Families Leeds Jan/Feb 23 PRINT issue

Leeds & West Yorkshire 4-5 6 8-9 10 11 12 13 14-15 Facebook/familiesleedsmag IG@familiesleedsandwestyorkshire Twitter @familiesleeds

Welcome

The urge to hibernate can be strong in January and February. But no-one knows better than the parents of young children that getting out of the house can be a good thing. I always found that a change of scene, chat with other parents and an activity for the children did us both the world of good.

We’ve profiled some of the fantastic classes you can take little ones to in this area on pages 8-10 of this issue.

There are also lots of free play, craft, story and rhyme time sessions going on at various libraries and museums – check out our What’s On listings on pages 14-15.

01943 603829 I www.clipnclimbilkley.co.uk The winner of our Ice Cube @Christmas ticket competition was Jenny Richards. Congratulations to her and thank you to all who entered.

The winner of our Einstein the Penguin Book competition was Danielle Leach. Congratulations to her and thank you to all who entered.

Music Bugs launches new classes

There are now even more places to enjoy MusicBugs classes in Leeds. The popular sensory music, movement and singing sessions take place in Alwoodley, Headingley, Horsforth, Meanwood, Moortown, Roundhay and now the new location of Shadwell.

There are a range of classes suitable for new-borns up to preschoolers, with a special theme each week. There’s always a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with a gentle structure to allow little ones to join in, explore and develop in their own way and at their own pace.

Sing along to nursery rhymes, fun action songs, lively knee bouncers, counting songs and finger-play rhymes. Explore different percussion instruments and enjoy making music together.

You’ll get the chance to discover a range of colourful, engaging props such puppets, teddies, coloured scarves and ribbons, pompoms, counting mitts, dinosaur tails and hobby horsesplus, plenty of bubbles of course.

Vicky Bannister who runs MusicBugs Leeds said: “Come along and meet other parents, make new friends, and spend quality time bonding with your little one - all whilst enjoying the proven benefits of music and singing!”

For more information, visit www.musicbugs.co.uk/leeds/ classes

Leeds Children’s Mayor Mason meets King Charles III

His first official engagement couldn’t have been more prestigious. Newly elected Leeds Children’s Mayor Mason Hicks and members of the UK Youth Parliament met King Charles III when he visited Leeds in November.

Mason, aged 10, was elected after campaigning on a manifesto of children’s mental and physical health, promoting kindness and community spirit, and the creation of an event to bring children from different backgrounds together.

Mason, a pupil at Whitkirk Primary School, said: “I really liked meeting The King, it was very exciting. Me and my school made cards for his birthday and gave them to him.”

Mason was announced as the new Children’s Mayor of Leeds by the Lord Mayor of Leeds Robert W Gettings MBE JP at a special event at Leeds Civic Hall.

Mason spent much of the summer holidays campaigning in an election that saw nearly 8,000 local children and young people cast their vote in support of 12 candidates from across Leeds.

The Children’s Mayor Programme, now in its 19th year, is designed to help children in the city develop a greater understanding of democracy and the importance of voting as well as encouraging them to think about the role they could play in improving their city or communities. The programme fits within the wider vision of creating a Child Friendly Leeds where every child and young person feels they have a voice.

To follow the progress of the Children’s Mayor on Twitter, see @LSChildrenMayor.

Wear A Hat Day, an iconic and fun annual event, is one of the UK’s most popular and family-friendly charitable fundraisers and it’s happening again on Friday, 31 March!

Running for more than ten years, this event raises millions for vital research into brain tumours – the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Wear A Hat Day events help children explore their individuality and creativity, whilst learning to work together and think of others – in a really fun way.

Participation fosters friendships, creates better local and school communities, offers unique learning opportunities and provides new ways for children to explore ideas around different life experiences, all while giving hope to brain tumour patients and their loved ones.

Join this event, as a family or by persuading your local school to take part. Register now for more information and your FREE fundraising pack at www.wearahatday.org

Froebelian headteacher takes to the skies for charity

The Froebelian School in Horsforth, Leeds, raised a fantastic £4499.53 for Save the Children during the last academic year.

Among its fundraising activities, headteacher Catherine Dodds embarked on a wing walk, raising more than £1,000. Bradfordborn Mrs Dodds said: “The Wing Walk is one of the biggest (and most adventurous!) things I have ever done, and I am so grateful to each and every person that has supported me through it.”

She added, “Working with children is an absolute privilege and we are lucky in our school to work with children who have happy, safe and secure family backgrounds. Sadly, not all children around the world are quite so fortunate and part of our work in school is helping to inspire our children at Froebelian to be global citizens and to do what they can to support others who may be in need.”

Other fundraisers included pupils climbing Three Yorkshire Peaks, Harvest Festival, and a Santa Dash.

The money will provide malnutrition packs to save the lives of 500 children who are in desperate need of nutritious food.

This academic year, Froebelian School is raising funds for Shelter. www.froebelian.com

Free online Maths Circles launched

Children aged 10 to 16 who are keen to extend their mathematical horizons can now take part in free weekly interactive maths sessions online called Maths Circles.

Maths Circles is a way for students to learn from some of the best maths educators in the world. The session contains a mix of challenging questions, puzzles and enrichment topics. The highly interactive sessions, with live chat and polling, also provide an opportunity to develop and practice the sort of problem-solving skills that are used to solve Primary Maths Challenge problems.

