Families Cambridgeshire Issue 5 May - June 2014

THE TRADE MAGAZINE FOR MUMS & DADS!

FREE! Cambridgeshire

MAY / JUNE 2014 ISSUE #24

FEELING CREATIVE?

WIN! A trip to Disneyland Paris

with The National Young Writers Award competition!

See p4 for details…

As a busy mum it’s important to make time for yourself…

Natural style and simple elegance designed for you.

01945 584272 | team@toptotoeltd.co.uk | 27 Hill Street, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1BA

£20 OFF!

Express Facial & Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage for only £30. (usual price £50!)

Quote ‘FAMILIES’ when booking.

INSIDE PLAN THE PERFECT BIRTHDAY PARTY • CHOOSE THE RIGHT PREP SCHOOL

SHOWING IN MAY AT THE LUXE CINEMA IN WISBECH…

BOX OFFICE: 01945 588808 WWW.THELUXECINEMA.COM The Luxe offers a lounge area for pre and post-film drinks and nibbles and a waitress service in the auditorium whilst relaxing in the comfort of a two seater sofa or an armchair!

Family tickets £22, children under 13 £6 Adults £7 Alexandra Road | Wisbech | PE13 1HQ

Contents & Competitions

What’s in this issue?

Dear Reader,

With May comes the promise of summer, lazy days in the garden and the anticipation of a long awaited summer holiday. The warmer weather means there are so many more places to go and things to do. This issue has a good selection of days out and local events whatever the weather. With the holidays just around the corner, now is a good time to plan your childcare – so why not book the children onto a summer workshop or activity camp? It’s a good idea to book as soon as possible to ensure you get your first choice.

Take a look at some of the summer camps and workshops available across Cambridgeshire on pages 14 & 15. In the next issue we have a full summer camp listing as well as great days out for the whole family. Please remember to mention ‘Families’ when booking.

4 News & Views 6 What’s On Great days out and events to keep you and your family occupied over the May Half Term, and at weekends.

8 Fabulous Parties at Every Age A birthday party is a ritual of childhood and an event that’s remembered forever. Joanna Moorhead guides you through what’s best, age by age. @familiescambs

10 Choosing Your Childcare

facebook.com/CambridgeshireFamilies

Childcare costs are increasing – but it’s quality that matters the most for any parent.

Joanna Moorhead looks at what option might suit you best, plus what’s new in 2014.

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

12 Prep schools – what are they and how to choose the right one?

Families guide to asking the right questions.

Competition time!

Last month’s competition winner was Maeve Waldron-Lynch from Grantchester

HOW TO ENTER Simply visit www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk and enter your details to be in with a chance of winning.

Families Cambridgeshire 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 license..

We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributers cant be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any correspondences.

Cover image: © National Trust 2014

os Stephens approach to photography is simple – capturing natural looks and genuine expressions that truly reflect an individual’s personality.

Ros specialises in family, children and baby photography, advising that family shoots are best outdoors or at a favourite place, so that children can be photographed in a fun and relaxed environment.

Based in Cambridge, there are plenty of great locations in and around Cambridgeshire for outdoor shoots or Ros can come to your home. Why not book a shoot for father’s day on the 15th June? For further information visit www.rosstephensphotography.com

R

Here are just a few of the great summer camps and workshops on offer for your children across Cambridgeshire.

15,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants.

If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

WIN!

A FAMILY SHOOT AND TWO PRINTS WORTH OVER £130 BY ROS STEPHENS PHOTOGRAPHY

14 Summer Holiday Camps, Workshops and Classes

EDITOR: Lisa Exell editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk 01945 861336 DESIGN: David Slade davidslade1@me.com

M A RCH / A PR I L 2014

|3

News & views

Share your stories

This May sees the return of National Share-AStory Month, an annual celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing. Run by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, Share-A-Story Month is a fantastic opportunity to bring children and stories together, with a whole host of events running across the country. The theme for 2014 is ‘Imagination and Inventiveness’, celebrating with Dahl & Dahl and Puffin Publishers the 50th Anniversary of the publication of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Check out the website for plenty of ideas, activity packs, posters and competition prizes. www.fcbg.org.uk/national-share-astory-month

Walk that way

It’s time to get walking again! This year’s Walk To School Week runs from 19-23 May, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, teachers and parents.

2014’s campaign promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with plenty of fun ideas of how to get involved. With Strider’s 5-day Walking Challenge it’s easier than ever to take part, plus you also get a chance to win an iPad mini. Walk to School Week reinforces five benefits of walking: safety, discovery, health, eco-friendly and social time, so how about setting up a Park & Stride area around your school, or holding a Walk to School event and encouraging everyone to leave their cars at home for a day? One of our favourite ideas is to team up with neighbouring schools and organise a walking relay between schools, with refreshment stops at each one! Or you could nominate your dream walking companion from the world of books and dress up as them on Walk to School Day. A treasure hunt is a fun way to add a bit of competition on the walk to school, too. Don’t forget, if you are celebrating Walk to School Week, they’d love to hear from you. Tweet them at @livingstreets using #walktoschool, or post on their Facebook page www. facebook.com/livingstreetsuk. Just remember to have fun! Download loads of puzzles, pledges and challenges at www. livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walk-toschool/walk-to-school-week-2014.

4

|

M AY / J U N E 2014

The National Young Writers’ Award Returns!

