Families Manchester Cheshire Sept Oct 2023 PRINT

Senior School Open Events

Saturday 23rd September

Saturday 11th November

Junior School Open Event

Saturday 23rd September

Sixth Form Open Evening

Tuesday 10th October

Book

School Day Tours available

SGS Inspires SGS Inspires

Hazledine Lodge, Infant and Junior School

Saighton Grange, Senior School

Editor Karen Sykes editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk 01706 671664

Printed by Buxton Press Design Rebecca Carr

Next issue: November/December

Book by: 6

October

Families Manchester and Cheshire is available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout the region. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please get in touch.

Welcome

So the new school year rolls around again and your child is heading off to school with bright and shiny new uniform and gear and hopefully a big smile; leaving you with perhaps just a little time on your hands to delve into our great Education feature and explore how to support your child’s learning this year. Whatever stage your child is at you’ll find something of interest, including tips for Parent’s Evening and how to understand learning styles.

And it won’t be long before your child starts to get excited about half term and, in particular, Halloween, get inspired by our fab costume ideas and spooky events in our What’s On guide.

Karen

Editor, Families Manchester and Cheshire

Early

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Transition with The Queen’s School

The Saturday Series returns at The Queen’s School and your daughter is not going to want to miss the next set of activity mornings for girls in Years 4, 5 and 6, designed to ensure a seamless transition to high school.

Abbey Gate College is unique

Abbey Gate College is an independent school for pupils aged 4-18 years, located in the historic Saighton Grange and Aldford Village, nestled in 20 acres of beautiful grounds while offering modern facilities.

The College is a unique, inspiring and nurturing place to learn and grow, where the caring and committed teaching and support staff do all that they can to help your child fulfil their potential.

The College a safe and friendly school community, where we work with each child’s individual interests, passions and strengths; while also encouraging them to try new things, take risks and be creative.

The aim of the College is to lead and coach each child during these critical, formative years, so that they may achieve the best they can academically with a clear sense of self and how they can go on to make a positive difference to our world in the future - with courage and with compassion.

Find out more at www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk

Stockport Grammar Summer of Outdoor Adventure

At the end of the Summer Term, almost 70 Year 8 pupils from Stockport Grammar School headed to mid-Wales for an action-packed week of outdoor adventures.

They enjoyed a night under the stars, camping in the Welsh countryside before returning to the Outward Bound Centre at Aberdovey. From there the students had great adventures, from scrambling up rocky outcrops, abseiling down cliff faces and learning how to canoe! The Adventure Challenge and Leadership trip builds friendships, grows teambuilding skills and introduces the pupils to new experiences.

Speaking about the trip, which runs every year, Stockport Grammar’s Outdoor Education Co-ordinator Adam Hughes said: “I hope that all of the pupils take away new skills and special memories from this trip that they can use at school, at home and for the rest of their lives.”

Find out more at www.stockportgrammar.co.uk

The Queen’s School believes it’s paramount that pupils feel not only prepared but genuinely excited about this important milestone in their educational journey; creating a warm and nurturing environment is the school’s top priority.

Queen’s understands that a smooth transition involves more than just academic preparation; it encompasses emotional well-being and a strong sense of belonging and the school is dedicated to fostering a sense of community even before it new pupils officially join.

Happy students thrive academically, socially and emotionally and the school’s outstanding pastoral care ensures that each student’s happiness is an utmost priority.

Spaces are limited so register your daughter for Sweet Science, Desert Island Escape and Superstar Sports now to avoid missing out.

Register at www.thequeensschool.co.uk/saturday-series or call the Admissions Team on 01244 312 078.

Bridgewater School invites you to begin your individual journey

When it comes to finding the perfect learning environment for your child, the team at Bridgewater School in Worsley believe that it is as much about instinct as academic success. Which is why all journeys at this family-focused independent school begin with a personal visit.

Open Days are held throughout the year and provide the ideal opportunity for families to see for themselves just why children are so happy here.

Besides enjoying the opportunity to speak to the Head teacher and Heads of Department, visitors to the school’s open events will also be able to discuss the many exciting possibilities open to their child with the school’s experienced, qualified and committed teaching staff.

During the visit, families will be given a personal tour of the school’s unique woodland setting by a member of their student body, and find out more about the individualised support and teaching that they provide.

For parents interested in the benefits of a Bridgewater education, their Whole School Open Day takes place on Saturday 4 November.

Register to see just how far your child could go.

To find out more call 0161 794 1463 or visit www.bridgewater-school.co.uk/open-day-2023

Do you have a child in year 5 or 6?

AE Publications is passionate about children’s numeracy and helping them achieve their full potential.

