Families Leeds & West Yorkshire September/October 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

BACK TO SCHOOL CLUBS & CLASSES AUTUMN FUN OUTDOORS Boo Discou k 10am–5.30pm nte Tickets d Weekends Online from 5th Oct & Daily from 26 Oct – 3 Nov

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

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Issue 66 September/October 2019

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museumsandgalleries .leeds.gov.uk/lotherton

Spooky Scarecrow Trail

Sat 26 Oct - Sun 3 Nov 10am—6pm* Follow us into the night with our Spooky Scarecrow Trail, visit Skeletown and enjoy activities on our Halloween Fun Day, 31 Oct. *last entry 5.30pm

lotherton

Nurture, Learn, Develop, Grow…

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An independent preparatory school for children aged 3-11 Richmond House School, 170 Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 5LG

0113 275 2670

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Open Morning Saturday 5th October, 10am – 12pm

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It is never too soon to start their learning journey.

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WELCOME BACK

CONTENTS… 4–5

NEWS

7

GO WILD THIS AUTUMN! Fun ideas for the great outdoors

8

GIVE IT A GO:

7

Trying a new club or class 9

CLASS REVIEW: Tiny Signers

12

APPLY YOURSELF: Becoming a foster carer

14 – 15

11

WHAT’S ON? Guide to family events in September and October

Thank you to School House Photography for our fabulous front cover image.

To find out more about School House Photography turn to page 11.

Please contact Claire Bottomley to advertise in this magazine…

07799 667 041 editor@familiesleeds.co.uk CIRCULATION: We distribute 25,000 copies of the magazine free of charge through schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes, selected retail outlets and sports centres. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

DESIGNED BY: Justin Leeming • 07745 038 005 www.justinleeming.crevado.com PRINTED BY: Charlesworth Press, Wakefield www.charlesworth.com Families Leeds is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Leeds are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Leeds.

Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Leeds Ltd; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

The winner of our Red Hatch Farm Books competition was Patricia Wright and the winners of our Rob Biddulph Show and Tell competition were Maddie Coelho and Liz Gardner. Congratulations to them and thank you to all who entered.

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Welcome back...

12 OFF YOU GO DEAR, MISSING YOU ALREADY

Ah, autumn. The season of lists and mellow routineliness.

There’s that thrill of the new school year, the promise of organisation and order. Children, teachers, parents and carers smile warmly in the September sunshine as they greet one another in the playground.

Of course, in a few short months, we’ll all be battling through sleet to get to school, with a precariously assembled Motte and Bailey under one arm and a leaking water bottle under the other, desperately rummaging around to cobble together emergency contributions to the Harvest Festival/charity fundraiser/someone’s leaving present/drama costume. We’ll all be suffering our third bout of the common cold, and parents will be trying not to think about the looming holiday and all that needs to be done before it arrives.

So, let’s all take a moment and appreciate this fresh start – as pristine as a new pencil and as promising as an unopened exercise book.

It’s nice while it lasts!

Claire Bottomley (Editor)

Families Leeds 3

Families NEWS… Sign of SucceSS for Vicki An inspirational Leeds mum and long-standing friend of Families magazine has received a Yorkshire Choice award for outstanding achievement.

Vicki Gilbert, who among other things runs Tiny Signers, was presented with the Kate Granger award for her many fundraising efforts and community contributions.

Vicki has raised a lot of money for various charities, including Marie Curie, Martin House, Breast Cancer Now and Aspire – mostly by swimming in open water. She also helped run Leeds Voluntary Support Group for 12 years, including organising Leeds Gluten Free food fair and acting as children’s co-ordinator. She has been a Beavers leader and is now a leader for Cubs, and runs exercise classes for those living with and beyond cancer. She is hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning this month.

Vicki was presented with the award, which is in memory Dr Kate Granger, by Dr Granger’s husband Chris Pointon at a ceremony at Elland Road Stadium.

Turn to page 9 to read a Tiny Signers class review. www.tinysigners.co.uk

Win WIN Win… We have a spooktastic new drawing and activity book to be won – just in time for Halloween.

The Monster Book of Zombies, Spooks and Ghouls by Jason Ford is packed full of drawing and doodling activities, featuring favourite spooky fiends and foe.

Children can get creative as they design a zombie dinner menu, learn how to draw a vampire and even invent their own creepy characters.

Out on October 1, it’s aimed at ages seven to 11, and includes over 50 spine-tingling tasks for readers to tackle... if they dare. To be in with a chance to win one, send an email with the word ZOMBIE in the title to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk by September 30.

4 Families Leeds

Get set for the World cup with Rugbytots Bradford!

Later this month, the men’s Rugby World Cup will kick off in Japan – after England’s success in the Cricket World Cup earlier this summer, are our national teams on a roll? Let’s hope so. And what’s great about big sporting events is the way that they can inspire young players to get involved. It’s never too early!

Rugbytots is a fantastic place to start.

