Families Hereford & Worcester September October 2019 Issue 59

FR E E

TAKE

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Hereford & Worcester

IN THIS ISSUE

Education Clubs and Classes What’s On

Issue 59 September/October 2019

familiesonline.co.uk

Dear Reader

Reduction In School Breaks ‘Unhealthy’

Autumn is here and its back to school.

Where did the Summer holidays go?

The change in routine is a big shock after the long summer break - for us parents as well as for the kids ! This can lead to children struggling at times to separate from parents or their main carers. So you may find our feature in this issue on dealing with tears at the school gate useful. See page 12.

School break times are much shorter than they were two decades ago meaning children are missing out on valuable opportunities to make friends and develop social skills and exercise, according to research by the Nuffield Foundation.

The study looked at how school breaks have changed over 25 years comparing data from over 1,000 primary and secondary schools. It found that despite the length of the school day remaining much the same, break times are being squeezed even further with potential serious implications for children’s wellbeing and development.

I love Autumn, for it brings with it those lovely changes in colour. It is a great time to spend outside and enjoy playing in crisp leaves and raiding conker trees. See page 4 for an array of fun activities as the temperatures start to cool.

Our What’s On guide has lots of events and great days out in the area too.

Enjoy the season!

Diane Clifford.

Editor 07970977229 editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Like us on Facebook FamiliesHandWMag

Afternoon breaks have been virtually eliminated; they are now only available to 15% of primary school children and 1% of secondary schools. There is also a clear trend to shorter lunch breaks with reported lunchtimes of 35 minutes or less.

According to the authors, break times are important for children to get physical exercise – a particular concern given the rise in obesity, and to develop important social skills that are not learned in school lessons. www.nuffieldfoundation.org

Ghost, Ghouls, Wands And Wizards

BOOK TODAY

Be part of our November/December Christmas/Winter Edition.

Tell 44,000 parents in the region about your panto/family show, events, clubs & classes in 2020 or be included in our Christmas gift guide.

Booking deadline is Friday 11 October There’ll be ghostly goings-on and wizarding workshops at the Severn Valley Railway this October half-term.

Don’t miss an issue! Download the latest magazine and our back catalogue at issuu www.issuu.com

The Railway will be welcoming back two hugely-popular services – its Ghost Trains and its Wizard Express, which will be steaming in to offer some eerie entertainment and madcap magical fun.

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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Following its successful debut last year, the Wizard Express will return from 26 October to 3 November, taking young witches and wizards for magical Journey to Wizard School.

For Wizard Express information and bookings see www.svr.co.uk/wizardexpress or for Ghost Trains, see www.svr.co.uk/ghosttrains

To advertise call: 01684 770566

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News & Views

Calls For Compulsory Climate Change Education In Schools

A petition launched by four Oxford school girls calling for lessons on Climate Change to be made compulsory in schools has gathered over 75,000 signatures.

The students are hoping to make climate change a “core part of the compulsory curriculum” to increase the next generation’s understanding of the global issue. They claim they have “barely learned about the climate crisis at school, even though it’s supposed to be part of Geography and Science.”

Croft Castle, a National Trust place near Leominster in Herefordshire, has opened up two new walks through the ‘Picturesque’ Fishpool Valley; the Highwood Walk and the Fishpool Dingle Walk. Pop on your walking boots and feel the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot as you explore historic paths brought back to life, old carriage-rides, far-reaching views and newly restored dams and cascades. The industrial history is brought to life and visitors can discover the once working limekiln and quarry, the remains of charcoal burning platforms and the Gothic pumphouse, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croft-castle-and-parkland

Picky Eaters Still Grow Up Healthy Picky eating in toddlers is a well-documented phase when children don’t want to try new foods and/or show very strong preferences. It can create much worry for parents, and has created a whole market for advice, guidance and tools to encourage young children to try lots of new tastes and textures.

But researchers from the University of Bristol using data from a study of children between the ages of 7 to 17 have found that instead of being harmed by their diets, children who had been picky eaters at age 3 were growing normally as adolescents with a healthy height and weight.

The researchers claim the study shows that even children who are picky as pre-schoolers usually eat well enough over time to ensure they grow properly.

According to the petition: “Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and it must be a part of our education if our generation is to understand it and help us to combat its effects.

That’s why we want climate change to be made a core part of the national curriculum.”

More info: www.change.org

Work from home: be the next editor of Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine Would you like the flexibility of working from home and never miss your child’s school performance or sports day again? Are you interested in running your own business and would find the support offered by a franchise helpful? Are you self-motivated and well organised?

You now have the opportunity to buy the Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine Franchise – a business which is up and running, including established client base, readership and drop points.