Judged by best-selling author, Liz Pichon and organised by tuition provider, Explore Learning, children across Cambridgeshire and beyond are invited to submit their own 500 word story to the theme of ‘fairytales and fables’.

The winner will be awarded an incredible prize of £500 worth of books for their school and a trip to the fairytale kingdom of Disneyland Paris for their whole family!

Liz Pichon, author of the award winning Tom Gates series of books and judge in this year’s competition says: “Competitions like this are a fantastic way to encourage as many children as possible to put pen to paper and

write their OWN stories. I’m really looking forward to reading them so good luck to everyone and have some FUN!” Explore Learning, who have 89 centres located across the UK, will be running free workshops with local libraries, schools and community groups to inspire children’s love of writing and encourage them to get involved.

Children aged five to 14 can enter for free by submitting a 500 word story via www. explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters or popping into your local Explore Learning centre. The closing date is Tuesday 3rd June.

Good luck!

The stunning new Lakeside

Lakeside at Ferry Meadows open Following a £2.5 million investment from Nene Park Trust and a year of extensive works to the building and surrounding landscape, the new Lakeside at Ferry Meadows is now open providing a hub for activity and relaxation.

Anthony Chapman Director of Nene Outdoors said “With access to the beautiful Gunwade Lake, Nene Outdoors caters for many activities on and off the water. This includes hire of kayaks, canoes, row boats and pedaloes, group activities such as raft building, land games, orienteering and structured courses in sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. With a campsite and outdoor clothing and equipment shop Nene Outdoors has something for everyone.”

On Saturday 10 May Lakeside will be hosting a Family Fun day. There will be opportunities to watch and take part in various activities whatever your experience. For more details about the event please visit the Nene Park Trust website, drop into the Visitor Centre or contact the office nearer the time. www.neneparktrust.org.uk.

s Familie !

es v o L

Gove’s revolution continues… …as the Education Secretary pledges an increase to Latin and Greek in state secondary schools, as well as suggesting that all secondary schools put their 13-yearolds forward to sit the Common Entrance Exam, in a move to give schools an insight into how their pupils are doing. ‘Since the last Labour government abolished key stage three tests for 14-year-olds, we have had no rigorous externally-set and marked measures of progress for students in the first five years of secondary school,’ Michael Gove said. ‘I want state schools to try out Common Entrance exams - giving them a chance to check how well they and their pupils are performing against some of the top schools around the world.’ He also encourages schools to stay open for up to 10 hours a day, allowing time for structured homework sessions but also for after-school sports matches, orchestra rehearsals and clubs. His plans received a mixed reception however, with Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers saying, ‘We have no problem with schools staying open for longer provided most of those additional hours are used for extracurricular activities. We need to be clear on where the money will come from to fund the extra staffing required, given that teachers are already working a 48-hour week on average under the current arrangements.’ Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, added, ‘The push for longer school days of up to 10 hours will be counterproductive for many children and young people. Primary school pupils in particular will find it very difficult to concentrate or even stay awake for such long periods.’

News & views

PO.P into The Grand Arcade for Swedish quality kids clothes Polarn O. Pyret of Sweden, fondly known as PO.P will be running an Event Weekend on 17th & 18th of May, with 20% off everything in store. The summer collections will be in, from jazzy swimwear to those famous fleece jackets in this year’s bright colours.

The clothes for 0 -12 years are smart, functional, bright, playful and durable. Over 30% of the range is organic and the brand prides itself on providing unisex colours and patterns that do not gender small children and can be handed down easily.

Quality and function are the design cornerstones coming out of Stockholm. Letting children be children is the philosophy. Clothing that offers freedom of movement and stands up to

wear and tear… and a lot of washing!

From the softest organic cotton baby bodysuit to highly polarising baby sunglasses every detail is considered with family life in mind. Coats that children feel comfortable in, adjustable waists in shorts, cuffs that roll down for growing room, babywear that can handle a hot wash. Since 1976 the PO.P team has prided themselves in being experts at dressing children for any activity and weather.

Debbie and her team welcome Families readers to the store on 17th and 18th May for complimentary refreshments, activities for the little ones and an opportunity to win a £100 PO.P shopping voucher.

St Faith’s prep school selected as finalist for School Awards St Faith’s school in Cambridge is in the running for an Ashden School Award, the UK’s most prestigious green energy prize which celebrate schools’ achievements in ‘going green’ and cutting carbon. The school is up against Sir George Monoux College in Walthamstow and Ashton Vale Primary School in Bristol for an award worth £5,000. Two winners will be announced on 22 May. Richard Brent, Bursar at the St Faith’s Independent School said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected as finalists for this highly prestigious award! The children will be so excited to hear the news which will provide a real boost and motivation to all of their eco and energy saving initiatives. We look forward very much to sharing our experiences with other schools.”

The students at St Faith’s have made a video about their commitment to the environment.

You can watch it on the Families website www.familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

Would you hire yourself?

Coaching services helping you to maximise your potential…

• On-line Interview Lab • Employability Workshops • 1:1 Coaching FREE 30 minute coaching session for Families readers!

Visit website for details

www.unlockingyoungpotential.co

M AY / J U N E 2014

|5

Building the Bronze Age

SATURDAY 24 TO MONDAY 26 MAY 2014 10AM-5PM.