If your child is in year 5 or year 6, do you really know how well they are doing in maths? Well, AE Publications’ FREE online maths test will show you. Their test covers all the main subject areas of the maths curriculum for this age group. It is crucial that your child’s numeracy is strong enough for their transition to secondary school, otherwise they will struggle not only in maths but also in other subjects such as physics, chemistry, IT and design technology which all require a good understanding of numerical elements.

AE Publications’ free online maths test comprises thirty questions and is designed to give you accurate information about the current level of your child’s maths ability. Depending on their performance, the result will also trigger recommendations and suggestions as to how AE Publications’ maths materials can help your child improve in year 5 or year 6.

To take their free online maths test, go to www.aepublications. co.uk

After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology.

There is no need to provide an email address to access the free test and receive your child’s percentage score. An email address is only required should you wish to view a full breakdown of the questions your child has answered and to also receive further information, including a link to the explanation video

and a coupon code to redeem against a FREE Maths Bonus Pack (includes a Times Tables Workbook 2 RRP £9.99) when purchasing an AE Publications KS2 Maths Year 5/6 Book Bundle.

For over twenty years, AE Publications has been supporting children to improve their English and maths skills and offers a range of ‘how-to’ workbooks, test books and test packs, all rigorously classroom-tested, which help your child improve their educational attainment.

The workbooks contain stepped-out examples with full explanations. The test books will reinforce your child’s technique and knowledge and the test packs should be used for final exam preparation. The methodologies have been successfully used in AE Tuition classes for over thirty years and are also used by a large number of tutors across the country.

AE Publications’ SATs Maths series and Times Tables series are dedicated to ensuring every child has a sound understanding of numeracy skills.

More info at www.aepublications.co.uk

October Open Events

BESPOKE TOURS AND TASTER DAYS AVAILABLE ALL YEAR

DISCOVER THE FRIENDLINESS OF QUEEN’S, a place where every young mind is nurtured and girls thrive, learn, and become the very best version of themselves.

Queen’s provides an exceptional educational journey for girls aged 4 to 18. Our small family environment means every girl is known personally and feels seen, heard, and valued, ensuring she flourishes academically, socially, and emotionally.

Come along to our Open Events and see for yourself how we empower girls to explore their passions and ignite their curiosity.

HIGHEST POSSIBLE Inspection rating of ‘Excellent’ in all areas

Celebrating different learning styles

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

Just as none of us look the same, everyone is born with tendencies towards certain learning styles when developing literacy, language and motor skills. Recognising your child’s learning style is important in understanding how they access their learning, particularly if they appear to be struggling in certain areas.

Visual learners rely on what they see. Encourage them to use visual aids, sit at the front of the class and write down or draw information.

Kinesthetic learners learn best through doing and moving. They benefit from using tools, acting out or role-playing new information and having freedom of movement.

Auditory learners learn best through hearing and listening. Engage in discussions about what they are learning, read stories out loud and repeat information.

Solitary learners absorb information independently of other people. Let them make notes and recite back, provide quiet learning spaces and give opportunities for sharing their learning. Verbal learners respond well to written or spoken words. Play word games, use rhymes, acronyms and mnemonics, read their writing aloud, encourage discussion and debate. Logical learners use logic and structures in order to learn effectively. Provide problem-solving tasks, challenge them to work things out for themselves and have them verbalise ideas and answers.

Identifying your child’s learning style

Observe how your child naturally interacts with the world around them and also note weaknesses: what types of tasks do they find challenging?

Watch how your child expresses themselves. Children will be more expressive through their natural learning style. Auditory learners express themselves best through words whilst visual learners are more apt to reveal their emotions through facial expressions. Kinesthetic learners use more body language and may seem unable to stop themselves fidgeting.

Consider your child’s interests. These will likely reflect their learning styles. Auditory learners usually show an interest in music and sounds. Visual learners often have interests both in reading, watching TV and looking at interesting objects. With kinesthetic learners, look for an interest in physical activities.

See how your child solves problems. Children lean into their learning styles. Auditory learners tend to talk through and discuss possible solutions whilst visual learners use their eyes to solve problems. Kinesthetic learners will usually try to solve problems with their hands.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with the insights, skills and tools needed to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Being flexible around learning styles

As important as it is to understand and support your child with simple strategies to help them learn in the way that suits them best, it’s also helpful to encourage and embrace new ideas and a more flexible approach to their learning.

Recent research has concluded that teaching children to use one specific learning style over others may not be entirely beneficial within the classroom setting. Sticking to what you perceive as your preferred learning style can create limitations, giving a false belief that learning can only be managed in one particular way. The most important thing is for a child to have the time to self-reflect on how they learn best and to be encouraged to experiment with tackling problems from a variety of angles.

It is also important to note that over time a child’s learning styles can change as they develop and progress through their own personal growth and their educational journey. Every child is unique and learning style is just one part of the greater way that your child learns.

