Families Warwickshire Jan Feb 2015 by Families Magazine

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January/February 2015 Issue 21

Take me home!

速

warwickshire Nurseries New Year, New You

Unleash the Merlin Magic with an annual pass - see page 12

The really useful magazine for parents

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk

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by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). Tel: 0870 240 6993. Email: info@guidedogs.org.uk

EASY But we try to make it easier.

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Place your Pupdate in puppy pictures this box

– 3. Starting school we’ve started it’s hard training school; of fun work but lots

your Pupdate Place Place your in pictures puppy stage 2 puppy box in this pictures

Sponsor a Puppy @ school

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rapuppy.org.

www.sponso

in England and Registered charity SAPSCH_Poster_01/12

Wales (209617)

and in Scotland

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Dogs is a working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Registered Call on 0870 240 6993 or e-mail your Call:usClaire Jones on 01926 335004 Guide Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3YG. A companyclass limited guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in us to sponsor by England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). E: schools@guidedogs.org.uk editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 0870 240 6993. Email: info@guidedogs.org.uk your class of 3 puppies today

Schools or groups, Scouts, Guides and other youth groups.

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Cover by Linda Scannell www.lindascannell.com Photo taken at Tommies Day Nursery, Clinton Lane, Kenilworth - part Available to: of the Tommies Childcare family. Schools or groups, Scouts, Gui All content © 2015 Families Warwickshire and other youth groups. SAPSCHdl 7385 07/14 Families Warwickshire is a bi-monthly magazine for parents, covering Stratford-on-Avon and Warwick Districts with 21,500 copies. Towns covered include Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, plus Studley, Alcester, Bidford, Henley-in-Arden, Wellesbourne, Welford-on-Avon, Shipston-onStour, Southam and lots of the smaller villages in between. Guide Dogs is a working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3YG. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979). Tel: 0870 240 6993. Email: info@guidedogs.org.uk

Advertise with us and reach 40,000+ local parents and carers from just £30 a month! Next issue: March/April 2015 Features: Independent Schools and Easter Deadline: Thursday 5 February Families Warwickshire is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the content, nor for any consequence.

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Twitter: @familieswarks

Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No.563197

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www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

News

Issue 21 | January/February 2015 | Families Warwickshire

In this issue

Bake for Bliss and help premature and sick babies

3 News 4 Nurseries 7 Education q New Year, New You e Clubs and Classes t What’s on?

Support special care baby charity Bliss by taking part in their newly named Bake for Bliss on 12-15 February. This is a national fundraiser where people up and down the country are encouraged to bake and sell cakes for Bliss. Whether you bake a cake and sell it to your colleagues or host a bake sale for the whole street, Bliss would love your help. The money raised will go towards supporting families of premature and special care babies. For more information please contact events@bliss.org.uk www.bliss.org.uk

Library Card for Every Child

Look After Your Pennies Local businesswoman and mum of 2 boys, Fay Arrundale, has recently had her first book published. Fay believes that children should learn how to manage money from a young age and that the best people to teach them are their parents. Through her book, Fay hopes to support every parent who wants to raise their children to be financially independent but isn’t sure where to start. ‘7 Steps to Teaching Your Child to Save’ is available on Amazon. Passionate about managing money, Fay runs her own company, Look After Your Pennies, and offers a financial mentoring service, which is very popular with parents. www.lookafteryourpennies.com

Warwickshire’s libraries have joined forces with local schools to provide every primaryaged pupil with a library card. The Library Card for Every Child initiative will be rolled out to primary schools across the county throughout the academic year. The link between library usage and literacy levels is well documented with research from the National Literacy Trust showing that children who use libraries are twice as likely to be above average readers. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Summer Reading Challenge held in Warwickshire libraries each year, help to prevent a dip in reading levels during the school break. Ten year old Javon Cupidon, from Woodloes Primary School, was one of the children to receive his personalised card last term. He said: “It’s brilliant. I love playing football and my first book to take out is called Soldier’s Game which is about football and World War 1”. Each library card is personalised and allows the child to borrow books straightaway and access a host of other services including: • Free homework resources – online and in the library • Free e-books and e-magazines • Free computer use • Free activities www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

More Kids Run Free thanks to local charity The popular Kids Run Free monthly event at Newbold Comyn Park in Leamington Spa has recently been given funding by the Leamington Round Table which means that it will now be held every Saturday enabling local children from 0-16 to take part in age appropriate races for free. Leamington Round Table have helped support Kids Run Free for several years and through their own fundraising events, have donated an extra £2,000 to enable Kids Run Free to put on weekly races. Around 150 local children in Leamington and surrounding areas take part in Kids Run Free, which is held near the Pavilion on Newbold Comyn. www.kidsrunfree.co.uk www.leamingtonroundtable.org.uk

Charity Challenge Do you fancy a challenge in 2015? Would you like to do something different and exciting, and at the same time, raise money for a good cause? Charity Challenge is the world’s leading fundraising challenge operator and can help find the right challenge for you. You can trek, bike, climb, ski, sled and raft throughout the world whilst raising vital funds for your chosen charity. There’s a range of challenges in the UK, from trekking in the Lake District to cycling from Coast to Coast. www.charitychallenge.com

Exciting children’s craft entertainment provider Perfect for weddings and parties. Event crèche service. www.caterpillarcorner.co.uk

Nurseries

What to expect from your child’s nursery education By Hannah Hunter

We’ve all heard about the importance of Early Years education. Apparently a child who has gone to pre-school has more chance of getting better exam results and ultimately earning higher wages, according to new research undertaken by academics at the Institute of Education. So you send your child to nursery, in the hope that it will improve their education prospects. But what are they actually going to do there all day? They’re not going to tell you! Teenagers struggle enough to recall what’s happened a few hours before, so you can’t expect detailed information from a 3 year old. To give you some idea of what will happen, you can look at the legal requirements for nurseries in the UK. The Early Years Foundation Stage framework is a document that sets out the statutory welfare and developmental goals for children 5 years and under. It gives guidelines for safety and learning and development for all early years providers - all nurseries, childminders, playgroups, pre-schools and reception classes.

The activities they will do at nursery, to support their learning and development, will be unique to your child’s needs. They will learn by playing and exploring, being active, and through creative and critical thinking which takes place both indoors and outside. There is a requirement for ‘continuous provision’, which in layman’s terms means that there needs to be high quality resources and activities available all of the time, so your child can learn through play in lots of different ways.

Assessment

The EYFS also lays out guidelines for assessment of your child’s progress. Soon after your child turns 2, you will get a written summary of how your child is progressing in communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development. Any areas where they need extra help or support will be highlighted at this stage. The next written assessment will come when your child is 5, usually at the end of their reception year, which is the last year they are classed as being in Early Years education. This will include assessment of skills such as writing their name, reading and talking about a favourite book, speaking to

people your child is not so familiar with or their understanding of numbers. The school will give you a progress report including some of this information.

How will I know how my child is doing?

