Families Hereford & Worcester March/April 2020

FR E E

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Hereford & Worcester

IN THIS ISSUE

Education Open events

Free colour-in reward chart With a competition to go to the zoo

What’s On Easter days out

Issue 62 March/April 2020

familiesonline.co.uk

News and Views Courtyard theatre receives four nominations

Dear Reader I always think that Spring is the prettiest of months after the long dull days of Winter.

With the Easter break just around the corner we have lots of events in the area. Plus Easter camps to help provide safe, secure childcare and opportunites for children to learn new skills and make new friends.

Spring is also a time when you may start to think about the choice of a new school. We feature some of our region’s leading independent schools.

If you are looking for strategies for practical ways to support your child in managing transition, then take at look at the support Dr Elise Kearney offers on pages 10 and 11.

Don't miss our free pull-out reward chart. There is also a chance to win tickets to the zoo!

Happy Easter.

The Courtyard theatre in Hereford are delighted to have received nominations in four different categories for their pantomime Cinderella.

The categories for which Cinderella has been nominated for awards are: Best Ensemble, Best Script (Lyndsay Maples), Best Female Villain (Melanie Stevens) and Best Newcomer (Herbie Kinsey).

The Courtyard prides itself on producing, writing and directing its professional annual pantomimes in-house. Many members of the cast return to The Courtyard year after year and the seasoned writer and director have been working together on these productions for over 10 years. “I was absolutely thrilled to be nominated and I truly wasn't expecting it at all.” Said Cinderella writer Lyndsay Maples, The Great British Pantomime Awards are the industry recognised awards for celebrating the best of this British theatrical institution.

New eBooks encourage children to eat veg Parents of fussy eaters can now access new FREE resources courtesy of the ‘See & Eat’ project, an initiative supported by the British Nutrition Foundation, to support parents in persuading their children to eat more vegetables.

Resources include 24 new eBooks which can be downloaded from the ‘See & Eat’ website. These have been developed based on past research which has shown that showing hard-copy picture books about vegetables to children helps to familiarise them with new food and ultimately, helps them to eat a wider variety.

The ‘See & Eat’ eBooks each tell the farm to fork journey of a different vegetable and can be personalised with pictures, videos and text.

BOOK TODAY Advertise with us.

Next issue May/June Booking deadline is Friday 3 April Families Hereford & Worcester 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 Hereford & Worcester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Hereford & Worcester. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but 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..

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To access eBooks, visit www.foodunfolded.com/seeandeat

Over half of parents feel lonely New research has found that over half (56%) of parents with children under the age of 5 years experience loneliness at least some of the time. The study by the charity, Coram Family and Childcare reveals that the issue affects significantly more women than men, with twice as many mothers than fathers saying they often feel left out, as well as younger parents, with nearly 37% of parents aged 18 to 24 often feeling a lack of companionship, compared to 21% of parents aged 25 to 34.

Loneliness is most prevalent around the birth of a baby, particularly if parents are unable to get out of the house easily and when the children are older but haven’t yet started school. Focus groups conducted by Coram Family and Childcare revealed that parents felt the best way to combat loneliness and isolation is to meet other parents by participating in activities that their child will enjoy.

More info: www.familyandchildcaretrust.org familiesonline.co.uk

News and Views Having fewer toys may be better

EastnorCastle @eastnorcastle eastnor_castle

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Fri 10th – Mon 13th April

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You’ve probably suspected it – well, it may now have been confirmed! Children who have too many toys are more easily distracted, and do not enjoy quality playtime, a new study suggests.

Researchers at the University of Toledo in Ohio, US, recruited 36 toddlers and invited them to play in a room for half an hour, with either four toys, or sixteen toys.

They found that youngsters were far more creative when they had fewer toys to play with.

They also played with each for twice as long, thinking up more uses for each toy and lengthening and expanding their games. The authors of the study conclude that parents, schools and nurseries should pack away most of their toys and just rotate a small number.

More info: www.sciencedirect.com

Maintained schools outperform Academies and Free Schools Maintained schools in England outperform academies and free schools in national exams taken at the end of year 6, according to figures released by the Department of Education (DfE). This data seemingly contradicts assurances given by government for several years that conversion of schools from council-maintained to academies and the opening of free schools would drive up education standards.

The DfE reports says 66% of pupils in local authority-maintained schools reached the government’s expected standards in both maths and reading, whilst 65% did so in academies and free schools. In sponsored academies, only 58% of pupils reached the required national standards. Free schools also compared poorly with maintained schools, with 62% of pupils reaching the expected standards. In maths alone, 77% of free school pupils reached the expected standard, compared with 80% in maintained primaries.