Making the most of Parents’ Evening

By Justina Gapper

As the new school year gets going, many parents will be anticipating talking to their child’s teacher(s) at a Parents’ Evening. Depending on the school, these consultations will happen at least once a year, sometimes more frequently. If your child is in Reception, this may be a new experience; if you have older children, you may have been to several or even many Parents’ Evenings already.

It’s almost impossible to ask questions of teachers at school drop-offs and pick-ups, so for most parents, the booked Parents’ Evening slot is the only real opportunity for a proper chat with their child’s teaching staff. Therefore it’s really important to maximise the time available in these one-to-one consultations and make sure you get all the information you need.

What to expect

While Parents’ Evenings will vary slightly in format from school to school and year to year, at a minimum you should expect to hear how your child is performing in numeracy and literacy against the expected levels for their age group.

Much more information will be conveyed as your child gets older. Consultations may also cover your child’s behaviour, levels of effort and social and emotional development.

Be prepared

This may sound obvious but unless you want to risk discovering that all the questions you want to ask have vanished from your head, write them down in the run up to Parent’s Evening to make sure you cover them.

Let the teacher speak

If you do have specific questions, it’s best to let the teacher speak first so that they can cover everything they need. The exception is if you need clarification or your question is related to what is being discussed at that moment.

Don’t compare

Try not to focus on comparing your child’s progress with his/her peers or even siblings. The teacher will focus on how your child is achieving against expected levels for their age. It isn’t useful to ask how their performance compares to others in the class. Stay focussed on your own child.

Focus on your child’s level of effort

Don’t underestimate the importance of effort. This is as important as achievement as it reveals a lot about your child’s behaviour, character and motivation. How your child gets on with teachers and peers socially is also very important.

For a quick overview

Ask about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. This will give you a good idea of their overall performance and help you identify the areas in which you should be offering more support at home.

Deal with unexpected news productively

You may hear something about your child that you are not expecting. If this is about a negative aspect of their behaviour or performance in a specific learning area, this may be difficult both to hear and accept.

Try not to get defensive. A teacher I spoke to told me of a consultation during which a father became very accusatory and angry, insisting that the teacher’s perception was incorrect as his child ‘didn’t struggle at home.’ If you do hear something unexpected, ask how you can work with your child to better support them. Teachers may have already prepared a response to this question in advance.

Writing notes

Don’t attempt to write more than a couple of bullet points while the consultation is happening, otherwise you may miss something important that’s being said.

Justina Gapper is mother of twins, journalist and communications specialist.

Afterwards

Write a summary

Now is the time to make a written record of what was said. This can be useful to show other family members but also as a reminder for yourself in the coming months.

Don’t worry, you can see the teacher again

Don’t fret too much if you do feel that there was something that you wanted to talk about but didn’t get the chance. Ask to meet the teacher again, even on a regular basis, if you feel this is warranted.

Involve your child

Parents’ Evenings are about your child, of course. If they are old enough, ask them which aspects of their learning or behaviour they think their teacher might bring up. Discuss it with them, so you are better prepared for the meeting. Note any questions they’d like you to ask.

Afterwards, highlight all the positives that came up. Talk with them about their teacher’s feedback, specifically any home support you might be able to offer if there are particular areas they’re finding more challenging.

How can AI support dyslexia?

By Usha Patel

Recently, the parent of a dyslexic student expressed their concern to me about their son’s preference for writing essays longhand instead of using speech-to-text software. Despite being offered assistive technology, he found that writing and rewriting by hand helped organise his jumbled thoughts and process ideas effectively.

Assistive technology plays a significant role in education, supporting students in all kinds of ways. Spelling and grammar software, for example, is widely used and not just by individuals with dyslexia. It helps improve spelling, grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. These tools enhance the ideas generated by individuals and guide them to ensure accuracy.

Artificial intelligence (AI) takes assistive technology a step further. When asked a question, Natural language processing tool ChatGPT can provide multiple options and ideas, serving as a valuable starting point. However, some individuals with dyslexia, particularly those who struggle with reading, may find it challenging to sift through the responses. So, what can be done to maximise its usefulness?

Education specific AI tools

AI technology can help bring some order to students’ ideas and form them into coherent arguments. This is something that assistive technology cannot do alone. For example, if the student who prefers writing longhand had access to AI technology that could assist him both in writing up his thoughts and managing paragraphs into a logical order, it would greatly benefit him.

With repeated use, the student could acquire the necessary techniques himself and learn the organisation process independently.

Natural language processing tools like ChatGPT can suggest improvements, correct factual errors and enhance the readability of content. This can be especially valuable for dyslexic individuals who struggle with remembering and recalling details, such as in a history project where dates and facts must be accurate.

Overall, AI technology can be a powerful ally in education, assisting students with dyslexia in organising their thoughts and enhancing their overall learning experience.