No previous experience needed, training is available and you will have the support of the fantastic team at Families Magazine Ltd To find out more email Diane: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

More info: www.bristol.ac.uk/news Fancy making your own chocolates?

Chocolate Genie's workshops for children are designed to be hands on and fun, whilst acquiring basic chocolate handling skills along with tastings too. Based in Worcestershire, not far from Broadway, they will be running chocolate workshops during the school holidays for those in search of a fun activity.

They also offer chocolate making parties for any occasion and any age.

For more info www.chocolategenie.co.uk

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CHOCOLATE WORKSHOPS Adult Classes Too

School Holidays

01386 834334 www.chocolategenie.co.uk

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Education

Make Jam with Wild Fruit Collect some fruit on one of your walks and make some jam. Weigh and wash the wild fruit and put it in a saucepan with a little water. Bring the fruit to the boil and add the same weight of sugar. Simmer for about one hour or until it sets (does it form a jelly on a cold saucer?)

Pour carefully into a warmed jar and put the lid on. Decorate a label with pictures of the fruits and invent a wild name for your jam. Cover the lid with a large leaf.

GO WILD this AUTUMN!

By Jo Schofield & Fiona Danks

A

UTUMN; 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 creating a brightly coloured mobile.

You will need twine, scissors, and a large needle.

Collect colourful fallen leaves and thread them along lengths of the twine.

Tie the leaf strings along a stick and hang your mobile up in the autumn sunshine.

Go Wild Foraging Discover wild foods in hedgerows and woods; look out for blackberries, elderberries, nuts, crab apples and wild herbs.

Make sure you know what’s safe to eat though!

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Outdoor Halloween For a real Halloween adventure, go to the woods, the park or into the garden after dark for a scary feast, made more festive with wild decorations! Create: n PUMPKIN FACES – no carving involved, just stick on wild materials with double sided tape or clay to make funny and scary faces. n LEAFY DECORATIONS – cut coloured leaves into bat shapes and scary faces to decorate a witch’s hat or make leaf bunting. n LEAFY LANTERNS – tie string around jars to make handles.

Cut scary faces in colourful leaves and attach them to the jars with elastic bands. n PUMPKIN LANTERNS – carve pumpkins into decorated lanterns and place them in a trail for your friends to follow. n Prepare a warming Halloween feast; cheesy baked potatoes and pumpkin soup, sausages wrapped in chunks of bread, toffee apples or apple tarts, and sweet pumpkin pie. n Set up a Halloween mystery trail with a few scary surprises, perhaps a ghost in the trees and a spider’s web across the path?

Safety Tips… n When foraging, take care to only collect safe edible fruits and seeds. n Choose fruit bushes and trees away from roads. n Always supervise children around fire and when cooking, as well as when using nightlights in lanterns and carving pumpkins.

Hold a Wild Bake-Off Challenge

More about Going Wild…

What can you make from wild foods and a few basic ingredients like flour, salt, milk, butter, sugar and eggs?

Make a safe fire in a fire pan or pit or use a barbeque. You could bake a delicious layer pancake with different fruit in each layer, including elderberries with sloes, crab apples with rosehips, and blackberries with damsons, all cooked with a little water and sugar.

Alternatively, a blackberry cake baked in a clay pot or wild herb bread cooked in a Dutch oven among the ashes.

Award prizes for taste, wild presentation and the most creative use of foraged foods!

Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks of Going Wild are on a mission to inspire everyone to spend more time outside discovering the wonders of the natural world. Their books are packed with practical ideas to tempt children and families into the outdoors where the wild world will weave its magic upon them. These autumn activities are taken from their tenth book The Wild Year Book, Things to do Outdoors through the Seasons, published by Frances Lincoln.

For more information, visit www.goingwild.net

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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.

Providing an environment that allows girls to develop a love of learning and facilitate their development into confident young women.

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.

RGS Worcester Senior School begins in Year Seven and pupils join from the Prep Schools and over 40 primary schools, taking advantage of excellent transport links.

The Award-winning Careers provision ensures students are well prepared for the world beyond school.

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 breath-taking 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.

“RGS Worcester does what it does with a vision and panache that not many can match�.

The Good Schools Guide

RGS Worcester Open Morning

28 September 2019 | 9.00am - 12.30pm www.rgsw.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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

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Education

Girls Achieve Their Passion

Malvern St James is a leading independent school for girls aged 4-18. What helps to make us distinct and refreshing, is our recognition and active support for the individual talents, interests and passions of girls, and the liberating and inclusive ethos the school embraces.

MSJ doesn’t produce a ‘type’ of girl. We achieve excellent academic results but we are not an exam factory.