Your child will have a ‘key person’ at nursery, pre-school or reception class, who is responsible for putting together information on how they are developing. This person will be your main point of contact, and it’s important that you work together and communicate well. Any worries about your child should be discussed with their key worker, and they will be able to build on what your child is learning at home. See the full EYFS document here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2 For a detailed parent’s guide to the EYFS go to: www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2014/08/ EYFS_Parents_Guide-amended.pdf For more general advice for parents: www.ndna.org.uk/parents

The EYFS explained

The EYFS framework document can seem daunting, but it’s there to ensure that all children receive a suitable level of care. It sets out the legal requirements that keep your child safe and promote their welfare. This includes: • Basic checks, such as staff security checks • Setting the number of children each member of staff can look after • Ensuring the facilities and equipment are safe and suitable • Checking the quality of the environment, e.g. recommending access to outdoor space It also covers the seven areas of learning and development. These are: • Personal, social and emotional development • Communication and language • Physical development • Literacy • Mathematics • Understanding of the world

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Nurseries

New! People tell us about the ‘invisible magic’ they feel when they come to Crackley Hall, which sets us apart from other schools. We believe this stems from our Christian ethos and strong sense of community, combined with fantastic learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Our dedicated staff put our pupils on the road to happy and fulfilled lives by nurturing their individuality and social development and helping them become the best they can be.

Come along and see us; we hope you’ll be spellbound too!

For more information please call 01926 514444 or visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk

Forest School in Kenilworth

Tommies Childcare is offering a new Forest School service at the nursery on Clinton Lane, Kenilworth. Adapted from the Scandinavian approach to teaching, where being outdoors and close to nature is embedded in practice, Forest School offers stimulating and engaging learning opportunities for young children.

Construct Discover

All of the activities on offer link directly to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Some of the activities that take place include: - Exploring - Building Fires - Cooking

- Building Dens - Mud Kitchen - Climbing

- Minibeast Hunts - Making Animal Homes - Using Tools

Get in touch for more information about session times and fees: T: 01926 851 888 E: info@tommieschildcare.co.uk

The Princethorpe Foundation

Explore

Tommies Day Nursery 182 Clinton Lane Kenilworth CV8 1BB

Education in the Catholic tradition

Boys and Girls 2 to 11

“An inspirational process that offers children regular opportunities to achieve, develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a local woodland environment.” - Forest School (England) Network, 2002

The Junior School to Princethorpe College

Registered Charity Number 1087124

An Independent Day School and Nursery for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-11

Open Morning Saturday 31 January 2015, 9.30 – 12.00pm. Last tours will take place at 11.30am.

Entrance Assessments for girls aged 7+ Monday 23 February 2015. Register now for entry in September 2015. Warwick Preparatory School, Bridge Field, Banbury Road,Warwick CV34 6PL For further information call 01926 491545, email admissions@warwickprep.com or visit www.warwickprep.com Warwick Preparatory School is part of the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, together with King’s High School and Warwick School, providing high quality education for boys and girls aged 3-18.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Nurseries

Early Years: What our Nurseries say... “Here in the world of Polkadot we aim to provide a safe, stimulating, happy environment in which children can develop and create secure foundations for their future. Polkadot follows the EYFS guidelines to enable a positive transition to school life by providing well-planned, purposeful and enjoyable, indoor and outdoor activities that will engage children in their learning process. We follow the EYFS belief that the children participate in their learning and express themselves through play and we encourage this by ensuring a huge part of our activities are child inspired and initiated. Polkadot recognises the importance of planning children’s potential next steps in their development by covering all of the seven areas of the EYFS, enabling children to feel they are successful and have a sense of self-worth. Here at Polkadot we value the importance of the EYFS and follow its guidance to encourage a positive attitude to learning which will nurture and develop bright, happy and confident children.“ Marie Rooney BA Hons, Room Leader, Polkadot Alcester “The EYFS sets out clear standards that all childcare providers have to meet, making us comparable to one another, and enabling parents to have more informed choices. At Tommies Childcare we aim to provide a safe and stimulating environment which is sensitive to the needs of all children. The EYFS supports our staff to understand how children will learn and develop, and what we can put in place to ensure that children make good progress whilst attending our setting. At Tommies Childcare, we do not make distinctions between learning and play. Staff will use a balance of child-initiated or adult-led activities to ensure children are learning through purposeful play. We then use the EYFS to discuss with parents how a child’s play translates into their learning. We find the EYFS a very useful statutory document, and share its information with all parents during their first weeks at our setting.” Hayley McCabe, Quality Manager, Tommies Childcare Limited “The EYFS framework provides a good base level for a consistent approach to education in all settings, and it ensures continuity and exposure to a wide range of activities for the youngest children. At Warwick Preparatory School we plan our curriculum around the EYFS framework. We ensure that the children are involved in fun, exciting and open-ended activities, which engage and promote their thinking skills and improve their learning on an individual basis. Alongside this, at Warwick Prep we offer specialist teaching in areas such as Physical Education and Music. Our large nursery provides a number of zones which can all offer different learning opportunities, be that digging for letters in the sand tray, searching for shapes in the garden or recording numbers as they count toys in the classroom areas. We also have a large staff child ratio which enables small group work. After Nursery, the children then make a seamless transition into our Reception where again learning is varied to suit the individual. We believe the key to a successful Early Years education is the relationship that exists around the child to support their learning. With this in mind we build strong relationships with parents, in order for families to have good knowledge of their child’s learning and the curriculum being covered, as well as celebrating the successes they have at home.“ Mrs Smeeton, Head of Pre-Prep, Warwick Preparatory School “The EYFS is a useful tool for our day nursery. It firstly sets out the baseline for setting up a nursery because all statutory, mandatory and desirable requirements are written into its format. It is far more user friendly and provides consistency and security for children, staff and parents. The statements and guidelines enable us to put together policies and procedures in a manner that allows us to provide a high standard, quality day care. The EYFS not only informs us of regulatory requirements but also the desired needs that we should be aiming for to make our setting outstanding. Development Matters in the EYFS is an extremely supportive tool, helpful in giving us ideas for activities/experiences to help the children in our care develop their skills. It is comforting for less confident staff to use it as a support to reassure them that the children’s development is progressing in the right manner and that their practice is up to date with current regulations. Putting the Statutory Requirements and the Development Matters together provides us with a comprehensive system that reassures and helps protect childcare practitioners, support staff, parents and children.” Rebecca Wilkinson, Nursery Manager, Catherine House Day Nursery

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AMAZING childcare This year sees the celebration of our 10th anniversary with the opening of our new nursery in Alcester. This is the latest addition to our outstanding group of nursery, pre-school, out-of -school and holiday clubs so if you know a little person that would like to join the polkadot world, why not call Charlotte to arrange a visit?

