Families Oxfordshire November December 2022

Creative Courage For Life®

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

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Feature: Bullying

@FamiliesOxonMag

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

AT OXFORD PLAYHOUSE

*a family ticket is for up to 4 people (maximum 2 adults)

From Friday 25th November to Sunday 8th January. Join Cinderella, and her best friend Buttons the mouse, on a midnight carriage ride like no other to the Playhouse Panto Party of the year!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net

Families Oxfordshire 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 Oxfordshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Oxfordshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Oxfordshire its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Reach Out: Anti-Bullying Week 2022

Anti-Bullying Week runs from 14th to 18th November this year, with the theme ‘Reach Out.’

The week will kick off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 14th November, during which adults and children wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.

The theme of ‘Reach Out’ is about empowering children to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.

Whether it’s in school, at home, in the community or online, let’s reach out and offer support to each other. Reach out to someone you trust if you need to talk. Reach out to someone you think is being bullied. Reach out and consider a new approach. To get involved,visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

BRING JOY TO A VULNERABLE CHILD THIS CHRISTMAS

Christmas won’t be magical for every child. It can be a difficult time of year for children in care who may be spending their first festive season away from their family; for households facing economic hardship, buying presents will once again put additional pressure on parents. Reading brings children profound and wide-ranging benefits that can have a lifelong impact on their lives, positively affecting their health, wellbeing and academic and social development. Just one book can brighten a vulnerable child’s Christmas.

Last year sixteen thousand books were given to children in need and the BookTrust is aiming to match this figure in 2022, giving recipients access to the world of imagination, creativity and possibilities that books can provide. A £10 donation to BookTrust will help fund a surprise book gift for a vulnerable child and support BookTrust’s work during the year. Find out more and donate at www.booktrust.org.uk/xmas

Government drive to increase school attendance

The government has announced a renewed focus on maximising children’s time in the classroom, as evidence shows that students with highest attendance throughout their time in school gain the best GCSE and A level results.

Aimed at tackling the factors behind non-attendance such as bullying or mental health, a new 1-2-1 attendance mentoring scheme has been launched in Middlesborough, before expanding to other areas of the country. The pilot will provide tailored support to over 1,600 persistently and severely absent pupils over the next three years.

Schools will also have access to a powerful new attendance data visualisation tool to help to spot and respond to issues. This data is supporting the launch of the new, interactive national attendance dashboard alongside the publication of the first full fortnightly attendance data.

Get your child a letter from Santa

All children love to receive a letter addressed to them in the post. And what could be more special than a letter from Santa? Here are two ways of making this happen.

Royal Mail Letter to Santa

For children to receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail, children must post their letter to Santa in an envelope with either a first or second class stamp and addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. The letter must include your child’s full name and address.

Check the deadline for posting the letter to Santa at www.royalmail.com/ christmas/letters-to-santa NSPCC Santa Letter

Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a donation to the charity. The letter is ordered online. Check the deadline at https://letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk

National Tree Week 2022

National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration and will run from Saturday 26th November to Sunday 3rd December.

Across the country, people will be planting thousands of trees to mark the start of the winter tree planting season.

Trees and hedgerows are some of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against climate change. And the good news is that we can all make a difference by planting a tree. Whether you plant a tree in a pot on your doorstep, a hedge in your garden or organise a community event at a local park, every tree will help us grow a greener future together.

Around the country, volunteer Tree Wardens and other champions of local trees will be holding tree planting events throughout the winter planting season.

To find a local tree planting event www.treecouncil.org.uk

Parents cut back on pocket money

Children’s piggy banks are paying a price for the cost-of-living crisis after almost a third of parents cut back on pocket money during the last year.

The average amount that is going into the pockets of under 16s each week has dropped by 23% to £4.99 this year from £6.48 in 2021, according to research from the lender Halifax –the lowest amount since 2001.

Despite a worsening economic climate, half of British parents said they were willing to sacrifice their own spending to maintain their children’s weekly funds including reducing leisure costs such as eating out as well as ‘treats’ such as designer items.

The most popular purchases using pocket money remain gaming and sweets, according to parents’ votes. Toys follow closely, as well as clothing, then hobbies such as books.

Tax-Free Childcare: parents underusing

The government has published its latest statistics for Tax-Free Childcare showing that half of all open accounts are not even used.

