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Issue 83 January/February 2018 familiesonline.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk Families Oxfordshire 1
Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 February
THE LITTLE MATCHGIRL (AND OTHER HAPPIER TALES) Directed by Emma Rice
A darkly magical delight from Shakespeare’s Globe. For ages 9+
youandmetime..maytime
Beguiling, anarchic irreverence... a heartwarming show. ★★★★ Guardian
Looking for the perfect getaway this Valentine’s Day?
Tickets
from £10
The Maytime Inn’s cosy atmosphere and award winning food is the perfect place to take your loved one. Our stunning en-sute rooms, decorated to the highest standard, make it an ideal weekend getaway.
01993 822068 info@themaytime.com www.themaytime.com Asthall, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4HW
lunchtime .. dinnertime .. bedtime .. anytime .. maytime
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Contents & Competitions
Dear Reader,
What’s in this issue?
New Year - new diary! An annual ritual I love is putting down on paper my plans and goals for the year ahead and I feel more organised simply by writing them down. Included in my goals every year is ‘Spend more quality time with the children’...no matter how much time I spend with them, it never seems enough! Once all birthdays, holidays, bank holidays, term dates and parents’ evenings are noted down I feel, on paper at least, that I can balance my work and home life and head into the New Year more organised than the year I am leaving behind. Happy New Year! My quote of the day: “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” C.S. Lewis @familiesCambMag
4 News and Views 7 Education News 9 Pregnancy & Baby News
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WIN
A FAMILY TICKET FOR FOUR TO SEE THE LITTLE MATCHGIRL
at Oxford Playhouse on Saturday 17 February at 2pm. Emma Rice’s “exquisite” (Telegraph) production comes to Oxford following its critically acclaimed premiere at Shakespeare’s Globe. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beautiful tales, The Little Match Girl, The Princess and the Pea, The Emperor’s New Clothes and Thumbelina reveal a spellbinding world of magic and mystery. Children 9+. For your chance to win, LIKE the relevant post on our Facebook page this January and our page @familieseastoxfordshiremag by 20 January 2018.
Families Oxfordshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Oxfordshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Oxfordshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Oxfordshire its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
familiesonline.co.uk
The latest Pregnancy advice, baby products and news for new mums.
10 Nursery Listings 11 Ensure your child is happy at nursery Written by Kristen Harding a childcare expert
12 What’s On
Great days out and events to get keep little ones busy in the New Year and this half term.
14 Time to Start Sweating the Small Stuff 15 Winter Clubs and Classes
We take a look at some great ideas for keeping the little ones busy and active this winter.
EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336 editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk PUBLISHING ASSISTANT: Becky Lawrence admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk SOCIAL MEDIA: Crystal McClean DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net 20,000 copies of Families Cambridgeshire available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.
Families Oxfordshire 3
News & Views
STUDENTS INVITED TO THE BIG BANG UK YOUNG SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS FAIR Registration is now open for the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people in the UK, taking place at The NEC Birmingham between 14-17 March 2018. The annual event aims to show young people the incredible wealth of opportunities available to them in STEM careers and to encourage the country’s future science and engineering talent. The Fair is an awardwinning combination of exciting theatre shows, interactive workshops and exhibits and careers information from STEM professionals. Having grown from 6,500 visitors in its first year (2009) to over 70,000 in 2017, The Big Bang Fair is made possible through the collaborative efforts of over 200 organisations.
Valentine’s at The Maytime Inn
If you’re looking for the perfect Cotswold getaway this Valentine’s Day then The Maytime Inn in the picturesque village of Asthall cannot be beaten, you can even bring your dog! We had a wonderful, relaxing stay there in autumn 2017, though we left our pets (and children) safely at home. On arrival we immersed ourselves in the cosy, intimate atmosphere and sat in the comfy sofas while reading the papers. We wasted little time enjoying some of the Inn’s expert selection of over 100 gins (we could also have opted for fine wines by the glass, craft beer on draught or by the bottle) without worrying about a designated driver. We took a scenic walk to enjoy the surrounding countryside before retreating back to the Inn to a table by the open fire for some award-winning food. The Maytime has a selection of stunning, rustic en-suite rooms, decorated to the highest standard. The food, the walk (and the gin) conspired with the Hypnos beds and decadent
Young people can discover the world of robotics to life-and-death mathematical skills, and even an explanation of STEM using… food! They can also check out the projects created by students from across the UK that have made it to the national finals of The Big Bang Competition, which recognises and rewards young people’s achievements in all areas of STEM. At the event, those aged 11-14 are guaranteed to be inspired by STEM subjects and consider a career in those areas. School groups are invited to visit the first three days of The Big Bang Fair, which will also be open to the public on the Saturday. (No lone adults will be admitted)
FREE tickets to The Big Bang Fair are available now at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk
Carribob helps grown-ups keep kids safe and happy while out and about
Egyptian cotton sheets to ensure we had a blissful night’s sleep. With delightful details such as Cow Shed smellies, so you don’t even have to pack shampoo, everything about this quintessential English Inn is a romantic haven for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Reconnect this Valentine’s Day and indulge in some luxury at The Maytime Inn. Pre-booking is advised for both dining and accommodation either through the Inn’s website or over the phone. Best price for Valentine’s one-night stay at time of press £95 (for two). The Maytime Inn, Oxfordshire www.themaytime.com 01993 822 068
