Birmingham
Tuition Plus
‘Helping students achieve their true potential’
Professional Tutoring Literacy & Numeracy Free Initial Assessment Harvest Fields Centre, B75 5TJ (Tues & Sat) Mere Green Centre, B75 5BT (Wed & Thurs) Tel: 07592 556 452
Email: info@tuition-plus.co.uk www.tuition-plus.co.uk
Issue 47 September/October 2018
Birmingham 11+ Exam GROUP TUITION Email: 11plustutoringacademy@gmail.com www.11plustutoringacademy.co.uk
Call: 01242 221271 Please contact us for a free trial
familiesonline.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Experience the Pageantry & Spectacle of Britain’s Biggest Indoor Tattoo Massed International Marching Bands Book now to Massed Pipes & Drums reserve your seats Massed Parade of Standard Bearers Exciting Displays & Thrilling Performances Three hours of spectacle for all the family
FEATURING OVER 1,000 PERFORMERS IN THE SPECTACULAR GRAND FINALE Saturday 24th November 2018 at 6pm Sunday 25th November 2018 at 2pm
Box Office 0844-33-88-222* *Calls 7p/min & phone company’s access charge
Special discounts available for groups of 10+
Group bookings: 0800-358-0058
www.birminghamtattoo.co.uk formerly the Barclaycard Arena
Free Creative Music Workshops For 8-18 year olds
Tickets £20 to £30 with reduced prices for children & senior citizens
Grab your trainers and fundraise for your local hospice! This October, join together as a school or youth group and hop, skip or jump your way to 5k. Sign up today www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/5kyourway
Music Maze for 8-11 year olds Book now bcmg.org.uk/music-maze
Booking Essential
Zigzag Ensemble for 12-18 year olds Book now bcmg.org.uk/zigzag-ensemble Where & When CBSO Centre, 10am-2.30pm 16 September, 14 October, 25 November 2 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
familiesonline.co.uk
Contents IN THIS ISSUE…
Birmingham © Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield magazine, our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
4
News
8
Competitions
9
Clubs, classes and activities
12
Parenting
19
Education
25
Events and Holiday Camps
28
What’s On
84
25
NEXT ISSUE: Advertisers: Book NOW for our November - December ‘Christmas’ magazine. Earn extra £1500 av monthly part-time building your business at home FREE info pack text 'LW' 07943 112186 Mrs L Woodstock
Call 07807 352087 or email editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk before Tuesday 9th October Editor: Suzanne Brown Designer: Lauren Brown Designs Print: Warners Midlands PLC, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH © Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield, September 2018
Award-Winning 11+ Sp pecialists
11+ Tuition
R
For children in Y Ye ears 4 & 5
Their future. Y Yo ou ur choice. Trust KS SOL. Ye Y ear 4 & 5 Courses
E o t SAuV p
nrol today & your child will benefit from...
! £50
Overr 10 years of experience Persoonalised online tuition Reguular tutor feedback
o kt
BOOK Y YO OU UR FREE 11+ TRIAL TODA AY Y
Great savings on Award-Winning 11+ Tuition
S
o ch
c F Ba OF
ol
S ER
!
Find o out why over 98% % of our parents recommend us
Call 0121 733 7 6558 or vissit www.ksol.co.uk *Terms and Conditions available on the website. Off ffeers end 30/09/2018
familiesonline.co.uk
Finalist 2012
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 3
News
To advertise call: 07807 352087
Calling Little Geeks Calling all little (and big) geeks! Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) has something very exciting in store this October half term. From 27 Oct-2 Nov they’ll be hosting a homegrown digital festival, featuring live shows, virtual reality, gaming and workshops. There’ll be a Play Zone full of retro arcade games, robotics and cool tech to inspire geeks of all ages, as well as workshops where you can learn to make wearable tech, neopixel unicorns, banana keyboards, Pac Man money boxes, augmented reality characters, and LED masks.
Tom Dale Company will be bringing I INFINITE – a stunning part-dance, part-digital performance to the festival, and in the gallery, artist Sue Austin will present Creating the Spectacle! Immersed in 360, in which her wheelchair is submerged underwater as a fantastical work of art. There’s also Little Howard’s Big Show For Kids, an interactive family comedy show with an animated character. Find out more about getting your geek on at MAC’s Little Geeks festival here: www.macbirmingham.co.uk/little-geeks.
Getting your child’s 11+ foundations right! Places at Grammar and Independent schools are highly sought after in Birmingham and every year, the competition continues to rise. So when should I start my child’s 11+ preparation?
by a team of qualified and caring tutors. Every child is considered as an individual and courses are tailored to help improve particular areas of weakness.
What can KSOL do for you and your child?
KSOL’s educational advisors are always available to offer you and your child additional support and guidance when you need it. They ensure no stone is left unturned to help provide your child with the best 11+ education, and you with the peace of mind, that they are on the right track.
KSOL combines over 10 years of 11+ experience to create upto-date personalised online programmes which are monitored
See KSOL’s “Back to School” offers at www.ksol.co.uk or try a FREE week trial. Call KSOL today on 0121 733 6558.
Research shows that with the right guidance, children who start their preparation in Years 4 and 5 have ample time to make progress in their studies. This allows time to expand key skills and identify any weaker areas and tackle them directly.
On your marks, get set, go for a family fun run in aid of Parkinson’s UK Fancy an autumn challenge for all the family? Join families from across the West Midlands, World 1500m silver medallist Hannah England and Rory the Lion on Sunday 21st October at the University of Birmingham for a family-friendly fun run in aid of Parkinson’s UK. Bud’s Run, now in its fifth year, was founded by the family of Great Britain athletics coach Bud Baldaro following his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease. The event has raised just under £80 000 for national charity Parkinson’s UK. You can walk, jog or run the 5k, plus there's a 2k for under 11s. Bud’s Run welcomes all ages and abilities, pushchairs, wheelchairs and of course fancy dress! Emma Scott, who ran for the first time last year, says “Bud’s Run is a fantastic event, I loved running with my little man, it’s a great family event for a great cause.” To enter: www.budsrun.co.uk
The University of Birmingham Sunday 21 October 2018 11.00am Join us for a family friendly fun run to raise money for Parkinson's UK. Register at www.budsrun.co.uk Facebook: /budsrun Twitter: @buds_run Rory the Bud's Run mascot 4 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
familiesonline.co.uk
News
@familiesbirminghammag
Fruit juice with breakfast places children at higher risk of obesity Children who drink fruit juice with breakfast are more likely to become overweight or obese. A study, led by the Medical University of Vienna, revealed that children who had orange or apple juice with their breakfast were 50% more likely to be overweight, while those who drank water saw their obesity risk fall by 40%.
It also found that skipping breakfast is linked to weight gain as it makes children more likely to snack during the day. The study, published at the European Congress on Obesity in Vienna, questioned 652 children aged 13 on their breakfast habits and, while most types of food had no clear relationship with weight, those who drank fruit juice more than three times a week were 50 per cent more likely to be overweight or obese. More info at https://eco2018.easo.org/
Only half of pre-school children being read to daily
Curiosity is key to early childhood success New research links curiosity levels in young children with later academic success. The number of toddlers being read to daily has dropped by 20% since 2013, according to recent research. The annual Understanding the Children’s Book Consumer survey from Nielsen Book Research found that while 69% of pre-school children were read to daily in 2013, that figure had now dropped to just 51%. The study found parents complained of obstacles preventing them from reading to their children. Nearly a fifth said it was hard to find the energy at the end of the day, whilst 16% said their child would rather do other things. One in five parents don’t feel comfortable in bookshops, and nearly half are overwhelmed by the choice of children’s books. The publisher Egmont, which co-funded the research, said the decline correlated with an increase of almost a fifth in the proportion of toddlers watching online video content daily, and warned that the “steep decline” in reading to young children “signalled a significant threat to child development, with potential long-term social impact.”
Researchers from the University of Michigan assessed the reading and maths ability of 6,200 kindergarten children and found that the children of parents who reported their child’s behaviour as highly curious did the best at school, regardless of socioeconomic status. The results were consistent for both boys and girls. The children’s reading and maths scores were consistently better the more curious they were. That was true even when the students weren't very good at a self-control measure called "effortful control," which tracks how attentive and persistent students are when completing tasks. “Even if a child manifests low effortful control, higher curiosity may be associated with more optimal academic achievement,” the authors of the study wrote. The study, published in the journal Pediatric Research said that that cultivating curiosity in children, especially in those from deprived backgrounds may be a valuable way of fostering academic achievement. www.nature.com
More info at www.egmont.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 5
News
To advertise email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Alesha Dixon encourages children to find their inner superpower
Families in for a thrilling night of Hallowe’en fun at BCLM
We’ve known her as a BGT judge, a Strictly judge, a TV personality and a pop star, but did you know Alesha Dixon has recently become a children’s author? Families spoke to Alesha about the upcoming release of her new book – Lightning Girl: Superhero Squad, the sequel to her electrifying first book Lightning Girl. What inspired you to become a children’s author? I love new creative challenges! I felt there was a gap in the market for an inspirational book which features a young female superhero as a positive role model for boys and girls of different ethnicities. What is the general storyline of your second book? Aurora Beam doesn’t want to be a superhero. She just wants to be a normal girl who blends in. After her adventures in Lightning Girl Aurora is finding that this ‘saving-the-world lark’ isn't all it’s cracked up to be. World-famous overnight, she's struggling with living in the full glare of the media's flash bulbs. There’s plenty of twists and turns in the plot, and the challenges get bigger as the story moves on. There are a lot of messages interwoven within your book. What do you hope are the core lessons received by your readers? Essentially, what I’m saying to young people is “you all have a superpower within you”. It’s okay to be different, it’s okay to stand out. You don’t have to follow everyone else, or be like everyone else, to be accepted. You all have a light, so don’t let anything dim it. It is important to me that all children learn that they can contribute, that they are counted and that they are important. I want them to realise that nobody should be discriminated against, nobody should feel excluded in any way, and they all should feel worthy. I’d love this book to give children the permission to celebrate their gifts proudly.
Prepare to be spooked at some of the best Hallowe’en nights in town! Black Country Living Museum is hosting its spooktacular Hallowe’en Nights once more, and this year it’s bigger and better than ever! Explore period shops and houses set across the Museum’s award-winning 26 acres as you step into a fantastical world of fiery entertainment, magicians, creepy crawlies and more. Little ones will also be able trick or treat along the cobbled streets at no extra charge, collecting sweet treats and meeting some interesting characters along the way! If you can’t make it to Hallowe’en Nights, don’t forget that you can also pay them a visit during the day for their Terrifying Tales half term activities which take place from 27 Oct – 4 Nov. Proudly sponsored by Banks’s Fri 26, Sat 27, Tue 30 & Wed 31 Oct (6.30-10pm); www.bclm.co.uk
Lightning Girl: Superhero Squad by Alesha Dixon will be published by Scholastic on 6th Sept 2018 **Also, why not catch up on Aurora Beam’s first superhero adventure in Lightning Girl?