WHERE? Flag Fen Archaeology Park, Peterborough

HOW MUCH? £7 adults, £5 concs, £18 families Explore what life was like for our prehistoric ancestors! Could you have lived in a Bronze Age settlement? Experience life 3,500 years ago with this exciting hands-on event! Meet Bronze Age re-enactors who will be on site over the weekend, cooking, working and living as our ancient ancestors did. www.vivacity-peterborough.com 01733 313 414

W hat’s Olan ces

p Things to do, e had… to go, fun to b … for k ids o f a

ll ages!

Den Building, Bug Walks and Stamp Trails THROUGHOUT MAY AND JUNE WHERE? WildRootz Pensthorpe Nature Park, Fakenham, Norfolk

HOW MUCH? from £8.00 WildRootz’ is a two-acre outdoor activity development designed to re-connect children with the natural world. The park has over 30 individual items of play equipment including a giant 11m high winding slide tower called ‘The Worm’. www.pensthorpe.com

The Gruffalo comes to the Deep Dark Wood

THROUGHOUT MAY AND JUNE WHERE? High Lodge Thetford Forest To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the ever-green tale there will be themed activity trails, giant wooden Gruffalo sculptures and a big birthday forest picnic. www.forestry.gov.uk/highlodge

Find out more about carnivorous plants and pot up a sundew to grow at home. For all ages. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk 01223 336265

Linton Children’s Free!

Book Festival SUNDAY 4TH - 11TH MAY

WHERE? A range of venues across Linton Cambridge HOW MUCH? FREE This award winning Festival runs every two years for a week in May. This years’ festival has a History theme. Don’t miss storytelling in a yurt with Paul Jackson and workshops on how to be a book editor or designer for the day. Learn how children’s books are made and how to draw a dragon in an illustration workshop.

For a full list of events and more information visit www. lintonbookfest.org

SATURDAY MAY 24TH 10AM - 4PM

Fre

e!

WHERE? Wood Green, the Animals Charity Godmanchester HOW MUCH? Free entry.

A great day for all families, twolegged or four! There are plenty of ‘Have-a-go’ events with skills to be learnt and prizes to be won.

0844 248 8181 www.woodgreen.org.uk

Love Your Zoo Week

SHOWING FROM

SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2.30PM

WHERE? Shepreth Wildlife Park

WHERE? The Luxe Cinema – Wisbech

SUNDAY 2.30PM

Khumba

SATURDAY 17TH 2.30PM & 7PM

THE 2ND MAY

SATURDAY 2.30PM & 7PM

WHERE? Kings Lynn Arts Centre

Plants that EAT you

HOW MUCH? Family ticket £32 The Springtime Singers invite you to join them to celebrate their tenth anniversary in an evening of magical musical entertainment! The Singers welcome back old friends to join them and there will be a special West Norfolk premiere presentation of the Disney Kids Musical The Little Mermaid. www.kingslynnarts.co.uk

WHERE? Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Noah: A Musical Adventure

HOW MUCH? Standard Garden admission for adults, £3 per child

WHERE? Key Theatre Peterborough.

SATURDAY 3RD MAY

|

Dogs Day Out

The Little Mermaid

HOW MUCH? Family tickets £22.

Zhumba -Rejected by his superstitious herd, a half-striped zebra embarks on a daring quest to earn his stripes but finds the courage and self-acceptance to save all the animals of the Great Karoo. Quote Families when booking. www.theluxecinema.co.uk 01945 588808

6

HOW MUCH? Tickets from £12 This brand new, spectacular, funfilled family musical is based on the story of Noah and the Ark. Come on board and join Noah and his three sons as their incredible adventure unfolds, supported by amazing puppetry, dance and innovative scenery.

Key Theatre box office: 01733 207 239 vivacity-peterborough. com

M AY / J U N E 2014

SUNDAY 18TH MAY 6.30PM

MAY 26TH 12.45PM

The Great Grubble Boat Race SATURDAY 24TH MAY SUNDAY 1ST JUNE

WHERE? Bewilderwood, Wroxham, Norfolk

HOW MUCH? Prices from £11.50 The Grubbles are here! This May half term the Big Hat will be a hub of activity building magnificent blow boats - as extraordinary as you like – join in the race to get to the Twiggle turreted houses and petite Grubble grottos. www.bewilderwood.co.uk

HOW MUCH? £10.90 per person Raising awareness in a fun way about the world’s wildlife and conservation work taking place. www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

Tree Climbing for Kids

THURSDAY 27TH MAY 11AM - 3PM

WHERE? Nene Park Trust, Peterborough Climb into a harness and let the rangers show you how to climb.

Meeting point is at the visitor centre. Suitable for 4yrs + www.neneparktrust.org.uk 01733 234193

Behind the Scenes Tours THURSDAY MAY 27TH 10AM TO 12PM AND 1PM TO 3PM

WHERE? Wood Green: The Animals Charity, Godmanchester HOW MUCH? £5 per person Meet some of the guinea pigs, rabbits and cats. Make fun pet toys and feed some of the animals tasty treats. Suitable for over 5’s. www.woodgreen.org.uk 0844 248 8181

Families Fun Pond-dipping and Minibeast Hunt

TUESDAY 27TH MAY 10:30AM2:30PM

WHERE? Wicken Fen

HOW MUCH? £2.50 Enjoy a 30 minute pond dipping session searching for creatures from the deep, followed by a minibeast hunt. For children aged 3+.Booking essential.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/Wickenfen 0844 249 1895

without parents/guardians present).