Mums and dads can get a helping hand with Carribob carry-strap. On trips out with bikes and scooters, when the joy of riding has faded and the kids hand their little wheels over to the grown-up to carry (often at the furthest point from home), the handy strap can be clipped to bike or scooter wheels and slung over a shoulder, leaving hands free to hold small hands and keep children safe. Created by mum of three Jordana Fawaz, Carribob can be adjusted to fit and can be worn cross-body. It folds neatly into a shoulder pad. Available in red, blue and lime green. A brilliant gift for any parent of young children! RRP £14 www.carribob.com
The UK’s ‘Most Borrowed’ Children’s Authors Stories play a vital role in the growth and development of children. An adored book and the characters it features can become a comfort and a treasured companion, sometimes exactly what a child needs most. British online marketplace, Onbuy.com has uncovered a list of the top 20 ‘Most Borrowed Children’s Authors’ produced by the British Library. 1. Julia Donaldson 2. Daisy Meadows 3. Roderick Hunt 4. Francesca Simon 5. Adam Blade 6. Jacqueline Wilson 7. Roald Dahl 8. Fiona Watt 9. Michael Morpurgo 10. Lucy Cousins 11. David Walliams 12. Jeff Kinney 13. Enid Blyton 14. Holly Webb 15. Claire Freedman 16. Jeanne Willis 17. Mink Inkpen 18. Giles Andreae 19. Terry Deary 20. Eric Hill. As much as reading remains a valued past-time for many children 4 Families Oxfordshire
across the UK, it is disheartening that the number of young people visiting British libraries is on the decline. In 2016/17, just 64.7% of children aged 5-15 visited a library in the preceding 12 months. This is a significant decrease from 2008/09 (75.3%.). In 2016/17, 60.8% of children aged 5-10 visited a library outside of school in the preceding 12 months, a significant decrease from 2008/09 (72.2%.). Managing director of Onbuy.com, Cas Paton comments: “It has never been more important to encourage our children to participate in the arts and to visit our libraries. Not least because it will open a world of skills, inspiration and opportunity, but because in times of need, the arts can also provide a comfort – a world away from any stress or sadness. It’s escapism in its truest form.” www.onbuy.com/gb familiesonline.co.uk
News & Views
Boosting children’s self-esteem and life skills with Perform
TEN TOP NUTRITION TIPS FOR CHILDREN Ensuring small children eat a well-balanced diet may seem like an impossible task. Nutritionist Charlotte Striling-Read has put together some simple tips, as part of Whitworths’ My Amazing Body campaign, to help. 1. FOCUS ON A BALANCE OF FOODS EVERYDAY Try to include foods from each of the main four food groups; starchy foods; fruits and vegetables; dairy foods and, lastly, protein and iron rich foods such as nuts, beans, meat and fish. 2. ESTABLISH A ROUTINE AROUND MEAL AND SNACK TIMES A routine helps children learn when to expect food. This helps to develop an appetite and a good awareness of hunger and fullness signals in the body. 3. AVOID TOO MANY FOODS HIGH IN SUGAR, SALT, FAT WITH FEW NUTRIENTS Crisps, sweets, cakes and biscuits are fine to have occasionally, but if they are a regular part of your child’s daily diet they can displace other more nutrient-rich foods. 4. MAKE SURE THEY ARE STAYING HYDRATED Try to always have some water with you to keep young, active children hydrated and offer water as an option alongside a meal. 5. TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF If mealtimes have become a battle ground, reduce the pressure on kids to eat all on their
plate and enjoy time spent together again. 6. ROLE MODEL One of the best ways to get your children gobbling up all the good foods is to eat them yourself. 7. DON’T FORGET ABOUT VITAMINS Children under five years are recommended to have a supplement with vitamin A, C and D. For children over five, a supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D is recommended in the winter. 8. INCLUDE HEALTHY SNACKS AS PART OF THEIR ROUTINE Snacks are an ideal way to top-up energy and nutrient levels in-between meals. Try to focus on fruit and veggies, nuts and seeds and yogurt and cheese 9. AVOID TALKING NEGATIVELY ABOUT FOOD OR BODY IMAGE IN FRONT OF YOUNG CHILDREN The way adults talk about food, diets and body shapes can hugely impact how children feel about their own bodies. Try to encourage learning about the human body and explain how we are all different shapes and sizes. 10. MAKE FOOD FUN Christmas is a great time to enjoy and gobble plenty of veggies. At other times, indoor/ outdoor picnics or even blindfold taste tests can get children familiar with and enjoying a variety of healthy foods. www.brightlittlenuts.co.uk/my-amazingbody
All children find some things difficult. Some hate speaking out in class, some struggle making friends, and others have so much energy they find it hard to concentrate. Perform is a unique drama school that uses drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s true potential. “Perform is NOT a stage school” stresses Perform Producer, Karen. “It teaches life skills through fun drama games and end of term shows. The real aim of the classes is to help children develop the 4Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Coordination and Communication. “Classes are small and have both a Producer and a Teacher. Children are offered a free trial and the Producer spends time beforehand with each parent to establish their goals. For instance, speaking more clearly or making eye contact when introduced to someone unfamiliar.” Producers report back to parents after each class on the focus of the week and answer questions about the progress of individual children. “Shy children often come to classes clinging to their parents. I can pretty much guarantee that within 5 or 6 classes, they will run in without waving goodbye,” reports Karen. To book a free class in Oxfordshire, visit www.perform.org.uk/try
New music classes for babies and young children at Millets Farm
Monkey Music offer award winning music classes for babies from 3 months to 4 years. Their progressive, educational and fun four-stage curricula – honed over twenty years – is designed to nurture a lifetime love of music. The curricula are a good fit for each age group and the original musical material has been written with a sound understanding of how babies and children learn best. At Rock’n’Roll babies from 3 months are very receptive to musical learning and can remember musical sequences and detect changes in pitch, melody and rhythm. Share precious time with your baby; your close bond will play an important part in their future emotional and intellectual development. Book your FREE class today and meet new friends at age specific classes. Flick or Richard 01235 519806 oxford@monkeymusic.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes
DATES: Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 29th March VENUES: Oxford, Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford, Thame
Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk Families Oxfordshire 5
ABINGDON PREP SCHOOL
OPEN MORNING
Tuesday 27 February 9:30am
hing for
rc actively sea
E C N E L L E C EX
For talented boys we have Funded Places that can be worth up to 100% of the fees at 11+, 13+ or for Sixth Form. Radley is a top boys’ boarding school near Oxford.
