlifetrusts.org Go to the Forestry Commission website at www.forestry. gov.uk, to find your nearest woodlands. They have a free app with maps and local information on camping, trails and activities. At many of their forest centres you can buy a pack that will take you on a ‘Superworm’ kids trail, which includes activities and challenges for younger children.

To get the whole family moving, you could try geocaching.

The National Trust has set up free trails– all you need is a GPS enabled device that uses coordinates (you can use a smartphone). Download co-ordinates to find the caches (small waterproof boxes of ‘treasure’). The Trust also provide less ‘techy’ outdoor activities for families – their 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ is a good starting point.

You can pledge some ‘wild time’ with your children by signing up to The Wild Network – an organisation dedicated to reconnecting children with nature, at projectwildthing. com. They have a calendar of different events, and lots of fun activity ideas that will get you and your kids outdoors.

The film that inspired the organization is available to watch online, it’s an interesting take on how to ‘re-brand’ nature to appeal to the younger generation, who they claim are suffering from ‘nature-deficit disorder’.

If you’re not lucky enough to live close to a forest school, there are after-school clubs and classes that can support children’s learning outdoors. Many schools have nature or gardening clubs, often run by parent volunteers.

Tried-and-tested outdoor organizations, the Scouts and Girl Guides, offer a range of activities and camps.

The less traditional Woodcraft Folk, (www.woodcraft.org.uk) focus on Other useful links developing children’s connection with rspb.org.uk - local and national information and ideas for families activities exploring issues around nature english-heritage.org.uk –historical sites in natural settings and the natural environment.

Naturewood Toddler Group

by Wendy Crow and Hazel Naturewood Led Benson-Collinson the toddler Toddler group group offers a range of forest is a recently activities including den building, houses, shelter making, a formed outdoor fairy woodland kitchen, mini-beast group for hunting and much more. parents and “It all began as a bit of an says Wendy, their pre- experiment,” “and the children from Hensall schoolers who Toddler Group agreed to be my meet at Barlow guinea pigs!” then the parents and Common near Since children have developed into a Selby.

18 Families Vale of Yorkcore group of weekly attendees.

“The children play freely with the activities set out and with the natural materials that are around,” says Wendy. “One week there was an abundance of flower petals from the blossom trees, so we made blossom pies and soups in the woodland kitchen; another week there was much focus on finding the bird pictures and trying to say their names.

“We come together in the middle of each session for juice and biscuits (tea and coffee for

the grown ups) and we show and tell about what we have been doing in the session so far and introduce new activities.

Then at the end of each session we have a singing time, focusing as much as we can on rhymes and songs about the environment around us.”

During early autumn the group is looking forward to being able to use some tools for whittling and making more dens as well as small fire lighting and cooking.

To join them at their Tuesday sessions or find out more go to Naturewood (Selby@Barlow Common) Toddler Group on Facebook or tel: 07985 238979.

outdooreducation

Bushbabies

Bushbabies in the park is a fantastic new initiative, which takes advantage of our beautiful local spaces to provide magical forest school adventures. Now parents and childminders interested in this extraordinary child development program, can access this invaluable resource right on their doorstep.

“Forest school really does help children develop into more balanced, healthy and confident young people,” says Bushbabies teacher Adam Dove.

“In a world where computers and television play such a large role in our lives and our relationship with nature takes a back seat, it is more important than ever to reconnect. Studies show that just being in nature has positive effects for health and well-being, so when combined with an environment where children can use their imagination, be creative and exercise, the effects can be amazing.”

For these benefits to have a long-term impact, it is recommended for children to attend once a week for at least 6 weeks. With this in mind, Bushbabies have planned programs that run for consecutive weeks in school term times and Saturday mornings. Venues include West Bank Park at (Weds & Sat,) Rowntree Park (Mon & Thurs) and The Pinewoods , Valley Gardens, Harrogate (Tues) With two new members of staff, Kate and Tanya, Bushbabies sessions are fabulous way for your little ones to have fun and get out in nature.

For more information visit:

www.thewoodlandadventurecompany.co.uk/ activities/bushbabies-in-the-park/ Email: info@thewoodlandadventurecompany.co.uk Tel: 07788 713 393

You may have heard people talking about forest schools but what exactly are they and what happens at a forest school session?

Families editor Belinda Maunsell went along to Belmont Grosvenor School to find out.