Neil Hodgson was a semi-professional Rugby Union player before he retired and took a corporate job. A year ago, he made a life change and took over Rugbytots Bradford, which provides classes in Saltaire, Bingley, Wyke, Rawdon, Huddersfield and Denby Dale.

“It’s been a ball, I love coaching kids,” he said. “I’ve played from a young age and it’s always been my dream to share my passion for the sport with others.”

Together with another coach, Conor, he runs classes on various days of the week as well as going into schools and nurseries to teach.

The fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination, learning how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team.

Classes are from age two to seven. For more information, visit www.rugbytots.co.uk or call 0345 313 0804.

The Rugby World Cup will be held in Japan from September 20 to November 2. We have a copy of Rugby World Cup Kids’ Handbook up for grabs. To be in with a chance to win it, email the word Rugby to editor@familiesleeds.co.uk by September 16.

Mining adVentuReS at the MuSeuM… There’s lots going on at the National Coal Mining Museum this Autumn. For Halloween, children aged seven plus can join a spooky adventure in the pit and help solve a mining mystery, make crafts and hear spine tingling stories in the Victorian Gallery.

And the Welly Walk sets out to find the Caphouse Gnome, who has gone missing. In folklore, gnomes have watched over woodlands and mines. Can you help find him? www.ncm.org.uk

WELLY WALKS WOODLAND FAIRY

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FAMILIES NEWS

Mindfulness on curriculum with Siân The founder and teacher of a yoga and mindfulness class in Leeds has qualified to teach a mindfulness curriculum to primary aged children.

Siân Stowell, from Body, Mind & Heart, has met and taught hundreds of children over the last year. “With this I have grown more curious about mindfulness in my own practise and with the fun activities I have shared with the children,” said Siân.

She has now trained in the Youth Mindfulness Kids Programme, qualifying her to teach a full mindfulness curriculum within primary schools and her private classes.

In its simplest form, Mindfulness is noticing what is happening right here and right now. “A mindfulness practice often begins with paying attention to your senses through different short playful activities that are fun for everyone. So, it doesn’t matter if your child finds it difficult to sit still for even a second,” said Siân.

Studies have shown that mindfulness can help children in the following ways: • calm a busy mind through focusing on one of the senses at a time • deal with difficult emotions • feel happier through spending time thinking about what you are grateful for • improve concentration by paying attention • changes the brain so you’re able to better decide how to respond to challenges For more information contact Siân by emailing bodymindand heart@hotmail.com, call 07903 366 753 or visit www.bodymind andheartyoga.com

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

But researchers from the University of Bristol using data from a study of children between the ages of seven to 17 have found that instead of being harmed by their diets, children who had been picky eaters at age three were growing normally as adolescents with a healthy height and weight. The researchers claim the study shows that even children who are picky as pre-schoolers usually eat well enough over time to ensure they grow properly.

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Sad dadS… It is well recognised that new and expectant mothers can experience mental health problems, but little attention has been paid to new fathers. Amidst recent research suggesting that at least 10% of new fathers suffer from depression, a new study has found new fathers can be beset by feelings of guilt and failure to live up to societal expectations to be stoic, strong and providers of support.

The researchers found that fathers often interpret their struggles as a personal failure as a man and father, and refuse to regard their own problems as legitimate compared to those of their partner. This leads to reluctance in reaching out or seeking advice, further compounding any issues and making isolation a significant problem.

New fathers also reported a lack of prior knowledge or awareness of the mental health challenges they could face as a result of having a baby. www.nct.org.uk/life-parent/dads-and-partners

Monster charity Marathon at Brontë House School Pupils at Brontë House School invited their parents and grandparents to join them in a Monster Marathon last term, to raise money for the charity Dementia Revolution.

Participants were sponsored to run half mile laps of the school grounds. In total, the runners clocked up a grand total of over 700 miles – the equivalent of 27 marathons, the distance from Manchester to Munich – and raised over £8,000.

Dementia Revolution is an organisation that aims to raise awareness of dementia and fund vital research into the illness. The school first learnt about the charity through Dr Barney Tinsley, who has a child in Year Four at the school, and whose work for Dementia Revolution the school has been supporting for some time.

Sarah Chatterton, Head of School said,“Brontë House is a real community and the money raised for Dementia Revolution shows what can be achieved when this community comes together. I am tremendously proud of our pupils who demonstrate the same level of enthusiasm across everything they do – whether this fundraising, academic work, sport or the performing arts. They constantly strive to be the best they can be and are a true inspiration.” www.woodhousegrove.co.uk/bronte-house www.dementiarevolution.org

Families Leeds 5

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FROEBELIAN SCHOOL O P E N D AY

A flying start from the age of three

Saturday 28 September 2019 10:00am – 12:00pm Teacher-led, structured learning through play from the age of three To register your interest, please email openday@froebelian.co.uk

THE FROEBELIAN SCHOOL Giving a Flying Start to the Citizens of Tomorrow

6 Families Leeds

Visit www.froebelian.com or call 0113 2583047 The Froebelian School, Clarence Road, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4LB

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

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

Outdoor Halloween

GO WILD this AUTUMN!