01235 543174
www.radley.org.uk/funded-places
Ask abou
t our
Transfer Process
to Abingd on School
“Exceptional
- pupils’ achievement, both inside and outside the classroom. ISI Inspection
” abingdon.org.uk/prep
Visit Oxford High Junior School Junior School Open Morning 20 February 2018
W:www.ohsvisit.org.uk E: admissions@oxf.gdst.net T: 01865 318500
Education News RADLEY COLLEGE
COKETHORPE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Pupils at Cokethorpe Junior School celebrated the anniversary of their successful book club with an extraordinary author visit. TV presenter, artist and author Jay Jay Burridge came to the School with a formidable-looking 3 m high dinosaur, which stood guard outside the School’s Mansion House, to promote his new book Supersaurs: Raptors of Paradise. Mr Burridge gave a fascinating talk to the whole school about his writing process, the world he has created and showed-off the impressive technology used to bring his illustrations to life. The day was extremely successful. Subsequently, Mr Burridge returned to Cokethorpe School to discuss the story further with the Junior School Book Club. The Book Club has proved to be incredibly popular and has included exciting events for the children including Skype chats and visits from authors. The club’s success can be seen in the 300 extra books being read across the whole school.
Radley offers an environment for boys to grow in self-confidence, thrive academically, and make the most of a range of opportunities. The door is open to talented candidates, regardless of means or background, to join us in the pursuit of excellence. A Radley education is about independent thought and learning with enthusiasm. It is about cultural awareness, academic ambition and the benefits of team sport. It is about learning to live with others, and preparation for the world beyond. Above all, it is about the core values that underpin success throughout a Radleian’s life: as leaders, as citizens, as human beings. Places are available that can be funded up to 100%. The entry process begins in Year 6 for 11+ candidates, who we can fund through prep school for two years, or there are scholarships for Year 9 entry. If you have a talented boy, please either contact: admissions@radley. org.uk or 01235 543 174 or complete the website form: www.radley.org.uk/funded-places
OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL
The younger girls at Oxford High can now enjoy all-year round woodland fun with their new Forest School, located on a corner of previously unused land on the Senior School site. OHS Junior School girls love the adventurous, creative and practical sessions in the outdoors and staff have been thoroughly supportive of the Forest School principles for learning, which complement the academic curriculum. As a city-centre school, it is really important that the children have the opportunity to connect with the outdoors and the girls in Reception classes can be seen here investigating the array of autumn plants and fauna - from admiring fallen leaves to finding minibeasts hiding under rocks!
MOULSFORD PREP SCHOOL
Moulsford Prep School has a recently restructured curriculum and new activities programme. After extensive consultation with senior school Heads, Moulsford’s new curriculum focuses on preparing boys for their next schools and ensuring they have robust life-skills. Intellectual agility, critical analysis, creativity, collaboration, exploration and enquiry are all strongly encouraged. Teaching is specifically designed to get the best out of boys, with practical and outdoor learning and opportunities to develop resilience. High expectations are set in terms of manners and discipline, with clear boundaries. Competitive sport is a vital. The single sex environment allows full advantage to be taken of the grounds and sports facilities, with teams and coaching to suit all levels of ability. Moulsford encourages all-round achievement and aims to help boys find their individual strengths and talents – not only in the classroom, but also on the sports field, in the performing and creative arts and as considerate and well-mannered citizens who contribute positively to their community. familiesonline.co.uk
Families Oxfordshire 7
Education News ABINGDON PREP SCHOOL
Abingdon Prep School Open Morning: Tuesday 27 February, 9:30am Wherever your interests lie, Abingdon Prep’s Other Half activities offer numerous opportunities for boys to get involved, learn something new, gain experience and develop talent. Art, drama, music or sport; over 50 activities are fully integrated into the timetable alongside, and equally important as, the academic curriculum. Our academic credentials speak for themselves with boys at Abingdon Prep, for whom Abingdon School is considered appropriate, receiving an offer of a place for Year 9 at Abingdon School by the end of Year 5 at Abingdon Prep. The offer is based on the continuous assessment of each pupil and is conditional on the pupil maintaining his profile of achievement in Years 6 to 8 at Abingdon Prep. For these pupils, unlike at other prep schools, there are no entrance examinations to take prior to transferring to Abingdon School. To find out more, come to our open morning or contact admissions: admissions. manager@abingdonprep.org.uk Tel: 01865 392303. www.abingdon.org.uk/prep
CRANFORD HOUSE SCHOOL
Co-education or single sex schooling? It’s a question that many parents find themselves pondering as they plan their children’s school careers. Thankfully, there is plenty of evidence and data available to help them choose. As a reflection of the mixed world we live in, it seems clear that educating our children together is healthier for them socially, with friendships and collaborations occurring freely amongst boys and girls. And in terms of academic outcomes, there’s also plenty of evidence that co-education results in boys participating more readily in class discussions and doing much better in subjects like Drama and Music than they might otherwise have done. What’s more, girls enjoy an increased ability to take risks in their learning and problem solving. With many progressive independent schools now aligning their intakes accordingly and opening their doors to both boys and girls for the first time, it looks like the future is bright for co-education.