The initiative is the creation of Parallel, a charitable mathematics project founded and run by best-selling science author and maths educator, Simon Singh. The Maths Circles sessions are completely safe and securestudents do not appear on screen and cannot be heard and only the educators can see chat comments.

More info at www.parallel.org.uk

Congratulations to the founder of Little Seedlings

Lucy Haven, who runs Little Seedlings, is celebrating with her family the arrival of her second child, baby Eryk.

Lucy set up the pregnancy, baby and toddler development groups in Leeds three years ago. She was looking for something more flexible around family following the birth of her first child, Blake.

Since then, Little Seedlings has grown, with groups now running in Chapel Allerton, Horsforth and Barwick in Elmet - including regular sessions and pop-ups.

Lucy and her team have lots of personal experience to bring to Little Seedlings! Classes focus on development in a fun, easy way. They are just as much for the adult as the child. They build support networks and confidence about how best to play and teach your child.

Little Seedlings cover all areas of learning from pregnancy to three years old. Classes use everyday resources and materials you can find at home, making it easy to replicate play outside of sessions and extend learning through play.

Visit www.littleseedlingsuk.com to find out more.

Award-winning Toddler Sense classes available in North Leeds

A session made up of two parts allow toddlers to explore adventure playtime on bouncy castles, soft play, ride ons and more. Followed by themed sensory activities with puppet shows, interactive games and light shows.

Each week there is different equipment and a different theme; meaning both toddlers and grown ups are never bored!

For ages 13 months to 5 years Siblings under 13 months are FREE!

Text Lou on 07870275916 www.toddlersense.com/northleeds

SATS: getting in the know

By Jessica Joan

In May, Year 2 (KS1) and Year 6 (KS2) pupils will take their SATS exams. Yet, from their very first day at school, children are being trained to be able to perform in preparation for these assessments.

So much work goes on behind the scenes in other years to get children ready and when it comes to the year in which they take their SATS, teachers are under pressure for them to do well.

To prepare for the exams, your children will be doing lots of maths, reading and writing at school, intertwined with other subjects so that they are consistently practising those skills. Sometimes this means that other foundation subjects are deemed ‘not as important’ and additional maths and English lessons squeezed in instead.

So how can you ensure your child does well in their SATS?

Your child’s school will more than likely be sending home maths, English and reading homework in preparation. It can be difficult to make your child do homework, especially when they have been worked so hard during the school day; however, it’s an important support in preparation for SATS so anything you can do with your child can really make a difference to how they perform.

Providing your child with any opportunity to read, write and do mathematical calculations will be massively appreciated by your child’s teacher!

In addition, you can download and look at past SATS papers

from previous years (www.sats-papers.co.uk) to get an idea of what your child will have to do. There will be some things that have changed since you went to school so ask your child to show you how they do things - they will relish this opportunity!

Likewise, you can always speak to your child’s teacher who will happily show you how you can support your child’s learning at home.

As well as these things, ensuring your child eats well and stays hydrated will support their minds and bodies during the school day. Similarly, creating a good bedtime routine will mean your child gets a decent night’s sleep and has the brain power to be ‘on the ball’ throughout the school week.

Jessica Joan is a primary school teacher from Worcestershire with a ten year teaching career. After experiencing burn out, she set up as a Work/Life Balance Coach for stressed out teachers and launched her Happy Teacher Course. Find out more at www.jessicajoan.co.uk

SATS and your child’s wellbeing

It’s very common for children to feel worried and even stressed about doing their SATS, especially for Year 5 children going into Year 6.

There is plenty that you can do at home to support your child mentally and emotionally in preparation. Explain that it’s totally normal to feel this way before a test and share some of your own experiences. This will help them feel less alone and comfortable in being able to share what’s going on for them.

It’s a great opportunity for you to teach them about emotional intelligence and wellbeing. Start off by labelling the emotion that they are experiencing like anger, worry, anxiety. Then discuss the physical sensations they feel which come with that emotion, whether that’s sweaty palms or a racing heart. Now practise a wellbeing technique to promote feelings of calm and self-assurance during these times. Breathing techniques, exercise and meditation are all great ways to support your child’s wellbeing throughout stressful times during their childhood.

Are KS1 SATS being scrapped?

The government previously announced its plans to scrap KS1 SATS (Year 2) after the introduction of the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) which began in September 2021 and is taken by all new primary school pupils. However, it has since been decided to make KS1 SATS (Year 2) optional for schools from September 2023 instead.

The RBA is usually done with a teacher in an informal setting during a child’s first six weeks of school. It is an activity-based assessment conducted via a number of practical and interactive tasks. There have been pilots done all over the country and the validity report confirms that this new assessment provides an ‘accurate’ starting point from which to measure the progress a child makes in primary school.

To my knowledge, this change is welcomed amongst primary school teachers across the country as it limits the amount of pressured standardised testing that takes place during a child’s early school years. Primary school is a time for children to explore their learning through play and their own curiosities.

All aboard the Number Train!

Annette Peterson founded the pre-school class Number Train in 2016. Here, she explains what it is all about, and how the journey began…

What inspired you to start Number Train?

Having been a primary school teacher for over 15 years and a maths coordinator, I saw so many children disliking maths from a young age and it was often my job to try and turn this attitude around. It made me so sad to know that many children were anxious about maths and when I looked closely at why this was, it was often due to a lack of confidence and/ or poor basic skills.