More info: www.gov.uk/government/ familiesonline.co.uk

Now in its 9th year!

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Join the fight against plastic Wherever you live, you and your family can make a difference to your local environment by sparing just a few hours to take part in the Great British Spring Clean from 20 March to 13 April.

Run by charity Keep Britain Tidy, this initiative is the country’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign and aims to get 600,000 #LitterHeroes out and about, cleaning up the environment on their doorstep.

It’s easy for families to get involved. Simply pledge to take part and either organise a litter-pick in your community or join an organised event.

To find out more, join a local event, register to take part and access resources including a how-to guide.

For more info visit www.keepbritaintidy.org/GBSpringClean

To advertise email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Childcare

Are you up to speed on tax free childcare?

Tax-Free Childcare was introduced by the Government in April 2017 to replace Childcare Vouchers. At the same time it also increased free childcare hours. Whereas previously, childcare vouchers were a benefit offered by employers and free childcare hours were simply provided by nurseries, there is now a registration process and an eligibility criteria for both.

By Sarah-Jane Butler Tax-Free Childcare The Tax-free Childcare Scheme is similar to corporate childcare vouchers in that it helps parents with funding towards the cost of childcare. However, it is administered for parents by the government and not by employers.

additional 15 hours, parents need to register via the Childcare Choices website. It is essential to do this prior to the term in Yes , IF:

Parents must open an online account and which they are entitled to the benefit. For • Both parents are working (or a sole the Government will pay £2 for every £8 example, if your child turns 3 in November, parent is working) • Both earn over £131 per week paid into the account by the parent up to a you will be entitled to the additional 15 • Employed or self-employed maximum of £2,000 every year (i.e. a hours from 1 January, therefore you must Government contribution of up to £500 per • Live in England apply prior to 31 December. Again, every • You have at least one child aged 0-12 three months you will be asked to quarter). Parents will then be able to pay years old their Ofsted registered childcare provider re-confirm your eligibility. (nursery, childminder, nanny or holiday club) No, IF: directly from this account provided the What Next?

• Either Parent earns over £100,000 childcare provider is linked to that account Firstly, parents should check their eligibility per annum through its Ofsted registration number. and entitlements for any of the offerings. It’s • You are a two-parent household in which only one parent works also important to understand the financial • You are receiving Tax Credits, The benefit of this new scheme is that it is impact of such changes on your family.

Universal Credit or childcare vouchers calculated per child (not per parent), through your employer therefore those with more children and Free Hours higher childcare costs should be at an Due to funding issues, most nurseries offer advantage. In addition, those that are selfincreased hours, but not necessarily the full employed, who were not previously entitled to join company 30. Nurseries cannot charge you extra fees for the additional schemes, are eligible under the new scheme. hours, but they can structure their hours in a way that you are still liable to pay for certain attendance. Check the specific Unfortunately, though, there are disadvantages too: namely that offering of any nursery in which you wish to enrol your child. every three months you need to re-confirm eligibility for the scheme (which can be an administrative burden). The scheme is Considerations also ONLY available for children up to age 12 (compared to age If you are still in a childcare voucher scheme through your 15 under the previous scheme) and, of course, parents must meet employer (because you were registered before 1 October 2018) the eligibility criteria consistently throughout the year. This means you may wish to consider which scheme is right for you. You can that in the event of a bonus or commission, some parents may be check your eligibility at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk. taken above the eligibility maximum threshold of £100,000 per year or below the minimum of £131 per week in the event of Many parents, particularly those with high earnings, will be better unemployment or redundancy. off sticking with their company childcare vouchers. However, there will be those who would benefit from the Government 15 and 30 Hours Free Childcare scheme. Check out the calculator www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator If parents meet the Tax Free Childcare Eligibility criteria above, they are also entitled to additional 15 hours free (hence the Sarah-Jane Butler is Founder and CEO of Parental Choice, a “one-stop name ‘30 hours free’ childcare) which is offered for 38 weeks a shop” designed to help you find the perfect childcare solution for your year (roughly in line with school terms). In order to apply for the family. For more information, visit www.parentalchoice.co.uk.

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Are you Eligible?

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Education

RGS Worcester

The RGS Journey offers an outstanding education for boys and girls aged from 2 to 18. Whether a child begins their journey at RGS The Grange, RGS Springfield, RGS Dodderhill or RGS Worcester, they will receive the very best preparation for life

RGS The Grange is a Prep School, full of opportunities for boys and girls aged 2 - 11. Set in 50 acres with its own Astroturf and forest school, the School combines superb facilities with a caring and supportive education designed to build confidence for each child.