OUTDOOR LEARNING AT ORATORY PREP SCHOOL
Wrapped-up warm, the Pre-Prep children from Nursery upwards are always happy to explore the 65 acres of Oxfordshire countryside at the Oratory Prep School during Forest School. There are plenty of bugs and grubs to find in amongst the logs and leaves in Winter and in Spring they look forward to ‘Pond Dipping’, which is always a firm favourite with the children in every year group! The School is blessed with fantastic grounds that lend themselves well to outdoor learning and with woodland, ponds, pitches and playgrounds, plus the recent opening of a fabulous new Astro, the School can enjoy them all year round too. To see what the Oratory Prep can offer your son or daughter, please go along to the Open Morning on Saturday 24 February between 10.00am and 12.30pm. Please call 0118 984 4511 or email office@oratoryprep.co.uk for further information.
OpenWeek Whole School
5 - 9 February 9:30am-3:00pm
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED
Saturday 10 March 2018
Excellence in Independent Education since 1936 Year 5 Senior Experience Day Friday 15 June, 2018 www.cranfordhouse.net Cranford House is situated in Moulsford on the Oxfordshire/Berkshire border and operates an extensive school minibus network throughout both counties.
8 Families Oxfordshire
Families_CranfordHouse_87x130mm_FEB 2018_AW.indd 1
familiesonline.co.uk 14/12/2017 15:26
Baby News
Greater risk of stillbirth if go to sleep on back in third trimester Research from The Midlands and North of England Stillbirth Study (MiNESS), published November 2017, found that women who go to sleep in the ‘lying on the back’ position have a 2.3-fold increased risk of late stillbirth (after 28 weeks’ gestation) compared with women who go to sleep on their side. Led by Professor Alexander Heazell, Clinical Director at the Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre at St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, MiNESS is the largest study to examine maternal sleep and late stillbirth. Around 1 in 225 pregnancies in the UK end in stillbirth. MiNESS estimates that if all pregnant women in the UK went to sleep on their side in the third trimester, there could be a 3.7% decrease in stillbirth, saving around 130 babies’ lives a year. Although researchers cannot say for certain why the risk is increased, there are theories. In
the third trimester, when the woman is lying on her back, the combined weight of baby and uterus puts pressure on the main blood vessels that supply the uterus, which can restrict blood flow/ oxygen to the baby. The Sleep On Side campaign, led by Tommy’s, advises pregnant women to go to sleep on their side for any episode of sleep in the third trimester, including naps, going to sleep at night and returning to sleep. As the going-tosleep position is the one held longest during the night, women should not be concerned if they wake up on their back, but should simply roll back onto their side. Action Medical Research, Curekids, Sands and Tommy’s funded the research. The Sleep On Side campaign is endorsed by NHS
England, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of GPs. www.tommys.org/sleeponside
YOUR NEW PREGNANCY BIBLE
(Photo credit: Jules Selmes)
Recognised by women and their caregivers as simply the best pregnancy guide available, this latest (fifth) edition of Your Pregnancy Bible has been updated to take account of recent changes in antenatal and newborn care and to provide more comprehensive discussion of caesarean deliveries. Given a fresh design, it still contains foldout sections on each of the trimesters and the birth process; week-by-week images of the developing baby; in-depth chapters dealing with all aspects of antenatal care, labour preparation, delivery experiences and care of the newborn; comprehensive reference sections on medical treatments and
procedures in both pregnancy and the postnatal period and an extensive glossary of ante- and neonatal terminology. Written by a team of eminent specialists under the direction of a leading UK obstetrician, Your New Pregnancy Bible is filled with information about creating the optimum environment for a developing baby and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the mother. Your New Pregnancy Bible by Dr Anne Deans, published 8 February 2018 £24.99 octopusbooks.co.uk Look out for post on Families Cambridgeshire Magazine Facebook in late January 2018 for chance to WIN a copy of this book.
MAMAWAY REINVENTS 3-IN-1 JACKET FOR BUSY MUMS Expectant and new mothers will be wellprotected from the elements with Mamaway’s new 3-in-1 down jacket. Designed to support women throughout every stage of the pregnancy and birth process, the jacket is now water resistant and comes with a removable
Monkey Music Oxford E: oxford@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01235 519806
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hood, making it an ideal addition to any mother’s wardrobe. The jacket is also ideal for baby wearing as the panel at the front can be reversed, allowing more room to transport your bundle of joy in a carrier or sling. Teresa Chu, Marketing Director at Mamaway said, “Puffer jackets are a popular choice at this time of year, so we thought it would be good to launch a coveted style that mums could wear so they can feel as though they are remaining on trend while still being practical.” Mamaway is committed to providing fashionable, practical options for mums, and has one of the largest
collections of maternity and baby-wearing clothes on the market. www.mamaway.co.uk Look out for post on Families Oxfordshire Magazine Facebook page in January 2018 for chance to WIN a Mamaway 3-in-1 coat. Families Oxfordshire 9
Nursery Listings 2018
ABC NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL Headington www.abcnurseryoxford.co.uk 01865 439051 Ofsted Good
CHARLBURY PRE-SCHOOL Chipping Norton www.charlburypreschool.org.uk 01608 811200 Ofsted Good
BEAR NECESSITIES DAY NURSERY Weston-on-the-Green www.bearnecessitiesnursery.co.uk 01869 351118 Ofsted Good
MAGPIES PRESCHOOL KIDLINGTON www.magpies.info/magpiespreschool 01865 842724 Ofsted Good