By Jo Schofield & Fiona Danks UTUMN; a time for playing in crisp, colourful leaves and raiding conker trees. A time when fields are woven with glistening spiders’ webs on misty mornings and wild food is plentiful in the hedgerows and woods.

Just because summer’s over, there’s no need to abandon the great outdoors. There’s a wealth of fun activities you and your children can enjoy as the temperatures start to cool. Here are just a few ideas:

A

Make Leaf Mobiles Celebrate Autumn’s amazing colours by creating a brightly coloured mobile.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hold a Wild Bake-Off challenge

More about Going Wild…

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www.goingwild.net

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Families Leeds 7

CLUBS & CLASSES ire Win Trying a New Club or Class By Clarages them ter

trying a new activity encou Whatever the age of your child, learn new skills. to be more adventurous and For parents of under fives, classes and clubs can enrich a child’s day with different environments and activities. Vitally, these activities also provide social stimulation for parents.

Meanwhile, the lives of older children have been changed by modern technology, and we need to encourage them to be more active and step away from their smartphone, Xbox, or PlayStation.

Here are Families’ helpful tips for encouraging your child to try something new…

target their interests A good starting point is to look at your child’s current interests. Their school may offer a wide range of classes and clubs from IT to sport. Additionally, local sports centres and clubs, libraries and art centres are often teeming with opportunities to join classes and clubs.

Most toddlers and pre-schoolers enjoy sing and rhyme classes or activities that involve physical activity. MusicBugs and Diddi Dance are fantastic, as are Tumble Tots and Rugby Tots.

understand What’s Stopping them Many children can be apprehensive, but if your child is consistently shying away from

Highlight the Benefits Focus on the positive things your child will gain by taking part in a particular sport or activity, such as certificates, medals or stickers, job or education opportunities in the future, or getting fitter.

Help their anxiety and Build confidence

NORTHERN ARTS FACTORY: NURTURING CREATIVITY

trying new activities, sit down with them and try to find out why. Once you know the cause of their anxiety, you can help address it.

If your toddler or pre-schooler is reluctant to join in a class, do it with them. Swimming lessons are a great shared experience, and you can start from a very young age. Baby Swimmers and Little Splashers at Cookridge Hall offer lovely classes.

co-Ordinate with Others Many children simply want to fit in, so if this is important to your child, look for popular activities and maybe suggest something their friends already do.

For pre-school and toddler classes, taking part with friends can mean structured activities keep the little ones occupied while you get to connect and build bonds with other parents who have children at the same age and stage.

Getting involved in and enjoying any activity will do this, but in particular, performing arts can boost confidence. Sally Harington from Northern Arts Factory said,“Children are encouraged to play a major part in the creative process at our theatre school, contributing ideas and making decisions about their work. All voices are valued, including the shy and the confident alike.”

She said the classes are attended by both boys and girls, adding,“We are far removed from any notions of stardom or celebrity, we nurture creativity and promote positivity and self-belief.”

Siân Stowell runs Body, Mind and Heart, which offers yoga and mindfulness classes for children aged between five and 11. She said the classes can have a big impact on their ability to cope with daily challenges. She said, “They provide the chance to have fun in an inclusive safe environment with emphasis on a positive yoga practise, without perfection.”

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CLUBS & CLASSES

CLASS REVIEW: Tiny Signers Enjoy the fun activity with your little one while learning new ways to understang them.

I had almost forgotten how magical Tiny Signers was, until I sat down once more with a group of tots and parents to enjoy songs, stories and conversation using sign.

My youngest and I were at a drop-in session at the Marjorie & Arnold Ziff Community Centre in Meanwood one Wednesday afternoon.

I remembered Signing Sam, the resident puppet from Tiny Signing with my older children – and we met our teacher, Rachel.

Like all Tiny Signers teachers, Rachel is well trained and qualified, with a background in Speech Therapy, and she uses British Sign Language throughout the class.

But Tiny Signers is not so much about ‘learning a skill’. It’s about learning – or getting to know – your child. When communication with them can still be limited and frustrating, signing offers an extraordinary helping hand.

We meet each member of the group as in turn they take a little toy from a bag Rachel offers. We learn the sign for the toy and also for the child’s name.

Next we sing one of my daughter’s favourites – Row Your Boat, adapted with animals and signs for them – lion, polar bear and crocodile, as well as river, boat and stream. We enjoy a story, more songs and some exciting props and instruments.

WHERE: Horsforth, Apperley Bridge, Baildon, Saltaire, Menston, Meanwood & Yeadon.

WHEN: Various, Monday to Friday – drop in and rolling class programmes.

Free taster sessions.

AGES: From around six months to school age.

Going back week after week, you build your vocabulary and confidence with signing.

But it doesn’t take long to pick up a few signs which can really help in day to day life.