6 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
familiesonline.co.uk
News
@familiesbirm
One Festival. Two Weekends. 5000 Free Events. For the ďŹ rst time ever England’s biggest festival of heritage and culture will take place across two weekends in 2018. Heritage Open Days, 6 - 9 and 13 16 September is an annual celebration of England's architecture and culture that allows visitors free access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery it brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England. Birmingham's events will last throughout 6-16 Sept, including weekdays. With a theme of ‘Extraordinary Women,’ this year’s festival will offer visitors more opportunities to discover the secret history of their towns, villages and countryside. There are hundreds of free activities for kids, including dressing up, woodland walks, and railway rides. For up to date information on events taking place in our region visit: www.birminghamheritageweek.co.uk/#events
Do ‘5k Your Way’ and see children raise heartbeats and funds for hospice care A Birmingham hospice is calling on kids to grab their trainers, pull on their swimming caps, and don their favourite sports gear this October, in a bid to get active whilst raising vital funds for charity. Birmingham St Mary’s ‘5k Your Way’ is an exciting campaign which challenges young people to complete 5k of physical activity in a style that suits them best – whether that’s running, skipping, dancing, swimming or anything else! This simple and effective campaign is a fun way for parents and teachers to get children active and highlight the importance of hospice care, whilst raising crucial funds for local families living with lifelimiting illness. Why not join as part of a school or youth group? To receive an inspiration pack full of wacky and unique fundraising ideas, contact Jenny Chin, Community Fundraiser, at Birmingham St Mary’s, on: jennifer.chin@birminghamhospice.org.uk or 0121 472 1191. www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/5kyourway
Go on a musical sea voyage! Join the amazing City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra this October for its ďŹ rst family concert of the season, Sounds of the Sea! Set sail on an oceangoing adventure, in this informal concert in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. You’ll sail to the far corners of the world, you’ll dive into the deep, and you’ll meet the Pirates of the Caribbean. With singing, dancing and sword ďŹ ghting there’s something for everyone. And best of all – you won’t even get wet! Sounds of the Sea takes place on Sunday 28 October at 2.30pm and is suitable for children aged 5 – 11 and their families. Tickets cost ÂŁ12 or ÂŁ38 for a Group of 4. From 1pm you can also join in the free craft activities in the foyer. Book tickets and discover more about CBSO Family Concerts and toddlerfriendly Notelets concerts at www.cbso.co.uk/families or call 0121 780 3333. familiesonline.co.uk
Su Sund S un u nda day day da y2 28 8O Octo tob ober ber 2018, 20 201 018, 1 2 2.3 3 pm 30p m Sym Sym ympho yymph mp ph hony ho on o nyy H n Hal all,, Birmin Bi ngh B ngha ghaam am
FAMIL FA LY Y CONCERT
SOUNDS O OF THE SEA
All aboard! Captain To Tom Redmond and the amazing City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra set sail on an o ocean-going adventure for all the family. We’ll sail to the ffaar corners of the fa t world, we’ll dive into the deep, and we’ll meet the Pirates of the Caribbean. With singing, dancing and And best of all – you won’t even get wet! FREE activities in the Tickets: £12/Group of 4: £38 foyer from (exempt from per ticket commission) 1pm. Age guidance: Suitable fo for children aaged 5 – 11 Supported by
Call 0121 780 3333 or b book online at cbso.co.uk/ffa amilies a
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton ColdďŹ eld 7
Competitions
To advertise call: 07807 352087
WIN a family ticket to the 2018 Birmingham International Tattoo With over 1,000 performers – including international marching bands, massed pipes and drums, field gun racing, dog displays, dancers, the parade of massed standard bearers plus much more – the Birmingham International Tattoo is Britain’s biggest indoor event of its type. With three hours of entertainment, the Tattoo features something for all the family both young and old at Arena Birmingham on Saturday 24th November 2018 at 6pm and Sunday 25th November 2018 at 2pm. To have a chance of winning a set of four tickets for Saturday’s Birmingham Tattoo answer the following question: The bagpipes used by the Massed Pipes and Drums are native to which part of Britain: 1. England 2. Scotland 3. Wales
Competition closes Friday 2nd November Tickets £20+ | www.birminghamtattoo.co.uk | 0844 33 88 222
WIN a family ticket to see Rudolf at mac Birmingham
A Pins & Needles and Midlands Arts Centre Original Co-Commission
Rudolf, presented by Pins & Needles Theatre this Christmas season, promises to be fabulous festive treat. Your family will be delighted by this telling of the sparkling tale of Little Rudolf’s big adventure through puppetry, laughter and songs. Join Rudolf on her mischievous voyage as she learns that being different can be very special indeed. The poor reindeer can’t fly, gets lost all the time and her bright red nose keeps everyone awake at night! Also, she just can’t get on to Father Christmas’ sleigh-pulling team. Can Rudi save Christmas Day when disaster strikes? For children aged 4+. For the chance to WIN a set of 4 tickets to a performance of Rudolf on a date and time of your choosing simply answer the question below:
Which means of transportation does Rudolf help to pull through the sky on Christmas night? Is it a: (a) cart (b) wagon (c) sleigh
Competition closes Friday 19th October. Sat 17 Nov – Mon 31 Dec, Tickets £9.50 - £13.50, www.macbirmingham.co.uk, 0121 446 3232 TO ENTER the competition(s) of your choice just email us by the closing date given. Put the name of your chosen competition in the subject line of your message, and send your answer, your name, postal address and best contact number to editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk - Good luck! Competitions. Terms and conditions. 1. Only one entrant from the same email account will be accepted per competition. 2. Under 16s must obtain parental consent before entering. 3. Entries must be received by the closing date stated on each individual competition. Proof of entering cannot be taken as proof of receipt. 4. All decisions of Families Birmingham are final and no correspondence will be entered into. 5. No prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize. 6. Winners’ contact details will be supplied to the Promoter of each competition. 7. Families Birmingham is not liable for any delay or failure by the Promoter to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the competition. 8. By entering a competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to these terms and conditions. 9. Winning entries will be randomly drawn from all correct entries and contacted via the email account provided by the entrant in the first instance, and then by phone if necessary. If Families Birmingham does not obtain a response from the winner within 24 hours, we reserve the right to select another winner at random. 10. These competitions are restricted to residents of the West Midlands only.
8 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
Sat 17 November - Mon 31 December £9.50 - £13.50 / Ag ges 4+
macbirmingham.co.uk 0121 446 3232
Midlands Arts Centre Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH Registered Company no. 718349 | Registered Charity no. 528979
familiesonline.co.uk
Clubs & Classes News
@familiesbirminghammag
Jump in, have fun and learn to swim with Diamond Swim Academy!
The importance of drama By Alexa Brant When choosing an after-school club or activity in which to enrol your child, it may be worth considering drama and the performing arts if you haven’t done so before as there are some significant benefits: • Young people who participate in drama, as well as other Arts, perform better in the classroom and in areas that contribute to success outside of school
Diamond Swim Academy is a Swim England swim school run by former international swimmers. They offer high quality personalised swimming lessons within small classes to help your child progress at a faster rate. There are 10 minute gaps between lessons and ongoing feedback for a personalised swimming programme. Lessons for children aged 2½ years upwards are held across 3 venues: • Archbishop Ilsley, Acocks Green – B27 7XY • The Blue Coat School, Harborne – B17 0HR • Moseley Baths, Balsall Heath – B12 9AN FOR MORE INFO CONTACT Info@diamondswimacademy.co.uk 07756 088617 www.diamondswimacademy.co.uk
• The self-confidence gained from learning performing arts skills applies to school, career and adult life • An effective drama programme embraces extroverted and introverted children • Playing, practicing, and performing develops the abilities and skills necessary for children to be able to focus their minds, bodies and voices • Performing arts develop listening and observation skills skills which will benefit a young person throughout their life • Rehearsing and performing lines and movements will improve your child’s memory.
Choosing the right activities for your child By The Strings Club
If you are considering extracurricular clubs or classes for your child here are a few tips from The Strings Club Head Office Team, all gained from experience as mums and dads and education professionals.
Illustrations © Martin Brown
FAMILY DAY
SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER 11AM – 3PM JOIN ILLUSTRATOR MARTIN BROWN FOR A LIVE DRAW-ALONG, 11.30AM – 12.30PM WICKEDLY FUN, FREE ACTIVITIES!
DRAW ALONG TICKETS: £5 PER PERSON BOOKING ESSENTIAL
LITTLE ARTISTS
FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS! FUN-FILLED STORIES AND MAKING! 14 SEP, 12 OCT, 9 NOV & 14 DEC
10.30AM – 12PM £7 PER CHILD. PLEASE BOOK!
TIC FAN T AS Sunday CreWa t iRvKe SHOPS O
FOR AGES 13-15 YRS SEE AMAZING ARTWORKS AND TRY NEW IDEAS £7, PLEASE BOOK!
familiesonline.co.uk
If this first box isn’t ticked your child won’t be interested in the class and it will have a negative impact. Meet the teaching team if you can, just like at The Strings Club’s Discovery Days.
Make it rewarding Whether, like our weekly music lessons, your chosen course has incentives and a nationally recognised scheme such as Music Medals from ABRSM, make sure there is something which encourages your child so they can feel good about themselves and well-motivated.
Boost development
18 SEP, 16 OCT, 20 NOV & 18 DEC 4.30 – 6.30PM
Families First at the Barber Institute
Make it fun
Check for what your child will learn and how it will help them fulfill their potential. If the organisation is seriously on their game they will provide a personal report just as we do in our Term Time Courses. Our Term Time Courses - weekly music lessons developed and designed for beginners aged 4 -11 - begin Saturday 29th September. www.thestringsclub.org; 0121 296 9204
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 9
Clubs & Classes Directory ARTS & CRAFTS Art Club, Solihull Developing resilient, confident children through creative problem-solving. T: 07772 319303 E: hello@artattheheartcic.com www.artattheheartcic.com Creative Sunday Workshops, Barber Institute of Arts Birmingham Learn many art techniques – monochrome, charcoal, create a hybrid animal, and felting, etc. Age 4 – 12. www.barber.org.uk Digital Kids Saturday Club, mac Birmingham Learn to design, code and build digital art projects. Age 6 – 11 years. Saturdays. T: 0121 446 3232 www.macBirmingham.co.uk Little Artists, Barber Institute of Arts, Birmingham Fun, monthly interactive art explorations around the exhibitions. Fridays, for age 3 – 5 years. T: 0121 414 4414 www.barber.org.uk Pottery Club, mac Birmingham Exploration of the world of clay for 6 – 11 year olds. Saturdays. T: 0121 446 3232 www.macBirmingham.co.uk
BABY, TODDLER & PRESCHOOLER
singing, pregnancy yoga, storytelling, craft, and much more. www.bournvillecommunityhub .wordpress.com Groovy Little Movers Sing, dance and play - the Groovy way. For ages 1-5 T: 07932 333284 E: katy@groovylittlemovers.co.uk www.groovylittlemovers.co.uk Kiddibops, Walmley Fun music education classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. E: info@kiddibops.co.uk www.kiddibops.co.uk Meet and Play, The Core Library Fridays 10.15 - 11.15, age 0 - 2 years (term time only). Toys provided. Mess Around Birmingham Multi sensory messy play 6months-5years T: 07533439428 E: Kelly@messarounduk.com www.messarounduk/Birmingham .com Messy Church, Dorridge Methodist Church Hall One Wednesday, and one Saturday per month. For babies, toddlers, infants and juniors. www.dorridgemethodists.org.uk Mothers and Toddlers, St Matthew’s Church Hall, Perry Beeches Every week, Wednesdays & Fridays, 9.30am – 11am www.stmatthewsperrybeeches .org.uk Rhyme time Castle Bromwich Library Every Monday alternating between a morning (10.45am11.05am) or afternoon (2.30pm-2.50 pm) session. For babies and very young children (0-2 years).(0-2 years).