CHILD FIRST BANBURY www.childfirst.co.uk 01295 273743 Ofsted Good
PEAPODS NURSERY SCHOOL, Henley-on-Thames. www. peapodsnurseryschool.com 01491 628 395 Ofsted Good
BLEWBURY PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP Didcot www.blewbury.oxon.sch.uk 01235 851786 Ofsted Good BUSY BEES DAY NURSERY Bicester www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk 01869 321 522 Ofsted Good BRIGHT HORIZONS MILTON PARK DAY NURSERY & PRE-SCHOOL Abingdon www.brighthorizons.co.uk 0330 057 8988 Ofsted Good
CHILD FIRST BICESTER
www.childfirst.co.uk 01869 323730 Ofsted Good CHILDREY LITTLE DUCKS PRE-SCHOOL www.childreylittleducks.org Not Yet Rated DAFFODIL DAY NURSEY LTD Witney www.daffodil-nursery.co.uk 01993 883451 Ofsted Good FIRST STEPS PRE-SCHOOL Thame 01844 261335 Ofsted Good
PIPPINS DAY NURSERY & NURSERY SCHOOL, Headington. www.aurorachildcare.co.uk 01865 227872 Ofsted Good PUDDLEDUCK NURSERY Wallingford. www.puddleduckoxfordshire.co.uk 01491 521 217 Ofsted Good SANDFIELD DAY NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL Headington www.childbasepartnership.com/ sandfield-day-nursery 01865 744200 Ofsted Outstanding
Wallingford 0333 920 4333 Ofsted Outstanding
LITTLE BEARS PRE-SCHOOL Stadhampton. www.little-bears.com 01865 400 033 Ofsted Good
ST ANNE’S COLLEGE DAY NURSERY Oxford. www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk/ about/places/college-nursery Ofsted Outstanding
BRIGHT HORIZONS LITTLE STARS NURSERY Didcot 0333 122 3156 Ofsted Outstanding
LORD WILLIAMS’S SCHOOL DAY NURSERY, Thame www.lwsdaynursery.co.uk 01844 260231 Ofsted Good
ST CLEMENT’S CHURCH PRESCHOOL 01865 202512 www. stclementschurchpreschool.co.uk Ofsted Good
BRIGHT HORIZONS MONGEWELL PARK DAY NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL
SMART TOTS DAY NURSERY, Banbury. www.completechildcare. co.uk 01295 259393. Ofsted Good SUMMERTOWN MONTESSORI NURSERY www.montessorinorthoxford.org 01865 311364 / 554954 Ofsted Good THE AUNTIES’ OLD SCHOOL NURSERY Stanton-St-John & Wheatly www.theoldschoolnursery.co.uk 01865 351215 Ofsted (both) Outstanding THE CO-OPERATIVE CHILDCARE DAY NURSERY Oxford www.thecooperativechildcare.coop 0800 954 0669 Ofsted Good THE FARMHOUSE NURSERY SCHOOL Witney www.thefarmhousenurseryschool. co.uk 01993 700797 Ofsted Outstanding THE WANTAGE NURSERY AND PRE-SCHOOL www.wantagenursery.co.uk 01235 760213 Ofsted Good WILLOW COTTAGE NURSERIES Farmoor Setting, Oxford www.willow-cottage.com/farmoorsetting 01865 865206. Ofsted Outstanding
Catholic independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2 to 13 Independent day and boarding school for boys aged 4-13
Open Morning
Saturday 24 February 2018 10.00am – 12.30pm
OPEN
DAYS ry ebrua Fri 2 F 1 May Fri 1
Getting the Best out of Boys Goring Heath, South Oxfordshire, RG8 7SF tel: 0118 984 4511 email: office@oratoryprep.co.uk website: www.oratoryprep.co.uk 10 Families Oxfordshire
To attend an Open Day or to arrange an individual visit, please contact us: pa.registrar@moulsford.com 01491 651438 • www.moulsford.com Moulsford Preparatory School, Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxon, OX10 9HR
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Ofsted ratings correct at time of printing. Please check each nursery prior to visiting.
Helping you find the right place for your little ones our 2018 guide to some of the nurseries local to Oxfordshire
Moving on
ENSURING YOUR CHILD IS HAPPY AT NURSERY By Kristen Harding The process of introducing a child to a new caring environment can throw up a number of challenges. However, some can be prevented if your child’s nursery gets to know up front what both you and your child need and want from the childcare arrangement. Before a child arrives at a new nursery, nursery staff should take time to fully understand your child’s home routine. In this way, potential issues can also be nipped in the bud early.
Settling In
This is a key part of the adjustment process. A change in environment can upset a child and parents are generally stressed and worried when their child is unsettled. For this reason, it’s vital that your chosen nursery takes time to help your child gently settle in. Communication between your child’s nursery and yourself is very important at this stage. You need to develop a trusting relationship with the staff and settle into the new arrangement just as much as your child does. In fact, it’s often parents that have most difficulty leaving a child behind in a new setting! However, communicating regularly and in as much detail
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as you need with the nursery setting can help ease your nervousness and worry. In turn, any insecurity your child is feeling will also lessen.
Separation Anxiety
Regardless of the time taken beforehand, separation anxiety is a natural and sometimes unavoidable part of leaving a child at a nursery. Generally, separation anxiety lessens over time but you can help by ensuring that nursery staff understand as much as possible about your child’s individual needs, how they behave when they are sad, anxious or upset and what helps calm them. This will ensure that your child’s nursery cares for your child in the very best way during this difficult period. Often the anxiety of a child lessens when his nursery assigns a key worker to him. By identifying one particular carer who is going to form a strong bond and connection with your child, he will have the stability of knowing there is an individual there that he can rely on.
Eating
Meal times at nursery are important and can have a real impact on the confidence and comfort of a young child. What your child is used to at home may differ greatly from what occurs in the nursery setting, whether it’s the food eaten or the way in which meals are consumed. When you visit your child’s nursery, try to do so at meal time occasionally. In a good setting, you will see nursery staff leading by example, engaging children with different food choices, helping
them to learn about what they are eating and introducing new foods gradually. Meal times at nursery, as at home, should be unpressurised and enjoyable.
