Voyseptoctpdfmaglr16

sept/oct’16

Ashville Open Day Sat 8th Oct

1:30 - 4:30pm

FREE PUMPKIN FOR EVERY CHILD

The useful magazine for families with young children in York, Harrogate, Tadcaster, Wetherby and Selby

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL LOTS OF SPOOKY ATTRACTIONS FOR ALL THE FAMILY

10AM–5.30PM EVERY WEEKEND IN OCTOBER & EVERY DAY FROM 24TH – 31ST OCTOBER PIGLETS ADVENTURE FARM, NR YORK YO32 9ST TEL 01904 499183 PIGLETSADVENTUREFARM.COM

BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL

128 Duchy Road, Harrogate HG1 2HE

OPEN MORNINGS

Fri 7th October & Sat 8th October

Harrogate’s only stand-alone Preparatory School for 2-11 yr olds.

10.00am to 11.30am ✓High academic standards ✓Traditional Values ✓Warm family atmosphere “Outstanding in all areas” Ofsted May 2016 Currently reserving our final places for Nursery and Reception 2016.

72

issue

Please contact us for further information or a tour of the school

T: 01423 508558 • www.brackenfieldschool.co.uk

welcome to families

A couple of weeks ago my daughter asked me whether we had paper when I was little. Now I know I have a few lines around my eyes and my calf muscle is playing up a bit but I certainly don’t pre-date that invention (105 AD if you’re interested).

I may be looking over the top of the hill but even my school photos are all in colour (although my baby ones aren’t) and she’s only 8 – so that makes me young right?

I’m always torn between correcting kids’ misunderstandings and going along with it for a laugh. Years ago I worked on an American summer camp for a few summers and the children there believed our supermarket shelves were practically bare. We played along telling them we only had two different types of cereal to choose from and rationed sweets.

For years we told my son he was actually a mouse when he was born because he had furry ears (he did!) and similarly I couldn’t bring myself to correct my daughter’s pronunciation of “hippo-no-potamus” because it was so cute. I can’t get either of them to play along with these nowadays – more’s the pity.

There’s no time like September to remind parents of the fact their children are growing up all too quickly. New uniform heightens the growth changes and little hands let go a little sooner than they used to – so as not to look too babyish in the playground. Whatever stage your child is at, a new school year heralds a new chapter, a fresh start and new memories to be made.

Right, I’m off to plan the next issue on my slate – Happy New Term!

Editor of Families VOY

It’s time to visit Autumn is the perfect time to visit Castle Howard.

Spend happy days exploring magical woodland and lakeside paths, discovering our animal trail along the way.

Take a trip on the boat, ride the land train, whirl around the playground and sleep all the way home…

HALF TERM FUN 22-30 October Visit website for details

www.castlehoward.co.uk Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA

2 Families Vale of York

families magazine

issue p4 in this

Tel: 01405 860831 editor@familiesvoy.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk Circulation: 18,000 Deadline:

The deadline for the Nov/Dec 2016 edition is 8th Oct 2016 Designed by: MOOIdesign Tel: 01405 869045 Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk Front Cover: www.shutterstock.com

news

p7

treetop adventure

p13

books

Save up to

£72!

p8

clubs& classes

p14

back to school

p20

lapland

p21

what’s on

Families Vale of York 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, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Vale of York are fully protected by copyright and none 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.

HAIR RAISING FAMILY VALUE Escape to Lightwater Valley Theme Park in Ripon, North Yorkshire and discover the excitement of over 40 rides and attractions to suit all the family with free car parking!

New for 2016 – take a soaring ride above the tree tops on Apollo and let your little one’s swing, slide and hang around in our Soft Play & Café.

Lightwater Valley tickets for only £18 per person.

Hand in this voucher at our Admission Kiosks or book online quoting VYORK. Max 6 people per voucher. Offer expires 30.10.16. Offer not valid in conjunction with any other offer or promotion, Tesco Clubcard or Nectar. Saving based on full adult pay on the day price of £30. Voucher Code: VYORK

✂

lightwatervalley.co.uk Lightwater Valley, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3HT. Tel: 01765 635321

Families Vale of York 3

Stutton Playgroup earn an ‘Outstanding’

Stutton Playgroup near Tadcaster is absolutely thrilled with the ‘outstanding’ outcome of their recent Ofsted inspection.

“We have all worked hard in the last year and a half,” said leader and manager Karen Long.

“We’d been expecting our inspection since Easter, and when we received the phone call we were a mix of excitement and nerves! However, on the day we just did what we do best and showed how we work to develop learning and improve outcomes for our children and their families.”

Karen is also proud of her dedicated team who show passion in what they do.

“I am very lucky to have a supportive and hardworking committee that do so much behind the scenes, and their help and support has also helped to achieve ‘outstanding’.

I’m also delighted with all of the wonderful parents that took time out of their day to speak to the inspector and sing our praises. She had never been to another setting where parents were so eager to talk to her!” www.stuttonplaygroup.org.uk

Thumb-suckers and nail-biters ‘prone to fewer allergies’

It may drive parents mad but it has been suggested that children who regularly suck their thumbs or bite their nails are less prone to developing allergies.

The results of a study published in the New Zealand journal Pediatrics suggest that being exposed to germs at an early age can help boost the child’s immune system, making them less prone to developing allergies.

The study followed 1,000 people and assessed them between the ages of five and 32. It found that suckers and biters had fewer allergies to things like house dust mites and pet dander at the age of 13.

However, the habits seemed to have little or no effect on the incidence of developing hay-fever or asthma.

A spokesperson from Allergy UK, said: “Research that has been carried out in other countries also adds weight to this theory of the role the environment and gut microbiota play in shaping an individual’s potential to develop a food allergy.

“Having pets at home, older siblings and living on a farm have also been identified as environmental influences that may have a role in the development of allergic disease.”

Father’s court case win opens the floodgates

When Jon Platt, a father based on the Isle of Wight, took his daughter on holiday to Disneyland during term time, the local council came down hard on him and fined him. Jon took the case to court to challenge the decision and the courts overturned his conviction.

Parents all over the country will have followed the case with interest. They all know that holiday companies raise the cost of trips massively when the term is over, so the possibility if taking a cheaper holiday in term time is attractive.

Now it seems that local councils in England have decided not to prosecute other parents facing similar fines for term-time holidays.

The BBC spoke to a large proportion of local council across England and found that many had decided not to prosecute parents who flouted holiday rules. Ten had stopped cases from going to court, six stopped sending out fines and 11 were ‘looking at’ their policies. However, 49 councils said they would continue with current policies.

A spokesman for the Department for Education said: “The rules are perfectly clear - children should not be taken out of school without good reason.

“That is why we have tightened the rules and are supporting schools and local authorities to use their powers to tackle unauthorised absence.

“The evidence shows that every extra day of school missed can affect a pupil’s chances of achieving good GCSEs, which has a lasting effect on their life chances - vindicating our strong stance on attendance.”

However, many parents feel that if the Government does not want parents to take children out of school, there should be stronger regulation of the holiday industry.

Display of affection causes a furore Victoria beckham criticised for kissing her daughter

Expectant and New Parent Event

If you are a new or expectant parent, Avocado Events will be holding an evening designed just for you at Hotel Du Vin York on 18th October. Meet new friends, learn about local classes for you and your baby and listen to key speakers including Kevin Clarkson from Paul Stride, who will be advising on car seat regulations and laws. The event will run from 6-9pm and you can find out more and book by emailing kate@avocadoevents.co.uk

A photo of Victoria Beckham posted on her social media page has caused a row. Why? Because it shows the former Spice Girl and fashion designer kissing her daughter on the lips.

There has been a lot of chat over the past few years on social media about kissing children on the lips, with some saying it is ‘inappropriate’ and others saying it is simply a sign of affection and closeness between parent and child. Some have gone on to suggests that there is an age above which you should not kiss your children on the lips.

American child psychologist Dr. Charlotte Reznick suggested in 2015 that children might be ‘confused’ by a kiss on the lips, as she said “If you start kissing a child on the lips, when do you stop? It gets very confusing. As a child gets to four or five and their sexual awareness comes about, the kiss on the lips can be stimulating to them.” She continued: “If mummy kisses daddy on the mouth and vice versa, what does that means when I, a little girl or boy, kiss my parent on the mouth?”

However, Australian psychologist Dr. Fiona Martin rubbishes this statement. “It’s absurd to think a parent kissing their child could be referred to as too sexual,” she said. “It’s normal and healthy to be affectionate to your children. It’s communicating to your child that you love them.”

At the end of the day, it’s surely up to parents how they display affection to their children and if both parties are happy, then that’s fine.

“Professional, reliable childcare from Bright Beginnings” Qualified Nannies Maternity Practitioners Nursery Staff Mobile Creches Babysitting Parent Helpers Tel: 01904 691698 or 0782 333 2627 Email: info@bbchildcareuk .com www.bb-childcare.co.uk

4 Families Vale of York

50th Anniversary for Local Village Playgroup

Ouseburn Playgroup is excited to be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Originally the group was set up in 1966 by a group of mums who wanted to provide a safe and stimulating environment where children could learn through play and these core values are still at the heart of what they do today.

The entire team is extremely proud that the hard work of a dedicated group of mums 50 years ago is still providing a unique, fun and memorable experience for pre-school children today.

Located in the picturesque village of Little Ouseburn, it provides an idyllic, traditional setting that helps to develop and nurture pre-school children between the ages of 2 to 5 on a term time basis. The Playgroup places priority on providing a high ratio of qualified caring staff-to-children, giving little ones a chance to develop and flourish. for more information regarding places call 01423 339559, or email: ouseburnplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk or you can find them on facebook.

RE AD IN GC HE ST

Would you like to increase your confidence as a parent?

Do you have a child of primary school age?

If you have answered yes to both of these questions, read on…

Clare Edens is the parent of three girls, now in their twenties and thirties. She has an MSc in the Theory and Practice of Parenting and has worked with parents and families for over thirty years.

Clare is currently studying for a PhD which is evaluating how effective different ways of supporting parents are. If you would like to take part you would receive either up to ten coaching sessions over the phone, or a worksheet following Clare’s coaching model which you would work through on your own for ten weeks.

“My life coaching model (PRAISE) is designed to help parents with any parenting issues they may have, large or small and to increase their confidence in their parenting skills and feelings of wellbeing,” says Clare. “There will be some short questionnaires to complete. The process is confidential and the coaching is free of charge.