Forestschools? what happens at

My love of outdoor activities goes back to when I was a Girl Guide so I was more than a little bit excited to be going along to a forest schools activity in the woods at Belmont Grosvenor.

Today’s class was a group of 12 reception children who sing their way to the campfire pit led by forest schools teacher Nick Wield.

Once the children are seated, Nick recaps a few safety rules and asks them what they would like to do. Inevitably “make a fire’ is the top choice, followed by “play with my friends”, “bounce in the bouncy leaves” and “find a letter from the fairies”.

Luckily for the children all these activities are on the agenda and soon the children are off exploring the area to see what they can find.

“Forest School sessions are very childled,” Nick tells me, “and we respond to what they want to do. We always light a fire and when the children are a little older – usually in year 2, they learn to light the fire themselves.”

Soon the children return to share their ‘finds’ which range from sticks which have become magic wands and crowns and even some bark which has become a rhinoceros horn. Nick uses this as an opportunity to ask the children if it was ok to take an animal’s horn and everyone agreed it was a very wrong thing to do.

Next it’s time to light the fire and it’s clear the children have learned a lot about how fires are made and how they burn, answering questions about fuel and oxygen – as well as having water nearby for safety.

The children help build the fire one at a time and think about the size of the sticks they are using. All of them

know to begin with thin sticks and build up to longer burning thicker ones. Pretty impressive for five years olds!

Once the fire is lit, Nick sends the children off, amidst much excitement, to find a letter that the fairies have hidden.

Throughout the session, central to the children’s learning is an emphasis on using the imagination and creativity.

Nick exudes endless enthusiasm and is always very gentle and kind with the children. What’s more he is always looking out for opportunities to praise their developing social skills and the kindness shown by the children for each other.

Whilst small groups of children are busy making fairies, I ask class teacher Sam McGinn how the children respond when they are outdoors.

“I’ve seen quite a difference in some of the children,” she tells me. “Being out here brings out confidence in children who are otherwise quite reticent in class.”

Teaching assistant Caroline Brown agreed: “Being out here often changes who they work with and I’ve seen children lead a group or speak to the class who would find that much more difficult in a traditional classroom situation.”

Further information

Watching the children create their forest fairies made me realise that forest schools are about much more than bushcraft skills. Lots of co-operation and collaboration is needed and for young children who generally want things their own way, this can be quite a challenge. I was very impressed with the way these children were able to negotiate and work together and go on to give a short presentation of their designs and explain their fairy’s story. And all the while this is happening, the children are also taking it in turns to video the presentations.

Soon it’s time for a little more explorative free time and refreshments, which the children attend to themselves.

Self-sufficiency is definitely on the curriculum at Belmont Grosvenor and the children rise to every challenge set them.

Finally Nick is re-capping the session and it’s clear that there’s been plenty of information learned, creativity encouraged and social skills enhanced.

However when Nick asks the children what they enjoyed best, ‘Being together” and “watching the fire” are for me the most beautiful responses. After all, what can be better that on a lovely sunny Friday afternoon when you’re just five years old?

Belmont Grosvenor School will be opening up its Forest School sessions to enable boys and girls from four to seven-years-old to go along and try out some of the activities. The ‘Outdoor Adventure Day’ is taking place in the school grounds on Saturday 17 October between 10 am and 12 noon. For further information call the school on 01423 771029 to book a space- places are limited. www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

book head in a

Teaching children to love reading will give them pleasure for their whole life

By Justine Crow

Being able to read is a vital life skill; but a ‘love’ of reading enriches us much further, because a passion for the consumption of words for reading’s sake alone enables curiosity. This greases the tracks in all areas of education, starting with confidence in spelling and increased vocabulary, continuing with the ability to research and discover independently. Reading for the sheer heck of it is possibly the most intensely satisfying of all lifelong human activities.

How to get it started

How do you install that passion?

• With a baby or toddler, choose books YOU like. Your enthusiasm is infectious.

• Avoid asking a very small child to choose a book - they are more interested in the playtable.

• Have patience with your little darling and they will crack it eventually • Foundation Stage & KS1 books are different to picture books. To develop a love of reading, buy books after school simply for pleasure.

• Never say to a child, “You’ve got too many books.” NOBODY has too many books.

• Save favourites from your childhood for reading aloud at bedtime.

• Graphic novels are brilliant for introducing the classics.

• Children often choose titles that appear to be too young for them because they know they can manage them. Age ranges are just a guide.