BACH TO BABY FAMILY CONCERTS Discover classical music with your children at our family-friendly concerts! Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear topnotch performances by outstanding musicians with your young babes in tow. Bach to Baby launched in Birmingham in spring 2018 and now runs monthly concerts in Sutton Coldfield, Bournville and Solihull. Online booking is simple and flexible - plus ALL children attend for free! No concert is complete without feeding, crying and nappy changing! www.bachtobaby.com info@bachtobaby.com Baby Creative Play, mac Birmingham Developing resilient, confident children through creative problem-solving. T: 07772 319303 Bach to Baby, Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield Classical music concerts for babies, toddlers and their parents/carers. www.bachtobaby.com /birmingham/ Bournville Community Hub There’s a baby class or activity for everyone including music, 10 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
Rhyme time, Kingshurst Library Once a fortnight on Tuesdays starting 10.15am for 20-30 minutes (0-2 years).
To advertise email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk DANCE Arabesque School of Dance Ballet, tap, freestyle, Irish and contemporary dance classes in Sutton Coldfield and Solihull areas. www.balletdance.co.uk The Dance School Solihull Ballet, jazz, tap, singing, all ages. Exams & shows! Olton, Solihull. T: 07789 962961 E: carlglwalker@hotmail.com www.thedanceschoolsolihull.com Dizzy Dancers, Birmingham Tap, ballet, gymnastic dance and freestyle dance lessons for age 2+. T: 07734 651192 E: dizzydancers2015@gmail.com www.dizzydancers.org Drum n Bounce & Dubstretch Dance fitness to drum&bass music and yoga to soothing sounds. For all ages. www.drumnbounce.co.uk Dubarrie School of Dance, Yardley & Solihull Ballet, tap and jazz age 2½ T: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.com
BADMINTON Tudor Grange Leisure Centre – Everyone Active Solihull Badminton sessions available for all ages. T: 0121 705 6371 www.everyoneactive.com
BOXING Solihull Community Amateur Boxing Club Classes for all ages to learn boxing skills and get fit. www.solihullboxing.co.uk
COMPUTING Children’s Code Club, Shirley Library 9-13 years. Thursdays 5pm - 6pm, term time. Learn how to make games and animations.
Paul Devlin Football Coaching Football training held in Erdington, Chelmsley Wood and Rugeley. YR – Y4+. T: 07583 912703 www.pauldevlinfootballcoaching.co.uk STRIKES SOCCER ACADEMY Wyndley Leisure Centre First Kicks for 2 – 3 year olds Weds: 11-11.40am (term time only) Sats: 8.40 – 9.30am TRIKES SOCCER ACADEMY Wyndley Leisure Centre 4 - 13 year olds Fridays: 4.30 - 5.40 Sats: 9.45 - 11am www.birminghamleisure.com/wy ndley_lc/Strikes-Soccer-Academy
Gra Na Rince School of Irish Dancing, Selly Oak & Kings Norton Irish dancing classes for boys and girls age 4+. T: 07790 876345 www.granarince.co.uk Solihull Young Dancers Ballet and tap lessons for age 2½+ T: 07722 732678 www.solihullyoungdancers.co.uk
FOOD & NUTRITION
GOLF Junior golf coaching, Solihull Juniors develop their golfing skills through instructions, games and activities. T: 01564 778072 www.fourashesgolfacademy.com
ICE SKATING Planet Ice, Solihull Courses available for all abilities and ages, toddlers to adults. www.planet-ice.co.uk
Tiddlers and Toddlers, St Michael's Church, Hall Green Weekly stay and play session – Wednesdays.
Toddler and Baby Time, Funaticz, Birmingham Play time with your toddlers and babies! www.funaticz.com
FOOTBALL
ELB Danceworks, St Matthew’s Church Hall, Perry Beeches Dance Classes for 3 to 18 years www.stmatthewsperrybeeches.org.uk
StoryTots at Stirchley Library Stories, rhymes & fun for under5s and their parents/carers. FREE
TinyTalk Baby Signing or Toddler Talking Sessions, Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham Free Trials Available T: 07930 545789 E: julieh@tinytalk.co.uk www.tinytalk.co.uk
Mini Master Chef Classes, Bishop Walsh School, Sutton Coldfield 4–7 years, 9.15am - 10.15am 8–12 years, 11am – 12pm E: Nikki@puddingandpie.org.uk T: 07967 004 824 www.puddingandpie.org.uk
PUDDING AND PIE Pudding and Pie is an innovative way to educate, engage and encourage children about food and nutrition. In addition to teaching them basic cookery skills it’s great fun too! Each session’s primary focus is on fun, play and getting messy. They will learn about food safety and hygiene whilst creating from recipes. Each weekly session consists of fun food related games, creating their own dish, tasting sessions and socialisation time. Regardless of whether your child is a little fusspot or a budding chef this class does wonders for all, building confidence as they bring home their creations made from scratch. Saturdays, Bishop Walsh School, Sutton Coldfield Ages: 4 – 7, 9.15am - 10.15am Ages: 8 – 12, 11am – 12pm E: Nikki@puddingandpie.org.uk T: 07967 004 824 www.puddingandpie.org.uk
MARTIAL ARTS Antonio Santorelli’s Black Belt Academy, Harborne Classes Lill Warriors (3 – 6 years); and Juniors (7 – 11 years). T: 07818 052978 E: info@asbba.co.uk www.asbba.co.uk
MUSIC Daddy Rhyme Time, Hobs Moat Library A new and exciting time just for Dads! Saturdays, 10.30 – 11am, 15 Sep, 13 Oct, 10 Nov. www.solihull.gov.uk/libraries DMS Heart of England Music Academy Lessons offered in drums, singing, guitar, piano, keyboard, organ, violin, flute, recorder, saxophone, oboe and musical theatre. T: 01564 772831 dorridgemusicschool@hotmail.com www.dorridgemusicschool.com Guitar Club at the Library of Birmingham Free. Mondays, 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Beginners and advanced levels welcome. www.birmingham.gov.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Clubs & Classes Directory
@familiesbirm Kimichi Pops Orchestra Music New instrumentalists of all ages welcome to enjoy playing film, television and gaming music. T: 0121 679 5298 E: hello@kimichischool.co.uk www.kimichischool.co.uk Music Maze, CBSO Centre, Birmingham Fun, creative, participatory music workshops for children aged 8–11 years. Dates: 16 Sept; 14 Oct; 25 Nov; 13 Jan Booking essential. T: 0121 616 2616 www.bcmg.org.uk Music Masters, Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas High quality music and movement classes lessons for children aged 6 months – 4 years www.music-masters.net National Youth Choirs of Great Britain – Auditions 2018 Auditions open 27 Sept - 18 Oct. Audition days: Nottingham - Sun 4 Nov Birmingham - Tues 6 Nov Shropshire - Sun 18 Nov www.nycgb.org.uk Solihull Music School Music lessons keyboard, guitar, drums, ukulele, vocals and minimaestro classes. T: 01675 443 456 www.solihullmusicschool.co.uk The Strings Club, term time courses Weekly lessons in violin, cello, guitar and ukulele begin 29th Sept T: 0121 296 9204 E: info@thestringsclub.org www.thestringsclub.org
SCOUTS & GUIDES For details of troops and packs operating across Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and beyond go to: www.girlguiding.org.uk for information on Rainbows, Brownies, Guides & Seniors www.scoutadventures.org.uk for scouting Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers)
STORYTIME Castle Bromwich Library Pre-school story time, Fridays 2.15pm to 2.45pm, term time only. The Core Library Twins Plus Story Time - a story time for twins and multiples. Held on the last Thursday of the month. Hobs Moat Library Under 5s Story Session 'Little Hobbits' Stories and colouring-in every Thursday during term time 10.00am - 10.45am. Knowle Library Monday storytime - held weekly from 10.30 - 11.00am. Free, drop-in. Olton Library Storytime sessions for the under5s. Tuesdays (term time only), 2.15pm. www.solihull.gov.uk/libraries
SWIMMING
PERFORMING ARTS
Pyjama Drama, Sutton Coldfield and surrounding areas Drama and imaginative play classes for children up to 7 years. T: 0121 314 2272 E: helenb@pyjamadrama.com www.pyjamadrama.com The Young REP High quality theatrical experiences for children aged 7+. T: 0121 236 4455 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Dizzyrs Dance
Erdington Leisure Centre Ducklings class & stages 1 – 10 swimming classes. For age 6 months and above. www.birminghamleisure .com/erdington_lc Diamond Swim Academy High quality Learn To Swim lessons taught by ex-international swimmers. T: 07756 088617 E: info@diamondswim academy.co.uk www.diamondswimacademy.co.uk
Varioous agggees welco e ccoome Baseed in Hiighhg hgate ate, Birrmiingh gham.
07773 4651192 0773 4651192 65 92 www www ww.ddiizzzyd zyd ce zydance cers.orrg
Solihuull YYoounng Dancers
TENNIS Racquet sports for juniors, Solihull Arden Club Tennis coaching and related activities in different racquet sports disciplines. T: 0121 704 9451 www.solihullarden.co.uk Tennis courses for juniors, Edgbaston Priory Club Beginner, intermediate and advanced level coaching in tennis and squash. www.edgbastonpriory.com
Ballett & T Ta ap p Lessons Classes from agge 2 ½ + Tel: Kate on 077722 732678 www.solihullyoungdanceers.co.uk
DUBARRIE SCHOOL OF DANCE Ballet, Tap and Jazz age 2 ½ + Branches in Yardley and Solihull Telephone: 0121 744 1422 www.dubarrieschoolofdance.com
MASQUERADE MUSICAL THEATRE Youth Theatre Group, Age 5+ Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, B26 2SA Telephone: 0121 722 3761 www.masquerademusicaltheatre.com
Sutton Coldfield Tennis Club Group and individual coaching available from experienced coaches. T: 0121 355 0917 www.suttontennis.com
CLOC Youth Musical Theatre Amateur theatre company for young people aged 7 – 17. T: 0121 311 0339 E: info@clocyouth.org.uk www.clocyouth.org.uk Masquerade Musical Theatre, Sheldon Youth Theatre Group, age 5+ T: 0121 722 3761 www.masquerademusicaltheatre.com
Wyndley Leisure Centre Ducklings class & stages 1 – 10 swimming classes. For age 6 months and above. www.birminghamleisure. com/wyndley_lc/
Drama & Imaginative Play Classes for children up to 7 yrs! Classes held in Sutton Coldfield & Surrounding Areas Tel: 0121 314 2272
JUMP IN, HAVE FUN AND LEARN TO SWIM WITH DIAMOND SWIM ACADEMY
www.pyjamadrama.com helenb@pyjamadrama.com
• SET UP BY EX INTERNATIONAL SWIMMERS • SMALL CLASSES • HIGH QUALITY, PERSONALISED LESSONS • FAST PROGRESSION • FUN LESSONS • 10 MINUTE GAPS FOR ONGOING FEEDBACK LESSONS HELD AT: • Archbishop Ilsley, Acocks Green B27 7XY • The Blue Coat School, Harborne B17 0HR • Moseley Baths, Balsall Heath B12 9AN FOR MORE INFO CONTACT Info@diamondswimacademy.co.uk 07756 088617 www.diamondswimacademy.co.uk
STAY AND PLAY Chelmsley Wood Library, Wise Owls (under-5s) A weekly play and stay, and story & Rhymetimes for the under 5’s, Fridays, 10am (term time only) Owlets (under-3s) Free weekly Play and Stays. Tuesdays, 10am (term time only). familiesonline.co.uk
Everyone Active Swimming and diving lessons for children of all abilities. Tudor Grange Leisure Centre – 0121 705 6371 North Solihull Sports Centre – 0121 770 3822 www.everyoneactive.com
ADVERTISE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE! Put your club, class or activity directly in front of 50,000 readers who all have children under 12 years old. Call Suzanne on
07807 352087
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 11
Parenting
To advertise call: 07807 352087
A virtual franchise as a way to earn a second income
2008|2009 |
2008|2009 |
RUSSELL NURSERY SCH HOOL Children aged from 3 months to 5 years
By Mrs L Woodstock
Ofsted Outstanding 6 (*5 '-+$ "--)(,& 6 ,1$/ "1(3$ '(1$!- /# !*$ 6 " +$/ 0 (, $3$/5 /--+ 6 /$$ / ,1 .* "$0 3 (* !*$ %%--/ &$ 5$ /0 6 /$$ '-2/0 &/ ,1 3 (* !*$ %%--/ &$
Two years ago there never seemed to be enough money or enough time, so I made the big decision to give my girls more ‘Mom-time’ at home.