Our inspiration

Our ethos is one of inclusion and respect.

Girls can pursue their passions and interests in the field of their choice – all routes are equal. It may be horse riding, engineering, politics, the environment or climbing. We recognise the importance of allowing each individual to grow and flourish. We find ways to support girls to achieve their passions.

Every girl is unique, with their own character, passions and idiosyncrasies. That’s what makes life at Malvern St James so enjoyable and rewarding. We are constantly inspired by our pupils and we support them to have the confidence to excel, to love life, stand all that with they believe in andcharacter, shape a wonderful future.

Every girlupisfor unique, their own passions and

If you would like to arrange a tour of Malvern St James, please contact Admissions on 01684 892288 or by email admissions@malvernstjames.co.uk www.malvernstjames.co.uk. Open Morning 28 September.

idiosyncrasies. That’s what makes life at Malvern St James so enjoyable and rewarding. We are constantly inspired by our pupils and we support them to have the confidence to excel, to love life, stand up for all that they believe in and shape a wonderful future.

Be anything, achieve everything

OPEN OPEN MORNING 28 SEPTEMBER 2019 MORNING 15 MAY 2019 WRAPAROUND CARE INCLUDED IN FEES

Busting The Myths About ADHD October is ADHD awareness month and Families takes up the baton to raise understanding about this debilitating condition.

they affect people other than the person with the condition.

It’s important to understand that if a child is behaving in an unfocused or hyperactive way consistently then they may have ADHD. But, not all people with ADHD are unruly and unfocused. Simply believing that they are can make it more difficult for those who display less “textbook” ADHD symptoms to get a diagnosis, as well as creating a damaging stereotype of children with the condition.

When you think of ADHD, what comes to mind? Screaming children. Refusal to do schoolwork. Maybe even violence.

But if your child is not displaying these symptoms, could they still be suffering from ADHD? The answer is “yes.”

Sensational symptoms like screaming, violence and refusal are those that provoke the most sympathy when a parent discusses their child with other parents, or the ones that look most interesting and are easiest to identify when portrayed in the media.

Where Can Parents Find Out More?

They are real symptoms that real children with ADHD can (and often do) exhibit. But these aren’t the only symptoms someone with ADHD might have – they’re simply the symptoms that a parent or guardian are most likely to notice, as 6

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For more information about ADHD, check out this helpful guide from Need2Know books at http:// need2knowbooks.co.uk/product/theessential-guide-to-adhd/ It answers essential questions and guides parents and teachers step-by-step through the actions they need to take to support a child with ADHD. Use N2K25OFF for a 25% discount!

To advertise call: 01684 770566

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The King’s School, Worcester.

Discovering Passion In A World Of Opportunity

Education

The King’s School, Worcester has a clear vision. That’s to spark curiosity, build energy, ignite imaginations and deliver a passion to learn. Their aim is to give children a first-class opportunity to experience more, learn more and discover more. At King’s children enjoy school and look forward to each day with a strong desire to give their best in everything they do.

From children starting their educational journey in the nurseries at King’s Hawford or King’s St Alban’s to pupils continuing their journey at King’s Senior, children are exposed to a plethora of experiences and are actively encouraged to seize opportunities, get involved and dream big.

At King’s Senior, discovering new experiences and getting involved in activities that stretch both mind and body are what make the days so special. In addition to music, drama and sporting activities, there are over 100 clubs that are enjoyed by the pupils. From chess and Mandarin, to sub-aqua and climbing, there is something for everyone to get involved in. For the adventurous there is The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, a Cadet Force and the school’s own outdoor activity centre in the beautiful Welsh mountains.

The young people who go to King’s Senior do outstandingly well (the school is not only the highest-ranking school in Worcestershire, but is among the Top 10 in the West Midlands,) because they throw themselves into the opportunities which school life presents. They develop a passion for learning both inside and outside of the classroom, a curiosity about the world and a desire to know more about it.

For more information or to register your visit to discover more visit www.ksw.org.uk/discover

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

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Education

Supporting Your Child To Be A Confident Communicator

I was a particularly shy child who didn’t like speaking in front of people. For me it was a lonely and painful place. In light of my experiences, one of my main objectives has been to encourage confidence in my 6 year old boy, Sam. While hearing him speak so freely and clearly on the radio recently, I smiled, turned to his dad and said “there is no way that either of us would have been able to speak so confidently as a child.”

By Lindsay Maclean

is exacerbating this problem.

Here are some tips for addressing this: Specific Praise for Speaking Up I often ask Sam if he answered or asked questions at school or I ask him to relay his understanding of a book to me. I praise him for putting up his hand and speaking up and for talking clearly to me.