In 2014, the new primary maths curriculum was introduced. It was harder than ever before, which meant the pressure to achieve was going to be greater. I anticipated that even more children would struggle with the pace and new expectations so I set to work and created a new and unique class for preschoolers with a maths focus.

How does Number Train help children and parents?

Number Train is a 36-week programme, designed to build strong foundations in the early years so that children start school feeling confident. It was created in the hope that children who attend would then go on to succeed and enjoy maths in the future – it is a ‘prevention rather than cure’ approach to maths and the feedback from the last five years shows it works with parents returning with another child.

Parents and carers play a huge part in education. Class teachers also use the session to share useful ideas, educational terminology and to model how to teach your child in a fun way.

Explain what a Number Train class is like to someone who’s never been.

Number Train is specifically designed for the older preschoolers to help them get ready for starting school. Every single session is different and action packed with songs, games, art and playtime linked to a new destination. The classes are always delivered by an experienced primary school teacher and we aim to engage the children throughout. Children learn about numbers, counting, shape, position, direction and measures through fun, themed and interactive adventures on the train.

Very often, the children are learning maths without realising. They love coming each week and finding out where the train is taking us to. We go all over the world on our imaginary train: Space, China, The Seaside, The Farm... the list goes on!

What has surprised you about Number Train?

The biggest surprise has been how fast time goes when you are driving a train! Many of the first ever passengers are now in Year 5. Almost 1,000 children have boarded the train and there are plans for a Number Train service in more locations in the future. www.numbertrain.co.uk

Savour special time at Baby Sensory

Parents and carers love taking their babies to the WOW Centre in Alwoodley for Baby Sensory classes. It’s easily accessible from all parts of North Leeds and surrounds, with its own car park, and it’s a dedicated space where classes take place right throughout the year.

Everything is perfectly planned out and prepared. The sensory area has been arranged to match the distance at which babies see objects clearly. The decibel levels of the instruments have even been measured to make sure they are not too loud! Parents are welcomed to feed or cuddle their babies during the session.

Classes have a different theme every week, and every activity has been carefully designed to stimulate the baby’s senses and development. Again, behind every session there’s incredibly detailed planning, regarding everything your baby touches, sees, hears, smells and feels.

Baby Sensory provides ideas for creative play, massage, tummy time, movement, visual development, textures, scents and music in simple practical ways that can be easily repeated at home. It also use a combination of original and traditional songs and rhymes to develop early speech and language skills, and sensory signing activities to help parent and baby communicate from birth.

To find out more, visit www.babysensory.com/northleeds/class-info

Enjoy yoga together with Diddly Oms

Join Diddly Oms and introduce your little ones to the wonderful world of yoga. Classes are offered in and around Leeds for 12 weeks old up to secondary school. Diddly Oms helps bring your child more confidence, strength, flexibility and more.

Classes start with baby yoga; specially adapted for your baby alongside postures and stretches for the parent and an opportunity to learn to relax together.

Moving on to toddler yoga, stretch with stories is for when little ones are on the move. Each week brings a different story to life with stretches, yoga postures, nursery rhymes and games.

After school club is available from four years old as they begin to build upon their yoga skills.

Fun and games are still very much a part of these classes but learning postures and names as well as skills to relax and calm the mind are equally important.

Monthly family classes bring everyone together in a funfilled session for all to join with partner yoga and a chance to have some fun together.

The full timetable can be found at www.diddlyoms.co.uk

Toddler Sense makes perfect sense

We all know that toddlers need to explore and burn off all their boundless energy – and finding safe ways for them to do this is a constant pre-occupation for their parents and carers.

Toddler Sense classes are tailor made for this purpose. Every session is packed with fabulous activities which also develop vital physical, communication and social skills.

A session made up of two parts allows toddlers to explore adventure play time on bouncy castles, soft play, ride-ons and more. This is followed by themed sensory activities with puppet shows, interactive games and light shows.

Each week there is different equipment and a different theme; meaning toddlers and grown-ups are never bored.

Climb aboard a rocket and zoom to the stars, put the hatches down on a yellow submarine, explore the blue lagoon, tame a fiery dragon, dive to the bottom of the coral sea, go ape at the African zoo…the adventures are endless.

Classes are available for children from 13 months to five years, and siblings under 13 months are free. Classes run in Adel, Bramhope and Roundhay.

www.toddlersense.com/northleeds

Nurture imagination with Pyjama Drama

At the age when a preschool child’s imagination is on fire, providing opportunities for them to do drama is incredibly valuable. It supports the development of life skills, helping them to make new friends, manage emotions, concentrate, problem solve, make decisions and believe in themselves.

All this, while also developing their communication and language, physical skills, and of course being lots of fun! Pyjama Drama’s Sara Wainman is an expert at delivering drama for young children. She knows how to live in the moment with them and help bring their imaginations to life.

In every class, children sing, dance, play drama games and, of course, pretend. Each week is a different adventure – one week driving a bus into town, camping in the wilderness, or dancing with a dragon, and the next, nursing a hedgehog friend or going to the King’s birthday party.

For parents, struggling to meet all their young child’s needs can be exhausting –and imaginative play can sometimes be the most challenging! Attending a Pyjama Drama class is a wonderful experience for both of you.