“Coaching assumes that people are naturally creative and capable and that they have the best answers for solving the problems they are experiencing. I will work with parents to help them discover those answers and reach the end result they want. The coaching process is led by the parent and it looks forward to where they want to be rather than looking back at the past to see what has happened. Life coaching has not been applied much to parenting, so this study hopes to prove its value and effectiveness to parents.” if you are interested in taking part or have questions about the process please contact clare edens : by telephone: 07740300614 or by email: clare.edens@myemail.dmu.ac.uk

New Sunday classes AND parties in Leeds The Little Gym offers a wide variety of classes to help children ages 4 months through 12 years reach their greatest potential. Structured lessons, unique themes and a nurturing environment build confidence during each stage of childhood.

KEEP CALM AND TAKE FAMILY LEGAL ADVICE Call our experts today

01904 679 990

www.coles-law.co.uk

TRY US OUT

Join us for a free introductory visit THE LITTLE GYM LEEDS: Moor Allerton Centre • Leeds, LS17 5NY • 0113 3359915 • www.leeds.thelittlegym.eu THE LITTLE GYM HARROGATE: 1 Cardale Park • Harrogate, HG3 1RY • 01423 701560 • www.harrogate.thelittlegym.eu

Families Vale of York 5

competitions

&giveaways DUCK, DUCK NOW OPEN Hornbeam Park, Harrogate gooseplay.com

win..

A SLEIGH RIDE WITH SANTA & VIP TRIP TO STOCKELD PARK We’ve teamed up with Stockeld park to give one lucky family the chance to join Santa on his sleigh ride through the enchanted forest on Saturday 12th november. You’ll get Vip access to the sleigh which will pass by the waiting crowds pulled by Santa’s reindeers and you’ll get to pay him a private visit to let him have all your christmas wishes.

The fabulous prize also includes a VIP pass to all the great activities at this superb attraction. You can head to the REAL ice rink, have a go on the Nordic ski trail, get lost in the magic maze and finish your day with a twilight walk retracing your sleigh ride through the Enchanted Forest.

To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address & telephone number to competitions@familiesvoy.co.uk with the subject line ‘Stockeld Sleigh ride’. Winners will be notified via email. closing date 31 october.

For a full list of events at Stockeld Park take a look at our What’s On guide starting on page 21.

David Walliams Giveaway with First Class Learning

To get the new school year off to a flying start, becky at first class learning in York is giving away a fabulous set of david Walliams story cds to the first three enrolments this term.

David Walliams has now established himself as one of the nation’s top children’s authors and the 14-CD collection features him reading through the likes of Gangsta Granny, Ratburger and Mr. Stink with his trademark zeal. It’s a giveaway that the whole family can enjoy!

Becky is also offering a 1-week free trial to all new students. contact becky at yorksouth@firstclasslearning. co.uk or phone 07932751003 to discuss how first class learning works and to arrange an assessment, or take a look at the websites www. firstclasslearning.co.uk/york-south and www.firstclasslearning.co.uk/yorktadcaster-road.

Open up the world for your child with our Montessori nurseries.

Outstanding care and education to inspire and guide each individual child.

A fun and educational tennis play and skills programme for children from 2-8 years old

E FRE IAL

TRSSON LE

Classes across Harrogate ogate

Fulford 01904 642666 Strensall 01904 1904 490339 49033

www.yorkshiremontessorinursery.co.uk 6 Families Vale of York

Call Becky on 078 3390 6135 becky.appleyard@tennistykes.co.uk

www.tennistykes.co.uk

g n i d g n u o r n a a i n the H Families editor Belinda Maunsell enjoyed a session at Treetop Nets near Ripon along with a couple of younger visitors.

If you’re looking for something completely different to do, then you and your family won’t be disappointed with a visit to Treetop Nets this autumn.

The treetop nets are accessed by netted walkways that can be held onto as you make your way up. Once you access a pad, everything becomes a lot more bouncy and wobbly - and more fun! Our first pad had 3 slides back down to ground and we needed sacks to slide down in. Next was a large ball pool with giant inflated balls to play on and with. This was the girls’ favourite pad and they spent ages inventing games in there.

I visited with my daughter and her friend early in the summer holidays and we booked ahead online to be sure of the slot we wanted. This did mean that we arrived on a day that the sky looked decidedly overcast and I was concerned that the impending rain showers would spoil the experience. Almost on cue, as we began our safety talk the drops began to fall but, nothing daunted, we set off to explore the nets.

Further along was a higher net with access up to the highest point of all – a crow’s nest. The top nets are around 12m off the ground, which doesn’t sound too high, but when you’re looking through the netting under your feet it can make even the bravest soul a little jittery! My daughter, who can be unsure of heights, did really well on this net and managed to accompany her friend to crow’s nest at the very top .

Another high netted area with a hopscotch grid and swingball completed the range of different pads available for play.

Located right next door to Lightwater Valley, the adventure attraction opened earlier this summer and is the first of its kind in Yorkshire – and the biggest in the UK.

Before we began to climb up into the canopy of trees, the layout of the area was explained to us along with a few safety rules – all of which were common sense. As the nets are all safely enclosed there are no harnesses and everyone is completely free to bounce around without fear of falling.

The rain held back for the first hour or so as we explored the different trampolines – or ‘pads’ as they are called. For younger children and those wanting to find their feet before embarking on the highest areas, there’s an under 7s pad. As I headed to that pad, both my charges ran off in the other direction to the bigger nets – so I dutifully followed!

Also up in the trees is a tree house – great for re-gaining a bit of stability. As one parent pointed out, getting out of the nets is like getting out of a boat – there’s a tendency to feel as though you are still moving!

I played along for around an hour of our two-hour session and then retired for a coffee and chat with one of the staff members, Ben. Ben told me that the centre had opened two months previously and is the second in the country – the first being in Windermere. The idea originated in France and there are a number of centres on the continent. The design is completely dependent on the area the nets are sited and what configuration the trees are in – but it’s easy to see how there is room for this experience to grow as new nets can be added.

Ben also told me that the attraction has seen people of all different ages have a go – just the day before a couple aged 85 had been up in the trees – so there are definitely no excuses for oldies!

As the rain began again I was concerned that the kids would get too wet or that it would become dangerous but this was certainly not the case. Ben told me that the slides get faster when they are wet –and in fact the trees shielded them somewhat from the showers.

I watched as the girls made new friends and played hide and seek and bounced and chased high up in the trees. It is without a doubt a brilliant way to get kids outside burning off energy and have a thrilling adventure too. But as well as that I saw friendships being made, risks being taken, confidence growing and lots of imaginative play.

trees

Essential Information When to arrive

The Treetops were never too busy whilst we were there. We arrived a little before our session began at 10.30 and the area was fairly quiet initially. Even when we left it was not too busy at all. New people are admitted every ½ an hour at a rate of around 35 people- although there is the capacity to take 50 every ½ hour. So by virtue of how the bookings work, the first session will be quiet.

Refreshments

There is a café selling drinks and snacks with vending machines too. My two were hungry after an hour of bouncing so be prepared for re-fuelling. There’s also a water fountain to keep everyone hydrated.

Prices

Sessions last 2 hours and pre-booking is recommended.

3-4 years £12.50 5 – 105 years £20 Adults supervising under 7s £12.50

Supervision 3-6 years 7-11 year

12 – 15 years

1 adult for every 2 children 1 adult for every 5 children.

You can supervise from the ground and therefore don’t have to pay.

An adult must be present to sign an authorisation form and needs to remain on site at all times.

To book:

Treetop nets, lightwater Valley ripon, Yorkshire, HG4 3HT 01539 447186 info@treetoptrek.co.uk www.treetopnets.co.uk

Families Vale of York 7

CLUBS &

CLASSE S Swimmers Academy & Baby Swimmers

Swimmers Academy Beginners through to Advanced, whatever their age and ability Survival skills, stamina and stroke techniques.

Baby Swimmers

Through fun and games,see your little one progress to a confident little swimmer!

Free Phone 0808 1 33 44 55 Mobile Friendly 0333 8008 345

www.babyswimmers.co.uk

Dance like everyone’s watching

Baby Swimm

ers

Local swim group Ba running classes for by Swimmers are now old Swimmers Academ er children in the their y. Classes in the academy are for beginners through to How kids can bond through movement for tee nagers. They focus advanced levels on stroke techniqu and distance as we If you’ve met a special person at a disco, you’ll know e ll follow the STA Aw as lifesaving skills and that copying another dancer’s moves can create an ards all the way up to in both survival an instant bond. d swimming skills Gold .

There may be more to this than at first appears.

Baby Swimmers co nt Researchers at Oxford University have discovered that classes for babies inue to run their popular fro problems and differences between children in a group put together a str m 6 weeks old and have uctu can be solved by encouraging them to dance together using STA Starfish red Awards Programme, an in a similar way. can see your babie d Stanley Awards so you s and toddlers pr ogress.

The academics taught 100 seven to 12-year-olds a few Classes for Baby Swimmers are at dance moves, divided them into groups and asked each New Earswick, Roko, Po ck group to dance for the others. and Robert Wilkins lington, Stamford Bridge on Academy takes pla School and Swimmers They found that the children who danced in a similar way to ce at Pocklington and Stamford Bridge. each other felt closer and had more in common with each other. Those who danced in a different way felt no bond. contact mobile fr The kids were questioned about their feelings for the others 0333 8008 34 iendly 5 or landline fr before and after the experiment. They found that, while ee phone 0808 1 33 they felt closer to their own group before they danced, they www.babyswim 44 55 or visit at mers.co.uk. felt closer to those that danced the same way afterwards.

Surprisingly, they did not feel close to children who danced with different moves or to a different beat.

The study’s lead, Bahar Tuncgenc, a PHD student at Oxford’s Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, said: “Throughout our lives, we find that there are groups we identify with and those we feel distinctly cool or even negative towards.

These feelings determine our attitudes and strongly influence how we socialise.

“This study shows how simple dance moves, such as swinging arms or stepping from side to side in time, draw children together emotionally, even if they started out in different groups.”

Harrogate Climbing Centre has a range of Baher said that it was possible that copying this experiment with instructed indoor rock climbing sessions children in areas where there is a history of problems between suitable for children from as young as 5 years. groups could help create bonds.