My older children used to sign ‘more’ ‘milk’ ‘all gone’ as well as ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

Tiny Signers was founded by Vicki Gilbert.

“I’m always so excited to share this amazing tool with other parents and carers,” she said.

“It is truly wonderful and really does open a window into your child’s mind.”

The session is very relaxed and supportive, Rachel even offers to make us all a hot drink – something I for one never refuse!

There is huge excitement when the bubbles and their accompanying song come along at the end of the session.

We leave with my signing vocabulary dusted down and ready to use with the youngest member of the family – who has loved Tiny Signers and, I can tell, is ready to carry on signing.

For more information on classes, visit www.tinysigners.co.uk or call 07742 296 160.

GUIDING CHILDREN AGED 5)11 TO BUILD STRENGTH & AWARENESS, ALL WITH FEELING. Classes at the Grove Centre, Horsforth, LS18 4BH Tuesday 4.45pm & Friday 4pm E. bodymindandheart@hotmail.com • T. 07903 366 753 W. bodymindandheartyoga.com

Coming to your school soon.

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Climbing and café 2 ½ years to adult Groups e.g. Scouts, School Trips / PE, Special Needs Sessions, Team Building Parties with or without food

Booking essential: www.clipnclimbilkley.co.uk or call: 01943 603 829

• Life coaching for you, your child, or your school • Help with low confidence, anxiety, anger issues • Mindfulness & relaxation techniques • Tailored sessions Call 07702 562005 • e: abowmanlifecoach@hotmail.com www.positivityroom.com

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Families Leeds 9

SCHOOL NEWS...

Work hard, be kind at FuLneck ScHOOL “Our ethos of ‘Work hard, be kind’ permeates everything that we do.” – that’s the message from Paul Taylor, Principal of Fulneck School.

Class sizes are small – a pupil teacher ratio of approximately one adult for every six children in the Junior School and classes are rarely larger than 15 in the Senior School and much smaller by GCSE stage.

“This personalised experience, alongside our non-selective academic approach, means that no child gets lost amongst their peers at Fulneck,” said Mr Taylor.

“Pupils will be stretched both academically and non-academically to do the best that they can,” he added. “In 2018, our pupils achieved a 100% pass rate in their A level and BTEC qualifications.

At the same time, they are encouraged to develop the rounded qualities that make us human – emotional intelligence, compassion and empathy – in short, being kind.”

Getting to Fulneck, which is set in an idyllic rural location, just off the Leeds Ring Road, may be easier than you think, with four private bus routes across Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees. There’s also free wrap around care and flexible single night boarding options.

A school open day will be held on September 28 from 10am to 1pm. For more information, call 0113 257 0235 or email SW@fulneckschool.co.uk.

a Flying Start from three at Froebelian…

“At The Froebelian School, from the age of three, we seek to equip our boys and girls with a lifelong thirst for and love of learning,” says headteacher Catherine Dodds.

Mrs Dodds says benefits of joining a school environment from the age of three have long been documented. They include: • Early positive social interactions with other children, teachers and adults other than their own family, which encourages children to have a positive, secure view of themselves.

• Learning how to share, co-operate, take turns and persevere within a safe learning environment, guided by professionals, which can be particularly beneficial to first or only children.

• Discovering new experiences, friends and environments. Balancing this with the ability to listen, follow directions and participate in group activities develops concentration.

• Learning from an early age that everyone is unique and special in their own way with their own culture, beliefs and ethnicity encourages young children to value difference and diversity.

• A lifelong love of learning takes root in the early years.

“We encourage children to be effective learners who not only engage in learning experiences, but also invest in them,” added Mrs Dodds. “Introducing children of three to a school environment instils in them a curiosity for learning and knowledge, which provides a perfect springboard for their move to a reception class.

Experience a morning at Froebelian on September 28 from 10am–12pm. Register your interest at openday@froebelian.co.uk www.froebelian.com.

10 Families Leeds

all together now at GSaL… The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has brought all its pupils together under one roof for the first time. Its nursery and pre-prep have been relocated from Rose Court in Headingley, to the main campus at Alwoodley Gates, creating a single school community for pupils from three to 18 years old.

Classrooms and play areas have been designed with the needs of each year group in mind, and pupils will enjoy access to specialist facilities for sport, art, music and much more.

GSAL Primary School will be led by Mrs Gabrielle Solti, who has arrived this September from South Hampstead High School, where she was head of the Junior School. She said, “I am thrilled to be joining GSAL at such an exciting time. The new primary phase will be integral to the whole school community, offering the pupils wonderful opportunities within the classroom and beyond.”

For more information, visit www.gsal.org.uk.

new Purpose-built nursery at RicHMOnd HOuSe ScHOOL Richmond House School has been investing in buildings and facilities for its youngest pupils this year.

Its Early Years building has been demolished and replaced with a new, purpose-built Nursery School and two Reception classrooms. The building is designed to create the optimal learning environment for the younger children. This includes areas for quieter learning, space for messy play, and a cosy, age-appropriate library to encourage a love of reading. The design even includes separate welly storage for the children’s all-important outdoor learning lessons in the school’s yurt and 10 acres of fields.