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ Wicken-fen or call 0844 249 1895

Legends of OZ: Dorothy Returns THROUGHOUT MAY AND JUNE

WHERE? The Luxe Cinema, Wisbech HOW MUCH? Family tickets from £22.

Dorothy wakes up in post-tornado Kansas, only to be whisked back to Oz to try to save her old friends

the Scarecrow, the Lion, the Tin Man and Glinda from a devious new villain, the Jester. www.theluxecinema.co.uk 01945 588808

Old Macdonald Had a Farm SUNDAY 1ST JUNE

WHERE? Cambridge Corn Exchange HOW MUCH? Family Ticket £36 Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-EI-O. But Old MacDonald’s animals

SUNDAY 8TH JUNE

WHERE? Cambridge Arts Theatre

WEDNESDAY 28TH MAY

HOW MUCH? from £12.50 Join the intrepid adventurers on their quest to find a bear; as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud! Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure – plus a few special surprises! www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 01223 503333

10.30AM AND 2PM

WHERE? Wicken Fen

HOW MUCH? £4.75 per child Natural crafts inspired by Wicken Fen and the seasons. For children aged 3-10 years. Booking essential.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/Wickenfen 0844 249 1895

Mythical Beasts and Monsters

WEDNESDAY 28 MAY, 10AM –

Messy Cathedral

5PM

7TH JUNE 11AM-2PM

WHERE? Longthorpe Tower, Peterborough

Legends of King Arthur

We are going on a Bear Hunt WEDNESDAY 6TH JUNE –

Springtime Arts and Crafts

HOW MUCH? £4 adults, £3 children/concessions, £10 families Explore the mythical creatures depicted on the walls of Longthorpe Tower. Take inspiration from Longthorpe Tower’s wall paintings and medieval mythical beasts such as the Bonnacon, and try some dragon crafts.

Visit www.vivacity-peterborough. com 01733 864280

have gone missing! Can you help a friendly scientist and his amazing time machine get them back for him? www.cornex.co.uk 01223 357851

WHERE? Ely Cathedral

Hetty Feather

TUESDAY 3RD –SUNDAY 8TH JUNE WHERE? Cambridge Arts Theatre

HOW MUCH? from £15.00 Join Hetty on her escape from the Foundling Hospital. Tremble as she faces Matron Stinking Bottomly. Thrill as she discovers the squirrel house and TanglefieldsTravelling Circus. From best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson, the tale of plucky Hetty Feather is brought to life on stage for the Rose Theatre by award winning script writer Emma Reeves. www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 01223 503333

HOW MUCH? £5 adults, £2.50 for children 3 years and over.

Join Bishop Stephen and families from across the diocese as they explore the Lord’s Prayer.

Take along your church... your family and your friends to enjoy a tasty Messy picnic; try the interactive activities; crafts; worship; drama and lots more!. www.elycathedral.org Booking form: http://bit.ly/childrensevents 01353 660349

THURSDAY 29 MAY, 10AM – 5PM

Please quote Families when booking any of these events

WHERE? Peterborough Museum

HOW MUCH? £4 adults, £3 children/concessions, £10 families This is a themed event based around the story legendary King Arthur. Follow a trail using the theme of knights and princesses, and try your hand at making a castle.

Visit www.vivacity-peterborough. com 01733 864280

Fen Adventurer Day

THURSDAY 29TH MAY 10.30AM – 3.30PM

WHERE? Wicken Fen

HOW MUCH? £10 per child.

Visit for a day and explore Wicken Fen on bikes with a ranger, where you will be checking animals and trees and heading to the wild campsite for lunch plus much more.

Suitable for ages 12-15. Booking essential (this event will take place

Wildlife Trust Bat Safari Punt Tours LATE MAY AND JUNE

WHERE? Scudamores Punting Cambridge

HOW MUCH? Under 12’s from £8.00 The family suitable tours are led by a Wildlife Trust expert and include the use of specialist electronic bat detectors. Your guide will outline the notable characteristics and habitats of bats likely to be encountered on your trip and teach you how to use the detectors.

The hand-held detectors convert the bats’ sonar signals into audible frequencies. Different species of bats operate at different frequencies and the ear can be trained to recognise specific calls.. 50% of the proceeds go to the local wildlife trust. www.scudamores.com 01223 359750

M AY / J U N E 2014

|7

Families Feature

Fabulous parties at every age THERE’S JUST ONE WORD THAT MATTERS HERE: SIMPLICITY. Birthday parties for tinies can be marvellous, memorable affairs, but they don’t need to be elaborate or to involve much expense or entertainment or special props. In essence, you’re catering for the grown-ups as much as for the children – because at this stage, the adults will definitely stay (and you’re more than likely to have a few grandparents in the mix as well). Concentrate on creating a fun, easy, safe space for the children – a soft play space with plenty of toys strewn around is ideal – and make sure the adults are well cateredfor: if they stay calm, the children will as well.

If you want something with a bit of a theme, how about a teddy bears’ picnic? Make sure everyone remembers to take their favourite cuddlies home at the end though, or there will be tears at bedtime!

0 -3

OLD YEARS

4 -6

AT THIS STAGE PARTIES CAN BE A BIT MORE AMBITIOUS and a time when it is well worth investing in a great entertainer: they are experts, know how to crowd control while producing shrieks and honest laughs. However don’t assume that to put on a great bash you need to spend lots of money. At this age children can have loads of fun without a big outlay; later on, when they’re tweens and teens, you’ll be under pressure to shell out big-time, so don’t pre-empt that now. A party at home or in the local park can be huge fun; traditional party games will be popular, and if you want to push the boat out a bit consider investing in a bouncy castle; or if home really isn’t a possibility, a soft play centre will be hassle-free, if more expensive.