Now, he often tells me that he’s good at speaking up. He believes it. Being told I was “shy” by teachers made me feel even more shy!

Singing A child is more likely to feel confident when they are happy. Studies suggest that the endorphins released through singing create an immediate feeling of pleasure.

So before school, belt out the tunes with your child. This can set them off on a positive path for the day and encourage them to unlock their voice. I’m aware lots of children don’t need help in this department but it’s a great habit to add to the morning routine!

Deep-Breathing Techniques Recently I was delivering a stress management programme to year 11.

There were several students who had a drama exam straight after and they were incredibly nervous. They said their hearts were beating fast; some were visibly biting their lips or nails; others kept telling me they were going to “fail the exam.” I asked everyone to be totally still and quiet. I asked to them to be very present and then to take deep breaths.

For 5 minutes, we breathed in for 6 seconds and out for 10 seconds. The students themselves were amazed at their response. Their calmer and more confident energy left them in a better place to enter the exam.

Performances Have fun! Encourage children to perform in front of you or anyone. It could be reading a poem out loud, acting out a story, playing a teacher. Anything. It’s great for getting children used to people watching and listening to them.

In most schools, there is currently no specific lesson for learning how to speak up confidently; yet in the business world the requirement for this skill is tremendous.

Positive Affirmation It’s easy to get to evening and feel So how can we encourage This ‘can do’ attitude is really important exhausted by the amount of parental children to speak up confidently? for speaking in front of people. I have a challenges you’ve faced from the minute

video of Sam learning to ride his bike. you woke up. I get it! However, it’s worth During the course of my work in schools, He fell into stinging nettles and felt reflecting back over the day and I have come across shiny students in the reluctant to get back on. I bent down to considering how much you’ve praised classroom who put their hands up to ask his level and asked him to repeat the your child’s efforts for speaking up and questions and aren’t afraid to challenge phrase “I can do this, I can do this.” In communicating. If they can absorb the me with a naturally charming confidence. the video he gets back on to the bike, belief that they can do this when they are repeats this phrase over and over and young, it will help them with many life But, on the whole, most children I meet off he goes. He often repeats this to situations. at school don’t like putting their hand up himself before he faces any challenge in class or speaking up. Fear of failure and now. I encourage this technique in the Lindsay Maclean is the author of the book social judgement interferes with classroom and it’s amazing how it visibly Speak Up & Be Heard, priced £10.99 and confidence and, in my view, social media helps students. available from Amazon.

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RGS Dodderhill-

An Exciting New Future

Education

In April 2019, Dodderhill Independent Girls School formed a partnership with the Royal Grammar School Worcester family of schools and became RGS Dodderhill. Following the retirement of its Headmistress, Mrs Sarah Atkinson former Deputy Head Academic at RGS The Grange, is now leading the school into a new era.

RGS Dodderhill is set in beautiful grounds in the town of Droitwich Spa. It offers girls only education to pupils aged 4-16 years. Thereafter, girls can choose to attend the Sixth Form at RGS Worcester.

Through small class sizes, a broad and dynamic curriculum and high academic standards, the school seeks to develop confidence, emotional resilience and intellectual curiosity in each and every child, essential for the development of a lifelong love of learning.

The unique qualities of RGS Dodderhill mean that we appreciate ‘one size does not fit all’ and girls here thrive because we provide a different environment. The family of RGS schools share a mission to inspire high academic standards and promote extensive opportunities in sport, art, music, drama and other extra-curricular activities.

Traditional values and manners co-exist with the best of modern technology and teaching to ensure that when our girls leave us, they are outstanding young women, fully equipped for the changes and challenges of the 21st century.

Come along and meet us to discover for yourself the difference RGS Dodderhill can make to your child’s education. We look forward to seeing you.

RGS Dodderhill Open Morning

21 September 2019 | 10.00am - 12.00noon Crutch Lane, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 0BE, 01905 778290 www.rgsw.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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

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Clubs And Classes

Trying A New Club Or Class Whatever the age of your child, trying a new activity or sport encourages them to be more adventurous and learn new skills.

about their abilities, or being in an unfamiliar environment. Once you know the cause of their anxiety, you can help address it.

If your toddler or pre-schooler is reluctant to join in a class, participate in the activity alongside them. It takes pre-schoolers time to get used to a new environment.

By Claire Winter For parents of under 5s, classes and clubs can enrich a child’s day, giving them the chance to experience many different environments and activities. Vitally, these activities also provide social stimulation for parents too.

Meanwhile, the lives of older children have been changed by modern technology, and we need to strongly encourage them to be more active. Thankfully, there are a huge range of organised after-school or weekend clubs and classes for children to attend, from pottery painting to coding.