Headteacher, Helen Stiles said,“We are very excited about our new Early Years development. Whilst the new building creates a more spacious learning environment, it does not increase the capacity of the school, as we want to maintain its warm, family feel. The increased, carefully designed space, will give our youngest children the best opportunities to learn, develop and play from the moment they join our school.”

For more information, visit www.rhschool.org.

Queen ethelburga’s Judged ‘excellent’ by inspectorate The Independent Schools Inspectorate has awarded Queen Ethelburga’s the top grading of ‘Excellent’ across all schools and areas, praising the pupils’ outstanding academic achievements and personal development. The school’s Early Years Foundation Stage provision in Chapter House, was also assessed as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.

Steven Jandrell, Principal said,“We are absolutely delighted with this report, which praises our pupils’ outstanding academic achievements and personal development.

“I would like to thank our staff, pupils and parents for their continued support in making the Queen Ethelburga’s community the special place it is.”

For more information, visit www.qe.org.

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SCHOOL NEWS

School Photography in a diFFeRent cLaSS! Two Yorkshire mums who met in the playground have set up an exciting new business. Both professional photographers, Caroline Johnston and Helen Spencer created School House Photography.

“We both wanted to develop a new offering, of elegant school photos, without breaking anyone’s bank,” said Helen.

An example of their fabulous photograph can be seen here, and on the front cover of this issue of the magazine.

“We decided to create a set of flexible options for schools who want to ‘mix things up’ a bit, and to make the process completely admin-free for the school office,” explained Caroline.

Schools are never charged for the team’s services, which include studio portraits, natural, outdoor portraits and friendship groups, Year Six leavers ‘hoodie’ photos, class photos, nativity portraits and other event coverage.

Helen and Caroline, who are both DBS checked, will travel to any schools or nurseries in Yorkshire within reasonable travelling distance for a cup of tea!

For more information, visit www.schoolhousephotography.co.uk, or email at photoschoolhouse@ gmail.com.

Schools or nurseries who make a booking in 2019, for any future date, will receive 20% commission.

School children tackle Speeding drivers An initiative in parts of West Yorkshire is getting primary school pupils to confront speeding motorists, in a bid to enforce the 20mph speed limit near schools.

The Junior Roadwatch scheme involves drivers who are caught speeding and pulled over by police officers being given the option of receiving a fixed penalty fine and points on their license, attending a speeding awareness course or being told off by children.

Drivers “deemed suitable” to speak to the pupils following a police national computer check will face questions such as “are you aware of the consequences of speeding” and “why do you think the speed limit is 20mph on this road?”.

Collisions are a leading cause of serious injury, disability or death of children in the UK. In 2017, 48 children died in road collisions in the UK and over 15,700 children were injured.

Similar schemes are being used elsewhere, including parts of London, Hertfordshire and Northumberland.

i

inquisitive and curious.

I am Grovian.

Now offering 51 week child care for 2 to 4 year olds.

Open Mornings

Saturday 21 September Saturday 16 November register at woodhousegrove.co.uk

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BRONTË HOUSE Families Leeds 11

Challenging a Will Gupreet Birdi from Emsleys solicitors explains what happens when a Will is contested.

When someone passes away, it is undoubtedly an extremely difficult time for family and friends – even more so if there is a disagreement in relation to the Will. Unfortunately families do fall out. Disputes occur, sometimes even more so when there is a death in a family.

It is not unknown for a Will reading to result in a formal dispute or legal action (known as ‘litigation’). A Will can be challenged in several situations: there may be concerns around the circumstances leading up to and including the manner in which a Will was signed or witnessed; or there could be beneficiaries who believed that they would be left a gift in a Will but find this is not the case.

If there is a dispute over the validity of a Will, a ‘Caveat’ can be lodged with the Probate Registry to prevent any further actions.

This effectively freezes the estate of the deceased until any issues are resolved.

A Caveat can be renewed or extended and allows time for investigations to take place. It can be a useful tool, however it is important you are clear about your intentions and reasons for entering a Caveat – it should not be misused.

There are a number of different grounds for challenging a Will, including: n Lack of capacity; n Undue influence; n Lack of knowledge and approval of the terms of the Will; n Fraudulence or forgery, or; n The Will has not been properly drafted and/or witnessed.

Each case must be carefully considered and this can be a complex task. There are specific requirements which must be met for a case to be successful.

For an individual to make a valid Will they must have capacity.

In other words, have they understood they are making a Will and the effect of it? Do they know the nature and value of their estate?

Do they understand the consequences of including and excluding certain people under their Will? These are some of the questions that will typically be asked when considering a challenge on the grounds of lack of testamentary capacity.

To prove that an individual was unduly influenced, coerced or under duress when making a Will, you must show ‘actual undue influence’. You might suspect undue influence if, for instance, a Will has been changed in a way that seems out of character or unusual, or if there has been a last-minute amendment which could be detrimental to the estate. Undue influence is difficult to prove because it has to be more than persuasion – the Courts look for evidence which shows that the deceased would not have made the gifts without influence.