On the other hand, an over-reliance on AI could inhibit a child’s ability to think creatively for themselves. Take our use of mobile phones for example. We no longer have to remember frequently dialed numbers until we lose our phones. How many numbers from your phone can you remember yourself? AI should therefore be used in moderation.

Usha Patel is a neurocognitive therapist at Raviv Practice London. If you are interested in learning more about what therapies and methods could be combined with AI to help a dyslexic child achieve their potential, visit www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk

Using AI effectively with dyslexic children

While AI can be a valuable tool, there are a few considerations to keep in mind for students with dyslexia:

Personalised learning needs: Every student with dyslexia has their own unique learning needs and preferences. While AI can offer personalised recommendations and suggestions, it may not always cater to the specific learning styles, paces or individual needs of students with dyslexia.

Lack of contextual understanding: AI systems operate through algorithms and patterns derived from vast amounts of data. While they can provide information and generate responses, they may lack contextual understanding and nuanced interpretation. Emotional and social aspects: Learning involves not only acquiring knowledge but also emotional and social engagement. Although beneficial in certain aspects, AI cannot fully replace the emotional connection and support provided by human interaction.

Students with dyslexia have unique learning needs that require a personalised approach. Combining the benefits of AI tools with human support can create a more effective and well-rounded learning experience.

The skills of a good dyslexia teacher

A good dyslexia teacher possesses several qualities that enable them to effectively support and empower students with dyslexia. Here are some of them:

Knowledge and expertise: They are knowledgeable about evidence-based interventions, instructional techniques and accommodations that can support students with dyslexia. Patience and empathy: They demonstrate patience, understanding and empathy towards the struggles and challenges of their students.

Differentiated instruction: They employ a variety of teaching strategies to match and support their students’ diverse learning styles and strengths. Structured and multisensory approach: They use techniques that engage multiple senses eg visual, auditory and kinesthetic, which can enhance learning and memory retention.

With these qualities, an experienced dyslexia teacher can make a significant positive impact on the academic and personal development of dyslexic students, giving them self-confidence and helping them thrive and reach their full potential.

Self-settling without the tears

By Stephanie Modell

The term ‘sleep training’ can have negative connotations but is often misunderstood. Foetuses sleep in utero with no learning involved. However, falling asleep in response to external cues, rather than internal biological cues, is a learned behaviour which you can influence.

Babies learn by association. If, within the first six months of life they have always been fed or rocked to sleep, this is what they will associate with going to sleep. When they wake during their many sleep cycles at night they may need this association to get them back to sleep.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeding or rocking to sleep if it’s working for you but if your baby is over six months old and you are struggling to sustain this throughout the night, you may wish to encourage some sleep independence.

Gradual retreat

Gradual retreat is my favoured method of helping a baby fall asleep. It’s a kind and responsive technique that doesn’t involve leaving your baby to cry. Before you begin, ensure your baby has an age-appropriate nap routine. There’s a fine line between a baby being over-tired or under-tired and both will make going to sleep challenging.

Establish a gentle wind down bedtime routine which will ideally include a bath. If you give the majority of the last feed of the day before the bath with just a top up after, you can break the association between feeding and sleeping.

Once your baby is ready for bed, do whatever you’d normally do to get them to sleep, which may be feeding, rocking or patting until they are sleepy but not fully asleep.

Settle them into their cot and keep a reassuring hand on them for a short time. Stand back and see what happens. Sometimes they’ll surprise you and fall asleep!

If they start to get upset, shush, pat, sing or whatever helps to calm them. If nothing works, pick them up, soothe until calm and then resettle them into their cot. Repeat as many times as necessary.

The goal is for them to achieve the last stage of falling to sleep on their own. By being consistent and doing the same thing at every sleep, your baby starts to learn that the cot is a safe place to be and trusts that you will respond to them.

Once you have made some progress and your baby is starting to associate their cot with sleep, you can start to gradually put them down when they are less and less drowsy.

The next step is to gradually cut down the interventions. If you’ve been shushing and patting, reduce it to just one or the other. Your goal is to be able to put your baby down awake, say ‘night night’ and leave them to happily fall asleep.

All babies are different; some will progress more quickly than others but, as this method does not involve leaving your baby to cry, you can use it at any age as you will always be responding to their needs.

Once your baby is self-settling at the start of the night they are less likely to wake during the night unless they are genuinely hungry.

The key points to remember are time, repetition and consistency. Happy sleeping!

Stephanie Modell is a sleep consultant, maternity nurse, mum to 25-year-old triplets and author of The Baby Sleep Guide (Summersdale). The new revised edition is available at www.bookshop.org

NHS 111 to offer paediatric advice

Before you begin

Is your baby in good health?

Do they have a daytime nap?