Tap into the Demand Factor Many children simply want to fit in, so if this is important to your child, look for new or popular activities. Our local directory can help you find potential classes and clubs that you may not know about.

Try talking to other parents and see what activities their children are involved in. You could even co-ordinate for your children to participate in the activity together. Simply knowing that their friends are interested in a new club or class may Target their Interests mean your child will be keener to get involved.

A good starting point is to look at your child's current interests.

Their school may offer a wide range of classes and clubs from You could also introduce a reluctant child to an activity their IT to sport. Additionally, local sports centres, libraries and art sibling does, or for younger children nervous about being alone, centres are teeming with opportunities to join classes and clubs. you can attend the first session with them.

For active kids, why not consider something more challenging, such as climbing, caving, or martial arts? Those interested in animals may find opportunities at your local zoo, petting farm or riding centre. While for the creatively inclined, investigate an art class, reading or book club or a school newspaper or blog.

For pre-school and toddler classes, co-ordinating with other parents in your network can feel more important than whether you feel your child will particularly enjoy an activity. Structured activities can keep your little one occupied for a while and give you a welcome chance to make friends with other parents.

While it’s a little more difficult to assess the interests of preschoolers or toddlers, most enjoy sing and rhyme classes or physical activity, like pre-school gymnastics or football.

Highlight the Benefits Focus on the positive things your child will gain by taking part in a particular sport or activity. These could be a new social circle, certificates, medals or stickers, job or education opportunities in the future, greater confidence, getting fitter, or simply being with friends. After-school and weekend clubs and classes are a great way for your child to stay active and learn new things. Remember, it doesn't matter what activity your child pursues, as long as they enjoy it.

Understand What's Stopping Them Many children can be apprehensive about new experiences, but if your child is consistently shying away from trying new activities, sit down with them and try to find out why. It could be a fear of not making friends, being bullied, low self-confidence 10

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Clubs And Classes Action-packed Ofsted registered Holiday Camps Established 1992 Fully Qualified Instructors Specialised Classes 4 – 16 years Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced

Looking for ideas to ensure your children have a week full of fun this October half term?

For children aged 4 -14, Aspire Active Camps runs a whole range of sports and physical activities during the school holidays!

Our number one aim is to ensure your child has fun. Safety is paramount and we go that extra mile as an Ofsted registered provider 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.

A standard day at Active Camps is 8am – 4pm, however, we also offer Xtra time which runs from 4pm – 6pm. If you want to join us at Active Camps for an action-packed holiday, visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979.

Train with Sensei Jags Shoker, 3rd Dan

Monday: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Droitwich Spa 5.00 – 6.00pm Wed & Fri: The Parish Centre, Barnt Green 5.30 – 6.30pm Friday: Parkside Middle School, Bromsgrove 3.40 – 4.40pm Saturday: St Peters RC First School, Bromsgrove 9.15–10.15 am Special offer 5 FREE www.kombatkids.com lessons

Call: 07730 899722 register@kombatkids.com

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Book TODAY call 07970977229

Active Girls Are Happy Girls A new report has found that girls that are physically active are happier and more resilient than those who are not.

The findings are drawn from a survey from more than 25,700 primary and secondary school aged children by the national children’s charity, the Youth Sport Trust.

More active girls showed higher levels of the qualities associated with wellbeing which are self-belief, confidence, resilience, happiness and empathy. The largest difference was seen in girls’ resilience. 77% of more active girls said they were resilient compared to 46% of less active girls. It also found that more active girls were happier with 75% stating so compared to 55% of less active girls.

Ali Oliver, the Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust says: “We owe every girl the opportunity to become a confident mover, find a sport or activity that she enjoys, and through that experience improve physical health and emotional wellbeing.”

More info: www.youthsporttrust.org/girls-active

Most Parents Don’t Know How Much Excercise Their Child Needs More than two thirds of parents don’t know how much exercise their child needs to do to stay healthy, new research has revealed.

NHS guidelines state that children ages 5 to 18 should do an hour of physical activity every day, but 68% of UK adults didn’t know this or thought the target was lower. The survey of 2,000 adults, by YouGov for the Youth Sport Trust (YST), found that only a quarter knew the recommended exercise time for young people and on average people thought it was 46 minutes. Meanwhile, figures recently released by Sport England show only 17.5% of children are reaching the 60-minute target daily.

More info: www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise familiesonline.co.uk

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

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Parenting

How To Cope With Tears At The School Gate Tears at the School gate or Nursery door is something that most parents will face at one stage or another. Most children will struggle at times to separate from parents or their main carers and as any parent knows it can be heart rendering to leave a distressed child in tears. Whilst all children will go through this at some point or another, if the difficulties persist or are more extreme than might be expected we may classify this as Separation Anxiety.