• Reward them with books that connect to their lives, like Disney, football, sticker books and colouring and joke books.

• Read by example. If they see you doing it, they will do it too.

And finally…

• Take the lead and share books you like with them: your children will like them too!

• As they grow, don’t pressure kids to read alone - they will love that one-to-one attention.

• Praise their literary taste, no matter how strange.

Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury. Parent of three, she owns her own bookshop with her partner, The Bookseller Crow on Hill, and is a qualified swimming teacher. And in what little spare time she has, she also runs gastronomic writing retreat courses in France and is the food critic of The Transmitter.

Families

book reviews With every issue of Families, we bring you the best new books for you and your children

By Justine Crow

Baby & Toddler Ten Little Dinosaurs

by Mike Brownlow & Simon Rickerty (Orchard £11.99) The Ten Little… series are bright, noisy and very silly. Throw in a bunch of pre-historic creatures in search of adventure and you have the ideal counting primer for your stomping toddlers. And when it comes to your little monsters, you can’t go wrong with dinosaurs, eh?

Reception to 6 My Beastly Activity Book

by Victor Escandell (Thames & Hudson £9.95)

More than just a colouring book, with excellently knowledgeable interactive content featuring facts and puzzles in a robust sketchbook format complete with bright elastic page-marker and tongue-in-T-Rex-cheek style, this will feed the imagination and keep the questions coming.

6 - 8 years Travels of an Ordinary Hamster by Astrid Desbordes

& Pauline Martin (Gecko Press £7.99) Crossing the divide between a chapter book and a graphic novel, therefore ensuring your early reader’s interest is sustained and not daunted by a block of text. Hamster has to get to grips with the idea that getting from A to B isn’t as easy as it looks. Oh crumbs!

9+ Demolition Dad

by Phil Earle (Orion £6.99) Though this was one of my father’s nicknames too, our pint-sized protagonist’s Pop not only knocks things down on purpose - both buildings AND people - but as George Biggs says: life isn’t about how you get knocked down, it’s how you get back up again. With hilarious illustrations by Sara Ogilvie.

12 to teen We are All Made of Molecules

by Susin Nielsen (Andersen £12.99)

With change afoot and not everybody happy about it, this offbeat novel follows one very mixed-up family. Don’t be put off by the earnest American flavour - it manages to be both funny and heart-warming without too much of either.

…and one for the grown ups!

Class

by Alison Hathaway (Kindle £1.99)

20 Families Vale of York

A tale of single mum Kate Delancey who is attempting to make sense of her life whilst dealing with playground politics, the PTA and teaching her friend to make the perfect mashed potatoes.

Events spiral rapidly out of control as Kate finally confronts the unanswered questions hanging over her own past and her daughter’s future, with memorably comic results.

A great read by a new author.

what’son

sept/oct15

We’ve ordered everything according to start date – be sure to look out for all the events which run for several weeks / weekends too. And be sure to check before you set off. These were correct as we went to print but may have changed. Check if you need to book ahead too.

More ‘Days Out’ can be found online at www.familiesvoy.co.uk . All events are now searchable by date, venue & age range making it much easier to find all our local events at the click of your mouse.

29 – 31 Oct Fright Night at Stockeld Park Stockeld Park

AtmosFEAR! Entertainment Group return to Stockeld Park this Halloween to transform the usually beautiful and tranquil woodland surroundings into a world of terror where only the brave hearted will make it through Fright Night! Price includes entrance to 3 attractions….be prepared to be scared....!Entrance to the forest is at timed slots every 15 minutes from 1730 – 2130 and it is recommended you do the attractions in sequence: The forest – ‘Freaks in the Forest’, The Maze – ‘Moonshine Massacre’ and then the marquee – ‘The Cage: Mutation’. 5.30pm - 9.30pm / Price = £11.50 per child, £13.50 per adult and includes entrance to all 3 scare attractions.

Book online at www.stockeldpark.co.uk from September 8th 2015.

Every Day Until 29 Nov

7 & 8 Sept

Folly!

Summer Trail

Fountains Abbey Seek out the follies in the water garden.

These whimsical buildings will be transformed from their original use by some of the country’s most inventive artists & designers. 10am-4pm / Free-but normal admission applies 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/fountains-abbey 6 Sept 11am-4pm

Classic Car Show

Thwaite Mills Watermill Discover various types of transport including boats, cars & other vintage vehicles. Plus a variety of stalls & fun activities for all the family. www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries 7 Sept – 2 Nov

Piglets Adventure Farm

The Farmers Cart Open every day for fun farm adventures.