For more information, visit www.pyjamadrama.com or email sara@ pyjamadrama.com

Clubs & Classes Directory

Little Seedlings

Little Seedlings run pregnancy, baby and toddler classes that focus on development in a fun, easy way. Each class includes messy play, rhymes and activities that cover all areas of learning, focusing on both the adult and child.

lucy@littleseedlingsuk.com

littleseedlingsuk.com

Number Train

Number Train is a fun and interactive introduction to maths for preschool children designed and delivered by an experienced primary maths specialist.

With a different theme each week, sessions keep your child engaged with games, action songs, art and craft. Call 07852 989523 numbertrain@hotmail.com

numbertrain.co.uk

Find inspiration and sign up! Don’t forget to say you saw them in Families Leeds & West Yorkshire magazine.

Baby Sensory North Leeds

Helping you to make beautiful memories with your baby whilst supporting their cognitive development.

Baby Sensory stimulates all of the senses with different weekly themes, set in a fantastic Baby Sensory Centre, the perfect place to meet others and have fun with your baby.

babysensory.com/north-leeds

Music Bugs

Sensory, play-based music and singing classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

The 40 minute sessions provide your children with a lovely opportunity to socialise and develop in a creative and stimulating environment.

Call 0844 5781043

Musicbugs.co.uk

Little Tiptoes Ballet

Pre-school dance classes for tiny dancers across Leeds. Fun, creativity and magic for children aged from 18 months to four years. Delivered by Royal Academy of Dance teachers. Exciting and imaginative ballet classes that support children’s emotional and physical development. info@littletiptoesballet.co.uk

littletiptoesballet.co.uk

Pyjama Drama

Pyjama Drama develops key skills by creating imaginary worlds for children to explore through play.

From blasting into space to dancing with the dragons, each weekly adventure supports language and communication, develops physical skills, and targets social skills.

sara@pyjamadrama.com

Toddler Sense

Classes are available for children from 13 months to five years.

Explore adventure play time on bouncy castles, soft play, ride-ons and more. Enjoy themed sensory activities with puppet shows, interactive games and light shows. Each week there is different equipment and a different theme. Text Lou on 07870275916.

toddlersense.com/northleeds

Diddly Oms

Join Diddly Oms and introduce you little ones to the wonderful world of yoga! Classes are offered in and around Leeds from 12 weeks old up until high school, from yoga storytelling to partner yoga, baby yoga to family classes, Diddly Oms offers everything to help bring your child more confidence, strength, flexibility and more. Email info@diddlyoms.co.uk or call 07764963312.

diddlyoms.co.uk

Understanding toddler tantrums

By Sarah Ockwell-Smith

The ‘terrible twos’ aren’t called that for nothing! This stage of a child’s life is all about big feelings. Scientifically, it relates to the undeveloped prefrontal brain cortex which means the child is unable to regulate their own emotions. What most of us refer to as a tantrum is an expression of pure frustration.

What is a tantrum?

Tantrums describe the state of an individual who is out of control, full of big emotions and stress hormones and unable to calm themselves down. Tantrums can happen at any age, right into adulthodd but, as adults with fully developed brains, we have to learn to manage our emotions, calm ourselves down or rather self soothe.

Toddlers don’t possess these skills yet. They are not being naughty or manipulative, they are simply being toddlers. Tantrums are a normal and exceedingly common feature of child development. Research has found that nearly nine in ten children between age 18 months and 2 years regularly have tantrums, with most having at least one a day, lasting on average between thirty and sixty seconds (although it is not uncommon for them to occur far more frequently and last for much longer).

‘No’ to the naughty step

Contrary to popular belief, ignoring, shaming or punishing tantrums can make a toddler’s behaviour much worse. These approaches ignore a child’s difficult underlying feelings and don’t resolve the cause or help the toddler regulate their behaviour. Experts have discovered just how much infant brains are affected by the level of parental care they receive.

With nurturing attention, the part of their brains responsible for regulating emotion become better connected as they grow. If toddlers are constantly sat on naughty steps, sent for time outs, punished or ignored when they are perceived to be ‘naughty,’ in the long term they will lack the neurological maturity that develops as a result of empathy and guidance.

Bion’s theory of containment

In the 1960s, an English psychoanalyst named Wilfred Bion introduced his idea of using containment when children are not yet able to manage their feelings alone. The concept describes the way parents or primary caregivers hold space for a child’s big, difficult feelings like anger, frustration and anxiety during a tantrum, by reflecting calmness, control and regulation, helping the child to become calmer. Importantly, the child feels safe and understood.

Sarah Ockwell-Smith is the author of Beginnings, a book published by Piatkus, which offers a guide to child psychology and development for parents of children ages 0 to 5.

Where the Gateways journey begins

Gateways School offers Early Years education from age two.

Gateways is an independent day school for children aged two to 18 years, offering education from Early Years right through to Sixth Form.

Based on a 16-acre site in Harewood village, between Leeds and Harrogate, it has a family feel, with small class sizes. The average class size is between 14 and 18 pupils.

In the nursery (the Gatehouse) there is a ratio of four children to one member of staff and in pre-reception the ratio is eight children to one member of staff. The children follow specially devised programmes to develop skills and confidence alongside their friends, whilst having lots of fun.

As well as benefitting from their own indoor and outdoor play areas, Early

Years children have access to whole school facilities such as the dance studio, dining hall and sports facilities, not forgetting the extensive grounds.