07815 803 787

polkadotworld.com

How to choose the best nursery for your child By Hannah Hunter

For many parents, nurseries are the ideal choice for childcare. They offer working hours, with a lot of flexibility - you can choose hours to suit you, from a few half days to full working weeks. Nurseries give children the opportunity to socialise with groups of other children and adults. They can also give a reassuring continuity of care, with an assigned key worker. Your child may be at the same setting from babyhood, right until they start at school. Finding the right nursery can be a difficult and stressful process. The first time you hand over full-time care of your precious offspring to someone else is always going to be emotional, so you want to be absolutely sure that you have made the right choice for all of you.

Different types of nursery

It’s important to research what’s available as early as possible to find the best fit. This webpage www.gov.uk/find-nursery-school-place directs you to your local council’s website, which will list all Ofsted-checked registered childcare providers. Your different options may include: Day Nurseries – great for working parents, as they are usually open from 8am-6pm Nursery Schools – for older toddlers (usually about 2 and a half and up) these nurseries offer a more structured preparation for school Nursery Classes in school – usually run for the year before reception, they have a similar structure to nursery schools, though often only run half-day sessions Montessori Nurseries – Montessori philosophy informs how their schools are run, they are seen as the originators of child-centred learning, and there is a focus on developing each child’s independence and skills. [read more here: www.familiesonline.co.uk/LOCATIONS/Chiltern/ Articles2/Nursery-and-preschool/What-are-all-the-different-types-ofnursery/(language)/eng-GB]

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Education News Over-praising pupils can lead to low attainment A recent report by the Sutton Trust, ‘What Makes Great Teaching’, claims that lavishing praise on low-attaining students is not encouraging, but can in fact give a message of low expectations. Other commonly used teaching methods, such as streaming by ability, are shown to have little positive effect. Professor Robert Coe, from Durham University said: “Great teaching cannot be achieved by following a recipe, but there are some clear pointers in the research to approaches that are most likely to be effective, and to others, sometimes quite popular, that are not.” Download the report: www.suttontrust.com/researcharchive/great-teaching/ Further reading: www.telegraph.co.uk/education/ educationopinion/11204935/What-really-makes-great-teaching.html

Your first visit

Make time to look around potential nurseries, well before you are going to need to use them. Read the Ofsted report, and make a list of your priorities before you go. See if you can find out any first hand information from friends though bear in mind that what’s good for one family might not work for another. Things to consider: Staff and ethos See what the turnover of staff is (always a good indicator of happiness) and check their qualifications. The presence of older staff members brings added life experience and suggests that the nursery values its staff enough to pay for this. Check out the routines, such as what food they offer and when it’s served, or when and where the children can nap. Cost Be realistic in how much you can pay. A perfect work-life balance doesn’t mean working more hours to pay for a ‘better’ nursery! Most nurseries have funded places for 3 to 5-year-olds, and your workplace may offer childcare vouchers, a tax-free way to pay. You may also be eligible for childcare tax credits, to find out more go to www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs The ‘feel’ of the place Going by gut instinct alone isn’t advisable, but if you don’t get a good feeling, it might not be the place for your child. Happy staff and children can make up for a lack of perfection in other areas. Look out for children’s work on the walls, and staff who actually play with the little ones rather than stand around chatting. Your child’s personality Is your child quiet and shy, or loud and outgoing? Do they love playing outdoors, or prefer indoor games? It seems obvious, but try to match the nursery to your child’s interests. Your own needs! There might be a wonderful nursery half an hour drive away from you, but consider how will both of your tiredness levels be after this daily journey - would you be better to find somewhere closer that is a good fit? Equally the most convenient, say a work-place nursery, may not be the best for your child.

Useful websites

www.ndna.org.uk National Day Nurseries Association offer expert advice and information for parents looking for childcare. The Family and Childcare Trust is a campaigning organisation with helpful information for parents. Find your local Family Information Service: http://findyourfis.familyandchildcaretrust.org/kb5/findyourfis/home.page for information, advice and assistance to parents, carers and professionals on the range of children, family and young people’s services. www.ofsted.gov.uk www.montessori.org.uk

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Five-year-old boys are still catching up with girls in literacy and numeracy According to teachers’ assessment of children’s progress at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage last year, there is still a gender divide in pupils’ attainment. The level of development for all five-year-olds was up by 8 percentage points from last year to 60%. In 2013-2014, fewer boys than girls met the expected levels in writing, reading and maths - 69% of five-year-old girls achieved a good level of development overall, compared with only 52% of boys. Further reading: www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-29651924

Get ready for back to school with Explore Learning! Get the new school term off to a great start at Explore Learning. Their tailored courses are designed to support your child to become a confident and engaged learner. Explore Learning centres provide maths, English and 11+ tuition to 5-14 year olds of all abilities. Explore fits easily around family life; the centres are open 7 days a week, with children able to attend up to twice a week on a drop-in basis. Your local Explore Learning centre is at Sainsbury’s in Leamington Shopping Park (formerly Shires Retail Park). To book a free trial, call 01926 422800 or visit www.explorelearning.co.uk

Primary schools to provide nursery places Childcare Minister, Sam Gyimah, is encouraging more primary and infant schools to offer nursery education. Currently 44% of English primary and infant schools offer nursery places, with only a few hundred taking two-year-olds. In a speech to the Policy Exchange, the minister claimed that: “those schools who do offer nursery provision are seeing some big benefits. Children’s behaviour and attainment improves, schools get to know children and their parents earlier on, offering them the tailored support they need, sooner.” Further reading: http://news.tes.co.uk/b/news/2014/10/21/minister-callsfor-more-primaries-to-39-step-up-to-the-plate-39-and-offer-nurseryplaces.aspx

Education

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. • Adapts to the individual needs of your child. • Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. • Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year. “Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.” Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

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Independent Schools – Information and Open Days Arnold Lodge Leamington Spa CV32 5TW T: 01926 778050 E: info@arnoldlodge.com www.arnoldlodge.com Bablake Pre Prep Coventry CV1 2LH T: 024 7622 1677 E: bablakepreprep@bablakejs.co.uk Sat 24 Jan, 10am-12pm: Open Morning Bablake Junior School Coventry CV1 4AU T: 024 7627 1260 E: jhmsec@bablakejs.co.uk www.bablakejuniorschool.co.uk Sat 24 Jan, 10am-12pm: Open Morning Sat 7 Feb: Yr 3 & 4 Entrance Assessments

The Kingsley School Leamington Spa CV32 5RD T: 01926 421368 E: carolewatson@kingsleyschool.co.uk (Registrar) www.thekingsleyschool.com Sat 28 Feb: Prep School Open Morning Sat 7 Mar: Taster Morning for Year 7 (for entry Sept 2016) Tues 10 Mar: Reception/Year 3 Taster Day (for entry Sept 2015)

Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery Kenilworth CV8 2FT T: 01926 514444 E: post@crackleyhall.co.uk www.crackleyhall.co.uk Tues 13 Jan, 10am-3pm: Open Day Sat 17 Mar, 10.30am-12.30pm: Open Morning