RGS Dodderhill is an Independent School in Droitwich for girls aged 4-16. The School provides an environment that allows girls to develop a love of learning and facilitate their development into confident young women. In addition, there is a co-educational nursery from the age of 2.

RGS Springfield RGS Springfield is the small school with a big heart, for children aged 2 - 11. Tucked away in beautiful Britannia Square, the School provides a city centre campus with a country school feel and a nurturing, supportive environment to develop every child’s all round potential.

RGS Worcester is a senior school with breath-taking facilities and opportunities for children aged 11-18 years. Pupils join from the Prep Schools and from over 40 primary schools, taking advantage of excellent transport links. With academic results that are the best in Worcester* and award-winning Careers provision ensures students are well prepared for the world beyond school. *According to The Sunday Times, Parent Power.

With a strong reputation for pastoral care, the Schools support pupils throughout all stages of their personal development, making sure that they settle in quickly and enjoy the exceptional opportunities available, both in and outside the classroom. Co-curricular provision at all four schools is superb with over 20 different sports and 80 different clubs and activities. Scholarships and Bursaries are available.

Please do come and see us at our Open Mornings or at a time convenient to you. We guarantee you a warm welcome and our pupils would be delighted to show you their school.

Open Mornings

RGS Dodderhill

RGS Springfield

RGS The Grange

10.00am - 12.00noon 01905 778290

9.00am - 12.30pm 01905 24999

9.00am - 12.30pm 01905 451205

2 May 2020

2 May 2020

16 May 2020

www.rgsw.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

To advertise email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education

Ten great educational Apps for children Children learn in many different ways including outside of the classroom. This is where educational apps can come in very useful as the best of these engage even the most reluctant learner. As well as being fun ways to learn, educational apps also turn screen time into a positive experience, rather than something you are constantly arguing with your children about. By Claire Winter Here are Families top ten educational apps that will keep any child ‘appy!’

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Cursive Writing Wizard Safari Tales Endless Wordplay (£4.99) By L’Escapadou (£2.99) By Kuato Games (Free + In App Purchase) By Age 6-8 Age 6-8 Originator Inc. This version provides a Children can develop their All ages UK-friendly cursive font, storytelling skills with this This app focuses on learning and is ideal for teaching beautiful and fun animalsimple spelling patterns young primary kids how to themed app. Safari while reinforcing letter write. It’s based upon a adventurers can explore the names and sounds. Each tracing system and there Savannah and learn stage is a different rhyme, are 50 plus animated interesting facts about the with the user spelling three stickers, sound effects and five baby animals. The game words from the same word interactive games that is so much fun they won’t family. Once you complete animate letters at the end even notice that they are all three words, you are of the tracing. You can also boosting their reading and taken to a sentence screen print off writing PDFs for litearacy skills at the same with a silly sentence and the kids to practice on and time. cute animation that will even import their current encourage and delight the spelling list. player. It’s free to download but to play more than three levels you have to pay £4.99.

Toca Lab: Elements (£3.99) By Toca Boca Age 6-8 This funky app is a virtual chemistry set to inspire future scientists. It introduces your child to all 118 elements of the periodic table as cool, fun characters. It also presents the concepts of what happens during chemical reactions when they are warmed, cooled, combined and much more. Your kids can induldge in exciting virtual experiments that won’t blow up your house!

The Human Body (£3.99) By Tinybop Inc Age 6-8 If you have a budding biologist or child with a ‘why’ imagination then this is the app for them. Explore the human body and learn about how our amazing internal organs perform.

EduGuru Maths Toddler Counting 123 – (£1.99) By The Game Learn to count for kids Creators (Free) By GiggleUp Kids Apps Specifically created for Teach your toddler to count children ages 3 to 5 years, with this fantastic free app. this app brings maths to life Designed for pre-schoolers with cute animated graphics this simple game gets them which will get them engaged to tap and count a variety straight away. It of real life objects. concentrates on basic maths skills, shapes, sequences, coins and number recognition.

Artie’s Magic Pencil (£2.99) By Minilab Ltd Age 3-5 Boost your child’s drawing skills with this creative app.

It shows 3-6 year olds how to draw by means of an engaging game in which a monster destroys everything in its path and Artie has to rebuild the world with his magic pencil.