Rock climbing is great for improving fitness, “These findings may help those developing social and educational building self-confidence and getting young interventions for increasing cohesion and co-operation among people working together. From progressive groups where there are economic, ethnic or religious divides,” she courses to one off lessons, Harrogate Climbing said.

Centre has something for everyone.

Are you looking for a new and exciting after school activity for your child?

New Tennis Tykes classes Across Harrogate Popular kids tennis club Tennis Tykes had new venues for classes this autumn. You’ll find new classes at The Academy, Kidzplay, St Andrew’s Church Hall, Starbeck and at Belmont Grosvenor for current pupils.

To find out more or enroll, call becky appleyard on 078 3390 6135, email becky.appleyard@tennistykes.co.uk or visit www.tennistykes.co.uk

All of the climbing sessions are fully supervised and all equipment is provided.

One off sessions cost £9 for Little Monkeys (56yrs), £12 for Rock Its (7-11yrs) and £12 for Hang Time (11-17yrs). NICAS award courses are £11 per session and are booked as half term blocks. for more information or to book online please visit the Harrogate climbing centre website www. harrogateclimbingcentre.com or call on 01423 815024.

*This voucher must be provided at the start of the session. Terms and Conditions apply.

See website for details. Expires 31st Oct 2016

8 Families Vale of York

CLUBS&CLASSES

ballet

What age is best to start?

By Donya Keys of En Pointe Ballet, York

at en pointe we get asked this question a lot. i guess for a parent with a young child at maybe one or three years old they might worry that signing up to ballet classes at that age is perhaps too young, and in the same breath if your child is a five years old plus - will they have to catch up with the other dedicated dancers?

There is a solution, En Pointe has structured ballet classes designed so that the one to four year olds are just having fun with ballet. We create stories and play them out in an imaginative way, expressing ballet moves here and there as well as building certain muscle groups and stability along the way. These classes are perfect for young ones with an interest in dance and before long you’ll find they’ve made friends and your little one has taken what he or she has learnt in ballet and is practising them at home too.

If your child is five years or older they will start to inherit some of the skills learnt from the younger classes. If they didn’t then they will soon pick them up. Children are like sponges and they learn a lot quicker than you or I. In these ballet classes they really start putting dance choreography together, learn ballet steps and have great fun with it.

By Donya Keys of En Pointe Ballet, York

About En Pointe

• En Pointe have recently built new dance studios in Nether Poppleton (near Energi) at the York Business Park where children have safe and professional surroundings including sprung dance floors, shatterproof mirrors, reception/waiting area, kitchenette for tea and coffee facilities as well as of course free parking.

• All teachers have real life professional experience and training. En Pointe ballet teachers are RAD trained which means they follow the prestigious world recognised syllabus.

• The ballet school is currently involved in filming with BBC, taking part in a documentary about ‘Dance in Yorkshire’. There’s always something happening along with shows at the theatre, school outings, rehearsals and more.

• To find out more about the wonderful world of ballet and dance at En Pointe: find them on facebook at www.facebook.com/enpointeyork enrol for classes through their website: www.enpointeyork.co.uk or email for a personal reply at principal@enpointeyork.co.uk Studio address: unit 2, rose ave, York, Yo26 6ru

So to answer the question, any age is fine. Younger the better but each class is unique and will aid each child at their own pace.

Families Vale of York 9

CLUBS &

CLASSE S

Sports & Movement Baby Sensory

www.babysensory.com York: york@babysensory.co.uk Harrogate, Wetherby: harrogate@babysensory.co.uk 07970 122187 Malton & Sutton Upon Derwent: eastyork@babysensory.co.uk 07961 727253 Multi-sensory play for babies up to 13 mths.

Enjoy – a – Ball

The benefits of after school

CLUBS& CLASSES Whether or not you think you maybe raising the next Picasso or David Beckham, there’s no doubting the pluses of after school clubs.

While finances may not permit your little ones being involved in different activities every night of the week, there’s no doubt that a couple of well-chosen clubs can be great for giving your child an insight into areas that the school curriculum doesn’t cover.

From ballet to basketball and art to archery, there’s an after school activity out there for every child. And the best thing about them is they’re brilliant for all sorts of reasons – not just learning a new skill.

For a start, after school clubs give kids the chance to let off steam outside of the classroom. When you consider that in many countries around the world, kids don’t even start school until 6 or 7 years old, a full day in the classroom for youngsters can be a big ask. That’s why an alternative to textbook learning can be hugely rewarding.

So, why are clubs so important?

Team sports like football, rugby, and netball are not only brilliant for keeping kids active but also helping them learn team work where they can begin to appreciate what’s good for the whole team, rather than just thinking of themselves.

Competitive sports are also great for learning difficult life lessons like being a gracious winner - and loser.

However, if you’re on the lookout for team building clubs with a less competitive edge, you could consider Brownies and Scouts – kids love them!

Meanwhile, learning a musical instrument is ideal for discovering the art of practice, patience and persistence. Drama clubs are perfect for shy kids who learn to find their voice singing and acting alongside others, while ballet and dance is suited for kids to learn discipline and self-expression.

Don’t forget the fun factor!

The list is endless. There are clubs for almost anything you can imagine. Archery, chess, horse riding, computer clubs, film making and even circus skills are all proving popular alongside the more traditional arts and crafts, swimming, tennis and Kung Fu. However, new skills, team work and confidence building aside, the most important thing to think about when deciding which club to choose is the fun factor.

10 Families Vale of York

www.enjoy-a-ball.com 07789 861 108 Sports coaching programme for ages 3-9. Classes in Harrogate & Knaresborough area.

moving, action-packed programme-for children aged 13mths to 5 yrs.

Tumbletots

York & Selby 01904 412 381 www.tumbletots.com Gym classes for ages 6mths-7yrs

Swimming

Ashville College Sports Club

Swimming lessons from parent & toddler up to junior lifesaving. Groupbased or private tuition available during term-time only.

Baby Swimmers

0808 133 44 55 www.babyswimmers.co.uk York, Pocklington, Harrogate & Leeds

Harrogate Borough Council

Little Bites Cookery School

www.littlebitescookery.com 07768 207839 York cookery school for ages 2-5 in term time & ages 5-11 at weekends & in holidays.

Makeamajigs

www.singamajigs.co.uk 01423 552 918 Develop creativity through art for ages 1-4. Classes in Harrogate area.

Pots 2 Go

Harrogate 01423 524 797 www.pots2go.co.uk

Rainbows Ceramic Café York 01904 675 533 www.rainbowsceramics.co.uk

Young At Art

www.harrogate.gov.uk Flutterbabies Classes for all ages & stages at all 5 07768 538 527 pools including Raindrops for ages 6 www.flutterbabies.co.uk Baby Yoga (8 wks +), Baby Swimming mths-3 yrs.

Little Stars Swimming (12 wks-4 yrs), Baby Massage School (newborn+) & Baby Signing (5-20 Cawood Park. 07970 694 358 mths). www.emilyfrances.co.uk Football Tots littlestarsinfo@emilyfrances.co.uk 07595 297 639 Lessons for babies, pre-schoolers, www.football-tots.net beginners, intermediates & one-toFootball for ages 2-5 in York, Selby, ones. Lessons run Sun 1-4pm; MonRipon & Thirsk.

Thurs 9am-5.30pm; Fri 9am-7pm.

www.youngatart-harrogate.co.uk Workshops & holiday arts & craft sessions for children aged 1-11 in Harrogate & Wetherby.

07474 1933 488 www.goyogaharrogate.com Yoga for babies, toddlers, children & parents in Harrogate.

Jo Jingles

Go Yoga

Gym Gems

07946 082 801 www.gymgems.wix.com/home Classes for under 5s at the Wetherby Sports Association with North Leeds Gymnastics Academy.

Harrogate Climbing Centre

01423 815 024 www.harrogateclimbingcentre.co.uk Climbing clubs for ages 5 upwards.

Rugby Tots

www.rugbytots.co.uk For ages 2-7 in York & Harrogate.

Sambarca

07595 297 639 www.sambarca.com Football for boys & girls aged 5-16 in York & Ripon.

Tappytots

01977 621 616 www.tappytots.co.uk Music & dance adventure for 2-5 year olds in York, Harrogate, Wetherby,

Tennis Tots

07725 029 867 www.tennis-tots.co.uk Tennis for ages 2-6 in York

Tennis Tykes

www.tennistykes.co.uk Harrogate, 078 33906135 Tennis play & coaching programme for children aged 2-8.

The Little Gym

01423 701 560 www.thelittlegym.co.uk Gym programmes for children from 4 mths to 12 yrs.

Selby Leisure Centre 01757 213 758 www.selbyleisurecentre.org Swimtots & lessons for all ages.

Splish Splosh Swimming School

0844 264 1102 www. splishsploshswimmingschool.net Classes in York & further afield. Ages 3 mths+

Swimtime

01757 247 047 www.swimtime.org Local swimming lessons for all ages & abilities.

Swim Tots

01423 528 882 www.swim-tots.co.uk York, Harrogate & Boroughbridge.

Classes from birth-pre-school.

Music

High-Low Quick-Slow

01757 611 234 www.highlowquickslow.co.uk Fun music & movement for ages 6mths-5 yrs. 45min classes in, Rawcliffe, Escrick, Osgodby, Monk Fryston, Drax & Wistow.

01977 650 455 www.jojingles.com/leeds Wetherby & Boston Spa. Music, singing & movement classes for babies & young children ages 3 mths-5 yrs.

Rhythm Time

www.rhythmtime.net 07789 895 894 Music & Singing classes for babies, toddlers & pre-schoolers. Harrogate & Wetherby.

Sing and Sign York

01904 690 038 www.singandsign.com Classes in Acomb, Wheldrake & York Library.

Singamajigs

www.singamajigs.co.uk 01423 552 918 www.york.gov.uk 01904 552 424 Sing & jig from birth-5. Classes in Classes run all year for ages 6 mths+ at Harrogate & surrounding area.

Energise or Yearsley Swimming Pool.

Swim York

Tadcaster Community Swimming Pool 01937 833 001 www.tadcasterpool.org.uk Programmes for all ages & stages.

Water Babies

www.waterbabies.co.uk 01904 607 110 Classes for babies from birth-4yrs.

Babies need to be under 1 to begin.

York & Harrogate.

