News & Views
Join Perform for confidence building fun this Autumn term
Perform weekly classes are packed with drama, dance and singing but have a special focus on developing confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. They don’t worry about whether children get their lines or moves right, instead, they use a mix of drama games and fun activities which boost self-esteem and allow every child to shine. Their magical end of term shows for friends and family are a wonderful celebration of everything the children have achieved. The Perform curriculum focuses on fun, friendship and laughter alongside catchy songs and funky dances. Class material is specially designed by Perform, with apps, downloads and videos for the children to enjoy at home. Classes are available for ages 4-7 and 7-12 with a new creative theme each term and, this autumn, they’re taking their 4-7s to Outer Space while the 7-12s will be appearing in Bluebeard’s Bride. To book a no-obligation FREE trial class at Oxford, Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford, Goring or Henley-on-Thames visit www.perform.org.uk/try They’re offering Families readers a special £40 introductory discount on bookings made by 15th October – just quote OX151021. T: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk
Celebrate Roald Dahl Story Day
Every September the life and works of one of the best children’s authors of all time is celebrated on his birthday, 13th September. During his lifetime, Roald Dahl wrote 20 children’s books and published 48 books altogether. He created over 500 new words and character names and his books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. Join fans from all over the world to celebrate favourite Roald Dahl characters, stories and moments. Get dressed up as your favourite Roald Dahl character at a Dahlicious Dress Up Day event being held at school, community groups and libraries, or host your own by downloading the Roald Dahl Story Day Party. Visit the Roald Dahl Story Day hub for resources to decorate your home or classroom. More info: www.roalddahl.com/roald-dahlstory-day
The Family Learning Festival which runs from 16th to 30th October is a national celebration to inspire a love of learning in family life. Organisations across the UK, including schools, libraries, museums, children centres and galleries will be staging a range of FREE and low cost creative family learning activities. Organisers of the festival, the lifelong learning charity Campaign for Learning, believes learning that takes place in the family and home should be valued as much as learning that takes place in school classrooms and formal education. The family is where we learn important life skills and positive attitudes to learning, which enable us to become confident, motivated lifelong learners. To find a local event, visit www.familylearningfestival.com
FREE family fun with Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over two thousand local people and organisations and thousands of volunteers. This year’s festival will run from 10th to 19th September and feature more than 1000 free events. Every year in September, places across the country that are either not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entry fee, throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences for free. There will also be hundreds of FREE interactive activities for children, including dressing up, craft, woodland walks and railway rides. Co-ordinated nationally by the National Trust with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, the celebration brings together thousands of organisations and properties across England. New events will be added to the festival directory every day. Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk
TANTALISE YOUR TODDLERS TASTE BUDS Having developed the first ever scratch-cooking range designed specifically for babies and toddlers, Piccolo are expanding their offering following popular demand and introducing seven new family favourites to their collection. This includes two flavoured and easy to prepare risottos and brand new stir-in sauce flavours and sizes to cater for different cooking occasions. As with all Piccolo products, these are made using 100% organic produce, balanced ingredients and are low in salt and sugar. Piccolo continues their mission to make nutritious food accessible for families everywhere, with the RRP of £1.50 for single serve cooking sauces to £2.75 for risotto meals. These new products will be available in major retailers including Sainsburys, Coop & Ocado this month. 4 Families Oxfordshire
Visit the Family Learning Festival
Jeans for Genes Day
Jeans for Genes Day is a chance to raise money for children affected by a genetic disorder. From 13th to 19th September, get your nursery, school or workplace to wear their jeans and raise funds to support children with genetic disorders. Around one in twenty five children are affected by a genetic disorder, with thirty thousand babies and children newly diagnosed in the UK each year. Jeans for Genes Day is an annual fundraising event for Genetic Disorders UK which is a charity that aims to provide support to the individuals and families affected by genetic disorders. Jeans for Genes Day is an easy way to raise awareness around genetic disorders, educating children and adults alike. Plus, it’s an opportunity for everyone to donate to an important cause and support children who are suffering. More info: www.jeansforgenes.org familiesonline.co.uk