By Dr Elise Kearney Separation anxiety tends to coincide with the developmental phases that infants go through starting between 8 – 10 months when babies become clingy. This stage tends to peak around 18 months and then slowly declines and disappears between 2 and 3 years but sometimes not until 4 or 5 years. Separation Anxiety is characterised by recurrent and high levels of distress in a child in the anticipation of separation from a primary attachment figure (parent or carer). It tends to affect girls and boys equally although there is some research that suggests girls are more vulnerable. To be recognised as Separation Anxiety Disorder, symptoms must have been ongoing for at least four weeks. The difficulties may be causing distress and disruption to school life, with friends, more general social interaction and/or family life.

Your child may show Separation Anxiety Disorder through: • Separation protest (crying, clinging, shouting, hitting, kicking) • Physical complaints such as tummy aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting and bedwetting • Sleep disturbance including not wanting to sleep alone • Change in eating patterns including eating more, less or being ‘picky’ • Concentration difficulties • Anger/irritability and being ‘out of control during outbursts’ • Feeling tense and fidgety • Needing to use the toilet more often As adults, it can be difficult to rationalise a child’s level of distress in the moment of separation. It’s hard to understand when, as adults, we know that our child does not realistically face any

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

danger and is not going to come to any harm. However, when we consider the child response from an evolutionary perspective, separation from attachment figures would have meant quick death in the hunter gatherer era. The need for proximity to the attachment figure came above the need for food and water and only secondary to oxygen for survival. In this context it makes more sense that in stressful situations including ‘newness’ (starting nursery, school, whilst on holiday), illness, pain and sudden changes to routine children seek safety and comfort in the protection of the attachment figure.

In a child’s mind the danger is a realistic threat to their safety and a childs panic system is set off resulting in discomfort and requests for help. It is through a parent’s consistent, loving and calm response to the child along with providing a secure base (an adult to whom the child can turn as a safe haven, when upset or anxious) that the child can learn to explore their environment, learn to trust in others and in themselves. As humans we seek comfort in other human beings in the face of fear. These most basic biological mechanisms are difficult for children to ‘unlearn’.

If parents or carers have had difficult early parenting experiences, an adults separation from their child may feel difficult for them and this disorder is also applicable to adults. Children may become aware of their parents discomfort and become fearful of separation. If a family has experienced a lot of life changes (move of house, schools, nursery, parental separation) or trauma (death in the family, illness or accidents) this can cause separation to become difficult. Difficulties of separation can and do sometimes last into adulthood and may present in many different ways.

Whilst some may say that separation anxiety is ‘just a phase’ that children go through, it doesn’t make it any easier to cope with! It can help to talk to friends and family about the challenges of parenting and they can often help you to maintain a sense of humour. If the separation anxiety is particularly distressing or it lasts for a longer period than you expect, then don’t be afraid to ask for help.

To advertise call: 01684 770566

familiesonline.co.uk

Parenting Dr Elise Kearney runs a clinic at The Therapies Centre, The Fold, Bransford WR6 5JB and can be contacted on elisekearney@btinternet.com 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

The following strategies can help little ones get used to short separations in preparation for pre-school or childcare if applicable: 1. For little ones schedule separations after nap times, for older children after meals so that your child is not tired or hungry which will make things feel more difficult.

2. Prepare your child for separation and take their feelings seriously. Be reassuring that you will return “I know that you don’t want me to go away but I will be back after school”. It can be tempting to ‘sneak away’. However, this is likely to make your child more fearful and clingy in the long term.

3. Practice separations. If your child is struggling with separation at any age work with your friends or family to practise leaving your child for short periods initially.

For example, popping out to the shop for 15 minutes. For pre-schoolers, if things are very tricky and they are finding it hard to tolerate you being in a different room at home start by popping to the kitchen. Explain what you are doing, “I’m going to go and get a glass of water and then I’m going to come straight back”.

4. Remain calm, matter of fact and understanding to your child. This will help you both even if you don’t feel calm! If your child sees you become distressed, this will increase their panic reaction and lead them to believe that there really is something to be worried about! Practise deep breathing techniques to stay calm when dropping a distressed child at the school gates. Remember, little ones have an expert radar picking up on how you are feeling!

• 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).

5. Try not to prolong goodbyes.

6. Give your child a comforter; It can be helpful to give your child something of yours to hold and keep with them (scarf or top that smells familiar) on separation until your return. Alternatively, just making sure that they have their favourite cuddly will help. For older children, you might like to give them something of yours to look after whilst you are separated or you can use photos.