Wetherby Leisure Centre

www.leeds.gov.uk 0113 378 1265 Swimming Lessons available for all ages & stages.

Arts, Crafts & Creative Clayfever

www.clayfever.co.uk Toddler Sense 01937 918 100 york@toddlersense.co.uk 07718 Ceramic painting for everyone.

604343 Harrogate & Wetherby harrogate@ Tadcaster. toddlersense.co.uk 07961 727253 Linguacook Selby area www.linguacook.co.uk Sutton Upon Derwent, & Malton enquiries@linguacook.co.uk eastyork@toddlersense.co.uk Fabulous cookery & language 07989 560480 workshops for children aged 5-17.

Excitement & adventure with a fast-

Performing Babyballet

York 07702 965 932 www.babyballet.co.uk Tinies for 18 months to 3 years, Movers for 3 -4 year olds, Groovers for 4-6 and tappers for ages 3+. Classes in Woodthorpe, Clifton Moor, Manor Academy & Clements Hall.

Bluespoon Theatre Company

Based in York 07923 359 470 www.bluespoontheatre.com

Butterfly Dance Studios

www.butterflydancestudios.co.uk 01405 780 626 Extensive classes from ballet & tap to Latin American & Hip Hop. All agestots to adults. Goole.

Derwent Dance

www.derwentdance.co.uk 07985 687 807 Ballet, tap, modern jazz, freestyle, street & more.

Diddi Dance

www.diddidance.com 07917 757 566 Funky pre-school dance classes in, Harrogate, Knaresborough & Boston Spa.

CLUBS&CLASSES En Pointe Classical Dance School www.enpointeyork.co.uk 0755 7355 562 Classical dance school for ages 1+ in York.

Drama, dance & music for ages 4-18 at York High School

Riding Lights Youth Theatre

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

www.ridinglights.org For ages 7-18 in York.

for children aged 5 to 12

Flying Ducks Youth Theatre Stagecoach

www.flyingducksyouththeatre.com York 01904 672 662 For ages up to 12 & 12 - 18 in York Harrogate 01423 771 138 Harrogate Youth Theatre Wetherby 0113 210 3505 Garforth 0113 210 3505 (Harrogate Theatre) www.stagecoach.co.uk www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk Classes in drama, dance and singing For ages 3 -18. No auditions and the same opportunities and experiences for for students aged from 4 -19. Offers training in performing arts and life everyone - whatever background. skills, such as confidence and selfJunction esteem.

Goole 01405 763652

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Venues Across York & Harrogate

www.junctiongoole.co.uk Electric Youth Theatre (5-18), School of Rock (12+), Ukulele Junction (12+) all ages & abilities.

Stage Door Academy

07919 008078 www. katieventressschoolofdance.co.uk Ballet, Tap, Modern Theatre Dance & Musical Theatre/Drama for ages 4+ in York.

Selby www.themusicroomsselby. co.uk 07976 250 785 info@ themusicroomsselby.co.uk Tuition in ALL instruments with 6 teaching rooms, band rehearsal rooms, instrument repairs, choirs, workshops & music courses

for prices and more info please visit :

www.stagedooracademy.co.uk Drama & musical theatre & singing in the Goole & Howden area.

www.totalsportslimited.co.uk Childcare vouchers accepted T: 03444 14 13 13

Katie Ventress School of Dance The Music Rooms

Kids2Dance

www.kids2dance.co.uk Dance & movement classes for ages 6 months - 4 years in Selby, York, Tadcaster, Howden, Goole & surrounding areas.

Pauline Quirk Academy

www.pqacademy.com York: 07753 179 070 Harrogate: 07928 835 516 York and Harrogate- based classes in comedy & drama, musical theatre, film & television for ages 4-18. Based at Huntington School, York & Harrogate Grammar School.

Razzamataz

01759 306 676 www.razzamataz.co.uk

Upstage Centre Youth Theatre

30 HOURS FUNDING NOW AVAILABLE*

• For children aged 15 months to 5 years with funding for 2, 3 & 4 year olds • Open 7.30am to 6pm, all year round • Full and part-time spaces available • Highly experienced and dedicated staff • Ofsted registered with ‘Excellent’ rating

01904 674 675 www.upstagecentre.org.uk Catering for ages 8-25 in York.

York Youth Theatre (Theatre Royal)

www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/youth. shtml Catering for ages 5-19. A brilliant opportunity to work with professional theatre practitioners and artists and perform on stage.

613566 Call us today! T: 01904 www.bright-beginnings.info E: brightbeginnings@talk21.com 47 Rawcliffe Drive, York YO30 6PD *Terms and conditions apply

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Families Vale of York 11

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bornto run rideabike Teach your kids to

Find out why running could be the best sport for your kids…

7

in easy steps

Teaching your child to ride a bike has never been easier with these seven simple steps.

1. Begin with a balance bike

Balance bikes are great because they have no pedals or stabilisers and are much lighter. Because children can use their feet to balance and move themselves along, those as young as two can learn to balance on their own.

2. Start on flat ground

Always begin to teach your child on flat ground – so at a local park or area with no traffic. You can work your way up to small hills.

3. Teach them to use the brake in 2012, a school in Stirling started an amazing project; instigated by Head Teacher elaine Wyllie, the pupils ran a mile at the beginning of school every day. The benefits to the children were seen almost immediately, with them becoming more energised in lessons, improved concentration and better behaviour all round. The school has continued to keep up this initiative and since other schools have also taken up the challenge. but could running be the sport of choice for your child?

Why is running great for kids?

Running comes naturally to children. Just take a look at a playground full of kids and you’ll soon notice that groups of them are running around.

Running also forms a number of games – playing “It”, running races, etc.

Entry level

You really don’t need much equipment to get little ones running – as long as children have comfortable clothing, they can get started. The only thing to be careful of is their feet. Make sure you invest in a really good pair of running shoes and have them fitted by an expert in a specialist running shop. Your child’s feet are still growing and developing, so restricting them and having inadequate support can lead to injury and longterm problems.

How to get started

There are a number of running apps and websites around now that help anyone, of any ability, to get started. So whether you choose Couch to 5K or Athletics 365 or something similar, you and your kids can start off with a short run and gradually begin to work up to longer distances. A programme that follows a walk-run-walk routine works well, as you can get your breath back! Kids can join in with ParkRun activities; some offer a Junior version, with a two kilometre distance.

Warm up and warm down

Running without warming up is a recipe for disaster, as you run the risk of injury. Start with a warm-up session which should include: • Walk at a brisk pace– three to five minutes • Jog at a slow pace, speeding up gradually, and then walk and shake out your legs • Skip, do high steps and skip sideways • At the end of a run it is also important to cool down, so walk for a while to encourage blood to

12 Families Vale of York

return to resting flow. Follow with some gentle stretches to prevent cramps. Have a look at running websites for tips on the best warm-up and cool down routines for running.

Fringe benefits

Once your child has built up a bit of stamina with running, it can help with other sports such as football, rounders, baseball and rugby. Your child will begin to find the running part easy, which allows them to concentrate on skills and technique.

Supporting their body

Running takes a lot out of you, so it’s important to make sure your child is eating correctly and is well hydrated. A small, carb-heavy snack before a run is good and a balanced diet with plenty of protein, fruit and vegetables will help them progress. Make sure they carry water for longer distances and give them frequent drinks. Avoid energy drinks, as these are mostly sugar and caffeine.

ware of t a e b o t s - tha Thing h an injury

wit should run • Nobody includes kids ore high fun and ign it ep ke to • Try cing pressured ra e them • Don’t tim st plenty of re r child gets u yo re s su nce • Make longer dista gradually to g pace in lk a • Build up w slow to a to em th ge • Encoura when tired

by Sally J. Hall Sally is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

At the age of two and a half to three, children are able to operate a hand brake, as long as it’s gentle enough for their fingers. Begin by showing your child how the brake works and encourage her to practise.

4. Always wear a helmet

Wearing a helmet is a must. The sooner your little one gets used to it, the better. We recommend that you shop for a helmet together to ensure your little biker likes it and will therefore wear it.

5. Look for safety add-ons

A steering limiter is highly recommended as this will enable your child to keep in the right direction and prevent falls. While you’re looking at safety equipment, it’s worth purchasing bright coloured clothing or safety vests to ensure she is seen by others at night time.

6. Get an adjustable seat

Try to choose a bike that has an adjustable seat as this means the bike can be adjusted to suit their height. When your child is on the bike, both feet should be firmly on the ground – not just the toes – and the knees should be slightly bent.

7. Upgrade to a bigger bike

When your child has developed enough skill and confidence you can transfer them to a pedal bike without stabilisers.

books homework help Help your child enjoy their homework with these must-have books to make studying fun!

DK Find Out! Ancient Rome dorling kindersley £5.99

History homework just got cooler with this amazing book, taking kids back in time to discover what life was like in Ancient Rome. Discover what Romans put in their shopping basket and decode Roman numerals before going in to battle with the Gladiators. With beautiful photography, illustrations and key curriculum information, it’s packed with quizzes and fun facts on every aspect of Roman life.

Help with Homework English Essentials igloo books £3.99

Ideal for ages nine and up, this book – for key stage 2 – perfectly links school and homework.

Including spelling, grammar, punctuation, reading comprehension and writing, it’s the ideal tool for those still a tad wobbly when it comes to perfecting the English written language.

Ladybird I’m Ready…

For Maths! Adding and Subtracting ladybird books £3.99

Perfect for boys and girls starting school, this bright, motivational sticker book covers the adding and subtracting concepts that children will be learning during Key Stage 1. From number bonds to 10, as well as counting using a number line to help, your child can use the combination of stickers and colourful activities to boost their learning in a fun, engaging way.

Usborne Coding for Beginners using Scratch usborne books £12.99

A new UK curriculum topic that is introduced in key stage 1, coding – is made easy with this stepby-step book. Showing children how to use code to create games and animations – from racing cars to virtual pets – it covers sprites, binary, debugging and more. Not sure what any of those terms mean?

Get learning, too – this book is just as helpful for parents!

by claire muffett-reece Claire is a freelance journalist who writes on parenting, lifestyle, health and general interest. Mum to Jack, five, and Max, three, her work has been published in The Evening Standard, The Metro and Cosmopolitan, among others

Best NEW Book Releases Let your child experience the wonder of a good read with the latest book releases for all ages

0-2 YEARS Squares & Other Shapes

by Josef albers £6.95 Helping your little one identify shapes is key in their learning process, so why not make it a fun experience for all using art you can both appreciate?

This clever find introduces new readers to shapes via the influential art of Josef Albers, a leading pioneer of 20th century modernism who is best known for his series of paintings, Homage to the Square. The board book takes little ones through Albers’s range of geometrics, resulting in a clever concept that successfully merges fine art with early learning.

3-5 YEARS The Wolf Who Cried Boy! by bob Hartman £6.99

Available to buy from the 4th August, this heart-warming read for any preschooler showcases a story of true friendship against the odds. A witty twist on the traditional tale of The Boy Who Cried Wolf, here the villagers and the wolves are terrified of each other, including the two unlikely heroes, a little boy and a small wolf. However, when their worlds collide, they’re in for a big surprise – and perhaps they aren’t so very different, after all…

6-8 YEARS What’s So Special about Ankylosaurus?

by nicky dee £5.99 Part of a new series line-up of dinosaurs for children, this is packed with the latest insights into how the Ankylosaurus really looked, lived, survived and thrived! As one of the most heavily armoured dinosaurs, Ankylosaurus – pronounced an-KIE-loh-SAW-russ – was built like a walking tank and was therefore well protected from the hungriest predators – except he had one weak spot. With every fact verified by award-winning paleontologist Dean R Lomax, this is supported by an educational website full of fun dinosaur games and factoids.

9-11 YEARS Ned’s Circus of Marvels

by Justin fisher £4

For the ultimate story in escapism comes this magical treat from début author, Justin Fisher. On the day of his thirteenth birthday, Ned Waddlesworth’s ordinary world is turned upside down when he discovers that everything magical he’s ever imagined is real. What’s more, without him the world will soon be engulfed in monstrous beasts and beings! So, with the help of a robot mouse, a girl witch and a flying circus unlike any other, it’s up to Ned to swoop in and save the day!

12+ YEARS The Witch’s Kiss by katharine corr £7.99

Romance meets magic and mystery in this fantasy tale, perfect for those first teenage years. Sixteen-year-old Meredith is fed-up with her family and feels invisible at school – not to mention the witch magic that shoots out of her fingernails when she’s feeling stressed. Then sweet, sensitive Jack comes into her life and she falls for him in a big way. The only problem? He’s periodically possessed by a destructive centuries-old curse. Meredith has lost her heart, but will she also lose her life – or can true love’s kiss save the day?

Families Vale of York 13

NEWS Tutors need same checks as teachers New recommendations for police checks for those working with children

children’s charity the nSpcc has recommended that all self-employed tutors who work with children should be legally required to undergo a criminal record check.

At the moment, there is no legal requirement for tutors to have Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, although many choose to do so voluntarily.

The NSPCC warns that this leaves children vulnerable to adults “seeking to harm children”.

The Home Office has said it will consider the calls.

Whilst all school teachers must have DBS checks, there is currently no requirement for private tutors to do the same.

Many tutoring agencies will insist on an up-to-date check on their staff, but some do not.

Employers and licensed bodies can request DBS checks but individuals cannot, meaning parents are unable to run such checks.

Now, the NSPCC is calling for a tightening of the law to ensure every individual giving private tuition undergoes a check, saying the same rules should apply for selfemployed tutors as for classroom teachers. it recommends: • Parents employ tutors through reputable agencies • Parents should personally check a tutor is suitable, interview them and follow up references

• Parents should make sure children understand how to keep themselves safe.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “Clearly the vast majority of private tutors are not child abusers, but the current legal loophole makes it an ideal scenario for any predatory adult seeking to harm children.”

“Children have a right to be educated in safety, and parents need to know that every care has been taken to ensure unsuitable people cannot practice as tutors.

The rules on applying for criminal record checks need to apply to self-employed tutors just as they do for teachers employed in schools.”

The nSpcc recommends that you talk to your child about safety and teach them the panTS rule: p private is private a always remember that your body belongs to you n no means no T Talk about secrets that upset you S Speak up, someone can help You can see more about this at nspcc.org.uk

New hope for maths studies

Explore potential

explore learning aim to help students achieve their potential and be the best they can be by getting to know each child as an individual, and helping them to fall in love with learning.

They’ve delivered award-winning maths and English tuition to over 175,000 children across the UK with the goal of building confident, fearless learners who are hungry for knowledge.

This summer Explore Learning has been encouraging children and parents to learn new skills together, showing off what they’ve achieved back at school this September! for more information about classes in our area this autumn visit www.explorelearning.co.uk

Asian-style teaching programme may help UK kids

a new system for teaching maths will sweep the nation, says the department for education.

The Department has pledged £41 million for over 8,000 schools (50% of all UK schools) to start to introduce Asian style maths tuition. Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong lead the world in maths performance, using a system called maths mastery. Those using the scheme have been shown to perform better than their peers.

The system means that teachers spend a lot of time on one topic to make sure that children understand it fully. They also discover how problems relate to their everyday life, so they are given context. The system was created by educational psychologists and specialists and the result is a sequence of lessons supported by high quality textbooks.

Maths mastery gives children the ability to recognise patterns, see connections and to be able to visualise – the main ingredients of problem-solving.

14 Families Vale of York

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Youngsters from five Harrogate junior schools have had their horizons broadened during a space-themed master class.

The pupils from Ashville Junior School, Burton Leonard, Bilton Grange, Oatlands and Follifoot were treated to the science space workshop led by Conor Davies, Ashville College’s Head of Physics and Lead Educator at the Leicester-based National Space Academy.

During the session, held at Ashville Junior School, the youngsters learned how NASA had created the first disposable nappies for astronauts on space walks, which was followed by creating a scale model of our solar system using a variety of objects to demonstrate the scale of the planets and the vastness of space.

Next, the children were amazed by a demonstration of how a comet is formed, as dry ice sent white “smoke” rolling

across the classroom. Finally, the young scientists designed and made their own rockets, which were launched on the school field, with one from Burton Leonard flying the furthest.

Ashville Junior School Headteacher Simon Bailey said: “This afternoon was a wonderful opportunity for our pupils and those from four other junior schools in the area to learn from Conor Davies.

“British astronaut Tim Peak’s recent experiments and broadcasts aboard the International Space Station have really captured the children’s space imaginations, and the afternoon proved to be a wonderful opportunity to further explore the wonders of the universe.”

Missing children not followed up

Councils accused of doing too little to address absenteeism Ofsted has accused Luton, Bradford and Birmingham councils of failing to follow up on children missing from their schools.

They have also suggested that home-educated children, those at unregistered schools or at some independent faith schools may be exposed to religious extremism.

The Government recently vowed to crack down on schools that do not report back to local councils.

Ofsted has suggested that these councils are not following up on students who are taken away from their mainstream schools and say this may lead to their being at risk of “harm, exploitation or the risk of falling under the influence of extremist views”.

Children with a taste for adventure needed for outdoor activities at Harrogate school Youngsters with a taste for adventure are being encouraged to join in an exciting autumn activity morning at belmont Grosvenor School Belmont Grosvenor is one of a network of Forest Schools across the UK, with pupils from four to seven years old learning through outdoor play in the school’s extensive woodland environment.

A recent report published by a team of experts from Plymouth University showed that outside learning had a ‘positive impact on children’s development’ and called on the Government to include it in the national curriculum.

Now, as part of a series of Open Doors events at the school, Belmont Grosvenor is holding an Autumn Adventure Morning to give youngsters from across the Harrogate area the chance to try out its Forest School activities for themselves.

Planned for Saturday 8 October, the adventure morning will run from 10am to 12 noon. Children from four to seven-years-old will be able to have a go at den building, woodland scavenger hunts and marshmallow toasting.

Nick Wield, Belmont Grosvenor’s Forest School co-ordinator, said the Plymouth University report

highlighted what Belmont Grosvenor School had recognised for several years – the benefits of outdoor learning in a child’s development.

“We are fortunate enough to be set in 20-acres of amazing grounds just a few miles from the centre of Harrogate. Our Forest Schools’ scheme allows children to develop outside the classroom, in a less formal environment, and helps them with their emotional and social skills.

“We’re excited to introduce other children from across the area to the benefits of woodland learning,” he said.

The school is also holding an Open Morning on Friday 30 September for parents to tour the school and grounds, and meet headteacher Jane Merriman and her team. for more information, or to book a place on the autumn adventure morning, please contact the school on 01423 771029, email admin@belmontgrosvenor.co.uk or visit the website at www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

Families Vale of York 15

My child hates school: what can I do?By Liat Hughes Joshi How to cope with school refuseniks not all children skip happily through the school gates each day. if yours isn’t keen on heading into the classroom, here’s what you can do…

Try to keep everyone calm

Mornings can be fraught if your child has developed a school aversion but it’s important to at least try and all remain calm (easier said than done we know, especially if you’re under pressure from teachers to be punctual). If your little one starts to associate mornings with being told off and stressed, it could add to their anxieties.

For more persistent and serious school aversions, consider the potential causes If there’s still no improvement and/or your child has a sudden but severe issue with school, it’s time to find out the triggers in order to help them. This can be challenging if they don’t even understand their fear, don’t want to tell you about it or struggle to articulate it at all.

Work on getting your child to open up when it’s not the ‘heat of the moment’. So not when you’re late for school and they’re in tears. If they won’t talk to you, perhaps they will do so with someone else, such as their grandparents, or an aunt or uncle.

Common reasons for school aversion include bullying/ problems, boredom, learning difficulties, a tricky It might just be a phase (here’s hoping…) friendship relationship with a teacher or a major family event such as a Many children have a few days now and then when they’re divorce or bereavement. You could mention similar situations not keen on going to school, sometimes for no obvious you experienced in your school days to encourage discussion. reason. If your instincts and chats with your child indicate the situation isn’t serious, try to ride things out without too Meet with their teacher Have a chat with their teacher to identify and work on any much fuss. By not making this into a big issue, it might resolve itself – this is especially important for children who underlying issues going on in the classroom, playground or at home. They’ll probably have prior experience of all this, can crave attention. provide extra reassurance or support for your child and you Meanwhile if you’re sure they’re just ‘trying it on’ - perhaps can carve out an action plan together. they fancy a day watching films on the sofa (don’t we all sometimes…) - stand firm and make it clear that attending Still struggling?

Further support for severe cases of school refusal could be school is non-negotiable. available via your GP who might make a referral to Child and Fake illnesses can be a headache…

Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or a private Mysterious maladies are a common manifestation of not psychologist. wanting to go to school; although it can be annoyingly difficult to decipher whether kids are crying wolf or actually liat is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘new old-fashioned parenting’ and ‘�How to unplug ill. If it could be the former, threatening a trip to the Your child’ (both published by Summersdale) and raising doctors/ call to NHS Direct will usually either get illness children: The primary Years (pearson). fibbers to confess, or provide a miracle cure.

Getting your child into a good routine

By Sally J Hall School days and dark mornings can play havoc with your child’s routine. Here’s how to keep them happy - and get them up on time!

As you and your child get into the autumn and winter school term, it can be difficult to cope with changing weather and dull days.

The long evenings of summer are over, the nights draw in and the mornings are dark. Getting your child settled into a good routine is essential if you are going to ensure they get enough sleep and are able to get up on time for school without too much effort and moaning.

Exercise is your best friend

Even if the weather is dreadful, try to make sure that your kids have some exercise every day. Not only will it help keep them fit and healthy but it also helps them to get a good night’s sleep.

The best time is just after school, when it’s still light and you can take them to the playground or let them loose in the garden. Then it’s time for homework, dinner, bath and bed.

Plan your mornings

Most parents would agree; mornings

16 Families Vale of York

are bad times! Everyone is tired and cranky and if you’re not careful, it can descend into chaos. So having a routine that is followed every school day can help immensely. Set an alarm for 15 minutes before you need to get the kids up and get yourself together in that time. Whether it’s that first cup of tea, a shower or choosing what to wear, make sure you have time for you first - and everything else will go that bit more smoothly. Then it’s time to get the kids up and for them to follow their routine, too. Avoid any electronic stimulation in the morning, so ban games, X-Boxes and the TV, as time can slip away when they are distracted.

Be prepared

Getting things prepared the night before can help immensely with the morning rush, so prepare lunchboxes and get breakfast things out the night before.

Have rules

Make sure there are rules for where things are put when your kids arrive home each day. Let them know

that they can’t just dump their gear anywhere! Those school bags, shoes and coats must go in a specific place so that there is no frantic searching in the morning, with everyone getting frustrated. Sticking to this routine makes for a happier family.

Make sure they know their routine too

Having a planner on view is a great way to avoid missing tutoring sessions, music lessons and play dates. A big calendar on the fridge means everyone can see what’s happening and when.

Why routines work

Children respond really well to a routine so you’ll thank yourself when they adapt to doing the right things at the right time each day. Have breakfast and dinner at set times, bedtime must be absolutely set in stone and homework should have appointed times too. Giving your kids too much choice over their own routine just leads to their spending too long on games or play and not enough for homework and helping with chores.

Sally is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The independent and The mail. She is author of eco baby and contributing author to Watch my baby Grow (dorling kindersley).

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Families Vale of York 17

parents’ evening is your big opportunity to get feedback on how your child’s doing at school, but with as little as five or ten minutes a couple of times a year, how can you get the most of your time in there?

How to make the most of

parents’ evening

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Plan and prioritise

Don’t get sidetracked

Maximise what you get out of the meeting by working out priorities in advance. What do you need to know the most and what do you want to communicate to the teacher? Have a chat with your child to see if they have any worries or issues you could discuss and find out more about what they do and don’t enjoy at school.

Then write a list and put it in order of importance in case you run short of time. Take a pen/ pencil and paper to write notes if you’re likely to forget what was said afterwards.

Parents’ evenings usually run to tight schedules and most teachers will stick strictly to the time limits (it’s not unheard of for them to use an egg timer), not least to avoid making subsequent appointments run annoyingly late for other mums and dads. So save the general chitchat for another day or you risk half your time being wasted talking about the weather.

Don’t just focus on academic matters

Most of us head into parents’ evening wanting to hear fabulous things about our children but the reality is you might receive negative feedback, albeit this should be constructive. It can be hard to take this on board if you don’t agree but stay calm and at least hear the teacher out respectfully before asking further questions or making your points back.

Behaviour, friendships and how your child has settled into the class are all just as important as reading, writing and maths.

Be realistic about what the teacher will tell you The style of feedback teachers give has changed since most of us were kids – it tends to be less blunt and less about direct comparisons with classmates. So if you go in expecting to know your child’s position in the class versus other children, or whether they’re on a higher reading level than specific classmates, you’ll be disappointed. At best you might be told they are ‘in the top quarter’ or ‘middle group’. Equally, if your little one is only in reception, it’s pointless grilling the teacher about their future job prospects or chances of Oxbridge.

They simply won’t know.

18 Families Vale of York

Be open-minded about less flattering feedback

Don’t be surprised if the teacher talks about a ‘different child’

We don’t mean literally a different child, but don’t be shocked if some of the descriptions of your son or daughter aren’t so familiar. Sometimes children behave or perform differently at school compared to at home – your child might be extremely chatty with you but very quiet in the classroom for example.

Need more information?

If any issues were left unresolved or you have concerns once you’ve digested the feedback, it’s normally fine to request a follow-up meeting with the teacher.

Parents’ evening question ideas: ✓do ask: Has my child settled well into school life/ in the class this year?

What are his/ her strengths and weaknesses?

How is he/ she doing compared to expectations for this age and stage? is there anything we can be doing to help support his/ her learning or behaviour at home? …about friendships and behaviour, not just academic matters.

✘don’t ask… about other children’s academic performance– this is confidential. You shouldn’t be given class rankings in primary schools.

10

mistakes

to avoid when your child starts school

We list ten of the most common mistakes parents make when they’re new to the school run.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Complaining to the teacher - based on what your child told you

You take what your child has said as gospel, march into see the teacher, only to fall flat on your face when you discover your little one has got completely the wrong end of the stick. Even the most switched on, truthful child can mishear or misunderstand sometimes.

Sweating the small stuff

An interest in how your child is doing is healthy but getting overly-wrapped up with the minutiae of reading levels is less so. Who could tackle the hardest spellings at the age of five will not go on their CV, after all.

Getting embroiled in school gate competitiveness

Engaging with the competitive parent at the school gate is a lose-lose situation. If your child is ahead of hers, she’ll hate you for it. If hers has one up on yours, you’ll end up inwardly fuming at her smugness.

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

Volunteering for the Parent Teacher Association is an ideal way to make friends and feel that you’re a part of the school community. You might also be able to assist in class as a volunteer - just don’t do it to snoop on who gets up to what in there!

5.

6.

Freaking out about friendship fall-outs

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

Tackling other parents about problems between kids

Some little horror has been merciless to your child and your protective instincts are kicking in. But do not head over to give the other mum what for. She could have a different version of events and you’re unlikely to change her mind about who said or did what to whom. There’s also scope for a parental fall-out that will endure long after the kids make up. Cue an awkward few years at the school gate…

7.

Forgetting the teacher has 29 other students to look after

8.

Expecting your child to be chatty at 3pm

At ‘big school’, you aren’t going to be able to have the daily chat with staff you might have been used to at nursery or with a childminder. There could be 30 children in the class - if every parent asked for that ‘quick five minute catch up’ on a daily basis, ‘Miss’ would be there for 2.5 hours.

Even little ones who were fine with full-time nursery can have the stuffing knocked out of them by starting school. With so much to learn, by home time many reception kids are exhausted.

9.

Focusing on whether they know their letters before they start but not worrying about getting their coat or shoes on

Ask a reception teacher what they would like their new pupils to be able to do and it probably won’t be knowing letters or numbers. What they would like 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.

10.

Not naming anything of use or importance!

There’s a black hole in every primary school into which children’s belongings fall, never to be seen again. If you want to maximise chances of getting lost items back, add their name to everything.

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 by Summersdale) and raising children: The primary Years (pearson).

Families Vale of York 19

Lapland Visiting

by Paul Wojnicki

one of the most over-used phrases in the travel industry is “trip of a lifetime”. i hate it because it implies that you’ll never be able to go

True, it’s not that far away and it can be relatively inexpensive if booked as a skiing holiday through a ski operator rather than a tailored Santa tour. But it’s one of those places that’s most enchanting when the children are still at a certain age and still believe in magic, and of course Mr Claus.

So here’s my list of reasons you need to visit Lapland in 2016, along with a few snaps and tales from our visit to Ruka in January.

there again, which in most Transport in Lapland is examples is simply not true fun fun fun for kids! and certainly not aspirational, which i like to think travel should be. but there is one place that could genuinely be described in such a way, and that’s lapland.

It’s hard to imagine getting from A to B being more fun than it is in Lapland and Ruka is no exception. Whether it be snowmobiling, husky sledding, reindeer sledding, snow shoeing or ice karting, the kids are bound to enjoy travelling around in Lapland. It’s best to stick to shorter trips with younger children so we headed off to www. lammintupa.fi/en which is a farm-cum-restaurant in stunning Narnia-esque scenery that caters primarily to families. We even got to interact with the new puppies.

It’s pretty cheap by north European standards at �25 per adult for dog sledding and �10 per adult for reindeer rides, after which Harrison fed them buckets of moss.

There was also a small snowmobile for children costing �20 for 20 minutes, which Harrison rode on with his mummy.

It’s the perfect place for a first ski holiday Skiing holidays have notoriously long transfers, which after being stuck on a flight for a couple of hours can feel like absolute purgatory. Ruka is located just 25 minutes from Kussamo airport, and the drive through snow covered pine forests is actually rather nice experience in itself. The slopes are relatively gentle and un-crowded so it’s a great place for novices and younger skiers, it’s also at low altitude- around 450 metres above sea level- so there’s no risk of altitude sickness ruining the trip.

You’ll probably get to see the northern lights I’ve been lucky enough to see the lights before on a trip to Iceland, but it felt like an empty experience in many ways because my wife Alena had to stay in the hotel with Harrison. It’s not practical to be out in the frozen night on a tour with young children. We stayed in a north facing room at the Ski Inn’s Aurinkorinne Apartments in Ruka, which meant we didn’t even have to get out of bed to watch the northern lights! We simply opened the curtains when we got an alert on my phone and watched them dancing across the sky.

There’s plenty of other stuff to do besides skiing We only bothered skiing on one day of our seven day trip. We spent the vast majority of the holiday sledging, which didn’t cost us a penny. We also tried things we’d never be able to do anywhere else like ice fishing on a frozen lake, which was a pretty cool experience even though we didn’t catch a fish. Harrison was mesmerised as they drilled through the ice to put our line in. All the

20 Families Vale of York

tour operators provided specialist clothing to wear over our own snowsuits, so we were never uncomfortable with the -15 degree temperatures.

It’s not all about Santa, like certain other places in Lapland You will find Santa tours in Ruka, this is Lapland after all, but it’s not force fed to you like in some other resorts. In fact the Santa tour was last on the list on the brochure we picked up. We didn’t even bother going to see him in the end, it was enough for Harrison that we were in the country where Santa lives, he never once asked whereabouts he was. Besides Harrison is far to astute for his own good and I’m certain he’d ask questions about Santa’s accent being different from last month when we saw him in York. Perhaps I shouldn’t have filmed the experience and force fed it to him for the whole of December.

It isn’t as expensive as you’d expect We booked with Crystal Ski for the first week in January, which was surprisingly popular with families from the Yorkshire area- 21 children from the same primary school in Pocklington were on our plane. Seven night holidays at the time of booking could be found in the Ski Inn’s Aurinkorinne Apartments for just over £350 per adult. The apartments had kitchens which really kept the cost of food down, but prices in town were actually quite reasonable and no more expensive than any other western European ski resort. Lift passes and ski hire can be booked by the day if you’d prefer to save your time and money for other activities. paul Wojnicki is a freelance journalist who now specialises in family and overland travel.

what’son

sept/oct 2016

We’ve ordered everything according to start date – be sure to look out for all the events which run for several weeks / weekends too. And be sure to check before you set off. These were correct as we went to print but may have changed. Check if you need to book ahead too.

More ‘Days Out’ can be found online at www.familiesonline. co.uk . All events are now searchable by date, venue & age range making it much easier to find all our local events at the click of your mouse.

unTil 4 Sep

Summer Trail

THorp perroW arboreTum

Lots of fun for the whole family.

Follow the trail through the Arboretum and answer the questions as you go. Collect your prize when you finish.

01609 770255 www.thorpperrow.com unTil 4 Sep

Pirate Treasure Trail STockeld park

Just pick up your treasure map and track down the jewels and gems that are being guarded by dastardly pirates 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk unTil 29 ocT

Happy and Glorious caSTle HoWard

See a set of glittering replica crown jewels on display in celebration of the Queen at 90.

01904622791 www. castlehoward.co.uk unTil 30 ocT

Folly!

founTainS abbeY & STudleY roYal WaTer Garden

Follow paths through the water garden to the Banqueting House and Temple of Piety to see visual magic by internationally renowned artist Mat Collishaw.

01765 60 8888 unTil 31 dec

Crime and Punishment abbeY HouSe muSeum

Explore the dramatic changes in crime and punishment over time.

Take a walk into the past when you could be fined for putting plant pots on your windowsill, when gossipy women were put in scold’s bridles and people were executed for clipping coins! www.leeds.gov.uk/ crimeandpunishment

Heroes & Heroines Exhibition

unTil 31 dec

11 Sep

21 – 22 ocT

Lotherton Autumn Harvest

Countryside Live

Explore the real lives of people who went beyond the call of duty in mining and add your own heroes and heroines to the Museum’s archives. www.ncm.org.uk/heroes

There will be cider & apple juice tasting, harvest treats in Lotherton’s café & garden games, all to celebrate the start of this year’s apple harvest. Apple picking will be available in the estate’s much-loved orchard & youngsters can take part in making fruit & veg sculptures in the Stable Courtyard. www.leeds.gov.uk 25 SepT

naTional coal mininG muSeum for enGland

unTil 31 dec

Our Cousin Florence loTHerTon Hall

Explore a more personal side to history’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale. This exhibition will use newly discovered family letters and sketchbooks to shed light on life within a fashionable Victorian family, who had ties to Lotherton Hall. Fashions of the period will showcase the dazzling events & culture that Florence Nightingale shared with her family, before ultimately taking a different path that would lead her to the Crimea and to become ‘The Lady with the Lamp’. www.leeds.gov.uk 4 SepT

York’s Vintage Wedding Fair

mercHanT adVenTurerS Hall

The very finest exhibitors from across the north of the country will be showcasing their products in one of York’s very finest wedding venues! 11:00am - 3:00pm, FREE entry and free goody bag when registering at… www.britaindoesvintage. co.uk/event/york-wedding-fair/ 29 Sep – 1 ocT

Autumn Steam Gala

norTH YorkSHire moorS railWaY

York Does Vintage

Enjoy a scenic steam train ride.

01751 472508 7 – 31 ocT

Vast array of stunning, handpicked vintage items including shopping, a vintage tearoom and the chance to get ‘glammed-up’ in the vintage beauty bar. 11:00am - 4:30pm. £2 entry.

Halloween Trail

mercHanT adVenTurerS Hall.

8 Sep

Open Heritage Day rieVaulX Terrace and Temple

Discover Rievaulx›s rich history for free! To celebrate Open Heritage Day, visitors will be able to explore this special place at no cost.

9 Sep

Heritage Open Day ripon muSeumS

Picture courtesy of English Heritage

celebraTe apple daY WiTH THe annual auTumn HarVeST

The Workhouse Museum, Courthouse Museum and Prison and Police Museum will all be open from 11am until 4pm. Discover the Courthouse Museum where convicts would have been found guilty.

01765 690799 www. riponmuseums. co.uk

THorp perroW arboreTum

Spook-tacular Halloween trail is back - follow it if you dare!

01609 770255 www.thorpperrow.com 8 ocT

Junction

Goole’S GoT TalenT

The Mayor’s annual charitable fundraising event returns, featuring a host of home grown talent.

Auditions: Think you’ve got what it takes to become the next superstar? Contact the Mayor’s Secretary, Anne Bentley.

01405 763652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk 21 – 29 ocT

Half Term Fun - Wild About Gardens

rHS Garden HarloW carr

Half term activities.

0845 265 8070 21 – 22 ocT

Fabulous Fireworks liGHTWaTer ValleY

The theme park is open as normal and once darkness falls our 10 minute firework show will provide heaps of extra excitement at no extra cost! A thrilling cocktail of insane explosions, awesome rides and up-beat vibes. Kick off October half-term with a bang and a whizz and a scream!

0843 504 3893 www.lightwatervalley.co.uk

GreaT YorkSHire SHoWGround

Countryside Live is the perfect way to spend the day with the children or grandchildren. www.eventcentre.co.uk 21 – 29 ocT

Spooky Abbey WHiTbY abbeY

Frighteningly fun activities, with scary storytelling & a spooky trail. www.english-heritage.org.uk 22 ocT

Abbey House

TeenS HalloWeen Special fX make up

Go along with your friends and enjoy this event hosted by a professional make-up artist.

Learn how to apply gruesome Halloween and special effects.

This event is specifically for young people 13+. www.leeds.gov.uk/ Youthprogramme 22 – 30 ocT

Halloween Half Term moTHer SHipTon’S

Dare you follow the spooky Halloween Trail? Ghostly fun for all the family! www.mothershipton.co.uk 22 – 30 ocT

Temple Newsam

ocTober Half Term

This half term bring some light into your life by following the light trail & joining in craft activities. There will also be a chance to sit on a magic carpet for an interactive storytime all about light, dark & colour; plus to mark Diwali see display of lamps from different faiths and make your own sparkly Diwali lamp to take home. www.leeds.gov.uk/ Schoolholidays 22 – 31 ocT

Lotherton Hall

SpookY ScarecroW Trail

Lotherton Hall’s Spooky Scarecrow Trail is back and better than ever, but beware they aim to scare! Follow the clues around the estate and see the popular spooky scarecrows on display. Don’t forget to visit the Witches’ Cottage and try your hand at the creepy crafts! www.leeds.gov.uk 23 – 27 ocT

Hands-On Living History Event

YorkSHire muSeum of farminG aT murTon park

A series of hands on historic activities on one of the living history sites on weekdays throughout the holidays.

01904 489966 www.murtonpark.co.uk

Families Vale of York 21

19 Oct – 3 Jan

Stockeld Adventure Season You know autumn and winter are round the corner when you begin planning your Stockeld adventures. This year promises to be full of all the usual excitement with some extra seasonal events to entertain families from half term right through to the New Year.

The Halloween Adventure kicks everything off from 19 – 31 Oct with a number of themed events including Creepy Creatures, Fright Night and Wizard Mal’s Magic Show. As usual there will be real ice skating, the Enchanted Forest, The Yew Tree Maze & Nordic Skiing. Check dates in this section and online for more details. www.stockeldpark.co.uk 01937 586101 servants from the late-medieval period. 28 – 31 ocT 12-4pm Professional Pumpkin Fright Night www.barleyhall.co.uk STockeld park Carving 25 – 28 ocT Follow the murky path through the STockeld park twisted trees where blind faith will Abbey House Museum A series of hands on historic activities be your guide as you embark on a ocTober Half Term on one of the living history sites on journey into the inky darkness, in this Get ready for Halloween & join in with weekdays throughout the holidays. sensory deprived experience. ONLINE a variety of spooky activities in the The very talented Christian Russell, a creepily decorated Victorian Streets. On BOOKINGS ONLY: time slots available professional pumpkin carver will be at Tuesday there will be Spooktastic family from 5.30pm – 9.30pm Stockeld throughout the Halloween half term carving amazing pumpkin designs. fun getting ready for Halloween making 01937 586101 www.stockeldpark.co.uk crafts & decorations, on Wednesday 01937 586101 whip up some magic potions in Silly www.stockeldpark.co.uk 29 – 30 ocT Science, on Thursday there will be a 23 – 29 ocT Lotherton Hall detective mystery to solve in Murder at Wizard Mal’s Magic Show the Museum and on Friday join in with HalloWeen Weekend STockeld park lots of spooky Halloween fun in Haunted Dress up your little monsters and go along for the first Halloween Weekend.

Join Magic Mal, who will be casting Abbey House!

Spot prizes for the best costumes, wizardry and witch craft during his www.leeds.gov.uk spooky scarecrow trail, face painting, magic shows throughout the day.

25 – 28 ocT creepy crafts and the chance to meet Learn new magic spells and have some ghostly characters in the house.

Leeds City Museum fun watching tricks that will leave you www.leeds.gov.uk ocTober Half Term spellbound! Each child will also leave On Tuesday during half-term join the team 31 ocT with their own Halloween treat! for Word Up, a day of poetry, performance 01937 586101 & word play with activities for families of Temple Newsam www.stockeldpark.co.uk all ages, including young people aged 13+. HalloWeen SpookTacular and 23 – 29 ocT adulT GHoST Tour For the rest of the week enjoy Colourful Celebrate Halloween with something Creepy Creatures Festivals — colourful & messy crafts to for all ages. From 5–8pm take your STockeld park celebrate the festivals of Diwali & Bandi little ghosts and ghouls dressed up in a Reptile Rangers will be onsite with their Chhor Divas. spooky outfit to trick or treat through the Creepy Creatures for the whole week. www.leeds.gov.uk darkened house and farm and collect Hold a tarantula, pet a snake or make 25 – 30 ocT some ghoulish treats. Then at 8.45pm friends with a giant cockroach. we host an experience not for the faint Kirkstall Abbey 01937 586101 hearted with an adult only ghost walk SpookY ScarecroW Trail www.stockeldpark.co.uk through the house and cellars. Numbers Explore the abbey looking for things 23 – 27 ocT that go bump in the night! Spooky but are limited so purchase tickets early to Witches in the Forest not too scary scarecrows are dotted all avoid disappointment.

STockeld park www.leeds.gov.uk over the abbey for you to find. There There are spooky happenings in the will be all sorts of Halloween creatures 4 noV Enchanted Forest this Halloween half including witches, vampires, werewolves Free Day Friday term. If you go down to the woods and trolls! rHS Garden HarloW carr today (or all of half term week) you will www.leeds.gov.uk Enjoy free admission. meet some vile & spooky witches who 0845 265 8070 will tell you a tale and get you to join in 26 – 27 ocT with the trick or treat fun and mystery. Autumn Wildlife Crafts 5 noV Solve the riddles and win a treat at the rieVaulX Terrace & TempleS Fireworks Spectacular Give wildlife a helping hand by making end of your journey!

York maZe your own bird box and feeder. Small 01937 586101 For an amazing bonfire night to remember, cost for some activities. www.stockeldpark.co.uk remember in York - the home of Guy www.nationaltrust.org.uk 23 ocT – 1 noV Fawkes. Fireshows, the explosive lighting 27 – 29 ocT of York’s biggest bonfire, food stalls, live Halloween By Day York maZe Halloween Kids Activity Days music, sideshowsand the most amazing fireworks show chorographed to music.

Spooky family fun awaits at York Maze THorp perroW arboreTum 01904 607 341 www.yorkmaze.com Halloween-themed fun perfect for kids this Halloween - open for a week over October half term as Yorkshire’s award- aged 4+. Join in anytime between 11am 5 – 6 noV and 4 pm, spooky costumes encouraged! winning family Halloween event. The Dracula giant maize maze has been harvested 01609 770255 www.thorpperrow.com WHiTbY abbeY but a small section is kept for the 28 ocT To truly understand Bram Stoker’s Haunted Maze Treasure Hunt, just one gothic icon, you need to watch his tale of over 20 Halloween attractions rides Kaboom Firework Party performed live in the setting of the caSTle HoWard and shows, plus every child gets a writer’s inspiration, Whitby Abbey. Take Kaboom combine the best of FREE pumpkin! in the gothic splendour of one of the 01904 607 341 www.yorkmaze.com Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night all most atmospheric abbeys in England, in one. Set against the magnificent 25 ocT as three actors bring the famous story illuminated backdrop of Castle of Dracula to life before your eyes.

The Barley Hall Servants – Howard Kaboom will be reflecting Move throughout the abbey with the off The Great Lake as Kaboom Living History at the Hall high-energy actors as the story unfolds. combine the best of Halloween barleY Hall Promenade performances suitable for Barley Hall’s award winning volunteer and Guy Fawkes Night all in one. all the family. Performances at 11am, team are offering visitors a special treat 4.30pm-10.15pm.

1pm & 3pm. 01947 603568 01653 648 444 this summer when they take the Hall www.english-heritage.org.uk www.kaboomyork.com back in time, showcasing the life of 23 – 29 ocT

As Bonfire Night and the Diwali Festival of Light fast approach, and with all the excitement of rockets and Catherine wheels among adults and kids alike, it can be easy to overlook the potential dangers of bonfire and firework celebrations.

Tips for choosing your fireworks did you know: Fireworks can travel at speeds of 150 mph, the cruising speed of some biplanes!

Make sure the fireworks you buy are meant for home use, are suitable for the size of your garden and are marked with British Standard number (BS 7114).

You should also:

• Store fireworks in a metal box with a lid during the display

• • • •

Use a torch for checking instructions Use a taper for lighting fireworks Have a bucket of water close to hand Have a bucket or other container of soft earth to stick fireworks in

• Use a board or other non-flammable rigid surface for flat-bottomed fireworks

• Use supports or launches for Catherine wheels or rockets

don’t forget the sparklers! did you know: If three sparklers burn together they will do so at the same heat of a blowtorch used for joining metal and so it’s essential you follow a few guidelines for safe usage:

• Find somewhere safe that is open, but not too windy • Remember to wear gloves so that you do not get burnt • Get an adult to light the sparkler whilst you are holding the base of the stick

• Make sure that only one sparkler is lit at a time • Remember that when they are first ignited they give off

a very bright and heated initial spark Remember to hold the sparkler horizontally and as far away from your body and face as possible.

Once you have had fun with the sparkler (try writing your name) and it is no longer burning, make sure you put it in a bucket filled with water.

Never touch the end of the sparkler, even long after it has stopped burning.

Now that you’re clear on keeping your family safe; enjoy your Diwali celebrations on October 20th and Bonfire Night on 5th November!

Theatre 20 – 23 Sep

Gangsta Granny

5 - 21 Oct 2016

Underneath a Magical Moon York Theatre Royal

Through her open window Wendy Darling gazes out at 0844 871 3024 the night sky dreaming of www.atgtickets.com blue lagoons, magical moons and the stories that she can 23 Sep tell. But tonight, like no other, Cardboard Joe has magic in the air; Wendy The Georgian Theatre is the owner of stories, Royal mother to the lost boys, a Be ready for loads of joining believer in fairies, and a in as you & Joe decide young girl with her feet firmly together what happens in this on the ground. Fly into a mega-new, mega-awesome fantastical world of adventure adventure. Perfect for children where time stands still, the aged 3 to 8 & their grown-ups impossible seems possible too. Make sure you don’t miss and if you close your eyes the antics of our, ‘thicker than and believe, then you really paper but thinner than wood’, can make anything happen. hero & his friends.

Suitable for children 3+ and 01748 823710 their families. www.georgiantheatreroyal.

01904 658162 co.uk www.yorktheatreroyal.

1 Oct co.uk York Grand Opera House

Junction, Goole

Engine Room Theatre: The Voyage

With an old-world, handcrafted charm, a group of vagabonds go on a surreal, anarchic journey, weaving together live-action, dance, animation, film-interaction & resonant bronze gamelan percussion. Intimate & spectacular environments transform around the audience, as these voyagers make their way through the ever-changing landscapes of human experience. Set-in a jumble-room, filled with stories and suitcases, The Voyage is a thought-provoking, funny and poignant exploration of those things we hold most precious.

Running time approx 1 hour with no interval. Best suited for 11+ but also suitable for adventurous youngsters.

01405 763652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk 1 Oct

Penguin! Elephant!

The Georgian Theatre Royal

With original songs, hilarious physical comedy & dance, this show will have children ages 3+ jumping for joy.

01748 823710 www.georgiantheatreroyal. co.uk

12 Oct

Molly’s Marvellous Moustache Helmsley Arts Centre

Molly wants to be just like the grown ups. So her mummy makes her a moustache. With her moustache she can go anywhere & do anything she likes.

01439 771700 www.helmsleyarts.co.uk

16 - 21 Oct

Dirty Dancing

York Grand Opera House

Have the time of your life with the ultimate live experience; Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage.

Full of passion and romance, heart-pounding music and sensational dancing, the record-breaking musical is even better than before in this all-new production.

0844 871 3024 www.atgtickets.com 17 Sep

Junction, Goole

Finger and Thumb Theatre: The Carnival of the Animals

Specially commissioned

by Junction, Finger and Thumb Theatre’s brand new performance is a riot of hand shadow animals dancing, cavorting and bumping into one another accompanied by live piano music, humour and simple light magic. The audience will be seated on the floor, so please take a cushion. Suitable for a family audience 4+. Running time 50 minutes.

01405 763652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk 17 Sep

Junction, Goole Carnival Time!

To celebrate the premiere of The Carnival of the Animals Junction, Goole at Junction, there will be 154 Collective: a morning of carnival – go Cardboard Joe and The along and make an animal Book of Mysteries mask, enjoy some free live music and have a balloon Join Cardboard Joe and his animal made for you before team of intrepid explorers you go to see the show! in a family adventure with you at the heart. With a live 01405 763652 animator, a musician and www.junctiongoole.co.uk a storyteller this is a show that you control. Make sure 26 Oct you’re ready for loads of Helmsley Arts Centre joining in as you and Joe 154 Collective decide together where he will Cardboard Joe and The go and what he will do when Book of Mysteries he gets there, in this megaA family adventure with you at awesome adventure. Perfect the heart! for children aged 3 to 8 and 01439 771700 their grown-ups too! www.helmsleyarts.co.uk 01405 763652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk 29 Oct 15 Oct

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Junction

Tutti Frutti: Underneath a Magical Moon

Fly into a fantastical world of adventure, where time stands still, the impossible seems possible and if you close your eyes and believe, then you really can make anything happen. A sparkling new production with exquisite music, enthralling movement and a sprinkle of tutti frutti magic for children aged 3+ and their families to enjoy, re-imagining the enchanting story of Peter Pan as told by Wendy.

01405 763652 www.junctiongoole. co.uk

Ashville

Visitors are welcome to explore all areas of the school including our new Pre-School.

A leading independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3-18

Family Open Day Saturday 8th October, 1:30pm - 4:30pm Pre-School Ages 3 - 4

Prep Ages 4 - 11

Senior Ages 11 - 16

‘Large enough to challenge, small enough to care’ Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate Tel: 01423 724863 | admissions@ashville.co.uk www.ashville.co.uk

Sixth Form Ages 16 - 18