Whilst the new HMRC figures show more families opening accounts than previously, only fifty percent of open accounts are being used which means that thousands of families and children are missing out on money earmarked for childcare support.

In addition, recent HMRC research estimates that less than half of eligible families are opening an account to claim the support.

For every £8 paid into a Tax-Free Childcare online account, families automatically receive an additional £2 in government top-up - up to £500 every three months or £1,000 if their child is disabled.

To register, search Tax-Free Childcare on GOV.UK.

Safe Roads for All

The theme of this year’s Road Safety Week, the UK’s biggest annual road safety campaign, is ‘Safe Roads for All.’

This year’s campaign takes place between 14th and 20th November and brings together communities and professionals to speak up for everyone’s right to make safe and healthy journeys on our roads.

The 2022 campaign will raise awareness of key areas of road safety, including safe vehicles and speeds, the recent update to the Highway Code and the new hierarchy of road users, plus the importance of inclusivity to keep us all safe on the roads, no matter who we are or how we travel.

To sign up to Road Safety Week, register at www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk

FREE Taster sessions with Pauline Quirk Academy in Bicester

Pauline Quirk Bicester is a weekend performing arts school at Whitelands Academy, with classes for kids and young adults in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre (singing & dancing) and Film & Television. The Bicester Academy operates from Whitelands Academy, Hexham Road, Bicester from 9.45-13.00 and the team are always working on exciting projects which feature students performing in a variety of different roles, in musicals, plays, and films.

They are passionate about every student’s personal journey, and the whole team works hard to ensure every single student is given the

opportunity to become the best performer they can be and reach their potential creatively.

To book a free taster session please email chanel.smith@ pqacademy.com or call 07444 573 460

Overcome Hair Loss

Hair loss is an extremely complex issue that affects most men and women at some point in their lifetime. Dermoi’s Chief Scientific Officer, Even Casha, MSc in Pharmaceutical Formulation breakdowns hair loss & why supplements have become a popular and effective solution.

All hair grows from a mini organ present in the skin of the scalp called the hair follicle. Within the hair follicle, hair growth follows a regular cycle.

The growth phase (anagen) occurs when new hair is created from the follicle (lasts 2-6 years), this is followed by a transitional phase (catagen) that lasts 1-2 weeks, and the resting phase (telogen) where the hair is lost (3-4 months).

Different hair follicles tend not to cycle together to ensure an even population of hair on the scalp.

Hair loss is a very complex issue that is influenced by many factors. Factors such as genetics, hormones, nutrition and stress, have direct links with the hair follicle and hair loss. More recent studies suggest that COVID might also be causing hair loss.

Hair supplements often contain key nutrients and compounds called adaptogens. These compounds lower cortisol levels and help reduce stress on the body. They also contain compounds such as vitex angus-cactus or reishi mushroom, as they can balance androgen levels and improve hair loss. Hairology by Vida Glow is an example of a multi-tasking supplement for hair loss.

Festive science-themed fun this winter

Visit the Science Oxford Centre for festive science-themed fun this winter! You can enjoy a unique family experience with indoor and outdoor activities for curious minds. Family Days, run every Saturday, are super-popular with children and grown-ups alike, with hands-on activity stations in the Exploration Zone and woodland trails to explore. Meet experts and try real experiments at the pop up Live Labs, which could be anything from snail racing to extracting DNA to skulls! Create your own adventure with Explorer Backpacks and uncover nature’s secrets with a magnifying glass, compass and bug pot – follow the trails and see what wildlife you can spot. We’ve got extra holiday opening days on 28th and 29th December – why don’t you come and work off those festive treats?!

Check out the seasonal Saturday Science Clubs for ages 5-9. Your (Oxford) ticket includes access to the woodland all day. Take a giant bubble challenge in ‘Bubble-mania’ (26th Nov, Science Oxford Centre & 3rd Dec, Abingdon) or discover the secrets of crystals and make an icecool snowflake decoration at ‘Sparkling Science’ (17th Dec, Science Oxford Centre). For older kids who love coding and creating, programme on-screen Fireworks in November, or design a snowman and bring Frosty to life at December’s Creative Computing Club – take home and enjoy for a magical Christmas!

FESTIVE MAGIC AT WATERPERRY GARDENS!

