Families Leeds Sep-Oct 2015 issue by Families Magazine

SEPTE OCTOBEMBER R 2015

ISSUE 4 2

LEEDS’ FAVOURITE PARENTING MAGAZINE

“A rugby revolution for rugrats aged 2 to 7 years old”

come and join in the fun!

CLUBS & CLASSES SPECIAL

WWW.RUGRATSRUGBY.CO.UK WWW .RUGRAT ATSRUGBY BY Y.CO.UK Y. E: C CONTACTUS@RUGRATSRUGBY.CO.UK ONTACTUS@RUGRAT TA ATSRUGBY.C . O.UK

EDUCATION RUGBY WORLD CUP, HALF TERM & HALLOWEEN FUN L

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Thanks to Susie Lawrence Photography for this month’s front cover picture of Max. www.susielawrence.com

Hello & Welcome Back… I hope you had a fantastic summer. There’s always something exciting about September. A new school or class, signing up to a different club or hobby, lots of events going on. And this year there’s a certain Rugby World Cup heading our way. The London Olympics were just a bit too early for my then four-yearold Max to appreciate. Le Grande Depart was, if I’m honest, slightly more about the free sweets than the cyclists. But for a nearly seven-year-old who loves his Sunday morning rugby training sessions at West Park Leeds RUFC, it really is inspiring. When four tickets popped through our letterbox, I felt a thrill. Not because I’m a massive rugby fan, or because (no offence to Italy or Canada) I think their contest at Ellend Road on September 26 will be the most dramatic match ever played. No, it’s because it will be a shared experience, making memories with my family, and I’m realising more and more how precious that is. Whether it’s rugby, swimming, dance, baby massage or a first day at school, enjoy your shared experiences, may many a happy memory be made! Claire Bottomley www.familiesleeds.co.uk

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Families Leeds Ltd is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Leeds Ltd are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

WIN!

Contents… 9

WIN A STICKER RUGBY BOOK PAGE 7 & SLEIG ON H RIDE AT STOC KELD ON PAG PARK E 23

BALANCING ACT How much is too much when it comes to activities?

10 – 12

JOIN THE CLUB Our ultimate guide to clubs and classes in Leeds

13 – 18

SCHOOL RULES Education matters

20 – 21

HALLOWEEN Spooky make and do & trick or treat etiquette

26 – 31

MAKING A MEAL OF IT Advice from the Three Day Nanny WHAT’S ON Our comprehensive guide to what’s on for families in Leeds in September and October

CONTACT US: 07799 667 041 • editor@familiesleeds.co.uk CIRCULATION: We distribute 18,000 copies of the magazine free of charge through schools, nurseries, playgroups, clubs and classes, selected retail outlets and sports centres. Read by more than 40,000 parents. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know. DESIGNED BY: JUSTIN LEEMING • 07745 038 005 • www.jgl-design.co.uk PRINTED BY: CHARLESWORTH PRESS, Wakefield • www.charlesworth.com

News

Families

NEWS…

NUT ALLERGY support

Does your child suffer from a nut allergy or another form of Anaphylaxis? If so, there’s a new support group for the area. The first meeting of the Leeds Anaphylaxis Support Group will be held at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, and will be a chance to meet other families dealing with the condition. Helen Underwood, of Underwood Training, who is a founder, said,“Until Helen Underwood now, the nearest support group has been in York. The idea is to provide a place to meet others in the same boat, to share hints and tips and to look at what needs people have for education and support.” Entry to the farm, a local charity, costs £2 for adults and 50p for children over two years. Tea, coffee and squash will be provided and families can either take a picnic or use the cafe on site. The meeting takes place from 10am – 12pm on Saturday, October 24. For more information visit: www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/events?id=422

PHARMATON: HELP with Temporary TIREDNESS

Reg ister to join the cha llenge

by 3 0 t h S e ptember Visit w ww .readinge ggs.co.uk/on line5

We all know what it’s like to feel physically and mentally exhausted from a busy day at work or with the kids and coping with everything can be an everyday battle. Did you know that taking Pharmaton Vitality Capsules helps reduce temporary tiredness and restore vitality when taken daily, and can be taken for a period of twelve weeks? Pharmaton Vitality Capsules is packed with the unique Ginseng G115, vitamins and minerals to help relieve temporary periods of fatigue and restore vitality. It is clinically proven to enhance mental and physical performance. Pharmaton Vitality capsules are also supported by over 30 clinical trials. Try Pharmaton Vitality Capsules, and never give up. (Licensed medicine) For temporary periods of fatigue. Always read the label.

Fundraising with Fashion Attention all fashionistas! Tickets are on sale for a fantastic shopping event at Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley to raise funds for the Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford. Sponsored by Attic Womenswear, the evening, which will be hosted by BBC Look North’s Charlotte Leeming, will include a glass of bubbly on arrival followed by a two-course meal. There’ll be a fashion show, entertainment by soul singer Janet Jaye, as well as lots of goodies available to buy and dancing until late. Tickets for the event, on Friday, October 16, cost £30 per head. For more information, call Vicki Burton on 07793 049 858 or email trek4care@hotmail.com

News

WALK OF ART sets an impressive pace Organisers of a Horsforth art event are walking tall after it was hailed a major success. The town’s first Walk Of Art saw hundreds of people visit exhibits by professional artists, Horsforth schoolchildren and residents during the weekend festival in July. A total of 40 shops donated their front windows for art displays created by professional artists and children from Horsforth schools. Hunger Hill Woods was transformed into an openair art gallery. The outdoor displays included 300 miniature clay sculptures of Horsforth characters made by students at Horsforth High School. There were also free drop-in hands-on activity sessions at various locations including a how to mosaic and create with clay workshop at Firefly Pottery cafe on Town Street. Event organiser Lara Rule said,“It was an amazing success. I’ve had the most fantastic feedback. People are quite desperate for this to happen again and I’m hoping it will be held again next year and will become an annual event.” Eight-year-old Toby D’Arcy (pictured), a pupil at St Mary’s Horsforth Catholic Primary School, won the Walk of Art Artist’s Choice Award for his contribution to the exhibition. He received a signed print by a professional artist as his prize.

NEW Children’s LAUREATE announced

Photo by Justin Leeming

Children’s writer Chris Riddell has been named as the ninth Children’s Laureate, taking over from Malorie Blackman. The illustrator and writer has worked with Neil Gaiman and Quentin Blake, as well as illustrating for Russell Brand’s children’s book. He is also political cartoonist at The Observer. He won the Costa Children’s Book Award in 2013 for his novel Goth Girl and has won two Kate Greenaway medals for illustration.

DO YOU COO? BABIES Learn Different Aspects of Language from MUM or DAD Autum n Fa ir St Gemma's Hospice

A study has shown that mums are more likely to coo and use non-word based language with babies. Dads are more likely to talk in ‘proper’ language. Interestingly, both approaches are good for your baby’s development and have a role to play in how babies learn language. A team at Washington State University attached microphones to parents of pre-school children and recorded verbal exchanges with their children, using speech recognition software to analyse results. They believe the way women speak to children – using high pitched sounds and cooing to them – promotes bonding, while the more adult speech of dads gives them a bridge to adult life. Professor Mark VanDam, who led the research, said,“The parents are complementary to their children’s language learning.” He added,“this isn’t a bad thing at all.”

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Viewpoint

THE WORLD a cc ord in g to

DAD TALES FROM THE

tweenage

YEARS

The school holidays have given Sarah Butters some interesting insights into the world of the tweenager… So I survived another long summer holiday. I admit to being a little older and a lot wiser as far as the working of a tweenage mind goes but we all made it to September in one piece. But it was not without incident. There are a few things I learnt about my eldest daughter in the ‘heat’ of the holidays. Firstly, Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds is tweenage Narnia. I can only imagine somewhere within those three floors of retail madness is a door leading to unlimited Turkish Delight. Secondly, parents are the singularly most embarrassing things in the entire world. And thirdly, life is impossible without a number of electrical devices and social media apps, 24 hours a day. The tweenage relationship with Trinity seems to go a bit like this. Arrive with a friend and a purse preferably packed with cash. £50 appears to be the consistently suggested contribution. Prowl the floors of the shopping centre looking for exciting ways to waste the cash you’ve been given. Go into shops to purchase items that, once you return to your family home, will never be used / eaten / looked at again. Take selfies without looking into the camera and upload them to various social media outlets. Stop for lunch, sometimes more than once, then call a parent to complain that you’ve run out of cash. I fell for this day of fun only once over the long summer. When I dared to question the disappearance of my hard earned cash, I was told that I was so embarrassing. So I took a selfie with a sad face and posted it on Facebook (the old people’s social media app, apparently). The whole experience made me reflect on holidays gone by. There were sunny trips to Stockeld Park racing go karts and bouncing on oversized pillows. There were walks at Bolton Abbey, negotiating the stepping stones and gorging on oversized cakes in the Cavendish Pavillions. And there were lazy afternoons at local playgrounds and parks which cost no more than a trip to Costa. But before I became too misty eyed, I had to remind myself that those days weren’t without incident. There was usually a row about ice cream, sand throwing or ‘being tired’ and the sun rarely shone. No one ever finished the cakes which made me declare that the purchase of the treats had been a ‘total waste’ and we always misjudged the walk from end of day fun to the car, resulting in a healthy supply of tears, some of them mine. And these fun packed days usually cost more that £50. The truth is the lazy days of summer are an expensive slog whether your child is 2 or 12. It’s all about economic and emotional survival. And I survived. I deserve a treat. Perhaps a trip to Trinity? 6