Stratford Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG T: 01789 297993 E: secretary@stratfordprep.co.uk www.stratfordprep.co.uk Thurs 15 Jan, 10am-2pm and 6pm-8pm: Open Day Sat 7 Mar, 10am-12.30pm: Open Morning

The Croft Preparatory School Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7RL T: 01789 293795 E: office@croftschool.co.uk www.croftschool.co.uk

Warwick Preparatory School Warwick CV34 6PL T: 01926 491545 E: admissions@warwickprep.com www.warwickprep.com Sat 31 Jan: Open Morning

Henley Montessori Primary and Merrydays Montessori Nursery Henley-in-Arden B95 5JP T: 01564 792427 E: helen.everley@henleymontessori.co.uk www.henleymontessori.co.uk

King Henry VIII Prep School Coventry CV3 6PT T: 024 7627 1307 E: headmaster@khps.co.uk www.khps.co.uk Sat 31 Jan, 9.30am-12.30pm: Open Morning

Warwick School Warwick CV34 6PP T: 01926 776400 E: enquiries@warwickschool.org www.warwickschool.org Sat 17 Jan, 9.30am-12pm: Junior School Open Morning Mon 23rd Feb: Entrance Assessments for girls aged 7+ Senior Schools Bablake Senior School Coventry CV1 4AU T: 024 7627 1200 E: info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk www.bablake.com King Henry VIII Senior School Coventry CV3 6AQ T: 024 7627 1111 E: info@khviii.net www.kinghenrys.co.uk Tues 3 Feb: Open House King’s High Warwick CV34 4HJ T: 01926 494485 E: enquiries@kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk Princethorpe College Rugby CV23 9PX T: 01926 634201 E: elainewarwick@princethorpe.co.uk www.princethorpe.co.uk Thurs 8 Jan, 10.30am-12.30pm: Open Morning Rugby School Rugby CV22 5EH T: 01788 556274 E: admissions@rugbyschool.net www.rugbyschool.net

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Education

Maths Challenge Twenty-five Year 6 pupils at Bablake Junior School took the Primary Maths Challenge in November alongside children from across the country. The Challenge is made up of a series of twenty-five tough questions and pupils have forty-five minutes to complete the test. Mr Norman, Bablake’s Year 6 teacher, was keen to mention that he managed to get all twenty-five correct, although one of them did take him fifteen minutes! Five Bablake pupils attained the coveted gold certificates. Depending upon the national standards they should all be taking part in the Primary Maths Challenge Finals this February with a few hundred of the best young mathematicians from across Britain. Good luck from Families Warwickshire!

Bablake Boys Race to Victory!

Bablake Junior & pre prep

Open Morning Saturday 24th Jan 2015 10:00 - 12:00 Yr 3 & 4 Entrance Assessments 7th February 2015 Bablake Junior School outstanding academic and all-round education.

02476 271 260 www.bablakejuniorschool.co.uk

The Coventry Schools Boys’ Cross Country at Keresley Grange is one of the most challenging and inspiring events in the city’s junior sporting calendar and a record number of over 40 schools and 370 runners participated at the most recent event. Bablake boys showed tremendous grit and determination, and performed fantastically well, coming runners-up in the A team race and first in the B team race. A superb effort all round!

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Arnold Lodge, the only school that selects on potential and not on attainment

Make Arnold Lodge your 1st choice for private co-education in 2015.

Arnold Lodge 180mm x 130mm Advert.indd 1 www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

16/10/2014 14:40

New Y ear, New You

New Year, New You: time to detox our lives? Many of us wake up on 1st January feeling exhausted from Christmas, a little worse for wear from the night before and desperate for the kids to go back to school. But we also find ourselves scribbling lists of New Year’s resolutions – to get fit, lose weight, get stuck in to that pile of paperwork on the kitchen table and, often, to give our working lives a shake up too. The New Year is not just about detoxing our bodies – it can also be a time to detox our lives. In fact, January is a fantastic time for those of us with children in nursery or fulltime education for the first time to go back to work, start a new venture, set up our own business or to re-train in something that will get us leaping out of bed every morning! From a new job to a whole new career, the world is your oyster as a working mum. If your hours are limited by the school run, setting up your own business or taking up a franchise can offer you the opportunity to do something you love while working flexible hours, and the options are limitless. You can choose anything from running a yoga franchise to teaching little ones dance or drama, from teaching Spanish to starting your own Families magazine! Take a course, start a marketing business, design websites, set up a blog, open a café – it’s up to you. There are plenty of websites out there to help you get started and find a new job, re-train, choose the right business, give you ideas, advise you on tax and even help you design your logo, so there’s no excuse not to get stuck in this New Year. Take a look at www.gov.uk/starting-up-a-business, www.workingmums.co.uk, www.mumandcareer.co.uk, www.mumandworking.co.uk and www.mumpreneuruk.com.

You can do it!

Put down the gadgets and enjoy more family time In a world with an ever-increasing number of technological mediums, the balance between electronic and traditional play can get a little uneven. While there is a great place for learning through apps, computers and TV, it is often an activity of solitude. Why not redress this balance and make a conscious effort to interact as a family in a creative or traditional way on a regular basis? Turn off the TV and the computer and put all tablets and phones in a drawer. Engage with your child in a FUN activity. It could be cooking together, making things, drawing, story-telling or playing a board game. Or get outdoors and go for a walk, head to the park and go side-by-side on the swings or go for an ice-cream or hot chocolate at your nearest café. Try and commit to a regular time each day or week to spend this valuable time with your children. Depending on your own commitments and the children’s busy lives outside of the classroom and nursery, it could be 30 minutes every other day or a couple of hours over the weekend. Children’s imagination and creativity can develop from this time together and little ones may use the time to open up about things that are on their mind. Family relationships can improve and become stronger through spending quality time together and you could notice an improvement in behaviour. You may already be doing this which is great! Most families do engage in some traditional play. The New Year is a good time to stop and look at the amount of time we are spending with our children and what we do with it. Let’s spend more quality time together as a family with a little less gadgetry. We all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping with everything can be an everyday battle. Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks? Pharmaton Vitality capsules

are packed with vitamins, minerals and the unique Ginseng G115 that’s clinically proven to relieve fatigue and also aid mental and physical wellbeing. Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials and studies. Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules, to feel the positive difference. (Licensed medicine) For the relief of fatigue. Always read the label. Article supplied.

Liz Barnes AICB

LHA Accountancy & Admin Services Tel: 07791 393915 email: lizherranz@gmail.com

www.lhaaccountancy.co.uk

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Cleanse your body and mind in 2015 Looking for a new activity which has both physical and emotional benefits? Look no further than Bikram Yoga. Dav Heyre runs Bikram Yoga Warwickshire and is an instructor at the Wharf Street studio in Warwick. Also known as hot yoga, it is designed for anyone of any age, size or shape and with any condition or problem. Beginners are encouraged to start slowly and take it easy for the first few classes. Many people start to feel the benefits straightaway and Bikram Yoga is frequently described as ‘life-changing’.