Potty Training
This is another key milestone in your child’s development and reaching it may throw up stumbling blocks! Again, it is important to remember that each child is different and so will begin to learn at a different point and progress at a different speed to other children. A good nursery will ensure there’s no feeling of peer pressure between parents or children! Don’t start potty training as your child is starting nursery. When you do decide to begin, ensure it’s not at a time of change or a stressful period at home. Share training methods with your child’s nursery to ensure consistency of approach. For instance, do you want nursery staff to ask your child if he would like to go or do you want them to sit him on the potty at specific times of day?
Sleep
It is important that home and nursery work together over nap times, as the needs of individual children differ. When a child starts at a nursery, the nursery should follow the child’s home routine before adapting it slowly to suit the nursery pattern. It’s then helpful if you try to prevent your child taking extra naps, as his routine is likely to be disrupted. If your child struggles to sleep at the nursery, a toy or blanket from home can provide comfort and help them drift off. Whilst challenges are bound to arise during your child’s time at nursery, most particularly at the beginning, these can generally be dealt with as long as there is good communication between you and your child’s setting. Kristen Harding is a childcare expert at Tinies Childcare UK. For more information, visit www.tinies.com
Families Oxfordshire 11
Families Fun AIR PLAY
WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse
W hat’s Onto
WHEN: 12-13th January Ride the wind and dream with Air Play, a modern circus spectacle that brings to life the very air we breathe. Flying umbrellas, largerthan-life balloons, giant kites floating over the audience, and the biggest snow globe you’ve ever seen will make you gasp in wonder and laugh until it hurts. From £10 www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305
places Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all
Ox fords h ire
Ugly Duckling
Little Ashmoles Fun
Centre, Didcot
WHEN: 18 & 25 January:
WHERE: Cornerstone Arts
Cotswold Wildlife Park
WHEN: 14 January: 11.30 &
WHERE: Burford
14.30
10.00 – 17.00
tutti frutti and York Theatre
events complemented by daily
Andersen’s well-known tale with a
adventure playground, farm yard
Family £24
Adult £15; Child £10;
01235 515144
WHEN: January & February:
Moving through all four seasons,
Wonderful animals and seasonal
Royal bring to life Hans Christian
activities: penguin feeding,
menagerie of mischievous animals.
fun and single-gauge railway!
www.cornerstone-arts.org
Under 3s FREE
WHERE: Ashmolean Museum 10.30 – 11.15
Explore, play and learn together
with a different theme each month. All welcome but particularly
suitable for 3–5 year olds. Drop-in. Every Thursday in term-time. £1 per child
www.ashmolean.org/events
PEPPA PIG’S ADVENTURE
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
WHERE: The New Theatre Oxford
Deep Frozen Weekend
Join Peppa as she gets ready to
WHEN: 13 & 14 January:
the woods with her school friends,
Enjoy a day of winter magic with
and Gerald Giraffe.
of Disney’s Frozen, Frozen
www.atgtickets.com
WHEN: 24 – 25 January:
WHERE: The Story Museum
go on an exciting camping trip to
10.00 – 17.00
including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep
a special sing-along screening
£18.15-£23.15
themed face painting, dressing
up and winter crafting. Booking recommended.
Adult £7.50; Child £5
www.storymuseum.org.uk
The Fiddler on the Roof WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse
The Thing That Came From Over There WHERE: Pegasus Theatre
WHEN: 26 & 27 January: 19.30 Gonzo Moose present this fast paced rollicking ride mixing paranoia, suspense and hilariously gruesome deaths inspired by the movies of the 1950s. Suitable for ages 8+. Adult £13; Child £9 www. pegasustheatre.org.uk
Penguin
WHERE: The North Wall Arts
Centre WHEN: 27 January: 11.00 & 14.00 Exciting, surreal and full of surprises, Penguin is based on the award-winning book by Polly Dunbar, with songs by Tom Gray of Gomez that will have everyone joining in. For ages 2-8. Adult £8; Child £6 www.thenorthwall.com 01865 319450
WHEN: 15 – 20 January
The story follows Tevye, a poor
Jewish milkman who lives in a small Ukrainian village with his wife and five strong minded daughters. Oxford Operatic Society.
Cinderella Green: the Recycling Queen
From £10
www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305
HUSH-A-BYE
WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse WHEN: 13 – 14 January
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a woodland wonderland. An interactive show for the very
young (3 – 5 years), with live music and enchanting puppets. £8
www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305
Winter Walks
WHERE: Greys Court, Near
Henley-on-Thames WHEN: January & February Explore the estate at Greys Court on a crisp winter’s day. Come early to see a beautiful, frosty view. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ greys-court 01491 628529 12 Families Oxfordshire
Fre
e!
Winter Warmer Gallery Family Trail
WHERE: Museum of Oxford
WHEN: Until 2 February Find out how people kept warm in the past in this Winter trail that takes you around the Explore Oxford galleries. Pick-up from Town Hall Gift Shop. FREE www.oxford.gov.uk/events
Family Open Afternoon WHERE: Soldiers of
Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock WHEN: 14 February: 14.00-16.00 Activities for kids aged 3-9. Drop-in. Make precious gifts for a loved one. £2 per child; under 3s FREE www.sofo.org.uk
WHERE: The Story Museum WHEN: 27 & 28 January: 11.30 – 12.30
Cinderella Green works really hard for her two, not-so-
environmentally-minded
stepsisters, when all she really
wants to do is spend more time with her beloved wildlife.4+. Adult £8; Child £6
www.storymuseum.org.uk
The Play That Goes Wrong
BEST NEW COMEDY WINNER WHATSONSTAGE AWARD 2014
WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse
WINNER OLIVIER AWARD 2015
WINNER BROADWAY WORLD UK AWARD 2015
WHEN: 22 - 27 January
The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are
putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the
title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! Hilarious results ensue… From £10
★★★★
‘GENUINELY HILARIOUS. BOY, DOES IT HIT THE FUNNY BONE’ DAILY TELEGRAPH
★★★★★
‘I FEARED I WAS GOING TO HYPERVENTILATE’ DAILY MAIL
N ON L AS SEE ROYA
THE RIETY VA
www.oxfordplayhouse.com 01865 305305 familiesonline.co.uk
Families Fun THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL (and other happier tales) WHERE: The Oxford Playhouse WHEN: 13 – 17 February
Steeped in the metaphor and meaning that runs through the veins of
Andersen’s enduring stories, this will be a night to delight, transport and
surprise. Expect music, puppetry, dark magic... and perhaps some modern truths. 9+. Fre
From £10
e!