$* $
200$** # ** /$$, 7' +
Otherr sites
I was looking for an opportunity to earn an extra ÂŁ200 a month. The idea of ÂŁ500 a month or more blew my mind! Could I put myself to the test? Did I have the drive and desire to achieve success running my own business? On my journey, I’ve been blessed to meet some top women with the same incredible work ethic, massive desire and huge dreams. In a year I am proud to say I’ve achieved massive commissions and bonuses from just a ÂŁ50 investment in myself and in my business. I'm so excited to be sharing the best decision of my life with women like me. Could it be you? Could you be the next woman to take the step towards running her own successful business from home using a successfully tried and tested system? For a no obligation info pack text ‘LW’ to 07943 112186
Digital citizenship classes required for children The internet and social media are a permanent part of modern childhood and for most children they offer huge opportunities to learn and connect, according to the Children's Commissioner for England.
-4 -**($0 - # ** /$$, (/+(,&' + $*
+ ** -/*# 2/0$/5 1/ 1%-/# - # ** /$$, (/+(,&' + $*
Babies prefer hearing voices of other babies Recent research has revealed that babies appear to be much more interested in listening to other babies than they are listening to adults. Researchers from McGill University and the University of Montreal conducted experiments on 5 month old babies. By using a synthesizer that simulates movements of the mouth, tongue, and vocal cords, they were able to produce vowel sounds that mimicked human voices. The babies displayed a clear preference for the synthetic baby voices, listening to them for 40% longer, on average, than the adult voices.
Ms LongďŹ eld recommends interventions from government to make sure children are better equipped to make safe and informed choices online. She recommends that children should study "digital citizenship" to learn about their rights and responsibilities online and that social media companies should rewrite their terms and conditions in far simpler language.
“This doesn’t mean mum or dad should give up oohing and aahing in high voices“ says Linda Polka, a professor at McGill University. “Babies do respond to these kinds of sounds. However, infant speech captures and holds infant attention, sometimes prompting positive emotions. This may motivate infants to be vocally active and make it easier to evaluate their own vocalisations, perhaps energising and supporting spoken language development.�
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
More info at www.sciencedaily.com
However, children are now the internet’s biggest users and Anne LongďŹ eld believes they have inadequate skills to negotiate their life online and are frequently giving away personal information.
Ofsted OUTSTANDING in 2007 2010, 2013 and 2018 We offer full and part time places for 3 & 4 year olds FREE places and 30-hour places available Come & see what makes us so special! Tel: 0121 472 1700 26 Tiverton Road, Selly Oak B29 6BP www.sellyoak-nur.bham.sch.uk 12 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton ColdďŹ eld
Est. 1904
familiesonline.co.uk
Parenting
@familiesbirminghammag
Go wild this autumn! Autumn; a time for playing in crisp, colourful leaves and raiding conker trees. A time when fields are woven with glistening spiders’ webs on misty mornings and wild food is plentiful in the hedgerows and woods. Just because summer’s over, there’s no need to abandon the great outdoors. There’s a wealth of fun activities you and your children can enjoy as the temperatures start to cool. Here are just a few ideas:
Make leaf mobiles Celebrate autumn’s amazing colours by helping the children create a brightly coloured mobile. You will need: twine, scissors, and a large needle. • Collect colourful fallen leaves cones, wild nuts and seeds and a stick in the woods or the park. • Cut the twine into lengths of about 75cm/30in. • Tie a cone or an acorn to one end of each length of twine. • Thread leaves and seeds along the twine. • Tie the leaf strings along a stick and hang your mobile up in the autumn sunshine.
Pump pkin Spooktacular ytime ay Da
25th to o 31st Octobe o r 2018
FREEE PUMPKIN forr Every child
Go wild foraging Discover wild foods in hedgerows and woods; look out for nettles, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, rosehips, hazelnuts, walnuts, crab apples and wild herbs. Make sure you tell your children what’s safe to eat!
Make jam with wild fruit Collect some fruit on one of your walks and make some yummy jam! You'll find plenty of child-friendly recipes to follow online.
Outdoor Hallowe’en Creativity Make: Pumpkin faces - no carving involved, just stick on wild materials with double sided tape or clay to make funny and scary faces. Leafy decorations - cut coloured leaves into bat shapes and scary faces to decorate a witch’s hat or make leaf bunting.
Selected Evenings During
october tober half term ter
Leafy lanterns – tie string around jars to make handles. Cut scary faces in colourful leaves and attach them to the jars with elastic bands.
Safety Tips When foraging, take care to only collect safe edible fruits and seeds. Choose fruit bushes and trees away from roads Always supervise children when cooking, as well as when using nightlights in lanterns. These autumn activities are taken from the tenth book by Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks The Wild Year Book, Things to do Outdoors through the Seasons, published by Frances Lincoln in July 2018.
All Inclusive Price
19578A 08/18
More about Going Wild
www.goingwild.net familiesonline.co.uk
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 13
Parenting
To advertise email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Helping your child cope with stress By Claire Winter
Stress in primary school children has risen to worrying levels according to school leaders. 78% of school primary teachers in a recent survey reported a general increase in stress and anxiety among primary pupils. According to the report by the website, Key, a national school support service, 27% of teachers surveyed attributed the increase in anxiety and stress to tests and 37% to social media. Thankfully MPs have finally acknowledged the adverse side-effects of SATs and have proposed eliminating them for seven year olds by 2023. The government has also committed £300 million to improve young people’s mental health. Many educationalists argue that this is too little, far too late. With evidence of self-harm, eating disorders and stress being on the increase in schools, what should we as parents be doing to help our kids feel less stressed?
Get talking According to a poll run by Time to Change, 55% of families do not openly discuss mental health. Katie Buckingham from the social enterprise, Altruist Enterprises (altruistuk.com) believes families should talk more about their problems. She believes the first step to combating this problem is to simply start a conversation. Here are Katie’s six tips (think APPLES) when you talk to your child: Approach casually: perhaps you can mention well-known celebrities who openly discuss their issues Positivity: avoid negative language Patience: no one likes to be pressured Listen carefully: ask open-ended rather than leading questions Encourage your children to pursue things they love Support: seek extra help if you feel it’s needed.
14 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
Create a healthy routine Dr. Riccardo Di Cuffa, Director, and GP at Your Doctor (www.yourdoctor.co.uk) says that having a healthy routine can help combat stress, particularly when your child is making the transition to a new school or starting the new school year. Here’s what is important:
familiesonline.co.uk
@familiesbirm
Parenting
Get enough sleep Sleep improves our memory, sharpens our attention span and helps us maintain a healthy weight. Avoiding gadgets an hour before bed and doing more relaxing activities such as reading or having a bath can make all the difference to the quality of your child’s sleep.
Always eat breakfast Make sure your child starts the day with a nutritious and healthy meal to set them up for a full day. This will boost their energy and can also improve memory and decrease stress levels.
Check-in with your child If your child seems stressed, for instance, if they are not sleeping well, not eating well, behaving more emotionally than usual or are less interactive or more clingy, you need to get them to talk and not bottle up their feelings and worries. Set aside a time when you and they are not too tired, like on the walk to school, or after you’ve eaten your evening meal and ask them how they are really feeling.
Exercise Getting regular exercise can reduce stress. Try to walk to school with your child, visit a playground or park on the way home or get out for a walk at the weekend. Encourage your child to participate in a sporting or physical activity which will build exercise into their schedule automatically.
Try mindfulness Starting a new school, the beginning of the new school year and general worry can make all family members feel pressured. Mindfulness and meditation can help children and parents alike. There is a growing body of evidence that mindfulness can help improve concentration and self-awareness, and help us all manage and regulate difficult emotions. You can introduce your child to mindfulness via apps on your phone, like Headspace and Buddifhy. Buddifhy has released a kids’ section to their app. Rohan Gunatillake, the creator of the app, says taking just ten minutes out to practice mindfulness with your child can help. “With children experiencing more pressure and stimulus than ever before, especially in the school environment, mindfulness is a technique which can be used by families to help them navigate modern life.” Anxiety and stress can be self-perpetuating, your child is anxious so only focusses on the things in their life that are causing them to feel stressed. Encourage them to have a positive outlook but also allow them to voice their fears. If you help teach your child about resilience and how to cope with the tough times, as well as the good ones, you will be teaching them a great skill for life. If you are concerned about your child, please make sure you seek help from a medical professional.
Kids feeling 'unaccepted' by their peers More than half of the nation's young people feel 'unaccepted' by their peers, teachers or families, it has emerged. A study, which aimed to uncover the worries of the nation’s youth, found 56 per cent feel they can’t be their true selves around others for fear of being judged. Another one in six worry they are 'different' from everybody else, and 'won’t ever' find a place where they fit in. It also emerged 72 per cent of young people have been prevented from getting a good night’s rest because of their childhood woes, with the average child kept up three nights a week by their racing minds. One in four children worry about their physical appearance and how they will be judged by others. And one in four said there was something about their appearance they wanted to change. It also emerged 40 per cent have had someone say something negative to them based on their appearance. Hope Bastine, resident psychologist for sleep tech company, Simba, who commissioned this study for Courtney Act, said: ''Trying to find our place in the world without having to disguise who we are can be a real challenge, but the more we encourage tolerance and celebrate our differences from an early age, the more comfortable young people will feel and the better they will sleep at night.”