Our Dad columnist Mike Smith recognises a classic mistake when it comes to children’s reading material… “I don’t want to read this boring book!” my younger boy frequently protested during his last school term. In the run-up to progressing from the school reading scheme to becoming a free reader, he seemed to develop a huge aversion to the printed word. For a while, getting him to tackle his school reading books was a constant battle. I tried every tactic I could think of. The most successful approach was to agree that yes, they were boring, and the best thing to do was to read them as quickly as possible, so that he could return them to school for someone else to endure. After some initial resistance, it worked. So now that both boys are free of the reading scheme, they’re devouring the children’s classics, are they? Er, no. Wimpy Kid is far more popular than the Borrowers, and Sea Quest trumps the Secret Seven every time. It took me a while to work out why, but the answer, when it finally dawned on me, was blindingly obvious. The stories that I loved as a child were set in worlds I could recognise. But those worlds mean nothing to the boys. Carrie’s War sounds like ancient history, and Stig’s dump is nothing like today’s recycling centres. I reluctantly had to accept that the classics are unlikely to find favour until the boys are interested in reading about what life was like for previous generations. But I still felt a pang when the books we spent so long choosing for them were passed over in favour of Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets. Then I remembered that I did exactly the same thing to my own parents. One of my sixth birthday presents was a copy of Robinson Crusoe, which I promptly tossed aside in favour of a story that was much more lowbrow but which gripped me from the start. Nicholas Stuart Gray’s Down In The Cellar is all but forgotten now, but I held grimly onto that book for two years until I had to return it because I was leaving primary school. I found a copy of my own, and still read it to this day. By contrast, Robinson Crusoe hasn’t been touched since the days of glam rock. The difference, of course, is that the story caught my imagination and drew me in. Gray succeeded brilliantly where Daniel Defoe failed. I can see the same thing happening to the boys. They’re reading, and more importantly, enjoying books that take them on journeys of discovery in worlds that are as real to them as that of Down In The Cellar was to me. So the only option left is to be positive, no matter how lightweight their book choices are. If Captain Underpants and the Wimpy Kid can hold the boys’ attention in the same way that a long-forgotten children’s author held mine, they’ll have done their job very well. Dickens and Defoe can wait until much later on. Or forever, if need be.

C ompetition

RUGBY WORLD CUP

touches down in Leeds…

Photo by Justin Leeming

Excitement is building as England – and Leeds – get set to host the Rugby World Cup. The tournament kicks off on September 18, with matches taking place across the country in London, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Brighton, Birmingham, Exeter, Cardiff, Gloucester, Leicester and Milton Keynes. Elland Road Stadium in Leeds will host Italy v Canada on September 26 and the final will take place at Twickenham Stadium on October 31. The Usborne Rugby Sticker Book is the perfect way to get children involved, whether they’re attending a game or not, and we have two copies up for grabs. With over 300 stickers for children to dress the team in their kit, organise players on the pitch and even line up the All Blacks for their traditional Haka, this is a great introduction to rugby and a useful resource for young players. There are teams from Rugby League, Rugby Union, women’s rugby and wheelchair rugby included. For your chance to win one, simply email editor@familiesleeds.co.uk with the words RUGBY WORLD CUP in the subject line. The winner will be notified via email. The closing date is September 31.

Get readyrm for half-te

With lots of Halloween and other family fun activities to choose from. Find out what’s on:

www.leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays LeedsMuseumsandGalleries LeedsMuseums #schoolholiday

Contact Sara Hall on 0113 834 6522 or email sara@pyjamadrama.com

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Clubs & Classes

NEVER too Early?

by Sally J. Hall

IIAre we pushing our children too far by signing them up to lots of clubs and classes –II IIor offering valuable advantages?II

OST PARENTS agree; kids need to be stimulated and to have plenty going on to stop them getting bored. Mums and dads are only too aware of the value of after-school clubs to ensure their children are well looked after and stimulated. But with a vast range on offer, it can be tempting to sign them up for a different activity every evening. French on Monday, sports on Tuesday, piano on Wednesday – and so it goes on, with more over the weekend. Of course we might not all be able to offer our child such a packed schedule – finances alone might make this impossible – but there’s no doubt that a couple of well-chosen activities can be great for giving your child an insight into areas that the school curriculum can’t cover.

What age is best to start classes? BABIES: There are some great classes for babies, like signing, yoga, massage and swimming. In between their frequent naps, babies love to get out and see and experience new things. However, these classes are as much for you, their parent. They can provide a focus, an opportunity to meet other parents and bond with your baby in a shared, organised activity. But if you don’t feel you want to sign up to one, don’t feel guilty. Your baby will enjoy looking at a picture book with you or listening to nursery rhymes just as much. PRE-SCHOOL: Art, singing, dance or sports classes with emphasis on play would be great at this age. PRIMARY – KEY STAGE ONE: Add a low-key activity to look forward to after school or at the weekend, but don’t overdo it; they’ll be tired from school. Singing, music making, dancing, simple sports and swimming are all great choices for little ones. PRIMARY – KEY STAGE TWO: It’s easier to add activities as energy and independence increases. As exams come up, be flexible about allowing them to miss or drop activities.

You may consider adding an educational class if your child is struggling with one subject. Extra maths or reading tuition can make a difference to their confidence.

suit, so check the clubs and classes round-up over the page to see what’s on. From Art to Zumba, you’ll find something they love.

What’s on the menu?

What do clubs and classes offer your child?

Mini Mozart? Many parents are convinced their child is a musical genius – and they may be right – but pushing a child into playing an instrument can put them off for life! From seven years, a 30 or 45 minute class per week is plenty, with ten minutes of daily practice. This can increase slowly.

Fitness Fanatic Sports and dance are great for fitness and flexibility and the chance to play as part of a team – though for younger children, avoid classes that are too aggressive or pressurised. Be prepared for many hours spent track, field or pool-side if your child loves sports.

Mini Thespian Kids thrive in acting and singing classes and may go on to theatre school. It builds confidence and the ability to express themselves.

Alternatives

•

• • • •

A chance to mix with children from other schools and areas and widen their social circle. A chance to take part in artistic, musical and sporting activities not offered at school. A potential career. Teamwork skills. Increased confidence and the ability to mix. The ability to develop persistence and patience.

But – play is important too Educational Psychologist Peter Gray says that we should allow our children more time for playing. He believes that more time in the classroom and less at play can be detrimental, because kids miss out on life skills that can only be learned through play. “Judgement, wisdom and creative ability… come from life experiences,” he says. “For children, those experiences are embedded in play.”

For every kind of child, there’s an activity to 9

Clubs & Classes

Class Act! Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much to choose from when it comes to kids clubs, classes and activities. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a round-up of the fantastic things going on in Leeds...

BABYBALLET T: 07814 431653 @smlhandscancook Small Hands Can Cook

www.smallhandscancook.com

This award-winning programme for preschool children aged six months upwards offers informal, fun ballet classes. This year 120 children from central Leeds took to the stage in front of an audience of almost 500. Louise Bradbury, a Babyballet teacher in Leeds, said,â&#x20AC;&#x153;It never ceases to amaze us how confidently and happily such young pupils will dance on stage and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brilliant to give the parents such proud moments to treasure.â&#x20AC;? For more information, call Leeds East â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07412 637 586; North Leeds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07917 833 847; Leeds Central â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07702 965 932; or email leedseast@babyballet.co.uk; leedsnorth@baby ballet.co.uk; leedscentral@babyballet.co.uk

COOKRIDGE HALL

Under 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gymnastics

Child membership at Cookridge Hall Health and Fitness gives you access to all kinds of studio classes, from cheerleading to kids games and street dance. The club also offers swimming lessons from three months to 11 years. Cookridge Hall Up to age four, Little Splashers instructors use swim songs, toys and floats to help babies and toddlers have fun and gain water confidence. At four they can move onto independent swimming lessons, without a parent or carer in the water, which follow the ASA learn to swim pathway. Classes are available everyday of the week and intensive courses and summer courses are also available. For information on Little Splashers, email lisa.mathie@cookridgehall.co.uk; for swimming lessons, simon.bowles@cookridgehall.co.uk or call 0113 203 0000

THE CREATION STATION

WETHERBY SPORTS ASSOCIATION

Anna Quinn runs award-winning childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts and crafts sessions for six months to 11 year olds, including Baby Discover and Little Explorer sessions and after school Create clubs. Guaranteed to capture the imagination and get little onesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; creative juices flowing. See Annaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Make and Do Jack Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Lantern mask on page 20. For more information, call 01274 899 408 or 07746 886 116 or email annaquinn@thecreationstation.co.uk

Anna Quinn

DIDDI DANCE

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A funky pre-school dance class for boys and girls. Using action songs, dancing games, fun exercises, hoops and dance ribbons to their own funky pop songs, diddi ones not only improve their rhythm and co-ordination but also social and gross motor skills. Diddi dance pre-school dance classes cover 14 different themes from around the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exploring styles such as Hip-hop, Salsa and Bollywood. For more information or to book a free trial, call Cath on 07917 757 566 or email cath.hale@diddidance.com