Themed parties are great for this age group, and they actually make life simpler for the party organiser: a pirate theme is always popular, or sea creatures, or pick up on your child’s favourite book or TV programme. Dressing up is a big hit for this age group too.

YEAR S

OLD

ACTIVITIES WORK A TREAT AT THIS STAGE, WHETHER YOU’RE OLD AT HOME OR IN A CHURCH HALL OR AT A PARK. For a popular and low-budget option, think about a baking party at home – weigh out all the ingredients before the children arrive, get them to mix and decorate them and then pop them in the oven to bake while you play a few party games (shortbread biscuits are easy peasy; have a range of cutters for exciting shapes).

7-9

YEAR S

8

|

M AY / J U N E 2014

A birthday party is a ritual of childhood and an event that’s remembered forever. So the pressure is on – how do you ensure success and survival (both your own and your home’s)? Joanna Moorhead guides you through what’s best, age by age The Golden Rules

OLDER CHILDREN LIKE GOING OUT TO PARTY. To keep the costs down, encourage a smaller number of guests – think about a trip to the seaside or to an exciting adventure playground they’ve not visited before, and remember that the journey can be as much fun as the activity at the end of it. If you don’t mind spending a bit more, a trip to a climbing wall, an ice rink, a bowling rink or a go-karting centre can be wonderful fun too.

10-12

OLD YEARS

• Never have a party that lasts any more than two hours • The younger the child, the fewer the guests • Party bags can be cheap as chips, thanks to charity and pound shops – but always have them – they’re hugely popular • Have a plan mapped out for what should happen when

Party Food Tips

• Food doesn’t need to be complicated • It does need to include options – many children won’t eat ham/cheese/eggs/ grapes/pizza • Don’t overface guests with too much food *Putting cup cakes rather than slices of cake into party bags makes life easier

Families Listings

FOR AN OUTDOOR PARTY

BeWILDerwood Horning Road, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8JW. BeWILDerwood is the perfect place for the most exciting and memorable birthday party ever! You provide the children, they add the brilliant fun and fancy food. The birthday child will receive a copy of Tom’s book “A Boggle at BeWILDerwood” Bewilderwood can also provide party bags and a birthday cake to make it even more special and hassle free.

Prices start from £160 for 8 children and 2 adults. www.BeWILDerwood.co.uk 01692 633 033 • Go Ape Thetford Forest Tree Top Adventure / Sedgway HighLodge,Thetford Forest, Brandon, Suffolk goape.co.uk 0843 7704495.

• Pentsthorpe: Party and play the WildRootz way Pentsthorpe Natural Park,Pentsthorpe Road, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0CN www.pentsthorpe.com 01328 857465 info @pentsthorpe.com

• Play 2 Day: Laser, Bowling or Soft play The Old Station Yard, Gull Road, Guyhirn, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 4AA www.play2day.co.uk 01945 450629 mail@play2day.eclipse.co.uk • Planet Zoom: Soft Play Angel Drove, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4DT www.strikesbowl.co.uk 01353 668666 • Hudson Sports Centre: Soft Play The Hudson, Harecroft Road, Wisbech www.newvisionfitness.co.uk/newvisionfitness/ clubs/wisbech 01945 584230

FOR A TRADITIONAL PARTY

• Dobbies’ Traditional Party Games Peterborough Phorpres Way, Cygnet Park, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8NY www.dobbies.com 01733 898640 Kings Lynn Campbells Meadow, Hardwick Road, Kings Lynn, PE30 4NA www.dobbies.com 01553 767816

FOR ENTERTAINERS THAT COME TO YOU OR A VENUE OF YOUR CHOICE • Steve Sausage – Party Entertainer www.steve-sausage.co.uk 0800 6126366 info@steve-sausage.co.uk • Smartie Artie www.smartieartie.co.uk 01582 600529 enquiries@smartieartie.co.uk • DNA Parties: Themed Parties www.dnakids.co.uk 01621 853000 customerservices@dnakids.co.uk

The Little Gym Company Cambridge Unit 1-3, Chesterton Mill, French`s Road, Cambridge, CB4 3NP Your fully supervised, gymnastic based, private party will be filled with music, games, obstacle courses and of course laughter. This may be their first try at gymnastics or you could have a household of budding Olympians, the key to The Little Gym Parties is FUN, FUN, FUN ! Each party comes with two fully qualified instructors leading the activities. Cost of party is £250 for The Little Gym members and £290 for non-members. www.thelittlegym.co.uk 01223 324554 Cambridge@thelittlegym.co.uk

FARM AND PARK PARTIES

• Dinosaur Park West Park, Lenwade, Norwich, NR9 5JW www.dinosauradventure.co.uk 01603876310 • Wood Green Animal Shelter Kings Bush Farm,London Road, Godmanchester www.woodgreen.org.uk 0844 2488181 • Audley End Miniature Railway Party Off London Road, Saffron Waldon, CB11 4JF www.audley-end-railway.co.uk 01799 542134

FOODIE PARTIES

• Pizza Express 7a Jesus Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8BA www.pizzaexpress.com 01223324033 • Carluccio’s Grand Arcade, Cambridge, CB2 3QF www.carluccios.com 01223 307046