Set aside time to talk - e.g. during the walk to school
familiesonline.co.uk
Recommended books about inclusivity for children: • Be Who You Are by Jennifer Carr • Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall • It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 15
Parenting
To advertise call: 07807 352087
How thinking skills can equip your child for the future By Dr David Walters
What jobs will be available to my child when the time comes for them to enter the employment market? It’s a worry for every parent. Artificial Intelligence will ‘kill off’ five million jobs by 2020, according to some of the more alarmist headlines. While AI threatens hundreds of thousands of jobs in the retail and administration sectors, top professions such as the law and medicine are also set to be transformed by the ‘march of the robots’. So how can we help our children to future-proof their skills? In the world of education, the speed at which the robots are advancing has poured more fuel on to the debate about the value of learning by rote. Are schools, under enormous pressure from government to deliver everbetter exam grades, responding by priming a generation of students simply to remember, recall and regurgitate facts just as the need for those skills is being usurped by Siri and Alexa? Surely, if we want our children to succeed in a future where so many jobs will be dominated by automation, we should educate them with skills unique to human beings? So, what are those uniquely human skills, and where can your child learn them? What do we as a species have going for us that the computers don’t - and are unlikely to for at least a while? One of our most important is cognitive – or thinking – skills. Back in the 1950s a US psychologist called Benjamin Bloom devised his now-famous hierarchy of thinking, known as Bloom’s Taxonomy. This “pyramid of thought” classifies thinking according to six cognitive levels of complexity. It is increasingly relevant today. According to Bloom’s hierarchy, the least complex (lower order) thinking skills such as recalling information form the base of the pyramid and the most complex (higher order) skills, such as creativity, sit at the peak. Put simply, the higher up the pyramid you go, the safer you are from the rising tide of the machines. Thinking Schools, at which these higher-order skills are taught, can be found all over the world, including in Dubai, Lithuania, Norway, New Zealand, Egypt, Nigeria and Thailand. In Malaysia, the government has looked to introduce the Thinking Schools model in 10,000 public schools. In Britain, too, there is a new enthusiasm for schools where these skills form the basis of teaching. There is growing recognition that Thinking Schools drive the type of unique thinking skills and intelligent learning behaviours that we all need in an increasingly technological world. Much of education has shifted too far towards pure recall and regurgitation of fact. But thinking skills are not an education programme; they are an attitude to learning. In a Thinking School: • All members share a common language of learning • Thinking strategies and tools are used across the curriculum and teachers and students have sound understanding of metacognition • All students are developing and demonstrating independent and co-operative learning skills
16 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
• There are high levels of achievement and an excitement and enthusiasm for learning Typically, in a Thinking School you will see pupils working with ‘map’-like visual tools which help children to understand their thinking processes and ultimately to create, understand, problem-solve and persist with tasks rather than merely regurgitate answers. Recent research has shown that attending an accredited Thinking School can improve pupils’ GCSE results by as much as a grade above what they were originally predicted. Accredited Thinking Schools have been rigorously assessed by Exeter University’s Cognitive Education Development Unit to ensure that they meet strict criteria and a list of them can be found at http://socialsciences.exeter.ac.uk/education/thinkingschools /accreditation/accreditedschools/ Should your child not be at an accredited school, you can still access the Thinking Matters approach to education used by Thinking Schools. CogIgnition (www.cog-ignition.com) works directly with families, and use ‘cognitive coaches’ who work one-to-one to develop the thinking skills, attitudes and interpersonal skills needed to succeed at school and far beyond. We don’t have to think of machines purely as a threat. They are, after all, our creation. The key is to develop the intelligences and skills to get them to work for us! Dr David Walters is Deputy Principal of a secondary school in the South West and Honorary Fellow, Exeter University Graduate School of Education. Thinking Matters works with schools all over the country which want to become Thinking Schools. For further information, visit www.thinkingmatters.com
familiesonline.co.uk
Parenting
@familiesbirminghammag
Should you help with homework? When your children settle down to do homework, do you keep close tabs on them and routinely offer to help? Or is your approach more hands off? Researchers from Finland have found that although most homework assistance aims at helping the child, one approach is much better at instilling persistence.
involves plenty of concrete help, the child will work less persistently, leading to poorer development of skills. It is important for parents to take their child’s needs into consideration when offering homework assistance. Of course, parents should offer concrete help when their child clearly needs it. However, concrete help is not something that should be made automatically available in every situation – only when needed,” says Viljaranta. More info at www.sciencedaily.com
The study looked at children aged from 8 to 11 years and found that when parents offered opportunities for their child to work independently that the child demonstrated an increased ability to work persistently on his or her school assignments when tested 12 months later. However, when parents provided concrete assistance to their child, the less task-persistent the child’s behaviour later became. This in turn, made parents offer more and more help. "One possible explanation is that when a parent gives a child the opportunity to do homework autonomously, this sends out a message that they believe in their child's skills and capabilities. This, in turn, makes the child believe in him or herself, and in his or her skills and capabilities," Associate Professor, Jaana Viljaranta from the University of Eastern Finland explained. Similarly, concrete homework assistance - especially if not requested by a child - may send out a message that a parent doesn't believe in their child's ability to do their homework. When a parent offers the child an opportunity for autonomous working, the child will work persistently, which leads to better development of skills. If, however, a parent’s homework assistance
familiesonline.co.uk
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 17
Parenting
To advertise email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk
The benefits of boredom By Gill Sims back to your own childhood. How much of it was spent with your parents organising you into activities, undertaking craft projects with you, or taking you on days out, and how much of it was spent complaining you were bored and being told to go and read a book, or find something to do? Mine certainly involved a great deal of boredom, that in turn led to imaginary worlds and people and that perhaps then led to me become a writer. Without a healthy dose of boredom, there is no incentive to learn to think for ourselves, or to change things to alleviate boredom!
‘I’m bored!’ How many times do we hear those words as parents? I have lost count of the number of times my precious moppets have whined over the years that they are ‘bored’ as they demanded some form of entertainment be provided (or at the very least that their electronics be returned after being confiscated yet again). But being bored is good for children; it’s part of childhood; it’s the catalyst to spark their imagination; it’s the pathway to creative play and to finding solutions to problems themselves. Between work commitments and school, our time with our children is often limited and, of course, we want that time to be ‘quality time.’ However, by providing a constant carousel of activities, entertainments and days out, we are failing to teach them how to amuse themselves, to develop inner resources and be happy with their own company. It’s natural to want our children to have fun, enjoy their childhood and have happy memories to look back on, but in our quest to do that, sometimes we forget that some of their best memories will come from the things they learned, discovered, explored and sometimes struggled with themselves, not the things that were handed to them on a plate. When my children have friends over, it’s
18 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
always obvious which ones are used to boredom, and which ones are accustomed to a constant programme of events. My usual response to the plaintive wail of ‘I’m bored’ is ‘Only boring people get bored’ to which my children roll their eyes and huff at me. The children whose parents are like me and allow them to be bored, soon start inventing games, building worlds and coming up with things to do, whereas those children who are used to being given a series of suggestions and things to do, struggle with the concept of being told to just ‘go and play!’ After a little while though, when no entertainment is forthcoming, most of them do get the hang of making up games, and using their imagination, instead of being directed through a series of crafts or activities. In some cases, they even declare being handed an old blanket and told to go and make a den, to have been ‘the best fun ever!’ My conviction about the benefits of boredom partly stems from fairly lazy parenting. I’m just not one those parents who enjoy spending hours making playdough creations (in fact, although my children have outgrown playdough, the very thought of the texture still makes me shudder). So I always encouraged my children to play independently, whether that was building Lego, mooching round the garden, or spending hours sitting in a box that was variously a castle, a racing car and an aeroplane. They did have real toys too, but for some reason empty boxes were always extremely popular perhaps my kids are part cat? But think
Of course, I’m not suggesting that children don’t deserve some fun, special treats and parental input. Just that sometimes, it doesn’t hurt them to be bored. There are enough things we are made to feel guilty about as parents and our children occasionally being bored should definitely not be one of them! If your child complains frequently of boredom, fill a jar with paper slips with tedious tasks written on them, like ‘tidy your room,’ ‘do the dusting,’ ‘weed a flowerbed,’ ‘sort out your sock drawer.” Any time someone complains or boredom, they have to pick a slip out randomly and complete the chore on it. When faced with this, it was astonishing how quickly my children found themselves something more interesting to do! So, embrace boredom! Your cherubs will thank you for it one day. And even if they don’t appreciate what you are so selflessly doing for them now, you might get a tidy house with impeccably ordered sock drawers out of it! Gill Sims is the bestselling author of Why Mummy Drinks, which spent a staggering 30 weeks in the Sunday Times Top 10 and was the bestselling debut hardback novel of 2017. Her second novel Why Mummy Swears was published in Hardback by HarperCollins in July 2018 RRP £12.99.
Gill Sims, author
familiesonline.co.uk
News
@familiesbirm
Open Days
Making the best of Open Days This autumn, state and independent schools will be opening their doors to prospective pupils and their parents to give them a flavour of life at their school. Claire Winter has the lowdown on how to get the best out of these Open Days and tours. What is an Open Day? School open days help you decide what school you want your child to go to. During an open day, prospective parents are shown around the school, often on a school day, to give them a flavour of the working life of the school and the school environment. You will be able to see the children in lessons and talk to the teachers and pupils.
Tips for visiting an Open Day • Take your child with you. There is no point in falling in love with a school only to find your child does not want to go there. • If your child has a particular interest in a subject, make sure you visit the department and look at the kind of work they will be doing.
Usually, the head teacher or a senior member of staff also gives a talk which includes a general overview of the school and its values and ethos.
• Look and see if the pupils appear happy and engaged.
When are they held?
• Ask the pupils what they think of the school.
State schools generally hold Open Days in September and October aimed at children and families looking for a school place for the following year.
• Are there extra-curricular clubs that will engage your child and allow them to pursue a broad range of interests?
Independent schools often hold Open Days throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. They can have waiting lists for Reception-age children or require children to take a school-specific 7+ or 11+ exam to gain a place.
• Check how the school is performing compared to other local schools, using exam league tables and Ofsted reports.
Schools organise Open Evenings as well as days to allow working parents to visit the school too. Some schools (mainly independent) hold Open Days on a Saturday.
Finally, you know your child and you are best placed to ascertain what is right for them. If your child is older, do take account of their preferences too and include them in the decision making process. The best decision will undoubtedly be the one you all agree.
School Open Days Here are some Autumn Term Open Day dates to help you plan your visits. Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield • Tues 25 Sept, 4 – 7pm • Tues 16 Oct, 9 – 10.30am • Weds 17 Oct, 9 – 10.30am • Thurs 18 Oct, 9 – 10.30am Contact: 0121 250 5400 www.bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk The Blue Coat School, Harborne, Birmingham • Sat 29 Sept, 9:30am – 12pm Contact: 0121 410 6800 www.thebluecoatschool.com Edgbaston High School for Girls, Edgbaston, Birmingham Whole School Open Morning • Sat 22 Sept - 9.30am - 12pm Contact: 0121 454 5831 www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk Eversfield Prep School, Solihull • Sat 29 Sept - 9:30am - 12pm Contact: 0121 705 0354 www.eversfield.co.uk Hallfield School (3 – 11 years), Edgbaston, Birmingham For enquiries about open mornings contact Admissions Manager, Alison Gilmartin, on: 0121 410 6706 agilmartin@hallfieldschool.co.uk www.hallfieldschool.co.uk Handsworth Grammar School, Birmingham 11+ Open Evening • Thurs 20 Sept, 5 – 8 pm Contact: 0121 554 2794 www.handsworth.bham.sch.uk Kimichi School, Acocks Green, Birmingham • Weds 17 Oct, 5pm – 7pm • Sat 20 Oct, 11am – 1pm 0121 679 5298 hello@kimichischool.co.uk www.kimichischool.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
King Edward VI Aston School, Birmingham If you would like to arrange a school tour call 0121 327 1130 www.keaston.bham.sch.uk King Edward VI Camp Hill, School for Boys, Birmingham • Fri 21 Sept, 6pm – 8pm • Sat 22 Sept, 10am – 12.30pm Contact: 0121 444 3188 www.camphillboys.bham.sch.uk King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, Birmingham • Weds 24 Oct, 5.30 – 8.30pm Contact: 0121 444 2150 www.kechg.org.uk King Edward VI Five Ways School, Birmingham Open Evening Thurs 18 Oct, tbc Contact: 0121 475 3535 www.kefw.org King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham • Tues 18 Sept, 5.30pm – 8pm • Weds 19 Sept, 9.30-11am Contact: 0121 554 2342 www.kingedwardvi.bham.sch.uk King Edward VI High School for Boys, Birmingham • Sat 15 Sept, 10am-12.30pm Contact: 0121 472 1672 www.kes.org.uk King Edward VI High School for Girls, Birmingham • Sat 22 Sept, 9.30am – 12.30pm Contact: 0121 472 1834 www.kehs.org.uk Kingswood School, Shirley, Solihull If you would like to arrange a school tour call 0121 744 7883 www.kingswoodschool.co.uk
Norfolk House School, Edgbaston, Birmingham Early Years Open Morning • Sat 6 Oct, 10am - 1pm Whole School Open Morning • Sat 10 Nov, 10am - 1pm info@norfolkhouseschool.co.uk www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk Priory School, Sir Harry’s Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham If you would like to arrange a school tour call 0121 440 4103 www.prioryschool.net Ruckleigh School, Solihull • Sat 29 Sept, 10am – 12.30pm Contact: 0121 705 2773 www.ruckleigh.co.uk Shrubbery School, Walmley Sutton Coldfield If you would like to arrange a school tour call 0121 351 1582 www.shrubberyschool.co.uk Solihull School, Solihull • Sat 22 Sept, 9.30am – 12pm Contact: 0121 705 0958 www.solsch.org.uk St Martin’s School, Solihull Whole School Open Morning • Sat 15 Sept, 9.30am – 12pm Contact: 0121 705 1265 www.saintmartins-school.com/joining-us Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, Sutton Coldfield • Wed 19 Sept, 6pm - 8.30pm Contact: 0121 354 1479 www.suttcold.bham.sch.uk West House Independent Prep School for Boys, Edgbaston, Birmingham Open Morning • Fri 5 Oct (time tbc) Contact: 0121 440 4097 www.westhouseprep.com
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 19
Education
To advertise call: 07807 352087
Explore Learning – “her school work and self-confidence have significantly improved”. Explore Learning provides maths and English tuition to children aged four to 14, with 139 centres across the country. Families caught up with an Explore Learning member to find out more about their experience. Why did you decide to join Explore three years ago? To help raise Emily’s low self-esteem and to provide her with some confidence with her learning and within herself.