www.oxfordplayhouse.com
IRIS FESTIVAL OF IMAGINED WORLDS WHERE: Cheney School, Headington WHEN: 9 February: 15.00-18.00
Celebrate novels set in imaginary worlds, such as Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Lewis Carroll and J.K. Rowling. Visitors can walk through different
fictional worlds, with workshops, stalls, and activities themed on novels and their authors.
FREE www.eoccc.org.uk info@irisproject.org.uk
Hoooo’s for dinner?
WHERE: Sutton Courtenay
Winter Wetland Birds
WHERE: Earth Trust, Little Wittenham
WHEN: 28 January: 9.30 – 11.00
Environmental Education Centre, nr Didcot WHEN: 13 February: 10.00 & 13.00 Become a detective with a difference! Discover what our local owls have been eating for dinner. Dissect an owl pellet and be amazed at what you find. Booking essential. 6+. £4 per child bbowt.org.uk/whats-on
01865 305305
The Light Fantastic
Fairtrade products, such as cocoa,
bananas and sugar. Free with entry
to the Garden. Glasshouse opening times only.
Adult £5; Child FREE
www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk
WHERE: Didcot Railway Centre
WHEN: 17 & 18 February Visit the locomotives, coaches, wagons and buildings. Ride in coaches from the 1930s behind some Great Western steam locomotives, or in a Steam Railmotor or Diesel Railcar. Adult £10; Child £8 www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
birds and their habitats; booking essential.
Adult £8; Child £4
YANA AND THE YETI
www.earthtrust.org.uk
Chinese New Year Celebration
Going Underground WHERE: Banbury Museum
WHEN: 10 February: 10.30-12.30 & 14.00-16.00
Travel underground to make a fun, crafty animal. Saturdays and every
day during school holidays until 14 April. Tickets from Museum Shop.
www.banburymuseum.org
Discover plants that produce
Steam Days
where you’ll learn more about local
£2 per child
WHEN: 26 February – 11 March
The Theatre, Chipping Norton WHEN: 14 February How do insects use light to see the world and what has that got to do with bank-note forgeries? Find out on a dazzling journey across the spectrum in a fun family exploration of the amazing properties of light. 8+. Booking essential. Adult £9.50; Child £7.00 www.chippingnortontheatre.com 01608 642350
a guided walk around Thrupp Lake,
Drop-in.
WHERE: Oxford Botanic Garden
WHERE:
Join local expert Ben Carpenter on
01865 407792
Fairtrade Fortnight Event
WHERE: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
WHEN: 17 February
Enjoy a traditional Double Guan
Yin Chinese Lion dance. Meet-and-
WHERE: The North Wall Arts Centre WHEN: 13 February
A dark, funny and poignant tale of a small child’s determination to
be understood and her discovery that friends can come in the most unexpected shapes and sizes. 5+. Adult £10; Child £8
www.thenorthwall.com 01865 319450
greet opportunities with the lion.
Tuck into delicious Chinese street
food in the Great Court, festooned with strings of Chinese lanterns. Adult £24.90; Child £13.90 www.blenheimpalace.com
Mud Pie Monday
WHERE: Earth Trust, Little Wittenham
WHEN: 12 February: 10.00-11.30 Drop in for Mud Pie Monday - buckets of mud and buckets of fun! Wellies and waterproofs advisable. Please take your own bucket and spade/trowel if you have them. £4 www.earthtrust.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Please mention Families Oxfordshire when booking Families Oxfordshire 13
Weight Management
WHY IT IS TIME TO START SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF There is not a more certain sign that it is January than the well-fitting trend for positive change. How many people have already asked the dreaded question? “What are your new year’s resolutions?” The craze falls seamlessly alongside an acute awareness of having over-indulged during Christmas. Even as a Weight Management Coach at Achieve Healthy Weight Loss Oxfordshire, I can empathise. Having said this, it is the shared morale that makes now a great time to get focused. I have some tried and tested tips to help achieve a healthier lifestyle. Let the guilty feelings fade in light of the steps that will lead to a healthy weight loss journey.
Give the goals your all, or give up?
Why do we get sucked into setting these annual resolutions that we full well know we just won’t stick to? For a start, we like to imagine ourselves doing well. Then we over commit, one small change just doesn’t seem to cut it. There is so much we want to achieve that starting with anything other than the whole package does not seem worth getting out of bed for. During my years of working in weight management, this is a conversation I have had many times. We feel we need more motivation. Being in the right frame of mind for getting started is also a challenge many of my clients express, regardless of the time of year. As we struggle to maintain the high standards we’ve set for ourselves, the thought of giving up becomes more tempting. That is precisely where I think we go wrong. We expect too much of ourselves.