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Squeebles Times Tables (£3.99) By KeyStageFun If you are tired of getting your child to repeat their times tables again and again, then get these lovable characters on hand to inspire your child to sit and practice them. There are several engaging games to play and a training area that also teaches and tests maths skills too.

Hoopa City (£3.99) By Dr. Panda Ltd Age 6-8 This engaging app allows children to let their imaginations run wild building cities and towns with a combination of different materials. The game will boost their understanding of mechanics and engineering and also help them develop their problem-solving skills.

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

Kid's Club

PICTURE CROSSWORD

DOT TO DOT

Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword?

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Join the dots to say hello to a fluffy springtime friend!

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Why not colour in when you’re done?

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Discover a school like no other…

King’s Hawford is a dynamic, nurturing and award-winning pre-school and school where children aged 2 to 11 experience exciting hands-on learning both in and out of the classroom.

OPEN DAY 16th May 2020

10.30am - 2.30pm Join us for lunch

To register your interest for our open day visit ksw.org.uk/kingshawford

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To advertise email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

To advertise call: 01684 770566

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Tell your Explain Fill in daily behaviour rewards your child when to colour in the child will targets animals! receive

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Reward

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WIN Family Tickets for a day at a UK Zoo or Wildlife Park of your choice!

Tickets are valid for two adults and two children.

e Real Animals! h t t i Vis

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To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Competition T&Cs at www.bit.ly/37LNg7w

When I have coloured in all my animals, we can enter the competition to go to the zoo!

Competition Entry: Email an image of your child’s chart with a minimum of 3 rows of animals coloured in to info@familiesmagazine.co.uk with your child’s name, age, your postcode and up to 50 words from you or your child explaining how the chart has helped them achieve their targets.

You have until 30 June 2020 to enter.

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Parenting

Supporting your child with transitions As humans we are all creatures of habit. Even positive changes take energy. Children often find it hard to transition between activities, places and objects of attention.

on a ‘low’ reading a lot of the time. The low ‘resource tank’ may be due to the increased energy to sustain average levels of attention or the level of discomfort situations provoke for them.

It is not just Neurodevelopmental Disorders or other challenges to emotional well-being that affect the level of the ‘resource tank’.

As all parents will be familiar, a tired, hungry or poorly child or a child who has experienced a significant change in the family will find transitions more challenging as the resources required to manage the transition outweigh what is left in the tank. Some children seem to just ‘cope better’ and this can be down to a complex number of factors. Children with a full ‘resource tank’ may cope well with, for example, going to football club on Saturday morning, followed by a play date and then the cinema.

However, children with a ‘resource tank’ on low, for whatever reason, may get through football and then struggle with the challenge of changing clothes for the play date and feel too exhausted to do anything else. Some children can appear to go from well-regulated to dysregulated instantly a bit like a volcano though other children will appear to simmer and bubble until the lid later blows off. If we look at the situation in a bit more detail, we can sometimes see several clues that led up to the ‘volcano’.

By Dr Elise Kearney When you ask your child to stop doing one thing and to start another this can be a trigger for tricky behaviour, tantrums, meltdowns or what we might call ‘Emotional Dysregulation’.

‘Emotional self-regulation’ is the ability to manage emotions and behaviour in line with the demands of any given situation.

Emotional Dysregulation can occur when the demands of the situation outstrip the resources or abilities to deal with the task.

For example, a tired child may struggle to get ready for bed after a demanding day. Their resources are low due to being tired and it causes them to become more emotional than they might do, for example in the morning after a good night’s sleep.

As with all developmental milestones, children develop at their own pace and ‘emotional self-regulation’ is no different. One of the things that often makes it difficult for children to transition and remain emotionally regulated is that the transition is from a preferred activity (screen time, colouring, playing) to something that they need to do (get dressed, put on shoes, get ready for bed etc). As children get older, they are more able to focus on the ‘end goal’ in a situation and hold their ‘end goal’ in mind.

Supporting your child in managing transitions requires you to know the reading on the ‘resource tank’, is it low, medium or high just now? You will know what your child will manage dependent on the ‘resource tank’ level. There are many things that can support a refuel on the ‘resource tank’. We can call this ‘scaffolding’. Scaffolding is a temporary structure around a building to support development. The same applies to child development, you are creating a supportive learning experience around the child. An example of scaffolding might be doing half of a task for a child so that they can complete it successfully. Emotionally based scaffolding might include being careful to support a child’s environment so as not to ‘over-face’ a child (e.g. knowing that Sarah won't manage five after school clubs like Sophie even though they are the same age), making a commentary out loud about how the child might be feeling “I wonder if that made you cross?” This will support your childs understanding and processing of emotions.