How has Explore helped? They have provided Emily with the tools to enable her to take pride in her work, whilst learning and gaining confidence. It has taught Emily how to prioritise her work whilst completing it within the required timescales.
What advice would you give to other parents thinking about bringing their children to Explore? We would advise them to attend a free trial session with their child at a centre convenient to them. Once booked, we are sure your child will be hooked!
How has Explore worked with you as a family/supported you as a family? The regular reports and parent’s meetings have provided us an opportunity to discuss Emily’s progression. We are able to use this
20 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
consultation time to set any new goals or targets for Emily to work towards.
How has Explore supported what your child is working on at school? Since Emily has been attending Explore, her school work and selfconfidence have significantly improved. Emily recently took her SATS tests at Junior School. The great results she achieved can be attributed to attending tuition at Explore Learning.
Book your FREE TRIAL today: 033 0124 3802; www.explorelearning.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
Education
@familiesbirminghammag
Edgbaston High School Inspiring your daughter to achieve her full potential Parents considering an independent education for their daughters should add Edgbaston High School’s forthcoming Whole School Open Day date to their diary. The event on Saturday 22 September 2018, 9.30am - 12.00 noon, will provide an opportunity to meet key teaching staff and current students. Dr Weeks, Headmistress, will give an address in Senior School at 10.30am. Mrs Hartley, Head of Prep, will give talks to families considering primary school at 9.45am and 10.30am. Edgbaston High School offers girls an exceptional 21st century education based on traditional values. We are experts in educating girls. With over 140 years’ experience to draw upon, we believe passionately in the benefits of single sex education because we know it works.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) recently awarded EHS ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Excellent’ accreditations. Senior School Admissions: Girls entering Year 7 in September 2019 are invited to sit the Senior School Entrance Examination on Saturday 13 October 2018. The application deadline is Saturday 22 September 2018. Scholarships available. Preparatory School Admissions: Girls applying for entry to the Preparatory Department are asked to make an application by Monday 28 January 2019. Testing takes place on various dates in February and March.
Our ‘all-round’ approach means that your daughter is actively encouraged to develop her individual abilities and interests. Academic excellence is underpinned by a distinctive and successful system of pastoral care that ensures each girl achieves her full potential, whatever her passion. EHS offers a continuity of education: the Westbourne (EYFS), Preparatory, Senior and Sixth Form departments on site cater for girls aged between 2 ½ - 18 years of age. Pupils enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum and achieve high academic standards under the guidance of supportive teaching staff. Year 13 leavers continue their BOOK TODAY! studies at some of the country's most sought-after universities. Put your club, class, activity or event directly in front of 50,000 readers who all have children under 12 years old.
familiesonline.co.uk
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 21
Education
To advertise email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk
Take advantage of Kumon’s two-week FREE TRIAL At your local Kumon study centre the aim is to help any child of any ability to shine. With 60 years of experience and over 4 million students worldwide, the Kumon maths and English programmes enable children to embrace new challenges and to develop strong study skills. Kumon believe this opportunity to grow academically and personally should be available to all children. That is why, between 1 September and 31 October, your local Kumon study centre is offering a two-week Free Trial of the Kumon programmes for new students.
11+ VERBAL REASONING VOCABULARY FLASH CA ARDS Expand your child’’ss anton nym and synonym knowledge and achieve a higher g 11+ sco ore A comprehensive vocabulary resource with child-friendly definitions and a list of synonyms www.vocabularyflashcardss.co.uk
Your child will be assessed so that your Kumon Instructor can tailor their level of study precisely to their ability. This creates a positive learning experience, with work set at just the right level. The individualised maths and English programmes enable students to progress to an advanced level, at their own pace, ensuring they maximise their ability and begin to realise their unlimited potential. Kumon students develop lifelong study skills and a passion for learning, equipping them for a successful future. Turn to the back cover to find your nearest Kumon Centre. www.kumon.co.uk.
Nurturing Excellence EARLY YEARS OPEN MORNING for parents of children aged 3-5
Saturday 6th October 2018 10am - 1pm A leading independent school for children aged 3 to 11 Family atmosphere Small class sizes Competitive fees 4 Norfolk Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3PS Tel: 0121 454 7021 | Email: info@norfolkhouseschool.co.uk | www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk
22 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
familiesonline.co.uk
Education
@familiesbirm
New Headteacher for an Edgbaston School Norfolk House School, a leading independent preparatory school in Edgbaston, has appointed a new Headmistress. Susannah Palmer was Deputy Head of the exceptional-rated Mayfield Preparatory School in Walsall, and prior to that had taught at West House School for 22 years. Jonathan Challinor, Chair of Directors, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Susannah into the Norfolk House family. Her enthusiasm is inspiring, as is her passion for enabling children to achieve their full potential”. Susannah adds: "I am thrilled to be joining Norfolk House. I have already been made to feel very welcome by pupils, parents and staff, and I am relishing the prospect of working with the school’s talented staff team to meet the high academic standards for which Norfolk House is well known, and to ensure that all our pupils reach their full potential.” Founded over fifty years ago, Norfolk House School is a closeknit school with a family atmosphere and small class sizes which allow close attention to be paid to the particular needs of each child. Many of the school’s pupils progress to highly respected local grammar and independent schools.
Kimichi – a dynamic and inspiring place to learn Kimichi School is proud to announce they have retained ‘Good’ in all areas in their second Ofsted inspection. Inspectors recognised that through their music-based learning that Kimichi has a very clear and ambitious vision for the students, enabling them to leave as academically awarded and socially confident young persons.
A fun times tables programme with proven results Every family needs a Mr NK in their life. Every parent watches their child’s first laugh, first crawl, first step, and first struggle with their times tables. You’ve tried the traditional way now try Mr NK’s way, through rhyme, rhythm and play your child’s times tables are here to stay, the NK way! Mr NK has gained honours for his commitment including the Pride of Britain Award. In 2016, the department of education produced guidelines advising all school children aged 8+ would need to know their times tables. Tests have already commenced in some primary schools nationally and will become mandatory in 2020 for all year 4 students. The average child entering Mr NK’s program tests achieve 15% success on average but after several weeks of attending (1 day pw) children average at 71%. Children with ADHD and autism have also progressed and become fluent. “To have pupils that are working well below their age improving significantly in such a difficult area of Maths is incredible. 3Ts should be written into the curriculum.” Geraldine Lindsay, Head of Maths, Great Oaks School The Programme can be accessed through Community Workshops, School Workshops, One to One Sessions, or CD and all Digital Downloads info@tunestablestables.com; www.tunestimestables.com; 0330 333 8703 Search Tunes Times Tables:
‘The school’s exciting and dynamic environment inspires all pupils to learn.’ ‘Pupils are committed to the success of the school.’ Kimichi provides a home-from-home atmosphere, and has been recognised for its very strong personal, social and health education programme. Sally Alexander, headteacher of Kimichi School, says “We’re proud to be acknowledged for the many community and charity events, with our students sharing their musical talents in workshops and performances”. Kimichi’s students have been invited to participate in a major international event at Rudolfinum in Prague to help celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Czech Republic. A valuable once in a lifetime opportunity for them! Open Days: Weds 17 Oct, 5-7pm; Sat 20 Oct, 11am-1pm. www.kimichischool.co.uk; 0121 679 5298
familiesonline.co.uk
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 23
Halloween Craft
To advertise call: 07807 352087
How to make a Doorway Dare Knock, knock, Whoooo’s there… Kids love trick-or-treating - but sometimes it rains, or the neighbours pretend to be out. Here’s a crafty trick or treat game from our friends at Wonderbly that you can make and play with at home. You’ll create two doorways: one leads to a trick and the other to a treat. Will your little visitor get a chocolate or an eyeball? It’s a shifty fifty-fifty. Follow these eight simple steps to build your doorways.
You will need: ● 4 shoeboxes (no lids)
● 2 pieces of dark cloth
● a utility knife
● 2 large buttons, or bottletops
● a metal ruler ● paint ● brushes ● a black marker pen
● cobwebs (preferably fake) or feathers ● tricks and treats
STEP 1
STEP 6
Take two of the shoeboxes and draw a door-shaped rectangle on each. Using the knife and ruler, cut along three sides of the door, leaving it on its hinges.
Tape the hallway boxes to the doorway boxes, so reaching through the door will lead to the sensory items.
STEP 2
Find something lovely and something not so lovely. (Plastic spider/strawberry lolly, lychee eyeball/pound coin etc.) Hide the treat in one doorway and the trick in the other.
STEP 7 Grab some brushes and paint the boxes. Try boldly-contrasting colours for the door and brickwork. Leave your doorways to dry.
STEP 3
STEP 8
Get a thick marker pen and add some details: letterbox, doorbell, house number. For a doorknob, you can sew on a button or glue on a bottle cap.
Dim the lights and invite your little trick-or-treaters to choose their fate. You can even make it a breakfast ritual in the build-up to Halloween. Ratatatat…
STEP 4 Turn your boxes around. Glue or staple a piece of cloth inside each, then cut a slit down the centre of the cloth (for intrepid hands to reach through). Put these boxes to one side.
STEP 5 Now take your other two boxes. Decorate the insides with fake cobwebs, feathers or other touchy-feely things. One should feel lovely, the other should feel icky! These will form the backs (or hallways) to your doors.