Warren Heath, a 44-year-old dad and full-time houseparent to 2 young children, has been practising Bikram with Dav for just about a year, although he had started 6 months previously when he lived abroad. He was motivated by the need to clear his mind in order to make important decisions but was starting to find this difficult due to increasingly busy and stressful work demands. What’s more, he had a re-occurring knee injury and occasional lower back pain. Warren has found the main benefits to be strength, flexibility and vitality, as well as improvements to his posture and concentration, and an ability to overcome stress and ‘let things go’ when required. He feels he is now more mindful of every aspect in his life. He can’t praise Bikram Yoga Warwickshire enough. “It’s very well run by a charming chap whose primary interest is improving people’s lives. If you just walk through that door you will definitely enhance your existence! Dav guarantees it!”

Local mum of 2, Sarbjit Sangha, has been practicing Bikram Yoga for 9 months and regards Dav an excellent teacher. She has a progressive neurological condition, Dystonia/ Ataxia, which affects her speech and balance, and causes tremors in different parts of her body. She is certain that Bikram Yoga has helped to make her body stronger and her consultants have also commented on her improving strength and coordination. Sarbjit believes that Bikram Yoga is for anyone, whether you just want to keep fit, or to help you deal with emotional and physical problems. She recommends it to all, children and adults.

Getting your family’s finances into shape The New Year is full of opportunities and plans, and the perfect time to start afresh with managing your family’s money. At this time of year we reflect on our finances after Christmas spending and plan what we would like to achieve in the coming year. Take a moment to review the state of your family’s finances. Do you worry about money? Do you have a budget? Do you wish your children had a greater understanding of money? How could your life be different if you had better control of your money? Now decide what you would like to do differently in 2015, whether it’s setting a monthly budget, planning for big expenses or giving your children pocket money and helping them to manage their own money. Talk to your partner and children, make a plan and stick to it. The last one is the hardest but just imagine that overseas holiday or driving the new car or simply not worrying as much about money.

New Y ear, New You

What are you waiting for? Call Dav on 01926 495312 or visit www.bikramyogawarwickshire.co.uk for more information.

BIKRAM YOGA January Offer for new students £20 for 10 consecutive days of unlimited classes For new students (includes students who have been before and wish to come again)

You’re never too old, never too bad, never too late and never too sick to start from scratch once again.

Tel: 01926 495312

www.bikramyogawarwickshire.co.uk

By taking control of your family’s finances, you are teaching your children one of the most important life skills. You might not feel ‘qualified’ or confident enough to talk to your children about what current accounts are or where to put their savings, but we can all share with our children our views on money and the things we have learnt by our own experiences. If you plan on making any New Year’s resolutions, why not choose one the whole family can get involved with and one which will help get your finances in shape. Fay Arrundale is the founder of www.lookafteryourpennies.com and works with Warwickshire schools and families to help empower parents to raise financially independent children.

Painting and Decorating Services in Warwickshire

Call Wayne on 07939 691610

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Contact Debbie Nwangwa 07814 264669 performsuccessglobal@gmail.com Perform Success Global

Special offer

Clubs and classes The class begins with the children asking Calypso the frog “What’s in the lily pad today?” When opened, the lily pad reveals the class theme and the three instruments to be explored and played. You then have buckets and buckets of musical fun and learning too! Songs are sung to aid speech and language development, action songs help to develop coordination, listening skills are developed as the children explore different instruments and a variety of props are used to stimulate their imagination. The class ends with a goodbye song and a sticker for all the little Calypso Kids. The classes are mixed aged so that families and childminders with children of different ages can all enjoy making music together.

Unleash the magic in 2015 Have you ever sat down and totted up how much you spend to entertain children during the school holidays? Take a minute to do so, and then think about how you could do more for less with a little forward planning. According to a survey in summer 2014, parents were set to spend almost £1,500 entertaining children with outings and short breaks during the school summer holidays, and an earlier survey found that parents spent on average £300 during the Easter holidays. Add in half term and Christmas breaks and your annual entertainment bill for children looks rather steep at around £2,500. Savvy parents spend now to save later Merlin Entertainments are offering a January sale on their family passes from £99 per person, and that gives entry to 31 major attractions across the UK – all the big-treat places your children want to go to. SEA LIFE Birmingham and Warwick Castle and Dungeons are on the doorstep; LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Chessington World of Adventure Resort, THORPE PARK Resort and Alton Towers Resort are all within easy striking distance and how about the Coca-Cola London Eye and Madame Tussauds for a London trip? Of course this is much more than a savings scheme (although parents will rather like the savings element) because as they say you really can unleash your inner wizard with an annual pass that gives you open sesame to 31 magical worlds for children.

Musical fun with a frog! Calypso Kids provides creative, interactive classes, with a great emphasis on exploring percussion instruments, for children aged 6 months-4 years. The classes introduce children to music and instruments in a fun and friendly environment, building on the songs and nursery rhymes that you sing to your little ones at home. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the joy of music together.

A Merlin annual pass can conjure up some spellbindingly magical times for families in 2015. Visit your nearest attraction’s website to purchase your pass in advance, or you can visit your nearest attraction.

www.calypsokids.co.uk

Phab-ulous student-led youth club in Leamington Warwick Youth Phab provides fortnightly Thursday evenings of entertainment, in which children up to the age of nineteen can socialise together. What is unique about Phab is the inclusivity it promotes across all children in the community. It allows those with learning and physical disabilities to bring along their able-bodied friends and siblings to play together. The notion of being ‘different’ seems to disappear; in fact, it isn’t remotely thought of. The project is led by Warwick University postgraduate student Anna York, and relies entirely on the contribution of volunteers and fundraising. It is hard to imagine how the club pulls off such a task, with sports activities and themed nights in an incredibly warm atmosphere every two weeks. Phab’s aim is for the project to become weekly. Talking to people in the local community, it is clear that they are a unique service and integral to the lives of many children and parents living around Leamington. Hopefully, Phab’s progressive success can be accelerated.

Having witnessed their work first-hand, The Boar, the University of Warwick’s award winning student newspaper, found that it cannot be denied how exciting and rewarding the experience is for all those involved. www.warwickyouth.phab.org.uk Mother of one Mel believes that the best time for a child to start learning a second language is when they are learning their first one. BilinguaSing is a unique language class with infectious songs, and engaging props which really capture the imagination. Children embark on a magical journey every session, where they meet animal characters, reach for the stars on a trip to the moon, swim with the fish in the sea and dance amongst the colours of the rainbow!

You and the family can: sneak next to royalty and celebrities, dead and alive, at Madame Tussauds; leapfrog centuries in medieval Warwick Castle and tiptoe past some sorry souls in the dark Dungeons; transport yourself to the African Plains with Zufari at Chessington World of Adventures Resort; go underwater at SEA LIFE; marvel at the London skyline at the Coca-Cola London Eye, or watch your little wizards tower over cities at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort®. Not to mention travelling at heart-pounding speeds, upside down or back to front, at Alton Towers Resort or THORPE PARK Resort, climbing like a rocket or dropping like a stone, shrieking like a banshee but coming back for more.