Children with emotional or developmental challenges may struggle more to develop a consistent level of ‘self-regulation’ in the face of an unpredictable world. When children are faced with more complex challenges, for example, children diagnosed with a Neurodevelopmental Disorder (Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder) or where there are Sensory Processing Difficulties, anxiety based conditions, physical health conditions or where children have experienced trauma, their ‘resource tank’ (e.g. resources enabling the child to be patient, use sense of humour to overcome difficulties, ‘have a go’, try new things, remain calm physically and emotionally and think clearly) may be 10

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

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Parenting There are lots of practical ways you can support your child in managing transitions:

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Build consistency and routine into the transition, for example, if getting dressed every morning is difficult, create a new routine that everyone must get dressed before coming downstairs. Use scaffolding techniques to get this routine started successfully.

Give a description of what will happen through the day and lots of reminders when a transition is coming, for example, today we’re going over to Grandma’s house and then we will have lunch and come home. Give a half an hour reminder that it will be time to get shoes on soon to go to Grandma’s. If your child is challenged with his attentional focus, make sure to get down to your child’s level, gain eye contact and explain gently that in half an hour it will be time to put on shoes.

Countdown slowly; “that’s fifteen minutes now” (time may not mean so much to your child, but they will understand that you are preparing them, in the case of younger children, you can use egg timers, the ‘when this programme that you are watching is finished’ or stopwatch beepers ‘when the beeper goes off’etc.). When it is time to transition, use scaffolding; bring your child’s shoes to them and get down on the floor to support them in putting on the shoes. This is okay, some parents worry “they will never learn to put on their own shoes” remember scaffolding is a temporary structure to enable your child to learn successfully to be independent in these activities.

Remember, ‘rushing’ is the enemy of a child who is challenged with transition. All parents end up in a pickle at times when running late, however, when that volcano erupts or later down the line, meltdown is encountered you will understand!

Remember that as the adult you have control of the schedule. Sometimes it can be helpful to weigh up rushing vs child preparation with the risk of rushing prompting emotional dysregulation it can often be quicker to build in even a mini preparation when running late.

Use a visual timetable if you child is getting lost in the daily routine. This can be particularly helpful for children with blended families who spend time living with Mum and Dad separately. This technique is also particularly helpful with children diagnosed with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Use ‘Praise and Rewards’ remember to really praise those good transitions when your child managed well. Remember that the behaviour you praise is the behaviour you will see more of in the future. Try to ignore the not so desirable ‘dilly dallying’ and catch the good bits! Develop a ‘grab bag’ (a bag with 5 – 10 small inexpensive gifts that they can chose), when your child has done particularly well let them take a reward from the grab bag. This is a very powerful way to encourage more of the behaviour you would like to see.

Dr Elise Kearney runs a clinic at The Therapies Centre, The Fold, Bransford WR6 5JB and can be contacted on admin@drelisekearney.co.uk 07713755224 or find out more about the service she offers at www.thefold.org.uk A mother of four and Chartered Consultant Child and Family Psychologist, Dr Kearney trained as a Clinical Psychologist in Glasgow. She has over 20 years experience working with children and families in the NHS and privately. Dr Kearney offers 1:1 assessment and treatment sessions for a variety of difficulties including • Difficulties stemming from family separation and blended families • Sleep difficulties • Eating Disorders and “fussy eating” • Coping with “temper tantrums” and behavioural difficulties • Coming to terms with and managing life after a diagnosis of ASD • Separation anxiety • Difficulties around potty training, • Sibling rivalry and difficulties with sharing • Starting nursery/school and transition to high school or College/ University • Anxiety including panic, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) • Low self-esteem, low mood and depression • Attachment difficulties • Bereavement (this list is not exclusive).

From a practical point of view, making sure that children are getting enough sleep and food to support consistent blood sugar levels will all support the ‘resource tank’.

For children who tend to run on a low ‘resource tank’ build in time to learn diaphragmatic breathing techniques (lots of examples on YouTube). Practice this at least once a day. Yoga and other mindfulness activities such as colouring, word searches can fill the tank back up. Build in 10 minutes special time for you and your child at a predictable time each day when they can lead the play and have ‘all of you’ for that 10 minutes; a very effective refuelling of the tank.

Remember that parents need to keep their ‘resource tank’ topped up too!