FOR AN ACTIVE INDOOR PARTY

• Climbing Wall Kings Lynn Sports Centre Green park Ave, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2NB www.west-norfolk.gov.uk 01553 818001 lynnsportbookings@west-norfolk.gov.uk • Farmer Freds: Soft Play Caley Mill, Lynn Road, Heacham, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 7JE www.farmerfredsplaybarn.co.uk 01485 579526 contact@farmerfredsplaybarn.co.uk • Brewers Fayre Playzone Parties Clenchwarton Road, Kings Lynn, PE34 3LJ www.brewersfayre.co.uk Tel: 01553 772221

Perform Parties High energy, fun and totally infectious, kids just can’t resist joining in all the activities. Based around a colourful theme involving lots of lively games, Perform use the power of children’s imaginations to get everyone involved.

With an impressive range of drama themes to choose from there is something for everyone.

For children aged 4-12 years. www.perform.org.uk/parties.html 0845 400 4000 enquiries@perform.org.uk.

What to eat?

Simply Scrumptious Cakes…

Lion Learners Lion Learners parties are an exciting and unique event that children will never forget. During the presentation they will run some activities, answer questions and give the children the chance to hold the animals, even some of the more exotic ones!

There’s no need to worry about mess, they bring everything they need with them and leave nothing behind! Prices from £120 for a 1 hour party. www.lionlearners.co.uk 07535 648961 enquiries@lionlearners.co.uk • Lego Parties www.young-engineers.co.uk 07500 734113 Brian@youngengineers.net • Adam Ants Parties www.adamantsparties.co.uk 0208 9591045 info@adamantsparties.co.uk

FILM AND THEATRE PARTIES

• The Luxe Cinema The Luxe, Alexandra Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1HQ Watch the latest film with friends and get the party started with a movie themed quiz to test their knowledge. The star of the birthday party gets to start the movie. Party box’s and a hot dog can be provided which includes pop corn, sweets and a drink. www.theluxecinema.com 01945 588808

Handmade novelty and sugar craft cakes made to order for every occasion, cakes can be created for a specific birthday theme with a special message. For more information, call 01945 587111 or email joanna@simply-scrumptious-cakes.co.uk www.simply-scrumptious-cakes.co.uk M AY / J U N E 2014

|9

Families Feature

Choosing your childcare Childcare costs are increasing – but it’s quality that matters the most for any parent. Joanna Moorhead looks at what option might suit you best, plus what’s new in 2014 According to a recent survey from findababysitter.com, childcare costs are soaring – up by 19% over the last year.

Every parent knows that what matters most about any sort of childcare is its quality – it’s vital that your child is safe, happy and in a stimulating environment while you’re at work – but the money matters too. So what are the factors you need to take into account when you’re choosing childcare in readiness for returning to work?

A

A NANNY MIGHT SUIT YOU IF...

• You’re a reasonably high earner – nannies can be expensive, though they’re a lot more affordable if you share them with another family. As well as basic pay, there are a lot of extras to be aware of when you employ a nanny – particularly her tax, which you are required to pay, but also car insurance if she’s driving your car, and the costs of all the outings and visits your child is taken on.

• You work irregular hours. That’s because you can pay a nanny to work the hours you work, whereas a nursery or childminder will be less flexible about time • You have two or more children, or have one baby and hope to have another very soon, because you’ll pay your nanny for her time, not for the number of children she’s looking after • You have quite rigorous ideas about, for example, the food you want your child to eat, and the schedule you want for his or her day.

You can be a lot more prescriptive as a parent with a nanny than you can with a nursery or childminder, where your child will have to fit into a pre-existing schedule established by the institution or minder.

A CHILDMINDER MIGHT SUIT YOU IF...

• You work part-time or are not a high earner (childminders are usually the cheapest or, as many would prefer to put it, the best-value option) • You have two or more children and would

like them to see a lot of each other through the day • You like the idea of another mother caring for your child – most childminders are mothers themselves A NURSERY MIGHT SUIT YOU IF...

• You have an only child or this is your youngest child and you are unlikely to have more in the near future – because a nursery will give him or her plenty of opportunities to play with other children • Your child is not a small baby, and so many benefit particularly from the organised activities a nursery can offer • You like the idea of a setting where events are regulated in a way that involves a lot of carers, rather than just one

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN 2014?

Childcare is always a political hot potato – and with a General Election looming in just over a year’s time, politicians are saying more and doing more about it. Here’s what’s new on the childcare horizon: • From September this year, more two-yearolds will be offered 15 hours of free childcare each week, because the eligibility criteria are being expanded. See your local authority website for more information – they’ll be publishing full details of who’s eligible and how to find a place • Free universal childcare for all pre-school children is being promised by Labour in their election manifesto. If they’re elected to power next time round, the Labour leadership is likely to make a dramatic announcement about the way childcare will be organised in Britain in the coming years • The new tax-free childcare scheme comes into effect from 2015. Under that, parents will be able to claim 20% of the cost of registered childcare up to £1,200 per child per year. Both parents must be working to qualify, or a single parent must be in

employment.

• Last year’s report from the Department of Education that proposed making changes to the child to staff ratios in nurseries and for childminders was shelved after the Liberal Democrats objected, but the government has consulted on relaxing ratios and quality criteria for out-of-school childcare with the aim of making it easier for schools to offer provision. At the moment the issue is with the Department for Education, and an announcement is expected soon.