01904 499183 pigletsfarmpark.co.uk

Thorpe Perrow A Summer Quiz through the Woodland, family fun for everyone!!-£1 extra with a prize when you have managed to complete the trail!! www.thorpperrow.com 8 – 13 Sept

York Residents Free Offer

Nunnington Hall York residents can explore the home of the Fife family in the 1920s & discover its past, present & future. Offering something for everyone.

01439 748283 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 8 Sept – 1 Nov 11am-5pm

Clarence the Corgi Family Trail

Beningbrough Hall & Gardens Join Clarence the Corgi on a royal adventure around the hall & gardens following a brand new family trail created with the National Portrait Gallery. 01904 472027 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

10 & 11 Sept 11am-5pm

12 & 13 Sept 11am-5pm

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days

12 Sept

York Does Vintage

Rievaulx Terrace & Temples Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest heritage festival involving 40,000 volunteers. It celebrates our fantastic history, architecture & culture; offering people the chance to see hidden places & try out new experiences-all of which are FREE to explore. www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Heritage Open Day

Fountains Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture & culture by offering free access to places.

01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/fountains-abbey 12 Sept 10am -12pm

Heritage Open Day

Leeds Discovery Centre Collections at the Discovery Centre are constantly growing, with new acquisitions added regularly.

Take a look at the newest objects from the collections -you may be surprised with what you discover. www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries

Beningbrough Hall & Gardens Celebrate our fantastic history, architecture & culture, see hidden places & try out new experiences-all of which are FREE to explore.

01904 472027 www.heritageopendays.org.uk 13 Sept 11am-4.30pm Merchant Adventurer’s Hall www.britaindoesvintage.co.uk 13 Sept 11am-3pm

Vintage Wedding Fair

Merchant Adventurer’s Hall www.britaindoesvintage.co.uk 24 Sept

Children’s Storytime,

Harlow Carr Join a storytelling session, where tales of great garden adventures & little garden creatures will be told. The session will be followed by a short walk or song. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Suitable for under-5s. 11am / Normal garden admission 0845 265 8070 www.rhs.org.uk

Families Vale of York 21

theatre

3 Oct, 3.15pm

Clydebuilt Puppets Workshop

Junction, Goole Make your very own cheeky Gingerbread Puppet with the Clydebuilt Puppeteers.

9 – 27 Sept Suitable for children aged 3+, bring an adult & Shrek The Musical encourage them to make one too! Lots of ideas Alhambra Theatre & materials provided. Tickets £3 Join the unlikely hero & his loyal steed Donkey www.junctiongoole.co.uk as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from a fire breathing, 10 Oct 7.30pm Goole’s Got Talent love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, & a Junction, Goole biscuit with attitude, & you’ve got the biggest, The Mayor’s annual charitable fundraising brightest musical comedy around! Ages 5+ event returns, featuring a host of home grown talent. Auditions: Think you’ve got what it www.bradford-theatres.co.uk takes to become the next superstar? Contact 19 Sept the Mayor’s Secretary, Anne Bentley, on 01405 The Basil Brush Show 763652. Tickets £6 St George’s Hall, Bradford www.junctiongoole.co.uk Britain’s most loveable fox is back on the road 17 Oct 2pm along with his TV chum Mr Stephen (aka Chris Lab Rascals: Battle of the Slime Pizzey).

Junction, Goole www.bradford-theatres.co.uk Prepare yourselves for an interactive science 19 Sept 2pm & 5pm experience as two slimetists battle to answer Finger & Thumb present The the lifelong question: what is slime? Promising Ugly Duckling lots of demonstrations, plenty of audience participation & tonnes of slimy goodness, this Junction, Goole is science like you’ve never seen before! Tickets Specially commissioned & developed in Goole, to premier at Junction, “The Ugly Duckling” is a £6.50 (adult)/£5 (child) Suitable for ages 7+ family performance which follows the adventures www.junctiongoole.co.uk of a little bird from the moment he hatches out 19-24 Oct of his egg. Tickets £6.50 (adult)/£5 (child) Hairspray www.junctiongoole.co.uk Hull City Hall 19 Sept 3.30pm Smash hit musical with lots of sing-a-long Finger & Thumb Workshop tunes.