Whilst Santa has been busy browsing around Waterperry Gardens’ Christmas and Garden Shops, Gallery and Gift Barn looking for lovely gifts for Mrs Claus, his reindeer seem to have escaped into the ornamental gardens! Help find Santa’s reindeer from 19th November through to 23rd December and win a festive prize! (£2.50 per child, all children must be accompanied by an adult for whom the garden entrance fee applies). Why not tie it in with visiting the fabulous Christmas Craft & Food Fairs too - November 19th & 20th and December 3rd & 4th. Not forgetting the spectacular British-grown Christmas trees which will be on sale from the beginning of December, along with their fantastic handfinished wreaths!

www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

NEW DOUBLE HEIGHT LIBRARY AT ABINGDON PREP

It has been an exciting start to the new academic year at Abingdon Prep. September saw the official opening of its state-of-the-art music school, dedicated DT workshop, second science lab and new classrooms.

The construction of this exciting new building has also enabled rooms within the existing school to be repurposed and renovatedincluding the creation of a new, double height library situated in the very heart of the school and a bespoke Pre-Prep hub.

Adding to Abingdon Prep’s already enviable provision (the school has 30 acres of sports grounds, play areas and woodland, not to mention access to the amenities of its senior school), the new amenities have both significantly enhanced its offering and will further improve the school experience for its pupils. Abingdon Preparatory School 01865 391570

Understanding subtle forms of bullying

Perhaps your mental image of a bully is someone who pushes your child over in the playground or steals their money or their lunch? Or maybe you picture your child hunched over their phone or device being pursued by bullies online?

These forms of bullying are easy to recognise, although, of course, not always easy to deal with. But what about more subtle types of bullying like baiting and false friendships? How do you recognise these and are they actually bullying?

As we head towards Anti-Bullying Week which starts on 14th November, Families asked the Anti-Bullying Alliance, part of the National Children’s Bureau, to share its tips and advice.

Baiting and bullying

To ‘bait’ someone is to intentionally make a person angry by saying or doing things to annoy them. Baiting can be used in bullying both on and offline and is aimed at getting ‘a rise’ out of them. It can even be used to encourage someone to become a bully. It can also sometimes be used secretively to try and get a person to explode in a rage or react negatively so that they get in to trouble.

What NOT to do:

If your child is being baited, here’s what to advise them:

• Don’t take the bait!

• Don’t argue with a person or appeal to their sense of reason or logic while they are baiting you. They want you to rise to it.

• Don’t retaliate and fall into a trap.

What TO do:

• Learn to recognise baiting for what it is. If your child knows what the bully is trying to do it is easier to understand it.

• Remind your child that the bait often has nothing to do with what the other person really wants.

• Explain that what the person is feeling is temporary and they will probably feel different in a few days or a few hours.

• Talk to an adult you trust such as a teacher or parent and explain what the bully is doing and why you think they are doing it.

• If your child is falsely accused of something, they or you should politely, briefly and calmly state the truth, one time only.

• Advise your child to remove themselves from the situation calmly. End the conversation and exit the space.

• Get support. You or your child should describe what has happened to you so you or their teacher, who will help them come up with a reasoned, effective plan of how to deal with it.

False friendships

These describe relationships where someone pretends to be your child’s friend but actually uses their power to bully them.

Sometimes bullying isn’t as straight forward as someone openly being horrible to another person. It can be much more complicated than that. False friendships can sometimes be hard for adults to identify, so imagine how difficult they are for children!

In a 2016 survey, Bullying UK found that:

• 73% of children and young people had seen social bullying taking place.

• 55% of children and young people had experienced social bullying.

Tips for Parents

Talk to your child about what it is to be a good friend. For example, a good friend is kind and makes them feel good about themselves. This will help to highlight where there may be false friendships.

Talk to your child about the difference between banter and bullying. Banter is playful and both parties find it funny. Bullying is repetitive and hurtful. It also involves a power imbalance. Tell them that if someone constantly puts them down, they are not a real friend and not worth their time.

Speak to your child’s teacher with your child. Ask them their perspective. Does your teacher fully understand the friendship dynamic?

Don’t encourage your child to retaliate as this might get them into trouble themselves or put them in a dangerous position.

Some children are more likely to have false friendships, for example disabled children. It is especially important that disabled children understand what makes a good friend.