Make Small changes to see a big difference
The fact is - one small change is really all we need. It is better to start walking your kids to school every day rather than trying to squeeze three gym session into your already busy week. Your body is going to be more grateful for one extra piece of fruit each day than for a week of solely eating fruit and veg, just to fall at the hurdle of an all you can eat buffet. When small changes are repeatedly made, the real long-term differences to our health become visible. Small lifestyle changes are easier to keep because they are small in nature. They will not take masses of your time, or require lots of motivation either. Small changes are sustainable and encouraging. If you find yourself able to stick to eating soup for lunch in January, you might become more motivated to cut out one biscuit with your afternoon tea in February. Before you know it you are making positive changes to your health day in, and day out and as a byproduct of having shed a few Christmas lbs. 14 Families Oxfordshire
Start to get support
delivered by healthy lifestyle provider Thrive
Tribe and funded by Oxfordshire County If you want to get more active, have a look at Council. This article is based on their vast your week and consider when you may have the time to exercise. Have a look at what is out experience in the field of weight management. For more information visit:www. there - a gym timetable or local classes. It is achieveoxfordshire.org.uk important to know what is on offer and to be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to this. You may well decide that the gym is not for you. Then get creative about getting more movement into your day by walking the dog or going to the playground with the kids. Writing down your goals can make your IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: commitments easier to track. We have a downloadable wall chart on the Achieve Healthy Weight Loss Oxfordshire website, accompanied by more professional advice on how to start achieving healthy weight loss. Even at the risk of dampening your January enthusiasm let me assure you - one small change is Discover our leading really all we need.
You can start to lose weight today with Achieve Oxfordshire
Frauke Eicker and Jemma Ham are
Weight Management
Professionals at Achieve Healthy Weight Loss
Oxfordshire. The free weight loss service
weight loss programmes Visit our website to discover how you could access free resources and take the steps to living a longer and happier life.
www.achieveoxfordshire.org.uk @achieveoxfordshire
familiesonline.co.uk
Winter Clubs & Classes WITH THE NIGHTS CLOSING IN AND THE TEMPERATURE DROPPING, the idea of sending your child out on to the football pitch, tennis court or athletics track is not an attractive one. But active after school activities offer children great developmental benefits including:
Improved Academic Performance
Indoor Rock Climbing
Research has found that children from
This activity is also
disadvantaged backgrounds who
growing in popularity
participate in after-school clubs get
across the country with
better results at age 11 than their peers.
a centre likely to be
very close to you. Even
Enhanced Socialisation Skills Making friends with children from
the NHS recommends
broaden their social experience, whilst
provides unique
outside their school allows children to
it as an activity that
extra-curricular activities at school give
physical and mental
children the chance to enjoy a different
benefits whilst at the
type of social experience with their
same time catering for
school friends and other children in their class.
Better Health and Fitness According to the National Association of
Sport and Physical Education, kids aged 5-12
should exercise for at least 60 minutes of each day, and this figure shouldn’t be ignored just because it’s cold outside.
Stress Relief Exercise helps to relieve stress built up by homework, exams and peer pressures.
As parents, we are responsible for setting up
opportunities for our children to keep active during winter months.
So here are our ideas for keeping your restless young one on the go – and the good news is you don’t have to force them (or you!) outside:
Trampoline Clubs and Parks
These are popping up all over the country and classes are fun and social. The UK now has over 190 trampoline parks and most offer kids a safe environment to cut loose as well as lessons and classes for children from as young as toddlers upwards try - Bounce Milton Keynes.
all ages, fitness levels
and abilities. Try Rock Solid Climbing Wall, Oxford.
Girl Guides and Scouting Scouting and Girl Guides are experiencing
an unprecedented surge in popularity. Why?
Because they offer an antidote to the modern world with adventure being at the heart of everything they do. From as young as 6,
children can get involved in learning outdoor
skills and undertaking leadership qualifications, as well as enjoying camps and residential
experiences. However, waiting lists can be
long so act quickly! To register interest visit
www.girlguiding.org.uk or www.scouts.org.uk
Ice Rinks/Snow Slopes Local snow slopes and ice rinks are great
You can access indoor classes for most outdoors sports such as football, cricket and tennis at leisure centres or school recreation halls. Likewise for toddlers and pre-schoolers, multi-sport and ball skills classes are often run inside during winter.
How Many is Too Much? Whilst clubs and classes are important for children, be careful how many activities you sign your child up for. Some require significant time commitment. For example, joining a swimming class can involve two or more weekly training sessions, as well as competitions. Are you and your child up for that? What else will suffer or be sacrificed? If your child’s opportunity to have unstructured time for play will go by the wayside, then this is probably not a good thing. Children these days have much more structured lives than ever before and already often have less unstructured play time than previous generations. Research indicates that unstructured play with minimal adult supervision helps children to learn important social skills, use their imagination, concentrate and be more self-directed.
places to get kids active during the winter and offer kids the opportunity to try tobogganing,
skiing or snowboarding, or get a pair of skates on. There are indoor and outdoor rinks and centres, depending on how you feel about braving the cold or damp weather. Try Sno-Zone Milton Keynes.
FRESH AIR
If you do opt for indoor class and club options for your child during winter, try to get them some regular fresh air at weekends when time and weather permit. Consider heading to the countryside or a beach (even at the darkest time of year), where you can breathe different air and be closer to nature. You don’t have to organise a full itinerary and it doesn’t have to cost much either. Simple games like running races on a beach or climbing a tree can be exhilarating for children after a week cooped up at school, and being outside is both refreshing and invigorating for everyone and will improve everyone’s mood!
familiesonline.co.uk
Indoor Sports
The National Trust offers loads of activities at their sites across the UK including treasure hunts, nature trails, and even horse rides. The Woodland Trust has great expanses of woodland which are ripe for families to explore and provide a great natural habitat for nature walks. Some are very ancient and provide a great historical backdrop of legend and myth. It’s also worth checking out The Wild Network which brings together thousands of people and groups across the UK to share the simple goal of getting children back in touch with nature. www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.woodlandtrust.org.uk www.thewildnetwork.com
Families Oxfordshire 15