Junction, Goole www.hullcc.gov.uk Learn from an expert how to make your own 26-27 Oct hand shadow puppets! Using just your hands & simple props, the workshop gives you the basic Mister Maker St George’s Hall tools to create several of the characters seen in the show & ideas for how to play with those Join your ultimate arts & craft hero, CBeebies’ shapes to make other animals. Result? Hours of Mister Maker, for his first ever live theatre tour! www.bradford-theatres.co.uk fun at home! Tickets £3 www.junctiongoole.co.uk 28 Oct 7.30pm 22 -23 Sept Youth Acoustic Junction, Goole What The Ladybird Heard Regular music event which encourages young St George’s Hall, Bradford people who sing or play an instrument to go Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, & a along & perform. If you are 18 or under & whole farmyard of fun! want to join in, just take your instrument & www.bradford-theatres.co.uk turn up on the night. FREE 29 Sept – 3 Oct www.junctiongoole.co.uk

Annie

Alhambra Theatre ANNIE, the world’s favourite family musical, comes to Bradford for one week only, starring Craig Revel Horwood, the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing judge, as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan! www.bradford-theatres.co.uk 3 Oct 2pm

My Pet Monster & Me

The Georgian Theatre Royal Sophie Bucket lives on a farm with her Dad. She spends all of her time day-dreaming, but most of her time alone. If only she had a little friend to share her adventures. One day, Sophie finds an egg.

She keeps it warm, & out pops a cuddly, toothy, burpy, baby MONSTER! & so, the fun begins. www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk 3 Oct 2pm

Clydebuilt Puppets: Gingerbread Man

Junction, Goole Imagine a world made entirely of biscuits, from the trees to the stars in the sky. Into this beautiful world comes The gingerbread man, creating havoc wherever he goes. On his travels he meets a majestic cow, a stubborn goat & an opportunistic bird, but….can he outwit the dastardly fox? With a foot tapping soundtrack & minimal language, this is a visual feast specially devised for younger children aged 3 years & over. Tickets £6.50 (adult)/£5 (child) www.junctiongoole.co.uk

22 Families Vale of York

28 – 31 Oct

The Addams Family

Grand Opera House York The perfect Halloween treat for all the family – Pick Me Up Theatre bring Andrew Lippa’s Broadway musical version of The Addams Family to York’s Grand Opera House in Oct 2015.

0844 871 3024 www.atgtickets.com 31 Oct 2pm

Story Pocket Theatre: Arabian Nights

Junction. Goole Meet Sheherazade, the greatest storyteller of them all. She has a feast of adventures & tales to tell of genies, villains, heroes & princesses.

Hear the story of Ali Baba’s encounter with the 40 thieves along with Aladdin & his lamp, the Little Beggar, the Fisherman & the Genie.

Tickets £6.50 (adult)/£5 (child) www.junctiongoole.co.uk 31 Oct 2pm

Mr Tiger Goes Wild

The Georgian Theatre Royal Mr. Tiger lived a perfectly proper life in a perfectly proper city & everything was perfectly fine . . . until the day he had a wonderfully WILD idea! Join Mr Tiger on a musical adventure full of fun & laughter as he journeys from the city to the jungle, meeting new friends & learning a few things along the way. www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk

26 Sept from 1pm

FOBS School Fair

Bubwith Centre Go along & enjoy the Friends of Bubwith School Fair at Bubwith Centre.

Bouncy castles, drum workshops, raffle, games & refreshments. Entry is £1 for adults & free for children. www.thebubwithcentre.co.uk 26 Sept 1pm

Become a Geologist for the Day Brimham Rocks A fun day of exploration & geology.

Booking essential.

01423 780688 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/brimham-rocks 3 Oct – 3 Nov

Halloween Trail

Thorpe Perrow The most popular trail of the year is back, complete the trail if you dare. Scary spooks & witches, ghosts & goblins in the ditches! Not for the faint hearted! www.thorpperrow.com 3 & 4 Oct 11am-5pm

Leeds Steam Punk Market Leeds Industrial Museum With lots of stalls, art exhibitions, the First tea Company Museum, pretty things to look at, tea & cakes, & entertainment. www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries 4 Oct

York Does Vintage

Merchant Adventurer’s Hall www.britaindoesvintage.co.uk

Friday night! Perfect your pirouettes in a lively disco atmosphere.

