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Clubs & Classes Schools Events Reviews Essential reading for parents and grandparents in Somerset

January 2018 Volume 25 Issue 1

Happy New Year!

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FAMILY PAGES

Struggling to get your child to tidy their bedroom? Follow these simple steps... For most children, tidying their bedroom is a tedious chore that they simply don’t want to do. Children spend hours playing with their toys and gadgets, but how can parents ask their kids to put things away, without it turning into a discipline exercise? New research by online bed retailer Time 4 Sleep has found that items contained within the average child’s bedroom are worth around £2000. With the majority of children under 16 having a gadget in their bedroom, there are a huge amount of possessions lying around. It can be all too easy for children to get carried away and not think about the clearing away process. Jonathan Warren, director at Time 4 Sleep, shares his top tips on how parents can get their kids to tidy and clean their bedroom. Explain why It might sound simple, but this is hugely important. Children must understand the idea of tidying up and just how vital it is. Explain that they can play with their toys all day, if they are cleared away afterwards.

With more and more children owning expensive items and gadgets, putting things back in their rightful place stops damage and upset further down the line. Show them how to do it Set a good example, by tidying your own bedroom and allowing your children to watch the process. Make sure they understand what constitutes as ‘dirty laundry’, and where the wash basket is, and ensure they recognise what a clean room looks like. Break it up It’s a good idea to create a check list, so the job can be split up and children don’t feel overwhelmed. Encourage children to concentrate on clothes first, then the toys and then the gadgets. This way the task doesn’t seem impossible, and they know where to start. Do it quickly A child may associate tidying up as a boring, time consuming job. Instead, make it fun, or put them against the clock. Set your child a time to get it done in and see if they can beat it. Get rid of clutter Teach your child from a

young age that clutter is unnecessary and can end up creating a messy living environment. Make sure you go through their belongings every couple of months and throw away anything they don’t use anymore. Dipti Tait, a Solution Focussed Hypnotherapist and author of ‘Good Grief’, describes how the practice of tidying their room can benefit a child in the long term. “A tidy environment represents a tidy mind. When we instil values such as tidiness within our children’s mindset from an early age, this can be hugely beneficial for their life as an adult. “Tidiness and building the habit of being tidy can enhance skills such as good organisation, clear thinking and efficiency. Tidiness should not be confused with obsessiveness; teaching healthy tidiness helps individuals begin taking ownership of their own space, making good choices about where things belong as well

A tidy environment represents a tidy mind. When we instil values such as tidiness within our children’s mindset from an early age, this can be hugely beneficial for their life as an adult. as helping the mind move towards the completion of a task. “In a school environment, very often they will have a period of ’tidy up time’, which signifies the end of that particular task or activity. This regular pattern of starting and completing tasks helps children feel secure and comfortable and gives them a feeling of satisfaction, which can be transferred to the home. “We know teenagers are notoriously untidy, and this is because the teenage brain is naturally rebellious and reactive. The teenage mind pushes the boundaries, but hopefully as those values are instilled early on in the formative years, those skills will resurface and emerge as positive habits and efficient behaviours as the brain develops into adulthood.”

For more information visit https://www.time4sleep.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-your-child-to-make-their-own-bed/

THE independent

T h inde pendent h h eeein in in de depe pe pe de dennntt t TTTT h e de nnnde he inde pendent DIFFERENCE ON dfffer iffer een r ec n o n di di ffer en en ccc eeeeo o o nn di ec n differ en on YOUR DOORSTEP. yo u do o r sT e p. yo yo uu rr rrdo do do oo rr sT sT ep. ep. yo u r r sT ep. you door sT ep. Wonderfully innovative Preparatory School welcoming children from 3-13 years l

Superb pastoral care

Over 60% scholarships awarded to Senior Schools

Stunning rural setting with forest school and outdoor education

Outstanding sporting facilities and opportunities

Vibrant music, Performing Arts, Art and CDT centres

School transport available from all surrounding areas

Scholarships and bursaries available

Day, flexi and full-time boarding

Located near Bath, Frome and Bruton

Come and visit us! admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk Tel: 01749 881609

OPEN MORNING: SATURDAY 20TH JANUARY 09:30 - MIDDAY Talk 1217.indd 1 2 Parent Parent Talk January 2018

04/12/2017 11:14:31 follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

Parent talk contents Family pages

p2-3

Activities and Clubs

p4-7

Events

Education, information

p7, p10-13

Book Bag

p8-9

Book Review

p14-15

Classified

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competitions Compact Footmuff

Play in a Box

Dear Readers... Welcome back and a very Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed the festivities and that life is starting to resume a gentler pace. This month, we have many of the Independent Schools advertising with most of them offering scholarships and bursaries. They also run some wonderful after school clubs and often have arrangements with local clubs who can make use of their excellent facilities. Also, we’ve set a little quiz to calm everyone down after the excitement of Christmas, along with some brain teasers. Hopefully, you’ll have a chance for a quiet read with a cup of coffee while peace descends! Best wishes Tamsin

Wish you had a degree? Wanting to start a rewarding career where you can inspire the next generation? Are you... 



Looking to get back into work after taking time out of employment? Looking to continue in education having successfully completed a Further Education course? Currently working with children or is this an area of work you would like to train in? Looking for an accessible opportunity that fits around your home commitments? Study locally in Taunton

Somerset Centre for Integrated Learning (SCIL), in partnership with the University of Worcester, offers Foundation Degrees in: 

FAMILYFAMILY PAGES

Holiday Cottages in Glorious Devon Award winning Torridge House Cottages is just the place to bring your family. So much to do in a relaxing and feel-good environment and good value too. The little group of 8 cottages is pleasantly situated in gardens interesting enough for great play and open and level for little ones to safely enjoy. For many years Torridge House farm Cottages have been highly recommended by families of all ages. Many return each year to enjoy the daily animal feeding, handson baby rabbit, guinea pig and mouse cuddles in a comfortable naturally friendly atmosphere. The countryside of this beautiful part of North Devon is beguiling with sandy beaches, cycling, walking on the Tarka Trail. There’s lots

to discover also in wildlife reserves, woodlands commons, moors and coastline. North Devon is a landscape of single track roads, hedgerows, fabulous views, quaint fishing villages, market towns, country pubs, beautiful gardens and excellent family attractions. The village of Little Torrington boasts an excellent fun pottery, blissful massage treatments and in the village hall, skittles. There’s all sorts of things at the cottages for play both indoors and outdoors. The summer outdoor heated swimming and toddler pool, the “pitch” for ball games, toddler toys, barbecues, table tennis, pool, sand and home play and a library with books, dvds etc. Youngsters of all ages want to stay all day with the animals or stay just to play.

The cottages are very well kitted out, very much enjoyed; they are the home of many happy memories. For more information see www.torridgehouse.co.uk or 01805 622542

Little Torrington, North Devon, EX38 8PS t: 01805 622542 www.torridgehouse.co.uk

WIN a Compact Footmuff Keep your little one’s toes toasty this Winter with BabyHub’s new universal Compact Footmuff, a perfect addition to your baby’s pram at the start of 2018. The fleeced-line muff is made up of high-tech performance fabrics that are shower and windproof. The Footmuff provides the best protection; within one compact, stylish product that is water and dirt resistant! BabyHub Compact Footmuff is priced at £39.99 and fits any standard pram or pushchair. For more information and to shop please visit www.babyhubshop.com To be in with a chance of winning one, simply email emily.craig@mason-williams. com and say who you would like to win it for! Entries must be made by 15th January 2018.