Classes take place during term time on Wednesdays at 9.20am, 10.15am and 11am and on Fridays at 10am and 11am at Townsend Hall in Sheep Street, Shipston-on-Stour. A free, no obligation taster class is always available and you can join a class at any point of the term if places are available. Calypso Kids also runs Family Fun sessions during the school holidays.

BilinguaSing classes are coming to Warwickshire! Award-winning, national Spanish and French music class ‘BilinguaSing’ is expanding! ‘BilinguaSing Warwickshire’ is run by local businesswoman and Leamington Spa resident Mel Thomas who is delighted to be offering bilingual singing, music and movement classes for babies and young children in the local area.

Mel is a local teacher and has always dreamed of sharing her love of language learning with other children and their parents. Classes are starting in Leamington Spa in the New Year and will be rolling out to other locations across Warwickshire from Easter. If you’re interested in booking a FREE taster as a parent, wish to discuss classes within your nursery/pre-school setting or would like to work with BilinguaSing as a French or Spanish teacher, contact Mel on 07815 149877 or mel@bilinguasing.com. www.bilinguasing.com

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Clubs and classes Ballet,tap, modern & street dance classes

Classes available from 21/2 years Free trial & sibling discounts IDTA & RAD exams taken annually Biannual show Classes in Claverdon & Wootten Wawen Call 07791 852891

www.krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

Action packed, physical challenges for children aged 4-7. www.tumbletots.com/warwick

Calypso Kids Pre-school Music Classes for children aged 6 months - 4 years

Classes on Wednesday and Friday mornings at Townsend Hall, Sheep Street, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 4AE Bilingual singing, music and movement classes for babies & young children

Discounts are available for siblings.

Classes across Coventry & Warwickshire. FREE Taster Sessions available

Book a FREE Taster Class Tel: 07890 399162 www.calypsokids.co.uk

Call Mel today on 07815 149877

New dance classes in Studley

mel@bilinguasing.com www.bilinguasing.com

The Drama Club

Krystle Jayne Dance Academy is expanding and will be running classes in Studley from the New Year. The new classes will take place at Studley Village Hall and will be launched with FREE trials on Friday 16 January:

Stratford-upon-Avon! To ﬁnd out more :-!

07804 848674!

thedramaclub@yahoo.co.uk!

www.thedramaclub.org.uk

Call 07791 852891 or email krystlejaynedance@gmail.com to book your free trial place.

Swimming Lessons

www.krystlejaynedanceacademy.co.uk

The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts is taking their fantastic performing arts experience to Savannah Beach Hotel in Barbados this year. In a unique collaboration with Virgin Holidays, children aged 4-16 will be able to sing, dance and act in PQA’s action packed workshops while you relax on the beach. ‘I’m really excited about working with Virgin Holidays on the launch of the Pauline Quirke Academy at Savannah Beach in Barbados,’ said Pauline Quirke. ‘Both parties know more than anyone how important it is to offer fun activities for young people while they are on their holidays, and our fabulous workshops do exactly that. Families will go away with some brilliant holiday memories as the sessions not only build young peoples’ confidence, but they also bring out the performer in everyone whilst enjoying the sunshine!’ Workshops have been skilfully crafted by PQA’s creative team which includes an educational element tied into the colourful history of the Caribbean, regaling tales of everything from local pirates to the ghosts of Savannah Beach, and culminating in a performance of their very own PQA show. The classes are free of charge to children staying at Savannah Beach. Book at www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0844 557 3859. Find your nearest Pauline Quirke Academy at www.pqacademy.com or call 0845 6732 022

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

Fun ﬁlled, Action Packed Drama Workshops! in! Alcester! &!

4pm-4.30pm: Baby ballet (2-4 years) 4.30pm-5.15pm: Pre-primary ballet & tap (5-8 years) 5.15pm-5.45pm:Mini movers street dance (5+ years)

High fliers

After School Drama Club for! ! 7-11 yrs and 12-16 yrs! !

l Sparkle Tots from 2 years Boyz Only Street Dance from 4 years l Musical Theatre, Ballet and Street from 4 years l

Contact Natalie on 0845 017 0825 or email: sparkleperformers@gmail.com to book a free trial session.

St Gregory’s School Stratford-upon-Avon Mon-Fri 3.30pm-6pm 5 years + Groups of 6

Call Andy Clifford on 07977 214609 Private lessons at The Holiday Inn

AC Academy Choirs COMING UP... AC Academy sing with the stars of

StrictlyComeDancing

HOPE

That’s right! Perform alongside surprise guests from the nation’s favourite tv show at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

If you’re aged 7-14, would you like to... PERFORM in amazing venues like the Royal Albert Hall, sing with FAMOUS artists, LEARN professional singing techniques and SING music of all kinds, from film to folk, from musicals to Motown, PLAY games and MAKE amazing friends!? PHEW.

HAPP

INESS

LLEN

EXCE

We run weekly academies in Warwick and across Coventry. For more information, visit www.armonico.org.uk/ac-academy please contact Academy Facilitator Laura Bree on 07587 700740 or at eduadmin@armonico.org.uk

warwickshire

Advertise in our March/April issue. T: 01926 335004 E: editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk

From 29 November 2014

What’s on?

ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE

Stratford-upon-Avon

Family Shows PHIL PORTER

A new play for families marking oneChix of the most Little The Belgradeevents Theatre Coventry extraordinary of CV1 1GS Sat 24 Jan the First World War Introducing Britain’s brightest new tribute

act, Little Chix! This amazing new act brings together intricate four part harmonies and high-energy dance routines to create a real live concert atmosphere. Featuring Little Mix’s current hits, unique renditions of their X Factor performances and some of todays’ top chart hits. The perfect family-friendly pop concert. Box Office: 024 7655 3055 www.belgrade.co.uk

Only a Day

The Belgrade Theatre Coventry CV1 1GS Sat 7-Sat 14 Feb A fox and a wild boar keep watch over the APPLY hatching of a mayfly. Aware that it lives for Royal from Shakespeare Theatre y Captain Bruce Bairnsfather The Bystander’s Fragments From France, design by RSC Visual Communications. only a day, they are faced with a dilemma. Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB Who cares about a mayfly anyway? But Until Sat 31 Jan when they meet a beautiful flying insect, December 1914. As families across Europe who has spent years preparing to hatch gather to celebrate Christmas, a generation into the world, they have to think again. So of young men find themselves far away begins a great adventure in which nothing from their loved ones in the trenches of will ever be the same. A play with live music the Western Front. There they face a world for children aged seven and over about the seemingly devoid of any peace or goodwill. cycle of life and the power of friendship. But on Christmas Eve 1914, as the men of Box Office: 024 7655 3055 the Warwickshire Regiment shelter in their www.belgrade.co.uk trenches, something astonishing happens.