6.30pm-8.30pm 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 24 & 25 Oct

Pumpkin Carving Expert

Stockeld Park Kick start your Halloween half term & watch an expert Pumpkin carver working on some amazing, original carvings – all grown in house. Pick up your own Pumpkin & free carving sheet from the pumpkin patch. 11am-5pm / FREE Carving demos FREE pumpkins templates Price = £3 per home grown pumpkin.

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 24 & 25 Oct

Michaelmas Fair

Burton Agnes Hall The grounds of the magnificent stately home will be filled with seasonal craft & food stalls, music, entertainers & fairground fun.

01262 490324 www.burtonagnes.com 24 - 30 Oct (except Mon 26 Oct) 10am-3pm

Things that go bump in the night scarecrow trail Kirkstall Abbey Explore the abbey looking for things that go bump in the night! Expect vampires, werewolves, wizards & witches. www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries

4 Oct 2pm

24 – 30 Oct

Autumn family nature walk

Halloween Events

Fountains Abbey Kick up the autumn leaves as you bound along on this family friendly nature walk to spot the changing colours & juicy fruits that autumn brings.

01765 608888 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/fountains-abbey 10 Oct 11am-4pm

British Art show 8 Draw

Artspace at Leeds Art Gallery Supported by an artist from Gallery’s ARTeam. Make large scale drawings to share big ideas inspired by British Art Show8. www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries 10 & 11 Oct

Harvest Festival Weekend Murton Park Fun on the farm.

01904 489966 www.murtonpark.co.uk 13 – 18 Oct

Autumn Festival

Nunnington Hall Experience nature at its most bountiful with an informative festival of autumn.

With nature displays, apple juicing & tasting, & a huge variety of tours from the experienced gardening team, you will discover the joys of the season.

01439 748283 www.nationaltrust. org.uk/nunnington-hall/ Every Fri from 23 Oct

Disco on Ice

Stockeld Park Stockeld Park’s huge outdoor rink hosting Disco on Ice, where you can enjoy ice skating, music & lights every

Stockeld Park Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos, Halloween Catwalk are amongst the Halloween attractions on offer. Visit the Wizards Den, watch Wizard Malin’s magic & receive a bewitching gift from the depths of the cauldron! Price = £5.50 per child including close up magic & bewitching gift!

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 24 – 31 Oct

Kaboom!

Castle Howard North Yorkshire’s biggest firework spectacular returns to Castle Howard.

See the night sky lit with thousands of fireworks & entertainment for all the family.

01653 648333 www.kaboomyork.com 24 – 31 Oct

Halloween Half Term

Mother Shipton’s Creep along to the very popular FREE Halloween trail – join in ghostly fun activities for the whole family. www.mothershipton.co.uk 24 Oct- 1 Nov 11am-4pm

Half Term Pumpkin Carving

Castle Howard Enjoy pumpkin carving & creepy crafts daily throughout half term. Carve out a ghoulish face or a masterpiece, or for younger children draw on the scariest face you can with a range of crafts to entertain too. Small additional charge applies.

01653 648333 www.castlehoward.co.uk

25 Oct 10am-5pm 24 Oct – 1 Nov

Halloween / Hallowscream

The York Maze Halloween-From giant Pumpkins to the Haunted Maze, Ghostmania to the Phantomime there’s enough fearsome fun for everyone. Suitable for all ages.

“Hallowscream” at York Maze is a live scare event, with five separate haunted attractions for visitors to brave, & a wide range of food & drink on offer within the site, along with a zombie themed exit bar, where you can get an alcoholic drink after the event to calm your nerves!! Suitable for over 14s only.

01904 607341 www.yorkmazehalloween.co.uk 24 Oct – 1 Nov 11am-3pm

Oct half term crafts-Leaf Crowns Fountains Abbey Be king or queen of the trees this half term & make a majestic leaf crown to take home with you. Get creative in the workshop to make your own leaves or find fallen leaves on the estate to create your truly royal leafy crown.

01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/fountains-abbey 24 Oct – 1 Nov 10am-4pm

Oct half term trail-Loads of Leaves

Fountains Abbey Grab your coat, slip on your gloves & get stomping around the Fountains Abbey estate in hunt of leaves, leaves, leaves.

Follow the trail & the rustle through the autumn colour to discover the clues.