Learning and Development: Early Years to Adolescence (0-19)

A place on our Foundation Degree could be a fantastic opportunity for you! For more information:

  

Phone us on: 01823 348268

Email us at: SCIL@somerset.gov.uk

www.supportservicesforeducation.co.uk

Parent Talk January 2018 3

ACTIVITIES & CLUBS

Mill on the Brue Put your child in the frame Outdoor this New Year Activity Centre

high ropes, giant zip wires and assault courses are just some of the forty activities, games and outdoor pursuits on offer in 2018. The instructors are experienced, fun and friendly and stay with the group all week. Mill on the Brue is well known for its delicious meals, plentiful and all home cooked and we grow much of our organic vegetables and fruit. Residential summer camps start on Sunday 8th July until Saturday 18th August for 8 – 15 years. Adventure days Mondays to Fridays 7 – 12 years, 8.30am – 5.30pm, even Mini Mobsters for some midweek mornings 5 & 6 years old. They’ll come back tired but very happy! info@millonthebrue.co.uk 00 44 (0) 1749 812307 www.millonthebrue.co.uk

It’s my year! Summer camps

Bruton, Somerset BA10 0BA 01749 812 307 www.millonthebrue.co.uk 4 Parent Talk January 2018

performing arts is fun and gives every student the chance to be a child and play and laugh, which will improve motivation and reduce stress. So why not give your child the chance to put themselves into the frame with Razzamataz Yeovil and let them learn new life skills. “We want to help young people create long and lasting friendships through sharing some wonderful experiences together,” explains Claire, Principal of Razzamataz Yeovil. “Whether that’s the bonding experience of rehearsing and performing in the annual show or getting involved in local events, children respond so positively when they work as a team.” “Participating in a dance,

drama or singing class will help improve your flexibility, co-ordination, balance and stamina,” adds Claire. “As well as the physical aspects, performing will help focus the mind, improve your memory and encourage empathy to develop compassion and tolerance for others.” Razzamataz Yeovil offers a wide range of performing arts styles, from classic West End musical theatre through to pop singing and street dance. In all sessions, the emphasis is on having fun and bringing out the creativity and unique potential in each and every student. To give your child the chance to thrive this year,

contact Claire for a chance to try out a free performing arts session. Call 01935 411128, email yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk or visit yeovil.razzamataz.co.uk to register for a free taster session or to find out more.

High quality training for music lovers Do you love music? Do you think, like writer Philip Pullman, that music is so important and “Every child must have the chance to make music as well as to listen to it"? The Centre for Young Musicians, a division of the Guildhall School, provides high quality progressive music training for thousands of talented children across the

country including the South West’s Centre in Taunton which is now 4 years old. There are 70 students attending the Centre for Young Musicians Taunton (CYMT) on Saturdays in term time and it is open to all children aged 5-18. Based at Richard Huish College in Taunton, CYMT caters for students from beginners to advanced and covers a wide

Image © Picshore Photography

Summer Residential Camps are being planned as you read. We are a family run Centre which has been operating for over thirty five years, and think we know exactly what your child would like to be doing during the summer holidays. Having fun, excitement, challenge, making friends, trying out new activities, getting muddy and wet, – no pressure of mobiles, exams or school, just having a whale of a time. Mill on the Brue is based in Bruton, Somerset in an old farmhouse and converted barns. There are twenty five acres of woods, fields, and river valley to explore and have fun. Archery, canoeing, raft building and racing, rifle shooting, high ropes, fire lighting, camping, rocket firing, crafts, giant water slide, concert and disco, tower jump,

With January being the time of year when many adults commit to get fit, the New Year is also a good opportunity for parents to consider their youngsters’ physical and mental health and wellbeing. Many youngsters go through a time when they find communicating quite challenging, so giving children a platform to work through their feelings is important to build their self-confidence. Performing arts has been credited with building life skills and allowing students to express a range of feelings, encouraging them to understand and deal with their different emotions. But more importantly,

variety of musical styles. There are generous bursaries to cover fees so everyone has a chance to make music. With expert tutors and regular visiting artists delivering exciting workshops and concerts CYMT provides an excellent programme including performance opportunities. There will be 4 concerts at CYMT in the spring term and on 21 April students from CYMT will be performing alongside Classic FM’s John Suchet (tickets from bookings. queenscollege.org.uk). Are you planning children’s activities for the summer holidays? CYMT will be running a fun-filled summer music

course on 6-10 August 2018, from 9am-5pm daily at Richard Huish College, Taunton. Open to instrumentalists and singers aged 10-18, grades 3-8, there will be bands, orchestra, creative music production, singing and junk percussion. Excellent value for the full week at £270, part time also available. Would you like to find out more? Please contact the CYMT office or book a visit anytime. If you prefer to visit on an Open Day the dates are: 13 January, 3 February, 28 April, 19 May. For more information visit www.cymtaunton.org.uk or call 07754 217993 or email taunton@cym.org.uk.

Join us for

RAZZ TOTS, our exciting class for ages 2-3 years

Limited FREE taster sessions available Jan 2018

the ideal placeforforchildren childrenaged aged2-18 2-18years years WeWe areare the ideal place withan aninterest interestin inperforming performing to to learn learn Pop Singing, Singing, Street StreetDance, Dance, with Musical Theatre Musical & Drama! Call us&toDrama! book your trial session! Quote PP1216 Theatre CallFREE us to ONE book WEEK your FREE ONE WEEK trialrefsession!

For info or to book a free session, call Claire on 01935 411128 • yeovil@razzamataz.co.uk

ACTIVITIES & CLUBS

Frozen foods and takeaways four nights a week British parents have to rely on frozen foods for their children’s dinner on average four nights per week due to time restrictions, with pizza and ready meals being the most popular. The other nights are spent cooking from fresh or ordering in a takeaway. The team at www. VoucherCodesPro.co.uk conducted the research as part of an ongoing study into British parenting habits. 2,362 British parents aged 18 and over, all of whom stated they had at least one child under the age of 16 years old, were quizzed about the home life and their eating patterns. To begin with, all respondents were asked ‘How often will you make a homemade lunch for your child to take to school each week?’ to which the majority of respondents stated ‘I don’t tend to make their lunch’, whilst others stated ‘five days a week’ and ‘most, if not all days’. When asked what their children did for lunch on the days it wasn’t prepared for them, respondents cited ‘they take money and purchase food at school/the local shop’ or ‘they make their own’ . All respondents were then

asked ‘Roughly how many times a week will you cook dinner using fresh ingredients?’ to which the average response was ‘twice a week’. When asked what their go-to meals were, the top fresh meals to be cooked at home were revealed as spaghetti bolognese, cottage pie, and stew. Following on from this, respondents were asked how many days per week they would use frozen foods for dinner, with the average revealed to be ‘four times per week’. The most common foods were cited as frozen pizza, ready meals and instant noodles. Wanting to delve a little deeper, all respondents were then asked why they turned to frozen foods so often throughout the week. When provided with a list of possible responses and asked to select all those which applied, the most common responses were revealed as: 1. I don’t have the time to shop for fresh ingredients every few days – 43% 2. I don’t have the time to prepare fresh food in time for the kids' mealtime every day – 41% 3. I am too tired after work to cook a meal from scratch – 39%

4. I cook numerous meals most nights, with everyone wanting different – 32% 5. Frozen foods are cheaper than buying fresh – 24% Finally, 84% of respondents confessed that they like to have at least one takeaway per week for dinner with the family. George Charles, spokesperson for www.VoucherCodesPro. co.uk commented: “There is a lot of talk in the news at the moment about eating healthy, fresh food, with a particular focus on what children are eating. Unfortunately, work commitments can play a factor into what parents are capable of doing each night and it can be time consuming having to cook from fresh each day; it can also be costly. “Slow cookers are a great gadget to have in the home; simply throw some ingredients in before work, set the temperature to low and give it a stir when you get home. Likewise, you can ensure there are lots of healthy snacks around the home to ensure children are reaching for the right foods. A few small changes here and there can make a huge difference in what you’re putting into your body.”

Happy children at All Hallows

Choosing a school for your children is one of the most important decisions parents make, which is why at All Hallows we are so proud of the work we do with our pupils. We see it is as our responsibility to help children grow and develop from Early Years through to Year 8, when they leave us as confident young people ready to stride out into their senior school. Happy children are successful children and our first aim

for all the pupils is to provide them with a safe and secure environment where they are able to discover who they are, form strong friendships and develop their many talents. In the classroom, beyond the classroom in our stunning grounds and in every activity we offer, the focus is on enjoying new learning, learning how to learn, having a go, developing a good work ethic and acquiring skills that will last well beyond childhood. Each pupil is supported and

encouraged by the other boys and girls and by a strong and very committed staff. Whilst protected and nurtured, the children are also challenged and stretched in order to develop their ability to thrive as resilient adults in the future. Our Head, Dr Trevor Richards, is a chartered Educational Psychologist, who practises what we preach – leading whole child meetings regularly, and overseeing the SENCo provision to ensure that our pupils have the best start in life.

Millfield Minis Sports Clubs Millfield Minis Sports Clubs are open to all boys and girls, aged 1-9, in the local area. The clubs are held at Millfield Prep, Glastonbury, during term time. This autumn choose from:

Minis Football Thursdays 4.00-5.00pm, for ages 5-8 Minis Golf Tuesdays 4.15-5.00pm, for ages 6-9 Minis Swimming Tuesdays 9.10-9.50am, for ages 1-3 Minis Tennis Saturday mornings, for ages 2-8 Minis Trampolining Wednesdays 10.15-11.00am, for ages 2-4 With access to specialist facilities and equipment, our clubs are run by friendly, expert staff and provide the perfect introduction to your child’s chosen sport in a safe and caring environment.

Book now at millfieldschool.com/clubs follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

Parent Talk January 2018 5

6 Parent Talk December 2012

Parent

events

Got an event to share? Like us on

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. M A R K E T S . T H E AT R E S . FA I R S . F E T E S . S H O W S . E X H I B I T I O N S . 9th – 13th January: Hetty Feather. the egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, BA1 1ET. Having enjoyed a sell out run in the West End, where it delighted critics and audiences alike with its beautiful story-telling, original live music, circus skills and huge heart, ‘Hetty Feather’ returns to Bath. A great adventure story and the perfect treat for the family. Performance times vary. Age: 7+. 01225 448844 13th January: Wassail at Glastonbury Tor, BA6 9DP. Choir, children’s activities with Somerset Rural Life Museum, singing around the trees, storytelling by the fire and a pop-up cash bar to sample the fruit of last year’s crop: pints of cider and apple juice. Tours of the Tor from 2pm and the wassail starts at 3pm. Tickets available to purchase online. Adults £8 to include pint of cider, hot food roll and car parking. Children £5 to include a drink and hot food roll. Entry on day available. Cash only. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ glastonbury-tor 01278 751874 Until 14th January: Little Mermaid. the egg, Theatre Royal Bath, BA1 1ET. Thousands of leagues deep beneath the sea, a shipwrecked 1950s cruise liner is the grand palace where five young mermaids live on the cusp of mermaidenhood. Unlike her sisters who are happy not to rock the boat, Morgan has an enquiring mind, a brave spirit and a niggling sense that she doesn’t fit in. When the troublemaking Aunt Celeste encourages Morgan to head above water, she surfaces in a 1980s yacht party on the English Riviera, the land she has always dreamed of, and must quickly find her feet ….literally! With elements of both period drama and lively rom-com, ‘Little Mermaid’ combines poignant undertones with fairytale magic, creating a hilarious and exciting family adventure, all set to a shimmering soundtrack of classic 80s pop! Performance times vary. Age 6+. 01225 448844 14th January: Dawn explosion at RSPB Nature Reserve Ham Wall, Ashcott Rd, Meare, BA6

Craft Studio Holiday Clubs for 6+

9SX. The starling murmurations at the Avalon marshes are a wonder of the natural world with over half a million birds roosting in the reed beds, but have you ever wondered what this number of birds look like when they wake up. Come for an early morning stroll to the roost site and watch as the whole flock takes to the air – a truly unmissable experience. 7-9am. £4 for members, £6 for non members. £2 for child members or £3 for non child members.01458 860494 15th January: The Nutcracker, performed by Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ. 7.30pm. 0844 871 3012 16th January: Cinderella, performed by Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ. 7.30pm. 0844 871 3012 17th January: Swan Lake, performed by Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ. 7.30pm. 0844 871 3012 18th – 20th January: Cinderella. Pantomime by the Harbour View Players, Combwich Village Hall, Riverside, Bridgwater, TA5 2QZ. 7.30pm with Sat matinée at 2.30pm. Adults £5, children £2. 01278 653619 20th January: Frozen Singalong. The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Taunton, TA1 1JL. When their kingdom becomes trapped in perpetual winter, fearless Anna joins forces with mountaineer Kristoff and his reindeer sidekick to find Anna’s sister, Snow Queen Elsa, and break her icy spell. 11am & 2pm. Offer: bring a grown up for free. For every child ticket purchased, there is one complimentary adult ticket. 01823 283244 23rd – 27th January: YAPS Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantomime: Beauty and the Beast. The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. Enter the little French town of Morts Ennuyeux and you’ll enter the world of the inventor Maurice, his beautiful daughter Belle and a whole host of colourful characters including The Beast, the once handsome

A fabulous craft studio, minutes from Wellington town with ample parking

Birthday Parties for any age Various Workshops throughout the year For more information and to book contact: sam@bodleycraft.co.uk or www.bodleycraft.co.uk 6 Parent Talk January 2018

Prince Dacey, now magically transformed by the Enchantress for not giving her shelter from the storm. Can Maurice and Belle save him from forever being this terrible monster? Join Yeovil Amateur Pantomime Society in their biggest panto yet where fancy dress and audience participation is encouraged in this toe-tapping, clap-along, dance-if-you-want Beast of a Pantomime. Tues-Fri: 7.15pm,Sat: 1.30pm & 6.30pm. 01935 422884 24th January – 11th February: Snow Mouse. the egg, Theatre Royal, Bath, BA1 1ET. An enchanting winter’s tale for the very young. Winter has arrived and the woods are covered in white. A child hurries to put on their winter clothes so they can run outside and play in a sparkly new world. Just when they start to feel a bit lonely they find a sleeping mouse buried under the soft white flakes. Sliding, tumbling and laughing, they explore the winter wonderland together and keep each other safe and warm from the winter freeze. Join the two friends on their adventures in a magical forest full of play, puppetry and music. Age: 0-4 yrs. Tues-Thurs: 9.30am & 11.30am, Fri-Sun: 9.30am, 11.30am & 1.30pm. 01225 448844 28th January: Dawn explosion at RSPB Nature Reserve Ham Wall, Ashcott Rd, Meare, BA6 9SX. The starling murmurations at the Avalon marshes are a wonder of the natural world with over half a million birds roosting in the reed beds, but have you ever wondered what this number of birds look like when they wake up. Come for an early morning stroll to the roost site and watch as the whole flock takes to the air – a truly unmissable experience. 7-9am. £4 for members, £6 for non members. £2 for child members or £3 for non child members. 01458 860494 31st January – 3rd March: Wicked (UK Tour). Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol BS1 4UZ. Winner of over 100 international awards, ‘Wicked’ has been casting its magical spell across the world for over a decade. An ingenious and witty reimagining of the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in the ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two young women who first meet as sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. 7.30pm daily with matinées Wed and Sat. 0844 871 3012

Our life with birds Leading Bird Experts Lloyd and Rose Buck embark on a UK Theatre Tour accompanied by some of their extraordinary feathered friends

FROM 27TH JANUARY - APRIL 2018 ’The Bucks are remarkable people because when they do imprint, they form a bond they can’t break and it means those swans are with them for life’ Sir David Attenborough It’s not often you see birds flying in theatres but in 2018 audiences all over the country will get the chance! Leading bird experts Lloyd and Rose Buck will embark on their first theatre tour accompanied by some extraordinary feathered friends. This is a truly unique interactive experience not just for bird loving enthusiasts but also for anyone who relishes the opportunity to see birds rarely seen outside of their wild habitats. These special evenings will be lead by the Bucks and supported by their film footage as they share their insights, stories and experiences of their world with birds. It’s an event not to be missed. Lloyd and Rose are passionate about birds. They have devoted over twenty-five years of their lives to rearing and nurturing a wide variety of breeds at their farmstead near Bristol. They train their birds specially for filming on location and in studios and they are without a doubt the foremost experts at tracking birds and in-flight filming. Their magnificent avian family includes Lady & Moses the Peregrin Falcons, Ashley the Kestrel, Lily the Barn Owl, Ellie the Northern Goshawk, Tilly

the Golden Eagle, Poppy the Pigeon and a large number of Starlings, Geese and Swans. Between them Lloyd and Rose have been involved with over 100 different documentaries, drama productions and feature films such as the BBC’s Poldark, Top Gear, The Hollow Crown, and The Flying Engineer. Their birds have appeared in numerous productions for ITV, the National Geographic Channel, RTE in Ireland and CBS in America. They have worked with virtually every wildlife and natural history television star including Sir David Attenborough, Steve Backshall, Michaela Strachan, Chris Packham, and Kate Humble. The Bucks have also worked on a number of TV commercials and music videos and even a new film for Disney. You may have encountered this talented pair as they often appear as guests on The One Show and the popular BBC programmes Autumnwatch

and Springwatch. It is not unusual to spot Lloyd on screen with one of his majestic eagles or falcons whilst Rose has gained much recognition for appearing with Sir David Attenborough while her Geese followed their speedboat for the Sky TV series ‘Conquests of the Sky’. "Looking after our birds is not just our career and job, it is a lifestyle, as you have to be there for them seven days a week, but we love it. We describe ourselves as bird behaviorists and handlers, specialising in working with our birds for many TV and film sequences and because we always make sure the birds enjoy themselves we can get the best out of them without compromising their welfare." Lloyd Buck 'I have been arranging talks for over 20 years and Lloyd and Rose’s talks was one of the most appreciated by the audience I can remember in all that time' Ray Barnett (Head of Collections & Archives) Bristol Museum

Tour listings and booking confirmation: JANUARY 27th Hereford The Courtyard, www.courtyard.org.uk/events 28th Bristol 1532 Performing Arts Centre, www.1532bristol.co.uk FEBRUARY 2nd Salisbury Salisbury Arts Centre, www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk 7th Yeovil The Octagon Theatre, www.octagon-theatre.co.uk 15th Cheltenham The Pitville Pumproom, www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk 23rd Bridgwater The McMillan Theatre, www.mcmillantheatre.com/whats-on/ 24th Basingstoke T he Haymarket, www.anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/ 26th Swindon Swindon Arts Centre, www.swindontheatres.co.uk MARCH 6th Newport The Riverfront Theatre, http://tickets.newportlive.co.uk 8th Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Walker, www.theatresevern.co.uk 13th Winchester Theatre Royal, www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 22nd Frome Cheese and Grain, www.cheeseandgrain.com APRIL 4th Exeter Corn Exchange, www.exetercornexchange.co.uk/whats-on/ 10th Wimborne Tivoli, www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk 12th Brecon Theatr Brycheiniog, www.brycheiniog.co.uk 14th Wellingborough The Castle Theatre, www.castletheatre.co.uk 20th Teignmouth Pavilions, www.pavilionsteignmouth.org.uk/events Full tour listings with links to online booking can be found at: www.josarsby.com/tours/

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Starting Reception in September 2018 Approaching ‘big school’ or Reception is an exciting time for your little ones and a new era for you as a parent. Which school will you choose and how do you go about making this important decision? Millfield Pre-Prep is open for Reception bookings for September 2018, and, we believe, offers the best possible start to your child’s learning journey. Our Reception classes are hives of activity and discovery with an inspirational, child-led curriculum including French and music lessons. Outside learning is a key priority, including weekly Forest School where the children develop skills including exploration, tool use, craft and use of natural materials. Children also enjoy the sensory garden, orchards and allotments, and visits to see the Shetland ponies and horses in the stables.

Each week the children swim in our onsite indoor heated pool and have a wide range of free and paid for after school clubs to choose from, including tennis, rugby, horse riding,

yoga and nature detectives. Before and after-school care is from 8am through to 6pm and children are served nutritious, tasty lunches and snacks to keep them fuelled.

Come for a personal visit or to our next Open Morning on Saturday 20 January To make an appointment, please call Hannah Cox on 01458 837524 or email cox.h@millfieldprep.com millfieldschool.com/pre-prep

Reception achievements at Queen's College Pre-Prep

We are delighted at how quickly our Reception 2017 children have settled and are very proud of all they have achieved in their first term. Within the first couple of weeks, new friendships were made and routines of the day mastered. It has been wonderful to watch the children’s confidence develop and witness them embracing and enjoying all the wonderful new play and learning opportunities offered at Queen’s Pre-Prep. Our experienced and highly qualified Early Years team ensure that, throughout Reception, all

the children continue to make excellent progress, achieve and embrace the Early Learning Goals. I am always amazed and delighted to see our Reception children using their early phonics skills to read and write independently within a few weeks of starting school. Our small group phonics and regular individual reading sessions allow us to focus on each child as an individual, tailoring their learning and ensuring that they all make continued progress. Throughout the term, our

two Reception classes have joined together for planned play activities which have allowed friendships to develop across the year group and provided the children with excellent opportunities to develop their language and communication skills. These joint play activities have encouraged learning about the art of sharing, negotiating and collaborative play. At Queen’s College PrePrep, we recognise that a prerequisite to learning is for a child to feel safe, secure and happy. We achieve this by ensuring a pattern to the day, providing opportunities for the children to get to know all of the Pre-Prep staff, so they can be supported in all aspects of the curriculum, and tailoring a child’s education to their specific individual needs. Come and see Queen’s College Pre-Prep in action – book a personal tour by emailing junioradmissions@ queenscollege.org.uk or calling 01823 278928. By Miss Sam Horner Head of Queen's College Pre-Prep

Confirm

your place... with Flora Coward T: 01458 837763 E: coward.f@ millfieldprep.com

Find us in the forest!

Saturday 20 January, 10.00-11.30am We’re going on an animal trail...

...and invite you to join us to find the animals in our woods next to Millfield Pre-Prep. Bring your little ones (18 months to 5 years) and enjoy some fun outside, with hot chocolate and popcorn around the campfire. The morning will include a tour of Millfield Pre-Prep to meet staff and pupils.

More information millfieldschool.com/pre-prep Parent Talk January 2018 7

welcome to your NEWS n EWS sectio Nbringing you competitions, job tasters, boredom busters, interesting facts and everything topical...

Book Bag

visit www.pare

W E N TAKE OUR Science and Nature

The Arts

1. Who painted the Mona Lisa? 2 .Who painted pictures of sunflowers? 3. Who wrote The House at Pooh Corner? 4. Who wrote The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe? 5. Who was the first President of the United States? 6. What do the Bolshoi, Darcy Bussell and Sleeping Beauty have in common? 7. Who composed the music for The Lion King’s - Circle of Life? 8. Who is said to have composed the music for Greensleeves? 9. What type of sandwiches does Paddington eat? 10. What is the name of the street where Paddington Lives?

Z I U Q R YEA

1. What type of tree does a conker come from? 2. How many sides does an octagon have? 3. What is the collective name for whales, dolphins and porpoises? 4. What is the collective name for owls? 5. What has the scientific formula H²O? 6. What is CO²? 7. Which planet is known as The Red Planet? 8. In computing what is GB short for? 9. Cox, Gala, Discovery are all varieties of what fruit? 10. Who discovered E=mc²?

History and politics

1. What major event transformed London in 1666? 2. Which liner sank on her maiden voyage in 1912? 3. Who was the Prime Minister in 1945? 4. Who was the Prime Minister in 1985? 5. Who was the first President of the United States? 6. Which British monarch died in 1603? 7. How many wives did Henry VIII divorce? 8. What date was the Battle of Hastings and who won? 9. What are Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha and Utah? 10. Who was Queen Victoria’s husband?

Geography

1 .Which famous city is famous for its canals? 2. What is the capital of Germany? 3. At more than 6.5 million square miles, what is the largest country in the world? 4. What is the world’s largest desert? 5 .In which Italian city would you find a leaning tower? 6. What’s the longest river in the world? 7. How many continents are there and can you name them? 8. How many oceans are there and can you name them? 9. What is a tsunami? 10. Rearrange the word below to reveal another natural phenomenon LONVACO

WANT TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS? VISIT WWW.PARENTTALK.ORG.UK

Enter our competition and find the answers to the puzzles at www.parenttalk.org.uk

Book Bag NEWS CUT OUT AND REARRANGE THE SQUARE TO REVEAL THE ANIMAL

WIN A National Theatre

Kit

The ultimate piece of kit for the theatre stras of tomorrow; be it onstage, backstage or both.

CAN YOU SPOT THE

12 DIFFERENCES?

Discover how to create, direct and act in your very own play in this brilliant pack from the National Theatre. Inside find everything you need to put on a show, including ideas and inspiration for the characters, settings and plot, as well as expert top tips for staging, costume, make-up, props, sound and lighting. Contains 30 Character Cards, 8 Setting Cards, Plot Twist Book, 32-page Stagecraft Handbook and a programme and tickets to colour in. The perfect gift for young and young at heart thespians; Play in a Box offers hours of fun to all aspiring actors, directors and theatre-lovers. Parent Talk have 10 kits to give away. For your chance to win, look at the question below and visit www.parentttalk.org.uk to enter by the closing date of 24 January 2018, 1pm.

What was Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first name? Enter our competition and find the answers to the puzzles at www.parenttalk.org.uk

a)William b) Stephen c) David d) Matthew

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

The ABC of Scholarships At Bruton School for Girls we are keen to recognise and reward talented students so there is a range of scholarships available for girls entering at 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9) who can demonstrate outstanding talent or achievement in Music, Drama, Art, Sport or Academic Studies. All Round scholarships are available at 11+ and 13+.

Scholars may receive between 5% and 10% tuition fee remission for the duration of their attendance at BSG – 100% scholarships occasionally pop up but are incredibly rare these days! So what does it entail? Candidates will be asked to sit the Scholarship Assessments and will be interviewed by the Headmistress and Deputy

Head or relevant Head of Department. So there is quite a bit of preparation required but it is an experience which will only help to build selfconfidence and resilience. Sadly, not everyone will be successful but putting yourself forward, taking part and preparing for events like this is all part of growing up and development and we wish all

those potential scholars good luck! BSG Scholarship deadlines for September 2018 entry: Year 7 and Year 9 (11+ and 13+) Friday 12th January 2018 By Nicky Botterill Headmistress, Bruton School for Girls

www.btc.ac.uk Do you want to become a Teacher? Do you want to become a Teacher?

It takes a special kind of person to teach children. If you think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! It takes a special kind of person to teach children. If you think SCITT is anto outstanding provider you have what itSomerset takes, we want hear from you!offering the

Advanced ans Learner Lo le b availa . once Only repay ing rn you’re ea ! ar ye £21K a

Courses for Adults

Starting soon!

Enrol now – online, by phone or in person 01278 441234 | www.btc.ac.uk

www.sidcot.org.uk

Not just an exam factory We educate students rather than simply train them to pass tests. Find out how we can prepare your child for a life of adventure.

Whole School Open Mornings Friday 26 January Bank Holiday Monday 7 May 9.15am for a 9.30am start

Junior School Taster Afternoon Saturday 13 January 2pm to 5pm To attend or arrange a visit call 01934 845236.

Independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. Located just south of Bristol airport, with daily buses throughout the area.

10 Parent Talk January 2018

With a New Year, come New Opportunities!

following routes across the South West:  PGCE Primary 5-11) provider offering the Somerset SCITT is an(ages outstanding following routes across theEarly South West:  PGCE Primary with Years Specialism PGCE3-7) Primary (ages 5-11)  (ages PGCE Primary with Early Years Specialism  School Direct (salaried) (ages 3-7)  School Direct (non-salaried)  School Direct (salaried)  School Direct (non-salaried)

PGCE PGCE One year postgraduate course (validated by the The PGCE is a one year postgraduate course (validated by the University of Universityandofwill Worcester). In teaching. line withThe school terms in in line Worcester) prepare you for programme runs PGCE with the school terms in Somerset, withcourse 65% placement and 35% The PGCE is awith one year postgraduate (validatedexperience by the35% University of Somerset, 65% placement experience and taught sessions. Worcester) and will prepare you for teaching. The programme runs in line taught sessions. placements to ensure your with the school terms inIncludes Somerset,three with 65% placement experience and 35% You willsessions. have three during training year, which organise taught experience hasplacements the breadth tothe help develop skillsweyou needto ensure your experience has the breadth you need to develop the skills to to become an excellent become an excellent teacher. teacher. You will have three placements during the training year, which we organise to ensure yourDirect experience the breadth with you need to developCommunity the skills to School in has partnership Heathfield School becomeDirect an excellent teacher. School, Community Golden Valley School, The Duchy Heathfield School,Primary Golden Valley Primary School, TheSchool Duchy School and Bournville Primary School. School areThe four School schools we are working in School Direct and Bournville Primary Direct training partnership with. Heathfield Community School, Golden Valley Primary School, The Duchy programme is forPrimary more School experienced graduates want School and Bournville are four schools we arewho working in The schoolas direct training programme is for more experienced graduates who partnership with. to train part of the school team. You will undertake want to train as part of the school team; you will undertake the Autumn and theschool Autumn and Summer Term placement in oneTerm school Summer Term placement in one school during the Spring will be The direct training programme is and for more experienced graduates who placed intrain a contrasting school andteam; year within a partner consortium. want asthe part Spring of the school you undertake Autumn and andtoduring Term willgroup bewill placed in athe contrasting Summer Term placement in one school and during the Spring Term will be school year group withyear a partner consortium. placed in aand contrasting school and group within a partner consortium. For more information:

ForPhone more us information:  on: 01823 348268  Email us at SCIL@somerset.gov.uk  Phone us 01823 348268  Visit us aton: www.supportservicesforeducation.co.uk  Email us at SCIL@somerset.gov.uk  Visit us at www.supportservicesforeducation.co.uk

Senior School Tour Morning Friday 2nd March

Are you looking to undertake a qualification, learn a new skill, or take up a new hobby? Bridgwater & Taunton College has many courses starting in the new year as part of its adult training, skills and leisure learning provision. There are hundreds of courses to choose from, in subjects ranging from Horticulture, Hair and Beauty, Textiles and Electrical, with durations from one day to a number of weeks, either at one of the College’s campuses in Bridgwater, Taunton or Cannington, or online through Distance Learning programmes. The Level 2 Distance Learning courses are free for eligible applicants, and for many other courses, a Government loan is available for those who are aged 19+ and starting an eligible course at Levels 3, 4, 5 or 6. The Advanced Learner Loan is designed to support learners with their course fees in a similar way to how students studying university level courses receive a higher education loan – and will not need to be paid back until the learner earns over £21,000 per annum. For more information about courses and loans, and to enrol online, visit www.btc.ac.uk or contact the Information and Guidance team by calling 01278 441234 or emailing info@ bridgwater.ac.uk

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Millfield Minis Sport Life as busy as ever Clubs for Spring 2018 in Hazlegrove Pre-Prep and Nursery Millfield Minis Clubs are open to all boys and girls, ages 1-9, in the local area. The clubs are held at Millfield Pre-Prep, located just outside Glastonbury, and held on either weekdays or weekends during the term time, depending on which club you choose. Minis Clubs provide a great opportunity for your young ones to be active whilst developing their confidence, co-ordination and movement.

Hazlegrove Pre-Prep were delighted to welcome new Year 1 teacher Mrs Jenkins this year. She has brought infectious new energy and enthusiasm with her as well as years of experience from her previous position. In addition, it is super to see Mrs White playing a key role in supporting these young children as well as to her husband and new Headmaster, Mark White. Also new this year (and already proving a big Our complete Minis Clubs offer hit with busy parents) is the for the spring term is: Minis introduction of a hot evening Football, Minis Golf, Minis meal: “Now that my daughter Swimming, Minis Tennis and has a proper evening meal at alongside each other and as Minis Trampolining. bugs or learning how to light school, she comes home happy part of a team. “There is no All clubs are run by specialist a campfire, is enormously and chatty and means we have doubt that children learn best and experienced staff and are enjoyable and rewarding for the a far more restful and enjoyable when they are happy and relaxed the perfect introduction to your children as indeed it would be evening when we get home” says in their surroundings. The high child’s chosen sport in a safe for many adults wishing perhaps one happy parent! levels of confidence and ability of and caring environment. that they can join in! Learning The children are as busy as those children moving into Year outside the classroom does not ever and Forest School never 3 in the Prep School go to show stop in the woods – swimming, fails to delight whatever the that Hazlegrove is providing just PE, tennis and games lessons are weather. The opportunity for such an environment where the helping the children to develop children to venture out into the children are thriving” says Mark their strength and agility, laying classroom that is the Hazlegrove White. the foundations of working woods is priceless. Taking Be sure to visit to find out more. The next open mornings are on learning outdoors in an intensely 30 January and 3 February or arrange an appointment to suit you. hands-on way, whether it be For more information or to book a Millfield Minis Clubs: millfieldschool.com/clubs Just call Sarah-Jane on 01963 442606 or visit whittling hazel twigs to make Millfield Minis Sport Clubs for Spring 2018 or call 01458 837524 www.hazlegrove.co.uk/open-mornings to find out more. tent pegs, building hotels for Millfield Minis Clubs are open to all boys and girls, ages 1-9, in the local area. The clubs

Hazlegrove Nursery, Pre-PreP aNd PreP are held at Millfield Pre-Prep, located just outside Glastonbury, and held on either weekdays or weekends during the term time, depending on which club you choose.

Minis Clubs provide a great opportunity for your young ones to be active whilst developing their confidence, co-ordination and movement. Our complete Minis Clubs offer for the spring term is: Minis Football, Minis Golf, Minis Swimming, Minis Tennis and Minis Trampolining. All clubs are run by specialist and experienced staff and are the perfect introduction to your child’s chosen sport in a safe and caring environment.

Good foundations are everything...

For more information or to book a Millfield Minis Clubs: millfieldschool.com/clubs or call 01458 837524

Open Mornings - Tuesday 30 January and Saturday 3 February at 11am As your child takes their first steps in the biggest adventure of their school life, they deserve the very best start. Hazlegrove children are happy children. Please call Sarah-Jane on 01963 442606 to arrange a visit Hazlegrove, Sparkford, Somerset BA22 7JA follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

Parent Talk January 2018 11

12 Parent Talk December 2012

NURSERYdirectory All Hallows Preparatory School Nursery Class Give your 3 year old the best possible start within the environs of this renowned Prep School. Fantastic facilities and activities including Forest School, LTA Tennis Academy and Swimming Pool and access to specialist teaching staff for languages, Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Sport set this facility apart from other nurseries. Visit at any time: 01749 881600 admissions@allhallowsschool.co.uk Brook Green Early Years Recently relocated to purpose built setting offering a larger learning environment and large garden which can be accessed at all times for free flow play. Highly qualified staff. Spaces available now, 2/3/4 year old funding accepted. Please call 01823 353072 for further information. Bridgwater & Taunton College Childcare Centre is Ofsted rated Outstanding and open to the general public and children of students, from four months to five years of age. There is also a Holiday Play Scheme for children up to eight years old. It has a secure outdoor area boasting an inspirational garden, where children are encouraged to explore both indoor and outdoor learning. T: 01278 441270 E: childcare@bridgwater.ac.uk www.bridgwaterchildcare.co.uk First Steps Day Nursery School (all year from 8am-6pm). For children from 3 months to 5 years. Offering a caring, educational and safe environment for your child. All fully qualified staff. T: Elaine Garland 01749 346733 E: fsdaynursery@btconnect.com