If you are running into difficulties with transitions and keeping that ‘resource tank’ topped up don’t be afraid to ask for help. familiesonline.co.uk

To advertise email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Clubs and Classes

Organised activity options for your child under 5

By Gabrielle Nash Sarah has one daughter, If you ask mums and dads about what activities they enjoyed now aged almost 4, and with their children when they were very young, many will speak speaks fondly of the fondly of their favourite playgroup or class. Such activities can classes they participated become a lifeline for parents during those isolating and in: “I loved having a music overwhelming first years and they’re essential when you’re class booked each week desperate for some adult conversation. Of course, classes and with my 18 month old. It was groups are also a great opportunity for you to bond with your something to look forward to – she baby and give them early opportunities for socialization too. loved the music and I enjoyed meeting other mums and drinking a rare coffee while it was still hot!”

Maybe you have already pre-booked a weekly sensory, music or swimming class for your little one or perhaps you’re at home So, what’s the best way to find a class or group? You’ll regularly reading this with your baby or young toddler, thinking of ways to find local options in this magazine and, as well as your local mum entertain them (and you) this week. Or maybe you’re finding it friends, you can also ask the wider local parent community on tough just getting out to the shops. However you’re feeling, social media – word of mouth is great for a recommendation. It’s there’s no doubt that getting yourself along to something social worth checking out your local Children’s Centre and library for can be hugely beneficial for you and your child. suggestions too – some of these may be free.

Next, which type of class or group should you go for?

Playgroup If your main aim is to get something regular in the diary that is easy, cheap and good for meeting other parents with similarly aged children. Playgroups are often central parts of a local community so if you’re new or unfamiliar to an area you can find local support.

Library Most local libraries have a weekly story or rhyme time session.

These are simple drop-in activities and chances to socialise that can form a regular part of your week. They are almost always free! A library activity is also a great way of highlighting this important source and the importance of reading.

Sensory or Music Though not free, sensory or music classes can be lots of fun for older babies and toddlers. They are a fantastic opportunity for little ones to make a noise with their voices and with instruments, move around creatively and explore a new environment, all conveniently facilitated by a professional. You get a chance to sit back and watch your child having fun!

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Swimming or Gym If something a bit more physical appeals to you, then baby swimming or a gym/soft play-based class might be right for your child. Baby swimming can be a beautiful way to bond with your baby and a gym-based class is great way for very active toddlers and pre-schoolers to burn off energy, as well as develop their gross motor skills.

Classes for YOU Whilst it’s harder with a toddler, when you have a baby, there are many activities aimed at you which your baby can attend too. Whether it is an outdoor exercise or yoga class or a baby friendly cinema showing, the change of environment is fun and stimulating for your baby too.

Any children’s group or class will support a child’s development: the routine, the socialising and the experience of being in a new environment. So if it helps YOU get out of the house, share happy times with your child and get talking and meeting other parents, then nothing could be more worthwhile. Follow Gaby @thelondonishmum familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs and Classes Easter childcare at active camps Looking for Easter holiday childcare? Activities to keep your children active and entertained during the school break?

Action-packed childcare this

Then you’ve come to the right place! For those aged 4 – 14, Ofsted registered Active Camps runs a whole range of sports and activities, offering your children an action-packed school holiday!

Holiday

At Active Camps safety is paramount and, as an Ofsted registered provider, we go that extra mile to give you peace of mind in knowing that your child is cared for in the best environment possible. All our child protection policies are in place and our coaches are suitably qualified in first aid and safeguarding to ensure your child’s safety at all times.

We provide fantastic early booking offers, in addition to discount offers and a loyalty scheme to our valued customers.

As we are Ofsted registered, you are also able to pay via childcare vouchers.

Active Camps is flexible to suit you! A standard day at Active Camps is 8am – 4pm, you can drop off any time between 8am – 9.30am. We also offer Xtra time which runs 4pm – 6pm and half days 8:30am – 12:30pm.

If you want to join us at Active Camps for an action-packed school holiday, visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979.

Easter

10% OFF

WITH CODE FHW20 Offer expires at 5pm on 20th March

Ofsted registered

Hagley

Hagley High School

Alvechurch

Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School

Wombourne

Wombourne Leisure Centre

Week 1 Mon 6th - Thu 9th April Week 2 Tue 14th - Fri 17th April

Open from 8am-6pm

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 See website for full details. Terms and conditions apply,

Grow confidence at KombatKids Many students at KombatKids who have gone on to achieve the rank of Black belt have various special needs, namely: Autism, Aspergers, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Karate is a recommended activity which helps kids with Dyspraxia.

Established 1992 Fully Qualified Instructors Specialised Classes 4 – 16 years Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced

We cater for all abilities of student. Many children who lack confidence or who are bullied or may have learning difficulties attend classes on a regular basis and train alongside their friends and grow in confidence gradually through the training and grading process.