01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/fountains-abbey 24 Oct – 1 Nov

Pumpkin Trail

Bolton Abbey Hunt through the woods for pumpkins. www.boltonabbey.com 24 Oct – 1 Nov

Spooky Fun

Brodsworth Hall This Hallowe’en half term go along for frightening fun, with have-a-go creepy crafts & spooky activities. Meet the Victorian undertaker for secrets of the past & storytelling of scary tales.

01302 722598 www.english-heritage.org.uk 24 Oct – 1 Nov 11am-5pm

Spooky Stories

Whitby Abbey Enjoy Halloween fun & hear spooky stories...if you dare!

01947 603568 www.english-heritage.org.uk

29 Oct 10-11am, 11am-12pm

Fountains Abbey A unique chance to make your own art from the artwork of Folly! Paper & pencils at the ready? Let your creative juices flow around the Water Garden, & be inspired by the surprising views & follies. A special drop in drawing session in Banqueting House.

01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/fountains-abbey 26 Oct 11am-12pm & 1-2pm

a

Den Building

Fountains Abbey Branches? Check. Leaves? Check. Want to get muddy? Double & triple check! Using the best nature has to offer on the estate roll up your sleeves & make the biggest den you’ve ever seen-can you make it waterproof?

01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/fountains-abbey 26 – 30 Oct

Oct Half Term Halloween Activities

Murton Park Halloween fun on the farm.

01904 489966 www.murtonpark.co.uk 26 – 30 Oct 11.30am-3.30pm

Witch Trail

We love Finding Treasure!

Leeds City Museum A fun day full of metal detectors, hunting for treasure & golden crafts to celebrate the new display of an Anglo Saxon gold hoard. Family event, plus extra workshops for children aged 5-11 years. Sponsored by & run in partnership with The Grammar School at Leeds. www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries 30 Oct 5-7pm

Victorian Ghost Story Tours

Stockeld Park Leave your wannabe Witches & Wizards this half term for a Halloween workshop... Join the spell makers from Make a Wish Entertainment to learn how to become a certified wizard or witch at the Halloween training school. Learn how to be a real witch or wizard at these magical 60 minute workshops- including a crafty activity & hands on training. Each graduate will receive a certificate, real broomstick & half price voucher to enter the forest to practice their new skills. 5 workshops (60 minutes – 20 children max, pre booking available 01937 586 333) Times vary each day-check when you phone to book / £8.50 per child for an hour.

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 27 & 28 Oct 10-11am 11am-12pm, 1-2-pm, 3-4pm

Bug Box Making

24 Oct – 1 Nov

Harlow Carr Families can discover the spooky Woodlands at Harlow Carr this Halloween with a fun-filled week of family activities & workshops. Normal garden admission price.

0845 265 8070 www.rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr

Thorpe Perrow Messy Halloween arts & crafts, activities, games & walks. Lots to join with-join in at anytime. www.thorpperrow.com 30 Oct, 11am-3pm

26 – 30 Oct

Wizard & Witch Training

Silly Science Magic Potions Crafts

Spooky Woodlands -Oct Half Term

Spooky Halloween Activities & Walks

Halloween Evening

Spooky Woodland Trail

Burton Agnes Hall Daring children are invited on an eerie hunt around haunted Woodland. Follow clues hidden amongst dramatic & creative Woodland scenes.

01262 490324 www.burtonagnes.com

Fountains Abbey As winter approaches we’re not the only ones wrapping up warm in preparation for the chill! Our creepy crawly friends are also looking for somewhere to bed down-& you can help them out. Roll up your sleeves & & make a wooden bug box for your garden. Take the family & book early as it’s really popular.

01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/fountains-abbey 29 – 31 Oct 11am-4pm

Stockeld Park At Halloween The Enchanted forest comes to life with friendly Wise Witches & magical challenges for all. Follow the trail map & solve riddles along the way & find out what real Witches do all day.

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Fountains Abbey As winter approaches we’re not the only ones wrapping up warm in preparation for the chill! Our creepy crawly friends are also looking for somewhere to bed down-& you can help them out. Roll up your sleeves & make a wooden bug box for your garden. Take the family & book early as it’s really popular.