Have they had enough to eat and drink?

Do they have a regular, predictable bedtime routine?

Is their room dark? This is essential for the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.

White noise: if you live in a noisy location or have a busy household, it can be a helpful soundscape for peaceful sleep.

Is your baby too hot or too cold during the night? Both may cause night waking.

Parents and carers using NHS 111 online or by phone are to receive increased access to specialist paediatric advice for their children.

This will include support from an increased number of paediatric clinicians working in NHS 111 to help parents and carers manage their child’s illness at home or decide the best route for their care.

Some children will be referred directly to a same-day appointment with a specialist rather than attending A&E, avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions.

More info: www.england.nhs.uk/news

Halloween costume ideas

By Tamsin Ryan

Kids love an excuse to dress up and Halloween provides the perfect opportunity. However, forking out to buy a brand-new costume, which is likely to only be suitable for just one night of the year, can seem wasteful, both in terms of the cost and the impact on the planet. If you have young children, all the black costumes and skeletons can sometimes be a bit scary too, so something a bit more colourful may be in order. So, why not try something a little different this year?

If your kids are anything like my daughter, then they will probably have already managed to amass a selection of costumes at home, which means you have a great starting point. With a little creativity, many of them can be upcycled or modified to create the perfect Halloween outfit, without having to break the bank. The skills and equipment required are very limited, so most people should have what they need at home.

Spooky scientist

This costume started life as a doctor’s lab coat! I then found some test tubes, which we had from planting seeds on a previous visit to an RHS garden and filled them with water and food colouring. I also re-purposed one of my husband’s old lanyards from a conference he went to and used it to create a name badge. I’m sure many of you will also have a small pair of Harry Potter style glasses you could add for the final touch. Then finish it off with some spiky green hair! This costume was very simple to put together and only an ipad/ laptop and printer were necessary for the name badge.

Day of the Dead

This began with a pink princess dress and a Frozen cape, which I covered in faux flowers I had stashed at home and some little wooden skulls that I had bought a few years ago from Hobbycraft for Halloween. I then found a headband covered in flowers (from the days when I used to go to fancy dress parties) and added some little skull beads to it that I found on Amazon. The only equipment required for this transformation was a glue gun.

Freaky fairy

What was once a Tinkerbell fairy dress, became a fairy outfit with a difference. I covered the wings in cobwebs from last year’s Halloween decorations and covered the wings and the fairy dress in green (glow in the dark) spiders. I also made a matching wand, using a stick from the garden and some leftover ribbons, felt and jewels. You could always make the wand more sinister, depending on the age of your child and how spooky they want to go. Again, I used the glue gun for this creation, along with a knife for cutting out the star for the wand.

Hopefully this has given you a few ideas to get started with your Halloween transformations.

Tamsin Ryan offers more costume tips and ideas for Halloween games on her kids’ party ideas site at www.icecreamandjelly.com

Is it ever okay to… give parenting advice to another parent?

By Ellie Malt

Where do you stand on giving parenting advice to another parent? Should you try to help or steer clear altogether and give them the space to find their own solutions? If you are minded to have your say, we’ve got some suggestions to reduce the risk of sounding like a know-it-all. Two mums give their, ahem… advice!

We all know at least one baby who slept easily and fed beautifully from week one. If you are lucky in that respect, it is particularly tempting to offer advice but please don’t think you’ve discovered some amazing secret for solving all the problems of another parent.

Jumping in with advice can be the opposite of helpful; it may sound like you think you know the situation better than the parents. In reality, you can’t know all the factors at play.

It’s easy to blame ‘parenting’ when often there are biological issues that lie behind struggles with feeding, sleeping and meltdowns, many of which may not emerge for years. For example, developmental delays, sensory issues, hearing loss, ADHD, autism, eczema, reflux and allergies are just a few of the many (and sometimes invisible) possibilities. And it can take years for parents to figure out causes or find solutions. During that time, it’s typical for parents to feel judged, so while offering advice to an already sleep-deprived parent might make you feel better, it’s more likely to make them feel worse.

Advice, particularly when it hasn’t been asked for, can often land when energy levels are already low, putting the onus on the parent to have to justify why what has worked for you just doesn’t work for their child.

Anna, mum of two boys, from Devon

How to pick the right moment?

Timing is key: no matter how good the advice, it’s a bad idea to suggest anything after a particularly difficult night or right in the middle of any meltdown.

It’s important to see how the advice is being received, so avoid sending an email/ text/WhatsApp or posting on social.

If in doubt, hold back. If someone shares a problem, chances are a non-judgmental listening ear and sympathy are actually more helpful than advice, however well-meant.

Getting advice at the right time and from the right people can be helpful. For example, when meeting up with other new mums to feed your baby and enjoy a coffee together, it seems natural to talk about what you’re going through and to compare experiences.