Clubs & Classes FLUTTERBABIES

MUSIC BUGS

Specialising in all things babies, Samantha Dalton offers a wide range of classes. They are: Baby Yoga Providing mental stimulation for babies through gentle exercises and movement. The class also incorporates some gentle post natal exercises for mums, and the yoga can help with colic and crying, teething, constipation and digestive problems, feeding difficulties and sleeping patterns. Baby Swimming A nurturing child-centred approach to introducing babies to the joys of swimming. Carefully structured courses promote safe practices and water confidence, but above all provide a positive, fun environment for babies to develop their natural affinity with water. Baby Massage Offers a wonderful opportunity to learn how to communicate with baby through nurturing touch and massage in a truly relaxed and welcoming environment. Baby Signing For babies and toddlers, their ability to use their hands to gesture or form signs can enable them to communicate their needs or thoughts much sooner. Each week covers a different topic such as basic needs, bedtime, animals, family and weather. For more information, call 077 6853 527 or 01937 558 500 or email samantha@flutterbabies.co.uk

Classes are very friendly, fun, interactive and informal. Their aim is to provide young children with the opportunity to explore and develop within a colourful and stimulating environment using music and a wide variety of exciting props. Classes are broken down into Baby Bugs (four weeks to one year), Mini Bugs (six months to two years) and Family Bugs (six months to four years) to ensure the children get the most out of a session. For more information, call 0844 578 1043 or visit www.musicbugs.co.uk

GYM GEMS Parents rave about the confidence, balance and co-ordination Gym Gems has given their boys and girls, not to mention new friends and fun. At sessions for under-fives, they can try out traditional gymnastics skills such as rolling, jumping, and swinging encouraged by British Gymnastically trained coaches using musical stimulation. Gym Gems is also now taking bookings for specialist baby sessions. For more information, call Lisa on 07946 082801, or email gym_gems@yahoo.com

PYJAMA DRAMA These exciting, imaginative classes help children to develop vital social skills such as confidence, concentration, co-operation and creative problem solving. There are various classes for toddlers, pre-schoolers and five to seven-year-olds, and Pyjama Drama for babies – Dewdrops – is launching in October. Sara Hall who runs Pyjama Drama said,“We have three new, very talented session leaders and are still looking for more people to grow our team, and we are expanding into new areas such as Horsforth, Farsely and Stanningley.” For more information, call 0113 834 6522 or email sara@pyjamadrama.com

RUGRATS RUGBY Rugrats Rugby is a non contact rugby specific play programme for boys and girls aged 2 – 7 years. It has been designed to develop a childs basic core motor skills using the structure of learning and development and care of the Early Years Foundation Stage. For more information,email contactus@rugratsrugby.co.uk

Book NOW for the New Term Wetherby, Selby & Kippax on 0113 210 3505 Horsforth & Morley on 01757 248 884 www.stagecoach.co.uk

Families Leeds… Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Clubs & Classes SMALL HANDS CAN COOK Small Hands Can Cook specialises in children’s cooking activities in a fun and educational way. It was created by Michelle Batty, whose classes use healthy ingredients which can help children take ownership of what they eat and remove poor associations with food. For more information you can find Small Hands Can Cook on Facebook and Twitter, or email hello@smallhandscancook.com

SMARTYPANTS With a shared passion for languages, Amy Balding and Kate Lucas have created fun and engaging French and Spanish classes for children aged three to 11. Combining learning with play and discovery, they pack their lessons full of fun, using their ten years’ experience of teaching languages at primary and secondary level. Both women have languages degrees, and both have lived and worked abroad. Plus, they collectively have five children under six – the youngest two born on the same day! For more information on Smartypants, call 07717 811 937 or visit www.smartypantskids.co.uk

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS SCHOOLS At Saturday drama classes children learn how to sing, act, dance and perform. Ken Davison has been Stagecoach Principal for 10 years, and runs a caring performing arts school which aims to help each child develop their confidence and performance abilities. This summer, Stagecoach took over Leeds Town Hall to present Musical Theatre Showcases. Ken said,“We had 400 children, and they were great. Performing in such an iconic venue is always amazing for them, and I hope it will be something they will remember for a long time to come.” For more information on all the Stagecoach schools around Leeds, call 01757 248 884 or 0113 210 3505 or visit Stagecoach.co.uk

TINY SIGNERS Not only are these signing sessions fun, with puppets, music and singing, but children and parents learn a life skill and meet other like-minded people. Weekly classes or flexible drop-in sessions are available, from babies to pre-schoolers. Go along for a free taster session and join anytime. For more information, call 07742 296 160 or email enquiries@tinysigners.co.uk

VIVERE Established in 2007, Vivere is one of the most experienced providers of infant massage in Leeds, over 2,000 happy babies have been through its courses. All instructors have a caring supportive ethos, and class sizes are limited to make them small, fun and sociable.

WATER BABIES Baby swimming with Water Babies is an exciting, enriching experience for both parent and little one. It’s fantastic for a baby's health and development and helps them build confidence and independence in the water. At Water Babies, extra warm water hydro therapy pools are used for very young babies. Babies must be under 12 months old to start beginners classes with Water Babies. For more information, call 01943 862 802 or email horseyhorsey@waterbabies.co.uk

Education

Been there, done that! IIThe first day at primary school is a rite of passage for mums and dadsII IIas much as for their little ones. It’s the start of a whole new parentingII IIchapter, with a lot to learn all round. Here, Liat Hughes Joshi listsII II10 mistakes parents make when they’re new to school life. Those ofII IIus who’ve been there, done that, may well recognise a few… and forII IIthose just starting out – take heed!II Complaining to the teacher based on what your child told you happened… only it didn’t…

Not helping at school… or doing so for the wrong reasons

Your child tells you X did Y, you march in demanding answers from the teacher, only to discover that what your little one reported wasn’t actually correct. Stay open-minded until you find out the facts from all concerned.

Volunteering in the classroom or for the Parent Teacher Association will help you make friends and feel part of the school community.

Sweating the small stuff Try to not get obsessed with reading levels, who got the hardest spellings and the like. It won’t go on their CVs after all. As long as they’re enjoying school and learning, that’s what matters most.

Getting embroiled in school gate competitiveness Engaging with competitive parents is a lose-lose situation. If your child is ahead of theirs, they’ll hate you for it. If theirs has one up on yours, you’ll have to endure their smugness. Walk away or change the subject to something more interesting, like the weather.

Fretting about fall-outs Reception children switch friends quicker than you can ask ‘who’s your best buddy now?’ It’s completely normal and bust-ups are quickly forgotten.

Tackling other parents about problems between the children Even if your protective instincts kick in, don’t head over to give the other mum what for. She probably won’t agree that her child is to blame and parental fall-outs can endure long after the kids forget. Speak with the teacher instead.

Losing sight of the fact the teacher has 29 other pupils to look after At ‘big school’, you aren’t going to get the daily chat with staff you might be used to at nursery or with childminders. Assume ‘no news is good news’.

Expecting your child to be pleased to see you at 3pm With so much to learn, by home time many reception kids are exhausted. Make sure they get quiet time back home and go with lots of early nights during the first term.

Focusing on academic rather than practical skills before they start Ask reception teachers what they’d like their new charges to be proficient at and it probably won’t be about letters or numbers. What’s more important to settling in is for your child to be able to dress and undress for PE, use the loo independently and maybe recognise their name on their coat peg/belongings.

Not naming absolutely anything of use or importance! There’s a black hole in every single primary school into which children’s belongings fall, never to be seen again. If you want to maximise chances of getting lost uniform, pencil cases or shoes back, add their name to it all! Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson). 13

Education

From Little Acorns – ASHVILLE adds NEW PRE-SCHOOL The doors to a brand new educational facility have been thrown open at an independent school in Harrogate this term.

CORNS AT ASHVILLE – an extension of Ashville Pre-Prep School – is a pre-school offering morning and afternoon sessions, and whole days, for three-year-olds. Led by industry expert Sam Salt and a newly-recruited specialist team, the facility will be based within a purpose-built building adjacent to the pre-prep school.

Carol Berrie, Head of Ashville Pre Prep School, said,“We are incredibly excited to be extending our early years provision by opening our own pre-school, Acorns at Ashville. “For the last few years we have tested the water by hosting a series of taster days for children, which proved to be very popular indeed. The response from parents has shown that there is a real demand for us to open our own pre-school. As soon as it was known we would be launching one this September, we had a plethora of enquiries from parents asking if they could put their children’s names down.” Mrs Berrie added,“Whilst Ashville Pre-School will be located in its own, purpose-built facility, it will be very much an extension of the Pre-Prep School. This means the pupils will be part of the wider Ashville family, and, naturally, have access to all of Ashville’s superb facilities. “Every parent wants the best possible start for their child, and that’s exactly what they will get when they join Acorns at Ashville. They will be given every opportunity to thrive and flourish from an early age. And the good news is we will be part of the government’s early years funding scheme.” For more information on Acorns at Ashville, email Denise Hunter at d.hunter@ashville.co.uk or call 01423 724 815

Next to Moortown imary P Prrim School

Loving L ovin g Care C are an andd Superb S uperb Education Educatio Educ a tion o Foreign Foreign languages, languages, creative art, music, gardening gardening and exploring the the world world!! Come and join us for the best day ever, ever verr, day after day day,, in our outstanding nursery The Old Chapel, Shadwell Lane, Leeds. LS17 6DR t: 07766 808 257 e: leedsmontnurtury@aol.co.uk

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Education

HEAD in a BOOK

IITeaching children to love reading willII IIgive them pleasure for their whole lives.II

T doesn’t take a literary professor to win the argument that being able to read is a vital life skill; whether for pleasure or the practical, from birthday cards to bus tickets, reading enhances our day-today lives and enlivens our inner ones. But a ‘love’of reading enriches us much, much further, because a passion for reading for reading’s sake leads to curiosity. This helps with all areas of education, starting with confidence in spelling and an increased vocabulary, and later on leading to the ability to research and discover independently. Finally, reading for the sheer heck of it is possibly the most intensely satisfying of all lifelong human activities.