01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/fountains-abbey

24 Oct – 1 Nov

28 Oct, 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm

Abbey House Museum For all curious silly scientists. Go along to Abbey House to explore, create & have lots of science fun. No science knowledge necessary just curiosity! This month’s theme is magic potions. www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries

1 Nov

Bug Box Making

Do it yourself Folly! Art Day

Seedlings £1.50 entry for children includes spooky walk (take a torch) fancy dress & take your own carved pumpkin competitions. www.seedlingscarlton.co.uk 30 & 31 Oct 6.30pm-late Brodsworth Hall Gather in the Entrance Hall at Brodsworth Hall for a series of Victorian inspired ghost stories told by the Lady & Gentleman of the house in this unique storytelling event.

01302 722598 www.english-heritage.org.uk 31 Oct, 11am-3pm

Halloween Day

Lotherton Hall Go along dressed up for the Halloween special. With haunted tours of the Hall, activities, face-painting & more! www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries 31 Oct, 5pm-8pm

Spooky Spooktacular

Temple Newsam Adults £7, Child (1yr-16yr) £4, Family £20. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. www.leeds.gov.uk/ museumsandgalleries 31 Oct 11am-5pm

Crafty Crafts

Stockeld Park Spooktacular Activity / Craft Area at Stockeld Park. The Halloween Craft area is brimming with things to make & do. Get crafty & take home a magic wand of your own. £2 per child 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 31 Oct

Creepy Creatures

Stockeld Park See Reptile Ranger friends & their Creepy Creatures including snakes, spiders & a host of other creepy crawlies. You can even hold them if you are brave enough…

11am-5pm 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk

York Does Vintage

Merchant Adventurer’s Hall www.britaindoesvintage.co.uk 1 Nov

Firework Spectacular

Stockeld Park What goes BOOM deep in the Yorkshire Forest?! It’s Stockeld Park’s spectacular fireworks display, set to music it’s a loud & proud Yorkshire evening of entertainment!

Please note that fireworks charges will apply on site from 2:30pm. Book online at www.stockeldpark.co.uk from September 8th 2015. 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start / Price = £5.50 per person or £20 for a family of 4.

01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk 5 Nov

Remember, Remember, 5th Nov Carlton Towers Bonfire night in Carlton Towers Park. / Adults £12.50 Children £7.00 (inc a toffee apple) www.carltontowers.co.uk 5 Nov

York Maze Fireworks to Music Spectacular

The York Maze Featuring a giant bonfire to give the city’s most infamous resident a good roasting, fireworks, pyro juggling, hot food, side stalls & live music. Firework spectacular choreographed to a music soundtrack featuring hit songs chosen by listeners of Minster FM & produced by one of the country’s leading display companies, Alchemy Fireworks. Approx. 15 minutes.

Minster FM presenters will be on stage to keep you entertained, take requests & lead the countdown. Following the fireworks, stay a while, enjoy some hot food, the stalls & fairground side shows, & join the fun as York’s infamous party band HUGE! lead the party in the marquee. NB-ticket only eventpurchase in advance, not on the door.

01904 607341 www.yorkmaze.com 6 Nov

Free Day Friday – Open Day

Harlow Carr An opportunity to visit the four RHS Gardens for free & enjoy them as they bed down for the winter.

0845 265 8070 www.rhs.org.uk

table tots www.tableto

ts.co.uk Families to Families Nearly New Table Top Sales 50 + tables ava ilab on www.tabletots.co. le for hire at each sale uk Events are for Ba by & Tots items up to age 10 Sept 12 WAKEFIELD Kettlethor pe High School 13 Sept BRIGHOUSE Brighouse High School 20 Sept LEEDS Futsal Arena 27 Sept ROTHWELL Rothwell Leisure Centre 10 Oct OTLEY Prince Henry’s Grammar School 11 Oct HORSFORTH Leeds Tri nity University 17 Oct BARNSLEY Horizon Com munity College 18 Oct CATTERICK Catterick Leisure Centre 24 Oct YORK Energise Leisur e Centre

Families Vale of York 23

ASHVILLE COLLEGE

An outstanding independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3-18 Pre-Prep Sixth Form Senior Junior Ages 3 - 7 Ages 16 - 18 Ages 11 - 16 Ages 7 - 11

Family Fun Day Saturday 10th October, 1:30 - 4:30pm Lots of fun complimentary activities for families with young children

Craft Activities w Face Painting w Story Telling w Singing w Games All areas of the school will be open to visitors including our brand new Pre-School Facility ‘Large enough to challenge, small enough to care’ Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG2 9JP Tel: 01423 566358 | admissions@ashville.co.uk | www.ashville.co.uk AshvilleCollegeHarrogate

@AshvilleCollege