From age three, children can also join extra-curricular activities including Rugbytots, Spanish classes and Musical Theatre Dance classes, which are delivered in school by professionals.

If you would like to have a personal tour of Early Years provision at Gateways School, visit www. gatewaysschool.co.uk to book online, or contact Admissions on 0113 288 6345.

Shared reading and language development

By Dr Jamie Lingwood

Early language development is incredibly important and sitting down to read with your child gives them a big advantage. Here are my thoughts on the hows and whys of shared reading.

Make it a conversation

Shared reading is so much more than simply reading books aloud from start to finish. It’s powerful as an interactive experience, creating a conversation along the way. Evidence suggests that asking children lots of open questions about books can really boost language skills. Exposure to new words builds their vocabulary and the more they hear spoken language, the more easily they can use it themselves. The earlier you start, the better their reading ages will be at school. Research has demonstrated how shared reading protects against a lot of language difficulties and delays. It can even predict how successful children could be as adults in terms of income!

Doing it your own way

Parents, grandparents, carers or sibling will each have their own reading styles; and that’s a good thing. Find the flow that comes most naturally to you, making the experience more interactive as you go along.

Picture books are a good start

Picture books with few or no words are great starting points. A good example is Hug by Jez Alborough, which simply repeats the word ‘hug’ on each page. It’s then down to the adult to create a story around this, starting a conversation with the child. Talking with them about what they see and what they think about the story naturally involves using a mix of words and grammatically structured sentences. The book becomes a prompt for children to express themselves.

Reading the same book over and over...

I hear this a lot from parents: ‘My child wants to read the same book over and over again.’ As an adult, what do you do? Do you read the book for the thirty fifth time this week or encourage

them to read something else? A recent study suggests that reading the same book repeatedly can help with a child’s memory, in terms of building familiarity with particular words. The biggest challenge is your stamina - knowing it’s all in a good cause might help here!

When and where?

When it comes to shared reading, little and often is the way forward. You don’t have to sit down and rigidly read with your child for a set hour at a time. Five minutes here and there is just as useful, particularly when it comes to keeping them motivated.

Fit reading around what works for you and the structure of your own lives. You may well choose a time towards the end of the day when you’re settling them down for bed. But for a lot of people, that isn’t successful because, by that point, their child is too tired to engage properly. Remember it doesn’t have to be bedtime. Pick a different point in the day. Or grab five minutes when you’re travelling on the bus together, for example.

And finally…

Do it yourself! When your child sees you reading and clearly enjoying it, they will want to copy you. This will help them develop a habit that will open up a lifelong world of adventures and learning.

Dr Jamie Lingwood is a Lecturer in Psychology at Liverpool Hope University (www.hope.ac.uk/psychology) and belongs to the ChildLab research group, a group of psychologists and educators who are interested in researching how children develop and grow.

Rolling into the New Year

By Sally Hall

The roller skates I got for Christmas the year I turned 11 opened up a new world of adventures.

I’ll always remember the hours spent rolling up and down the path in our local park, singing to ‘Careless Whisper’ by George Michael on my Sony Walkman…. Then Mum got a pair too and suddenly we had a shared hobby, just as the motherdaughter connection might’ve otherwise got a bit lost in the transition from primary to secondary school.

This was the 1980s, when roller-skating was all the rage – and now it’s making a comeback, with skating sessions and roller groups popping up everywhere. Skating is a fun way to get active, a lowcost family activity, and a skill kids can continue to enjoy independently into their teens. And now there’s lots of ways for families to skate together….

If it’s outdoor skating you’re after, there’s a no-cost session in Cross Flatts park in Leeds every Saturday morning from Spring, with free skates available and support on hand for the wobbly-legged. Find out more at the Skate Scholarship website: www.theskatescholarship.com

For year-round outdoor skating, groups across Leeds and Yorkshire meet weekly to skate together – in Leeds there’s the West Leeds Rollers, who skate in Kirkstall, Bramley and Farsley, and the Potternewton Rollers. There’s also Roll Forward Bradford and Halifax Roller Skating. Check out their Facebook groups to find out more.

Kit can be a problem when money is tight – so it’s great the Skate Scholarship offer free skates to families who need them and operate a skate swapping scheme for old equipment too. Or Roller Girl Gang in Leeds sell skates and run pop-up sessions in Leeds, Bradford and beyond.

For regular indoor skating try LS-Ten or Cockburn Hall in Leeds, AJ’s Roller Disco in Bradford, Fusion skating in Wakefield and Harrosk8 Roller Disco in Harrogate, where you can also hire kit for £2. Perfect for newbies who just want to give it a go.

Last year I took my seven-year-old to Harrosk8 felt the thrill all over again – and now we love skating together. She’s not so into ‘Careless Whisper’ but hey, you can’t have it all.

Northern Roll, a large-scale roller skate weekend event will be taking place in Leeds on May 19 and 20, organised by LS-Ten. There’ll be guest coaches sharing their skills, family friendly roller discos, skatepark sessions and more. Find out more at www.ls-ten.org/northern-roll-shop

Slow Rise Bakery READER REVIEW

The service is always friendly, welcoming and speedy (my children’s food always seems to arrive first, hurrah!) and the owners have clearly put a lot of thought into catering for everyone, as alternative milks are available for all coffees and teas and many of the sweet treats on offer are vegan friendly.