• Under the Children and Families Bill, currently going through Parliament, Ofsted will be made ‘the sole arbiter of quality’.

This means that local authorities will not be able to impose their own quality conditions on providers who offer childcare under the existing scheme offering free places for three and four year olds (provided these providers are not rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted). Some parents will see this as a good thing, as it could lead to a wider choice of providers; or they might see it as a bad thing, as local authorities will be able to do less to force childcarers to improve their services.

REFERENCES

Organisations offering advice and information on childcare include: Childcare.co.uk An online social networking platform for parents, childcare providers and private tutors. www.childcare.co.uk The Family and Childcare Trust is a campaigning organisation with a helpful bank of information for parents. www.familyandchildcaretrust.org The Pre-school Learning Alliance is England’s largest early years membership organisation. www.pre-school.org.uk Working Families aims to help parents and carers achieve a work-life balance.

More at www.workingfamilies.org.uk

M AY / J U N E 2014

| 11

Families Education

Prep Schools: What are they and how to choose the right one?

By Ellen Arnison

raditionally a preparatory school was where children went to ‘prepare’ to go to one of the major British public schools, such as Eton and Harrow, working up to them sitting the Common Entrance exam at 13. However, while that picture still exists in some cases, the situation now varies widely.

Broadly, there are two kinds of prep school – one where the children leave at 11, perhaps after an 11 + exam, and one where the children sit the Common Entrance exam then leave at 13.

In some cases youngsters attend a prep school until they reach their 11 + exam and then transfer to a local (state) grammar school.

The smaller classes and more focussed attention in a prep school can improve their chances. This is particularly appealing to parents who think their child won’t get what they require from the nearby state primaries.

Traditionally boys attended prep schools up to age 13, either to sit the Common Entrance exam (part of the admissions process for academically selective secondary schools) and then to move on elsewhere or to graduate to the attached senior school almost automatically. However, girls as well as boys now attend prep school on this basis as across the board the trend is to move from single-sex education to co-ed.

But it isn’t just about the exams, in both cases the prep schools can provide far more, including a wide range of sports and more specialised subjects, such as Latin, which the

T

pupils will need as they move through their education.

Julie Robinson, a former prep school head and Education and Training Director at the Independent Association of Prep Schools said: “They say the independent sector seems to bring a set of high expectations: a huge amount of time invested in pastoral support and personal development for the children, excellent facilities and a focus on learning.

“Parents believe their investment in fees is an investment in their children’s future.”

However, the range of places to invest and ways to ensure the best for your children is enormous. At first glance the decision about whether or not to use a prep school and, indeed, which one is best can seem bewildering.

There are more than 1,000 prep schools in the UK taking children to 11 and 13, traditionally they are boarding schools

12

|

M AY / J U N E 2014

Does the school offer the facilities you would like to see, such as for sport, music or drama?

images: © Kings Ely 2014

The smaller ore classes and m on ti focussed atten ol in a prep scho ir the can improve chances

Families Education but nowadays many parents chose to send their children daily.

Equally some prep schools will be part of ‘all-through’ schools catering from the age of three up to 18 and some will be attached to a senior school.

Some prep schools adhere to the National Curriculum but they are not bound to, which can give them freedom to offer a broader and more varied curriculum that isn’t burdened by tests.

There isn’t always an entrance exam for preps schools, in many cases the school will just want to interview you and your child, perhaps inviting him or her to spend a ‘taster’ session in class. This also allows teaching staff to observe how your child fits in.

The decision is easier when you look to the end destination – the senior school –work backwards. Your decision will be narrowed by considering if there is a school attached to your preferred secondary and what kinds of criteria they use to select pupils.

ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: • Does the school fit the basic requirements of you and your child in terms of gender, day and/or boarding, religious denomination, curriculum and location?

• Does it meet your educational objectives in terms of offering the exams your child will need to sit?

• W ill your child be happy there? Do you get good feedback from other parents and children?

• Does the school get a good report? How are the exam results, the general atmosphere and the teaching quality?

“Prep schools that are part of a 3-18 family of schools can provide the best of both worlds, as they share the ethos of the school to which the child should progress. They can offer an excellent, ageappropriate education for that stage in the child’s development, and provide good opportunities for children to experience the senior school to ensure a seamless, happy transition when the time comes.”

GARETH JONES, HEAD OF THE PERSE PREP, CAMBRIDGE

• Do you like the ethos of school? It’s usually very clear and follows strong leadership from the Head.

• What is the teaching and staff turnover like?

• What is the curriculum?

• How big are the classes?

• What is the school’s approach to discipline and rules?

• What did the most recent inspection report say?

• What are the pastoral care facilities like?

• Does the school offer the facilities you would like to see, such as for sport, music or drama?

• Is there a wide-enough range of extra curricular activities?

• Does the school give value for money for what you want?

Be careful to take extras into account.

M AY / J U N E 2014

| 13

Easter Clubs & Classes Listings SUPER CAMPS -THE PERSE SCHOOL CAMBRIDGE DAYS ARE 9AM - 5PM WITH EXTENDED CARE AVAILABLE Perfectly located for families needing school holiday childcare in Cambridge, Super Camps at The Perse offers a fulfilling school holiday activity experience that combines wonderful outdoor pitches and courts with state-of-the-art indoor amenities. Over the Easter holidays there are two different types of camp offered so there is bound to be something that will inspire your child.