The individual making the Will must also have knowledge of, and approve of, its content and they must understand they are signing a Will. If there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding this, it could give rise to an investigation into the deceased’s circumstances at the time.

For advice on Wills or Probate, contact Emsleys Solicitors’ specialist team on 0113 232 1030 or email dispute.resolution@emsleys.co.uk for a confidential discussion.

12 Families Leeds

Not everyone can foster, but could you?

Deciding to look into fostering could be one of the best things you’ll ever do.

Here, we find out one couple’s account of the assessment process…

“My partner and I came away from an information event by Foster 4 Leeds more determined than ever to become foster carers. We filled in our details on the website and were contacted by the recruitment team the next working day.

“We arranged for the staff member to visit us to talk about why we wanted to foster and address any reservations or concerns we still had. They also had a look around our rented home to make sure it was suitable.

“All went well and they left us with an application form to complete at our leisure. We didn’t feel under any pressure, but the truth was our minds were made up and helping a child by fostering is what we wanted to do.

“We completed the application form and not long afterwards we received an official letter saying it had been successful.

“The assessment took several months, which seemed long at the time but looking back I can understand why – these things need to be thorough. No stone was left un-turned but it really did seem like we were talking to a friend. All sorts of topics were covered such as our own childhoods, our opinions on certain topics, how we got together. Our assigned social worker came to know us better than we knew ourselves!

“We had to have a DBS check, a medical, and, most importantly, attend a three day ‘skills to foster’ course, which was massively beneficial. It gave us facts, scenarios, discussion topics and group work to do. No topic was taboo, although sometimes this was a little difficult – talking in detail about abuse for instance. Obviously, you can’t cover every eventuality in a three day course but what it did cover was eye opening, thought provoking and very beneficial. We even got to talk to a current foster carer.”

If you’d like to know more about fostering or drop-in information events, visit: www.foster4leeds.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk

Open Doors pt Friday 13 Se n o o n 9am - 12

An inspired move.

Our gates at Alwoodley are opening for 3 to 7-year-olds.

From September 2020 our nursery and pre-prep department, Rose Court, will be moving to our main campus at Alwoodley. To find out more call 0113 228 5121

familiesonline.co.uk

admissions@gsal.org.uk

Families Leeds 13

WHAT’S ON? Have you got an event you’d like us to list?

Email our What’s On editor, Lisa Ross, at lisa@familiesleeds.co.uk.

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

Digital Dimensions at Eureka! – Except Mondays until October 31 The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE 01422 330 069 www.eureka.org.uk Visit the new exhibition in Spark gallery for the latest digital activities for kids. Experience colourful motion tracking screens, touch-triggered shapes and games, and crack the code to reveal different digital effects.

Blacksmith Demonstrations at the National Coal Mining Museum – Weekly, Wednesday to Sunday Caphouse Colliery, New Rd, Overton WF4 4RH 01924 848 806 www.ncm.org.uk Drop in to the Blacksmith’s Forge at Hope Pit Workshop and see the museum’s resident Blacksmiths Jayne and Martin demonstrating their skills at 11.30am and 2pm.

Hidden Temple Newsam Tour – Tuesdays & Saturdays until October 29 Temple Newsam, Leeds, LS15 0AE www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Take a journey under the house and learn how the servants got around unseen. It involves some steep steps and uneven surfaces and is suitable for ages 7 plus.

11am.

Tiny Tigers at Leeds City Museum – Fridays until October 25 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Free craft activities for under-fives and their carers.

10am to 11.45am.

Weekend Crafts at Lotherton Hall – September & October Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB 0113 281 3259 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Come rain or shine Lotherton has something for all the family. Take a break and get crafty during your visit with activities in both the hall and Wildlife World on Saturdays and Sundays. Themes change weekly so there’s always something new to get stuck into.

Rory’s Tiger Club at Leeds City Museum – Saturdays Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Head down on Saturday mornings for different free craft activities. 11am to 12.15pm.

Muddy Monkeys at Kirkstall Abbey – Tuesdays, September 3 to October 22 Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk A friendly free session for under-fives and their carers.

Each week there’s a range of crafts, toys, books and instruments, and if the weather’s nice, games outside too. 10am to 11am.

Toddler Days at Eureka! – September 5 & 6 The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE 01422 330 069 www.eureka.org.uk Take your pre-schoolers for early years’ story times, activities and sensory play. 10am – 4pm.

Behind the Scenes Tour at Leeds Discovery Centre – Thursdays from September 5 Carlisle Road, Leeds, LS10 1LB 0113 378 2100 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk One of the best ways to access and see the Leeds Museums and Galleries collections is to hop onto a free store tour. From toucans and telephones to meteorites and masks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

11am and 2pm.