Takeaway is always an option but sitting in is great for people watching - if you can get a table! Locality is also clearly valued here, as works by local artists depicting Leeds landmarks are sold alongside locally produced bread and ethical brands like Tony’s Chocolonely.

The specials menu is great too with one – a roasted butternut squash, walnut and honey-filled bagel - such a revelation that it prompted a less satisfying attempt to recreate it at home; the true mark of delicious food!

Nestled next to the ever-reliable Scoffs, Slow Rise has now been open a few years and in that time it’s become one of our favourite family weekend brunch stops.

The menu may seem short but there is definitely something for everyone and with a ‘Basics’ section that includes Peanut Butter and Jam, Chocolate Spread and just butter, no children’s menu is required. In fact, my own inner child is often more than happy with a freshly baked bagel smothered in jam!

The Slow Rise Bakery is located on New Road Side, Horsforth, Leeds.

Thanks to reader Jo Hadfield for this review.

Bagel anyone? If bagels are very much your bag, I’ve got a top tip for you: Slow Rise Bakery on New Road Side in Horsforth.

What's On listings for all the family

Have you got an event you’d like us to list? Email editor@familiesleeds.co.uk

Don’t forget to sign up for our digital magazine for more interactive content at familiesmagazine.co.uk/go

We took every care in preparing these entries but sometimes events are cancelled or times change. Please double check with the organiser to avoid disappointment.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - the Musical at Leeds Playhouse – until 28 January LS2 7UP 0113 2137700 www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical features memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film as well as a host of sensational new tastebud-tickling toe-tappers.

Warm Space at The Hepworth Wakefield – until March WF1 5AW 01924 247360 www.hepworthwakefield.org The Hepworth Wakefield invites the local community to share a warm space this winter. Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. FREE.

Exhibition: Once Upon a Pantomime at Cliffe Castle Museum – until 30 April BD20 6LH 01535 618231 www.bradfordmuseums.org

Cliffe Castle’s newest display in the upstairs Costume Gallery features character from pantomimes past. Meet Robin Hood, Goody-Two Shoes, Prince Charming and other characters, stepping out of the storybooks and onto the stage.

Exhibition: People Power at Leeds City Museum – until 4 June LS2 8BH 0113 2243732 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds. gov.uk

A community co-curated exhibition celebrating people of Leeds who work to change the way we live and work for a positive future. See displays from community organisations in Leeds and be inspired by the great work happening in the city. FREE.

Exhibition: Kirkstall Lives at Abbey House Museum – until 3 September LS5 3EH 0113 2305492 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds. gov.uk

Discover the lives of the people who have lived and worked in Kirkstall over the centuries in this community display.

Exhibition: Leeds to Innovation at Leeds Industrial Museum – until 30 September LS12 2QF 0113 3783173 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds. gov.uk

From Scootacars to steam engines and space food to Spirograph, get up close to the inventions which shaped Leeds; the City of 1,000 Trades. Closed Mondays.

Exhibition: Hammer Heart: Seven Centuries of Kirkstall Forge at Leeds Industrial Museum – until 8 October LS12 2QF 0113 3783173 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds. gov.uk Peel back the story of Kirkstall

Forge, its long history, the family who owned it and its essential work during the second world war. Closed Mondays.

Stirring up the Past at Leeds City Centre – until 31 October LS1 6NP 0113 426 1394 www.stirringupthepast.org Theatre Company Blah Blah Blah invites you to take a walk through Leeds city centre and go on a journey back in time to hear from some amazing people in history – war heroes, circus entertainers, suffragettes and more. All you need is a mobile phone and headphones. Ages 9+. FREE

Blown Away Adventure Trail at Pugneys Country Park –throughout 2023 WF2 7BN 01924 302360

www.wakefield.gov.uk/parks-andcountryside

The Blown Adventure Trail includes activities that provide a fun outdoor experience for all the family. The trail is based on the story Blown Away written by local author Conrad Burdekin.

Room on the Broom Adventure Trail at Anglers Country Park –throughout 2023 WF4 2EB 01924 860280

www.wakefield.gov.uk/parks-andcountryside

Take the little ones on an adventure they won’t forget. Purchase your Room on the Broom Adventure Trail Activity Pack from the Visitor Centre and follow the mysterious footprints along the Room on the Broom Trail to find the well-known characters from the story.

Wonderlab at The National Science and Media Museum –open Wed to Sun & every day during school holidays BD1 1NQ 0844 8563797

www.scienceandmediamuseum. org.uk

Think like a scientist and feed your

curiosity. Touch, try and photograph your experience as you navigate your way through more than 20 mind-bending exhibits. Hear your voice echo, get lost in mirrors, make art using light and travel through a laser tunnel. 10am to 5pm, included in FREE admission to the museum.

Animation Gallery at The National Science and Media Museum –open Wed to Sun & every day during school holidays BD1 1NQ 0844 8563797 www.scienceandmediamuseum. org.uk

Love Wallace and Gromit? Remember Morph? Discover original models and artwork from over 100 animations. See science in action as still images come to life. 10am to 5pm, included in FREE admission to the museum.

Life Online at The National Science and Media Museum –Permanent Gallery open daily BD1 1NQ 0844 8563797 www.scienceandmediamuseum. org.uk

How did our lives change when the internet was born? Find out in the world’s first gallery dedicated to the social, technological and cultural impact of the web. 10am to 5pm.