Hazlegrove Nursery and Pre-Prep, Sparkford. Hazlegrove’s innovative Pre-Prep curriculum is outstandingly successful, evident in the increased confidence and ability levels as children move up to the Prep School. The children benefit from experienced staff, specialist teaching and exceptional facilities including an indoor swimming pool and woods for Forest School. “Hazlegrove children are happy children” says Headmaster Richard Fenwick, “we simply want to provide the very best education we can for the pupils in our care”. For more information, contact Fiona O’Neill on 01963 442606 King’s Hall Nursery King’s Hall is a wonderfully traditional yet progressive school set in the rolling Somerset countryside just outside Taunton. Although the Nursery shares the Preparatory school’s superb facilities, it is self contained and operates in a secure and peaceful environment. Log cabin classrooms, vast on-site Forest School and highly experienced, dedicated staff make King’s Hall Nursery the natural choice for children 2 to 5 years. 01823 285921 www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk Millfield Pre-Prep School (Ages 2-7), situated in the beautiful Prep campus in Glastonbury. Our aim is to encourage a love of learning through a combination of

classroom and outdoor activities, using a child-led curriculum, small class sizes and excellent facilities, including our on-site Forest School and indoor swimming pool. Over 20 free after-school activities as well as an Early Birds and Late Club, and a daily toddler group during term time for ages 1-2½. To arrange a visit please contact: Hannah Cox in Admissions on 01458 837524 Queen’s College Highgrove Nursery, Nursery School, Pre-Prep and Reception 0-5 years. Queen’s Pre Prep and Junior School is renowned for excellence in infant and junior education and care. The team at Queen’s Highgrove Nursery embrace such standards of education and development offering year round care 0-3 years. Queen’s Nursery School is situated in the Pre-Prep Department and it is here that the stepping stones to a formal education are laid. Highly qualified and experienced Nursery School staff work in close liaison with parents and the Highgrove Nursery team, ensuring a smooth and personalised transition. Queen’s Pre-Prep takes pride in providing a rich, stimulating and diverse education within a nurturing and caring environment. www.queenscollege.org.uk 01823 278928, junioradmissions@queenscollege. org.uk

Smartees Day Care Nursery Ltd offers professional and flexible childcare for working families, with 2 conveniently located nurseries close to Yeovil town centre. Smartees Preston Road opening hours 7am-6pm 01935 411144 Smartees Beer Street opening hours 8am-6pm 01935 411777 Sunny Hill Pre-School and Pre-Prep (Ages 3 - 7) Sunny Hill welcomes pre-school and primary school-aged children, taking girls from 3-11 years old and boys aged 3-7. Situated in the beautiful market town of Bruton on the 40 acre campus of 'big sister' school, Bruton School for Girls. Small classes mean that every child receives high quality individual attention; your child will not get ‘lost in the crowd’ at Sunny Hill. They will be treasured; we are interested in the individual child, they have our time and our attention. Wrap around care available. To arrange a visit or taster session please contact Mrs Carrie Crook in Admissions on 01749 824400 or email admissions@brutonschool.co.uk Taunton Nursery School for children from 0 years. Flexible Nursery Education, 7.30am- 5.45pm. Highly qualified teachers. Spectacular grounds and facilities used by all. Children can attend a combination of morning, afternoon and late club sessions. 01823 703300 www.tauntonschool.co.uk

The Bush Nursery, Pilton. Set in an idyllic location with extensive grounds, we provide bespoke care to children from 1-5 years. With no more than 12 children per session, children have truly individual care. Open 8-6 all year round. Vivien Goode 01749 890327 Wellington Prep School Nursery Attractive, well-designed buildings. Talented teachers. Cheerful children. Proud parents. All this can be yours at Wellington Prep School Nursery and Pre-Nursery. EYFS can be redeemed against our fees. We would love to have your children from 2 years upwards. Open 50 weeks per year. Please enjoy our website www.wellington-school.org.uk or call Rachel Debenham to arrange a visit. 01823 668700 Little Wellies Term time Toddler group. Open to all pre-school children every Thursday morning 9.15-11.15am, Wellington Prep School Hall. £3 per child and £1 per additional child weekly charge. Contact Marian Bassindale for more details 01823 668700 prep@wellington-school.org.uk Woodlands Pre-school Ruishton, Taunton Our purpose built setting, offers a wide range of learning opportunities for children aged 2 – 4yrs. In partnership with parents we nurture children, enabling them to explore and grow in confidence. We accept 2yr old funded children and the 30hrs entitlement. 01823 444302

To book our Nursery Directory, please call 01458 250461

Dance classes for everyone! Just Dance in Wincanton runs many different classes so there is something for everyone! Adults can come to Streetdance and Tap classes and for children, there is Ballet, Irish, Tap, Acro and Streetdance. Children are able to take Exams and take part in Shows and Competitions. All of our teachers are experienced, caring, 12 Parent Talk January 2018

knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, enabling your child to thrive. Throughout January you will be able to claim a 7 day class pass. Checkout the website for more details www.just-dancestudios.co.uk A review from one of the many parties we have done in 2017: My son had his 4th birthday here

today, and we are so pleased! The kids loved the soft play, party games and party food and once they had enough indoors they went outside to play. Very spacious. We also asked for an adult buffet which was just amazing, with homemade cakes, brownies & scones. I felt like the pressure was totally taken off of me and Emma covered all areas of the party so

I could enjoy myself too with my children. Highly recommended x Just Dance can cater for any party theme, some we have done recently are, dinosaur, Moana and cookery. We will entertain the children from beginning to end with games, crafts, bouncy castle, face painting, the list is endless! Included in the cost per child is all the

entertainment, decorations and table decoration. We can also provide food for an extra cost.

All details can be found on our website www.just-dancestudios.co.uk or call 07901 553602 for more details.

JUST JUSTDANCE DANCESTUDIO STUDIO &&ACTIVITY CENTRE ACTIVITY CENTRE

Ballet,Tap,Church Jazz, Street, Dance,Wincanton Irish Dancing, Drama, Gymnastics, Play,&Parties, Dance Classes forSoft children adults . HolidayClub Holiday After Club, SchoolAfter Club School Club

.Children’s Parties .Room 07901Hire 553602 www.just-dance-studio.co.uk Emma O’Brien AISTD, FDI 07901 553602

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Exciting opportunities at Wellington School Wellington School offers Scholarships into Year 7. If you have an academic child, or one who excels in music, drama, art and design or sport, then Wellington School is the place to be. We have a single examination for all children coming into Year 7, so there is no separate scholarship examination. We run Taster Days and social activities for new pupils to meet each other and make friends before they arrive in September. If it is academic results you are concerned about for your child, Wellington School has just what you need. We had superb GCSE and A Level results across all subjects and 5 of our pupils went to Oxford or Cambridge this year with many more heading to the prestigious Russell Group Universities. Pupils study the more rigorous iGCSE in Maths, Languages and Sciences as well as Latin and Greek and the emphasis is strongly academic. However, Wellington has so much more to offer than exam results. The performing arts go from strength to strength. There are workshops, creative performances and technical opportunities and with a huge range of bands, orchestras and ensembles, the whole school

is taking advantage of a range of exciting opportunities. Our superb Chapel Choir performs regularly and our versatile musicians often sweep the board in singing competitions and exam results. We have superb sports facilities and a unique new Sport and Wellbeing department with specialist strength and conditioning coaches who take fitness to new levels across all sporting disciplines. There is a vibrant and active Outdoor Education programme which includes Ten Tors, CCF (Army, Navy and Air Force),

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, expeditions, camping, ski trips, trekking, kayaking, climbing, canoeing and a wide range of international trips including the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Nepal, Greenland, and a conservation project in Domenica. We nurture and teach pupils from 11-18 in the Senior School, and we are justly proud of the rounded, all-encompassing education they receive. We call it “Learning For Life”. “Happy parents, happy pupils!” – The Good Schools Guide

To find out more about our Year 7 Entrance Exams, please call 01823 668803 or email admissions@wellington-school.org.uk

Choose an outstanding setting for your child... Welcoming children from six months to four years old, Taunton School nursery is an outstanding setting based on the school’s beautiful campus in the heart of Somerset’s county town. Your child will benefit from superb teaching, small class sizes, extended opening times, excellent facilities, freshly cooked meals that are prepared on-site and of course, highly qualified, passionate staff. With current availability in September 2018, now is the perfect opportunity to book a tour and with Early Years Entitlement there is now additional support to ensure you can access the best possible care for your child. With up to 570 hours of free childcare available for two year olds who meet the eligibility criteria, and for all three and four year olds, this funding allows you to access either 15 or 30 hours of outstanding care per week. The school offers a stretched system that enables you to access funding

throughout 51 weeks of the year ensuring flexibility and convenience. Kathy McLauchlan, headmistress of Taunton School Nursery and Pre-Prep said: “Our latest inspection shows that we are outstanding in all areas.