14 Families Leeds

Playground at Leeds Art Gallery – September 6 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA 0113 247 8256 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Under-fives multisensory events inspired by gallery artworks and exhibitions. 10am to 12pm.

Little Shoppers at Abbey House Museum – Fridays from September 6 to October 25 Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk A fun drop in session for under-fives in the Victorian Streets with a range of play shops, fake food and a trail or craft every week. 10am to 4pm.

Bus Rally & Running Day at the National Coal Mining Museum – September 8 Caphouse Colliery, New Rd, Overton WF4 4RH 01924 848 806 www.ncm.org.uk Take a look at a wide variety of restored and vintage display buses and enjoy free bus rides. 10am to 4pm.

Autumn Harvest at Lotherton Hall – September 8 Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB 0113 281 3259 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Join in with some appletastic fun at the annual autumn harvest. Take your pick of the bunch and taste freshly squeezed apple juice in the orchard. There’s vegetable sculpture making in the courtyard, garden games and a live brass band to keep the whole family dancing the day away. 10am to 5pm.

Little Lotherton – September 10 Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB 0113 281 3259 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Drop in with your little ones for a fun-filled few hours.

Enjoy crafts, toys and play, perfect for under-fives.

Afterwards, head across to Wildlife World to see the prickly porcupines and cheeky penguins splash about in their pool. 10am to 12pm.

Heritage Open Weekend at Leeds Industrial Museum – September 12 to 15 Armley Mills, Canal Rd, Armley, Leeds, LS12 2QF 0113 263 7861 Enjoy four days of free entry as part of Heritage Open Days. The Mill Engine will be steaming on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Curator led tours of the Loco Shed on Friday and Saturday and tours of the Victorian Schoolroom on Sunday.

Steam and Diesel Gala at Kirklees Light Railway – September 14 & 15 Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, HD8 9XJ 01484 865 727 www.kirkleeslightrailway.com The Friends of Kirklees Light Railway are hosting their 14th Annual Steam and Diesel Gala Weekend.

Story Weekend at Eureka! – September 21 & 22 The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE 01422 330 069 www.eureka.org.uk Meet some of your favourite characters from classic children’s stories and join an interactive storytelling sessions with a difference. 10am to 5pm.

Playground at Leeds Art Gallery – October 4 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA 0113 247 8256 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Under-fives multisensory events inspired by gallery artworks and exhibitions. 10am to 12pm.

Seasonal Nature Drop-in Session at TCV Skelton Grange – October 7 Skelton Grange Road, Leeds, LS10 1RS www.tcv.org.uk/skeltongrange Skelton Grange will be open to families and childminders between 10am and 1pm for one of four seasonal activity days each year. Let Skelton Grange know if you are planning to visit by registering.

Little Lotherton – October 8 Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB 0113 281 3259 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Drop in with your little ones for a fun-filled few hours.

Enjoy crafts, toys and play, perfect for under-fives.

Afterwards, head across to Wildlife World to see the prickly porcupines and cheeky penguins splash about in their pool. 10am to 12pm.

Hocus Pocus at Eureka! – October 19 to November 3 The National Children’s Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, HX1 2NE 01422 330 069 www.eureka.org.uk Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble! Be amazed by spells and sorcery as extra special guests from Black Knight Historical demonstrate the science behind the trickery.

10am to 5pm.

There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly at Carriageworks Theatre – October 25 The Electric Press, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD 0113 376 0318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk From the creators of Don’t Dribble On The Dragon, this magical show has been written for grown-ups and children, so relive the delights of this charming tale complete with a feast of sing-along songs, colourful animal characters and heart-warming family fun.

2.30pm.

Beastly Creepy Crawlies at Temple Newsam – October 26 to November 3 Temple Newsam, Leeds, LS15 0AE www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Spiders, bed bugs, carpet beetles and moths all want to set up home in Temple Newsam House but they have other ideas! Find out how to spot them and what they do to stop them during a bug busting half term. Get crafty and make your own spooky spider or bed bug to take home.

Spooky Scarecrow Trail at Lotherton Hall – October 26 to November 3 Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB 0113 281 3259 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk The Scarecrow trail is back and it’s bigger and better than ever before. The opening hours have been extended to make it even spookier with a scary walk through the haunted woods. Visit the Scarecrow Skeletown and experience the scary side of the Wild West, but only if you dare! With creepy crafts and activities every day, there will be plenty to entertain your little terrors at Lotherton this Halloween!

Halloween at Home Farm – October 26 to November 3 except Mondays Temple Newsam, Leeds, LS15 0AE www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Home Farm will be dressed up in its spookiest finery throughout the half term holidays. Take part in Halloween themed crafts in the Joiner’s Shop from 10am–4pm each day.

Big Draw Campaign at Leeds Art Gallery – October 26 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA 0113 247 8256 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Big Draw family fun using cartoon drawing skills and collage to make pictures that say something inspired by the New Contemporaries exhibition. 11am to 4pm.