7. Be consistent and return when you say you will return. Trying to make a child feel better by saying that you will be away for a shorter time than is actually the case can lead to increased worry about future separations.

8. Look after yourself! Research confirms that happy parents make for happy children. familiesonline.co.uk

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

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What’s On

Please check with the venue in case details have changed

The Courtyard

Theatre...

Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Family Film Matinees A family blockbuster on the big screen every single Saturday morning!

At affordable prices. Every Saturday Dear Zoo Live This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

22 -23 September Nick Sharratt’s Right Royal Drawalong Join acclaimed children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt and draw along with him! He’ll be showing you how to sketch favourite characters like Tracy Beaker and Timothy Pope, sharing ways of creating fantastic creatures like dragons and unicorns, and giving loads of top tips.

29 October Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 446944, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk The Very Hungry Caterpillar This show features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, faithfully adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories: Brown Bear Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly - and of course the Star of the Show, celebrating its 50th Birthday in 2019 - The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 20 October Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcs, WR14 3HB 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk Dear Zoo After a successful debut tour, Dear Zoo the timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage. 8-9 October Little Shadow of Horrors A Shadow Puppet making workshop and make your very own Audrey I1 and then be the star of the show in a ten-minute puppet performance at the end of the session. 31 October Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Professor Pepperpot Family Fun Show The Professor returns and brings you a mixture of Magic - Balloons and Slapstick fun that will be enjoyed by everyone, no matter what your age 14

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Eastnor Castle

Hartlebury Castle

26 October Black Country Living Museum, Tipton The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY1 4SQ WR1 3ED 01905 611427, 0121 557 9643 www.bclm.co.uk www.worcesterlive.co.uk Halloween Nights Trick or treat along the The Gruffalo – Interactive Storytelling Black Country Living Museum’s gas lit cobbled A mouse took a walk through the deep dark streets and experience thrilling street wood…’ …but it’s full of danger and he’s going entertainment! 30 - 31 October to need to keep his wits about him! Using storytelling, movement, acting out, song and craft, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 this is the perfect half term treat for little ones.

1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com 29 October Family Autmun Antics Leaf jumping, apple pressing, leaf art, making elf homes, bush craft and The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 more! 15 September 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk Birds of Prey Displays Join us for one of the Alice In Wonderland. All the popular Alice UK’s largest and most varied birds of prey characters portrayed by a cast of two talented displays; including Vultures, Eagles, Owls and actors. Expect brand-new catchy sing-along songs more! 22 September composed especially with children in mind, Broomstick Making and Racing Every fabulous puppets and lots of surprises.

Wizard and Witch needs a broomstick to travel 21 September around on. Come and design, make and test Jungle Family Rave Join Club Kids for The yours! 29 September Courtyard’s first ever family rave! In true family festival style this Jungle Rave sensation will be full Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, of bubbles, balloons and big jungle beats galore.

Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, Dressing up is encouraged from everyone!

DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, Suitable for all ages, ear defenders for tiny people www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk are recommended.

Heritage Open Days Explore over 1000 30 October years of history, meet some of the Castle’s characters and get hands-on with the museum collections. 14-15 September Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcs, Herefordshire Art Week 07983 495966 B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk www.h-art.org.uk Medieval Joust Weekend Step back in time Herefordshire Art Week Nine-day art trail and experience the thrill of a medieval joust. following bright pink signs across the whole of Travel back in time to 1459, watch Avoncroft Herefordshire. Meet artists in the intimacy of transform into a medieval village for the weekend their homes and studios. 7-15 September and learn all about the Battle of Bewdley Bridge.

28-29 September Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Halloween Trick or Treat Fright Nights Station, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 A ‘Night of the Living Dead’ theme.

1QX 01299 403816, www.svr.co.uk Dates to be confirmed.

Autumn Steam Gala All-night running, array of visiting locomotives and intensive timetable.

19-22 September Ghost Trains! Hold on tight as the train roars away, passing through haunted stations on the way to Arley. 26, 30-31 October

Days Out...

MORE

ONLINE

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To advertise call: 01684 770566

Spetchley Park Gardens, Spetchley, Worcester, WR5 1RS 01905 345106 www.spetchleygardens.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

What’s On

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

Malvern Autumn Show

Severn Valley Railway

Spooky Root House Trail The Gardens will be getting their annual Halloween makeover with lots of new ghouls and frights in store. Follow the trail around the Gardens, tiptoe through the Trembling Tunnel, sidestep the Sinister Serpent and Mouldy Mummy, then whisper along Witches Walk; it’s going to be spookier than ever.

26 - 31 October

Rumpelstiltskin Trail Dare you complete the challenge and crack the codes and riddles of this ‘Grimm’ tale? 26 October - 3 November

Queenswood Country Park, Hope Under Dinmore, Herefordshire, HR6 0PY http://www.queenswoodandbodenhamlake.org Into The Woods - Spooky Lantern Trail At twilight begin your evening lantern walk through the mysterious woods and see how many hidden spooky ghosts and ghouls you can spot along the way. 30-31 October Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW www.malvernautumn.co.uk Malvern Autumn Show A fantastic harvest festival brimming with special guests, giant vegetables, stunning floral displays and family entertainment. 28-29 September

National Trust...

www.nationaltrust.org.uk Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 Apple Harvest A celebration of Berrington’s orchard and the traditions that surround the the annual harvest. Horse and carriage rides, apple pressing demonstrations, and apple themed trail 5-6 October

Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB Tel: 01885 482077 Broomstick Making With Really Rural Make your very own spooky broomstick to fly around the Brockhampton estate. No need to book beforehand. 31 October Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Tel: 01568 780246 Pumpkin Carving Carve your own spooky pumpkin to take home. 26-27 October Wand Making And Spooky Craftsl Make your own wand using materials from the Croft estate 31 October

All Things Wild Spook Academy Welcome to All Things Wild’s Spook Academy and follow your timetable of Spooktacular lessons! Learn how to ride a broomstick, get creative by making potions, meet some creepy creatures and lots more!

26 October - 3 November Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP 01993 823006, www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Daily Activities. Penguin feeding and Lemur talks. All the animals in the children’s farmyard may be approached. Don’t miss the ‘Skymaze’ adventure playground.

Little Owl Farm Park, Owl Hill Lane, Dunhampton, www.littleowlfarmpark.co.uk A variety of animals, petting area, soft play, pedal tractors, nature trail, cafe and picnic area.

Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW Tel: 01905 371006 Home And Hibernate Take a look at all of the different types of homes made at Croome by both people and wildlife.

26 October-3 November

Newbridge Farm Park, Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG 01531 670780, www.newbridgefarmpark.com An ideal place for you, your family and friends to enjoy a day out in the countryside. Visitors can enjoy a tractor ride, pony ride handling the small

animals and feeding the bigger animals. Suitable All Things Wild Nature Centre, Station for all ages. There are trampolines, giant sandpits, Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, WR11 7QZ zip wire, indoor soft toddler play area and more!

01386 833083, www.allthingswild.co.uk All Things Wild is a year-round family attraction, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Lower comprising of plenty of activities both indoor and Smite Farm, Smite Hill, Hindlip, Worcester, WR3 outdoor, to keep all ages entertained whatever 8SZ 01905 754919 www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk the weather!

Half-Term Activities See website details.

Farm Parks...

Don't Miss Free Family Fun with Heritage Open Days This year, Heritage Open Days is celebrating its 25th anniversary and will be the biggest and most diverse to date. Running from 13 to 22 September, this annual celebration of England's history and culture, allows visitors free access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Nationwide there will be hundreds of free interactive activities for children, including dressing up, crafting, woodland walks and railway rides With a theme of ‘People Power,’ this year’s festival will offer visitors more opportunities than ever to discover the secret history of their towns, villages and countryside. Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, the celebration brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England.

For local events visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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

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Please mention you saw these events in Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Open daily from 10am!

Book online for a reduced entry price!

Spook Academy

October Half Term

We accept childcare vouchers

26th October - 3rd November Learn how to be scary with lots of activities!

Wombourne

Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School

Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November

28th October-1st November

Open from 8am-6pm

Pre-payment required at the time of booking.

Term time only. Included in entry price.

Hagley High School

Alvechurch

Wild Explorers Holiday Club

Thursdays 10.30am-11.30am

Hagley

Wombourne Leisure Centre

Spooktacular

Wild Tots Toddler Time

Ofsted registered

Action-packed childcare this

Early Bird Offer

£17 per day

Book before 5pm on Friday 11th October

8am-4pm

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ Tel: 01386 833083

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 Xtra Time available up to 6pm. See website for full details. Terms and conditions apply,

Newent Onion Fayre SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2019 Starts 10am Don’t miss the grand parade at 10:45!

THREE stages of Live music, Food Village, Dog Show, street entertainers, dancing, fairground rides, exhibitions, lakeside events and over 100 stands From fresh local food and produce, lunches and snacks, through to beers, wines, ciders and juice, there’s a lot more than just onions!

Newent Onion Fayre is a great day out for all the family, Check out the Funion Zone for all sorts of exciting childrens activities

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Families Hereford & Worcester

To advertise call: 01684 770566

familiesonline.co.uk