When you are all just figuring it out together, it feels less judgemental; more of a safe space in which to swap stories about small wins and epic fails. Just occasionally a golden nugget of advice will drop into your lap.

On the flipside, lots of parenting advice either won’t work for your particular situation or your child or it may be out of date. Granted, it can be irritating when advice is worded as if it’s a universal law applicable to everyone, therefore implying you are a ‘bad parent’ for not doing whatever it is. That said, it would be a shame to miss out on something useful just because of another person’s misplaced sense of conviction or poor timing.

I try to see advice as a potential tool rather than a rule and remind myself it’s in my power to be curious, to test and then reject or accept it. Even when the advice doesn’t work, ruling it out is one step closer to success. In this way I can see parenting as a process of constant refinements rather than a reflection on some kind of innate ability.

Sarah, mum of three, from Oxfordshire

What to share instead of advice?

Your own problems: in moderation. This helps the other parent feel less alone.

Things you are considering trying yourself but haven’t yet! So there’s no suggestion that you have the absolute answer. Useful gadgets/objects: keeps the focus on physical solutions rather than criticising actions.

Share your sources: mentioning helpful podcasts, books etc instead of offering specific advice (but only send a link if the person asks you to).

‘Jumping in with advice can be the opposite of helpful.’

‘Just occasionally a golden nugget will drop into your lap.’

Girlguiding and Scouts today Building resilience, confidence and wellbeing

By Tara Pahari

Girlguiding has been a part of millions of girls’ lives for one hundred and thirteen years and counting. Set up because girls wanted an equal world with the same opportunities as boys, impressive progress has been made since it began. But things can still be tough for girls. With many facing high expectations and anxieties in every area of their lives, they can be limited by gender stereotypes and face barriers to accessing the things they need to feel happy.

In Girlguiding’s annual Girls’ Attitudes Survey, two in three girls and young women ages 11 to 21 said that being part of a youth organisation makes them feel accepted and more connected to others. Girls in Girlguiding are more confident than their peers, with nearly nine in ten saying they like being the way they are, compared with just six in ten who have never been in Girlguiding.

Youth groups such as Girlguiding and Scouts are equipping young people with transferable life skills such as leadership, money management and teamwork. A recent report from Demos has demonstrated how skills learnt from Scouting can make a significant difference to employability.

Guides today can still earn badges, in an updated programme which includes mindfulness, self-care and media criticism. Girls are also supported to develop emotionally, mentally and physically so they can make a positive contribution to their community and the wider world.

Empowering girls for more than a hundred years, Girlguiding is committed to doing the same today, with a keen focus on what drives, challenges and excites girls. Whether that’s the thrill of trying a new activity, singing around a campfire, enjoying the

buzz of earning a new badge or emailing her MP about the issues she cares about; it’s a space where she can be herself, get creative, explore and most of all, have fun.

Meanwhile, Scouting embraces an inclusive Skills for Life strategy that encompasses teamwork, leadership and resilience and this has not gone unnoticed in the world of employment. The report highlighted that over half of Scouts felt ready for the world of work compared to a third of those who did not participate in any extra-curricular activities. With many employers struggling to hire people with teamwork skills or emotional resilience, these transferable skills are currently in huge demand.

For more information about joining Girlguiding visit www.girlguiding.org.uk and Scouts www.scouts.org.uk

Benefits for future health

Research from a University of Edinburgh study shows that the benefits of Girlguiding and Scouting even continue into later life, with the all-encompassing activities they offer outperforming other after-school clubs and activities.

As a result of being supported in their personal development, adults who have been involved in Girlguiding or Scouting are more likely to have self-reported excellent health at age fifty compared to their peers, including better mental health in later life.

The research also found that those who had been in Girlguiding or Scouts had a better chance of social mobility, which can have a positive knock-on effect for better health. According to researchers, their findings suggest that going to Girlguiding and Scouts helps to develop skills such as resourcefulness and teamwork. These key characteristics help people to build resilience against everyday stresses in life.

Girlguiding’s programme provides a safe space where girls can develop their own resourcefulness and self-reliance. Add to that the wealth of healthy outdoor activities and it’s clear to see the lifelong benefits for health and wellbeing.

Enjoy a FREE taster at Razzamataz

Razzamataz Manchester South, which has been stated as one of Dragon’s Den’s top five success stories, is launching in the heart of Media City and it’s not to be missed.

Principal Ross said “Manchester is a thriving hub of opportunities, I plan to use my experience and connections to give students fantastic prospects and links within the performing arts industry. I know through my own experience that amazing things can happen when you are a student at Razzamataz.”

Ross is inviting all young people of Greater Manchester to a FREE taster session so they can experience it for themselves. Book your taster by 14 September.

Call 07795677022, email manchestersouth@razzamataz.co.uk or visit manchestersouth.razzamataz.co.uk

Would you like to advertise your clubs or class in our next issue?

BOOK TODAY

Call Karen on 01706 671664

Five activities for £3 each at Brio Leisure

After the buzz of the summer holidays, it can be hard to find ways to keep you and the kids active whilst working around busy back-to-school schedules but, Brio Leisure have got you covered!

Why not grab a Take 5 pass? For just £15, juniors can choose 5 activities for as little as £3 each when you pay upfront. Juniors can enjoy swim sessions such as wet ‘n’ wild and casual swimming, off-peak racquet sports and gym workouts for those over 12 and fitness classes for those over 14s.

The most flexible way to visit Brio Leisure is to pay as you go. Whether you’re looking to check out the gym, take a dip in the pool or join one of over 450 weekly fitness classes, then PAYG puts you in control with no long-term commitment. Perfect!

Adults can also enjoy 5 activities across 5 weeks for just £25! This includes swimming, spa (where available), fitness classes, off-peak racquets and the gym too.

For more information, visit your local centre today or visit www.brioleisure.org/take5. Membership and activity terms and conditions apply.

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Choose 5 activities for £3 each when you pay upfront*

What's On

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

To 5 November – Dunham Massey

Fungi Friends A Family Trail

Talk a walk around the Dunham Massey Park accompanied by Little Mouse and discover a collection of fascinating facts about fungi. Free event (admission applies) www.nationaltrust.org.uk

17 Sept – Waterside, Sale Grooving with Pirates!

Join a bunch of merry buccaneers on a funk and jazz adventure across the seas! A swashbuckling tale of friendship. www.watersidearts.org

Capesthorne Hall

Why not come and experience recreational tree climbing at Capesthorne Hall. This is a fantastic experience for anyone aged 6 and above to safely ascend into the canopy of a tree! Also available on the 15 October. www.capesthorne.com/events

22-25 Sep – Tatton Park

Segway Experience

Try a Segway experience, environmentally friendly, fun-filled machines create a fantastic day out. Later dates also available. www.tattonpark.org.uk/events

Sat 23 Sep – Love Factory

Manchester

Taco and Tequila Festival

Biggest taco and tequila festival with 50 types of tequila, 30+ tacos, street food, world class cocktails, live music & DJ’s all day long!

www.tacotownfest.com

23 Sep – Z Arts, Hulme

The Really Fabulous Family Cabaret

A group of marvellous highly skilled performers bring you a rip-roaring

ride of fabulousness. Song, dance, and specialty acts share the stage to bring you a joyous fest of a show. www.z-arts.org/events/the-reallyfabulous-family-cabaret

23-24 Sep – Cockfields Farm, Ashton-under-lyne Monster Trucks

See the Monster Trucks drive around our Event Arena, Jumping Cars and Crushing them. 2 Shows each day one morning and one afternoon. This is one definitely not to be missed. www.cockfields.co.uk

23 & 24 Sep – Arley Hall, Cheshire Food Festival

The nation’s favourite food festival is back with great food and drink at some of the country’s most treasured locations. GBFF offers a chance for foodies, friends and family to come together for a special day out. www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com

24 Sep– Lowry Theatre, Salford Andy And The Odd Socks

Who are the Odd Socks? The oddest tale of Britain’s best new band. www.thelowry.com/whats-on/ andy-the-odd-socks-the-dial-it-upto-11-tour

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Film Screening of Cirque de Soleil’s Saltimbanco

A marvelous mix of traditional circus acts with modern acrobatics. Experience the sheer power and delight of Saltimbanco on the big screen.

www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk

24 Sep & 27 Oct - East Lancs Railway, Bury The Wizarding Adventure

During this magical interactive experience you’ll take lessons in

Enjoy an autumn visit to RHS Garden Bridgewater

From the bold colours of the hot borders to the buttery yellow and burnt oranges of the Worsley Welcome Garden, nature is putting on the performance of its life this autumn at RHS Garden Bridgewater.

Watch the season unfold in the Paradise Garden, where the bronze foliage of the tall beech columns takes centre stage. While in the Chinese Water Garden, the vibrant pops of colour from maples and acers continue to dazzle well into November.

Plan your visit today at rhs.org.uk/bridgewater

the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl. Become a wonderful wizard and graduate with prestigious honours of hocuspocusry.

www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Sat 30 Sep– Lowry

Olaf Falafel’s Super Stupid Show

Join comedian and children’s author Olaf Falafel for an hour of kid’s comedy which is now 20% more stupider than ever before.

www.thelowry.com/whats-on/olaffalafels-stupid-stupid-show-20more-stupider

30 Sep-1 Oct – East Lancs Railway, Bury Day Out With Thomas!

The steam team’s number one blue engine, Thomas is waiting for you on the East Lancashire Railway for one great big adventure! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

1 Oct – Waterside, Sale

Alice in Wonderland

Box Tale Soup invite you down the rabbit hole into a timeless world of wondrous fantasy. Carroll’s Wonderland floods onto the stage in a whirl of strange contraptions and curious characters. www.watersidearts.org

7-8 Oct – Stockport Plaza

Tales From Acorn Wood

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. www.stockportplaza.co.uk

7-29 Oct – Reddish Vale Farm Halloween Festival

Come down to Reddish Vale Farm for a spooktacular time this Halloween, visit all our animals and indoor/outdoor play area and then join in some ‘fangtastic fun’. www.reddishvalefarm.co.uk/ halloween-farm-fun

9-29 Oct – Cockfields Farm, Ashton-under-lyne Little Pumpkin Pickers Pumpkin picking just for the little uns. A new event Pumpkins After Dark and the Pumpkin Festival all happening this year at Cockfields. www.cockfields.co.uk

14 Oct – Stockport Plaza

Wrestling

Join us for some high flying, hard hitting, body slam mayhem as professional wrestling returns to The Stockport Plaza for an evening the whole family will enjoy. www.stockportplaza.co.uk

21-29 Oct – RHS Bridgewater

Spooktacular Half Term Fun

Follow the fangtastic family trail around the garden this half term and look out for scary sights. Discover creepy crawlies and spooky stories with Halloween fun for all the family. Advance booking required. Normal garden admission applies, free for RHS Members and children under 5. www.rhs.org.uk/bridgewater

21-29 Oct – Tatton Park

Pumkin Patch at the Farm

Come down to the Farm to meet all your Farmyard favourites and then it’s off to search for your perfect pumpkin. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sun 22 Oct – Lowry, Salford

Will Tell & The Big Red Baron

A fun-filled colourful comic adventure with engaging storytelling and catchy original songs. www.thelowry.com

23 Oct – Capesthorne Hall

Spooky Halloween Fun

Come and drive yourselves around our Spooky Safari this Halloween if you dare! We are once again offering our Mini Off-Rovers Experience for children at Capesthorne Hall as an opportunity to do something different that you’ve never done before! Also available on the 29 Oct. www.capesthorne.com/events

23-29 Oct – Altrincham Garrick

Playhouse

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

One of the world’s favourite musicals, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will have audiences of all ages flying high with its mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. Based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming’s children’s book and featuring an unforgettable score. www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/ shows/chitty

24-29 Oct – Lowry, Salford

The Smeds and The Smoos Live

Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. www.thelowry.com/whats-on/thesmeds-and-the-smoos

25-31 Oct Manchester City Centre

Inflatable Monsters with the Halloween in the City Trail

See cartoon-like monsters popping out of the city’s buildings – from huge tentacles to three-eyed monsters peeping out from above. www.ourkids.social

26-28 Oct – East Lancs Railway, Bury Halloween Ghost Trains!

Join us for family Halloween fun aboard the ‘scream train’ and help the Monster Squad keep order and vanquish the ghouliees! www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

27-31 Oct – Cathedral Gardens, Manchester Scare Skate

Enjoy some skating fun in the centre of town this Halloween with themed music and decorations. www.skatemanchester.com

27-29 Oct – Brindley Theatre, Runcorn Jurassic Live!

To find out more and book go to www.thebrindley.org.uk

Sat 28 Oct – Z Arts; Hulme Halloween Disco

Enjoy a spook-tacular disco in our theatre! We promise this special Halloween event to be all treats no tricks! Kemoy will be on the decks, blasting the tunes, bringing the party vibe and giving out prizes! www.z-arts.org

Victoria Baths, Manchester Mini Monster Mash

Join us for an unforgettable spooky Silent Disco. Grab your dancing shoes & your best fancy dress for a howling good time!

www.victoriabaths.org.uk/events

28-29 Oct Freight Island, Manchester Spooktacular Social at Freight Island

Eyes peeled for tickets www.ourkids.social

4-5 November – East Lancs Railway, Bury Gruffalo Family Fun Day

Meet the Gruffalo at intervals on each day at Bury Transport Museum. There will be a host of other family fun activities including fun fair rides, face painters, craft activities and more.

www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Do you have a child in year 5 or 6?

Our FREE online maths test will help you identify the gaps in your child’s knowledge and the areas requiring further improvement. Go to aepublications.co.uk to take our test.

• Do you know your child’s current mathematical ability?

• Is your child’s maths strong enough for their transition to secondary school?

Take our free test to find out.

After your child has taken the test, you will be sent a link to view a video of a fully UK-qualified teacher working through the answers and the correct methodology.

* There is no requirement to provide an email address to access the free test.

** An email address is required should you wish to receive further information, including the explanation video.