So, how do you inspire that passion? Here are my top ten tips… 1 With your baby and toddler, choose books YOU like. Your enthusiasm is infectious. 2 Ask the advice of your local bookseller; they are a mine of information. But avoid asking a very small child to choose a book as they are much more interested in the playtable. 3 Learning to read takes time. Have patience and they will crack it eventually. And accept all offers of extra reading support at school without shame. 4 The books they use at school for Foundation Stage & Key Stage 1 to learn to read is different to standard picture books. If you

By Justine Crow

want to develop a love of reading, go and buy books after school simply for pleasure. 5 Once they’ve cracked it, the key word is ‘indulge.’ Never say, “You’ve got too many books.” NOBODY has too many books. And if they enjoy a book from a series, buy the next episode. 6 Many of the books we had on our shelves as children are quite difficult for kids today. Save them for reading aloud at bedtime and they will learn to love them as you did. 7 The new wave of illustrated novels for younger readers are brilliant for introducing the classics. 8 Children often choose titles that appear to be too young for them. This is because they know they can manage them. Age ranges on covers are just a guide. And allow them to read anywhere – breakfast table, stairs, backseat, loo. Turn the cereal packet round, consider a comic subscription and get the paper delivered. 9 Reward them with books that appeal to their passions; Frozen, Peppa Pig, Disney and football. Remember that sticker books are still books, as are colouring, joke, Lego and recipe books. 10 Read by example. Pick up a paperback. If they see you doing it, they will do it too.

And finally… Take the lead and share books you love with your children – they will like them too. Too much choice baffles a toddler. As they grow, don’t pressure them to read alone but do it together - they will love that one-to-one attention with you. As they get older, praise their literary taste, no matter how strange – or indeed, similar it is to yours. Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury. Parent of three, she owns her own bookshop with her partner, The Bookseller Crow on Hill, and is a qualified swimming teacher. And in what little spare time she has, she also runs gastronomic writing retreat courses in France and is the food critic of The Transmitter.

The Reading Eggs & Mathseeds Reading & Maths Challenge Join the challenge and receive a 5 WEEK FREE TRIAL of Reading Eggs and Mathseeds – the comprehensive online learning programmes designed for children aged 3 – 7. Your child will have fun learning essential early reading and maths skills to prepare them for their first years of school. With hundreds of lessons and thousands of activities and games, don’t miss your chance to claim your 5 WEEK FREE TRIAL of Reading Eggs and Mathseeds this summer! Join over 3.4 million users worldwide and inspire your child’s love of learning with Reading Eggs and Mathseeds Reading Eggs: • Hundreds of guided reading lessons and thousands of structured activities. • Over 2000 e-books for early readers, many with read aloud options.

• Learn with fun characters, colourful animations and great songs. • Track your child’s achievements with detailed progress reports Mathseeds. • 120 guided maths lessons and hundreds of interactive activities. • Collect golden acorn rewards and hatch exciting pets to enhance motivation. • Learn with a cast of fun characters and sing along to great songs to help reinforce key concepts. Sign up for your special 5 WEEK FREE trial* as part of the Reading Eggs and Mathseeds Reading and Maths Challenge! Simply register your child at www.readingeggs.co.uk/ online5 Registration is quick, easy and FREE! *Free trial only available to new customers who sign up at the above address. Free trial offer ends 30th September 2015. Not applicable for schools.

Education EXPERIMENTING: pupils at Fulneck School

CSI FULNECK

Investigating Science Calling all young scientists! A crime has been committed and pupils need to piece together the evidence.

HAT’S THE THEME of one of a trio of science workshops being held at Fulneck School this term. Year Six pupils from surrounding schools can apply to work together, collecting evidence from a mock crime scene and using a variety of forensic science techniques to process the evidence and solve the crime. Meanwhile, Year Nine pupils can apply to take part in a Science Triathlon – a series of problem-solving experiments, designed to stretch and challenge budding scientists. Each round will involve a scenario which students must solve using scientific principles. And for students considering taking biology or chemistry at A-level, there are

two taster sessions of theory and A-level standard practical. For biology, students will use nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy equipment, and in chemistry students will be synthesising and testing Benzocaine. There will also be a chance to talk to experienced staff and discuss any questions with them. Head of Biology Chris Norris said, ”Science is a dynamic and engaging discipline. At Fulneck we are committed to developing the inquisitive, questioning

minds that we need in the scientists of the future. We have designed these workshops to enable students to think independently, and use their scientific knowledge to solve the problems that they are presented with; a skill that real scientists use every day.” All three workshops are free of charge and open to pupils/students on a first come, first served basis. Refreshments will be provided and there will be lunch for the full day forensics workshop. DATES: n Saturday, October 10 – morning workshop for Year 11 pupils based on A level theory and practical. 9.30am – 12 noon with registration at 9am n Saturday, November 7 – full day Forensics workshop for Year 6 pupils based on a mock crime, including lunch. 9.30am – 3.30pm with registration at 9am n Saturday, November 14 – morning workshop for Year 9 pupils; triathlon of experiments in biology, physics and chemistry. 9.30am – 12 noon with registration at 9am. To book ring 0113 257 0235 or email enquiries@fulneckschool.co.uk

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities t Courses mapped to the National Curriculum. t Adapts to the individual needs of your child. t Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week. t Award-winning tuition - voted Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year. “Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.” Independent Efficacy Study by the Institute of Education at Reading University (2013). See www.explorelearning.co.uk/efficacy.

are s c ild her ! h C uc pted Vo acce 17

Education IIINDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN DAYSII IIAUTUMN TERM 2015II ASHVILLE COLLEGE Day and boarding school for girls and boys aged three to 18 in Harrogate. 01423 566 358 • www.ashville.co.uk Family Fun Day – all areas of the school open to visitors – October 10, 1.30 – 4.30pm BRONTE HOUSE The junior section of Woodhouse Grove School in Apperley Bridge, for boys and girls aged three to 11. 0113 250 2811 • www.brontehouse.co.uk Open mornings September 19 and November 14 FROEBELIAN SCHOOL Preparatory school for boys and girls aged from nursery to 11 years in Horsforth. 0113 258 3047 • www.froebelian.com Open day September 26 FULNECK SCHOOL Day and boarding school for girls and boys aged three to 18 in Pudsey. 0113 257 0235 • www.fulneckschool.co.uk MOORLANDS SCHOOL Day school for girls and boys aged two to 11 in Leeds. 0113 278 5286 • www.moorlands-school.co.uk Open mornings every Tuesday RICHMOND HOUSE A preparatory school for boys and girls aged three to 11 in Leeds. 0113 2752670 • www.rhschool.org Open morning October 8

Moorland Moorlands lands School School Traditional A Traditional School for for School row’s T omor o Tomorrow’s Children Children Situated Situated off the the ring road road at Weetwood Moorlands School Weetwood Lane, Moor lands S chool is the Leeds. the oldest oldest prep prep school school in L eeds. perfect all round We We offer offer a perfect round balanced balanced education ffor or gir ls and bo ys bet ween girls boys between tthe he ages of 2 -11 and ar e kno wn ffor or small 2-11 are known c lass siz es, gr eat gr ounds and class sizes, great grounds outst anding ffacilities. acilities. outstanding

Open O pen Mornings Mor nings every Tuesday Tuesday every 9am – 12 noon

O ur opening hours ar e 7.30am 7.30a . .30am tto o 6pm ffor or ttotal ota Our are wr ap ar ound car e. wrap around care. O ur motto motto is simply simply 'Intrepid', 'Intrepid', or 'be brave' brave' which which Our encour ages our children children tto o tr y new tthings hings in a safe, safe, encourages try nurturing and stimulating en vironment. environment. 18

Party Ideas

Did YOU know? A hair and beauty salon in Horsforth also offers pamper parties for junior clients as well as styling and treatments for grown ups. Tranquility Day Spa on Fink Hill provides a bespoke experience for party princesses, including a range of treatments from manicures and pedicures to facials and make up. Consulting closely with parents, staff at the spa ensure the birthday girl gets the right package that is age appropriate for her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our staff have lots of experience with children as we are all mums ourselves,â&#x20AC;? said owner Maura Doore. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They always thoroughly enjoy the experience, and are surprisingly calm and sensible!â&#x20AC;? Candy floss, hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream, chocolate fountain, or alternatives can be served at the parties. A gift for the birthday girl can also be arranged. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We create a mini salon for the children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; giving them their own party space,â&#x20AC;? said Maura. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This sets it apart from other treatments going on downstairs in the rest of the hair salon.â&#x20AC;? Parties are offered for children aged six and upwards. For young ladies at high school, there are make-up lessons and skin care education, made fun with a chance to stay and play and use the products. A mum of two pint-sized pamper party-goers said,â&#x20AC;&#x153;My daughters went to a party at Tranquility Day Spa and loved having the treatments done. They were well looked after from start to finish and thoroughly enjoyed the chocolate fountain. The team are great with the kids and make them feel extremely special. If you are looking for a spa that can offer good value, service with an enormous smile then this is the place for you.â&#x20AC;? Tranquility Day Spa Leeds, 18 Fink Hill, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4DH â&#x20AC;˘ 0113 259 0064

In the BAG!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Something a little different for a birthday or just to treat your child this is the shop to have a look in.â&#x20AC;? Gillian, Harrogate 45 Cold Bath Road Harrogate, HG2 0NL EAT â&#x20AC;˘ SLEEP â&#x20AC;˘ DRESS â&#x20AC;˘ PLAY

By Emma Oliver

IISome unusual â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and memorable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; party bag ideas.II Are you out of ideas for party bags? Do you think your kids sometimes come home with a bag full of plastic and sweets? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not alone. In reality, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually not that difficult to find all manner of unique goodies that will be gratefully received by child and parent alike. With a little time spent searching, and a little creativity thrown in, we discovered alternative childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party bag ideas that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t break the bank â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and will still be talked about next year! Great play for the under-8s, parties and daily activities,

plus yummy food and 1 What could be more useful than a pen? And what could be more exciting than a yummy bean to cup coffee scented glitter gel pen with glittery scented gel ink? Split a ÂŁ6.95 packet of 12, available 30 TOWN STREET, HORSFORTH Phone 0113 2588856 â&#x20AC;˘ www.tinytoesplaycentre.co.uk from Little Aligators on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate, www.littlealligators.com. 2 From Frozen to Dinosaurs and perfect for all themed parties, Top Trumps go down really well, from ÂŁ3.99 3 LEGO Minifigures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; blind bags from ÂŁ2.49 and key rings from ÂŁ2.99 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enjoy the Danish brick brand? 4 The stretchy award winning Oogi Junior is ultra cool and offers endless creative options. Toyella.com ÂŁ4.99 5 Kids will go potty for a playdough pack from the dotty dough Our 3 hr classes cover the topics of; factory from ÂŁ2.50. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to love? CPR / Choking / Meningitis / Burns & Scalds 6 LittleLuLubel.com offers gorgeous, pre-filled treat bags for boys Poisoning / Bleeding / Minor Injuries and girls, ÂŁ3.75 northleeds@bumpsandbashes.com 7 Museum shops offer great party bag ideas. Chocolate dinosaur 07899 993916 (Katie) lollies from the Natural History Museum nhmshop.co.uk make for a unique and delicious rip-roaring treat at ÂŁ2 each 8 For Summer party gift ideas; juggling balls, buckets and spades,

hula-hoops, footballs, skipping ropes and kites all make for reusable Come to one small group class or organise a private class in the comfort of your own home. outdoor fun to take home. All under ÂŁ2 pastpresenttoys.co.uk

Halloween

What you’ll need: • Paper plate • Pencil • Scissors • Hole punch • Black crayon • Orange paint & paintbrush (or crayons/ felt tips/ colouring pencils) • Green card • Black foam sheet or card • Double sided tape (or glue) • Elastic

SPOOKY MAKE & DO

IIANNA QUINN runs CREATION STATION sessions across Leeds, providing artyII IIcrafty fun for children aged from six months to 11 years. Here are herII IIinstructions on how to make a Jack O’Lantern mask, ready for Halloween…II

Draw your Jack O’lantern eyes onto the back of the paper plate. We have used a simple triangle shape, but you can draw eyes using any shape, so long as they are roughly at eye level. Cut the eyes out – some grown up help may be required here!

From the green card, draw and cut out a stalk shape. Stick this to the top of the mask using either double sided tape or glue.

Draw the nose and mouth on the black foam or card and then cut out. For the nose, we have used another simple triangle shape, but you can use any shape. You could create more than one mouth shape and make them interchangeable depending on your mood. Do you want to be funny, scary, smiley?

Stick your nose and chosen mouth onto the mask using double sided tape or glue. If you choose to have an interchangeable mouth, it would be best to stick the mouth down using a rolled up piece of masking tape so it’s less permanent.

Cut some elastic to size. Thread through the holes at each side of the mask and knot.

Punch a hole at either side of the mask roughly just above where ears will be.

Draw some lines down the mask using a black crayon

Colour your mask orange. If using paint, two coats look brighter!

Done, TA DA! Happy Halloween! 20

Trick or Treat

ETIQUETTE By Justina Gapper

Photo by Justin Leeming

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Recommended by

Buy of the day

Keep tabs on their clothes

IIIf you and your children are going trickII IIor treating for the first time, here are aII

A one snap solution

0844 5611994 www.snappytags.co.uk

IIfew guidelines.II What age can Children start? Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no minimum age! Many parents enjoy dressing up and venturing out with their toddlers, whilst others take babies along in prams with older siblings.

What are the Rules? Only approach homes that have a visible â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;invitationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pumpkin, lantern or other Halloween decorations displayed. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t knock if the lights are off and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t knock more than once. Alternatively, you may decide to knock only on doors of friends and neighbours that you have pre-warned of the visit!

What if my Children donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the Treat? Make sure your children are briefed to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pleaseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thank youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in addition to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;trick or treatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, plus they should try to be appreciative of any treat they are given.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Trick all about? The word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;trickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; refers to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;threatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. These days it is uncommon to have raw egg splattered over your driveway by pranksters, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safest not to answer the door to raucous groups of older teenagers, or if you suspect your visitors are not well-intentioned.

If you are asked for a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Trickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, what should you do? One harmless but funny idea is to get the homeowner to close their eyes and put their hand in a witchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hat or toy cauldron filled with a gooey mess or plastic spiders, rubbery worms and insects. 21

C hristmas

St Gemma’s As Christmas gets closer, thoughts begin to turn to cosy nights by the fire, making lists of cards and presents, and the food and drink that will be shared with welcome friends and distant aunties. Decorations will go up and a few too many mulled wines and mince pies may be downed. Spending time with friends and family is what the season is all about and it is no different for all the patients and their well-wishers at St Gemma’s Hospice.

Christmas

OR MANY PATIENTS it may be their last chance to spend Christmas with their family or friends, or see their grandchild tearing open an exciting new toy, so allowing them the necessary support to return home during this time is of the utmost importance to nursing and medical staff at the hospice. As many patients as possible are discharged over the festive weeks so they can spend as much time as possible where they want to be – with their families. For those who cannot leave, the hospice team go above and beyond to make things extra special, with a room on each ward for family and friends who want to stay

overnight, and the chance for a full Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings, in their room if they want. Caring for patients over the festive period is business as usual at St Gemma’s Hospice, which relies on local fundraising and initiatives to fund two-thirds of the £9 million per year it costs to run. If you are interested in helping the hospice, whether you can donate time to the charity’s shops, items to events or a financial donation to support its vital work, call 0113 218 5555 or visit www.st-gemma.co.uk.

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C hristmas

Win a sleigh ride with Santa at STOCKELD PARK! Santa Claus will be taking a ride through Stockeld’s magical forest on Sunday, November 15, and you have the chance to join him! One lucky family will win VIP access to the sleigh, pulled by Santa’s reindeer, as well as a private visit to him to discuss your Christmas wishes! This fantastic prize also includes a pass to all the amazing activities at Stockeld Park, including the real ice rink, Nordic ski trail and magical maze. To enter, simply email editor@familiesleeds.co.uk with the words SLEIGH RIDE in the subject line. The winner will be notified by email. Closing date is October 31.

Grab a Bucket… St GEMMA’S needs YOU St Gemma’s Hospice needs support for its big Festive Bucket Collection. On Saturday, November 21, between 9am and 5pm, the charity aims to raise £8,000 from spare change in just eight hours. It wants people to grab a bucket and collect anywhere in Leeds, and make it their biggest collection ever. This is the one day of the year when the hospice has a permit to collect all around Leeds, so it’s a great opportunity to volunteer on a local high street. Each and every day the hospice makes life better for local people who have been diagnosed with cancer and other life limiting illnesses. All of its services are provided completely free of charge, but they are not free to provide. Every year the hospice has to raise £6.2 million to keep providing this important care. Throughout the day St Gemma’s Hospice staff will be based in the city centre, with festive entertainment, a stall and refreshments available. Collections can be held outside St Gemma’s Shops. This is a great way to fundraise as a group too, taking part as a family, workplace or sports club. To register as a volunteer or for more information visit www.st-gemma.co.uk/flagday or call Emily on 0113 218 5565.

Family Food

MEALTimes The start of the new school year always feels like a good time to turn over a new leaf in all aspects of life. September, even more than January, is the month of good intentions, and the way you plan, prepare and consume family meals might be one change on the menu. Here, Kathryn Mewes, author of the Three Day Nanny and star of the accompanying Channel 4 programme, explains why it’s good to all eat together, and offers top tips on how you don’t need to cook ‘children’s meals’.

KNOW, I know, I can hear,“My children eat too early, they eat food I don’t want to eat, my husband/wife is home so late.” The aim is that you prepare one meal for dinnertime. The children eat and you have a small portion with them. When your husband/wife arrives home they have the same meal. A portion has been set aside for them. I believe that it is so important for children to realize that they cannot have their ‘favourite’ meal each and every day. My ethos is simple ‘A meal is prepared and there are two options – take it or leave it!’ Once this attitude is adopted and you remain consistent you will find that the children adjust and adapt to your new way at meal times. I think that there is too much emphasis today on children having to eat all of their meal. This is what leads us to only giving them food we know they will eat. It is important to realize that your children may leave some of their meal but as they start to realize this meal is going to appear at least once a fortnight they will adjust. Slowly but surely they will tuck in. The key is that your children are seeing a variety of foods and you are eating with them. I often suggest creating a meal plan so that everyone knows what is on offer that night. Here’s an example. MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Spaghetti bolognaise and green vegetables Fish cakes and potato wedges and roasted vegetables Thai chicken curry with rice Sausages and mash and onion gravy with carrots Fish and Chips night! Pizza and Pasta night! Roast dinner

You can alter the menu plan every week or have two to three that you simply rotate. This has so many advantages: • The food shopping can be done once a week, ordered online for ease. • Everyone knows what is going to be served. • You don’t have to think each morning about the evening meal. • You are only cooking one meal for the family.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS “What if my child won’t eat it?” Please don’t expect your family to instantly adapt. They will dig their heels in before accepting the permanent change. If a meal is not eaten simply allow fruit for dessert and a cup of milk to line their stomach before bed. The most important thing is not to offer them something else – you will then be back to where you once were. “We all have different tastes.” You should be able to create a meal where there is something for everyone. For example a curry. You might find one family member prefers the rice, the other the vegetables and the other picks out the meat. In time they will expand on this and start to eat more of the meal. A salad can always be served as an accompaniment to cater for all. “I don’t want to eat early with my children.” The important thing is that if you are introducing change you need to lead by example. You can have a small portion, or mainly vegetables while sitting with the children. I have ALWAYS found that children behave far better at the table when an adult is sitting with them, ideally eating, not just observing.

CHILDREN’S MEALS It is very common for children to like dry food. By this I mean nuggets, fish fingers, chips, potato wedges, pesto pasta and sausages. There is nothing terribly wrong with any of these meals but at some stage your child needs to expand. There is a whole world of exciting food beyond children’s menus! I suggest these meals are on the weekly menu and they are enjoyed but then there are meals to suit you. It is a life lesson. There needs to be give and take at meal times. Everyone needs to see their favourite meal once a week. Mealtime can be for the entire family – not just the children. The Three Day Nanny Your Toddler Problems Solved by Kathryn Mewes is published by Vermilion. For more information, visit www.bespokenanny.com

Families Leeds

AUTUMN Wordsearch S

Leaves Bonfire

Harvest Brambles

Conkers Pumpkins

Lanterns Fireworks

Baildon • Bramhope • Burley • Horsforth Featherbank • Horsforth Trinity

Our NEW setting – HORSFORTH FEATHERBANK – is NOW OPEN! Situated in the grounds of Horsforth Featherbank Primary School is the newest addition to the Cliffe House group of nurseries. Light and spacious, it offers a wealth of experience in first class care and learning for children aged 0–5 years. We are Ofsted registered and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage with four dedicated playrooms. Large, secure outdoor play areas ensure a wide range of activities, whatever the weather.

Our staff are all fully qualified, DBS checked and all hold paediatric first aid certificates. Our nursery cook is fully trained and caters for individual dietary requirements. We also run an adjacent breakfast, out of school and holiday club, open 7.30am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm. Free 15 hours childcare per week available for two, three and four-year-olds. Term time and full time bookings being taken and NO REGISTRATION FEE for a limited period.

Please contact DEBBY on 0113 345 2850 who will be delighted to show you around Email: cliffehousefeatherbank@yahoo.co.uk • www.cliffehousedaynurseries.co.uk Back Featherbank Terrace, Horsforth, LS18 4SZ 25

The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark

WHAT’S ON… September and October are packed with fun things to do for children and families, there’s no reason to be bored this half term and plenty of spooky goings on for Halloween. Here’s our round up of what’s on...

Theatre magic at the CARRIAGEWORKS... There’s a fabulous line-up for children at the Carriageworks Theatre this October Half Term. Three different performances, each with a pre-show activity hour included in the ticket price, promise to captivate and delight young audiences. Don’t miss the stage version of Jill Tomlinson’s much loved classic, The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark. A funny, gentle and reassuring tale it’s written especially for small people aged three to seven – and grown-ups who sleep with the big light on! Join Plop, the baby barn owl as he journeys into the night-time world of campfires, fireworks, and moonlit adventures. For the over fives, The King of Tiny Things brings an The King award-winning story spectacularly to life with circus, of Tiny Things puppetry and song, starring four of the world’s most The Snow Child exciting circus artists and providing fun for all the family. One magical midsummer’s night, two sisters are led on a moonlit adventure. Together they rescue juggling slugs, contortionist caterpillars, and a trio of acrobatic baby bats. And finally, The Snow Child, suitable for everyone over three, promises to be a winter wonderland of poignant, inventive storytelling to enchant children and families. Produced by tutti frutti, it is writer Emma Reeves’ new play following her hugely successful adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather in the West End. The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark, Wednesday, October 28, 11am and 2pm The King of Tiny Things, Tuesday, October 27, 2pm The Snow Child, Friday, October 30, 2pm • Box Office: 0113 224 3801

Frighteningly good fun at STOCKELD PARK

There’s a whole load of spooky fun to be had at the Halloween Adventure at Stockeld Park, which opens its doors on October 21. There are Spooktacular Craft Activities, Reptile Ranger friends and their Creepy Creatures, face painting, glitter tattoos, and a Halloween catwalk where you can dress up in your very best Halloween outfit and take part. Plus you can visit the wizard’s den and receive a bewitching gift. Special pre-booked events include pick and calve your own pumpkin, meet some friendly Wise Witches and complete some magical challenges, and learn how to be a real witch or wizard in a special workshop – which gets you a certificate and real broomstick. All this on top of the usual fun of a real outdoor ice skating rink, an Enchanted Forest filled with interactive sculptures and playgrounds, a huge snowflake maze and Nordic ski trail. See our What’s On listing for more information, times and how to book.

, What s On Family Drawing Event at Leeds Art Gallery

The BIG Draw Both Leeds Art Gallery and The Tetley will be running special workshop events as part of the national Big Draw Festival. Its theme this year is Every Drawing Tells A Story, and on Saturday, October 24, The Tetley is holding a Family Art Workshop where you can join in and bring your stories to life. On Saturday, October 10, join in an extraordinary family drawing event in Artspace at Leeds Art Gallery. Supported by an artist from the gallery’s ARTeam make large scale drawings to share big ideas inspired by British Art Show 8. See our What’s On listing for times and details.

FOUNTAINS by Floodlight There’s so much going on at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal near Ripon this half term. Be king or queen of the trees and make a majestic leaf crown to take home with you, build a den, create your own art from the artwork inspired by the follies or make a bug box. See our What’s On listing for more information, times and how to book. Also, on Saturdays during October, experience something truly special and explore the illuminated ruins of Fountains Abbey by night. Warm up with a hot pulled pork sandwich and listen to a live choral performance. Join an evening guided tour and see if you catch a glimpse of the mysterious roving monk. From 5pm to 9pm (last entry 8pm). Photo by Jonathon Pow

THE BEST of the rest... Take a scarecrow trail through Kirkstall Abbey – expect vampires, werewolves, wizards and witches, or for the under-fives, get arty and crafty at a Little Owls session. Make Silly Science Magic Potions and Crafts at Abbey House Museum, find treasure at Leeds City Museum, dress up and make your way to Halloween Day at Lotherton Hall for haunted tours, face-painting and more, or check out the Spooky Spooktacular at Temple Newsam. Little Owls at Kirkstall Abbey

See our What’s On listing for times and details. 27

, What s On 1 SEPTEMBER

3 SEPTEMBER

ABBEY TOUR Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey If these walls could talk… join one of the knowledgeable guides as they bring to life the dramatic history of this fascinating building. Meet at Porter’s Lodge. 11.30am – 12.30pm & 2.30pm – 3.30pm From 1 September to 1 November

MOSAIC WORKSHOP Firefly Pottery, 116 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4AH 0113 345 0405 fireflypottery.co.uk Fantastic fun creating your own mosaic with the help of an expert! Suitable for age 8+. Booking required. 10 – 11:30am. £10 4 SEPTEMBER

DAILY PENGUIN FEEDING Harewood House, Harewood House, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG harewood.org Get up close to the Penguins by helping the keepers to feed them. You will need to be aged ten years or above to feed the Penguins – it costs just £15 per person and can be booked through the Harewood Information Centre on 0113 218 1000. 2 – 2.30pm/£15 per person Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun from 1 September

HALF HOUR POTTERS WHEEL EXPERIENCE Firefly Pottery, 116 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4AH 0113 345 0405 fireflypottery.co.uk One to one having fun with a potter, includes successful work fired. Booking required. £15 Every Fri from 4 September to 30 October

FOLLY! Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Seek out the follies in the water garden. These whimsical buildings will be transformed from their original use by some of the country’s most inventive artists and designers. 10am – 4pm. Free – but normal admission applies. Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun from 1 September

5 SEPTEMBER

GET HANDS ON – WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES National Media Museum, Little Horton Lane, Bradford, BD1 1NQ 0844 856 3797 www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk Hands on family activities include experimenting with light and colour, creating cameraless photographs and making shadow puppets. The Great Shadow Adventure is an interactive storytelling session, exploring the many ways throughout history that museum objects have used light to help tell tall tales. Shaping Shadows provides cutting-edge technology for visitors to create beautifully intricate shadow puppets inspired by Java Puppets in the Museum’s collection. Colourful Chemistry experiments with the wonderful world of colour and investigates the invisible; and Light Printing uses lots of light but no camera to produce beautiful photographs (cyanotypes) which can be taken home. Until 4 September

5 SEPTEMBER

SEASIDE ACTIVITIES Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Leeds-City-Museum.aspx This summer holidays, visit the museum to enjoy crafts and activities inspired by going to the seaside. 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 4pm Until 4 September SUMMER HOLIDAY CRAFTS – FANTASTICAL FOLLY! Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Explore the endless possibilities of your imagination as you design your very own mystical Folly! art work. 11am – 4pm Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun from 1 September to 6 September

STOCKELD

PARK

Where magic is made & adventures

begin

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ 0113 320 2323 www.thetetley.org Drop in creative family sessions. Open to all but especially good for children aged five to 11. Keep an eye on the website for details. 11am – 3pm

FAMILY ABBEY TOUR – A MONK’S LIFE Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Join the guide and dress up as a monk to find out what life was like for the monks of Fountains Abbey in the Middle Ages. They had to keep silent, eat one meal a day and always wear the same clothes. Meet at Porter’s Lodge. 2pm – 3pm 6 SEPTEMBER CLASSIC CAR SHOW Thwaite Mills Watermill, Thwaite Lane, Stourton, Leeds, LS10 1RP 0113 3782983 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/thwaitemills/Visitor-Information-forThwaite-Mills-Watermill Discover various types of transport including boats, cars and other vintage vehicles. Plus a variety of stalls and fun activities for all the family. 11am – 4pm 12 SEPTEMBER FAMILY ART WORKSHOP The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ 0113 320 2323 www.thetetley.org Drop in creative family sessions. Open to all but especially good for children aged five to 11. Keep an eye on the website for details. 11am – 3pm HERITAGE OPEN DAY Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places. HERITAGE OPEN DAY Discovery Centre, Carlisle Road, Leeds, LS10 1LB 0113 378 2100 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/discoverycentre Collections at the Discovery Centre are constantly growing, with new acquisitions added regularly. Go and take a look at the newest objects from the collections. You may be surprised with what you discover. 10am – 12pm

The Halloween Adventure Opens 21 Oct for spooky fun!

Located between Harrogate & Leeds. LS22 4AN See website for Halloween Special Events Calendar including Fright Nights, Wizard & Witch Training, Wizards Den & more!

www.stockeldpark.co.uk 28

Heritage Open Day at Discovery Centre

, What s On 12 SEPTEMBER

23 OCTOBER

ROYAL MEDICINE Thackray Medical Museum, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7LN 0113 244 4343 • www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk Celebrating 100 years since King George V visited the East Leeds Military Hospital (now the museum). Investigate the medical history of the British monarchy, from Henry VIII’s ulcerated leg to Richard III’s curved spine. Every Sat from 12 September to 26 September

DISCO ON ICE Stockeld Park, Harrogate Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 stockeldpark.co.uk Stockeld Park’s huge outdoor rink hosting Disco on Ice, where you can enjoy ice skating, music and lights every Friday night! Perfect your pirouettes in a lively disco atmosphere. 6.30pm – 8.30pm Every Fri from 23 October

20 SEPTEMBER

HALLOWEEN THEME CLAY HAND BUILDING WORKSHOP Firefly Pottery, 116 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4AH 0113 3450 405 fireflypottery.co.uk Age 8+, booking required 6pm – 7.30pm. £8.50

LEEDS COLOUR RUN AT POOL RIVERSIDE PARK St Gemma’s Hospice 0113 218 5500 • www.st-gemma.co.uk The Leeds Colour Run is a 4k fun run but, at every km point you will be showered head to toe in clouds of colour by powder rangers, who will make sure that you pass the finish line a multi-coloured masterpiece!You can run on your own, as a family, with friends or colleagues as a way to support the hospice. Or do it in memory of someone who has brought colour into your life. The run is open to everyone, whether you’re seven or 70, male or female, you can run, hop, skip, jog or cartwheel – it’s not a race, just pass the finish line wearing a smile (as well as lots of colour!) The fun does not stop at the finish line. Afterwards there will be a massive paint party, with mass colour throws, live music, food and drink. There will also be lots of colour run merchandise and extra paint packets for sale. Registration 11am

24 OCTOBER HALF TERM FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: EVERY DRAWING TELLS A STORY The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ 0113 320 2323 • www.thetetley.org This year’s Big Draw theme is ‘every drawing tells a story’. If you could wake up tomorrow anywhere, where would you be? Join in and bring your stories to life. Drop-in any time. 11am – 3pm 24 OCTOBER

23 SEPTEMBER TINY TETLEY The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ 0113 320 2323 • www.thetetley.org Drop in any time for creative fun with your under fives. Explore creating body sculptures with light and screens. Take your own torch too if you like. Booking required. 10.30am – 12.30pm 26 SEPTEMBER FAMILY ART WORKSHOP The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ 0113 320 2323 • www.thetetley.org Drop in creative family sessions. Open to all but especially good for children aged five to 11. Keep an eye on the website for details. 11am – 3pm FIREFLY’S FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY Firefly Pottery, 116 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4AH 0113 345 0405 • fireflypottery.co.uk You need to earn a pin badge from a visit to us to gain entry to this fantastic day of free events. 10am – 4pm 3 OCTOBER BLACK HISTORY MONTH Thackray Medical Museum, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7LN 0113 244 4343 • www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk Activities to mark Black History Month Every Sat from 3 October to 17 October FOUNTAINS BY FLOODLIGHT Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Experience something truly special this autumn as you explore the illuminated ruins of Fountains Abbey. Warm up with a hot pulled pork sandwich and listen to a live choral performance. Join an evening guided tour and see if you catch a glimpse of the mysterious roving monk. 5pm – 9pm (last entry 8pm). Half price admission. From 3 October to 31 October STEAM PUNK MARKET Leeds Industrial Museum, Canal Road, Leeds, LS12 2QF 0113 263 7861 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/armleymills With lots of stalls, art exhibitions, the First Tea Company Museum, pretty things to look at, tea and cakes, and entertainment. 11am – 5pm From 3 October to 4 October 4 OCTOBER AUTUMN FAMILY NATURE WALK Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Kick up the autumn leaves as you bound along on this family friendly nature walk to spot the changing colours and juicy fruits that autumn brings. 2pm 10 OCTOBER AUTUMN FAIR St Gemma’s Hospice, 329 Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS17 6QD 0113 218 5500 www.st-gemma.co.uk Stalls selling everything from books, toys, new gifts and hampers, exquisite ranges of jewellery and accessories, plus childrens’ toys and pocket money treats. Plenty of fun and games for adults and children, with tombolas, face painting, crafts activities, raffle and Farmers Market. There will be a bistro serving tasty autumnal food, including a succulent Hog Roast with sweet apple sauce. Tea rooms will be serving hot drinks, juice and a wide selection of delicious sweet treats and cakes. 10am – 3pm

HALLOWEEN EVENTS Stockeld Park, Harrogate Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 • stockeldpark.co.uk Face Painting – Transform yourself and terrify others by having your face painted by wonderful amazing faces artist. 12 – 3pm daily Glitter Tattoos – Sparkle and shine with a glitter tattoo of your choice. A beautiful way to get in the Halloween spirit! 12 – 6pm Halloween Catwalk: Dress up in your very best Halloween outfit and take part in Stockeld Park’s Halloween catwalk. Witches and wizards and lots of black cats, spooks and ghouls, masks and hats! Just some ideas of what to wear, but choose carefully, there’s prizes to be won. 3pm every day on the forecourt. Visit the Wizards Den at Stockeld Park: Allakhazam, Wizardrywoo, watch Wizard Malin’s magic or he’ll put a spell on you! Receive a bewitching gift from the depths of the cauldron! 1 – 6pm daily. From 24 October to 30 October OCTOBER HALF TERM CRAFTS – LEAF CROWNS Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Be king or queen of the trees this half term and make a majestic leaf crown to take home with you. Get creative in the workshop to make your own leaves or find fallen leaves on the estate to create your truly royal leafy crown. 11am – 3pm. From 24 October to 1 November OCTOBER HALF TERM TRAIL – LOADS OF LEAVES Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Grab your coat, slip on your gloves and get stomping around the Fountains Abbey estate in hunt of leaves, leaves, leaves. Follow the trail and the rustle through the autumn colour to discover the clues. 10am – 4pm. From 24 October to 1 November

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY 9 Interactive Galleries Tickets last all year

Brilliant Brains!

26 – 30 October

Includes the opportunity to watch a live brain dissection

Family activities every Saturday during term time and Monday– Friday during school holidays

10 OCTOBER BRITISH ART SHOW 8 DRAW IN ARTSPACE Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA 0113 247 8256 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Leeds-Art-Gallery Enjoy the Big Draw Festival, join in an extraordinary family drawing event. Supported by an artist from the gallery’s ARTeam, make large scale drawings to share big ideas inspired by British Art Show 8. 11am – 4pm FAMILY ART WORKSHOP The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ 0113 320 2323 www.thetetley.org Drop in creative family sessions. Open to all, but especially good for children aged five to 11. Keep an eye on the website for details. 11am – 3pm

L E E D S

Thackray Medical Museum, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7LN www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk

, What s On 24 OCTOBER PUMPKIN CARVING EXPERT Stockeld Park, Harrogate Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 • stockeldpark.co.uk Kick start your Halloween half term and watch an expert Pumpkin carver working on some amazing, original carvings – all grown in house. Pick up your own Pumpkin and free carving sheet from the pumpkin patch. 11am – 5pm. FREE Carving demos FREE pumpkins templates. Price = £3 per home grown pumpkin. From 24 October to 25 October

The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark at Carriageworks Theatre

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT SCARECROW TRAIL Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Kirkstall-Abbey Explore the Abbey looking for things that go bump in the night! Expect vampires, werewolves, wizards and witches. From 24 October to 30 October 25 OCTOBER DO IT YOURSELF FOLLY! ART DAY Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey There’s a unique chance to make your own art from the artwork of Folly! Paper and pencils at the ready? Let your creative juices flow around the Water Garden, and be inspired by the surprising views and follies. A special drop in drawing session in Banqueting House 10am – 5pm 26 OCTOBER BRILLIANT BRAINS! Thackray Medical Museum, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7LN 0113 244 4343 • www.thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk What does the brain look like and how much do we know about how it works? Meet experts to investigate the brain, take part in activities and watch a live (non-human) brain dissection. From 26 October to 30 October DEN BUILDING Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Branches? Check. Leaves? Check. Want to get muddy? Double and triple check! Using the best nature has to offer on the estate roll up your sleeves and make the biggest den you’ve ever seen – can you make it waterproof? 11am – 12pm & 1 – 2pm WITCH TRAIL Stockeld Park, Harrogate Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 • stockeldpark.co.uk At Halloween The Enchanted forest comes to life with friendly Wise Witches and magical challenges for all. Follow the trail map and solve riddles along the way and find out what real Witches do all day. 11.30am – 3.30pm From 26 October to 30 October

26 OCTOBER WIZARD & WITCH TRAINING Stockeld Park, Harrogate Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 • stockeldpark.co.uk Leave your wannabe Witches & Wizards for a half term Halloween workshop... Join the spell makers from Make a wish entertainment to learn how to become a certified wizard or witch at Halloween training school. Learn how to be a real witch or wizard at these magical 60 minute workshops – including a crafty activity and hands on training. Each graduate will receive a certificate, real BROOMSTICK and half price voucher to enter the forest to practice their new skills. 5 workshops (60 minutes – 20 children max, pre booking available 01937 586 333) Times vary each day – check when you phone to book. £8.50 per child for an hour. From 26 October to 30 October 27 OCTOBER BUG BOX MAKING Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey As winter approaches we’re not the only ones wrapping up warm in preparation for the chill! Our creepy crawly friends are also looking for somewhere to bed down – and you can help them out. Roll up your sleeves and and make a wooden bug box for your garden. Take the family and book early as it’s really popular. 10 – 11am, 11am – 12pm, 1 – 2pm, 3 – 4pm From 27 October to 28 October

FREE

HALF TERM FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: CREATE A COLLABORATIVE SCULPTURE The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ 0113 320 2323 • www.thetetley.org Drawing inspiration from The Feast Wagon exhibition, create a collaborative paper sculpture with beads, thread, glitter and felt to reflect your personality. Drop in anytime. 11am – 3pm

OCTOBER HALF TERM ACTIVITIES AT THE TETLEY

Experiment with drawing and sculpture in FREE family art workshops this Half Term at The Tetley. All drop in workshops are inspired by our exhibitions and led by artists. Extend your stay in The Bar & Kitchen for a selection of Yorkshire inspired treats to make a full day out together.

www.thetetley.org The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ Large car park on-site or a 7 minute walk from Leeds Train Station, 6 minutes from Trinity Leeds

THE KING OF TINY THINGS Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD 0113 224 3801 • www.leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks/Pages For the over fives, The King of Tiny Things brings an award-winning story spectacularly to life with circus, puppetry and song, starring four of the world’s most exciting circus artists and providing fun for all the family. 2pm LITTLE OWLS CRAFTS Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 • www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Kirkstall-Abbey Feathery Halloween fun for under-fives with lots of owl themed crafts for budding witches and wizards. 10am – 3pm 28 OCTOBER DEER RUT WALK Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Go and experience one of the season’s most spectacular sites on a colourful walk through the deer park with deer warden John. See and hear the sights and sounds of the ‘rut’ as the stags and bucks lock antlers to compete for the does and hinds. Meet at the Visitor Centre. 2pm – 3.30pm

, What s On 28 OCTOBER THE OWL WHO WAS AFRAID OF THE DARK Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD 0113 224 3801 www.leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks Stage version of Jill Tomlinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much loved classic, The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark. A funny, gentle and reassuring tale itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s written especially for small people aged three to seven â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and grown-ups who sleep with the big light on! Join Plop, the baby barn owl as he journeys into the night-time world of campfires, fireworks, and moonlit adventures. 11am & 2pm

Happy Halloween at Stockeld Park

28 OCTOBER SILLY SCIENCE MAGIC POTIONS CRAFTS Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 230 5492 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/ Abbey-House-Museum For all curious silly scientists. Join Abbey House to explore, create and have lots of science fun. Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme is Magic potions. 28 OCTOBER TINY TETLEY The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ 0113 320 2323 â&#x20AC;˘ www.thetetley.org Celebrate The Big Draw. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be big drawing, long drawing and other unusual drawing activities. Booking required. 10.30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12.30pm 29 OCTOBER BUG BOX MAKING Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY 01765 608 888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey As winter approaches weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not the only ones wrapping up warm in preparation for the chill! Our creepy crawly friends are also looking for somewhere to bed down â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and you can help them out. Roll up your sleeves and and make a wooden bug box for your garden. Take the family and book early as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really popular. 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11am, 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12pm 29 OCTOBER FRIGHT NIGHT AT STOCKELD PARK Stockeld Park, Harrogate Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 â&#x20AC;˘ stockeldpark.co.uk AtmosFEAR! Entertainment Group return to Stockeld Park this Halloween to transform the usually beautiful and tranquil, woodland surroundings into a world of terror where only the brave hearted will make it through Fright Night! Price includes entrance to 3 attractionsâ&#x20AC;Ś be prepared to be scared! Entrance to the forest is at timed slots every 15 minutes from 5.30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9.30pm and it is recommended you do the attractions in sequence, The forest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Freaks in the Forestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, The Maze â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Moonshine Massacreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and then the marquee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Cage: Mutationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. 5.30pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9.30pm. Price = ÂŁ11.50 per child, ÂŁ13.50 per adult and includes entrance to all 3 scare attractions. Book online at www.stockeldpark.co.uk from September 8th 2015. From 29 October to 31 October

SPOOKY SPOOKTACULAR Temple Newsam, Templenewsam Road, Leeds, LS15 0AE 0113 336 7560 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Temple-Newsam Spooky Spooktacular 5pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8pm

30 OCTOBER MIXED MEDIA HALLOWEEN CRAFT WORKSHOP Firefly Pottery, 116 Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 4AH 0113 345 0405 â&#x20AC;˘ fireflypottery.co.uk Age 8+, booking required. 10:30am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12pm SNOW CHILD Carriageworks Theatre, The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AD 0113 224 3801 www.leeds.gov.uk/carriageworks/Pages/default.aspx Suitable for everyone over three, promises to be a winter wonderland of poignant, inventive storytelling to enchant children and families. Produced by tutti frutti, it is writer Emma Reevesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new play following her hugely successful adaptation of Jacqueline Wilsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hetty Feather in the West End. 2pm WE LOVE FINDING TREASURE! Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH 0113 224 3732 www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Leeds-City-Museum A fun day full of metal detectors, hunting for treasure and golden crafts to celebrate the new display of an Anglo Saxon gold hoard. Family event, plus extra workshops for children aged 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11 years. Sponsored by and run in partnership with The Grammar School at Leeds. 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3pm 31 OCTOBER

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CRAFTY CRAFTS Stockeld Park, Harrogate Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 â&#x20AC;˘ stockeldpark.co.uk Spooktacular Activity/Craft Area at Stockeld Park. The Halloween Craft area is brimming with things to make and do. Get crafty and take home a magic wand of your own. 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm. ÂŁ2 per chiild

CREEPY CREATURES Stockeld Park, Harrogate Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 4AN 01937 586 101 â&#x20AC;˘ stockeldpark.co.uk See Reptile Ranger friends and their Creepy Creatures including snakes, spiders and a host of other creepy crawlies. You can even hold them if you are brave enoughâ&#x20AC;Ś 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm HALLOWEEN DAY Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB 0113 378 2959 â&#x20AC;˘ www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/Lotherton-Hall Beware of the scare! Go dressed up for Halloween, with haunted tours of the Hall, activities, face-painting and more! 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3pm

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ASHVILLE COLLEGE COL

A n outstanding independen t da y and boarding school for g ir ls and bo y s aged 3-18 Pre-Prep Sixth Form Senior Junior Ages 3 - 7 Ages 16 - 18 Ages 11 - 16 Ages 7 - 11

Family yF urday 10th O Oc Lots of fun fu complimentary ac

Crraft Activities Fac a e Painting ntin All areas of the school will be open to visitors including our brand new Pre-School Facility â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Large enough to challenge, smalll eenough to careâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate, North Te el: 01423 566358 | admissions@ashville.co.uk AshvilleCollegeHarrogate

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