The Perse Prep School Multi-Activity Super Camps & The Perse Prep School A Passion for Arts & Crafts. Prices from £42 per day www.supercamps.co.uk 01235 832222

4

Staying out for the summer…

It’s May and summer is ages away, or is it? Just think in eight to ten weeks or so, that’s it, end-of-term, and then what?

Don’t get caught out, plan ahead and life will be a lot easier. They (or you) may not want every waking moment time-tabled but children do like to know what they will be doing during the summer break, it gives them a focus, something to look forward to and get excited about and they will appreciate their ‘free’ time all the more. Day camps provide safe and secure childcare and also offer opportunities for children to learn a new skill and make new friends. Some camps offer early-bird discounts or reductions when you enrol more than one child and most camps now accept childcare vouchers. Here is a preview of some of the camps and workshops in Cambridgeshire this summer.

GRAFHAM WATER CENTRE DISCOVERY CLUB HUNTINGDON DAYS ARE 8.30AM - 5.30PM Grafham Water Centre multi-activity Discovery Club is for young people aged 8 upwards who want to try new activities or develop existing skills, meet new friends of

1

a similar age and most importantly have fun! Go for either 1,2,3,4 or 5 days. You will learn skills in water activities such as sailing, canoeing and windsurfing and also land based skills such as archery, climbing and high ropes. A healthy lunch is provided. Prices from £40 per day- multi day discounts available!

If you buy one place you get one place half price if you take a friend or a sibling.

Please quote FAMILIES when booking www.grafham-water-centre.co.uk POSH FUN DAYS – PETERBOROUGH UNITED FOUNDATION’S FOOTBALL COURSES NEALE WADE SPORTS CENTRE IN MARCH, HAMPTON FOOTBALL CLUB IN PETERBOROUGH. DAYS ARE 10AM - 3PM Peterborough United Foundation is offering courses for boys and girls aged between 4 and 12 years. All courses will be delivered

by FA and UEFA qualified coaches who will put on a variety of fun-based football activities.Players will also get the chance to meet the first team stars who will visit for one day at each venue to sign autographs and pose for photos.

Non members £15 for 1 day, £25 for 2 days and £30 for 3 days.

To book please call 01733 341628

3

BARRACUDAS ACTIVITY DAY CAMPS ST FAITH’S SCHOOL CAMBRIDGE DAYS ARE FROM 8AM - 6PM Barracudas offers multiactivity day camps for children aged between 4½ to 16 years. They have been running activity day camps for 22 years now, and have an experienced team who make sure your children always have a brilliant time.

Your holiday childcare is covered with activity holidays that are Ofsted registered, giving parents peace of mind, whilst ensuring maximum FUN for kids! A wide range of activities are on offer from Monday 28th July until Friday 22nd August. Prices from £35 per day www.barracudas.co.uk 0845 123 5299

2

14

|

M AY / J U N E 2014

THE LITTLE GYM COMPANY CAMBRIDGE 22ND JULY - 28TH AUGUST The little Gym Company are running 3hr long Ofsted approved camp sessions where children will run, tumble, jump their way through fun theme based activities and games. The structured sessions incorporate activities in the gym as well as arts and crafts. Each week they will have a different theme. The camps will run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The Little Gym company accept childcare vouchers for their camp sessions.

Non members £35 for 3 hours members £28 Camps run for 6 weeks, quote ‘FAMILIES’ when buying 5 weeks to get the 6th week FREE. £140 for members and £175 for non-members. www.thelittlegym.co.uk/ cambridge 01223 324554

5

Summer holiday camps and workshops MUSICALE SUMMER MUSIC COURSES ST FAITH’S SCHOOL CAMBRIDGE MONDAY 4TH AUGUST – FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST 9.30AM - 4.00PM Gill and David Johnston have masterminded Musicale Holidays since 1977. Their passion is to involve children in meaningful and, above all, enjoyable music making through a series of fun but structured programmes. Many of their staff grew up attending a Summer Musicale, and now they are passing on their enthusiasm to the next generation of young musicians.

Step Up to Music for 5-9yr olds £245 Instrumental Course for 7-18yr olds £265 www.musicale.co.uk 01582713333

7

KINGS CAMPS THE LEYS SCHOOL CAMBRIDGE DAYS ARE 9AM -4PM WITH EXTENDED CARE AVAILABLE Kings Multi-Active brings together the very best elements of sports and holiday clubs.

The programme is run at venues across the UK throughout the summer breaks. It is suitable for children of all abilities who want to enjoy an active lifestyle and healthy living.

Multi-Active is a chance to try lots of new activities, including arts and crafts, parachute games, swimming and football.

Juniors enjoy longer 45 minute sessions that help them learn and progress in a variety of different sports, as well as taking part in team building games.

Prices start from £147 per week. www.kingscamps.org 0114 263 2160

6

STAGECOACH SUMMER WORKSHOPS NEWMARKET, PETERBOROUGH, HUNTINGDON AND CAMBRIDGE Building confidence and increasing self esteem, the workshops celebrate team-work at the same time as inspiring individual students to develop their performance skills.

8

Students work at their own pace, discovering their own versatility as they master acting roles, improve singing and learn exciting new dance routines. Holiday clubs and summer camps are suitable for 8-18 year olds, with some offering shorter early stages versions for children age 4-7. www.stagecoach.co.uk