Under the Sea Whale Weekend at Leeds City Museum – October 26 Milenium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Celebrate the return of the Pilot Whale skeleton. After decades in store, Leeds City Museum is putting this awesome animal back on display. Have a whale of a time this half term with underwater-themed family crafts. Create a mini whale, junk jellyfish and other sea life creatures to take home. Make a splash on the free museum Whale Trail too! 11am–1pm.

familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON? Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show at Carriageworks Theatre – October 28 The Electric Press, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD 0113 376 0318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk If you think science is boring, think again. This is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, the show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Suitable for ages five and above.

11am and 2pm.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Leeds Playhouse – October 28 to 30 Playhouse Square, Leeds, LS2 7UP 01132 137 800 www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk The timeless classic has made its way off the page and onto the stage. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets.

The Snow Dragon at Carriageworks Theatre – October 29 The Electric Press, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD 0113 376 0318 www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk Toe-tapping songs and lots of laughs for everyone aged three and over from Tall Stories, the company that brought you The Gruffalo and The Snail and the Whale live on stage. Suitable for ages three and above.

1.30pm and 4pm.

Haunted Halloween Crafts at Abbey House Museum – October 29 Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Get ready for Halloween with a day of creepy crafts in the eerie decorated streets of Victorian Leeds. 10am to 4pm.

Mini Owls at Kirkstall Abbey – October 29 Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk The Tuesday under-fives session gets a feathery make over for half term. 10am to 11am.

familiesonline.co.uk

Not so Scary Scarecrow Trail at Kirkstall Abbey – October 29 Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk A hunt around the abbey featuring some not so scary Halloween scarecrows! 10am to 3pm.

Crafty Tuesday at Thwaite Mills Watermill – October 29 Stourton, Leeds, LS10 1RP 0113 2141 914 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Get involved with creepy crafty fun and make your own ghoulish ghosty. 1pm to 3pm.

Halloween @Pit at the National Coal Mining Museum – October 29 & 30 Caphouse Colliery, New Rd, Overton WF4 4RH 01924 848 806 www.ncm.org.uk Join a spooky adventure in the pit where you can help solve a mining mystery, make crafts and hear spine tingling stories in the Victorian Gallery. Recommended for ages seven plus. 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm for one hour.

Half Term Holidays at Leeds Industrial Museum – October 29 to 31 Armley Mills, Canal Rd, Leeds, LS12 2QF 0113 263 7861 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Discover the real stories of Halloween with 21st century witches from the Leodis Pagan Circle. Family craft sessions will include the old favourite jack-o-lanterns and willow wand making. There’s also the chance to make your own luxury oat milk bath-bombs using herbs from the autumn harvest of the colour garden.

Slow Making in Artspace at Leeds Art Gallery – October 29 to 31 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA 0113 247 8256 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk During the half term holidays artist Lou Samray will be leading family friendly activities in Artspace to keep your creative juices flowing! 11am to 4pm.

Wacky Wednesdays Welly Walk at the National Coal Mining Museum – October 30 Caphouse Colliery, New Rd, Overton WF4 4RH 01924 848 806 www.ncm.org.uk In folklore, gnomes have watched over woodlands and mines but, alas, The Caphouse Gnome has gone missing!

Can you help find him? Put on your wellies and join a woodland walk to hunt for Norman the gnome. Where do the footsteps lead? Who’s behind the fairy doors?

What things can we make to help in the search?

10.15am to 11.45am, Booking Essential.

Spooky Silly Science at Abbey House Museum – October 30 Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk A day of spooky science with petrifying potions, bugs, goo and bubble snakes. No scientific knowledge is necessary, only curiosity. 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Beastly Beasts & Spooky Tour at Leeds Discovery Centre – October 30 Carlisle Road, Leeds, LS10 1LB 0113 378 2100 www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Take your battery powered candles for the Halloween spook-fest. Discover the weird and wonderful world of the museum monsters hidden behind closed doors! This is a free event but must be booked in advance by telephone. 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm.

Pumpkin Carving at Temple Newsam – October 30 Temple Newsam, Leeds, LS15 0AE www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Take your own pumpkin to carve in the Walled Garden (or collect the pumpkin you planted if you went to the planting activity earlier in the year!) 1pm to 3pm.

Spooky Spectacular at Temple Newsam – October 31 Temple Newsam, Leeds, LS15 0AE www.museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk Scare yourselves with a visit to the darkened house and fiendish farm! Take a tour of the house complete with tales of spooky past residents who creep through the corridors. Try your hand at spooky crafts, collect terrifying treats and don’t forget to dress up. 5pm–8pm.

Families Leeds 15

An ‘Excellent’ rated, vibrant and supportive school community, set in 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire Countryside.

We welcome day students from 3 months to 19 years and boarders from 6 years to 19 years.

Academic, sport, music and drama scholarships available for students in Years 7 to 13.

The No.1 independent secondary school in the North of England (QE College).

Sunday Times Schools Guide 2019

Minibus service across Yorkshire.

Open day 28th September 10.30am - 3.00pm

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate “To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS