Families Oxfordshire January February 23

beginning of a new year is a time

celebrating all that’s been good about the previous year and anticipating the

of the year ahead; a holiday, the spring or maybe a new school. During these cold winter days take time to play a board game, light a candle, go on a long winter walk; it’s important to make time for the little things that will create memories for a long time to come. Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realise they were the big things…

A FAMILY TICKET (4 TICKETS) TO SEE A PERFORMANCE OF ROOM ON THE BROOM THIS MARCH AT THE OXFORD PLAYHOUSE.

Iggety ziggety zaggety zoom! Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitchhikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two... just as the hungry dragon appears! www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/room-on-the-broom

To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket, please visit our Facebook page @familieseastoxfordshiremag and like and share our competition post. Good luck.

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiesOxfordshire.co.uk

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net

Families Oxfordshire 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 Oxfordshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Oxfordshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Oxfordshire its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Families Oxfordshire reaches over 40,000 readers and is available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

Get Active with Oxford Active

Active Camps is an Ofsted registered premier child care service, committed to providing high-quality school holiday multi-activity Active and Adventure Camps for 3 - 14 year-olds.

With over 25 years experience of running holiday camps, Active Camps provide the opportunity for children to have fun, meet new friends and try a huge array of exciting activities.

Active Camps are hosted at some of the most prestigious independent schools in the country; including their flagship venue at Summer Fields School in Summertown.

Each one of the camps is designed to deliver a variety of stimulating activities, making the most of the schools’ facilities; including indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, sports pitches, sports halls, and indoor areas, many with access to acres of countryside.

Managed and run by outstanding teams who are DBS-certified, including qualified teachers and sports coaches, children are encouraged to participate in all of the activities on offer.

Wear a Hat for a better future!

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

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

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

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

A sparkling new year at the Science Oxford Centre

Get brains buzzing in 2023 with indoor and outdoor activities at the Science Oxford Centre. Family Days run every Saturday and the Exploration Zone is a huge hit with kids; try hands-on activity stations and puzzles to get you thinking, and experiments at the pop-up Live Lab. Intrepid adventurers can follow trails in the woodland with ‘Explorer Backpacks’. Warm up with a hot drink at the Café!

The ever-popular Saturday Science Clubs for ages 5-9 also include access to the woodland all day. Trip the light fantastic and discover the magic of colour with a kaleidoscope of fun experiments on the laws of light (14th Jan, Science Oxford Centre & 4th Feb, Abingdon) or discover the secrets of crystals and make an ice-cool snowflake decoration at ‘Sparkling Science’ (21st Jan, Abingdon). For older kids who love coding and creating, bright sparks make micro:bit powered LED lanterns to celebrate the Chinese year of the Rabbit! (Creative computing Club, 29th Jan, age 9-12). Check out the website for half term events and book ahead at Scienceoxford.com.

Put a spring in your child’s step with Perform

Happy spring term! Perform confidence-building classes are sure to blow away the winter cobwebs and will help children feel energised and inspired. This term sees 4-7s trapezing and somersaulting into a Circus Adventure whilst 7-12s work on a fun and funky adaptation of Robin Hood, in Outlaw. Imaginations will soar as children work towards a magical performance for family and friends.

Perform is not like other children’s drama schools. Its classes have a special emphasis on child development, using a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration. With all abilities welcome, children can join at any point in the term and will take part in the performance.

Perform Area Partner, Hannah Conway, told Families, “Our Oxford classes are so popular that I’m excited we’re expanding into Bicester at the Kingsmere Community Centre. We’re there every Wednesday after school– children are welcome to try a free class.”

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to find your nearest venue and book a free class.

Venues:

West Oxford Community Centre, Oxford: Wednesdays. The Northcourt Centre, Abingdon: Saturdays and Thursdays.

Didcot Methodist Church Hall: Fridays.

Benson Youth Hall, Wallingford: Saturdays.

Kingsmere Community Centre, Bicester: Wednesdays. Marston United Reformed Church, Oxford: Saturdays Contact: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

AVAILABLE AT CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

Founded by Henry VIII, Christ Church Cathedral School (CCCS) is an Independent Day School, set in the heart of Oxford, with a thriving Co-ed Nursery and Prep School for boys aged 3 - 13.

The beautiful grounds on Christ Church Meadow give plenty of opportunities for Football, Rugby and Cricket and other outdoor activities. They pride themselves on exceptional musical achievements, supplying Choristers to Christ Church Cathedral’s internationally renowned choir, and academic achievements - over 70% of their boys achieved scholarships to leading secondary schools in 2022.

CCCS is offering a number of one-off academic scholarships for boys currently in Years 4, 5 & 6. Scholarships are worth 50% of the School fees, and are based on academic merit alone, irrespective of family income.

These scholarships are open to all. Candidates will sit tests in English and Mathematics followed by an interview with the Headmaster. This is also a chance to tour CCCS and Christ Church and enjoy tea at the High Table in the Great Hall, where Harry Potter was filmed. The aim is to make the day as relaxed as possible and a fun and positive experience. Deadline for applications is Thursday 26th January 2023. Scholarship assessments will be held at school from 9.00 am – 4.00 pm on Tuesday 31st January 2023.

As a small School, Christ Church Cathedral School is renowned for its family orientated approach and close co-operation between parents and staff. Visit the Joining Us section of our website to arrange a visit or find out more information about scholarships: 01865 242561 or registrar@cccs.org.uk

Co-Ed Pre-Prep from 2023 at Moulsford Prep School

Moulsford Prep School in Oxfordshire has announced plans for its Pre-Prep to become co-educational from September 2023, welcoming girls to their state-of-the-art new building. The Prep School (Years 3 - 8) will continue to deliver an outstanding all-boys education.

The announcement is a natural development for the Pre-Prep which already accepted girls from age 3 in its Pre-School and follows the successful September launch of the new building, which was designed with coeducation in mind, so there are no structural changes required.

It also reflects the strong demand from local families in South Oxfordshire and West Berkshire for a Moulsford Pre-Prep education for both boys and girls.

MUDDY FEET®

Muddy Feet aim to bring innovation to schools, communities, organisations and individuals to enable the opportunity for a wild time in today’s society that is filled with technology, social media and screen time. MUDDY FEET® believes that connecting with nature helps us have healthier, happier lives and relationships. All nature connection helps us to appreciate, understand and protect nature as well as contribute to our own wellbeing. Boasting a wonderful team of talented and experienced associate facilitators and trainers, MUDDY FEET® run holiday clubs, tots’ groups and pop-up events. The regular holiday clubs are filled with fun packed, awesome nature-based activities for children 5 years and over, held at both Evenley Wood Garden, Brackley and Heath Farm, Swerford. Activities can range from woodland games and leaf art to tool use and fire skills, there really is something for everyone! Both holiday clubs and tots’ sessions are extremely popular and we do advise booking early to avoid disappointment. Please visit the website to see the upcoming sessions and to book: www.muddyfeettraining.co.uk

Take Part in The Big Garden Birdwatch

Get your family involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and help monitor bird life in the UK. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 27th and 29th January.

Challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park or make a day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place.

You can also watch Big Garden Birdwatch Live! on YouTube and Facebook to discover what birds are being spotted across the UK with live commentary, interviews and chats with special guests and wildlife experts and the chance to ask them questions. To learn about ways to attract birds to your garden and get your FREE guide, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

Visit Cogges in the new year!

Visit Cogges in the new year, opening it’s big red doors earlier than usual from 11th February 2023. Cogges is a unique historic farm in the heart of Witney, Oxfordshire with a beautiful Manor House, enchanting walled garden, orchard, adventure play and friendly animal residents. There’s 17 acres of open space for you to enjoy, and they welcome well-behaved dogs on a short lead too!

The Cogges Kitchen Café is open to all (you don’t need a farm entry ticket) offering hot drinks, wine or craft beer, hot and cold food, cake and lots more from 9am; with an outdoor play area and lots of rustic seating, it’s a lovely visit in itself! The farm shop is full of special gift ideas and locally-produced items, from homeware to gardening tools –take home some of their delicious Cogges honey, straight from the garden bees! Look out for a fun events programme in 2023 packed full of family activities; plus a range of workshops for grown ups, from gardening to foraging, crafting, weaving, making and more. Book via cogges.org.uk and try something new in 2023!

NEW ONLINE CHILDREN’S PHYSIOTHERAPIST DIRECTORY LAUNCHED

Parents wanting to locate a local children’s physiotherapist can now use an online directory launched by Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists.

The majority of children’s physiotherapists work in the NHS. Your GP can advise about local services and make a referral, if appropriate. However, some parents choose to seek advice and treatment from an independent or private physiotherapist either instead of, or to supplement, NHS care.

Many children need support from a physiotherapist at some time during their childhood. This may be sought for advice and treatment relating to posture and movement or for acute injuries.

All qualified physiotherapists are regulated by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and children’s physiotherapists have additional expertise in child development and childhood conditions. They are specialist practitioners, with the right skill base and knowledge to deliver the best care for babies, children and young adults.

More info: https://bit.ly/findchildrenphysio

If booking any courses, please mention

FREE EARLY YEARS PLAY PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

Leading toy company, Fisher Price© has teamed up with a leading support charity, Family Action, to launch the Family Action Play Programme for children ages 0 to 5, to help with their early childhood development.

The programme is available online and free to families and it shares early years expertise, practical tips and simple activities for families looking for quick and easy ideas to build play into the everyday and help their children thrive.

The programme includes five modules that tackle the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of play and its importance in early childhood development and has been developed drawing upon expertise from the Fisher-Price™ Play Lab and from the practice-based experience of Family Action staff.

To access the Family Action Play Programme, visit www.bit.ly/familyactionplayprogramme

‘March of the Mummies’

Thousands of mothers sporting spooky costumes descended on central London at the end of October last year to demonstrate against the cost of childcare, which has forced some to leave the workforce. Similar marches took place in other cities across the UK.

Data indicates that for many women, deciding whether to return to work after having a baby – or even whether to have a child at all – has become a question of cost.

The protest was demanding increased funding for childcare, properly paid maternity and paternity leave and flexible working.

Compared to other countries, the UK’s childcare costs are among the highest. According to data gathered by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the net costs in the UK amount to around twenty nine percent of the average wage, compared to Germany’s one percent and France’s fourteen percent.

More info: www.pregnantthenscrewed.com

Launch of baby equipment rental marketplace

Two schoolfriends have launched a baby equipment rental and exchange marketplace, Hay-De, to cut the cost of becoming a parent. The launch is especially timely, coming during the cost-of-living crisis.

Parents can rent everything they need for their newborn, saving an estimated seventy five percent off the cost of toys, pregnancy aids and nursery essentials.

The service will also help make parenting more sustainable by allowing parents to trade in items they no longer need in exchange for other equipment. Millions of new, perfectly good toys are thrown away every year in the UK as children grow out of them or lose interest.

All items listed on Hay-De undergo a thorough cleaning and inspection before being delivered to customers across the UK.

More info:www.hay-de.co.uk

Forest tots

Join Muddy Feet for Forest Tots, a forest school class with woodland activities for preschool children who are able to walk well through rough terrain. Each session starts with a welcome circle and covers a range of activities some of which may be familiar to you as you may have done them as a child. Activities will include stories, playing games, making bird feeders, making wands, mud painting, making woodland creatures, treasure hunts, hill rolling, mud sliding, mini beast hunts, natural art, den/ shelter building, campfires, using real tools such as bow saws, knives and drills and much, much more.

Each session lasts 2 hours and continues in all but extreme weather events.

Every Friday morning at Evenley Wood Garden.

Dates of sessions are: Jan 6th, 13th, 20th, 28th & Feb 3rd, 10th 2022

Friday Mornings

10.00 - 12.00

Please bring your own snacks and drinks.

One adult per child only please (additional adults will be required to pay the standard Wood Garden entry fee).

What’s On

Oxfordshire

Young Rangers (8-12 years)

WHEN: 7th January, 13:30 - 15:30

WHERE: Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre Wildlife and seasonal themed activities for children to explore and engage in the great outdoors! Sessions last for 2 hours and are packed full of fun games and activities to teach you all about the fantastic natural world that surrounds you £7.00 www.bbowt.org.uk/events

Science Club, Light Fantastic (ages 5 – 9)

WHEN: 14th January

WHERE: Science Oxford Centre Trip the light fantastic at this illuminating workshop about the laws of light. Using mirrors and torches, bright young scientists will bend light around corners, do a little target practice and work out how different materials transmit, reflect and absorb a light beam.

www.scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

Saturday Science Club, Sparkling Science (ages 5 – 9)

WHEN: 21st January

WHERE: Abingdon School What have diamonds and salt got in common? What makes a crystal valuable? Experiment with liquids to grow crystals and paint your own crystal art. Every snowflake is unique! Investigate how ice crystals form these tiny structures and make your own 2D and 3D paper decorations to take home. www.scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

Big Garden Birdwatch

WHEN: 27th – 29th January

WHERE: Green space near you Take part in the nation’s biggest bird watch exercise and be wowed by your local wildlife. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour. FREE ww2.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/ activities/birdwatch

Creative Computing Club (ages 9 – 12)

WHEN: 28th January

WHERE: Science Oxford Centre Design your own light pattern algorithm using Python to create an interactive display – should they turn on in the dark, or only when it’s cold? You could program a bright rainbow design or make a blinking paper lantern to celebrate the Chinese year of the Rabbit! www.scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

Saturday Science Club

Light Fantastic (ages 5 – 9)

WHEN: 4th February

WHERE: Abingdon School

Using mirrors and torches, bright young scientists will bend light around corners, do a little target practice and work out how different materials transmit, reflect and absorb a light beam. Add a touch of fluorescence using UV, and see what’s hot and what’s not with a thermal imaging camera. www.scienceoxford.com/events 01865 810000

National Storytelling Week

WHEN: 28th January –5th February

WHERE: Throughout National Storytelling Week stories will be told in schools and theatres, pubs,museums, village halls, community centres and in many other places across the UK. To find a local event visit www.sfs.org.uk

Hey Diddle Diddle

WHEN: Every Monday from 9th January – 11.00 to 11:30

WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse Introducing music, dance and performance skills to early years children, kick-starting their excitement for creativity and imagination. New theme each week. £7.00 for child and adult www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305

Nature Tots

WHEN: 26th January, 9:30 – 11.00

WHERE: Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre Join in for an adventure with outdoor nature play, crafts and stories for pre-school aged children on this beautiful nature reserve. £7.00 per child www.bbowt.org.uk/events/

Rapunzel and the Tower of Doom

WHEN: 13th February

WHERE: The Story Museum Theatre of Widdershins have taken this traditional tale right back to its roots, teased out the tangles and styled it into a beautifully coiffured hair piece. This enchanting show promises plenty of body, volume and loads of highlights. Ages 4+ Run time - 50 minutes www.storymuseum.org.uk 01865 790050

Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in

Snowdrops and Spring bulbs walk

WHEN: 16th February, 10.30–12.00

WHERE: Oxford Botanic Garden

Join expert horticulturalists on a stroll among swathes of unique snowdrops and other winter and spring bulbs in the Botanic Garden collection. This walk is aimed at an adult audience, and anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. £30 www.obga.ox.ac.uk/

Monster Squid Fun with Aaron Blecha

WHEN: 16th February

WHERE: The Story Museum

Explore the weird world of Aliens, Zombies and Monsters with Aaron Blecha in this unique draw-along event. Learn the secrets of creating weird and wonderful characters and then make your own story. Followed by book signing. Ages 8+ Run time - 60 minutes. www.storymuseum.org.uk 01865 790050

How To Draw Star Wars With JAKe

WHEN: 18th February

Whizz Kidz

WHEN: January & February

WHERE: Thame

Why not head to Whizz Kidz for a fun hour or two, or more should you little one not yet be tired. Large indoor softplay /entertainment centre which has everything you could want. Prices from £2.00 www.whizzkidz-thame.co.uk 01844 217555

The Story Museum

WHEN: January & February

Explore THE WHISPERING WOOD, a mysterious indoor forest where every tree has a story to tell and a secret to reveal; THE ENCHANTED LIBRARY where you can wander between the shelves and find yourself inside a story; and SMALL WORLDS, a patchwork land of picture books, nursery rhymes and traditional tales for the very young. From £5.00 www.storymuseum.org.uk 01865 790050

Public Open Evenings - Online

WHEN: Wednesdays in January and February

WHERE: Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge

Each evening consists of a 30 minute public talk about astronomy, followed by (weather dependent!) stargazing on the Cambridge University Astronomy YouTube channel.

FREE

FAIRYTALE

FARM

WHEN: January & February: 10.00 – 17.00

WHERE: Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm - the UK’s first visitor attraction that is open to all. A truly inclusive experience, where everything is accessible and everybody is welcome. From £7.00 www.fairytalefarm.co.uk

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED

Do you have a couple of spare days every other month, your own car, and want to earn some extra cash?

WHERE: The Story Museum, Oxford Learn to draw your favourite Star Wars characters JAKe Detonator, an official illustrator for Lucasfilm and Doctor Who. In this amazing draw-a-long event JAKe will show you how to draw your favourite characters from the Star Wars universe, including Droids, Wookies, Bounty Hunters and more, just like in his books. Ages 6+ Run time - 60 minutes www.storymuseum.org.uk If booking any courses, please mention Families

Families Magazine Oxfordshire is looking for trustworthy, reliable and self motivated people to join their team, delivering our magazine to locations around Oxfordshire. You’ll be distributing our magazine every other month for 1-3 days depending on the route.

GOOD RATES OF PAY! Call Lisa on 07887 521978 or email editor@familiesoxfordshire.co.uk to find out more.

Oxfordshire Magazine

What is Family Mediation?

“I’m getting divorced and need to find a solicitor.” This is a statement that Only Mums & Dads, a not-for-profit social enterprise that supports people through divorce, hear daily. Their advice is always to try mediation first (where there is no domestic abuse) and if it breaks down, to try again. Divorce solicitors agree. Family court cases are notoriously expensive, long, and stressful and it’s recognised that these stresses have a negative impact on children.

But the full benefits of the mediation process are not always understood. Only Mums & Dads asked Louisa Dickson of Southern Family Mediation to explain them.

Mediation is a way of resolving disagreements and making decisions about issues with the help of a specially trained Family Mediator so that you reach a situation acceptable to all parties, and avoid spending vast sums of money, time and emotional stress on going to court.

Separating from your partner when you have children is not like falling out with a friend. They are in your life for the rest of your life, and so you need to find a way to go forward as harmoniously as possible.

Mediation can help with:

By Louisa Dickson

• Parenting arrangements for children after you break up – with whom/where/when they spend their time;

• Divorce;

• Child maintenance payments;

• Finances, eg your house, savings, pension, or debts.

The alternative is going to court. Except the court isn’t there to decide on which days and times your children will spend with you and your ex. It’s there to decide on serious matters such as safeguarding.

So mediation helps you both to stay in control. It’s about compromise and

negotiation and saving time AND money. It means finding your own solutions, putting your love for your children before your dislike/hate of your ex, and offers an opportunity to resolve conflict and improve communication.

Mediation is NOT:

• Someone else telling you what to do or making decisions for you;

• Winning or losing;

• Counselling or therapy;

• Being told your view is right (court won’t do that either!)

Most people who start mediation reach agreement without going to court. As hurt and angry as you are with your ex, you need to put this aside to prevent it from damaging your children’s mental health. Don’t let your children become your conflict. Sort it for them.

To find an experienced, qualified and regulated family mediator, visit www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk

Shared reading and language development

By Dr Jamie Lingwood

Early language development is incredibly important and sitting down to read with your child gives them a big advantage.

Make it a conversation

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

Doing it your own way

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

Picture books are a good start

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

Reading the same book over and over...

I hear this a lot from parents: ‘My child wants to read the same book over and over again.’ As an adult, what do you do? Do you read the book for the thirty fifth time this week or encourage them to read something else? A recent study suggests that reading the same book repeatedly can help with a child’s memory, in terms of building familiarity with particular words. The biggest challenge is your stamina - knowing it’s all in a good cause might help here!

When and where?

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

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

And finally…

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

Here

are my thoughts on the how’s and why’s of shared reading.

Try ‘elaborative reminiscing’

This involves getting the child to think about a time that relates to themselves, prompted by the book. So, if the book’s narrative is about going to the zoo and seeing lots of animals, stop reading and ask, ‘Do you remember when we went to the zoo? Can you remember which animals we saw?’ It gets a conversation going, it relates the story specifically to the child’s own experiences. This exercise has been shown to boost language development, particularly for memory and vocabulary.

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

The ‘re-casting’ technique

When a child is reading to a parent they will often come across a word they don’t know or struggle to articulate. Let them have an initial go at it, then instead of saying they are incorrect, let them hear the correct grammatical version. This is what we call re-casting. For example, if they said: ‘The dog jump on the sofa’, you can say, ‘Yes, the dog jumped on the sofa, didn’t he?’ It’s a good strategy to adopt in shared book reading.

Nurseries Listings 2023 Helping you find the right place for your little ones - our 2023 guide to some of the nurseries local to Oxfordshire with the latest Ofsted ratings, correct at the time we went to press.

BLEWBURY PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP, DIDCOT blewburypreschool.co.uk 01235 851786 (Ofsted Good 2022)

BUSY BEES DAY NURSERY, BICESTER www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk 01869 321 522 (Ofsted Good 2019)

CHANDLINGS NURSERY, OXFORD www.chandlings.org.uk/nursery 01865 730771

CHARLBURY PRE-SCHOOL, CHIPPING NORTON www.charlburypreschool.org.uk 01608 811200 (Ofsted Good 2018)

CHILD FIRST BANBURY www.childfirstbanbury.com 01295 273743 (Ofsted Good 2022)

CHILD FIRST BICESTER www.childfirstbicester.com 01869 323730 (Ofsted Good 2017)

CHILDREY LITTLE DUCKS PRE-SCHOOL www.childreylittleducks.org 07825 241395 (Ofsted Good 2022)

CORNFLOWER NURSERY, HEADINGTON SCHOOL www.headington.org/nursery/nursery-day 01865 759400

CRANFORD HOUSE NURSERY SCHOOL, CHOLSEY www.cranfordhouse.net 01491 651218

DAFFODIL DAY NURSEY LTD, WITNEY www.daffodil-nursery.co.uk 01993 883451 (Ofsted Good 2018)

LITTLE BEARS PRE-SCHOOL, STADHAMPTON www.little-bears.com 01865 400033 (Ofsted Good 2018)

LITTLE MILTON PRIMARY SCHOOL NURSERY, LITTLE MILTON little-milton.oxon.sch.uk/nursery 01844 279310 (Ofsted Good 2019)

LORD WILLIAMS’S SCHOOL DAY NURSERY, THAME www.lwsdaynursery.co.uk 01844 260231 (Ofsted Good 2022)

MAGPIES PRESCHOOL KIDLINGTON www.magpiespreschool.info 01865 373444

MONGEWELL PARK DAY NURSERY AND PRESCHOOL (BRIGHT HORIZONS), WALLINGFORD www.brighthorizons.co.uk 0333 920 4333 (Ofsted Good 2021)

PEAPODS NURSERY SCHOOL, HENLEY-ON-THAMES www.peapodsnurseryschool.com 01491 628002 (Ofsted Good 2018)

PIPPINS DAY NURSERY & NURSERY SCHOOL, HEADINGTON.www.aurorachildcare.co.uk 01865 227872 (Ofsted Good 2022)

PUDDLEDUCK NURSERY, WALLINGFORD www.puddleduck-oxfordshire.co.uk 01491 839815 (Ofsted Good 2019)

SANDFIELD DAY NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL, HEADINGTON www.childbasepartnership.com/sandfield-daynursery 01865 744200 (Ofsted Outstanding 2022)

SMART TOTS DAY NURSERY, BANBURY www.completechildcare.co.uk 01295 259393 (Ofsted Good 2022)

SPARKLING MINDS PRE-SCHOOL & DAY NURSERY (formerly Bear Necessities Day Nursery), WESTON-ON-THE-GREEN www.bearnecessitiesnursery.co.uk 01869 351118 (Ofsted Good 2017)

SUMMERTOWN MONTESSORI NURSERY www.montessorinorthoxford.org 01865 311364 / 554954 (Ofsted Good 2019)

THE AUNTIES’ OLD SCHOOL NURSERY, STANTON-ST-JOHN www.theoldschoolnursery.co.uk 01865 351215 (Ofsted Outstanding 2022)

THE AUNTIES’ OLD SCHOOL NURSERY, WHEATLEY www.theoldschoolnursery.co.uk 01865 872606 (Ofsted Outstanding 2019)

THE CO-OPERATIVE CHILDCARE DAY NURSERY OXFORD www.thecooperativechildcare.coop 0800 954 0669 (Ofsted Good 2022)

THE FARMHOUSE NURSERY SCHOOL, WITNEY www.thefarmhousenurseryschool.co.uk 01993 700797 (Ofsted Good 2022)

THE MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL PRE-NURSERY & NURSERY, ABINGDON www.manorprep.org/early-years/nursery 01235 858462

THE OLD STATION NURSERY, OXFORD, OXFORD SCIENCE PARK www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/oxford/ 01865 777167

THE OLD STATION NURSERY, BAMPTON www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/ bampton 01993 850333 (Ofsted Good 2021)

THE OLD STATION NURSERY,UPPER HEYFORD, BICESTER www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/ nurseries/heyford/ 01869 233268 (Ofsted Good 2021)

THE OLD STATION NURSERY, FARINGDON www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/ faringdon/ 01367 243800 (Ofsted Good 2019)

THE OLD STATION NURSERY, FILKINS, LECHLADE www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/ nurseries/filkins/ 01367 860594 (Ofsted Outstanding 2019)

THE WANTAGE NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL www.wantagenursery.co.uk 01235 760213 (Ofsted Requires Improvement 2022)

THE WILLOW ON THE FARM, BANBURY www.willowonthefarm.co.uk 01608 730143 (Ofsted Outstanding 2019)

TACKLING TODDLER TANTRUMS

By Sarah Ockwell-Smith

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

What is a tantrum?

Despite frequently being referred to as ‘toddler tantrums,’ they can happen at any age, right into adulthood. Tantrums describe the state of an individual who is out of control, full of big emotions and stress hormones and unable to calm themselves down. As adults with fully developed brains we have to learn to manage our emotions, calm ourselves down or rather self soothe.

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

‘No’ to the naughty step

Contrary to popular belief, ignoring, shaming or punishing tantrums can make a toddler’s behaviour much worse. These approaches ignore a child’s difficult underlying feelings and don’t resolve the cause or help the toddler regulate their behaviour. Experts have discovered just how much infant brains are affected by the level of parental care they receive. With nurturing attention, the part of their brains responsible for regulating emotion become better connected as they grow. If toddlers

are constantly sat on naughty steps, sent for time outs, punished or ignored when they are perceived to be ‘naughty,’ in the long term they will lack the neurological maturity that develops as a result of empathy and guidance.

Bion’s theory of containment

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

Practical steps

You cannot stop tantrums. And they are not a sign of poor parenting. Keep in mind that they are a normal, passing stage of child development, caused by immature brain development. In time your toddler will grow out of them. Until then understanding and a lot of patience is the best way forward.

• Try to identify and reduce triggers to prevent tantrums where you can. This might be when your child is hungry, doesn’t want to share their favourite toy or walk a single step more.

• Keep the toddler (and others) safe during the tantrum. If you can, move to a quieter space with your child. Stay calm and hold your boundary; supporting and nurturing isn’t about giving in.

• Help your toddler to calm down once the tantrum is over. Distraction can be a good technique, pointing them towards something more pleasant to focus on.

• The best way to show care during tantrums is to mirror calmness yourself. Easier said than done in a supermarket aisle admittedly but the rewards will be there in the long term.

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

Who’s in charge?

Well, as the parent or carer, you are responsible for all the big decisions around bedtime, meal time and the day’s activities. Your developing child may have other ideas, however:

Q. My toddler’s favourite words at the moment are ‘me do it.’

If I don’t let her do whatever it is, then she has a huge tantrum. What can we do?

A. Toddlers really struggle with a desire for independence and an innate drive for autonomy. It’s all part of growing up and learning to be confident without you, which is a good thing in the long term. As important as it is, it’s also incredibly frustrating! The answer is to offer your toddler as much control as possible over areas of her life where it’s age appropriate. For instance, allowing her to choose her own clothes in the morning, letting her direct her own play and giving her choices at mealtimes. The more control she is given by you, the less she will feel frustrated and tantrum.

When should I give my child a phone?

Lessons in how to keep them safe online

Getting a phone has become a rite of passage for children and teenagers but what is the best age to give them one?

Of course, when you decide to give your child a phone is completely up to you and will be dependent on their maturity and how responsible they can be with it. Typically, children are given a phone at about the time they start secondary school, which in itself isn’t a problem, but the type they pester you for might be. Most children experience considerable peer pressure around getting a smart phone and will convey this to you until you give into the pressure.

As adults the concerns we have about our children using smart phones is ironically not about the actual ability to make phone calls but as phones being the gateway to children being exposed to a view of the world they are not mature enough to see.

Phones pose risks such as cyber bullying, exposure to all sorts of explicit and inappropriate content, making in-app purchases, sharing their personal data and potentially the parents data too and the inevitable addiction to tech due to excessive screen time.

Setting up parental controls are a useful way forward and may ease your concerns. You can find several really useful guides at www.parentsafe.lgfl.net. There is also useful information to be found at www.saferinternet.org.uk and www.childnet.com.

Do keep an open conversation with your child about the use of their phone and the potential risks. They are more likely to come to you for assistance if they do have a problem or something unexpected happens. Make sure they know that there are conditions attached to them having a phone.

Tips for keeping you kids safe:

• Make sure the phone has a secure password you both know

• Check the age limits of all the apps they might have access to

• Make sure their accounts are turned to private to ensure as much safety as is possible

• Create content filters to block inappropriate content

• Set limits on screen time

• Encourage them not to answer any calls or texts from unknown numbers

• Don’t post any personal information that can identify you, where you live or the school you go to (including photos with logos on school uniform)

• Don’t befriend people you don’t know

• Never send or do anything sexual online

• Don’t meet up with anyone face-to-face if you have only met them online

• Gran Alert- if you don’t want gran to see it, don’t post it

• Tell them if they see something online that makes them feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried, turn it off and tell an adultremember you can mute or block people on social media

• Don’t forget that you can give your child a simple mobile which can only make calls and texts and if you consider your child will be safer all together with this option then try this for starts and see how responsible they can be with this in the first instance.

Cathy Press has been working as working as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor for over 25 years, specialising in domestic and sexual violence and abuse related issues with children, young people and adults.

Her book When Love Bites: A young person's guide to escaping harmful, toxic and hurtful relationships is out now priced £14.99. Visit www.cathypress.co.uk for more information.

What’s On clubs and classes, something to do for everyone in Oxfordshire

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes

WHEN: Spring term starts from January 4th

WHERE: West Oxford Community Centre, Oxford: Wednesdays. The Northcourt Centre, Abingdon: Saturdays and Thursdays. Didcot Methodist Church Hall: Fridays. Benson Youth Hall, Wallingford: Saturdays. NEW!!!! Kingsmere Community Centre, Bicester: Wednesdays. Marston United Reformed Church, Oxford: Saturdays Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. To book a FREE class visit www.perform.org.uk/try enquiries@perform.org.ukwww.perform.org.uk 020 7255 9120

Stagecoach Performing Arts

WHEN: Spring Term starts from January 6th

Muddy Feet Forest Tots Playgroup

WHEN: Fridays from 6th January until 10th February, 10.00 – 12.00

WHERE: Evenley Wood Garden Woodland based activities for preschool children who are able to walk well through rough terrain. Each session starts with a welcome circle and will then cover a range of activities including stories, making bird feeders, making wands, mud painting, making woodland creatures, treasure hunts, hill rolling, mud sliding, mini beast hunts and much more! www.muddyfeettraining.co.uk 07778 928720

WHERE: Abingdon, Didcot and Wallingford: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Oxford Headington and Woodstock: Saturdays

Henley And Marlow: Thursdays and Saturdays

Oxford Summertown and Witney: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Bicester: Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Oxford Botley: Saturdays

Bring out the best in your child and encourage them to develop excellent communication skills, grow in self-esteem and enjoy the benefits of improved co-ordination. Suitable for children from age 2. From £15 for two-week trial. www.stagecoach.co.uk 01483 247404

If booking any courses, please mention Families Oxfordshire Magazine

SING, DANCE ACT AND

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

ABINGDON, DIDCOT AND WALLINGFORD abingdon@stagecoach.co.uk

OXFORD HEADINGTON AND WOODSTOCK headington@stagecoach.co.uk

OXFORD SUMMERTOWN AND WITNEY summertown@stagecoach.co.uk

HENLEY AND MARLOW henleyandmarlow@stagecoach.co.uk

BICESTER bicester@stagecoach.co.uk

OXFORD BOTLEY botley@stagecoach.co.uk

Helping children believe they can do anything

Razzamataz Oxford

WHEN: Spring term starts January (Saturdays)

WHERE: Barton Park Primary School, Headington

Performing arts training for Razz Minis (4-5yrs), Juniors (6-8), Inters (9-11yrs) to Razz Seniors (12-18yrs). Razzamataz Oxford uses theatre arts within small class sizes to nurture a child’s confidence and self-esteem, all while making sure they are having a lot of fun. Come and experience a range of styles from classic West End musical theatre to funky street dance and pop singing. oxford.razzamataz. co.uk 07557 106473

Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) of Performing Arts

WHEN: Spring term starts January (Saturdays)

WHERE: Whitelands Academy, Bicester PQA provides outstanding performing arts tuition for 4 – 18 year old’s. Each week students rotate through specialist sessions in Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & TV taught by leading industry professionals. PQA Bicester is having an Open Day on 21st January where you can try a FREE full session. www.pqacademy.com/ academies/bicester 07444 573460

Playhouse Youth Theatre

WHEN: Spring Term starts 10th January, 17.00 – 19.00

WHERE: Oxford Playhouse

For young people (12 - 16 years) who are passionate theatremakers, eager to develop their performance skills and build new friendships. This term participants will be creating and rehearsing their own monologues and duologues, using both spoken word and movement, in preparation for performance at the Youth Theatre Jam in March. £75 per term www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Muddy Feet Holiday Club

WHEN: 13th and 14th February, 09.00 – 16.00

WHERE: Evenley Wood Garden Rewild your child with a full day of immersive woodland fun and inspire your children as well as teach them new skills with a wonderful team of Forest Guardians. A full day of actionpacked adventure in the woods, activities include shelter building, fire skills, cooking on the fire, woodland games, and natural arts and crafts. Age 5+ £35.00 / day www.muddyfeettraining.co.uk 07778 928720

Comic Club

WHEN: January 28th and February 25th, 11.00 – 12.30

WHERE: The Story Museum Develop your comic making skills. Awesome comic artist Neill Cameron will be on hand to offer helpful advice and tips. Ages 8 - 11. £11.00 www.storymuseum.org.uk/ whats-on/ 01865 790050

Saturday Story Sports

WHEN: January 21st and February 25th, 14.00 – 15.30

WHERE: The Story Museum Hear a story from our Story Leaders, and then learn the moves! Saturday 21st January is Stories of the Chinese Zodiac and Saturday 25th February is Robin Hood. For ages 5-8. Free adult with each child ticket. £10.00 www.storymuseum.org.uk/ whats-on 01865 790050

Story Explorers, Make a Comic

WHEN: 14th – 16th February, 10.00 –16.00

WHERE: The Story Museum

Lego® Masters Builders Club - Awesome Amazon Adventure

WHEN: 17th February, 11.00 & 14.30

WHERE: The Story Museum Master Builder and his intrepid team are off to the Amazon rainforest. The team of explorers have been tasked the mission of identifying a strange set of footprints. With the tough terrain, wonderful waterfalls and awesome array of animals this is going to be a once in a lifetime experience which wouldn’t be complete without our team of LEGO fans. Age 5+ £16.50 www.storymuseum.org.uk/ whats-on/ 01865 790050

Three day holiday course for comic lovers! Book individual days or go to all three! Spend the morning making a comic with an awesome professional comic artist, then work with Story Leaders to role play your story in the afternoon. All you need is your imagination, a packed lunch and some clothes that you don’t mind getting messy in! Ages 8-12. £42.00 per day (or £57.00 for extended day 9.00 – 17.00) www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on 01865 790050

Comic Club Plus

WHEN: January 28th & February 25th, 13.30 - 15.00

WHERE: The Story Museum

A comic club for slightly older artists, storytellers and comic enthusiasts (age 12+) to develop their comic making skills with professional comic book artist, Neill Cameron, on hand to offer helpful advice and tips. £11.00 www.storymuseum.org. uk/whats-on/ 01865 790050

Lego®Master Builders Club - Brick Building Workshops for Children

WHEN: January and February

WHERE: Various locations Master Builders Club fun workshops start with a short story which is “brought to life” through the models they build. They provide 1000’s of LEGO® or DUPLO® bricks in a calm and supportive environment along with the imaginative stimulus to transform a room into a world of creativity. www.masterbuildersclub.co.uk

Mathnasium Learning Centres

WHEN: Monday-Thursday & Saturday

WHERE: Summertown, North Oxford Where Maths makes sense! By producing a tailor-structured learning plan for each student according to his/her knowledge and skill level, the Mathnasium Method can help children in Years 2 - 12 better understand maths and leap ahead. Try the FREE maths skills assessment/trial session. www.mathnasium.co.uk/ northoxford 01865 655968

Rugbytots

WHERE: Various locations across Oxfordshire

Fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination whilst teaching them how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Suitable for ages 2 – 7. From £7.75 per session www.rugbytots.co.uk

Oxfordshire Taekwon-do & Little Pumas

Didcot and Wantage

A revolutionary method to encourage and motivate 4-7-yearolds as well as traditional methods for 7-14-year-olds. Get fit, learn self-defence and make friends. FREE introductory lesson. www.oxtkd.co.uk 07831 950850

Gymnastics

WHERE: Various locations across Oxfordshire Jumping, bouncing, rolling, climbing – children are natural gymnasts. Encourage a healthy relationship with movement and confidence by signing your child up to a regular class with a specialist instructor. Use the British Gymnastics Organisation website to locate classes in your area. www.british-gymnastics.org/discover

At d’Overbroeck’s, our teachers get to know every student who joins us as an individual. They build a relationship of mutual respect, and work together to unlock each student’s full potential.

Find out how your child can make their mark on the world and how we’ll make every moment of their education count.