24 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
Wonderbly are creators of beautiful personalised children’s books that inspire courage, curiousity and kindness in children all over the world. A treat for any curious little mind. Find out more at www.wonderbly.com
familiesonline.co.uk
Fireworks Night
@familiesbirminghammag
Remember, Remember the 5th of November! Your guide to Guy Fawkes Night
By Claire Winter
Gunpowder, treason, and plot I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot. The ‘plot’ was simple - to blow up The Houses of Parliament with barrels of gunpowder hidden in its cellar. Guy Fawkes was given the job of lighting the fuse but, on the 5 November 1605, the plot was discovered and he was taken to the Tower of London and executed. To celebrate his own survival, King James I ordered his people to light a great bonfire every year on the night of 5 November. You don’t have to go far to be part of the crackle and fizz of Bonfire Night. New local fireworks events pop up annually, whilst the biggest bonfire extravaganzas, e.g. at Drayton Manor, West Midlands Safari Park, Ironbridge and Tamworth Castle are firmly cemented in the calendar. Many schools hold organised fireworks displays but if the idea of being outdoors with very young children on a cold November evening sends a chill down your spine, here are some ideas to help you enjoy Bonfire Night at home. Start with a Bang: Kids love listening to the popping of microwave popcorn that they can munch on. Add some colour: Make a rocket! Wrap silver paper around an empty kitchen roll tube and stick down. Cut out a circle of coloured card (approx 9cm) and make a cone shape. Tape the cone to the top of the cylinder. Decorate the cylinder with stickers and stick strips of red or orange cellophane to the bottom for flames. Kids can fly their colourful creations around the garden! Bonfire Baked Potatoes: Cook up edible bonfires! Fill jacket potatoes with child-friendly toppings. Sprinkle some Red Leicester cheese on top for flames, or put the fire out with a spoonful of creme fraiche on top! Light Up the Night Sky: Kids love torches and they’re a fun, safe way for them to play in the dark and enjoy the atmosphere of Bonfire Night.
BONFIRE NIGHT SAFETY Did you know that sparklers burn at 200 Degrees Centigrade - 5 times hotter than cooking oil? Whether you’re planning sparklers in the garden or a fullblown bonfire and fireworks, here are some simple tips to keep you safe this Bonfire Night. Sparklers should not be given to children under 5. Keep a bucket of cold water outside in case of burn injuries. Children can be sensitive to loud noises, consider investing in a pair of ear defenders. If you are planning to let off fireworks, consult the Firework Code at www.rospa.com Keep pets indoors. Animals have acute hearing and loud noises disturb them. Remember, the safest way to celebrate Bonfire Night is to attend an organised display.
familiesonline.co.uk
FIREWORKS NIGHT DISPLAYS Blists Hill Victorian Town www.ironbridge.org.uk/events/ Fireworks Night 3 Nov A fantastic fireworks extravaganza accompanied by music. Drayton Manor Park www.draytonmanor.co.uk Best of British: Fireworks Spectacular 2 – 4 Nov Bring the family along for the ultimate British-styled fireworks bash. Himley Hall and Park www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk/events Bonfire & Fireworks Display 3 Nov Himley’s Fireworks will be lighting up the night sky set to this year’s theme. West Midlands Safari Park www.wmsp.co.uk Firework Festival Weekend 10 - 11 Nov Refreshments available all evening.
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 25
Brilliant Book Events
To advertise email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk
BRILLIANT book festivals, and Horrible Histories - if you’re looking for fun arts events which won’t break the bank, then keep an eye on What Busy Parents Network is planning next! Horrible Histories Gorgeous Georgians, Rotten Romans and Terrible Tudors will be brought to life by illustrator of the hilarious Horrible Histories books, Martin Brown. The show, at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, on Saturday 27th October, is part of this autumn’s national The Big Draw. The live drawing performance from Martin, will take place at 11.30am, and all day 11am-3pm there will be arts workshops in the foyer, history-themed storytelling and a gallery trail. Busy Parents Network’s collaborations with the Barber to create interactive fun family events in the gallery have won awards. so don’t miss out! Book your tickets at: tkt.to/horriblehistoriesbigdraw
Three new BookFests! Busy Parents Network’s Bournville BookFest has become so well-loved that three sister BookFests will take place in the spring. Their award-winning recipe of author visits, storytelling events and creative workshops will be wrapped up in one-day festivals at Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, and Barnt Green. Director and programmer Sarah Mullen said BookFest is expanding to meet popular demand: “Because libraries matter so much we’ll be working with Sutton Library and Friends of Libraries in Our Sutton Coldfield (FOLIO), Solihull Library and Core Theatre plus families in Barnt Green, to create brilliant events for each area. We’ve got lots of exciting names already lined up, so if you live in Sutton, Solihull or Barnt Green, then save these dates!” The programme will be published in the New Year and tickets will go on sale at www.bournvillebookfest.com on January 27th. Top authors Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Rosen, Kes Gray, and Bournville BookFest patron Nick Sharratt are headlining at Town Hall Birmingham as part of Bournville BookFest’s Literature Out of the Box outreach
26 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
programme for school children.
Be part of the BookFest action! If you’d like your business to be involved as a sponsor of BookFest we would love to Affordable fun at the brilliant Bour hear from you. nville BookFest We can’t do BookFest alone, so if you’re interested in joining our amazing, friendly volunteer team, get in touch: sala@busyparentsnetwork.com Stay in touch with the latest Busy Parents Network events via Facebook.
Three new BookFests for Birmingham! Sutton BookFest - Saturday 2nd March Solihull BookFest - Saturday 9th March Barnt Green BookFest – Saturday 16th March Bournville BookFest –Wednesday 14th March to Sunday 24th March
familiesonline.co.uk
Half Term
@familiesbirm
Quality holiday camp for half term In search of an activity provider for the October half term? Enjoy a fun-filled holiday at Aspire Active Camps! For children aged 4 -14, Ofsted registered Active Camps provides sports and activities every school holiday.
Action-packed childcare this
Ofsted
registered
October
Half Term
Aspire provide discount offers, a loyalty scheme and accept childcare vouchers.
29th October 2nd November
Their next camps are taking place during the October half term in Sutton Coldfield, Walsall and Solihull.
Solihull
Open from 8am-6pm Alderbrook School
If you want to register your child for Active Camps, visit www.aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979.
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Walsall
Queen Mary’s Grammar School
We accept childcare vouchers
Early Bird Offer
Book before 5pm on Friday 12th October
£16 per day 8am-4pm - Xtra Time available up to 6pm if required. See website for full details. Terms and conditions apply,
Book early and pay only
£2 per hour
For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979
familiesonline.co.uk
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 27
What’s on HALLOWE’EN HORRORS!
Aston Hall www.birminghammuseums.org. uk/aston Ghostly Tales: Family Friendly Ghost Tour 30 Oct Families are invited to explore Aston Hall, one of Birmingham’s most haunted buildings, under the safety of daylight. Baddesley Clinton www.nationaltrust.org.uk/badde sley-clinton Family Fun Days - Hallowe'en 2018 27 Oct – 4 Nov A spooky outdoor trail with creepy take-home activities.
To advertise call: 07807 352087
Blakesley Hall www.birminghammuseums.org. uk/blakesley Hallowe’en Half Term & Craft Days 30 Oct - 2 Nov See the Hall dressed for Hallowe’en and take part in the themed craft days. Cadbury World www.cadburyworld.co.uk Hallowe’en Spectacular 20 Oct – 4 Nov The Scream Factor returns to Cadbury World with more screams promised than ever before! Drayton Manor www.draytonmanor.co.uk More treat than trick 20 Oct - 3 Nov Frightfully fun family Hallowe’en activities and eerie entertainment. Hatton Adventure World www.hattonworld.com Pumpkin Spooktacular 25 - 31 Oct
Hatton will be full of ghosts, ghouls, cobwebs‌ and pumpkins! Wooooo! Ironbridge Gorge Museums www.ironbridge.org.uk Candy & Cobwebs at Blists Hill Victorian Town 26 Oct Age: under-8s All children taking part will be given a fun activity sheet to lead them around the exhibits The Locksmith's House www.bclm.co.uk/locations/thelocksmiths-house Horrible Willenhall Histories Date: 27 Oct Take part in a spooky themed trail around the house. Packwood House www.nationaltrust.org.uk/packw ood-house Family Fun Days - Hallowe'en 2018 27 Oct – 4 Nov A spooky outdoor trail with takehome activities.
OUT & ABOUT
Ackers Adventure www.ackers-adventure.co.uk, 0121 772 5111 Try a range of different activities such as skiing, archery, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, jungle challenge, zip wire, and tower drop. Adventure Island Mini Golf www.adventureminigolf .co.uk, 0121 328 7474 A fun indoor golf complex for all the family with two themed 18 hole courses.
Sat 27 Oct – Fri 2 Nov Who wants to play? Enjoy live shows, virtual reality y,, gaming and workshops for little (and big) geeks. Suggested age range 7 – 11 years.
macbirmingham.co.uk/little-geeks 0121 446 3232
MAC gratefully thanks Arts Council England, the Players of the People’’s s Postcode Lotteryy,, The Cole Charitable Trust and The John Feeney Charitable
Aston Hall www.birminghammuseums.org. uk/aston, 0121 348 8038 Autumnal Aston: Rufus and the Golden Acorns 29 or 30 Sept, tbc Pre-booking essential. Go along to enjoy outdoor nature challenges before exploring Aston Hall. Age: 4 – 8 years Baddesley Clinton www.nationaltrust.org.uk/badd esley-clinton, 01564 783294 A picturesque medieval moated manor house, beautiful in all seasons. There is a lake and a nature walk. Barber Institute of Fine Arts www.barber.org.uk The Big Draw with Horrible Histories Illustrator Martin Brown 27 Oct 11am-3pm (show starts at 11.30am) Draw-along show, storytelling, art activity, gallery trail. For age 5+ Tickets from www.theticketsellers.com Birmingham Botanical Gardens www.birminghambotanicalgard ens.org.uk, 0121 454 1860
28 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton ColdďŹ eld
Parkridge Centre www.warwickshirewildlifetrust .org.uk Wicked Workshop and Terror Trail 24 Oct - Follow the spooky trail around the park. Prize for best Hallowe’en costume. Soho House www.birminghammuseums.org. uk/soho Hubble Bubble Trick or Treat 31 Oct - 1 Nov Do you dare to explore the spooky cellars at Soho House this Hallowe’en? ThinkTank www.birminghammuseums.org. uk/thinktank Spooky Science Night 27 Oct - A spooky party for all mad scientists, witches and wizards! West Midlands Safari Park www.wmsp.co.uk Spooky Spectacular! 29 Sept – 4 Nov - Family fun, spooky shows and a Trick or Treat Trail.
Family Activities There’s always plenty to keep your family occupied at Botanical Gardens: - Explorer Family Backpacks - Children’s Trails - Orienteering Trails - Family Events ‌and much more! Birmingham's Diwali celebrations Soho Road, Handsworth Date: Sun 21 Oct FREE. Comedy photo booths, pony rides, face painting, food stalls, funfair, live music and shopping. Event culminates in a switch-on of lights (no ďŹ reworks) by the Birmingham Lord Mayor. Birmingham Library Centenary Square, Birmingham, 0121 242 4242 www.birmingham.gov.uk/events FREE Black British Arts & Culture Family Workshop Tue 30 Oct 4.30pm – 6pm A presentation and creative writing workshop suitable for children aged 10-17. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery www.birminghammuseums.org. uk/bmag, 0121 348 8000 FREE. This world class museum is situated in the heart of Birmingham city centre. Opening days and times: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm, Friday 10.30am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday 10am 5pm FREE - BMAG Babies 19 Sept; 24 Oct 10.30am – 12.30am Places must be pre-booked. For babies and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years to play and interact with a parent or caregiver. Black Country Living Museum www.bclm.co.uk, 0121 557 9643 Open: Daily, 10am - 5pm There’s always plenty to do at BCLM! Meet the costumed characters, visit the shops and houses, see live demonstrations, go to the fun fair, and have some ďŹ sh and chips – 1930s style!
familiesonline.co.uk
Out & About
Quote FAMILIES BIRMINGHAM when booking!