If your child doesn’t have many other friends, you could encourage them to get involved in extra-curricular activities or activities outside of school, so that they might be able to develop other friendships and improve their confidence.

If your child is being bullied by someone who they thought was their friend, this can be especially hurtful. Make sure you praise them for telling you and agree a way forward together. Tell them it is not their fault.

With thanks to the Anti-Bullying Alliance for this article.

For more information about Anti-Bullying Week, visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

No place like close

There’s truly no place like close according to Infantino so it’s no wonder the trusted nursery brand has created three new carriers for the season ahead… promising 24/7 happy, hands-free, parenting and lots of cosy cuddles this Autumn.

Introducing the Staycool™ 4-In-1 Convertible Carrier with future-fabric that’s proven to regulate body temperature, and the pull-on, wrap-inspired Hug & Cuddle Adjustable Hybrid Wrap Carrier. The huggable carrier offers a simple and easy all-in-one design that doesn’t require any complicated wrapping, folding, tucking, or tying.

Last but not least is the brand-new colour in the already popular light and compact Grey Swift™ Classic Carrier. Now available in a sleek Grey option, the new Swift still boasts the smart and simple design it’s known for; perfect for quick trips and on-the-go families. Staycool™ 4-In-1 Convertible Carrier | RRP: 59.99 | Stockist: Babies R Us Hug & Cuddle Adjustable Hybrid Wrap Carrier | RRP: 69.99 | Stockist : Amazon UK Swift Carrier | RRP: 24.99 | Stockist: Amazon UK

New pregnancy guide explodes food myths

An easy and quick guide for women on healthy eating and vitamin supplements in pregnancy has been published by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).

The guide explains the benefits of healthy eating for women and their babies. It also addresses the myths around what you should and shouldn’t eat when pregnant, with clear information explaining what a healthy diet in pregnancy looks like and the importance of being a healthy weight in pregnancy.

Being overweight can be associated with a higher chance of pregnancy complications and the myth about ‘having to eat for two’ when pregnant is debunked in the leaflet which also covers why dieting in pregnancy is not recommended.

To view and download, visit www.bit.ly/ FoodGuidePregnancy

Sleep easy

Low humidity levels can negatively impact a home, your health, and your loved ones. With the colder seasons coming, get instant relief from cold and flu symptoms, while welcoming wellness to the entire family.

Cheeky Rascals is delighted to unveil the brand-new Crane Drop 2.0 4-in-1 Humidifier with Sound Machine.

Set to revolutionise the home environment, the thoughtfully designed humidifier safely releases moisture into the air, promising to bring wellness, and much more, to the entire family. Super stylish and easy to clean, the whisper quiet 4-in-1 humidifier features an ultrasonic cooling mist, 3 soothing sounds, an aroma tray to enhance relaxation and an optional nightlight.

RRP £110.00 www.cheekyrascals.co.uk/

Researchers find blood marker for SIDS

A team of Australian researchers has identified a biochemical marker in the blood that could help identify newborn babies at risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a breakthrough that they said creates an avenue to future tragedy-preventing interventions.

The researchers found that babies who died of SIDS had lower levels of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) shortly after birth which plays a major role in helping babies to wake up during the night if their breathing is interrupted.

This is the first evidence ‘that babies who succumb to SIDS are different from birth,’reports study leader, Carmel Harrington of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

The enzyme abnormality is ‘a measurable, specific vulnerability’ to SIDS that had not been previously recognised, the study reported. Further research needs to be undertaken to determine whether routine measurement of BChE could help prevent future SIDS deaths.

More info: https://bit.ly/SIDSresearch

What’s On

Things

in Oxfordshire

Saturday Science Club

Abingdon – Plastic Fantastic?

WHEN: 5th November 9.45 - 11.00, 11.30 - 12.45

WHERE: Yang Science Centre Abingdon School (ages 5-9) Go gooey over slime! Discover the fascinating world of plastic annd make natural polymers. Tackling pollution by re-using, recycling and reducing in this fun session you’ll investigate the chemistry of this sticky substance, produce polymers from milk and get stuck in with slime!