Train with Sensei Jags Shoker, 3rd Dan

Students are taught the traditional art of karate in a modern progressive way, with the benefits of sports science, sport psychology and scientific thinking in preparing the students.

Training with Kombatkids.com is not an expensive activity, once joined there is no equipment needed other than a sparring kit, which doesn't need to be worn until Yellow belt and above. The only things that are paid for are the class fees, grading fees and a yearly licence fee, there are no other hidden costs Register for FIVE FREE LESSONS today!

Monday: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Droitwich Spa 6pm - 7pm Wed & Fri: The Parish Centre, Barnt Green 5.30pm – 6.30pm Friday: Parkside Middle School, Bromsgrove 3.40pm – 4.40pm Saturday: St Peters Special offer RC First School, Bromsgrove 9.15am –10.15am 5 FREE lessons www.kombatkids.com

If you want to join us at KombatKids visit kombatkids.com.or call Jags on 07730 899722.

familiesonline.co.uk

To advertise email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Call: 07730 899722 register@kombatkids.com 13

What’s On

Please check with the venue in case details have changed

Discover National Parks this Spring Saturday 4 April marks the start of Discover National Parks Fortnight, a celebration event aimed at inspiring people of all ages to explore outside and learn more about these special places.

There are fifteeen National Parks in the UK, spanning the length and breadth of the country. Ten in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland. National Parks protect almost 10% of England, 20% of Wales and 8% of Scotland.

The UK-wide celebration includes a wide range of events and activities running throughout the Easter holidays, including guided walks, geocaching and wildlife experiences at every park. These events offer families a great opportunity to explore, learn, relax and unwind.

To find about more visit: www.nationalparks.uk/discover

Palace Theatre: Horrible Histories

Theatre...

Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Shark in the Park When Timothy Pope receives a brand new telescope for his birthday, boy is he excited to test it out at the park! But wait… is that really a shark he can see?! 6 April Puss In Boots Would you trust a talking cat?

You never know, he might turn you from a pauper to a prince. With a host of puppets, a working windmill and an avalanche of fruit and nuts come and see this classic furry tail, it’s the cat’s whiskers! 14 April Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk Rapunzel the Musical With magic and mayhem throughout and a chance to meet the characters after the show, this is one hair-raising adventure your family won’t want to miss! 4 April Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org Roald Dahl & The Imagination Seekers a theatrical and interactive experience for all the family to enjoy. A thrilling story delivered through performance, games and creative play that explores Roald Dahl’s extraordinary stories, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG and The Twits along the way. 7 April

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Horrible Histories We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with a brand new West End show that has never toured before featuring all new scenes! 11 April The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk The Bear Based on the book by Raymond Briggs. One night when she’s fast asleep, an enormous snowy white bear climbs into Tilly’s bedroom. It has a big black tongue and a yawn as big as your head. But Tilly’s not scared. 30 March

Webbs West Hagley: Roll up to the circus

Garden Centres...ARDEN

Webbs West Hagley, Kidderminster Road South, West Hagley, Stourbridge, DY9 0JB 01527 860000, www.webbsdirect.co.uk John Lawson’s Circus Roll up! Roll up! With an entirely human cast performing aerial acrobatics, juggling feats, balancing acts, some crazy clown capers and more. 4-9 April

Museums...

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Easter School Holidays Join us for a fun-filled Easter fortnight this year, with Easter egg hunts, crafts, activities and trails. 7-9 and 14-16 April Medieval St George’s Day Celebrations Join us and delve into the legend of St George as the War of the Roses Federation re-enactors bring history to life on site all weekend. Activities include archery competitions, dressing as a knight, storytelling, a St George Mumming play, living history camps, medieval drills and combat and children can even become a 15th century soldier! 18-19 Apri Bewdley Museum, Load Street, Bewdley, DY12 2AE 0845 607 7819, www.bewdleymuseum.co.uk

Easter Holiday Activities Lots of craft activities to keep the little ones occupied. 6-17 April Easter Egg Hunt Around Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens 12 April Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ. 01299 250416, www.hartleburycastle.com Birds & Beasts Meet a host of animals including baby rabbits, chicks and snakes, see fabulous falconry displays, follow the Animal Trail and make your own Easter Crown 13 April The Commadery, Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU 01905 361821 www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk/museums/ the-commandery/ Easter Eggstravaganza Come along on Easter Monday to have a go on the crazy golf course, make exploding Easter Eggsperiments, plus lots of art and crafts.There is a giant Easter agg trail too. 13 April familiesonline.co.uk

Please mention you saw this event in Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Malvern EastnorTheatre: Castle: Snow Chillifest White2020

Countrytastic: Family-favourite farming event

What’s On

Severn Valley Railway: Spring Steam Gala

Days Out...