OUT & ABOUT CONT’D Hatton Adventure World www.hattonworld.com, 01926 843411 Potato & Sweetcorn Showdown Dates: September Weekends The vegetable fields will be open on Saturdays and Sundays between 12.00pm-5.00pm (crop dependant) alongside a full day of Hatton fun! Hoar Park, Shopping and Craft Village www.hoar-park.co.uk, 024 7639 4433 Craft Fair Sun 16 Sept 10am – 5pm Come along to Hoar Park’s Craft Fair and bag yourself a treat. There’s fun for the little ones too in the Children’s Farm and Pets Corner. Ironbridge Gorge Museums www.ironbridge.org.uk See what’s happening at the 10 award-winning attractions in this World Heritage Site. Where will your visit take you?
AUTUMN ENTERTAINMENT
Bach to Baby Family Concerts www.bachtobaby.com Friends Meeting House, Bournville - Wed 26 Sept, 11am, Wed 17 Oct, 11am Holy Trinity Parish Church, Sutton Coldfield -Fri 21 Sept, 11am, Fri 2nd November 11am Solihull Methodist Church, B91 1LG - Sat 15 Sept, 11am, Sat 20 Oct, 11am Discover classical music with your children at these familyfriendly concerts! Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music. Birmingham Rep Theatre www.birmingham-rep.co.uk, 0121 236 4455 Young Herbert's Horrors Sat 22 Sept, 11.30am; 2.30pm A great family-friendly show featuring swashbuckling verse, jaunty music, gallows humour... and the obligatory parrot! Presented by Half Moon. Hansel and Gretel Sat 20 Oct, 11.30am; 2.30pm Children will be invited to listen, watch and take part in an interactive theatre experience which brings this traditional story to life The Core Theatre www.thecoretheatresolihull.co. uk, 0121 704 6962 Tabby McTat Fri 2 Nov 2pm; 4pm
familiesonline.co.uk
Packwood House www.nationaltrust.org.uk /packwood-house, 01564 783294 This autumn, why not pay a visit to this much restored Tudor House. Plenty for families to see and do. Three Counties Showground www.malvernautumn.co.uk 01684 584 924 Malvern Autumn Show 29 - 30 Sept Go along to marvel at the giant veg, take in a class at the Cookery Theatre, bag a bargain at one of the 100s of stalls, and enjoy some live entertainment. Touchwood Solihull www.kumon.co.uk, Kumon Open Event Sat 22 Sept, 9am – 6pm Fiind out more about Kumon’s two-week Free Trial, and how they could help your child develop a lifelong passion for learning. University of Birmingham Campus www.budsrun.co.uk Bud’s Run Sun 21 Oct, 11am Run, jog or walk 5K for Parkinson’s UK
Enjoy this delightful rhyming story of music, friendship, loyalty - and cats! Age 3+ mac Birmingham www.macbirmingham.co.uk, 0121 446 3232 Martin Mor: Funny Stuff for Happy People Sun 16 Sept, 3pm Kids, bring your adults along to this show for comedy and stupid science stuff.
FREE EVENT! Marshmallow Laser Feast: In the Eyes of the Animals 27 - 28 Oct See what it’s like to be a forest animal through the eyes of four woodland creatures in Marshmallow Laser Feast’s 360° virtual reality experience.
OCTOBER HALF TERM
Birmingham Botanical Gardens www.birminghambotanicalgard ens.org.uk, 0121 454 1860 October Half Term Fun 22 – 26 Oct. A week of activities to keep the kids happy, including arts and crafts, story walks and autumn activity sheets. Under 16’s go FREE. Black Country Living Museum www.bclm.co.uk, 0121 557 9643 Half Term - Terrifying Tales 27 Oct - 4 Nov Go and discover the terrifying tales of Black Country past this half term as you help separate folklore from fact. Cadbury World www.cadburyworld.co.uk Join the Cadbury characters for a delicious breakfast 27 Oct - 4 Nov Sing-a-long, dance-a-long fun with Cadbury’s characters.
Little Geeks: Smart Play Zone 27 – 30 Oct Go along for the best retro games from Dead Pixels including Pac Man, Pong, Donkey Kong and Atari. There’s also drone demonstrations and 3D printing. Sarehole Mill birminghammuseums.org.uk/sar ehole, 0121 348 8160 October Half Term 27 Oct - 4 Nov Family fun on each day of half term (closed Mon 29 Oct). ThinkTank www.birminghammuseums.org. uk/thinktank, 0121 348 8000 Spooky Science Week: October Half Term Family activities including: Slime labs; The Science of Fright Show; Storytelling; Arts Activities; Family Packs.
mac Birmingham www.macbirmingham.co.uk, 0121 446 3232
MORE
ONLINE
ALWAYS CHECK THE VENUE’S WEBSITE IN CASE OF CHANGES TO SCHEDULE.
familiesonline.co.uk
Tom Dale Company: I INFINITE 1 – 2 Nov. Part Dance, Part video 'I INFINITE ' explores the boundaries between the digital and real world. Little Howard's Big Show For Kids 1 Nov Real human Big Howard and animated six-year-old Little Howard are bringing their family comedy show to MAC. 6+ Sutton Coldfield Town Hall www.townhallsuttoncoldfield .co.uk, 0121 296 9543 The Wizard of Oz Tues 30 Oct 2.30pm; 6.30pm Follow the yellow brick road this October half term to this toetapping, musical adventure. Symphony Hall, Birmingham www.cbso.co.uk/families, 0121 780 3333 Sounds of the Sea concert Sun 28 Oct, 2.30pm Join the amazing City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra this October for its first family concert of the season. FREE craft activities in the foyer from 1pm. Town Hall, Birmingham www.thsh.co.uk, 0121 780 3333 Guess How Much I Love You Sat 3 Nov, 11:30am A playful story of love and nature told through puppets, live music and interactive play. Age 3+.
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield 29
Christmas Previews
Quote FAMILIES BIRMINGHAM when booking!
Christmas Theatre Previews Be an early Christmas robin when it comes to booking theatre seats this year! Beauty and the Beast Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, 11 – 31 Dec Sutton Coldfield Town Hall’s fabulous production team are bringing you this sparkling pantomime this Christmas. Go along to see a wonderful story with wonderful music, wonderful design, wonderful dancing …and some truly terrible jokes! Don’t miss it! www.townhallsuttoncoldfield.co.uk, 0121 296 9543
Rudolf and Sleepyhead mac Birmingham Treat the children to two magical shows this Christmas at mac Birmingham. Rudolf, for children aged 4+, is on from 17 Nov-31 Dec. This fab festive treat from Pins & Needles Theatre is full of puppetry, laughter and mischief, telling the tale of Rudolf and her adventures as she learns that being different can be very special indeed. The red-nosed reindeer can’t fly, gets lost all the time and her bright red nose keeps everyone awake at night! No matter how hard she tries, she can’t get on to Father Christmas’ sleigh-pulling team. But when disaster strikes, it’s good old Rudi to the rescue to save Christmas for everyone! Meanwhile, for children aged 2-5, Sleepyhead is a lovely tale from Little Angel Theatre full of the magic and wonder of Christmas Eve. It’s on from 20 Nov-2 December and little ones will love the story of Baby and Rabbit as they go on a secret adventure full of silliness, circus and games. www.macbirmingham.co.uk, 0121 446 3232
Pinocchio Old Rep Theatre, 17 Nov - 30 Dec The magic of Old Rep Theatre is bringing Pinocchio to life this Christmas! Join Pinocchio and his trusty Cricket companion on a journey of mischief and chaos, through the depths of the ocean and the Land of Toys, to discover what it takes to become a real live boy. www.oldreptheatre.co.uk, 0121 359 9444
The Wizard of Oz Birmingham Repertory Theatre, 24 Nov ’18 – 13 Jan ‘19 Follow the yellow brick road for the ultimate family adventure this Christmas. Join Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion on their adventure to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz. Delighting generations, The Wizard Of Oz is one of the most popular tales of all time and this spectacular production features your favourite songs and characters from the classic film with an added sprinkle of Rep magic. Join the Rep somewhere over the rainbow for this fantastic festive treat! www.birmingham-rep.co.uk, 0121 236 4455
Sleeping Beauty - The Pantomime of Your Dreams The Core Theatre, 14 Dec ’18 – 6 Jan ‘19 Inside Bromwich Castle the royal family are preparing for the christening of their baby daughter, Princess Rose. Beauty’s family get more than they bargained for when a wicked fairy, a thorn in their side, hears of the celebrations and sets out to ruin their happiness. www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk, 0121 704 6962
Peter Pan Birmingham Hippodrome, 19 Dec ‘18 - 27 Jan ’19 This Christmas Birmingham Hippodrome invites us to join Peter Pan and the Lost Boys on their swashbuckling adventures to Neverland. There is a star-studded lineup, including Hippodrome favourite Mr Matt Slack. www.birminghamhippodrome.com, 0844 338 5000
Cinderella Blue Orange Theatre, 4 – 8 Dec www.blueorangetheatre.co.uk
Elf – A Christmas Spectacular Genting Arena, 20 - 24 Dec www.gentingarena.co.uk
Cinderella on Ice Planet Ice, Solihull, 19 Dec www.planet-ice.co.uk
Sleeping Beauty Wolverhampton Grand, 8 Dec – 13 Jan www.grandtheatre.co.uk
30 Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield
familiesonline.co.uk
a r o f s u n i o J t u o y a d t a gre
Located less than two miles m from Birmingham city centre, explore exotiic glasshouses, Japanese gardens, traditional tea rooms o and enjoy a variety of fun events for the whole family.
birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk % $"!! ) $%!# $ !$% ) ! $ ! %&# " ) ! % $% % % # # !%$ ! % $ %! " %% ! $ &$) $ % ' $ # ( % ' $ %! ! &$ % $ %! # % # !# !&# & !( %# #!& % #!& $ ( % % ! % ' %) $ %$ $( % %# %$ * " # %# !# $$ ! "" $
Find us on: Thank you for your support itt keeps our Gardens growing The Gardens are a registered Educational Charity, No: 528981
familiesonline.co.uk
+ % ! #&$% % ! #&$% $ " % # $% # # %) & # !%! # " ) + % ! #&$% $
Families Birmingham, Solihull and Sutton ColdďŹ eld 31
FREE
MATHS AND ENGLISH STUDY ANY CHILD, ANY ABILITY
TRIAL
1 SEPTEMBER - 31 OCTOBER Book a consultation with your local study centre to start your child’s two-week Free Trial. Acocks Green Bearwood Bournville Erdington Four Oaks Great Barr Handsworth Wood Handsworth Harborne
0121 647 3689 0121 558 9338 0121 246 4356 0121 730 2597 0121 240 1101 0121 378 2130 0121 240 1596 0121 218 9503 0121 427 3007
Northfield Shirley Sutton Coldfield Kings Heath Walmley Solihull Elmdon Solihull Tudor Grange Yardley Wood Small Heath
Come along to our open events: Saturday 1 September at Bullring Shopping Centre from 9.00am-7.00pm Saturday 22 September at Touchwood Solihull from 9.00am-6.00pm
Developing ability for 60 years Terms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Participating study centres only. Please refer to your local study centre. Subject to availability.
0121 647 6757 0121 366 8206 0121 413 0620 0121 663 1322 0121 243 2692 0121 769 2345 0121 745 9505 0121 777 4327 0121 628 4168