£9 includes adult www.scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

Family Day

Christmas Fair

WHERE: Waddesdon Manor WHEN: 13th November18th December

The fair will be set against the backdrop of the floodlit North Front of the Manor with its 20ft Christmas trees. Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas with their hand-selected stalls all housed in charming wooden chalets, surrounded by twinkling trees. From £10.35 for children www.waddesdon.org.uk

Creative Computing Club – Firecracking Coders

WHEN: 19th November 10.0011.30, 12.30 - 14.00, 15.00 - 16.30

WHERE: Science Oxford Centre (ages 9-12) Young programmers light up their screens with digital celebrations by coding a virtual fireworks display! Programming in Scratch, and using a BBC micro:bit controller, design a fire-cracking show – get the timings right for a popping display. £10 includes adult and access to woodland all day. www.scienceoxford.com/ events 01865 810000

Christmas Markets

WHEN: 19th & 20th November, 3rd & 4th December 10.00 - 16.00

ILLUMINATED EVENINGS

WHEN: Until 27th November

WHERE: Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton Open as normal in the day and when daylight fades the entire Enchanted Walk becomes a magical wonderland of fairy lights. The Mermaid Garden, Fairy Dell, Dino Valley, Jack’s Yard and the entire Enchanted Walk will be a blaze of colour and light, with several new features for 2022, including an illuminated T-Rex! Prices from £8.75 www.fairytalefarm.co.uk

WHEN: Saturdays until 28th, 29th December 10.00 – 12.00, 12.30 – 14.30, 15.00 – 17.00 WHERE: Science Oxford Centre. Curious kids can explore, discover and play in the Exploration Zone, and pick up an Explorer Backpack. Your ticket includes two hours in the Exploration Zone and access to woodland all day. Suitable for ages 3+ (all welcome) £7.50 per person (includes Eventbrite fee). Under 3s free www. scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

Illuminated Trail

WHEN: 18th November to 31st December

WHERE: Blenheim Palace

Discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. For a moment of reflection, pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, larger-than-life illuminations and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way. www.blenheimpalace.com

Meet REAL Reindeer

WHEN: 19th & 20th November 11.30 - 14.30

WHERE: Waterperry Gardens A little taste of the North Pole will arrive in Waterperry Gardens Walled Garden! (Garden entrance fee applies). Adults £7.00 Under 16 FREE www. waterperrygardens.co.uk

WHERE: Waterperry Gardens Arts and Craft Stalls with gorgeous handmade gift ideas and festive food and drink. Adults £7.00 Under 16 FREE www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

Cinderella Pantomime

WHEN: 25th November –8th January WHERE: Oxford Playhouse

The handsome but hapless Prince Charming has finally left university and come back home to the Kingdom of Ox. He’s ready to take on the crown and he’s looking for a wife. His ‘loyal’ deputy is there by his side, but the devilish Dandina has plans of her own. She’s determined to become Queen herself, whatever that may take. From £15.00 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival

WHEN: 18th - 20th November

Oxford’s Christmas Light Festival is back for 2022. Join the festival of arts, culture and community across the city and make Oxford sparkle! www.oxlightfest.com/

to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages

Saturday Science Club –Bubble-mania!

WHEN: 26th November 10.0011.30, 12.30 - 14.00, 15.00 - 16.30

WHERE: Science Oxford Centre (ages 5-9)

Join Science Oxford for some popping Bubble science! Mix up potions to try out what works best, test the laws of physics and build the ultimate bubble blower, and work out what makes the biggest! Take their Bubble Challenge and take home some ‘bubbly’ mix to celebrate.

£10 includes adult and access to woodland all day. www.scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

Cogges Christmas Market

WHEN: 26th - 27th November, 10.00 - 16:00

WHERE: Cogges Manor Farm Enjoy a weekend of festive cheer, including over 50 stalls selling unique, hand-made gifts, food and drink, all locally produced, mulled wine, mince pies, and carols plus Santa’s grotto www.cogges.org.uk 01993 772602

‘Together for Christmas’ at Greys Court

WHEN: From 26th November - 5th

January

WHERE: Greys Court, Henley Celebrate the festive season with the house decorated (open Weds - Sun), waymarked frosty walks to follow, a children’s trail outside and the bare beauty of the walled gardens in winter. From £6.50 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Oxford Christmas Market

WHEN: 1st- 18th December

WHERE: Broad Street, Oxford Choirs singing Christmas carols, market traders offering unusual and handmade gifts, colourful decorations brightening wooden stalls and the aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon - this is a truly magical Christmas experience. www.oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk

Crumples Christmas Adventure

WHEN: 8th - 31st December

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor

WHEN: 13th November2nd January WHERE: This enchanting outdoor extravaganza will brighten the end of your year. From £10.35 for children www.waddesdon.org.uk

WHERE: Oxford Playhouse Unwrapped, scrumpled and thrown away... Crumple’s Christmas adventure begins! Shaping up into a wrapping paper figure he sets off on a quest to find the forest where he belongs. With your help, he discovers snow and trees, and makes new friends along the way. From £11.00 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

Artists and Makers Fair

WHEN: 10th December, 10.00 - 16.00

WHERE: Thame Town Hall Immerse yourself in a glorious collection of local artisans and crafts people and meet the talented artists showcasing their work from around Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. FREE www.sallyevansevents.com

Creative Computing Club – Let it Snow

WHEN: 10th December 10.00 –11.30, 12.30 – 14.00, 15.00 – 16.30

WHERE: Science Oxford Centre (ages 9-12)

Tech-tastic elves get ready for the holidays and design a paper snowman decoration using code. Create your design in Tinkercad Codeblocks, using drag-and-drop programming to merge circles, rectangles and more to build your design. Then, watch Frosty cut out and come to life on a Cricut machine, and take your festive friend home for the celebrations! £10 includes adult Includes access to woodland all day. www.scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

Help find Santa’s Reindeer

WHERE: Waterperry Gardens

WHEN: 19th November through to 23rd December

Whilst Santa has been busy browsing around Waterperry Gardens’ Christmas and Garden Shops, Gallery and Gift Barn looking for lovely gifts for Mrs Claus, his reindeer seem to have escaped into the ornamental gardens! Help find the reindeer and win a festive prize! Child £2.50 Adult £7.00 www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

Santa’s Grotto

WHERE: Webs Garden Centre

WHEN: Sun 12th Nov to 24th December

On arrival at the North Pole, you’ll be greeted by Snowball Sammy, there will be fun and games with the playful elf before it’s off to make reindeer food with Reindeer Ronnie and finally meeting the big man himself. Prices from £25.50 milletsfarmcentre.com

Santa’s Grotto

Father Christmas

WHERE TO FIND Father Christmas

WHERE: Thame Town Hall WHEN: 3rd December, 10:00 –16:00

Santa will be in his sparkly grotto ready to meet any children whether they’ve been naughty or nice! Let him know what you would like for Christmas, listen to some Christmas music and receive a small present. www.facebook.com/ ChristmasInThame

Festive Fairytales with Father Christmas

WHERE: Odds Farm Park WHEN: 3rd – 24th December Father Christmas invites you to join him and his Elves for an enchanting group story-time and take a magical stroll deep into the sparkly, wintery Enchanted Woodland to the North Pole! From £18.85 www.oddsfarm.co.uk

Christmas Fairytale 2022

WHERE: Fairytale Farm,

Southcombe

WHEN: Weekends from 3rd –11th December and then daily from 12th – 24th December Enter a beautiful Fairytale Castle, meet some interactive dancing penguins, visit the Toymaker, see Santa’s sleigh and walk through the Secret Forest to meet Father Christmas in his charming Grotto. £14.99 for Child Christmas

Fairytale tickets (includes gift and admission to Fairytale Farm) www.fairytalefarm.co.uk 01608 238014

Cogges Santa’s Grotto

WHERE: Cogges Manor Farm

WHEN: 5th, 12th and 19th December

Cogges Manor Farm is open 5 days a week for Christmas from 27th Nov – 22nd December.

Santa’s Grotto every Sunday in December. www.cogges.org.uk 01993 772602

Understanding phonics

Phonics is one of those things that feels like a secret club - some people understand it and to others it’s gobbledegook! If you have a child at school, they’re part of ‘the club’ and they may look askance at you when you ask what a digraph or blending is. For you and anyone who has a child due to start school, here are some tips to get you closer to full admittance of the phonics club!

What is phonics?