We make learning irresistible, combining the best of modern and traditional teaching methods. We’re ambitious for each and every child who joins us, nurturing, inspiring and challenging them to be the very best they can be.”

To book a visit, or for more information on Early Years Entitlement Funding please contact the school’s Admissions Manager on 01823 703302 or nursery@tauntonschool.co.uk

Parent Talk January 2018 13

EDUCATION, INFORMATION

Editor’s choice Scholarships at Chard School

One of the oldest schools in the country, Chard School has been educating children in its historic buildings on the same site since 1671. Chard is a small independent school for children aged four to eleven with an excellent academic record, situated in Chard, close to the meeting point of Somerset, Devon and Dorset. The extensive curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for independent, state and grammar school

UNITI

entrance as well as scholarship examinations. At Chard, our guiding principle is to find the most effective teaching approach for each and every child and to instil a sense of fun and discovery into the learning process. Our pupils are happy and motivated learners who truly

benefit from the individual tuition our small classes can give them, and who also have the opportunities to become involved in the many artistic, musical and sporting activities that are on offer. As an intentionally small school we are able to cultivate a true ‘family feel’ where all adults and children know each other well and benefit from the friendly and supportive environment that we encourage. Each year, scholarships are awarded to children whose talents will enrich the academic, musical, artistic or sporting life of Chard School. Means-tested bursaries are also available. Children in Years 2 – 4 who wish to enrol in 2018 may apply and the closing date for applications is 5th February 2018. Scholarship interviews will be held in the week commencing 26th February 2018.

The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole By Michelle Cuevas Published by Simon and Schuster Who knew that having a pet black hole would cause so much trouble? When eleven year old space mad Stella Rodriguez shows up at NASA to request that her recording be included in Carl Sagan’s Golden Record, something unexpected happens: A black hole follows her home, and sets out to live in her house as a pet. The black hole swallows everything he touches, which is challenging to say the least – but also turns out to be a convenient way to get rid of those items that Stella doesn’t want around. Soon the ugly sweaters her aunt has made for her all disappear within the black hole, as does the smelly class hamster she’s taking care of, and most important, all the reminders of her dead father that are just too painful to have around. It’s not until Stella, her younger brother, Cosmo, the family puppy and even the bathroom tub all get swallowed up by the black hole that Stella realises she has been letting her own grief consume her. And that’s not the only thing she realises as she attempts to get back home…

For more information, please contact the school on 01460 63234 or secretary@chardschool.co.uk

UNITI

The Day that Aliens nearly ate our Brains By Tom McLaughlin Published by Walker Books What do you do if your home-made satellite dish accidentally alerts brain-munching aliens to Earth’s coordinates? Wolverhampton, we have a problem. From Tom McLaughlin comes a laugh-a-minute tale about Alan, a spectacularly grumpy alien who just wants to munch on our brains, and two best friends, Freddy and Sal, who intercept his transmission. Alan has only one message: Earth is going to be invaded in exactly 10 hours. Even with the police, NASA, and the Presidents from all over the world getting involved, it looks like Freddy and Sal might be the only kids standing between Earth and total, brain-munching invasion.

VIREAMUS

Scholarships 2018 Scholarships will be awarded to children whose talents will enrich the academic, musical, artistic or sporting life of Chard School. Means-tested bursaries are also available. Children in Years 2 - 4 who wish to enrol in 2018 may apply and the closing date for applications is Monday 5th February 2018. Scholarship interviews will be held in the week commencing 26th February 2018. Please contact us for an information pack or to enter your child for an award.

www.chardschool.co.uk 14 Parent Talk January 2018

Tel: 01460 63234 follow us on twitter @parenttalksw visit us at www.parenttalk.org.uk

CLASSIFIED

Poppy Pym and the Beastly Blizzard By Laura Wood Published by Scholastic When a mysterious runaway van crashes into St Smithen’s on the first day of the new school year, Poppy knows it’s going to be an action-packed term. But when accidents continue to happen at St Smithen’s, Poppy can’t shake the feeling that her every move is being watched. With secrets lurking in every corner and rumours of a dangerous beast on the loose, Poppy must unravel her biggest mystery yet. Can Poppy unmask the hidden spy before someone gets hurt?

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes By Mem Fox, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury Published by Walker Books Illustrated by We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’s Helen Oxenbury, this is a beautiful 10th anniversary board book edition of a picture book classic, and the perfect gift for a new arrival! All over the world, babies are different. Yet in some ways they are very much the same: each one has ten little fingers and ten little toes – to play with, to tickle, to wave. And each child is very, very special to its parents… Mem Fox’s gentle rhyming text makes this a brilliant read-aloud, and Helen Oxenbury's gorgeous art – featuring babies from a diverse array of backgrounds – will allow all children to see themselves in the story. With gorgeous golden foil on the cover and spine, this edition is one to share and treasure.

Sky Song By Abi Elphinstone Published by Simon and Schuster In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, whales glide between icebergs, wolves hunt on the tundra and polar bears roam the glaciers. But the people of this land aren’t so easy to find. Because Erkenwald is ruled by the cruel Ice Queen and the tribes must stay hidden; if they are caught in the open they risk capture and imprisonment by the evil sorceress. Join Eska, a girl who breaks free from a cursed music box, and Flint, a boy whose inventions could change the fate of Erkenwald forever, as they journey to the Never Cliffs and beyond in search of an ancient, almost forgotten, song with the power to force the Ice Queen back. This is a story about an eagle huntress, an inventor and an organ made of icicles. But it is also a story about belonging, even at the very edges of our world…

The Boy From Mars By Simon James Published by Walker Books The day that Stanley’s mum goes away, he decides to go to Mars. To Stanley’s dad’s dismay, a not very well behaved Martian has taken his place! He looks just like Stanley, but he won’t eat his vegetables, won’t clean his teeth, and certainly won’t play nicely in the playground. Dad’s not sure what Mum will think when she gets back. Will Martian still be there, or will the real Stanley get back just in time? A heart-warming story about a little boy who misses his mum.

Animals with Tiny Cat By Viviane Schwarz Published by Walker Books Join Tiny Cat in a marvellous dress-up extravaganza. See what Tiny Cat can use to become a little mouse, a trotting horse, and a fierce lion – roaaaar! Children will delight in making animal noises along the way. With few words and beautiful illustration, the simplicity of this book makes it the perfect introduction to animals for the youngest of readers.

The Secret Adventures of Rolo By Debi Evans illustrated by Chantal Bourgonje A beautifully written series of books about a Jack Russell, Rolo, who discovers the ability to time travel and witnesses events in history, sometimes making things happen. Written as if by Rolo himself, blogging intersperses the adventure chapters as Rolo shares his views on life as a pet. His time travelling adventures are secret and at night, through a hole in an ancient tree – unbeknown to his owners who wonder why their Jack Russell is often tired and reluctant to get up some mornings! Recommended age: 6-12.

The Secret Adventures of

Rolo

Book 4 ‘Jewel Dog and the Drago ns’

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Will your child be aged 4 by September 2018 or 2019? If so, you need to apply for a school place.

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