Storytime at The Little Bookshop – every Mon, Wed and Fri (term time only) LS7 3PD 0113 212 3465 www.thelittlebookshopleeds.co.uk Go along to The Little Bookshop every Friday during term time for a cosy story time featuring delightful books for young children. Ages 2 to five years. 11am to 11.25am. FREE.

Storytime for Under Fives at Truman Books – Every Tuesday LS28 5HX 0113 8056019 www.trumanbooks.co.uk Take your little ones for a session of stories and songs in kids’ corner. Suitable for under-fives. From 9.30am. FREE.

Art Pod at The Hepworth Wakefield – Friday and Saturday during Wakefield School Holidays (Saturday only in term time) WF1 5AW 01924 247360 www.hepworthwakefield.org Visit the galleries with your family and then head to the Art Pod to make your own artwork inspired by what you see. A member of the learning team will offer a choice of creative activities linked to exhibitions. For two to 12-year-olds, however babies and toddlers are more than welcome to join in. FREE with an exhibition ticket.

Tiny Tigers at Leeds City Museum – every Friday LS2 8BH 0113 2243732

www.museumsandgalleries.leeds. gov.uk

Creative, messy sessions for under fives and their carers. Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers welcome. FREE, drop in, no need to book. 10am to 11.45am.

Rory’s Saturday Club at Leeds City Museum – every Saturday LS2 8BH 0113 2243732

www.museumsandgalleries.leeds. gov.uk

Looking for something creative to do with kids in the city? Head to Leeds City Museum for Rory’s Saturday Club craft sessions for families with children of all ages. Free, drop in. 11am to 12.15pm.

Makers Lab at The Tetley – every Saturday LS10 1JQ 0113 3202323 www.thetetley.org

Experiment with paint, clay, food and other exciting new materials and techniques for making art. Join the Tetley team and special guest artists to get creative and make a mess. Ages 5 to 11, but open to all. 11am to 3pm. FREE.

Family Disco with DJ Jonny Strangeways at Left Bank Leeds – 8 January LS6 1LJ 0113 2785822 www.leftbankleeds.org.uk

DJ Jonny Strangeways is back (with his six-year-old son) hosting an alternative get down for families. Expect to hear raucous tunes to dance to, crossing Rock, Pop, Punk, Indie and Dance classics. Children’s tickets are £4. 3-5pm.

Family Drop In: Snapshot Stories at The Hepworth Wakefield – 8 and 29 January

WF1 5AW 01924 247360 www.hepworthwakefield.org

Experiment with image making in this playful photography workshop inspired by Hannah Starkey: In Real Life. In the learning studios, play and arrange objects, backdrops and frames to create your own photographic compositions. Dropin 11am-4pm (closed for lunch

1-1.30pm). Suitable for families with children aged two to 12. FREE with an exhibition ticket.

Toddler Tuesday at The Hepworth Wakefield – 10 January and 7 February

WF1 5AW 01924 247360 www.hepworthwakefield.org

Enjoy a playful morning with your little ones and join specialist early years artists to explore The Hepworth Wakefield. Discover artworks, architecture and the changing seasons through play, singing, movement, drawing and sensory activities. 10.30am – 12pm. For families with children aged one to four years. £7 for one child with one adult + £2 per additional child/ adult.

Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show at St George’s Hall – 12 to 15 January

BD1 1JT 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk Squirrels get ready! Everyone’s big lovable dog Hey Duggee is touring for the first time ever and here’s your chance to see him!

Family Drop In: Clay Studio at The Hepworth Wakefield – 15 January and 5 February WF1 5AW 01924 247360 www.hepworthwakefield.org

Join artist Penny Rowe to explore textures and shapes in Barbara Hepworth’s artworks and make your own clay sculpture to take home. Drop-in 11am-4pm (closed for lunch 1-1.30pm). Suitable for families with children aged two to 12. FREE with an exhibition ticket.

The Smartest Giant in Town at The Lawrence Batley Theatre – 19 to 21 January HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org

This heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure, based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Ages two plus.

Puss in Boots at Carriageworks Theatre – 20 to 28 January LS2 3AD 0113 3760318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk Bringing a modern spin to the traditional world of pantomime, the award-winning LIDOS presents this family-fun, amateur pantomime.

LEGO® Club at Leeds Central Library – 21 January and 18 February

LS1 3AB 0113 378 5005 www.leeds.gov.uk/libraries

A monthly LEGO® Club for building and constructing creations based on best-loved children’s books, featuring a different theme each month. Taking place at various venues but starting at Central Library. Suitable for children aged five plus. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 11am to 12pm.

Family Drop In: The Big Draw at The Hepworth Wakefield – 22 January and 26 February WF1 5AW 01924 247360 www.hepworthwakefield.org

Celebrate The Big Draw at The Hepworth and explore mark making, texture and colour inspired by paintings in the exhibition Jadé Fadojutimi: Can we see the colour green because we have a name for it? In the learning studios, use paint, oil pastels and drawing tools

to make big expressive marks inspired by Fadojutimi. Dropin 11am-4pm (closed for lunch 1-1.30pm). Suitable for families with children aged 2 to 12. FREE with an exhibition ticket.

Sing-a-Long-a Encanto at St George’s Hall – 4 February BD1 1JT 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk Gather la Familia! It’s time to celebrate something truly magical. Please note this is a screening of the movie with lyrics so everyone can sing along, not a live stage show. Ages 4+. 1pm.

Yorkshire Games Festival at The National Science and Media Museum – 4 to 10 February BD1 1NQ 0844 8563797 www. scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk

Yorkshire Games Festival returns with an in-person event to inspire future digital creators. The festival kicks off with “Let’s Play!” family weekend on 4 and 5 February, with exciting gameplay and activities for the whole family. Experience games on big screens, play the latest board games and analogue experiences with friends and betatest new projects from Northern developers—all under one roof.

Little Listeners: Mini Vixen at The Lawrence Batley Theatre – 11 February HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org

Join Opera North for a fun, familyfriendly adventure into the forest. Based on the music and story of Janáček’s opera The Cunning Little Vixen and led by a cast of professional opera singers and musicians, this is an interactive and relaxed concert where singing and moving around is encouraged. 1pm to 2.05pm.

February Adventures at Stockeld Park – 11 to 19 February LS22 4AN www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Wrap up warm and join Stockeld as they brighten up the new year with plenty of fresh air family fun, with activities including ice skating, the Enchanted Forest, the Magical Maize, Spider’s Lair and more!

Love Birds at Kirkstall Abbey –11 to 19 February

LS5 3EH 0113 378 4079 www.leedsmuseumsandgalleries. leeds.gov.uk

A week of bird-based family fun! Search for feathered friends among the ruins and see if you can spot the hidden British birds. On Tuesday 14 February, Wise Owl Birds of Prey Rescue will be in the cloister with some of their amazing

animals 10am to 3.30pm. You will be able to handle the birds and take photographs with them in return for a donation.

February Family Adventure at Leeds City Museum - 11 to 19 February

LS2 8BH 0113 2243732 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds. gov.uk

Discover stories of Leeds’ past and present, follow the trail, and drop into craft sessions at the museum.

World on your Windowsill at RHS Harlow Carr – 11 to 19 February HG3 1QB 01423 55418 www.rhs.org.uk

Discover a whole new world on your windowsill this half term with new and exciting plants to grow in even the smallest of spaces. With planting workshops, wellbeing yoga sessions and hilarious tales by the Garden Detectives there’s something to keep the whole family entertained. 10am to 4pm.

Love Birds at Lotherton - 11 to 19 February

LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds. gov.uk/lotherton

Discover the bird spotting trail and fun activities in Wildlife World.

High Jinx Entertainments, Gasps and Giggles Show at The Lawrence Batley Theatre – 12 February HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org

Join master of magic Darren Mac and maker of mischief Andy Floss for an afternoon of comedy, magic, fun and games. A fantastic family experience with a few surprises along the way. 2.30pm to 4.10pm.

Circus Spectacular at St George’s Hall – 13 February BD1 1JT 01274 432000 www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

A family show featuring international circus acts, amazing magic and lots of giggles. Circus Spectacular will have everyone laughing and cheering along in this fantastic circus style variety show. Suitable for all ages. 3pm.

The Great Escape at Abbey House Museum – 14 to 19 February LS5 3EH 0113 2305492 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds. gov.uk

Take a wild wander through the Victorian streets of Abbey House Museum which have been taken over by British wildlife. There will be bunnies burrowing in the back street, frogs frolicking in the front street and seagulls soaring around

the sky, alongside the usual mix of fun trails and scavenger hunts as well as an animal themed craft bag to take home.

Aerial and Acro Day at Leeds Aerial Arts – 15 February LS4 2BL 07792 081278 www.leedsaerialarts.co.uk

A fun day of aerial and circus to keep your young person active, learning new and exciting skills from the circus. All abilities welcome to fly on the Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop & Trapeze. For ages 10 to 15 years. 9.30am to 4pm.

Makers Lab Half Term Special at The Tetley – 15 to 17 February LS10 1JQ 0113 3202323 www.thetetley.org

Join The Tetley team to get creative and make a mess this half term. In these outdoor make and play sessions, experiment with different materials and techniques for making art on a bigger scale, using recycled materials and other loose parts. Perfect for children aged 5 to 11, but open to all. FREE, 11am to 3pm.

High Jinx Magic, Illusion and Circus Show at The Lawrence Batley Theatre – 18 February HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org

A fast paced, fun, family show filled with amazing tricks, grand illusions and crazy circus thrills. Starring Michael Jordan and the fantastic High Jinx dancers. Ages four plus.

The Ugly Duckling at The Lawrence Batley Theatre – 19 February HD1 2SP 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org

Northern Ballet’s hugely popular Ugly Duckling returns to the stage this spring. Retelling the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, Ugly Duckling is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time.

Fun for Little Growers at Crag House Farm – 21 to 23 February LS16 7NH 0113 2303618 www.craghousefarm.com

Children can visit the indoor Garden Nursery and decorate a plant pot and plant some flower or vegetable seeds to take home, look after and watch them grow. Pre booking required. Each session lasts for around 30 minutes and costs £3 per child.

Sensational Shells at Leeds Discovery Centre – 26 February LS10 1LB 0113 378 2100

www.museumsandgalleries.leeds. gov.uk

Explore shells that are beautiful, useful, and terrifying followed by craft activities and a tour of the amazing store. Booking essential. 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm. FREE.

Leeds & West Yorkshire

Don't forget to say you saw these listings in Families Leeds & West Yorkshire Magazine.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical at Leeds Playhouse