Spring Steam Gala Our four-day feast of steam Worcester Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite takes a new April slot! An array of visiting locomotives Farm, Hindlip, Worcester, WR3 8SZ All Things Wild Nature Centre, Station will be in action alongside our own resident steam www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire engines. See famous, ‘new re-build’ locomotive No. Wild on Wednesdays - Feathery WR11 7QZ 01386 833083 2999 Lady of Legend, making its first appearance on a Friends Easter Farm Trail An Easter trail www.allthingswild.co.uk heritage railway since it was completed last year. around Lower Smite farm with a chocolate prize Mother’s Day .Decorate and take home a 16-19 April for all. 8 April

treasured keepsake. Feed the Lemurs in an Birdwatching for kids Upton Warren is one exclusive opportunity for mothers and Three Counties Showground, Malvern, of the best places to see birds in the West grandmothers. 22 March WR13 6NW 01684 584900, Midlands. Join us to discover who’s returned and www.threecounties.co.uk what’s going on. 15 April Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Countrytastic Visitors can expect an action Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP 01993 823006, packed day of discovery with plenty of indoor National Trust 0844 800 1895 www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk and outdoor activities. Everyone’s favourite www.nationaltrust.org.uk Birds of Prey Demonstrations Some birds farmer from BBC Countryfile and the Cotswold Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts The Easter will swoop low over your heads and some will Farm Park, Adam Henson will be headlining this holidays are a great time to get the whole family soar high in the sky over the Park’s beautiful year’s show. 9 April Advance tickets only. out and about. Find trails, craft activities and lovely grounds. See a variety of different birds from Spring walks through beautiful parklands. eagles to owls in these exciting demonstrations.

The Hive, Sawmill Walk, Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW 10-13 April The Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PD 01568 615721 01905 822866, www.thehiveworcester.org Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 Easter Rat-a-Tat Tales All young children Herefordshire, WR6 5TB 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com are welcome to our interactive Rat-a-Tat Tales.

01885 482077 OlympEGG Easter Treasure Hunt Our Just stop by the children’s library to join our Clent Hills, Nimmings Wood car park, legendary Easter Treasure Hunt around the castle wonderful librarians reading your favourite between Hagley and Stourbridge, B62 0NL and grounds. Chocolate for everyone who takes stories.Everyday during the holidays 01562 712822 part and a chance to win an enormous Easter Family Coding with the WeeBee Engine Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, Egg! 10-13 April Participants will code an animated story using the HR6 9PW 01568 780246 ChilliFest All things Chilli to try and buy! Live programming engine Java. Duration: 60 minutes.

Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW music, bars, hot food, children’s cookery school, 6 and 16 April 01905 371006 Chilli Eating Competition and cooking Roman Mystery Calling all detectives! Can Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, demonstrations. 2-3 May you untangle the archaeology to discover what Droitwich, WR9 7EA 01527 821214 was happening at a Roman site nearly 2000 years The Weir Garden, Swainshill, Hereford Newbridge Farm Park, Little Marcle, Little ago? 15 April HR4 7QF 01981 590509 Marcle, Ledbury HR8 2QG 01531 670780 www.newbridgefarmpark.com Easter Treasure Hunt Join in with our Easter treasure hunt around the farm. Enjoy lamb bottle feeding, egg collecting and baby animals.

British Science Week is a 10 day celebration of science, technology, engineering and Closed Easter Sunday. 4-18 April maths which takes place from 6 to 15 March. The annual festival features

Participate in British Science Week

fascinating, entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK, designed

Severn Valley Railway, Comberton Hill, to appeal to families with children of all ages.

Kidderminster, DY10 1QX 01562 757900, www.svr.co.uk Your child can also enter the annual poster competition and/or download a series Easter Fun Step back in time on board our of FREE activity packs at www.britishscienceweek.org, filled with resources and ideas steam trains this Easter Holidays! Take an exciting to try out at home or school. steam train ride through the Severn Valley. Take part in our Easter Egg Hunt in The Engine House The good news is these activities don’t require parents to have a science over Easter Weekend, and while you’re there, background or buy any expensive equipment. explore our new Falling Sands activities!

4-19 April To find your local event or activity, visit www.sciencelive.net familiesonline.co.uk

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