Phonics is a way of teaching children to read and later write. It is based on the fact that letters and groups of letters make sounds and when we put those sounds together they make words. English is a tricky language and sometimes the same letters make different sounds. For example, ‘i’ can sound short as in ‘fish’ or have a longer sound like ‘eye’ in ‘find’. There are different groups of letters that make sounds: a digraph is two letters that go together to make one sound e.g. ‘ch’ in chop. A trigraph is three letters together making one sound e.g. ‘ear’ in ‘near’. As children develop their knowledge, they build up and put together all of the sounds they recognise in order to read and write.

Top Tips

• Practise recognising the sounds.

• Help children to spot when two or three letters work together to make one sound e.g ‘ai’ in ‘rain’ and ‘igh’ in ‘light’.

• Your child will be taught Phonics in a specific way at school so ask them to teach you. It’s a great way for them to test their understanding.

• Read, read, read!

• Practise blending - this can be the key to unlock entry to ‘the club!’

• If you’re stuck or worried, ask your child’s school for help. Supporting children learning to read can be as frustrating as it is magical.

• I hope these tips help you joining the Phonics Club!

By Emma Lewry

Blending can be the key

Once children have learned the separate sounds, they then have to ‘blend’ them together to make the full word. For example, they hear or read ‘c’, ‘a’, ‘t’ and need to put the sounds together to make ‘cat.’This skill can be a real stumbling block for children because they are working so hard to recognise the sounds that they can’t put them together easily.

Oral blending is the skill to practise here. Oral blending means hearing separate sounds and putting them together without reading the letters too. It’s really helpful to practise lots of oral blending with your children from as young as the age of 2.

For example, say separate sounds, a bit like a robot, and get your child to blend them together to make the word. You can do this in sentences e.g. put on your ‘c’, ‘oa’, ‘t’ or let’s go to the ‘p’, ‘ar’, ‘k’. Make it playful and use the approach in games. For instance, try I spy with whole words split up.

Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, headteacher and mother of two. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk) which guides families through starting school with courses, groups and a school starters planner.

Read, read, read!

If the thought of supporting your child with phonics fills you with dread, never fear! There is one simple thing you can do which will help them beyond your expectations: reading! Reading to and with your child is the single most impactful thing you can do to help their reading, writing and language skills to develop. By being read to, children hear new words, learn the flow of language and develop their understanding of grammar.

Read as often as you can, whether it’s stories, poems, cookery books, magazines - anything you have or see! Allow your child to ask questions and talk about what they understand along the way.

Think about reading as sharing a book with your child rather than them always sitting quietly and listening. By talking about the words and language and explaining meaning, children learn and understand more. As children develop in their phonics ability you will find they want to help you read and you can work together to read a text.

Maths = Fun

Mathnasium

Maths seem to induce more stress than any other subject, leading to anxiety which can have a huge impact on overall learning. Many parents will opt for the traditional one-to-one tutor when extra help is needed but a considerably large number of experts believe small group tuition, with children working alongside their peers, often works better. In numerous cases, there are improvements to more than just maths. This is where Mathnasium can help - children need an environment where they feel secure and where learning maths can be challenging but fun. At Mathnasium, children will realise they are not alone in needing extra help. Mathnasium students take a customised assessment which pinpoints their individual learning needs, then a customised learning plan is designed which can be shared with your child’s school maths teacher for continuity. We know children have mastered certain mathematical concepts by applying them in problem solving. Mathnasium’s expert instructors look at different ways of approaching the same problem to help develop independent thinking. Flexible learning is a real benefit for children at Mathnasium where they can come in the centre or log into their virtual

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classroom – Mathnasium@home, several times a week and work on a bespoke learning plan at their own pace. Children can also get help from Mathnasium to complete their school maths homework but won’t be given any additional homework. The Mathnasium North Oxford Maths Centre is situated on South Parade, Summertown and offers maths learning support for children aged 6 to 16. Contact details: 01865 655968; northoxford@mathnasium.co.uk; www.mathnasium/northoxford

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in Summertown can help your child subtract stress and add confidence!

First we assess your child’s current level of mathematical ability, then we create a programme for them which is delivered by our specialist tutors. We complement what’s taught in school, enabling your child to catch up and jump ahead to increasingly complex mathematical challenges, developing lifelong critical thinking skills and confidence in maths. That’s why our students perform exceedingly well in exams such as the 11+ & GCSE. Whatever your objective, whether it’s to help your child catch-up, stay ahead of the class, or prepare for a specific exam, contact your local Mathnasium Learning Centre to find out how we can help.