110 CHILDREN The Christmas Truce TERMS A ND CONDITIONS g.uk/truce

Across no-man’s land they hear music. The German soldiers are singing Christmas carols; the same carols their families are listening to, hundreds of miles away in Birmingham, Warwick and Stratford-uponAvon. Leaving their trenches, carrying only their courage and their humanity, they go to meet their enemies; not to fight, but talk, to exchange gifts, to celebrate Christmas. And the next day, together, they play an unforgettable game of football. Inspired by real events of exactly 100 years ago, RSC Deputy Artistic Director Erica Whyman directs Phil Porter’s uplifting play for families that celebrates a remarkable Christmas story. Recommended for ages 9+ Box Office: 0844 800 1110 www.rsc.org.uk/truce

Jack and The Beanstalk

Stratford ArtsHouse Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LU Sat 14 Feb Fee Fi Fo Fum! It’s a giant of a show, we’d love you to come! This classic fairytale now gets the Lyngo treatment so expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as Patrick Lynch (from CBeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack who sells his cow for 5 magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds. It is a show for the over 3s (and their giants) with something for everyone – enormous shoes, tiny houses, showers of silver and gold and a big, leafy explosion! Box Office: 01789 207100 www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk

show and the Monday morning show, stay with the actors and give them suggestions for a FREE 40 minute physical comedy improvisation session. You might even end up on stage! Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry CV4 7AL Sat 21 & Sun 22 Feb This lively show is full of fun, feathers, laughter and excitement and features original music and lots of audience participation! The friendly bus driver leaves us with one simple instruction: “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” However, the Pigeon is very clever and whines, bribes, pleads and even sings a song to get his own way. But will you let him drive? For ages 3+ Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Events Hatton Adventure World

Nr Warwick CV35 8XA January weekends Bug & Reptile Weekends On weekends throughout January, spend time in the ‘Scales and Tails’ area at Hatton. There will be lots of spiders, reptiles including lizards and snakes, as well as other exotic animals. With increased handling times, visitors can learn more about these animals. T: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com/farmvillage

There Was An Old Woman

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry CV4 7AL Tues 13-Sat 17 Jan There’s a problem with shoes. They keep getting mixed up. That man has a welly on one foot, and a fluffy slipper on the other. The woman over there is wearing a flip flop and a football boot. Some people don’t have any shoes at all! What’s going on? Has that woman who lives in a shoe got anything to do with this? Join us on a journey through the sights, scents textures and sounds of this multi-sensory Oily Cart Wonderland in the company of a live musician, plenty of puppets and all sorts of shoes. For children from 3 to 5, their families and friends. Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Goldilocks

Stratford ArtsHouse Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LU Thurs 22-Sun 25 Jan Goldilocks – by the Phoenix Players. Hardened criminal or misunderstood innocent? A sunny natured simple girl who just wants to pick flowers? Or cunning porridge thief who should be handed an A.S.B.O.! An intriguing tale of bears, bees and brave villagers. Will the Queen Bee succeed in her evil plan to take over the wood? Will her bee minions turn the bears into zombies with Hypno Honey? Do Tom Tom and Goldilocks find happiness? Does Kevin the wasp complete his hive exchange programme? Will the chorus get changed in time? Discover the answers to all these questions in ‘Goldilocks!’ Bring along your own bear to the Teddy Bears picnic! Box Office: 01789 207100 www.stratfordartshouse.co.uk

Baddesley Clinton

Baddesley Clinton B93 0DQ Playful Journeys The magic of the moat, the stories of priest hunters and the freedom of the surrounding countryside means there’s something for everyone to do at Baddesley. Baddesley is known for its often unexpected stories, of hiding those in peril; providing a safe haven, looking out to spy danger and it was these themes that helped form the Playful Journeys natural play. Children will be able to discover lookout spy trees, a hideaway hill and out on the estate there is also a new bird screen for families to spot a variety of wildlife. T: 01564 783294 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ baddesleyclinton

Packwood House

Lapworth B94 6AT Welly Walk Over at Packwood, pick up a child friendly map and a ‘Doodle your dream day’ sheet, and head off on a journey together on the Welly Walk. Along the walk children can get stuck into activities like den building, tree trunk hopping, building a tower of wood and seeing what inventive minds can create from natural resources. T: 01564 782024 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/packwood Remember, the Welly Walk and Playful Journeys does guarantee the opportunity to get muddy and messy, so be prepared and wear wellies!

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum Heritage Motor Centre

Whatever the Weather

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry CV4 7AL Sat 14 Feb M6 Theatre’s imaginative new production for the very young is set in the charming world of a traditional Alpine Weather House. This quaint ornament tells us what weather to expect today. When the little woman comes out it’s going to be sunny! When the little man comes out it’s going to rain! The two characters couldn’t be more different. But what happens when the winds of change blow? Blow so hard that everything becomes topsy-turvy? What will our lovable pair learn in their new and unfamiliar conditions? It might rain, it might get a bit windy, but the show must go on whatever the weather! For ages 3+ Box Office: 024 7652 4524 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

Gaydon CV34 0BJ Sat 24 & Sun 25 Jan, Sat 31 Jan & Sun 1 Feb, Sat 7 & Sun 8 Feb Shaun the Sheep ‘Join the Flock’ Weekends To celebrate the release of ‘Shaun the Sheep The Movie’ on February 6, come and join us at one of our woolly loaded weekends full of Shaun the Sheep craft activities and family fun. Follow the ‘new flock on the block’ car trail, star in your own movie trailer, build your own Land Rover and make your own woolly top knots. Visit www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk and enter our ‘Shaun the Sheep The Movie’ colouring competition. T: 01926 641188 - General enquiries T: 01926 645120 – Event enquiries and bookings www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

Three Keepers

Warwick Arts Centre Coventry CV4 7AL Sun 15 & Mon 16 Feb A tale of life on a rock lighthouse, told through an inventive blend of physical theatre, dance and comedy, inspired by the silent film clowning of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. A play without words for everyone aged 8 and over. After the Sunday

National Trust Properties

Throughout January and February Pop along to Baddesley Clinton and Packwood for an outdoor adventure and let your children run wild. There are puddles of fun to be had and there is mud, glorious mud so don those wellies, pull on some woolly mittens and get outdoors.

Leamington Spa CV32 4AA Sat 24 Jan, 11am-4pm Big Garden Bird Watch As part of the Big Garden Bird Watch, the RSPB are coming to show you how to bird watch. Using telescopes and binoculars you will get to spot birds on the River Leam and help the RSPB to monitor bird populations in the area. There will also be fun activities and crafts for everyone to enjoy. Free, drop in and join in. Suitable for the whole family. Sat 31 Jan-Sat 7 Feb Leamington: The Long and Short of It Throughout National Storytelling Week, help create Leamington’s longest group story. Come along and add your voice to a collaborative tale that just keeps growing. Free, drop in and join in. Suitable for the whole family. Sun 1 Feb, 2pm & 2.45pm Stories from around the world As part of National Storytelling Week, join children’s storyteller Colin King on a journey around the world with an interactive, musical, storytelling adventure. Free, drop in and join in. Suitable for the whole family. T: 01926 74200 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ royalpumprooms

Herbert Art Gallery

Coventry CV1 5QP There are plenty of fun things for families to do at the Herbert. Hands on experiences, dressing up, touch screen interactives, story baskets and trails will all make sure you have an enjoyable and memorable day.

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

What’s on?

Half Term Hatton Adventure World

Nr Warwick CV35 8XA Sat 14-Sun 22 Feb Family Fun Circus Circus skills workshops, Chipper the Clown’s circus show, Zoobee’s circus magic and Flea Circus plus the Lambing Marquee with lots of pregnant ewes, tiny lambs, our shepherd and Little Bo Peep. T: 01926 843411 www.hattonworld.com/farmvillage

Battle of Trafalgar. Together you will find out more about Toby’s time travelling MG car, learn about Lord Nelson and build your very own MG time machine. For children of all ages. Lego Technic Tuesday Tues 17 Feb, 10am-3pm Aimed at 4 to 13 year olds but suitable for all the Family. A drop-in activity where children can get hands-on and design, build and test their own Lego Technic machines. Race them along the ‘Heritage Track’ with the fastest car of the day winning the title ‘Champion Designer’ as well as a prize. Wheelie Lego Wednesday Weds 18 Feb, 10am-3pm Up for a challenge? Can you engineer a Lego car to come down a ramp and travel as far as possible? Become an HMC engineering apprentice for the day and see what you can design. Aimed at 3 to 13 year olds, but suitable for all the family. Auto Crafty Thursday Thurs 19 Feb, 10am-3pm Get crafty drop-in session. Get ‘hands on’ making some crafty science Autos. Aimed at 3 to 13 year olds but suitable for all the family.

AUTO SCIENCE LIVE 14 - 22 FEBRUARY 2015

Half-term family fun bringing automotive engineering and the science behind it to life • • • •

Lego Technics Mad Science Show Story & Craft Workshops Family Trails & Tours

‘Mad Science’ Fri 20 Feb, Show times 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm ‘Mad Science’ brought to life - come and be amazed! A 45 minute show full of cool interactive demonstrations and hands on activities where you can feel the power of what science is really all about. Aimed at 3 to 13 year olds but suitable for all the family.

Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth CV8 1NE Mon 16-Fri 20 Feb, 11am-4pm Knights and Princesses Academy Join the academy for budding knights and princesses, with hands-on fun and activities for children. Learn about courtly etiquette, try your hand at junior jousting and become the hero of your own adventure! T: 01926 852078 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ kenilworthcastle

T: 01926 641188 - General enquiries T: 01926 645120 – Event enquiries and bookings www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/ schoolholidays

Time Travelling Toby Mon 16 Feb, 10am-3pm Join children’s author Graham Jones as he takes you back to 1805 in his latest adventure, Time Travelling Toby and The

12 MONTHS

www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/schoolholidays Heritage Motor Centre . Gaydon . Warwickshire . CV35 0BJ

dragon. Ferocious or friendly, decorate your dragon and then make it dance! Free, drop in and join in. Recommended for children ages 6-12 years. T: 01926 74200 www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ royalpumprooms

The Shakespeare Houses

For a full list of what’s on at each property, visit www.shakespeare.org.uk

Heritage Motor Centre

Gaydon CV34 0BJ Sat 14-Sun 22 Feb, 10am-3pm Auto Science Live! Join HMC for a fun packed half term week of Auto Science Live! A range of family friendly activities bringing automotive engineering and the science behind it to life. Includes family story-telling sessions, an interactive time travelling inspired auto science trail, as well as ‘Mad Science’ workshops, Lego Technic drop in sessions and lots more. The activities vary from day to day so be sure to check what’s on. Family tickets just £34 and if you Gift Aid you get 12 months free for the prize of one visit, so you can come back time and time again.

BUY 1 DAY GET

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Henley Street Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW February Half Term Be an Apprentice Glover Design your own gloves in the same workshop William’s father worked. Learn about gloves, their meaning in Tudor society, materials used and tanning.

Herbert Art Gallery

Coventry CV1 5QP Sat 14-Sun 22 Feb, 10am-3pm Exciting Expeditions Imagine you were the first ever person to discover Coventry. Your mission as official expedition artist is to record all the new and exciting sights and specimens! From essentials like maps and telescopes to recording the landscapes and wildlife, there will be plenty of finds to fill your suitcase with and catalogue your adventure. Drop in. Content suitable for 5+ but all are welcome. Individual workshop charges may apply. For full daily details see the website nearer the time. T: 024 7623 7521 www.theherbert.org

Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum

Leamington Spa CV32 4AA Thurs 19 Feb, 2-4pm Art Club To celebrate Chinese New Year, come and make your own colourful, moving, paper

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

FAMILY £34*

On now until 1 February 2015 The Great War: Coventry’s Story Marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, and the experiences of Coventry people in the armed forces and on the home front. The Great War is an exhibition of memories, collected and preserved by Coventry people, and serves as a moving reminder of their sacrifices and contribution. T: 024 7623 7521 www.theherbert.org

Half Term Classes and Workshops

Playbox Theatre

Warwick CV34 6XR Mon 16-Wed 18 Feb, 10am-4pm Wizard Adventure Inspired by JK Rowling’s superb Harry Potter series, participants are invited to spend 3 action-packed days with Playbox bringing to life the books’ most exciting characters, events and worlds! Acting, costume, make up and design will all contribute to a wonderful theatre experience. The course will conclude with a presentation for family and friends to attend. For ages 7-14. Thurs 19-Fri 20 Feb, 10am-4pm Let it go …Special edition! By popular demand, we will be running a 2-day intensive Music Theatre programme, where performers will learn, rehearse and stage numbers from Disney’s Frozen. Doors will be open to friends and family at the end of the project. For ages 7-12. T: 01926 419555 www.playboxtheatre.com

Warwick School

Warwick CV34 6PP February half term courses for children aged 6-12 years. Set within wonderful facilities, activities include sports, art and more. Open to all abilities, these courses provide children with the opportunity to have fun whilst making friends in a safe, enjoyable environment. T: 01926 735473 www.warwickschool.org/holidayactivities

Art Base Art Workshops

Six hour art workshops for children aged 5-13 years in Stratford-upon-Avon. From canvas painting to sculpture explore your creativity and produce a wonderful piece of art. T: 01789 774705 www.art-base.co.uk

12 spellbinding months in 31 magical worlds

Including 14 on your doorstep

Buy online today

from your nearest attraction from just ÂŁ99pp* 16

www.familieswarwickshire.co.uk Tel: 01926 335004

*Price based on a Standard Family Merlin Annual Pass. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick configuration, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group 2015 The LEGO Group.